It’s safe to say summer is officially here. These temps have been hot already, and we aren’t even to July and August yet — but I’m ready. I’ve been really looking forward to summer this year, though, which is saying something. I love all the activities of summer, just not the humidity.
With my new legs, I’ll be able to wear shorts that I haven’t worn in; I bet twenty years? I wore them for the first time on Memorial Day up to our river lot. My hubby took a double-take when I walked in front of him for the first time wearing them. I honestly don’t think this man has seen me in shorts much. Maybe the first few years we dated, but it was a thing of the past after that. (We’ve been together twenty-three years.)
The chunkier I got, the more I hated my legs. Honestly, I don’t ever remember a time I loved my legs. I always had thicker thighs, even when I was a skinny mini, and that bothered me. So, I didn’t wear shorts much, but not many knew I was insecure about my legs back then.
I have always worn confidence well. (I look back on pictures of me, and I was nuts for not loving my long legs with some meat on those thighs!! Was I crazy!?) But now I own those babies and love the thicker thighs. I have no desire for the stick legs that I once longed for. I slap those babies together in my new shorts and say, “A little bit of thunder and a little bit of lightning, baby!” Just as proud as can be!
After two varicose veins surgeries, the third one in office, and losing weight, I’ve never been prouder of my legs. They still have a ways to go but look so much better already. It’s been awesome to slowly watch them transform after a total of five hours of surgery on both legs together over the past three months. I’m anxious to be able to wear dresses above my knees and, of course, shorts to make me feel cooler this summer. Jeans and yoga pants on 95° days — it’s no wonder my upper lip sweat got out of control. Now that I got a taste of the breeze on my knees, it was a lovely feeling, and I think it may help me enjoy the summer more, beating the heat. I don’t have ugly veins to make me feel insecure anymore.
Anyone reading this who is struggling with the insecurity of veins, Dr. Stefan at Evangelical in Lewisburg is just amazing. He is an incredible man who truly cares about his patients and brings legs back to life again. He will change your life!
You know what else helps you beat the summer heat besides shorts? Meals that don’t take forever to cook in the summer. I don’t know what it is in the summer, but I just don’t cook like I do in the cooler months. Anyone else feel the same way!? My momma and I were literally just talking about this, and she feels the same way too. The crockpot is my best friend during those hot months, right along with the griddle and an open fire to cook on. I love quick and easy meals.
I don’t mind my oven being on occasionally, since we have air conditioning, but I don’t want it on for hours slow cooking a roast, that’s for sure. That’s why this recipe is so perfect. It pairs perfectly with a refreshing crisp, cold salad and some sweet watermelon. It’s not a heavy meal and doesn’t take much at all to throw together. In less than thirty minutes, you can make and bake. That’s what I’m talking about! I also love that they are less than two hundred and fifty calories a pizza! I use the Thomas multigrain English muffins. They were absolutely delicious.
So, this summer, wear the shorts to beat the heat and pick simpler meals to make your life a little easier. Enjoy all that summer has to offer. Sit on the porch and listen to the crickets, put your feet in a cool creek, treat yourself to some delicious ice cream, run through a sprinkler, watch the lightning bugs light up the night sky, and spend all the time you can with friends and family doing fun activities that beat that summer heat.
Proudly slap those thighs together and say, “A little bit of thunder and a little bit of lightning, baby!”
Happy Summer!
Muffin Pizza
Ingredients:
• Pack of English Muffins
• Your favorite pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Sharp cheese
• Chopped Pepperoni (and any of your favorite pizza toppings)
• Parm cheese
• Italian seasoning
Directions:
Cut muffins in half and place on a cookie sheet.
Spread on sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and sharp cheese.
Next, place on the pepperoni.
Top with parm cheese and Italian seasoning.
Bake at 400° for about 15 minutes or until desired crispiness.
