the little things

Despite the July date, it doesn't feel much like summer to me. Too much work, no vacation and the cool weather have talked me out of a summery feeling.

There are a few things I cling to that remind me of warmer, lazier days:

• Suntan lotion/ sunscreen -- the smell makes me feel beachy
• My new white pants. I wasn't sure about them at first, but I instantly perk up when I wear them
• Anything from the garden or farmers market -- I horde fresh flowers, fruits/veggies, etc.
  
• An extra swipe of blush/bronzer a few times a day. I don't have much of a tan but I try to fake it

Here's to hoping August brings more summer-like days!

st. louis

Just got home from St. Louis last night. Ben came down for the weekend so it was nice to have some fun despite the fact that I was working.

I did get another fun treat while in St. Louis: the All-Star game! A friend of a friend found some tickets last minute so I got in on the action (albeit from FAR left field in the second row from the top). Nevertheless, the pre-game hoopla was a lot of fun, and I'm glad I went.

This week it's off to Minneapolis for a few days...

And despite all my protests against Facebook I will admit it's been fun to keep in the loop with everyone no matter where I'm at as long as I have my phone with me. Go ahead and say I told you so. I deserve it.

heading out again

I'm packing for another business trip -- this time to St. Louis. It's my last week away from home, thank goodness, but the first of 4 trips in the next 4 weeks.

I'm tired.

Vacation is on the horizon though! I am definitely taking 1.5-2 weeks off at the end of August...I'll spend some of it at home and am also hoping to get away too -- if only for a day or two. So you might receive a call soon asking for a spare bed or couch!

Better get packing. I hope I can do it in under an hour (a world record for me!).

picnic

We had a great 4th of July weekend: goofy golf, picnic and play, Peoria Chiefs game for Ben's birthday, and a lot of family time. Ben's cousins came through town, and Aunt Judy is in the Midwest from FL for the summer. It was nice to have so many visitors in Central IL!

Photos from the picnic and play:

At Ewing Manor - such a lovely setting

july

This time last year we were headed out to the Grand Canyon / Las Vegas for a little vacay. I am definitely ready for another trip. It's July...such a great month for getting away.

Five places I'd rather be:
5. Wrigley Field
4. Pool-side in Las Vegas
3. Lunching in Ann Arbor (Zingerman's picninc!)
2. Wandering the streets of San Diego or Santa Monica
1. Shopping in Paris (or any European city really)

Now I need some time off and air fare!