"Life is happiness, indeed..."

I'm grateful for:

• waking up before my alarm and just laying there in the pool of sunshine coming through my window.
• being cast as Natalie in All Shook Up at TMP. Our first rehearsal is May 24th!
• all the work my high school kids are doing on Pride & Prejudice. The show is still pretty rough... which worries me because we've hit crunch time... but I can tell they're really trying.
• my internship at The 5th giving me the opportunity to sit in on Candide rehearsals. I sit there and just marvel at the incredible talent surrounding me. David Armstrong is a brilliant director, and it's so interesting to watch him work - he's incredibly specific in what he wants, yet he also works very organically, allowing the actors to follow their instincts and inspire him. The actors, of course, are brilliant as well; I could listen to Stanley (Candide) sing for days.
• fantasy fashion with Sam.
• having dinner with Katie yesterday. We're determined to hang out regularly even though we're not in a show together anymore.
• my puppy. Especially when she's being cuddly.

Day 292:

It's an absolutely gorgeous day out. There's sunshine, a light breeze and temperatures right around 90. So it was the perfect day to throw on my swim suit, blow up my inflatable lounge chair and relax while floating on the lake. Today's the first day I've gotten to do that this year, so it marks the beginning of summer for me. From now on, it's all about sunglasses, cold drinks and wearing whatever matches your swim suit.

It does make me a little lonely though. This would be the perfect thing to share with the girls. We could each read fashion magazines or just sip umbrella drinks and chat. Not that I don't love my mother, but floating with her just isn't the same.

Phil's trying to come for my birthday, so I'll have a lake buddy (and a life buddy) then, but I wish the girls were here too. I wish life was here. Or I wish this was all in Washington...

Today, I am grateful for:
* fantasy fashion with L.
* floating on the lake.
* sunshine.
* feeling cute today.
* having a free day today.

Day 291: Squishy

My big goal right now is to get back in shape. It's not for P; I know he'll love me no matter what I look like. But I haven't been good to my body in quite a few years, so I figure it's about time to start, and that means healthy eating and a solid workout plan. I'm supposed to get the DWTS cardio tape from Netflix in the next day or two, so we'll see how that works.

Completely honestly, it's a little motivated by looks. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that. This is the heaviest I've ever been during summer/swimsuit season, and that does make my uncomfortable. But I still want to make it clear: I'm doing this for me.

On a completely different note, things with P have been going really well. I've been trying not to gush, but after our weekend getaway, I'm in a gushy sort of a mood. I've never felt safer, more comfortable, more amazing or more beautiful in someone's arms before. Quite frankly, I never thought I would. Our families meet next time we're in town, and i could not be more excited. It's really one of the last things on the proverbial list of things I feel like need to happen. I know that's random. But I wanted to share.

Today, I am grateful for:
* Netflix.
* feeling kind of bad ass on my morning walk today. (I had to literally climb into the woods after Rufus today. It was kind of fun...)
* pugs with sombreros.
* B liking her package!
* P liking the mix tape!

Day 290: Knowing

Today, I am grateful for:
* girling out with Erin last night.
* hearing from my twin!
* Netflix.
* seeing my baby book today.
* hilarious reactions.

Day 289: Moonlit Fenix

Today, I am grateful for:
* Moonlit Fenix.
* Kathy's response to my FB status. A-dore her.
* gushing with Amy.
* dinner tonight being successful.
* all the turtles being out today.

Day 288: Tattoos and Bubble Paper

Today, I am grateful for:
* this gorgeous sunshine.
* being able to talk about anything with K.
* learning I can get work out DVDs through Netflix. It's going to save me so much money.
* finally having a care package for Becca put together.
* this morning's walk.

Days 286 & 287: WHCD

Today, I am grateful for:
* the smell of my mom's homemade banana bread.
* my mom teaching me how to make on of my grandmother's specialties.
* a few fun fashion ideas.
* how beautiful the sky loks when the lightening strikes.
* a casual night in with the dogs.