A good night ...

Tonight was fabulous for three reasons:

1) I was able to see a friend from Cottey and her husband for dinner tonight. They've been working in the area for a few weeks but we've had clashing schedules. Luckily enough, tonight worked and it was wonderful.

2) My cousin K was "pinned" tonight as a nurse. After a few long years of nursing school and not just a few tears, she graduated tonight. My heart is so full for her. Tomorrow would have been her Dad's birthday and I know he is looking down on her with such pride.

3) On the way home from dinner, Mary's kids (2 out of the 4, anyway) were texting me on the ride home. They are fabulous kiddos and I love hearing from them. Cannot wait to see them on Saturday.

Athena in her happy place

Beer on Dad and Stepmom's deck in my jammies -- Riverview, FL

View from my beach chair -- Bradenton Beach, FL

Athena at Blind Pass Beach, FL

Other nonsense

tonight I'm going to the Rathskeller with Sister and Angela after work. Sounds like Tom will join us at 7, which means much mayhem and madness all around. Totally looking forward to it. It looks like a Rathskeller biergarten day, doesn't it?

Got some other stuff squared away at work today. Nothing like getting things accomplished to bring a little spring in my step.

Paid my taxes the other day. Booo.

Went out on a meet-n-greet with a new guy last night. Somewhat promising. I will keep you posted.

After that, I had the young'un over to the house. Yes, I am shameless. So Be It.

Today is Madison's second bday:)

Had a totally yummy lunch at the Culinary Cafe today. This week is food of the mediterranian and my oh my, it was superb. I had dolmades for my appetizer, grilled chicken breast over cous cous with fruit and baklava for dessert. wow, it was wonderful:) If you've not been to the Culinary Cafe here at my workplace, I highly recommend. My entire lunch was $10. It was prepared, served and presented by the students in our culinary classes. I was very impressed.

Hope you all are happy and well and enjoying the sunshine. Nothing like a 72 degree April day to bring out the happy in all of us.

Wednesday

Had a good day today, got some things done that have been sitting in the 'get to it now' pile for awhile.

I got myHonda's oil changed.

I made plans with a boy to meet for a beer. I will keep you posted if it is to worry about.

My car was washed.

I had lunch outside at the Distillery with Sister and A1. It was lovely.

I completed a grant and will turn it in tomorrow.

It is sunshiney and beautiful ... even in my office.

John brought in cookies today to work from Paradise Cafe and I had my favorite: oatmeal raisin.

The young'un continues to be part of my life. He is quite fun:) Oh, and he's a year older now, all of 29.

Madison turns two tomorrow. I sent her a bday card today, from 'Layla' -- her name for me.

Life is good.

All About Me

Today was all about me.

Got up this morning, practically bounced out of bed. It was going to be a 'me' day and I was in my happy place.

I went to the gym, put in 30 minutes on the bike then another 40 on weights. I started lifting again last week and while I am lifting practically a gallon of milk, I am happy with myself for doing it again. I loved to lift in college (and even took weight training as a gym credit ... along with golf and ballroom dance) but in recent years I have fallen off the wagon in favor of just cardio. While I've maintained a minimum strength level, I am disappointed with myself for just how *little* I am able to lift now. However, looking to the positive, I am lifting again and do enjoy it. When I lift I often think of my former trainer, Chad "the enforcer", at NIFS. He used to kick my ass and now when I get in good form I think of his lessons. Money well spent, even if that knowledge has sat on the shelf a few years.

After the gym, I came home, ate some breakfast, read the paper and got in the shower. Got ready to meet Bev for a much-anticipated trip to the Flower and Patio Show. Soooo beautiful :) I was in need of some 'spring' and the smells and sights of numerous flowers did the trick. I purchased some gerbera daisies (orange) for home ... gerberas are my favorites:) I also purchased Mom's Mother's Day gift. Yes. It's early. But a good deal was to be had and it is something she has wanted awhile. Don't know if she reads this so I'll just say that she will like it!! :)

After F & P Show, met Bev at Castleton Grill for lunch. We had a great time and parted ways way too soon as it was time for my pedicure (!) and brow wax at Aveda. My toes look lovely, btw, and my feet are ever so soft. Love love love pedicures. The brows are much neater as well and I'm glad for it.

After finishing Aveda, I had time to run home for just a hot second before heading *back* to Lifetime to meet up with PM and his kiddos. It is a free family/friends weekend and he has been dying to check it out. The kiddos had a fabu time in the children's play area (with his son requesting I stay and watch them play ... and I did) while PM got the full tour of the place. He is pretty fed up with his gym and constantly waiting in line for equipment (been there, done that, La Porte YMCA and NIFS ... not again!) so I imagine he will be checking out Lifetime pretty closely.

Following the tour, I headed my way and PM/kiddos headed theirs.

Tonight has been about gaining access to my iTunes account and adding some new songs to my iPod. Yeah, I know, I am way too exciting. I should hold back. Picked out about 15 new songs and we shall see how many more I end up adding. :) iTunes may be my new crack addiction.

It is, however, all about me today and I have loved every minute.

Going to go lie in my bed now and read a book. :) Oh Happy Place. Oh Happy Me.