Eating Out

We love eating out - it's a treat. Sometimes it's for convenience, sometimes because we're celebrating, sometimes just because we're craving something we've had somewhere before.

Last night we went out to dinner. It was fabulous food, but we sat at the restaurant, surrounded by the noise and chaos, feeling rushed to complete our meal so the people waiting in the entry area could sit and eat... and we realized that eating out has lost a bit of its luster. For as scrumptious as our meal was, I could have spent the same money at the grocery store on quality ingredients and created a meal at home that we could have enjoyed, slowly and quietly, and it would have been perfect.

I'm sure we'll still eat out from time to time. But, after last night, we'll think twice before we do! When we want a date night, we want time together - and we can do that at home, sharing in the meal preparation and then the meal itself, enjoying conversation and just being together, focused on the time we are able to share together.

Maybe our "eating out" treats will have to be soft-serve ice cream from our favorite shop down the street. :)

Quilting

Today I begin quilting lessons! A friend of mine creates gorgeous quilts, and offered to teach me the basics.

It started with picking my pattern. Not as easy as it sounds! Of course, my eye was drawn to the patterns that were really too complicated for me to attempt as a beginner. I wanted to pick something I knew I could finish. So, after 30 minutes of standing in the pattern aisle, I finally selected one that used strips instead of multiple pieces to create one block. 

Next, I needed to pick my fabric. This was also time-consuming; there were so many cute fabrics, but every time I picked one, I couldn't find enough that went "with" it to make my quilt. 

Poor Josh. He was at the craft store with me. We were there for almost 2 hours. 

With my pattern and fabric in hand, I headed to my friend Tracy's this morning. We ironed, cut, sewed, ironed, and sewed some more. After 8+ hours, my quilt is coming together beautifully!

I still need to finish the binding, but this was enough for today. 

I had so much fun! This is just the kind of relaxing project I can see myself enjoying on the weekend. I may have found my new hobby!

The Library

I think the library might be my favorite place on earth. I love bookstores, but the library doesn't require that I have money. :) I recently discovered that the Boise library is open Sunday afternoons... which has been great for me when I want to exchange books. Today, we arrived at the library just before it opened - and there was a HUGE line! I was so excited to see others who couldn't wait to enter into the world of books, and the magic that exists there.

I have begun limiting myself to 4 books each visit. I can return each week if I get through my books that quickly, so I don't need to load up on 8-10 each time. It's always hard to choose which 4 will actually come home with me each visit.

I try to mix up my options, choosing different authors, different genres, different themes... sometimes I lean to the more serious, other times to the fun and light-hearted; either way, fiction or nonfiction, fun or soul-searching, I love to read. It is my favorite way to relax.