Hello dear readers...
Since my health is a fiasco right now, I don't think I am going to write about it anymore. Maybe someday in the future I will be healthy again, but I need a break from focusing on it for now. So, instead I will just give some thoughts and updates from summertime thus far.
First of all, I can hardly believe that summer is already halfway over! What happened? Where did all the time go? :) At the end of May, we made a trip with folks from our church to the Chesapeake Bay and it was a lovely time. I highly recommend going if you have a chance - it's beautiful. June came and went - I was sick for most of it, so there wasn't a lot of exciting happenings. At the end of June I met my older sister in Chicago for a sister weekend and we had a blast!
We ate delicious food - deep dish Chicago pizza, a yummy brunch at Bakin' & Eggs, good Greek food, and the Art Institute's cafeteria salad, which was surprisingly delicious. The first night we went and explored Millennium Park and enjoyed an outdoor concert, where they played Mendelson's Reformation and it was absolutely lovely. For a little while, I was in another world enjoying the melody and stunning images that came to mind as the music wafted throughout the park. The next day, we went to the beach - it was grand. I wish my city had a beach at the end of it - what a glorious thing! That evening we went to the top of the old Sears tower - now known as the Willis tower. There were fabulous views at the top of it - but the whole experience took about 3 hours, which was a lonnng time.
On our last full day there, we spent the day at the Art Institute and it was fabulous. There's so much to see - we didn't even see all of it. Someday, I definitely want to go back! In the evening, we made our way to the United Center and saw U2 in concert. Wow! What an experience. It was incredible, dear friends. If you ever have a chance, spend the money and go see them - so grand.
For the 4th of July, we spent time with both families, which was great. I always enjoy celebrating the 4th with G's family. It amounts to pedi's and mani's, a big group lunch out, hanging in the afternoon, a yummy dinner with homemade ice cream, and then the cousins put on a nice nighttime show. Good times, indeed! This year, there were a few little ones in the mix, which was a blast.
New this summer is the fact that my husband finally found a job - and he loves it! He works a lot these days, but they are quite busy and it helps that he enjoys it greatly. My job is another story...
My mother-in-law is planning a visit at the end of the month and I think we plan to go to the Building Museum, which should be great fun. I see they have a cool beach exhibit there right now. I'm excited!
In other news, I started a watercolor art class this week through the art league. I'm excited to learn and create with watercolor. Previously, I have done oil painting and charcoal. Both are great, but a lot more time consuming than watercolor. The supplies almost broke the bank, but I keep reminding myself that they will last for a while.
And here are a few hopes for the rest of the year...
- To see my college girlfriends all in one place for an extended weekend.
- For my folks to finally come visit us here in DC.
- To have some breathing room.
- Go see NYC with my babe (the hubs).
- Finally write that children's book I've been planning to write for years...
That's about it for now. Hope your summers are going splendidly. Be sure to make time for the beach or the pool. Hanging in the sun is good for the soul.
Cheers,
Tina Lou
