Full Swing

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It’s been a couple weeks since I sat down to write. While that usually means my life is too boring to think of anything to say, this time I’ve actually been busy ok? Looks like summer is in full swing. With some precautions of course, but much more busy-ness than we’ve experienced in awhile. On top of trying to be a fun mom who gets in the ugly pool every now and then, I took a break from the family and went to Palm Springs with some of my favorite gal pals. It was incredibly hot and uncomfortable for my Finnish blood, but it was so good to catch up and live without a care in the world for a few days. I think I took exactly one photo, and that’s just what happens when I’m having a great time.

Our Fourth of July was low key and IMHO the perfect way to celebrate America when you’re not all that impressed with Americans. LOL. It’s sort of unreal how much of a party pooper I’ve become over the past several years with every holiday. I’m one of those people now, who hates the consumerist mindset and finds it all very silly. But listen, I’ll go meet some friends for a hot dog and beer whether there’s a holiday or not. The fireworks are just a loud bonus.

Planning

Speaking of full swing, we have some other grand adventures to look forward to this next week as well. So I’m a bundle of nerves and excitement as we are deep in the prep phase. I don’t even know why I’m blogging right now, I have so much to do! (I guess that’s exactly why I’m blogging right now. Avoidance at it’s finest!) In our not-so-distant-future: a long road trip, extended family time, and eventually, 3 bestest friends under one roof with our whole families for the first time ever! I think I’m most nervous for the road trip part because… well, Stevie. And I must confess I think my anxiety meds have plateaued for the time being. I have a doc appt tomorrow, hoping we can get that rectified so I don’t lose my mind when I hear “are we there yet?” for LITERALLY the 152nd time. Wish me luck!

parenthood

Aaaah, I feel like there is so much going on with Stevie, but nothing to report — if that makes sense. We are waiting waiting waiting for things to move, but simultaneously grateful that no doctors are in a rush to do so. That means he’s healthy enough for the time being. But lately I’ve had a lot of people asking about his heart condition, so I thought I’d quickly mention that yes, he still needs open heart surgery. But right now, his condition is stable. So he’s seeing his cardiologist every 6 months (August will be his next visit) until she determines that it’s time. He has other things on the backburner. For instance, he needs a tooth extracted, but can’t have any form of anesthesia to get it pulled until the heart is taken care of. He has also seen an orthopedist, neurologist, and ENT over the past few months. But again, the heart takes precedence over everything before we can move forward. So it’s the typical story of hurry up and wait. At least we can all rest easy that his conditions are being managed, while I try not to get stuck in the muddled thoughts of things I can’t control. Be more like Stevie and stop to smell the flowers.

wearing

I’ve been breaking into the cutoff shorts section of my wardrobe this past week, and my favorites this year are still my favorites from last year. The Denim Short from Everlane is just easy. Comfy, good inseam length, can be worn cuffed or not. It’s very rare that I’ll own two of the same item in different colors, but I have them in “washed black” and “distressed”. I’m tempted to get the “bone” as well! As far as sizing goes, overall they run TTS and should fit a little loose for ultimate relaxed vibes. I’ll just thank my past self that I sized up when I bought these, so they still fit. And as much as I love high-rise denim, the mid-rise styles are sooooo much less restrictive for hot weather. I truly think they’re the next best thing to a perfect vintage pair of cut-offs.

Side note: 3 days until I finally chop my hair! I can’t wait.

#spendfreesummer

Two weeks down, eleven weeks to go! It truly feels like I’ve been doing #spendfreesummer a lot longer than two weeks, and there have been days I wish I had only committed to a month. But hey, I’m still going strong for the time being. I definitely felt some slight temptations here and there with all the Fourth of July sales, but keeping myself in the right mindset and thinking about the money I’m saving keeps me super motivated. I also realize when I look in my closet, I still have so much I haven’t reached for this year, so I definitely don’t need anything new. And in fact, could probably part with a few more things.

To keep myself distracted this week, I’m going to work on getting dye for some clothes that need a facelift. That and packing for a trip obviously!

cooking

I’ve got a few easy classics on the menu for minimal effort that will use up some of the veggies I have been neglecting. Starting with fajitas. We bought the meat prepared, so we’ll just add some onions and bell peppers. Boom. Then I’ll make a cheat version of a family favorite called Makloubeh (or Maqluba). Paul’s mom makes it so freaking good, but the real recipe is a bit labor-intensive with lamb , potatoes, eggplant, etc. I ain’t got time for all that! So I make it with ground beef, cabbage, and cauliflower. It’s nowhere close to the real thing, but just similar enough that you get some delicious satisfaction. Last but not least, we’ll add a simple broccoli salad to round out the week.

unlearning

I really appreciated this post, talking about the nuances of celebrating Independence Day, and why it can be triggering for some Black people.

I’m guessing I won’t be on the blog for the next couple weekends as I live this full swing summer mode of life, but you can find me on IG. Hopefully I’ll be mentally sound enough to post our adventures. And if you’re looking for clothing links, they are always on my LTK! Be best! Haha.

Has your summer felt like it’s moving into full swing mode?

loves,
jaana

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