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? 

I wish I had made extra of these Peanut Butter Banana Flax Muffins I made to bring as part of a meal for someone who just had a baby.

[I used this recipe but instead of 2 cups all purpose flour, I used 1.5 cups whole wheat pastry flour and 1/2 cup ground flaxseed.]

I wish there were more hours in the day. I had so much to do yesterday that I did not sit down for lunch until 1:30. That also meant I had to eat lunch whilst nursing.

I wish laundry would fold itself. 

I wish my phone screen actually worked.

And I wish my husband didn’t bum phones off friends recycling them at our church.

I wish I was a better mom some days. I don’t believe I am a bad mom, but some days my patience wears a little thin with Makenzie and I hate that.

I wish I could get more creative in the kitchen. I have eaten a version of the following three things way too often recently.

Actually, you know what? A lack of creativity isn’t so bad. Those meals are delicious!

I wish you all knew exactly how much I appreciate each of you. It saddens me that recently I have not had as much time as I would like to read/comment on your blogs. I hope you can recognize my support and care for you regardless.

I wish date nights happened a lot more frequently.

Saturday night was fabulous! And for those wondering about my dress decisions – I ended up borrowing one of my mom’s dresses. Haha!

We ventured to the Buckhead area of Atlanta for dinner at Via, an Italian restaurant we purchased a Groupon to awhile ago. Who says date nights can’t also be frugal nights? I loved getting to try someplace new.

I ordered the spinach salad to start. It came with caramelized onions, hardboiled egg, and pancetta in a balsamic dressing.

It had so much flavor. I loved every bite. Peter even preferred it over his house salad.

We ended up sharing two things for our dinner. A pizza with basil, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onions, black olives, and pepperoni.

As well as some goat cheese fritters with strawberries and a balsamic glaze.

I really liked the pizza. It reminded me of some of the pizza I had in Italy. As for the goat cheese? You all know me, right? If you think I loved it, you would be correct. I could have made a meal out of those alone.

After dinner, we started heading home because I didn’t know how Braedon handled taking a bottle from my mom (he can act finicky with bottles of my pumped milk). Luckily, he did great so we decided to stay out a little longer. We checked into seeing a movie and I was thrilled to remember Water For Elephants is now out.

So, we killed some time with an ice cream pit stop before seeing the late showing of the film, which I thought was very well done. I love the story line and think Reese Witherspoon & Robert Pattinson portrayed it well.

I hope we can have date nights more now that Braedon is old enough for others to watch him and Makenzie together more easily. I missed dates! Plus, Peter & I believe they matter so much in a marriage. You have to keep the relationship fun. We also believe in keeping our marriage at the forefront because a solid marriage helps make a solid family in our opinion. Here’s to more in our future! 

• What is your perfect date? I actually adore dinner & a movie dates.