As things swing into the middle of summer, I find myself thinking fondly of simpler times, where quickly melting freezer pops and floating around in the pool were the order of the day. Granted those days are a lot further away than I’d like to admit, but those deep seated memories I don’t think ever really go away. In response, I have been trying to figure out a new summer rhythm: something restful, but productive enough that I can keep myself from feeling too badly about a lazy afternoon or two. Here is what is going on in my life currently:
Listening – to audio-books. I finally jumped on the Audible band wagon, and while we had a bumpy start, I think I’ve finally found my rhythm. I was a little stingy with my monthly credits to begin with and I was listening to a lot of free content that was…maybe not of the highest quality, but I finally did some research and I am pleased to say that the last two books I have listened to have been pretty good. A friend of mine recommended A Court of Thorns & Roses, which I enjoyed, and now I am working my way through Loving Your Lady Landscape. Trying to find a balance between purely for entertainment and for personal growth ;).
Cooking – Summer Veggies. I really want to take advantage of all of the amazing seasonal produce this month. I have been bookmarking recipes, and I am going to try to talk Andy into cleaning off the grill. Worse comes worst, I do have a tiny little indoor grill that should be big enough to cook whatever I come up with for two.
Reading – The Insider, book two in Craig Schaefer’s series about a gritty former explosives expert Charlie McCabe. The first book, The Loot, was an interesting take on how strange it can be for someone fresh out of military service to be a civilian again – even more so when you arrive home to find your family in a situation that leads to good people doing questionable things for what they hope are the right reasons. It can be a slippery slope, and I am very interested in seeing what comes next.
Wearing – Shorts. Or I will be very soon. I have some body image issues, and nothing makes me more self conscious of my extra padding or my extreme paleness quite like summer time. Since I am usually indoors it hasn’t been a huge issue, but since I am spending more time outdoors, I have found myself intensely uncomfortable in my longer layers. A friend of mine finally asked me why I was making myself miserable, I relayed all of my insecurities and she said, “who gives a shit what a bunch of random people think about the way you look.” After a little reflection, I had to admit she had a point so I went home and ordered four pairs of shorts; they should be here by Wednesday.
Finishing – a lot of the projects I’ve started over the last few months. I, like many people, have been trying to make the most of my at my extra at home hours. However, since running out to the store to pick up additional supplies is not advisable, I’ve found myself stopping mid-project to order supplies and then never coming back to it. So this month I am making a concerted effort to wrap up as many of these half-done projects as possible. In preparation, I’ve been pulling out pieces and supplies and grouping them together on my work table so everything is ready once I get started. Here’s to a productive month!
