Breakthrough

I made an effort to do more today and it paid off. I'm slowly beginning to practice mindfulness. Tomorrow can only bring promises of more smiles and greater connections. I'm tired of missing those connections. 

1. 60 degree weather + new pup + coffee on the porch = a clear head

2. Learning about a friend's unexpected pregnancy who has been struggling in that department for a while. 

3. Accepting the awkwardness of a situation. I can be cordial but what's that point of either myself or this acquaintance going out of our ways for a diminishing return?

I just lowered the thermostat

Oktoberfest while in bed? Sign me up! Whatever brings me closer to dreams and good things. 

Hello Autumn. What surprises do you have in store?

🍁🍂🍁

Sweet Caroline, bah bah bahhhh

I'm coasting through the days now. Having nowhere to be is the worst feeling. I thrive on structure and I'm guilty of liking the chaos--to a point. I like being in control of my own destiny but feeling like I am actually needed/wanted and can contribute to a greater cause, will always trump the former. I hope these feelings end soon. 

But the good news is that I'll have a companion soon to keep my mind off the turmoil. Meet Caroline!  She's my new lab-mix babe, and unbeknownst to her, she'll soon be my therapist/workout buddy/cuddle partner/and my child's playmate. Big job for what will only be a 30 lb dog. 

She's finishing up some training at the local prison, but we've already purchased all her essentials as we anxiously wait for graduation day. I've spent only about 45 minutes with her since we signed the adoption papers so I can't report on much. But she has a great temperament and seems to love snuggles, so I think she'll fit in just fine with our family.  What's funny is that we went to the shelter with the intention of adopting an elderly dog--our dog didn't get to live to see old age, so we figured we'd provide the best years that we could to one that has. Surprisingly, there were mostly babies at both shelters, so here we are with an 8 month old. As my 2 year old child would say, "I can't wait to get started, mom."

Matcha Love

This tiny 5.2 oz can of deliciousness was truly refreshing for a sticky summer day. And no bitter after taste. Found it at my local Cost Plus World Market--check it out. 

Just drinkin a beer with nobody here

The sky so dark yet I can't close my eyes

Someone remove this grit

July 30

1. My sense of adventure.

2. My husband's sense of adventure. No, the cop won't shoot us for trespassing on the golf course. I hope? I don't even know if the signs apply to you if the barrier isn't even around anymore. 

3. Ninja turtle nights. AKA Queen Helene's magic in a tube!

Lost at sea

I'm so unsure about the decisions I make. I have all my paperwork completed for school, but I can't leave this spot to turn it in. 

I'm watching the fishing vessels head out to sea on a peaceful, brisk morning, but I still can't be content. It's not the caffeine, which I told myself I would not have today. It's something more inside of me. I can't shake this feeling of uneasiness. It's preventing me from moving forward. But I know it's now or never. I'm not getting any younger or any healthier. Sink or swim.