Vacation Highlights

Vacation Highlight Reel: Casa Morada in Islamorada, FL

Spending a week of nothing but relaxation with "your person" is a tough thing to come home from. I'm currently experiencing vacation withdrawals. 

Sea Kayaking out to the middle of nowhere and running into a school of dolphins ain't half bad.

Seeing a dear friend for the first time since living together in Africa three years ago... one of the highlights. Snorkeling was fun too.

Staying in a suite that made me feel like I should double-check that I had the right room was a trip. I said to my partner in crime "Are they really letting us stay here?"

Since I was a little girl I have had two favorite animals. Sloths and manatees. I like things that move so slow they grow moss/algae. Within one hour of our arrival at Casa Morada, a manatee swam into the cove. I got to pet the beautiful sea cow and get in the water with it. I was beside myself with joy.

I may be crazy...

Can I get an amen? Tuesday makes me crazy. Is it still Monday? Is it Wednesday yet?

I need a nap.

Today I have google earthed my boyfriend's new place of employment (in Florida) and become frustrated when I couldn't get close enough to see the house he will be living in. I've managed a very sketchy study aid for my exam, and I made a lunch out of sundried tomatoes, peanut butter, noodles, artichoke hearts and crackers. (not in that order).

Sounds like a Tuesday right?

Is life good?

Is life good today? Yes. Good.

Will life be good every day? No. Change Something.

Ok. Good huddle. Go team.

Thankful

Definition of THANKFUL

1

: conscious of benefit received <for what we are about to receive make us truly thankful>

2

: expressive of thanks <thankful service>

3

: well pleased : glad <was thankful that it didn't rain>

The third definition is my favorite. I am well pleased. I am glad. 

I am thankful for so many things in my life this week. I found myself walking across campus through the wind yesterday, thinking about how often I forget the lengthy list of things that are going well, especially when things don't feel like they're going at all.

Despite frustrations, disappointments and unwanted surprises, I am so thankful for the life I lead. I have friends, family, pets and a significant other who loves me. I have a career that challenges me and a home that makes me feel rested and safe.

I have every reason to be thankful.

It's Coming!

                           

Trader Joe's is one of my all time favorite places to shop. I've always loved going in and stocking up when I'm on the West Coast, but I never have the opportunity here at home. The closest Trader Joe's is in Kansas City.

Really Fort Worth? Get it together. 

But now... now it is coming. It shall arrive June 15th and I am counting down the days. Roasted Red Pepper soup, veggie burgers, champagne pear vinaigrette, Amusant bubbly moscato, chocolate hazelnut biscotti...

I'm drooling.

And on their website they give recipes, fish prep instructions, and a vegetarian friendly list of their foods! Where have you been all my life?? 

The Hardest Step (again)

This morning my dear roommate and running buddy Carolyn woke up at 5:50 with me and stepped out for a run.

I'm just now getting back to my training schedule for the half marathon and it's been rough. It's truly incredible (and slightly depressing) how fast your mind and body regress when you choose to, or have to, take time off an exercise routine.

I want to say that I'm a runner. I want to say that I look forward to every run and that it is always just what I need. But mornings like this morning, what I love is running with someone who can laugh and say "I hate this today".  Because man, did we hate running this morning.

It doesn't mean that we stopped, it just means that we were thrilled to finish.

I'm thankful for the people in my life who can admit when something just isn't what they want it to be, but do it anyway because in the end, it's good.

Summer Essentials

If there is one item that I look forward to wearing every summer it's my white pencil skirt. It's the perfect work friend. Tuck a bright blouse into it, wear a short sleeved cardigan with it, add a striped dress shirt. Wear any shoes you like.

It also doesn't hurt that every time I wear it I'm reminded of what a good deal I got. My particular skirt is half of a skirt-suit from Anne Taylor. What was once a $120 skirt, I got for $30, just because it was orphaned from the jacket.

Who doesn't love a bargain?

Do you have a favorite summer item making its first appearance of the season?