Hello, and happy beginning of the week! (That sounds a lot better than Monday, amiright?)

Thanks to everyone who participated in my little poll the other day. Here was the breakdown, if you care:

(I put the “quit blogging” option is as a joke, but was very thankful no one voted that! haha)

Also added in “other” were: metabolic workouts, research findings, daily eats, beginner workouts, and Colorado schtuff. I suppose today’s post can be filed under “daily life/shenanigans,” because we’re talking about life. (side note: I put MUCH more of this category on instagram than I do the blog )

The past week has just been great around here. I’m a very positive person by nature – now – but it took years of practice – ha! Honestly, I just don’t see the point on focusing on the negative so much – especially by complaining about it. I really try not to vent too much, because studies have shown that venting doesn’t, in fact, allow you to blow off steam, but really just gets you worked back up again anyway. Obviously, if there’s something in my life I need to deal with, I’ll deal with it, but I’ll try to do so in a positive manner. I’ve also learned that I just can’t be around negative people for very long. I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s just the truth. I need to just have a unicorn that follows me and keeps the jerks away.

source

(I’d also like one with good grammar, but I suppose beggars can’t be choosers when it comes to unicorns.)

Clearly, life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but the way I see it, it’s what it is, and what brings us down are our thoughts about those situations anyway. So, we might as well just think positively about it.

Another big one for me is to stay in my own business and out of anyone else’s. It might sound kind of selfish to some, but we can only live our own lives, right? I see it as not trying to control anyone else, which is always stressful. And if that doesn’t make sense, just google Byron Katie. So yeah, I tend to be a pretty cheery person (but one who’s not lost on sarcasm and crass) and it’s probably annoying to some people. But you know what? That’s their business

Alas, some weeks/days I just feel more upbeat and grateful than usual. Call it a good mood, I s’pose; Either way, it’s such a great feeling, you know? And this past week was one of those weeks. I was able to get out on the trails a few days, and we had family in town visiting us, which I definitely think boosted my spirits a bit.

I’ve recently been exploring the low side of Chautauqua by running along its trails. Aside from the beautiful views, I also spotted several people running completely barefoot – running along the same trails I was (which are really rocky!!)

Since we’ve been having great weather lately, I’ve also been taking advantage of our back patio and doing my afternoon work outside. It’s nice and shaded, so it’s a good way to get some fresh air while also avoiding the blazing hot sun we get here.

On the friend/family front, our group of neighborhood friends recently got together  – and all of us in the neighborhood got to hang out at the same time. That rarely happens due to someone working, being out of town, etc. So we asked a waiter to snap a picture.

I love going out to eat with a big group of friends, because that means I get to sample everyone’s drinks (but still usually end up ordering a French martini.) Then we all share dessert, but probably not how you’re thinking. Each one of us orders our own dessert, and then we pass all of them around the table until their gone. The best way to do it…unless you order the tastiest item

Funny story. The waiter seemed kind of confused and seemed to be taking our picture for a while. When I got my phone back, I saw he had taken about 25 pictures! Oops lol

And lastly, Shane’s dad and step mom have been visiting us, and it’s always nice to have a piece of “home” here in Colorado. We had a great time showing them around the area and hanging out. However, it made me miss my own parents quite a bit. They just moved to Florida, so I’m hoping to catch a visit to them in the very near future!

It rained a bit last night, but now I’ve got a hankering for the trails. Time to go get muddy.

Are you a positive person by nature?

What are some good things going on in your life this week?