How to spend a day off

It's a rare occasion for me to have a weekend to myself, especially with all this wedding planning junk. But I recently had two consecutive weekends to myself and one was Memorial Day weekend!

How did I spend my time? Making messes and getting sweaty.

My first weekend off I spent making tulle skirts for our flower girls. I also did some trail running. I also got all my laundry done before the sun set...

The second weekend off, I made a bikini, purchased more fabric for sewing a shirt and a skirt, went trail running, and cooked a whole bunch. I cleaned my kitchen and bathroom, and vacuumed.

Idyllic.

When presented with downtime, my tendency is to create large messes, clean them up halfway when I reach a stopping, and move on to something else. Something else usually consists of making another type of mess, or getting unreasonably sweaty, or actually sitting down to enjoy the weather (I actually sat down and wrote!).

I could not have asked for two more beautiful weekends and I took full advantage of them. I was sincerely missing downtime - the ability to choose among my interests and not have that affect anything else I wanted or needed to do.

On a regular basis, when I choose one thing to do, I sacrifice a host of others, all the while feeling as though I'm wasting a whole lot of time.

I truly cannot wait to regain my freedom and dictate my days (to an extent, I know). I'm ready for August 24 and beyond. I just hope it (and Joe) is ready for me and my messes and my lofty dreams!

Daydreaming

hardcore.

I am having some seriously serious daydreams and wanderlust.

Currently flooding my mind- the absolute perfection of fresh mahi mahi fish tacos from a food truck at a sandy picnic table on the North Shore. I can't remember the flavors perfectly or what else was in the dish, but my Lord, I remember perfectly well how amazing it tasted. Post-fish tacos, we went snorkeling, but it was a little choppy and cool.
*Update - going through Joe's pics on FB and I saw he mentioned it in some comments. The truck is called Pupukea Grill. Go there. 

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My obsession with the beach at this point is borderline unhealthy. The desire to travel, dig my toes into the sand, spend multiple days in swimsuits, acquire several layers of sunscreen, sand, salt, and sweat, is almost unbearable! I've never had it quite this bad! I don't know if it's because almost exactly one year ago, Joe and I were doing just that, or if it's because I know that in three months, we will be married and packing for Nicaragua.

Either way, I'm completely smitten, head-over-heals, obsessed, transfixed and mesmerized by everything that has to do with the beach.

Thus. I am going to make myself a swimsuit. Duh.

Thus. I am going to paint beach scenes this long, Memorial Day weekend.

Thus. I will hopefully get some sun bathing in. Good Lord, I am white.

Thus. I have followed a whole host of new beachy bloggers. Cue copious time-wasting and envy.

***

Alright, now, who will fund a trip to the beach (any beach!) for me!? I'll sport any product and say anything in front of a camera you want!

Moving Forward

The past few months have been a considerable improvement to my overall well-being, happiness and contentment.

Not only am I able to recognize when I feel good/happy/content/focused, I feel those things more often.

Some of it has to do with the fact that the weather is so much better. I knew winter affected me, but I guess I didn't realize how much. A couple nice days in March and I felt a million times better.

Now it's May, almost 90 degrees with 70% humidity, and the word I want to use to describe the way this feels is delectable. I live for summer - sweat, ice cream (it's ok because you sweat so much), sunshine, hours lost at a park, smiling people, smiling dogs, pools, the smell of cut grass, music, grilling, bikinis, tan lines, sandals, iced drinks, lush trees. I could go on and on.

This summer is shaping up to be one of the best and one of the most challenging summers of all time.

Here's a list of some of the things on mine and Joe's list
1. Finish pre-marriage counseling
2. Get our engagement pics taken
3. Close on our house & start renovating
4. See John Mayer in concert in Milwaukee! Finally!
5. Have a wedding shower
6. Take dance classes
7. Complete wedding planning!? Ah!
8. Get married! Finally! Hooray!
9. Move into our new house and continue renovating...
10. See Mumford & Sons in Troy
11. Go on our honeymoooooon

And that brings us to Fall. Whoa.

There won't be much time for relaxation, spontaneous excursions or grilling. But this summer is a time of personal preparation. Though we are slightly overwhelmed by wedding planning, and desirous of a relaxing summer, we both know this summer is the one we have to essentially give up so that we can get married and finally start building the life we want together. Therefore our next summer together will be amazing!

I'm hoping to increase my blogging frequency and perhaps strive to grow my readership again. With house renovation likely being forefront in my life after August, I should have plenty to share. Not to mention wedding and honeymoon and concert details. Gosh, summer is the best.