Is it weird that I enjoy painting?
I spent my entire morning painting my Pepere’s deck and found that I was actually having fun. Nothing but the chit-chatter between the cardinals, one shaggy coon cat and my own thoughts for company. Pepere is already asking me to come back next week to paint the garage and I honestly couldn’t be happier. I’m sure I’d grow tired of it if I absolutely had to paint all of the time, but I’d like to think that this is one chore that I actually find pleasure in doing. 
Breakfast isn’t anything you haven’t seen before except for the fact that it was chock full of juicy strawberries today. At least a cups worth. Mmm…so happy that berry season is in full swing!
Morning Snack: orange and a handful of almonds
Lunch was eaten over my Pepere’s house and after a morning of painting, I was absolutely starving. My mom had made us a shrimp pasta salad, which was chock full of veggies, whole wheat pasta and shrimp. I do believe this is epitome of the perfect summer lunch.
Cold. Crunchy. Fresh. Delicious.
As perfect as lunch was, I was still starving when I came home and made a quick salad for some extra produce and filling fiber.
+ an iced coffee (1 c. chilled coffee, 1/2 c. milk + 1 tsp sugar)
I like to make new goals for myself at the beginning of each new month. I don’t always mention them on the blog, but there is always—always, always—a goal. June, for example, was a month of positive thinking. I tried my hardest to see the cup half full in every situation. This is how it works:
Life Scenario: Dinner becomes a flop. The “cup half full response”: Something to blog about!
Life Scenario: Having to mow the entire lawn. The “cup half full response”: A productive workout!
These are some very simple life scenario’s obviously, but I tried to apply it to everything (even the tough stuff!) I quickly realized that (a) I could use some work on this and (b) I need to extend this goal beyond just the month of June. 😉 But I also have a new goal for July as well: develop a strength training routine and learn to love it! This one will be hard for me since I’ve always been a cardio girl at heart (just give me a pair of running sneaks and I’m happy!) I’m really excited about shaking up my workout routine though. 😀
Afternoon Snack: 6-oz. plain yogurt + 2 T. crushed flax + about 1/2 c. worth of chopped strawberries
I started with a large side salad before dinner, complete with carrots, tomatoes, bean sprouts, celery and peas!
Pizza night!
Tonight’s dinner was quick to throw together, thanks to the convenience of frozen pizza dough. It’s one of my favorite things about making this pizza dough recipe. It makes enough for two pizzas, and I always throw one into the freezer for the following week. Letting the dough thaw overnight and also giving it a chance to chill out on the kitchen counter for an hour (+ 1/2 hr. of resting on the baking sheet after you spread it out) is what really plumps up the crust and makes it light and airy.
Onions, black olives and goat cheese graced the pizza. The toppings were pretty simple because we’re nearing Wednesday. 😉
I went back for a second delicious slice and then headed out for a fun after-dinner walk.
Jillian Michaels is on tonight!! I’ve got some stuff to finish before I can relax for the night. See ya tomorrow!
Question: Do you make weekly or monthly goals for yourself?
Question: Painting….yay or nay?
Running To Slow Things Down 