Downfall: Running late. It doesn’t bother me much when others run late to things, but for some reason it drives me batty when I personally am late. Even by just a few minutes, like I was for my lunch date with Lee.

Bright Side: I was late because I plowed through a productive morning with a 7 mile run, getting grocery shopping finished, and taking care of little ones.

Downfall: A mad sunburn. On one arm. Oh, the attractiveness.

Bright Side: Sitting outside for a fabulous lunch to celebrate Lee’s birthday.

I couldn’t make her birthday party last weekend since my parents were staying overnight and it was the only night Peter & I could have our date. I knew I wanted to spend some time with her for her birthday though, so we planned a lunch get together. We met at the World Peace Cafe – a vegetarian cafe with great food based off organic, locally grown products.

I ordered a grilled veggie sandwich with the sun salad on the side.

And an unsweetened raspberry iced tea to drink.

So, so, so good! The sandwich was light tasting but filling and the salad had all the necessary items (fat, fruit, nuts) with avocado, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. The food and, most importantly, time with a good friend certainly justify my lobster arm.

Downfall: Black Swan.

Peter & I watched Black Swan on Saturday night. I kind of hated it. I understood the underlying messages in the movie, but it all bored me and just seemed too weird. Plus, I would get the chills seeing all the ribcage action. I know that is part of the ballerina thing, but it still bothered me.

Bright Side: Having a simple, relaxing night with my husband. This little treat we picked up didn’t hurt either…

Downfall: The weekend is now over.

Bright Side: I have a busy, but good, week ahead and feel refreshed going in to it after some yoga and quality discussion yesterday in church. God showed me, for the umpteenth millionth time, that His understanding and wisdom far exceeds our own. That great things are possible when trusting in Him. That following Him always leads to a bigger, brighter side of life. Now, hopefully, that refreshed feeling will last me. For at least a day or two. 😉

• Have you seen Black Swan?
• What bright side have you encountered recently? 

Since I have started blogging less often, quite a few things that happen go undocumented. Sometimes I feel like I don’t get the chance to share as much of those little nuances of my life. Which could very well be a good thing in your mind. And if that’s the case, I feel sorry for you because I’m about to unload a whole bunch of random things happening around the FFF household.

I can get very impatient. Especially when it comes to my current infatuation with mangoes. When Jess posted this recipe yesterday morning, I immediately told Makenzie we would be baking muffins that afternoon.

And we did. Mango. Banana. Coconut. Whole Wheat. Goodness. I followed her recipe exactly, with the exception of using vanilla almond milk instead of coconut milk. I didn’t have the patience to wait for a trip to the store. It made the muffins a bit less coconut-ty tasting, but I still loved them. I know what I’ll be snacking on the next few days…if they last that long.

Muffins and yogurt bowls aren’t the only things coming out of my kitchen though. I also take the time to whip up some easy dinners that don’t always make it in with my posts. I recently made these lettuce wraps and can’t wait to have them again.

All I did was cut some chicken into 1 inch cubes and cook it for about 7-8 minutes in a pan. Then I placed it in bibb lettuce leaves with a rainbow slaw (shredded broccoli, carrots, red cabbage), sliced cucumber, and Newman’s Own sesame ginger dressing. Simple and delicious!

I have also just had a lot going on that I couldn’t even begin to mention. I feel like I don’t know where my days go anymore! I’m so thankful for God in my life to help me keep perspective and calm me during stressful moments. I have picked back up leading our adult bible study class on Sundays.

You would think having something else on my plate would stress me, but it actually helps me. Growing in my faith makes me a better person. Believe me.

Workouts also help make me a better person, for the sanity factor alone. I have certainly experienced some great ones this week. I even broke out some Cathe DVD action yesterday. I completed her HIIT 30/30 workout. It’s been awhile since I have done an interval workout like that. I die.

I’m already dreading, but also looking forward to, the other 2 workouts from that DVD which up the challenge even more. Eep!

Lastly, I miss yoga. I think I do well fitting in regular stretching and foam rolling, but I do miss a more regular practice. I really wish a class at the gym would coincide with our schedules. Or that studio classes didn’t want to make my wallet seize with terror. The class on Wednesdays could work, but it cuts a bit into baby B’s best nap time. I can’t bring myself to do it. Almost like I can’t bring myself to do this…

…though I badly want to get in on the Netflix action. And okay – the yoga thing wasn’t “lastly”. I warned you I ramble. Anyhoo. Peter & I both know if we do the free trial, we may as well sign up because we will get hooked. We don’t need to get hooked. We already have one show a night to watch from our DVR and that hour is plenty. Although, Netflix does have workout options, right? Perhaps it could solve my yoga dilemma. Uh-oh. I feel my determination waning. 😉

• Do you have Netflix or something similar? What do you like most about it?
• What fruit are you currently loving?