ode to summer
Sunflowers represent summer
This week I held Grand & Glorious ideas of sharing one of my epic road trips with you as a parting gift along with a summer sendoff. Yet, here I am emotionally unprepared for Fall and feeling it acutely. Every year the onset of crisp mornings cool evenings shocks me into a stupor. It’s not that I don’t adore Autumn. Of course, I do! The colors, the festivities, that slight sensation in the breeze…it’s sigh. It’s just that summer sliding out from under me feels like a heavy loss, the death of a best friend.
Instead of leaning into the excitement of what Fall brings, I grip tightly to summer vibes like a cat with claws out dragged into a bath. I mourn the loss of comfort (heat), the easy existence (life outdoors), the adventure (I know there are winter sports but they are secondary to me. Don’t you recall my Southern upbringing? Snow is a newish thing and we’ll cover that later.) Let’s drop this sad turn of events and find an updraft that isn’t quite so chilly.
As I sit at my laptop with wine loosening my brain and proud of the local veggies only stir fry I cooked for dinner, I’m pivoting with jazz hands high to the sky and lighthearted humor at my throat. Since I need a deep belly laugh to help me recover from the cool blow of Fall swooshing through my mountain town life, we are going to cover a topic I have been itching to share and discuss. Hold on tight! And uhhh you’re welcome…except for TAJ. Maybe don’t read this one? Cringe.
MY FAVORITE WAYS TO ANNOY MY PARTNER IN ALL THINGS LIFE
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to steal the covers from for the rest of your life.”
#5 - Walk away from an argument while stating in a sing-song voice, “You love me“
Whether I make a point or not (there is no winning against the other in our household since we’re on the same team, duh), I never tire of reminding TAJ that he did indeed opt to marry me. I think he appreciates it. Every time.
Wedding day shenanigans:
TAJ fireman carries Sprite.
“Being married means mostly shouting ‘What?’ from other rooms.”
#4 - Serenading TAJ at all times and in all spaces
Altering lyrics to mimic what we’re accomplishing or highlighting TAJ’s rebel behavior or listing my desires for how he should respond, act, or feel are mere examples of the extent of my singing prowess when it comes to serenading my sweet Trail Angel. (Wow, he’s really gonna luhhhv this blog post.)
Don’t get the wrong idea though! TAJ is absolutely an incredible human that I am lucky to enjoy life alongside. I promise he gets plenty of opportunities to marvel at my ingenuity. For example, he often smiles at lines like:
🎶Tahh-ujj, King of the Wild Frontier! 🎵
or
🎶 You love meee 🎵 I love youuu 🎶 Who could ask for anything more?! 🎵
TAJ can’t rely on me trying new things in a serious manner.
“Is marriage just two people taking turns mashing the trash down in the hopes the other one folds first and empties the bin?”
#3 - Requiring TAJ to pick me up when I fall down mountains
When I’m whiny on a trail (probably hungry definitely tired) and slip I appreciate knowing TAJ can lean over, grab my pack handle, and set me right on my feet. Yep, true story. While hiking along the Colorado Trail, I slipped on shale and face planted downhill trekking poles splayed wide. My pack was not light. Nor was TAJ’s. It’s pretty much my favorite falling down a mountain story. Swoon. I don’t whine like I used to but when I do, I make sure it’s melodramatic.
From my Instagram post, “Here's a picture on the summit to prove we didn’t argue the entire way up.”
“Marriage is your spouse always standing in front of the exact kitchen drawer you wish to access.”
#2 - Acting ridiculous & making TAJ take pictures with me
I coordinated a photoshoot for TAJ’s retirement (and the celebration of mine too?) with one of his talented brothers at his station. When I showed up in tutu as a surprise, it really ruined his shift. However, it enlivened everyone else’s! Randomly, his battalion chief arrived in time for the fun and passing cars honked happily in support. The results are stunning. You don’t get to see those. However, you do get to enjoy the outtakes. See below. TAJ loves me.
#1 - Lying on top of TAJ while he attempts to watch tv & full body hugs at the most inopportune times
Yes, like a puppy I simply cannot get enough snuggles. TAJ pretends this annoys him but I know the truth; whispered as an aside behind my hand, he secretly LOVES it.
A picture from the Grandiose Tour road trip I had planned to share with you today.
How much trouble do you think I’ll get in for oversharing? Worth it. Haha! Well, my private hobbit of a hubby will be upset for me sharing pics but at least it’s at the beginning of this venture while I have an extremely small audience, right?
In all seriousness, TAJ and I know how lucky we are to have each other. Every time I hear horror stories about marriages or how friends incur awful situations in response to their spouse’s surprisingly selfish and terrible actions, I silently thank the Universe for pulling us together. So here’s to hoping this new job I begin tomorrow (the true reason I’m dreading the end of summer) will lead me to ways to ensure I ALWAYS have my future summers off to fully enjoy road trips or thru hikes with TAJ like the good ole days. And cheers to you enjoying an extra snuggle with your significant other and appreciating them in your life.
Now it’s your chance! What styles of fun do you find in various ways of teasing your special person? Or dog/cat? Or bestie? You KNOW you want to indulge me on this one. I can’t wait to incorporate it into my life by surprising TAJ! My future self thanks you.