Mary Richards and Me

Seven Quick Takes, Heat Wave Edition

Posted on 7/9/2010 at 10:05:53 PM

One. Even though the hearings are over, the Kagan saga continues. Now the big question is how the Republican senators will vote. The New York Times is keeping tabs on their public statements and tracking their votes here. Yesterday, McCain published his statement in USA Today opposing Kagan’s confirmation. As of today, nine Republican senators have publicly announced their decision to vote “no”, none have said they will vote “yes”, and the rest are unknown.

Onto less weighty “takes”…

Two. Last weekend, Caroline introduced me to what has become my new favorite summer drink: Starbucks’ iced passion tea lemonade. It’s really delicious and refreshing. It also happens to be a very vibrant…pink color–but don’t let that keep you from trying it! I too was skeptical at first, but now I’m addicted. Good thing Starbucks isn’t within walking distance of work or home or else my budget would be in trouble.

Three. Refreshing is not, however, what this past week has been. Since Sunday, the Chicagoland area (and, I hear, other parts of the country as well) has been oppressively hot and humid every day (until today). Unfortunately, I was also working (swim lessons and guarding) every day (except today). I can’t really complain because I make good money working at the pool, but, still, being outside in that weather for 11 hours straight day after day was almost enough to drive me craaazy.

Four. Thankfully, I survived unscathed–not even a sunburn! Though now my hair is several shades lighter and my skin is several shades darker than I ever thought possible. Quite the combination, I assure you.

Five. Also thankfully, the abhorrent humidity and heat lifted in time for Round Two of blueberry-picking. And this time I got to go too! …48. That’s how many POUNDS of blueberries, blueberries, and more blueberries we (Mom, Grandpa, Lara, Maria, Elena, and I) went home with after about 1 hour of picking this afternoon. 48 pounds to eat and freeze and top our cereal with and turn into pancakes or pies or muffins or smoothies until next summer.

Six. Guess what I finally bought this week? New running shoes! I went to this awesome store called Running for Kicks, which, obviously, specializes in running gear and attire. The really nice sales guy measured my feet and found two pairs of shoes–amazing considering my foot width–for me to try. After much deliberation and a few trial jogs up and down the front sidewalk, I left the store with these, which means…

Seven…just this morning, I was able to go for my first actual run in a month!! !!! ! I wish I could say it was like I’d never stopped (it wasn’t). But it did feel good to be running again. And, hopefully, I’ll be back to my usual runner’s self in no time.

*Seven Quick Takes Friday is hosted at Conversion Diary–check it out!