lately

Happy Memorial Day, all! I am so thankful for the many men and women who have given their lives for the privileges that I enjoy today.
Though I wish this weekend had been filled with sunnier weather, we've also been thankful for a quiet and restful long weekend. I've been in spring cleaning mode, making my way slowly through the apartment, getting into all the nooks and crannies that spend the whole year collecting cat hair and cookie crumbs. It feels good.
I tend to do more cleaning than Joe does, and it's during these cleaning binges that I realize why. It is just more important to me. After I've gotten through a room, I'm constantly saying, "Doesn't this feel good? Isn't it just so nice and peaceful in here?" And Joe is like, "Yeah, sure..." Cleaning brings me peace of mind, but it's just a pain for him.
Ah well...at least I am able to bask in my freshly laundered couch cover and spotless kitchen table.

I love this weekend, because it is one of those beautiful transition weekends. Even though the heat is actually on in our apartment right now (!), I think it's safe to say that we are in the midst of spring, and summer weather is just around the corner.
I love this feeling of freedom from winter's grasp. Here's how I've been celebrating it lately...
(exercising) My heart. Inspired by my motivated friend Eileen and memories of my runner's legs, I've gotten back onto the treadmill and am loving the feeling of pumping legs again.

(enjoying) A new haircut. A bob that cuts just below the ears is one of the most freeing feelings as the summer begins. (Highly recommend my salon, if you're in the area...)

(reading) The Millenium series, by Stieg Larsson. Cannot stop...
(craving) The spicy pickled vegetables from the Salvadorian place down the street. Want. so. bad. Does this mean I'm missing some essential nutrient?

(watching) The entire new season of Arrested Development. We're on marathon mode. We've made a huge mistake...
(eating) Homemade vegan butterscotch banana ice cream made in the brand new ice cream maker I scored for $10 at the thrift store. Win win win. Need to tweak the recipe, but will definitely be sharing.
(moving to)

And We Danced. Almost guaranteed that you will be offended. 100% guaranteed that you will be pumped up.
(feeling) Warm in my heart every time I look at this or this or

this.
I have a busy summer ahead of me, so I took a day on Friday to enjoy some shopping and quiet 'me' time. Sometimes the best thing is strolling through a lux mall with a Godiva chocolate in your hand and a bag or two on your arm (better when filled with free items). I was lucky enough to burn through a couple of major coupons and score a gift bag (plus a cupcake!) at an anniversary celebration, so I felt like a lucky girl indeed.
Enjoy this lovely gift of a day, my darlings.