Simple Joys of the Week, September 2nd Edition

Well, we're here! A 9-hr-turned-11-hr-drive later, and we're in Cape Cod and well into the first day of festivities for Wedding #1 :) But before I get carried away and into Weddingpalooza 2011, I thought I'd share my simple, sensory joys of the week. Here's what made me smile this week...what did it for you?

Hear: "Lighters" by Eminem (ft. Bruno Mars & Royce Da 5'9)

If you don't know by know, you should know that I am 100% in love with Eminem. I have been for years (my Dad took me to see 8 Mile in the theater for my birthday when I was younger!), and since he got out of rehab I have been loving his music even more than ever (hard to believe!). This new song featuring Bruno Mars and Royce Da 5'9  is no different--it's amazing! Take a listen below:

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Taste: McCann's Irish Oatmeal

After the hurricane last weekend, Ben made this oatmeal for us. It's no joke--it takes about 30 mins to cook on the stove--but wow, is it good. It's kind of like a mixture between grits and oatmeal; I added milk, honey, and walnuts to mine, and Ben added just a little salt and butter, but both were delicious. I guess we couldn't really decide what it was supposed to be (sweet or salty?), but I definitely recommend it if you have some time and are looking for a bit of a change in the breakfast department :)

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See: What is the What by David Eggers

After years of wanting to read it, I'm finally reading What is the What. If you haven't read it yet, you definitely should. It traces the life of Sudanese refugee Valentino Achak Deng from his experience as a "Lost Boy" in the Sudanese Civil War to his life as a refugee living in Atlanta and trying to make a new life in America. I'm not finished yet, but am thoroughly engrossed in the heart-wrenching tale of his life. It's horrible, but really buts things in perspective. Read a wonderful New York Times review of the book here.

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Touch: Field Turf

I know, I know, sounds horrible, right? It's fake grass, and what could be more unnatural than that? I agree, except that it feels AMAZING on bare feet. When Ben and I did our insane "explosiveness" workout on Sunday, we took off our shoes and felt the field turf between our toes. And as much as I had been putting it down, I have to say that it was really nice to walk (and jump, sprint, stretch) on. So yeah, totally weird, but felt nice :)

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Smell: Cape Cod & the beach!

There's nothing like the smell of the beach. And clean air. And a cool breeze. And no pollution, trash, smog, or old garbage. Moral of the story? Cape Cod smells amazing! I love the arrival to your destination after a long drive--the time when you roll down the windows and experience the new, fresh air of the beach (or mountains/country/woods) blowing through your hair and entering your lungs. Ahhhhh. Hello, vacation!

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So there you have it! Now I'm off to get ready for tonight's rehearsal dinner. Have a wonderful holiday weekend and treat yourself to a few simple joys of your own :)

Namaste!
Mary Catherine