Dear June and July...

I got this idea from my friend (again) Cara from last month and I have been waiting to do this all month!! HONESTLY, WAITING. So, here it goes. Thanks Cara for another great idea! I TOTALLY enjoyed this post!

Dear June,

This is my sweet friend Justine. I'm so
thankful for her friendship that began
here in Washington! :)

This was a tough month for me. I flew by so quickly but there has been a lot on my mind. I loved having my parents visit our sweet little tree house for almost a week. It made the month so much more sweeter and memorable.I have been missing my family so much (so has my husband)! I was expecting LOTS more sunshine, 80 degree weather, more dresses and sandals, less pants/jackets/boots. I was expecting a lot more riding on my bicycle, hiking, and walks to the coffee shops. And even though you gave me a couple AWFUL tan lines, I was expecting a lot more tanning and people watching with a blanket and book on the grass next to the Centennial Trail. But I am thankful for the few days of sunshine you have provided, the sweet visit from my family, how fast this month as gone by, and the sweet moments I have had with my husband. I will forgive you for all the tears, the clouds and humid days. Even though this month was so bittersweet, I learned a few things. I have learned I can have my own opinion, my own ideas, and my own style. I don't have to blend in. I can be loud... or quiet. I don't have to laugh if I don't think it's funny. I can wear polka dots and stripes if I wanted to (even though I probably wouldn't). I can disagree. I can agree. I have noticed I have limited myself to so much more than just these very tangible things. With the shuffle of graduating high school, moving away to college, going through bible school, getting engaged, graduating from college, getting married and moving... I just haven't given myself time to get to know myself. Lots of opinions from others and not a lot of my own "soul searching." I realize that I take advantage of people's opinions and become lazy not letting myself think for myself. And this last month I have realized that it's time to think for myself.  June, I am so glad you are over and I am so ready for the month of JULY!

Dear July,
You are here! And it is still raining! COME ON JULY- way to start off the month. I have been waiting anxiously for you to get here. I am excited for my family's annual camping trip at the end of the month in Tahoe! It will be the first time Uncle D gets to meet his beautiful niece, Emma-E. It will be the first camping trip with my sister and I married (remember, my sister and I both got married last year... just 3 months a part)! And HOPEFULLY, it will be hotter than I can stand! I expect much more sun (obviously), bike riding, and tan lines. I expect to read more of the books I get from the library, drink more iced coffee, and throw the softball at least once this month. I expect to learn more about my June epiphany, drink a lot more margaritas, and sit on my porch a least once a weekend! I have recently revamped my eating habits... I began getting lazy (wow- this word is way too common in my life) and just eating what's available. So my goals are to be wise with my snacking. It's ok to eat whenever I am hungry, but choose things that are sweet, cheap and healthy- fruits and veggies. And it's been great! I have also been avoiding exercising (the weather doesn't help, I blame June), but this month I would like to continue what I started yesterday. I couldn't end June too lazy. My goal is to win "Top Seller" at work with the reward of 1% of all I sell that month... between $50-70 thousand dollars! Lastly, I want to give myself more time for myself. I am getting over that this is NOT selfish or a sin, but necessary. I expect a lot of great things from you July! BRING IT, July.

Last years trek to Tahoe for the annual camping trip!
I love my husband- he is HOT!