One year.

So last week I had really good intentions of putting together a “one year anniversary” post for my blog, but somehow June 28^th slipped by and I’m not even sure what I was doing that prevented me from posting. I was a little ill at the end of next week and still have the remnants of a scratchy voice after fully losing it on Sunday and Monday.

But in a lot of ways, it’s hard to believe that The Un-Eternal Optimist has been around for a whole year. When I first set out to create this blog, it was intended to be an outlet for a new way of looking at life. I was looking for more perspective, more thoughtfulness and more diligence about recognizing and enjoying the simple happy moments in every day. And I think the blog has done just that. Not to say that I’m not still a Debby Downer or that I don’t have bad days…in fact, I probably have just as many bad days as I did before, but I’m not confident in acknowledging the good and understanding how to learn from the bad.

So, anyway, back to real life. This past weekend I was in Philadelphia for my cousin’s engagement party. And this was an incredible engagement party. Almost more like a wedding. There was a DJ, and a caterer, and flower arrangements, and servers walking around with fancy little plates of taquitos and spiked lemonade. There was dancing and laughing and a really sweet moment when my cousin asked our other cousin and I to be her maid’s of honor. We are so excited!

This week has been a little strange with a day off mid-week for the 4^th of July. Normally, I would have pulled together a festive outfit with a nautical inspired striped shirt and matching navy boat shoes, but this holiday, I was just looking for a break. Plus, I had no plans, and it’s a little strange to be trolling the aisles of Wegmans in a full American get-up alone. I did, however, indulge in one of the great American pastimes—discount shopping—at Marshall’s, which made me feel slightly more patriotic. After that, I went for a quick run at the gym and came home to watch a movie with a friend who’s far away and tucked into bed early.

So even though today felt a little bit like a Monday at work, I’m so glad it’s Thursday. M is coming in town this weekend for a getaway in Annapolis, and I’m really looking forward to our little adventure. We’re going on a sailing trip and a fancy dinner, and I’ll have plenty to update you about next week. Maybe I’ll even take some pictures.

For tonight I’m planning to (hopefully) peel myself away from a Chopped marathon on Food Network and hit the gym for at least 30 minutes. Wish me luck!

To one year of attempted optimism,

Lia