This three-day weekend we just had was glorious. I stayed at work until 8 p.m. on Thursday night to tie up loose ends, and then I met Steve and some friends out for Mexican food.

Friday I went to our health club for a relaxing work out, then we drove up to Baltimore for a friend’s annual 4th of July BarBQ. I had been a little nervous, because last year other “friends” of ours brought Steve’s ex-girlfriend uninvited to this party, which was of course an unpleasant surprise. It still blows my mind that they did that, even simply from a courtesy to the host perspective. I mean, our feelings aside … hello, McFly. It’s called an invitation?? They later claimed the ex was invited, but the host had independently already confirmed that she was extremely irritated by the intrusion, and without the prompting of my indignity. But anyway. This year they left the baggage at home, and so a good time was had by all.

Saturday we went to the AT&T Classic golf tournament for the afternoon, followed by a local seafood shack for dinner. It was another great day spent with friends.

Sunday was the best day of all. Steve and I went out for a delicious brunch at Liberty Tavern, followed by Crate & Barrel to do some registry stuff.  After that, we went on a triathlon equipment procuring mission. Steve is going to compete in two upcoming triathlons, and we had to get him some swim shorts, goggles and a fancy new bike. I bought a pair of weight-lifting gloves for myself, since my hands are getting all calloused and rough on account of the beatings from hauling dumbbells around the gym floor, which sometimes makes me want to lift lighter weights because of the tenderness on my palms. So now I have no excuses. I used my gloves for the first time this morning, and they feel fabulous.

Anyway.

So yesterday, after going on our sporting equipment shopping spree, which I view as investment in our bodies and our health on account of its being cheaper to be healthy in the long run than falling ill and dealing with medical bills and prescriptions and all the overall suckitude and also an investment into just being happier since exercise improves mood while being sick makes one a hateful bastard plus getting to live longer while being in better shape … phew. Yes, so after the spree, we went swimming! And it was fun!

I was a competitive swimmer once upon a time, and so I was able to provide Steve with some tips. For someone who has never been a competitive swimmer and who has never even swam as a workout, Steve did amazingly in the pool. He has a nice stroke and great mechanics. We just need to be consistent with the workouts to prepare him for his races. Practice makes perfect and all that.

I’m looking forward to more and more swimming with him over the coming months. I think we’re going to have a great time. After we were done in the pool yesterday, Steve said, “I feel awesome.” I asked if he was being sarcastic and he said that it was a little bit of sarcasm mixed in with a heaping dose of truthfulness -- that he actually did feel awesome, albeit tired. I love that feeling.