Laugh at the rest

We had a super summery weekend complete with a trip to the farmers market, berry picking, and swimming at the waterfall. I know that there are a lot of people out there who think that Fall is the best season of the year but I disagree. I mean there is just no beating fresh Summer produce.

On Sunday we stopped into Walmart because I knew that they had some super cheap workout clothes. I got 2 shirts and 2 pairs of shorts for running in addition to these awesome finds.

This is real life.

Even though Summer is in full swing we have been enjoying some unseasonably cool temperatures. I am all about hot weather but I am not complaining since I went on a nice cool 74 degree run at 8:00pm last night. I’m not exaggerating. It was 74 degrees on July 1st and gorgeous.

I used the run to think about all of the petty, unnecessary fights I have with my husband. Last night we argued about the thermostat. In the past it’s been about the Tupperware cabinet, or how to load the dishwasher or who finished the milk etc. These arguments are a waste of time and energy and all they do is create a divided feeling between us. I know it sounds trite but we are lucky to have air conditioning, and each other. I need to give a little more.  I saw a quote today by Herman Hesse that said “Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest.” Yes. That. Times infinity.

It’s the last day of work until I get a 5 day weekend and the best holiday of the year. Yahoo!!! After work I have to go buy a beard for my Uncle Sam outfit. Yes, this is real life. Get excited!!

Counting Down

I don't like to make a big deal about my birthday (although my husband did make it really fun and special this year).
Thanksgiving makes me feel guilty (choosing between families, someone is inevitably left out).
I'm kind of a Scrooge about Christmas (but getting better after marrying an elf).
New Years Eve always seems like a lot of work for a hangover.
I think that all of this ill-will towards holidays stems from being a child of divorce. I'm not here to win sympathy or to point fingers or blame my parents. I know that they did the best that they could and I love them both dearly but when holidays are spent in rotating shifts the magic gets lost and for me the guilt and stress took over.
However,there is one day of the year that I love. Truly, madly, deeply. The Third of July. I mean, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't already really super pumped up about it. In fact, last night I made Michael model a patriotic headband I bought at the dollar spot at Target (6 weeks ago, yes, I am a nut for anything red, white and blue).



Two years ago Michael were on a road trip on the 2nd and 3rd of July, when boredom took over I offered to entertain him by singing all of the patriotic songs I knew; America The Beautiful, God Bless America, This Land Is Your Land, and on, and on. I have to admit, my talent was pretty amazing. I remember impressing even myself with how many songs I was able to come up with in their entirety and how long I was able to entertain us. We then decided to stop at Rarity Mountain at a scenic overlook in Tennessee to take some pictures and because it was the Third of July I was wearing my most favorite patriotic shorts in all their glory. You're Welcome, Tennessee.

Last year, being an Olympic year and all, I could hardly contain my American Pride. I went shopping and bought allll of the red, white and blue things. And then I challenged myself to see if I could go from the Third of July until the Olympic opening ceremonies, July 27, wearing red white and blue in some form every day. Let's just say it wasn't very challenging.

For my birthday in February I begged (and begged and begged) Michael to buy me this Uncle Sam outfit.

After tricking me into thinking he wouldn't buy it for me all week by saying ridiculous things like "you know Uncle Sam is a guy" and "when would you ever wear that?!" He gave it to me. Best. Birthday. Ever.

So yeah, I will be wearing that to fireworks on the Third. My family is so lucky they get to sit with and Uncle Sam impersonator.