Summer experiments

Summer is a good time for trying new things, right? I don't get much of a break during the summer -- I'm still working, even though the kids are at home and sooo boooored. But I've managed to have a few adventures.

• Since May, I have been trying to eat a more plant-based diet. Because it's good for people and the Earth. It has been relatively easy to give up meat. I've realized that most meat doesn't have much taste, and I don't miss it in pasta dishes and the like. I've used meat substitutes a few times when everyone else is having hamburgers, and they're fine. What I have a harder time with is eating more vegetables. The easiest substitutes for meat are grains and dairy products, which most of us don't need more of in our diets. I'm not a huge vegetable fan, but I'm trying to expand my repertoire. I don't think I can go vegan -- I dont want to give up my eggs! -- but I switched to almond milk with no regrets. I don't feel any different and haven't lost weight, but I'll be interested to see if my cholesterol levels (which were already pretty good) have changed when I have my annual checkup.
• I noticed that my childhood friends and acquaintances on Facebook really seemed to want to talk about "the old days," so a few days ago I started a group for people who grew up in our neighborhood/housing development. The membership is now over 100, with dozens of posts each day. It's fascinating to watch. I know excitement will die down after everyone has had their say, but it's a really interesting experiment in social media. I'm still trying to figure out what it signifies.
• I also had a mini-reunion with some high school friends, and between that and Facebook I am feeling like I need a break from nostalgia. You know what I like best about getting together with old friends? It's not the reminiscing; it's when we talk about things that are happening in our lives now, and I see that they are, if anything, even more interesting individuals than they were 30 years ago. It's lovely when you can just pick up as if the time had never passed and enjoy hearing what they have to say. I've been fortunate to know some really remarkable people in my life.
• I bought myself a cocktail shaker. My first. I've been making cosmopolitans and mojitos for Big A and me. Yum.
• We went to a new place on vacation this year, a lake in the eastern part of the state. It was a lot of fun, and we will definitely go back. I let the girls talk me going innertubing (in my clothes!) and going down the longest, darkest, wildest slide at the water park. Memo to self: Don't fall for the "Mom, you have to confront your fears!" line again.