Gosh, it’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through June. It seems like time either flies by or moves at snail’s pace. Or perhaps, I’m just fussy. 🙂 We’re in the midst of June Gloom in California, which makes it extra hard to get out of the bed in the morning.
Of course, I’m also a wee bit exhausted because I haven’t had my desired eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Nope. Mighty Max gets real feisty in the morning. Running around the apartment yowling, knocking things off the dresser, attacking my toes and nibbling on them and climbing over me repeatedly seems to happen every morning—multiple times.
Sometimes I do my best to ignore him. Sometimes I yell. Sometimes I get up and boot him from the bedroom. Sometimes I just love him. 🙂
All right—enough about Max. Without further ado, I present my summer edition of The Things I’m Loving!
1. Breaking Bad Says Good-Bye
I came late to the party, but once I watched a few episodes, I was instantly hooked. It’s brilliantly acted and has rightfully earned its many awards. The series concludes this summer, which both breaks my heart and fills me with great anticipation. I’m not ready to say farewell to my favorite (and most evil and vicious) drug kingpin, who was once so harmless and hapless, but it is smart to go out on top. Too many shows (movies and books too) wear out their welcome and limp across the finish line, barely a shadow of their former glorious self. This will not be the fate of Walter White, although it is still to be determined whether he will be left standing when they fade to black. Cannot. Wait. To. Find. Out.
2. Summer Movies I’m Watching
While I admit this summer there wasn’t an absolute must-see movie for me, there are always a few movies that standout. Fast and Furious 6 has been my favorite summer movie, so far. Be sure to stay for the scene during the credits as it created pandemonium in my theatre. I must also say that no one clapped at the end of Iron Man 3 or Star Trek, but Fast 6 did receive applause, along with some hooting and hollering. It’s just good summer fun. I’m also looking forward to Despicable Me (love those minions), Pacific Rim and The World’s End.
3. Books I’m Reading (or will be soon)
I’m behind on my reading. I need to catch up on the latest books from JD Robb and Kim Harrison. Both books have been out since this winter. Bad Tanya! The good news is I’m selling some old books and DVDs to Amazon, which will cover the costs of those books and maybe even a couple more books! Woo-hoo!
4. Food I’m Making and Eating (and eating)
I’ve got a ton of great recipes queued up and on my list to make this summer. I’m making a yummy Oreo chocolate tart, caramel brownies and some refreshing summer beverages. Plus, this delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake, which was Ah-Ma-Zing! I’ll be posting the recipe this Thursday, so be sure to come back and check it out. So, so good!
5. My Big Ginger Tabby, aka Mighty Max, or 17 pounds of Pep
Yup, Max is silly, sweet, fun and super rambunctious. He keeps me on my toes and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sure, he completely shredded my bench and I really haven’t had a great night’s sleep since I adopted him, but he is the happiest kitty I have ever meet. And he is just what I needed. This weekend, I realized the one year anniversary of my Beloved Emeril’s passing is quickly approaching. Of course, I naturally start to get weepy, and Max scampers into the living room with a big smile (yes, cats can smile too). He jumps up next to me on the couch and settles in for a long snuggle, exactly what I needed. I miss Emeril every single day, but I am honored to be Max’s Mom and cannot imagine life without 17 pounds of pep.