That Time America Had a Party

Hello to all of you lucky people out there who are back to work today, self included.

It feels like ages since I last worked and honestly so much like summer vacation that the inner child in me just wants to jump on the trampoline and run through sprinklers all the way through mid-September.

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The weekend was just what the doc ordered and allowed me to take a step back from everything that causes stress. It may have worked a little too well because waking up this morning was rough and I'm scared that I liked the no-work life a little too much. But I like my paycheck even more.

The weekend started off just right with a post work lift-heavy-things-and-put-them-back-down a'thon. It's been 4 years since college softball off season weight bulking the last time I did squats, on a rack, with 25+ lb plates and did super-sets with burpees. It's also been that long since I did cleans (not since I cleaned, mom!) and loved every minute of it. The reason I stayed after work to start the weekend was to take a friend to the airport, but I think I could get used to spending some time after work in front of the iron rather than with my foot on the brake on my commute through the city.

After getting a sweat on, I took a friend to the airport and a pit-stop at my favorite Portland restaurant, Montage! I'll never turn down some Spicy Mac n' Cheese and I'll always save leftovers for a cute little foil wrapped present to bring home for the next day's lunch.

Thursday was the day to celebrate America! I think she was thrown a pretty amazing party!

We didn't personally set off any fireworks, but Brooke and her man friend invited us over to their place for some time in the hot tub, BBQ, brews, Cards Against Humanity and we even made it back through downtown just in time to catch the main event over the Willamette River!

Not too busy on the Ross Island Bridge, but we were 'those people' and left before the finale because we had to get home to our little Holly!

The next most eventful thing I did all weekend was signed onto Twitter for the first time in ages (even though my blog auto-posts) and realized a few of the conversations I'd missed. Oops, I'll be better!

From sleeping in to visiting a mattress store to cuddling with a kitten all weekend, it was pretty rough for both Dan and I to face a 4am alarm today.

Holly agrees!

What did you get into this weekend? Did you give America the party it deserved?

July's Eight Great Goals

It's finally summer in Portland! Wahooo!

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As I mentioned in June there was a lot that I didn't get to last month and that includes being the worst at keeping up with other blogs. Every Saturday morning I wake up to the last week's 200 blogs I didn't get around to reading and felt like a jerk commenting back 5 days later. Apologies, ladies - I'm still reading!

What's July got in store?

How about beautiful weather, grill magic, work travel, kitten playtime, 100 more running miles, sangria, instagram video and hopefully some getaway time at the coast!

What else will I be doing? Take a look!

1. Take a Hike.

There's plenty of amazing locations in the Northwest to take a hike and we don't even have to go that far. Portland Area hikes are an escape from the city for an afternoon and a great way to get out of the house in the summer.

2. Hit a golf ball 100 yards in the air

My Daniel is amazing. A week ago I came home to pristine set of brand new golf clubs and golf shoes in my favorite color. And they match(!!!) This past weekend I went through putting, chipping, hitting and driving school and my best shot was just past the 75 yard marker. I have a long way to go until I can actually play on the course but I'm looking forward to learning more about the game my guy loves.

3. Visit the Portland Zoo!

Dan hasn't been to the Portland Zoo yet, even though we drive past it twice a day and would love to see all the big kitties!

4. No Ice Cream for the next 31 days!

I already know that this will be torture! Ice cream is a staple in our home and with temperatures in the high 80's I'll have to resort to frozen berries and lemonade to get that warm weather fix.

5. Not be this guy.

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June work surprises brought a lot of this personality out of me. Rather than showing my emotions on my face and in my eyes I should get up, take a walk, fill my water bottle and return with a smile and willingness to help out.

6. Write 3 posts for the following week on the weekend.

This goal is measurable, this goal is possible and this goal will be a game-changer for me and my home life on weeknights. There's plenty I can do ahead of time (even down to coming up with headers and importing images) that will cut down on the strict deadlines I set for myself.

7. Rock my Work Travel.

I have the privilege of travelling internationally in a few short weeks and my goal is to train my co-workers on everything they need to know while I'm gone and then go and really make an impact with our friends to the North. When I took this job the opportunity for travel was 0%  so I feel flattered and I feel a responsibility to make the time worth it.

8. Schedule Time Off From Work.

I didn't follow through with this one last month so I think that after my travel I'll be set up to take a day... or two, or three?

Wish me all the luck in the world with my short and crazy week at work.