*This blog is intended to be read while listening to "Sugar Town" covered by Zooey Deschanel."
I have always been fascinated and obsessed with movies. I have always had a movie that I play on repeat in the background while I write or clean the house and I have always had moments in my life that have felt like I am starring in a movie (which coincidentally was my dream job when I was growing up). Last week, I had one of those days, I picked out a cute outfit, I put on my favorite shoes, and I picked the perfect music to start off my day as I walked to work. As I walked to the beat of my music, the wind kept perfectly picking up my hair and while to others walking by it meant nothing, to me it meant that I was having a movie moment.
I find myself looking for these moments to truly appreciate and take a minute to be thankful for everything that I have in my life. Sometimes it is as simple as a pensive walk, sometimes it is the inexplicable joy of eating a great meal, and sometimes it is sharing a silent yet delightful moment with my husband. While finishing out the month of July and all of the love that I embraced, I have genuinely found myself in a happier place. I am naturally living a healthier lifestyle and half way through the month I decided that it was time for my husband and I to embark on a new adventure together. Before I get into the exciting news, I do want to recap the great things that happened in July, not previously featured in the blog.
My husband and I spent a wonderful weekend (two weeks back) in wine country going to the ballet, drinking great wine and eating amazing food...
(Lobster Fest at one of our favorite wineries, Harvest Moon)
(Awesome brunch at a newly found restaurant, Community Cafe)
I also spent a good deal of time making new recipes and enjoying the process of coming up with ways to make healthy food irresistible...
(One of my new favorite recipes - Breakfast Pizza)
In addition, I spent a lot of time working on my friendships this month and on the things that bring true love and happiness. While last week was a tough one for friendships and may have seen the end of a friendship that I hoped would never end. However, following that situation, I have never been more grateful for the friendships that I have now. They are meaningful, fun, and honest. I feel so blessed to have so many close friends that I know I can count on, share their lives with me, and are just simple and reciprocal. This weekend, I got to spend lots of time with my college besties... some of the best gals, ever! It was Jo's wedding and we were all transported back in time...
(Dancing like fools...)
(The gorgeous bride!)
Now onto the exciting news! My husband and I decided that it was time for us to add an addition to our family... a puppy! Our first daughter, Lily Ana, can be seen below. First of all, you all already know I love the name Lily (since it is part of the name of this blog). Also, the two Lily's from TV/movies that I love - Lily Aldrin (How I Met Your Mother) and Lily Potter (Harry Potter) are both red heads, just like Lily Ana! She is a seriously wonderful puppy and we are already learning so much from having her in our lives...
(Here's Lily with her favorite toy, Gator)
(Here Lily and I are, ready to go out for a walk)
Now, in the month of August, the theme is Becoming the Change. Since I just started my new position, I think that this is the perfect opportunity to embody this month's theme. Below are some of the things that I will be working on...
- Set out a plan for how to use my strengths to be a better leader/team member
- Take risks and enjoy the process of failure
- Seek to learn skills to help me be more efficient and effective
- Find the strengths of my co-workers and focus my energy towards how we can compliment each other
- Seize the moment
