I wish I had a better reason to say why I haven’t been blogging this past week, like – “I was on a super awesome vacation in the Bahamas”, or “I’ve been backpacking around Europe”, or “I got a job making a ton of money for the rest of the summer”. That would not only be amazing, but it would also be a billion times better than the real reason I haven’t been too in tune with the blog world.

This week, a lot has happened in my life, and sadly I can’t even try and find some way to word it that will make it sound even remotely okay. I will say things could be a lot worse, and it fortunately has nothing to do with death or illness, and I am so thankful for that. I know nothing else could even compare to something as horrible as that, so I really cannot complain.

However, I have been dealing with a lot the past few days due to some shocking, devastating news. I’m not comfortable revealing any more than that right now, but I’m trying my best to keep a smile on my face and a positive outlook because life is good, and I know things will get better in time.

My thoughts and emotions are so mixed up right now, so as much as I want to get on here and let my fingers type every single one of my feelings (because, after all, writing is one of the main ways I release and deal with my emotions), it’s all too fresh right now. The emotions are too raw, and to be honest, it’s just too painful.

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Through it all, though, I thankfully have still been able to sweat it out, eat very well, and most importantly, enjoy quality time with family and friends.

I’m actually getting choked up thinking about what an incredible support system my friends have been through such a difficult time. I always try to count my blessings, but, I’m human and will admit I do take the most important things for granted sometimes. It’s sad that it takes something terrible to make you realize how lucky you truly are. My family and friends mean the world to me. I would be nowhere without their love, their shoulders to cry on, their advice, their trust, their support, and their ability to make me laugh when I think there’s no way I could even smile. They are literally everything to me.

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As I said, even when I thought I had no appetite, I’ve somehow been able to eat every meal, and some of them have been pretty fantastic.

Here are a few ‘highlights’ from this past week –

Mint oreo Carvelanche:

Chicken, salsa, apple, and veggie tacos:

Fruit and almond milk smoothies:

 

Mom’s shrimp, spinach and roasted red pepper whole wheat pasta:

 

Classic vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles:

Salmon with mango salsa, my fave rolls, beets, and sweet potato with cinnamon:

New (at least to me) Emerald Vanilla Bean Almonds (and apple slices):

Panera Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad:

Packed pb banana pitas and snacks for days on the shore:

Meals enjoyed while looking out at this:

And ice cream stops on the way home from a relaxing day with amazing friends:

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No matter what happens in life, I will never forget how truly blessed I am.