Showers, Kitchen/Baking, Expansion

I was so totally delighted to read on Pioneer Woman's blog this week that she, too, doesn't enjoy showers that much.  I've been thinking about this and wondering if something is wrong with me.  I worked with a guy last summer who showered at least two or three times a day.  Mind you, I have worked some very strenuous and physical jobs that involve sweat, hotness, etc., but I would rather not bother most of the time.  Am I sounding like a hippy?

I've had a little time off this August- not working- and I have enjoyed it immensely.  I was made for this kind of life! I have noticed how frequently I think about showering but then decide- it can wait or even better- I'll just jump into the pool later for a little refreshing.  Showers take time, and I would rather be doing other things.  That's how I feel about showers.  Soon I will return to work, and I imagine I will be more diligent with my showers.  It really feels good to take a break off from them, though.  Maybe if I had a husband things would be different.  Maybe this is why I don't have a husband.  Ha!

I love being in my kitchen.  It's small but it's getting cozy.  I kind of have an orange theme going on.  Here are some pictures:

I baked banana bread this evening (as a gift) and I screwed it up! So frustrating, but the thing is- we all make mistakes.  The more mistakes you make in cooking and baking, the more you're doing and exploring.  I hadn't baked the bread in awhile and forgot to let the bread cool in the pan first before attempting to pull it out.  The bread fell to pieces, so I will have leftovers for myself for awhile.  I will bake more bread later this week! It filled my little apartment with such a warm and homey smell.

I have one last week before my work with AmeriCorps starts.  I have, believe it or not, more errands to run connected with settling in and so forth, but I am thinking more about expansion for myself.  I've joined a hiking group.  They often car pool and so forth.  I have a list of churches to visit and am hopeful of finding one in time.  I'm exploring more of downtown Tucson.  I found the best coffee house/ beer garden the other day on 4th Avenue.  I will definitely be returning to that place, and I hope to share some pictures with you.  The ambiance is incredibly lovely and interesting.  The owner, from Germany, has fabulous taste.  I was impressed with all the little rooms and the variety of German beers offered.  There are museums I am planning on attending when the free day is offered each month.  This week I aim to make it to San Xavier, a mission on the south side of town.  I can't wait to see it.  It's free to attend, but apparently, a truly historic and beautiful spiritual place.

Wishing you all a wonderful week of love, laughter, trying again, and expansion!