Good morning! 

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and were able to spend a lot of time doing what you love with the people you love (and the people that love you)!

I did a lot of that, so let’s review, shall we?

Russy and I had grand plans to go out to dinner together on Friday night, but those plans shifted to just going out for a beer or two, but then those plans shifted when NOTHING was open on Temple’s campus.  Who knew that their bars and restaurants would close at 7 pm on a Friday? We were a bit disappointed, but after wandering around a bit, we decided to head to the supermarket and pick up some things to make dinner.  Less expensive, healthier, more fun and interactive.  Win win win.  But going out would be nice too.

With bar food (and a quick meal) on our minds, we (I) made bean and cheese quesadillas!  I sautéed onions, lightly toasted a couple whole wheat tortillas, then added a smear of Trader Joe’s refried beans, a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and the onions and heated them until everything was niiiiice and melted.  We added chopped tomatoes and lettuce after they were off the heat.  The amount of quesadilla that Russ was able to put away was a good indication that he really…really liked them.Followed by dessert!  Russ made brownies earlier that day so we topped them with mint chocolate-chip moose tracks ice cream.  What a name!

This photo does not truly represent how much ice cream was there.  That bowl was perfect.

On Saturday, I woke up bright and early since I had my first day of work!  I had some time to kill before work, so I jogged a quick three miles before packing an enormous amount of food and chopping up a huge watermelon that I bought off a vendor on the side of the road.

Saturday was spent at the pool, you know, just doing my thing and saving lives.  Just kidding 🙂  I think it’s going to be a really fun summer!

On Saturday night, I drove to West Chester with Russ to go to a party with a bunch of people from my high school.  It was fun to see everyone and catch up since it’s been so long since I have seen some of them!  We drove home around midnight and I immediately fell asleep when my head hit the pillow.  I was pooped, but excited for the next day since it was Father’s Day!  We had yet another Sunday Brunch on the books and I am seriously loving this little tradition that is forming.  I look forward to it every week.

Despite how sleepy I was when my alarm went off yesterday morning, I dragged myself out of bed so that there would be ample time for the Father’s Day Brunch before I had to be at work at 12.

Lucky for me, I got to make everything with my dad.  Is there any better way to prepare for a Father’s Day Brunch than to do it with dad?

While my dad made big, fluffy pancakes, I worked on a colorful garlic-infused fruit salad!  Our fridge had an abundance of fruit, so I added watermelon, mango, strawberries and blueberries.  I didn’t actually intend for it to be “garlic-infused”, but the cutting board I used is used to chop garlic so the fruit had a garlicy taste.  Yum!

My dad, as always, did a great job on the pancakes!  They were soft and fluffy and there were lots of mix-ins!  Blueberries, strawberries and bananas.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have any chocolate chips, so we will be sure to have them next time.

Once the pancakes were golden, the fruit salad was ready, the condiments were out and the mugs of coffee (espresso) were filled, we called in the troops to eat! 

Isn’t he special?!

It was fun to sit around, enjoying our food and each others company!

After eating, I had to hustle and get ready for the pool.  I spent seven hours there and was able to finish The Happiness Project.  It was a quick read, but provided so much insight and I have been recommending it to everyone, so I recommend it if you’re looking for a new book!

Oh! I also swam laps for the first time in almost a year yesterday!  Let me tell you, I am not in swimming shape!  Of course, I can swim and I think I can swim fairly well, but swimming is a whole other ball game from running.  I can run and run and run, but having your face in the water and not being able to breathe for more than half of your workout is TOUGH!  I enjoyed it, though, and I swam 50 laps!  Almost a mile.  I really am going to make it a point to swim during my breaks or bike to work every day that I’m at the pool.  I do a lot of sitting there and it isn’t too good, so I need something to break up the day.  I’m looking forward to becoming a stronger swimmer!  Now I just need to get a waterproof case for my phone so that I can get paid for doing it!

The night ended perfectly- spinach pie for dinner with my parents, followed by a quick trip to Trader Joe’s with my dad.  I hit the hay early last night; I was wiped from the early morning.Today is my day off so I’m getting some things done, hanging out and taking it easy.  My dad and I started Monday off right with a trip to the gym.  I ran a very slow four miles + triceps + abs.  I think the heat was really getting to me!  I wasn’t moving too quickly, but was completely drenched by the time I was done.

Then, my favorite meal of the day!  Breakfast!

  Smile! and take a second to notice the beautiful things around you.  Monday is half over 🙂