Savoring Summer, New Relationship, Short Hair & More

Hi friend!  I missed you on Monday.  I normally have a post ready for you on Mondays, but I’ve been taking a little intentional time off to spend with the kiddos.  Honestly, I’ve felt a little burnt out lately and just needed a break.  Do you feel that way too?

WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY

LINGERING

One of my favorite books that I started rereading while I was in San Miguel talks about the lost art of lingering.  That really hit home with me because as much as I try to create pockets of down time in my day, sometimes you just need more than those brief respites.

This past Monday, I took my mom, Jordan and her little friend swimming.  They had such a blast together and hearing their squeals and giggles made my heart so happy.

I also had a long phone call with one of my best girlfriends, Trisa, and it was awesome to catch up with her.  We exchanged life updates and I got to hear more about her new relationship.

NEW RELATIONSHIP

I’m also in a new relationship and I’m happy to say it’s one of the most fulfilling I’ve ever experienced.  We met about six months ago on a dating app #thereshope and when I read, “I’m at a time in my life when I’m looking for something extraordinary” and “I need depth in my relationship” I knew he was different – in the best way possible.

He also has a great sense of humor, is a devoted dad to a teenage girl, and super sexy with his shaved head and tattoos.  His name is Elliott, he just turned 53, and works in corporate travel.

We went to San Miguel to celebrate his birthday and it was one of my most favorite trips.

The only downside is that we live about 45 minutes apart, which isn’t ideal, but we’re making it work.  I love the intentionality he puts into our relationship and when he asks, “how are you?” he really means it and listens for my answer.  It actually took me aback the first time he asked that because it was so sincere.

In this relationship, I feel a responsibility to show up for him as well as he shows up for me.  I’ve always known I have so much love to give and really wanted to be with someone that could accept that and give it fully back.  It’s still early-ish on, but so far, it’s a beautiful relationship that I don’t take for granted.

As a bonus, he cooks a mean steak.

Another wonderful thing is that he has a beautiful golden retriever that my dog, Luke, absolutely loves. They get along so well and Maggie has the BEST disposition.  Such a sweet girl!

NEW GYM

I don’t know what took me so long, but it finally occurred to me to join the gym that’s right by my house.  It’s so close that I can walk there in 11 minutes, do a 40 minute workout and then walk home.  Just one hour and I’ve gotten a walk and workout in without any drive time!

It also makes me workout more often since I’ve been foregoing the gym because I don’t want to spend part of my summer driving to the gym that’s 15 minutes from my house.  That’s 30 minutes of car time before I even get to the workout.

And guess what?!  Today is my 30th day walking 10,000 steps a day!

I plan to do a whole post on it for you, but I know that sharing my goal with you on Instagram and checking in daily made me stick to it 100%.  It’s that whole accountability thing, so thank you for being that for me. ♥

Bra • Shorts • Sneakers • Belt Bag • Water Bottle

SHORT HAIR

Y’all, I can’t even tell you how much I’m loving my short, short hair!  It’s gloriously light and easy, perfect for these hot summer days.

In the past, I’ve always associated long hair with sexiness, but I feel very alive and vibrant with this short, blonde hair. Even if my son has teased my relentlessly about it.

Top • Earrings

JUST THE G’S

Whenever Jordan and I hang out together, just us, she calls it “just the G’s” (just the girls).  She mentioned the other day that since James and I do a mother/son trip every summer, she’d love to do a trip just the two of us.

She described going somewhere with a pool, having a fancy dinner where we dress up, eating pancakes for breakfast, bringing our journals and books and just being together. ♥ How could I say no?!

We found a nearby resort that we’re going to next week for two nights and I’m really looking forward to it.

Just the G’s!

Ugg Blanket

NEW WEBSITE DESIGN

For the past few months, I’ve been working with my tech person to redesign my website so that it’s more user friendly for you.  I’m really loving how it’s coming along and we muted the colors a bit so that it’s also more soothing to the eye.

The only thing I’m nervous about is that I have to learn a new version of how to draft my blog posts and that feels daunting.

KITTY GIRL

Y’all may know that we have a neighborhood cat that we’ve pretty much adopted as our own.  She still comes and goes, but usually sleeps inside at night and sometimes naps in my office during the day.  She has a litter box in the laundry room that she uses, but recently, she starting urinating outside of the box.  It would be in the laundry room, hallway and even the stairs.

I googled and realized she might have a bladder infection or behavior issue.  Her and Luke are still at odds, so I wasn’t sure, but I took her to the vet and sure enough she had a UTI.  It was confirmed during a urinalysis. I didn’t even realize that cats could get those.  She was given a shot that should clear it up in two weeks, then I’ll take her back to confirm it’s gone.

I love this kitty so much and feel so protective of her.

FAMILY TRIP

Next month, I’m looking forward to a family trip to Galveston.  My mom and brothers and their families will be joining me and my kids and we’re staying together in one house.

I think that’s so fun to all be together for a number of days together.  You get to share all those in-between moments that happen when you’re just living together.  Those are the best.

Sunglasses

TEENAGER

I’m so proud of my son and also astonished at how much he’s grown up.  He’s easily taller than me now and has spent the majority of his summer getting up early and going to workout with his dad and then going to work in his office.  I never had to prompt him to get up, he did it on his own, even making his bed everyday before he left the house.

He also gave his all during football this summer and asked for a shorter haircut!  I know I’m biased, but he’s getting more and more handsome by the day.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Not yet, you say.  Tell me about it.  My kids go back in mid-August and it feels like it’s right around the corner.  We have the family trip on the weekend before school starts and then it will be back to the grind.  Our school is even starting 10 minutes earlier than usual.

Backpack • Headphones

It’s always bittersweet, but there’s also a lot of good to look forward to and embrace in the Fall.  Cooler weather being top of the list!

I hope you have been enjoying your summer and making time to linger.

Have a fantastic day friend.