We have a big trip home quickly approaching. I’m super excited to get back to Minnesota and celebrate a couple of weddings and see some friends & family. It’s busy and hectic. We are sleeping somewhere different every couple of nights. Two weeks is a long time to be away from our normal routine. It can be a little overwhelming sometimes for someone that really loves order in my day.
I feel my stress levels on the rise. Then, I get my daily note from the universe. It was just what I needed to hear.
Today, I choose happiness and gratitude.

I’m still feeling awesome about our beach morning. Plus, I started The Outlander. I didn’t think I was going to like it after the first few chapters, but I’m 100 pages in now and I’m intrigued. I know I’m a little behind, but better late than never. Hopefully I stay interested because it’s a long ass book. Also, the sweatshirt in that picture is from Indy Brand Clothing and it’s the softest, most wonderful sweat shirt in all the land.

Summer sunsets this year have been on point. Whether we are out with the dogs or having a glass of wine with our neighbors, we have been trying to enjoy our outdoor time as much as possible. Winter will come again and then everyone will hide inside.

I finally saw the Counting Crows and it was great. We went with a few friends to Pier 97, enjoyed a cold beer and a food truck grilled cheese sandwich. They played new songs, old songs and sounded fantastic. They will always be a classic for me.

We had our fantasy draft this week. So many of our friends are traveling the next few weeks, so it was just easiest to get it done. There was great smack talk and everyone was engaged. We also found the Icelandic beer we liked at our neighborhood liquor store – see the Viking on the label? It’s a good sign.

Finally checking Lion King off our Broadway list. I did a Broadway Roundup last year with the shows we had seen. Once we check a few more off, I will recap them including this one, but I will tell you that this was not my favorite Disney show. 
I’m so happy with this guy’s recent haircut. He is so soft and smells so good. That beard though – he makes it a mess within 5 minutes of leaving the groomer. There isn’t much I can do about it.
Other wonderful things not pictured:
The New York bagel that my husband will be bringing me for lunch today. We won’t be able to eat our normal pizza and bagels for two weeks so I have to get my fill. And yes, this is why I need to exercise more – because I eat pizza and bagels on the REGULAR.
Yoga classes outside. I had never gone to a real class before. Our apartments have a teacher come and do a class every Sunday morning and it has been fantastic. I can’t wait to get back home and jump back into our new favorite AM activity.
Another closet purge. Turns out that I’m not into strapless maxi dresses this year and I had a whole bunch of t-shirts that I never wear. Feels good to pass them on to someone that will use them.
Smoothies, coffee, sparkling water and wine. And repeat.
My family. It was my mom’s birthday this week and I can’t wait to celebrate with her live in person. Plus, my little brother is getting married to the most wonderful girl. I can’t wait to see everyone. 
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So that’s that. Tell me what you’re grateful for today, especially if you need a little pick me up.