Somehow we’re already halfway through summer—at least by my measure of May through August—and the season is flying by. Happy 4th of July! I hope you’re enjoying the holiday. Here’s a roundup of what I was up to in June.
1. The month began with a weekend in Columbus visiting one of my best friends and her fiancé. We’d had such a great time there last summer that we decided to go again. We ate well, enjoyed drinks, watched a Columbus Crew game, and got to cuddle their two pups. It was the kind of visit that refuels you—quality time with my people.
2. We traveled to Washington, D.C., for Miguel’s younger brother Emmanuel’s high school graduation. It was a proud, celebratory weekend. While we were there we explored the National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria and reconnected with several of his friends. It felt good to be around family and friends for such an important milestone.
3. Early in the month my dad drove up from Ohio to help with yard work—an enormous relief because I truly dislike yard chores. I’m not a gardener (though I think I might want a garden someday), and I prefer indoor tasks to weeding and mowing. He helped clear a big patch of overgrown weeds and the yard looks so much better now. It was a big help and saved me a lot of time and stress.
4. On TV: we’re still watching The Handmaid’s Tale and the week-to-week release schedule is a bit torturous. We finished The Americans and absolutely loved it, and we also watched The Looming Tower—a focused miniseries that provides an inside look at events leading to 9/11. If you have a free weekend and want a compact, thoughtful series, The Looming Tower is worth seeking out.
5. I completed Beverly’s 30 Days to Fit plan and found it really effective. I usually prefer group fitness classes, but when I work out alone I like having a clear plan. Her workouts saved me time and made gym sessions more productive—having the routines in my phone’s notepad kept me on track. I took a two-week break for vacation, so I’m considering repeating the plan straight through next time.
6. Miguel and I gained a temporary third roommate—one of my best friends is staying with us for the summer while she works in Pittsburgh. She’s been sleeping in our finished attic/guest room for the past two weeks and it’s been so fun having her around. We met in college, she was in my wedding, and having her close by again feels like a little homecoming.
7. I did a photo shoot at a new boutique in Shadyside called Madeleine George Boutique. The shop is run by two talented women who are also clients at the barre studio where I teach—a small world moment. I photographed pieces for their website and I’m looking forward to seeing the final images and supporting their new local business.
That’s the short version of my June. July looks to be just as busy, and even though the pace can feel overwhelming at times, these warm months are the ones I really look forward to after a long winter. Wishing you a joyful, sun-filled summer!