Best of July, 2012

The summer is zooming by us!  How did it get to be August 1 already?

July was a fantastic month – time for a recap of some of the things in life and the web that made it memorable.

Best New Experience

Stand-up paddleboarding was the most fun I’ve had in water in a long time.  Like standing up in a kayak or paddling a surfboard, stand-up paddleboarding (or “SUP” which I like to say much better – what’s SUP?) is great fun and a great workout.  Lake Geneva was a great setting for my first SUP experience, even though some hotshots with motor boats had a nice time creating some challenging wakes for me and the other paddleboarders.  I’m happy to report that I didn’t fall in the water.

Best Adventure

Camping at Mauthe Lake was a wonderful adventure.  We camped, we canoed, we had a great time.  It was Jack’s first experience in tent camping, and he handled it like a pro.  I feel sort of bad that the only photo I have of Jack’s first canoeing experience involves him sporting a goofy hat, a flowery, Hawaiian life vest, and a silly smile.

Okay, I don’t really feel bad about it.  I love that photo.

Best Meal

It is a crime that I don’t have a photo of this, but let’s get this image in your head:  a t-bone steak, grilled in the most amazing fashion over an open flame, seasoned perfectly.  I have never had steak that melted in my mouth before.  Jack loved it too – the whole meal was filled with “mmm, steak.  Yum!”  My husband is the master of the grill, and if he suggests steak, I don’t say no.

Best Read

I am a huge fan of Lesley Kagen, and her Tomorrow River is my current favorite.  Kagen’s characters are so full of life, and this mystery keeps the pages turning.  It is one of those books that, upon completion, the satisfaction that you get from reading a great book is actually dampened by the sorrow that the adventure is over.  

Best Jack Story

If you follow Monkey Butt Junction on Facebook (if you don’t, you should!) you’ll have heard this one already, but my favorite Jack story this month is about the letter “S”:

Jack had been carrying around his magnetic letter “S” and instructing me, “Kiss my S mommy! Kiss my S!” 1) Why couldn’t he choose another letter? Perhaps one that doesn’t sound like “ass?” and 2) Why am I kissing an S anyway? Two year olds are sooo weird.

Best Link 

While 33 things to love about men’s polo is a close second, by far my favorite link this month is the 50 cutest things that ever happened.  I loved that link so hard that it made me tear up.  But I’m a sap – I tear up at a lot of stuff.

Best Laugh

I laughed harder than I probably should at this picture of the Queen watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics.

Biggest Inspiration

Don’t laugh:  the Olympics have been really inspiring to me.  (I know, could I be any more cliche?)  I have been in sort of a fitness/running slump, but watching what those amazing athletes have accomplished has really motivated me to take my running more seriously.

How was your July?  Share something great about this month!