Last night Michael and I did a hike around North Table Mountain in Golden. Between the weather, the company, and the trail it was one of those perfect spring evenings where everything just felt (for lack of a better word) good. We ended up going a little over 6 miles. I can tell I am getting faster and stronger! It was so rejuvenating after sitting at a desk all day.

Plus, there were a lot of mule deer wandering around the top of the mesa. Mule deer really aren’t that exciting, but it’s always a treat to see wildlife out on the trail!

And here are some extra little treats.

• Was inspired by Christina Tosi’s Chef’s Table episode and decided to try my hand at cereal milk panna cotta. It was love at first bite.
• Currently reading (and loving) Americanah.
• This made me laugh out loud.
• Get paid $4000/month to live in Iceland and travel the world. Not a bad gig!
• The Handmaid’s Tale season 2 started this week.

Happy Thursday!

Ok, bye.

The days are getting longer and warmer here in Colorado, which is perfect for some after work hiking with Michael. I am still getting over some PTSD from previous hiking mishaps (having something like a heart attack, getting shocked by my internal defibrillator), but every hike leaves me stronger, more confident, and extremely happy.

So that’s exciting! And these things are fun:

• Thinking about making mean green grain bowls or sweet potato vegan buddha bowls for lunch next week. Gotta step up my meal prep game.
• Reading the final bits of Purity. I love a Jonathan Franzen novel.
• This March Madness-styel bracket made me laugh out loud and the book sounds hilarious.
• A great article on the joys of a the new grown-up friend. Related: a book about female friendships.
• My new favorite face wash: Angels On Bare Skin.

Byyyeeeeee.

First of all, I don’t even know how to express how much I appreciate all of your kind and encouraging messages over the last few days regarding my heart update! I feel so loved and supported and it’s making this whole mess so much easier. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I’m very lucky.

Second, another update. The ICD procedure went well! Fortunately, I don’t remember anything during the time in the operating room. I was comfortable and calm and surrounded by a great medical team. Afterwards, I was surprised at how good I felt. My pain levels were low and my spirits were high. It was great to be wheeled back into my hospital room and be greeted by Michael, my parents, and my grandma. I spent the night in the hospital and then stayed Wednesday night in Rochester before flying back to Denver yesterday.

Emotionally, I feel significantly better than I did last week. I think I needed to get a lot of emotion out before I could start moving forward. It helps to know that I have one procedure down and two more to go.

Physically, I feel good. Not great, but good. They implanted the ICD just below the collarbone on my left side and that’s still quite sore. I think it’ll be about 3 more weeks until I can have full use of my left arm again. It seems to be healing well and I’m no longer taking any pain medication. I’ll be curious to see what it looks like once the swelling has gone down and the steri-strips fall off. I try to get out for daily walks, but am still a little paranoid, because nothing with my heart is fixed yet. The ICD is security in case something does happen, so I need to take things very easy. Going for a 1-mile walk is a great day for me, but hey, it’s better than nothing.

Third, some fun links.

• Pesto pizza with balsamic chicken and peaches. I’m intrigued.
• These easy DIY fabric planters are super cute.
• Just finished reading The Handmaid’s Tale. Didn’t love it, but I think I’ll still watch the Hulu series.
• Anyone have a medical ID they really like? Currently liking this, this, and this. Help me!
• I’ll take whole wheat waffles and cashew coffee for breakfast. Please and thank you.

Thanks again your thoughts and prayers and positive vibes this week! The unroofing heart surgery is scheduled for September 18.

Xoxoxo jd

I found these little succulent-looking plants near the top of La Plata Peak (a 14er like this one). They are so cute! I am currently trying the keep the ones in my house alive and well, hence the 5th bullet point in the list below.

• Potato Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches.
• Interesting read about HIIT versus SIIT.
• A summer book list.
• Super cute DIY Linen Skirt.
• How to Care for House Plants.

And the happiest of birthdays to this guy <3 We’re taking a long weekend to celebrate in Glacier National Park. I cannot wait!

jenna

On Tuesday I woke up thinking it was Saturday. Kind of a bummer. But now it’s almost Friday and I’m gearing up for a weekend of climbing mountains. Or, at least, that’s the plan assuming the weather will hold out. Finger’s crossed! What’s on your agenda? Perhaps, you want to make this cake?

Anyways, here are some things to get you through to Friday:

• How to make an epic cheeseboard
• This grilled salmon with avocado bruschetta sounds like a delightful.
• “When you hear the thong song you know everything is going to be ok”
• Looking forward to following along with this trip across the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Here is their gear list.
• Finally read Go Set A Watchman and then quickly devoured In A Dark, Dark Wood. Any recommendations for what to read next?

Have a a great weekend!

jd