A Jam-Packed July 4th

I’m officially going to start lobbying for all workplaces to make Wednesday off-days the standard.  Four day weeks with the middle day off is where it’s at.  Who’s with me?!

Shortly after my festive little breakfast this morning, I headed out to my first horseback riding lesson.  I was so excited, and I definitely was not let down.  The ladies that work at the barn were all so nice, and taught me so much in just one short hour.  The girl who gave me the lesson said she was jealous of my natural riding ability… although it didn’t feel quite so natural to me. 

I’ve been riding several times before, but it was really interesting to get a lesson from someone who actually knows what they’re doing.  Once you start to put it all together, it makes the ride so much better.  And besides the plus of getting to be around the horses (which I really just love), it’s also definitely an awesome workout.  I had a great time, and I already can’t wait to get back for another lesson!

After chatting with the instructors for a little while afterwards, I decided to go pick out my own helmet.  I want riding to become a fairly regular thing, and I don’t really feel like having to wear their shared helmets every time.  (I also have a pretty big head and only like one of their helmets even fit me, so that could present a problem.)

I headed over to a local tack and supply store and found this little gem for only $27.  It’ll serve the purpose without breaking the bank – and if I stick with it for the long term, then maybe I can upgrade to something nicer then.  But it doesn’t look bad on and it’ll keep my noggin safe!

On the way back home, I decided to stop by this deli & market near my apartment that’ I’ve been eying for a while.  They had lots of premade sandwiches and salads, plus a whole section of homemade baked goods and dinner foods like meatloaf and beans.  They also had a large deli in the back where you can get made-to-order sandwiches, and the place was packed so you know they must be good!

I grabbed a turkey + pepperjack sandwich, but I ended up transferring the innards to two slices of whole wheat bread when I got home.  (I wasn’t really planning on actually getting a sandwich, but then I felt awkward leaving empty handed.)  I ate the sandwich alongside some salt + pepper Cape Cod chips and cantaloupe and the whole thing was gone in mere minutes – that lesson really took a lot out of me!

While I was in line at the deli, I saw these babies out of the corner of my eye…

…and had to have one.  Homemade rice krispy treats = my fave.  They totally remind me of the good old days in college (as if it were so long ago).  Billy and I used to meet up for lunch at one of the dining halls whenever we could, and they always had the best lunchtime desserts.  Rice krispy treats were my go-to if available, and snacking on one in the middle of the day took me right back there.

After lunch I headed outside and… drumroll please… finished my tables!!  All it took was a coat of glossy finish and a quick trip to Home Depot for some fancy new hardware. 

I brought them inside (not an easy feat alone) and set them up and they look great!

I’m kind of wishing I’d gone a little darker on both colors, but they’ll grow on me.  And once the rest of my living room is out together, I’m sure they’ll blend in just fine.  It really wasn’t that much work, and it definitely saved me some money compared to buying a whole new set.  I plan on doing a full how-to post in the near future, so keep your eyes open for that if you’re interested!

The rest of the afternoon was spent at the pool…

…with all of my lovely senior citizen neighbors.  I swear just about 90% of the people in this complex are over 70, but they are so nice and friendly so I don’t mind it at all!

After that I spent some time packing for my upcoming trip to Cape Cod to see Billy.  It’s been two weeks since we last saw each other… and that’s two weeks too long, if you ask me!  I was so hot and sweaty when it came time for dinner that the thought of cooking or even eating something hot was completely out of the question.  So, it was cold leftovers to the rescue!  Eaten right out of the Tupperware to save a bowl, no less.

(P.S. Doesn’t my new table make a great photography background? I think so!)

Phew. As you can see by this lengthy post (sorry), it was a pretty jam-packed holiday for me, so I’m about ready to sit down and catch up on some TV and relax. 

I hope you all had a great day!!