I don't understand why people get upset when people complain about the weather. It's hot, it makes people miserable, misery loves company – see how that works? All the same, I'm not coming in to complain about the weather – EVEN THOUGH IT IS TEN BAJILLION DEGREES OUTSIDE.

I am also not going to complain about how I didn't get the apartment that we really, really wanted because it was two blocks from a fantastic neighborhood and had assigned parking because – honestly, it was still a compromise because the stove was too small & (more importantly) there really wasn't enough closet space anyway – so, we'll keep looking and find something that is beyond perfect for us. Hopefully sooner than later, but you know – I'm being patient.

I told my friend Julie the other day that my new motto is always forward, never backward. I feel like I'm making so much progress this year with things that I want to do/accomplish that I just need to continue to use this momentum to improve myself & my life. Remind me of this if/when I backslide, ok?

So, it appears that I abandoned the grace in small things thing – I figured that I could at least try my hand and something semi (kinda, sorta, maybe) daily. So, that brings me to loved today. Any, every, something I loved throughout the day. So, let's start with today:
Last night, The Ethiopian (husband) and I had a little tiff right before going to sleep (sidebar: I don't believe in that never going to bed angry thing – sometimes, that's EXACTLY what you need). So midday he called me to check to see if I was still mad – I was. We had a brief conversation – which is par for the course, we never talk on the phone much. But, a few hours later – he called me again, which is quite unusual. Essentially (this is a longish story made short), he was calling just to ask me to not be mad anymore because when I'm mad at him (according to him) he feels mentally and physically ill. I laughed at the drama of it – but that was enough to break the tension & for my anger cloud to break. I love this guy.

The craziest thing about me seeming to only be able to update this blog once a week (or less) is that my less is crazier than ever. Or, at least that's what it feels like from where I'm standing. A couple of weeks ago, dear & beloved friends of mine got married in Boston. Hey Boston – I love you. You are so pretty. I was the photographer for their wedding – yes, photographer – and I managed not to crap my pants while doing it even though i was overwhelmingly nervous that I would screw up my friends' memories. I have about 3 bajillion photos from the weekend of events, some I'm sure may pop up here & there, but you'll just have to take my word that I got some pretty amazing shots.

 

Beyond that, I've been spending most of my weekends with my in-laws. Cooking, eating and just hanging. I've squeezed in a little friend time here & there – but I keep forgetting to come back & write about it. Oh, thanks to my friend Mel for this header – I couldn't remember if I'd thanked you publicly or not.

Last thing that I've been doing is taking driving lessons. I know I mentioned it before, but it fell through but this time – I'm doing it. I am on the roads and driving. According to my teacher, I'm "pretty good" & I feel fairly confident behind the wheel of the car. I don't have any real anxiety about doing it & things are going smoothly. I will say though, that I don't love driving. I'm not sure it it's the newness of it & being hyper-focused on the task at hand – but I don't feel that incredible since of YAY I'm doing this! I do recognize that it's something I should know – in case of a zombie takeover or some such – but I can't see myself falling in love with it. So, that's that. Big, fat, update type thing. Hope all is well in your world.

So, it appears that I have fallen in love with all things army green. Wait, do you call it army or olive? Is there a difference? No matter what you call – this color has become kind of my "thing" – if one can call a color a "thing". When shopping, I'm most often drawn to bright colors – I think they look best on my skin & no one wants to dress like they're going to a funeral every day. But, over time I've started to add this army green color to my closet because it plays so well as a neutral and it's a color my husband loves. So – it's basically a win/win.
These pants, which I've only had about 2 weeks were an AMAZING steal that i scored from Target for ~$13. They are crazy comfortable and so cute. I really am not comfortable in shorts but these are not heavy & keep me from wanting to hurl myself down stairs when I'm outdoors.

Also, in major rotation is this green linen jacket that I got at Lane Bryant. I actually tend not to shop there very often as I find their prices to be a bit steep for my taste – but this was on sale at 40% off so I think I paid about $40 for it, which is still kind of a lot, but has definitely paid for itself given the number of times I've worn it.

What about you, do you have any color obsessions or an obsession with a particular piece of clothing in your wardrobe?

I am from the city who's name makes everyone giggle. I am from not a lot of money, but never realizing it because we had what we needed and a few of the things we wanted. I am from high-top Reebok classics, jeans that you fold over and roll up and neon everything. I am from catching lightning bugs and blowing dandelions. I am from Sunday dinners at my Grandmother's house.

I am from running home when the street lights come on. I am from fried chicken, cookouts and chitterlings. I am from keeping a can of grease on the stovetop to cook with and hot dogs topped with chili, onions, mustard and coleslaw.

I am from a small Baptist church, painted white, that my entire family has always gone to. I am from wearing dresses and being quiet in church & hoping that my Grandmother had candy in her purse to still us. I am from 1, 2, 3 red light & hide and seek. I am from jumping rope & spinning on a merry-go-round until your stomach hurts and you can't walk straight. I am from I can do anything my boy cousins can do & probably even better. I am from the middle, outspoken and needing to be heard. I am from weeknights spent watching television with my siblings and 9 o'clock bedtimes. I am from public libraries, arms loaded with romance novels, Sweet Valley High & The Babysitter's Club. I am from love.

  

I stole this idea from Kristy, who was inspired by Ali. You can find a general template to do your own here