Mental Health Monday

Last Monday Mr. Veen and I escaped.  Well, that sounds a bit more dramatic than it actually was, but truly it felt like a jail break of sorts.  You see, it's been a rough winter.  I've been so busy and stressed with school and life.  So when Mr. Veen suggested we sneak away for a Monday lunch at the beach I fell in love with him all over again!  It's amazing how just a few hours with the roar of the ocean and the call of the seagulls helps me breathe.  What an amazing place we get to call home....

Late July

It's August 1st and I for one am glad to realize this!  Last summer I had the epiphany that come the last week of July it's not the kid's who need summer vacation - it's me.  This year it snuck up on me just like it has in years past -  the subtle feeling that the house has grown smaller, my tolerance for noise of any kind has diminished, and I begin dreaming about hermiting away in a quiet little cottage in the woods. 

This year I decided it only fair that I would take at least one or (gasp!) two whole "personal" days if at all possible in late July.  Mr. Veen is on "stay- cation" this week and we agreed that I would take some time away and he would take some time away.  So yesterday I got the hell outta dodge and spent the day with myself.  Here's what I did:

1.  Some serious thrifting
2.  Burgerville triple berry smoothie
3.  Hair color and trim
4.  Impromptu pedicure
5.  Fish tacos and martinis
6.  Bachelor pad

I can't tell you how nice it was spending the day with my own thoughts and taking as much or little time as I wanted to!  It turns out I really like hanging out with me. 

Cheers to August and enjoying every last bit of summer!

Friday's Letter

Dear Mr. Veen:  it's pretty cute and funny how much you love your new beer glass.  It gets bonus points for being too tall to fit in our cupboards.  Dear Jake and Ella:  three more days of school to go!!  I think I am just as excited as you guys are for the change in our routine.  Dear Self:  you and I both know how long this week has been.  Your weekend escape could not have come at a better time - so excited!  Dear Gwen Stefani:  I am loving you and your music lately and this song sums up my thoughts exactly.  And last to Mr. Veen:  thank you for being the kind of husband and father who supports me getting away from time to time.  Good luck to you this weekend - I'll miss you!