summer craziness + week reflection

Summer is definitely in full swing — primarily evident not by the hot temps, (although those do kind of give it away) but the overly packed calendar. And, I realize those of you who know me well are probably like, “Wha?! You say your calendar is just packed in the summer? You crazy, girl.” Because, yes, full disclosure — my calendar is always a bit nutty. However, it seems that in the summer months I like to have a little competition with my past summers’ self and attempt to one-up her in cramming just a bit more into the three months than I did the prior year.

This year’s calendar insanity is also exacerbated by the fact that it now includes another human and his equally active schedule, making us one busy couple. And, while I’m grateful my boyfriend shares in my love of activities, it can also put me on a more accelerated path to what I like to refer to as I-bought-tickets-to-too-many-things-and-now-I’m-overhwelmed-and-want-to-cancel-everything-and-just-stay-home-forever syndrome. It’s a real thing and it seems to take place like clockwork every summer about 2/3s of the way in. And, it is my quest this year not to get to that point, instead taking care to listen to myself and give myself permission to say no — even if it means to something I’ve already agreed to do.

Even as I’m writing this, however, I peek ahead one day to the month of July and see this on the horizon: 1 road trip + 2 weekends of hosting houseguests + an inspiring weekend at TedXMileHigh + Denver Creates + 1-year service anniversary at Schwab + concert + glassblowing class + movie at Red Rocks + Colorado Symphony + book club + hosting beer party + dinners with friends. PHEW. I’m tired already and I can feel those overwhelmed feelings bubbling up. In the midst of all of this, I’m going to attempt to stick to my plan of being proactive about saying no and focusing on staying grounded and mindful while taking lots of time out for reading and relaxing, self-care and snuggles with the pup.

In the midst of all of this, I’m going to attempt to stick to my plan of being proactive about saying no when I’m feeling overwhelmed and focusing on staying grounded and mindful while taking lots of time out for reading and relaxing, self-care and snuggles with the pup. And, if all else fails and I get to the aforementioned I-bought-tickets-to-too-many-things-and-now-I’m-overhwelmed-and-want-to-cancel-everything-and-just-stay-home-forever state, maybe I’ll learn a lesson for next year and give myself a little breathing room. Maybe.

“I wish that I could show you when you are lonely or in despair the astonishing beauty of your own soul.” ~Hafiz

week in review
gratitude: a really good week
this week’s intention: read more (success!)
what I’m reading: All the Birds in the Sky
read Kindred
had a lovely time volunteering at Avery’s sour fest
lots of yard work
many, many errands
spa time for the pup
tried a new distillery
finalized contractor to-dos (house)
drinks with a good friend
attended Camp-n-Cocktails benefit for Boys & Girls Club
productive workweek
survived a tire emergency
enjoyed yummy macarons at one of my favorite downtown spots
dinner in with friends
dinner out with friends
failed at my first home fermentation attempt (turns out reading directions can be helpful)
wrote + posted week reflection

weekend happenings + intentions
SoDak road trip
lots of time with the fam
enjoy the long holiday weekend
June reflection + July planning