It’s another Monday which means Monday Musings – Vol 29 is here! It’s sort of sunny. So we’re calling that a win! And last night I managed 7 whole hours of sleep. Because of that, I didn’t feel the urge to pass out at 1pm. YAY! And yet another win is that Kyle and I both wore REAL clothes on Saturday night. I even had on a sticky bra. Like who did I think I was!? For those of you that loved my one sleeve top, you clearly have good taste too! But you can shop it HERE or HERE. I’m in size small but probably should’ve done the XS. 

Why my heart is extra full today…

Because this weekend was JUST what Kyle and I needed. Saturday morning we left the dogs with Kyle’s parents and headed to Ankeny. Two of our closest friends, Brady & Emily, bought a house just over a year ago and we STILL hadn’t seen it. Which means we hadn’t seen them either. We met up with two other couples and headed down to Des Moines for dinner and drinks. To put it in perspective, I think pre-pandemic the longest we’ve gone without seeing everyone would’ve been like 4 months. It had been almost 2 years of not seeing Chad & Heidi and about 18 months for Elliot & Whitney. NOT OK. Needless to say lots of laughs were had. The world felt 100% normal, we had no stressed and it as amazing. And we discussed where we need to travel together next. Peep the topic that’s up next!

What I’m planning…

Trips. Yes, trips plural. Because 2020 was light on the travel. And y’all know I like to live my life getting home from 1 location ready to plan where we head next! With everything we’ve dealt with the last 5ish months, the budget isn’t quite there for the few locations I would’ve initially been working on talking Kyle into. But that’s ok. Because it’s forcing me to get creative! So in that case, I’m eyeing some drive-able options, places that have inexpensive lodging and areas we can bring the boys along! Think the Ozarks, West Texas, the Black Hills… I mean ideally this Monday Musings – Vol 29 would be written from Cabo. But I can’t win them all. We’ll settle for the below photo for now.

We have more waiting…

Since we’re so good at waiting, why wouldn’t we get to do it even longer? Ughhh. Because of what a complete letdown Thursday’s blood draw was, the past weekend was even more needed. Last Thursday I went in at 8am hopeful that my HCG had finally hit 0. And that maybe, just maybe my body was ready to reset. But it sure wasn’t. Actually it was kind of where I expected. Although it didn’t make it any easier to hear. My HCG level came back at 22. So I get to go back, yet again, this coming Thursday. Surely it’ll be 0 by then. Right? I’m tired. We’re both tired. And mentally/emotionally drained. So we’ll gladly accept prayers for 7:50am Thursday to bring us some needed good news. Again, if you missed it, THIS POST explains things.

Random Ramblings…

• Staying asleep at night isn’t my strong suit. But falling asleep? No issues. Your girl can fall asleep during tornado, in broad daylight without struggle. So I tried to figure out why the last few months I am out like a light in 5 minutes. And then it hit me…it’s the stretching Kyle & I do every night before bed. Like EVERY single night. We do a Peloton class of course. Even when traveling. So I’m here to 10/10 recommend a 5-10 minute stretch before you crawl into bed. Tell me if it works for you!
• Doing something fun for Memorial Day Weekend!? Do share! If you’re like me & like to be ‘festive,’ I rounded up some cute graphic tops that will arrive in time:

• Super random but today I filled up an entire journal. Like every single page of THIS little notebook. I started journaling on January 1 and have done it every morning except for 2 in 2021. If nothing else, it’s been therapeutic for me throughout these rocky months.
• Getting my hair done on Saturday! I am SOOO excited. Likely just going to end up with fresh balayage and a Barbie trim. But ya never know how I could walk out of the salon. Thoughts?! Shoulder length bob with bright, icy highlights? Or keep it growing long and warm it up some? Share your vote in the comments!
• This week’s meal plan & remember, I never do onions:
  • Meatless Monday – Vegan Bolognese over Banza Chickpea Pasta
  • Tuesday – Grilled Chicken + Veggies
  • Wednesday – Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps + homemade Sweet Potato Fries
  • Thursday – Smashed Aloha Burgers + Brussel Sprouts
  • Friday – Med Chopped Pitas + Chips & Salsa
  • Saturday – Out

· xox, Kristin ·