OMG

Ever since I started living alone, I've had a pseudo-roommate in one form or another.  First, my broseph was living on my couch for about...six months.  But he moved out a few weeks ago.  And although I have my physical apartment to myself, I have a next door neighbor who has become like a roomie.  I mean, when you think about it, there's only one wall separating us - which is true for real roommates too!  We share keys, and go into each other's spaces when the other isn't home without batting an eyelash.  This is how close we've gotten in such a short time.  It's been amazing!  Not only can I have my own space, but I have someone there when I need to have a wine night and cry while watching the Holiday.  Or when I need a necklace, banana, or boob shirt to wear when I go see the guy who crushed me. 

She's essentially held the roommate place in my life.  Helping keep the transition to living with someone to living by myself much smoother.  BUT she's leaving me.  To move to a place where I'm glad to have a place to crash, but I still can't help that it's going to be SO SAD. 

And now that my like-roommate is going away for-ev-er, I just wanted to give a shoutout to Jenni, because she's really helped me acclimate to life here.  And to say that I honestly believe THIS is going to happen to me when she moves.  (Please read that last link now).

I kid you not, when I was home alone for three days when my roommate in VA was stuck at her sister's during snowpocalypse 2010, I was sliding around the apt wearing only my socks and underpants and seeing how long I could hold a handstand after drinking an entire bottle of wine.  Is sticking garlic up my hoo ha so far away?!  If it's a homeopathic trick, then maybe not.  Oh boy.  I'm not to be trusted when left alone...

When it's hard

Maybe it's because I haven't been writing down things that I'm grateful for on a daily basis, or maybe it's because since I've gotten back from Costa Rica all I want to do is go back, or just because it's no longer November - the month in which we give thanks...but yesterday I noticed that I haven't been taking time to be grateful for what's in my life.  I think that's the first step.  Then, I embraced that feeling.  With good friends and some pink wine, we discussed the trials and tribulations we've gone through recently and not so much.  All of these stories were centered around one thing: relationships.  Whether it was with our mothers, siblings, or the opposite sex, the relationships in our life have such a huge impact.  The thing is - relationships are hard.

Hard to define, hard to maintain, hard to develop, hard to repair, hard to embrace...

And it's an aspect of our lives that we can't usually control.  The truth of the matter is that since relationships involve at least two people, and you can't force the other to feel or do what you want them to.  Instead, we may see what we want to in the other person, whether it be more positive or negative, it's never objective when you're in it.

This is why I love my friends.  Talking about it won't help mend any relationship (or maybe, hopefully, it can if the talks result in actions), but it helps give you a different perspective from a place of truth.

So I didn't really have a point, nor did I decide where exactly I'm going with this...but I guess ultimately what I'm getting as it that this is a huge shoutout to those friends.  It's relationships like this in my life that help mend my heart when it's on the verge of breaking or when I just need someone.  It's these friends who I'm grateful for today.  And tomorrow.  And forever.

As always, Paulo Coelho writes about relationships in such a simple yet profound way. I'll never think of porcupines the same way.. :)

11:11 on 11/11

So last year I remember I posted a blog about how my friend and I had a virtual dance party on 11/11 at 11:11.  It was wonderful.  This year, I thought I missed my chance to experience it.  BUT!  although I missed it this morning - after I realized it after noon time, I crawled into my bed after going to a concert, and opened up my laptop to check email and Google reader, and one of my subscriptions reminds me it's 11/11. "Oooooh shit," I think to myself, "I missed it!!!"  I look at the clock on the top right of my computer, and what time is it?  11:11 p.m.  I made no wish, instead I immediately text my dance partner that I was thinking about her.  Do I believe in wishes?  I don't think so, I think I believe in myself.

Today was a good day.  And I'm grateful for:

1. Finally getting some of the work I'm doing right by myself!
2. Friends stopping by work just to say hi and have a little chat
3. Office IM
4. My brown boots
5. Leggings
6. Small venue concerts (we saw Tyler Hilton tonight...although I didn't really know him, I enjoyed it)
7. Red wine
8. Google Reader
9. Cute Cajon drummers
10. The Veterans who have served our country.  We will only stay America the Free if we actually live in the Land of the Brave.  

Love!!  And sweet dreams.  It's up to us to make our wishes come true.

what a wonderful world...

My oh my!  It's amazing how time can be so relative.  Since I started back up writing on this blog (aka my own personal internet gratitude journal), I'd been writing every day.  I realize that was only for, like, four days, but that's pretty good after a five month sabbatical.  The point that I'm trying to make is that it feels like I haven't written for a while, when I really just missed the weekend.  I was soooo busy living.  So I consider it a great thing.

But please don't think I wasn't thinking about/noticing what I'm grateful to have in my life.  A few that pop up to mind immediately:

1. Sweet ass dolphin cruises - these creatures are so amazingly beautiful!
2. Friends who let me borrow their hoodie, even when I forget it in my car and am really cold on said dolphin cruise
3. Being able to participate in tailgating activities with my boss and her friends before the USC game
4. Being a spectator at said USC game!  
5. Waking up not hungover
6. Planet Earth's vanilla chai latte with almond milk
7. Driving up the coast with someone who's never done it before
8. Stopping on PCH just passed Malibu for some breathtaking views
9. Discovering new music to like through live shows - especially when they're so close to home!
10. Having the means to take a shopping trip to the outlet mall
11. Fresh guacamole
12. Random snipets of conversation with friends I haven't talked to in too long (I'll also be so grateful when our schedules work out so that we can have a longer conversation as well)
13. Work meetings that I really get something out of
14. Productivity in the workplace
15. The spinning class that kicked my ass and will make me sooo sore tomorrow

And there's plenty more where that came from...

Until tomorrow.  Besos!!

Chasing what matters

Oh my gosh - I have such exciting news!!!  Did you know that with Chase bank and an iPhone, you can take a picture of the front and back of a check in order to deposit it into your account?!  This is amaaazing!  Going to the bank is just one of those things that I put off all the time.  Checks go uncashed for months.  I drive by two Chase banks to and from work almost daily, but usually just can't force my hands to turn the wheel into the parking lot.  Anyway, maybe I'm just lazy.  But even so, technology is amazing.

Today, I'm grateful for:

1. Chase banking
2. My new bookshelves!
3. My friends who help me put together the new bookshelves
4. Half days from work (it was just TOO nice out not to take the afternoon off and go lie on the beach for a while)
5. Hipstamatic app on the iPhone - even before I have it fully figured out it takes totally awesome pics!

So you can get an idea of 4 and 5...

Also, this evening, while we were in Dhanurasana (or bow pose), my yoga instructor said the pose was her survival kit to dating in L.A.  - she said it allowed you to keep your physical heart open, while keeping your emotional heart hidden.  I smiled.

90 degree November

Seriously, look at this!

I'm grateful for lots today - what else is new?  I love this!

1. The awesome new cafeteria in our building
2. The feeling I have after a morning run - workout completed before the sun comes up!
3. Working from home in the afternoon
4. Yogurtland trips
5. My new REVERSIBLE yoga pants!
6. Giving myself permission to put down the book I was forcing myself through because I thought I should read it, and pick up the one I actually wanted to read
7. Pandora - have I said that before?  The people who made this are pure geniuses.  Today I listened to the Radiohead station.  LOVE.
8. Friends who let me use their washer and dryer to do free laundry

I'm not going to limit myself to five anymore.  I don't know why I made up that I should in the first place... I'm just going to keep going until something doesn't pop up immediately.

Woop woop!  I should take tomorrow afternoon off and go lie on the beach...stay tuned, I just might.

Two-sday

It is November 2, after all...

So many things to be grateful for today, that I'm making it a TWO for Tuesday!

1. The ability to rock MY vote on election day
2. Desktop support at work
3. Words with Friends game on the iPhone
4. GREAT Song of the Day emails - two days in a row! (Check out Crystal Castles - Not in Love, and Billy Bragg feat. Wilco - California Stars)
5. Sushi
6. Afternoon tea breaks
7. Huffingtonpost.com
8. Seeing friends in unexpected places
9. My favorite work heels
10. Strawberry Chapstick ("I Kissed a Girl" just popped into my head after I wrote that)

And speaking of Huffington Post...You Voted, Now What?!

it's Monday...what's NOT wrong?

I read an article on the Ode magazine website entitled, "It's Monday: what's NOT wrong?" - ask yourself that, rather than focusing on what IS wrong. Sooo many things are right right now.

Today, I'm grateful for:

1. Free hemming at Lululemon
2. Whole Foods lunches
3. Inexpensive gym memberships
4. The recipients' understanding of the spam that someone sent from my email account
5. sun-shiny weather to start off November

"Happy people continuously change; and because they change they become more and more happy; and then more and more change is possible." - Osho

what feels like years later...

Helllooooo again internet world. I've perused on a daily basis since May 31, 2010 (the date of the last entry), but haven't felt the urge to write anything. Whoooa! It's October 31 - exactly 5 months later - spooooky! Mostly because these blogs were intended as a way for Katie B, Anita, and myself to keep up with each others' lives...but that has since waned, and I think all three of us have been caught up in our own lives so much that we haven't even had much time for a simple phone call, or text message even.

I see this as a great thing. I've been living a great life, enjoying drives up the California coast, Bob Dylan concerts, Vegas trips, several friends and family visits...not to mention living about five blocks from the Pacific ocean. This is what my life looks like.

Today in my Cafe Gratitude questions of the day, I was to ask myself:

"What are you grateful for?"

Which is the most PERFECT question because I've been wanting to start some kind of a gratitude journal-type-deal. I've read that if you write down 5 things you're grateful for every day for at least a month, it will change your life. So I'm ready for my life to be changed, starting today!

1. cucumbers and hummus
2. my pedometer tracking my steps
3. ridiculously comfy USC sweatshirt
4. Detoxifying myself
   
5. pictures drawn by friends to cheer me up

Happy Halloween!!

transfor-may-tion

mayo, my.

There's been a lot going on lately. I've explained to everyone who inquires how I feel about moving across the country from NoVA to L.A., that it hasn't hit me yet. Taking my life one hour at a time has been utterly refreshing. I haven't had much time to sit and contemplate everything that I've been putting myself through. Complete disregard for my sleeping habits, running around trying to say hi/bye to everyone I love, overindulging in both food and drink, training less than I should be, etc. etc.

I feel ok. I've been trying to listen to my body, but I can't quite interpret what it's trying to tell me. I think I may be tired, but then my eyes won't stay shut after 7 a.m. What gives?! Maybe it's adrenaline.

I would like to share stories of my cross country adventure, complete with pictures. But that will be done later...as I'm having photo importing issues. For now, my mind is going to listen to my Being and make myself a little more whole by drifting off into a dreamworld. Although there's no way it could be better than awakeworld.

i want to know...

• why every person who gets a flat tire on the toll road seems to know how to change their tire. if it were me, i'd probably be crying on the side of the road calling my dad.
• what happened to the caterpillar i almost killed, but sidestepped my way into saving its life. i like to think it will live a long life as a butterfly.
• how i can acknowledge the wind when it's resisting against me during my run, but don't seem to notice it when it's giving me that gentle push i so desire.

...and so many other things that cross my mind on a daily basis!

missing the mat.

I went to my hot vinyasa yoga class last night for the first time in about a month and a half. I didn't realize how much I missed it. With much of my time consumed from marathon training, I've been making excuses/rationalizing why I can't make it to yoga on my Rest days. Thank the god of all things amazing that I decided to go back to it.

My body is so sore I looked funny moving today. I had sweat dripping in my eyes for 90 minutes. I wasn't as strong as I was in my last class. BUT, I didn't realize until the class was almost over that I hadn't thought about anything besides that moment and the poses I was in until the moment I came to that realization. I love that feeling. Clear head. Strong body. Can't lose.

In addition...

Do you ever write a whole lot without reading it? I just did that. Either way, I wanted to mention that I took a little time to myself this morning before work to do some yoga, and read some internet tidbits. In doing so, I decided to buy some TOMS shoes. I sat barefoot at my desk yesterday as much as possible, in honor of One Day Without Shoes...like I need an excuse to let my piggies get some air! But I'm excited to get them. Not only for the new shoe factor, but also because I can rest assured that my purchase will allow for one less child in need to go barefoot.

I realize that when I like to go barefoot, it's by choice, but wouldn't choose to do it all of the time. This topic came up the other day when I was discussing barefoot running. It's not commonly done, but I have seen it, and even heard it as a topic for a local radio show within the past several months. It wouldn't be the wear and tear on my feet that would concern me so much as the glass, sharp plastic pieces, and other gifts that people decide to throw on the ground. They are far too busy and important to wait to throw something away in a community trash can, or even at home! I do my part, but cannot take responsibility for others.

The other day, however, I did. While I was walking home from getting some delicious homemade ice cream, I noticed that there were bottles and paper throughout the yard of the Falls Church City Hall. Alas - there was a trash can, and even a recycling bin right in front of the building. I took an extra 45 seconds out of my day to try to help make this world a little more beautiful.

Thank you, and good night.

that's the way the world keeps happening. be interested in it.

I almost brought my laptop to the couch with me as I was watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Then realized I didn't want that much stimulation all at once. I had my phone by my side, watching TV, and that was enough for me - how much can I divide my attention?! Not that much. Usually when I pull out my laptop, my attention is no longer focusing on the TV, and it becomes background fuzz.

Today I went for a 5 mile run. Which is actually one of my shorter runs these days. It was windier than usual, and I found myself thinking how the breeze feels so much stronger when I'm running against it. On my way back, however, the extra push it gave me was so much more gratifying. I felt like I earned that push!

Speaking of running, I'm still committed to my marathon training. I'm running a 10 mile race on Sunday for the Cherry Blossom Festival. I'm looking forward to it?! I'm ready to see how prepared I am. If I suck, hopefully it will serve as the metaphorical wind to give me that extra push to train a little harder.

Running has begun to take up more and more time. Not only do I set aside time for the actual running, but I need to plan when I eat beforehand, I need to make sure to potty, so as to not worry about it while on the trail, and then of course after the run I spend time stretching and showering.

It's a good experience. Training has been challenging, and at times my body is extremely achey, but overall I am grateful that I am even able to put one foot in front of the other every day.

Friday night for me included purging clothes and drinking wine. Oh, and a bowl of popcorn. I've been trying to finish my book that I've been reading, which is sooo good. I think it keeps getting better and better. But I just get sucked in to watching Youtube or Ted.com videos, or perusing craigslist for apartments, looking at facebook pictures, etc. etc.

Tonight, I've become enthralled with this beautiful, heart-filling, big-smiling, tear-welling chorus.

Just a few videos that I loved:

Zebra - Beach House
Joga - Bjork (this is still one of my favorites)
Stay Awake - from Mary Poppins
Empire State of Mind - Alicia Keys and Jay-Z

I watched more. I could probably spend hours watching these amazing children. I sincerely hope this is being done across America. You can see in their expressions and movements how much singing that song really means to them. You can't argue that when cutting the funding for arts in schools...Bravo, dear teacher. You are saluted by yet another big fan.

Now I will read. And go to bed, heart singing.

You may say I'm a dreamer

I was watching an episode of "This American Life" on Netflix this evening. Although it was first broadcast on NPR, it has realized itself as a wonderful tv program as well. The first thing that struck me was that one of the acts was about Improv Everywhere. If you haven't czeched these videos out, you're in for a treat. They cause scenes of chaos and joy in people's every day, sometimes monotonous, lives. I love it. I hope to experience one of these so-called pranks one day.

The other part that struck me was when they were discussing giving an unknown band their best gig ever. They memorized lyrics to their songs, grooved to the tunes, and just overall showed general enthusiasm towards the music. The band loved it, as they were expecting no one to show up. But when they found out it was a prank, actually became irate about the entire situation. I think they felt deceived. I understand that. But after they let the dust settle, they realized that the experience itself was worth it - no matter if it was staged. It was a dream. It was their dream to have a fan base show up to listen to them and care what they were doing. And in that night, their dreams were a reality.

So the question is: When given the choice between dreams and real life, which one would you choose?

love, amor, liefde, amour, liebe, miłość, amore, kärlek, aşk

Who says you have to have a significant other to be in love? Yesterday, I called my parents both to tell them how much I love them. And I text messaged my two best friends to let them know I was celebrating my love for them too. I love love. All the time, even when it's not directed at one specific person or thing. I appreciate that even though Valentine's Day has become somewhat of a pressure-filled "Hallmark Holiday," that there is a day out there to honor something that truly does make the world go round; what some people believe to be the sole purpose in life.

I went and saw the movie Valentine's Day. I loved it. It was the typical romantic comedy-everyone ends up happy-kind of story, but that's exactly what I wanted to happen. It's not as romantic or comedic when the characters end up miserable at the end.

All endings are happy endings.

If you even believe in endings.

It's just a matter of staying with the story long enough.

I love a lot of things...and people. I tell my friends and family I love them. I even tell my car I love it. Recently, we got a plant that I have named Rufus. I love that plant too. I've even gotten back into loving running, and the way it makes me feel. I'm now comfortable when I'm running, rather than huffing and puffing every forced step of the way. Now, although the longer take up a few hours of my day, I know that I will be able to do it I LOVE that feeling!!!

Perspectivus for the rest of us.

Do you ever get tired of hearing yourself complain? I realized that about myself lately. I felt like every stinkin' word coming out of my mouth was about how I was dissatisfied with my job and amount of hours I've been working, my (lack of) relationships with people who surround me, my overall appearance...pretty much anything I could complain about, I found a reason to vocalize. But really, there's no reason for this. I'm tired of whining.

I started reading "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," and although I'm not even 20 pages into it, it's already helped give me a different perspective. One of the characters shares with the others that she is sad for the drivers she sees coming their way on the road.

"The first one looked so sad. And then the next one looked exactly the same way, and then the next one and the next one, they were all the same."
"They were just commuting to work."
...
"It's just that they looked so lost...like they were all dead. Like a funeral procession."

Oh my gosh - what a revelation! I know I look like that on my way to work. But I'm sure it doesn't phase other people on the same commute, as they look the exact same way. Today I made a point to enjoy my drive. I sang along with the songs, and grooved in the driver's seat. I hope others noticed.

I was also fortunate enough to spend the weekend with an extremely positive person. Lindsay used to express to me how inspiring and uplifting she thought I was. Do you ever notice that when you're not around people who inspire and uplift you, you're incapable of doing so for others? Well, I am thankful that she was around me for several days because it kind of brought me back to life. I noticed myself almost resisting it at first. Umm.....why would I do that?! Probably because I'd been so set in my whiny-ness that it was a bit of a difficult journey getting back to a normal state of consciousness - which, by the way, was realized through altered states of consciousness on Friday night :). A few bottles of wine and a game of Things later, I can't remember the last time I've laughed that hard. Belly chuckles are my favorite.

Just a few pictures from a fun filled, white-specked, frigid, and overall marvelous weekend, courtesy of my dear friend:




...it's our God-intended right to be loved, love-love-love, loved.

My perspective is changing. It's changing my world.

making it happen!

Vinoteca on 11th St NW DC...right off of U St. I chose this as my new restaurant for the month of January, and it was great! My friend Chad and I ate here for Restaurant Week. With it, we got an amuse bouche, soup/salad, entree, meat and cheese plate (I ate the cheese, Chad ate the meat), AND a dessert (I ate my chocolate truffles, and finished off Chad's apple tart...whoops?). And of course, we drank vino. They have half price Spanish wines on Sunday, accompanied by a live Flamenco dancer! And wine classes on Tuesdays. I took a picture of the beautiful chalk board they designed on the wall so that I would remember this.



I also signed up for the marathon. OH HEY! I've been running semi-diligently...trying to keep on track. Using my Runner's log to keep track of how far I'm running.

And Dorothy's sister donated a plant to our apartment. I have yet to name it, but I have watered it. I will keep it alive. I will keep the faith alive.

The military showers are going well...I rinse, shampoo, condition, then turn the water of to lather up. The second spurt of hot water is so great! It makes it worth it to turn off the water just to have that feeling of the second spurt.

Now, I must go watch the Office.

20-10 promises

I normally don't like to build up the beginning of the year with some outrageous resolutions. Instead, I'm making promises for this year. I'm going to start with 10...appropriate for the 10th year in this century. I might choose to be ambitious and create some stretch goals for myself. I know I can keep my promises to the 365 days of the new decade!

1. Run a marathon
2. Visit a state I've never traveled to
3. Start taking military showers to save water
4. Try a new restaurant at least once a month
5. Go skydiving over the Grand Canyon
6. Buy more locally grown/organic food
7. Keep a plant alive for a year
8. Read 12 books
9. Purchase a dining room table and make it my own
10. Go to a show at the theater (musical/opera/broadway)

The thought of promising these activities to myself this year really excites me. I don't want to make too many promises, because I want to keep realistic expectations with regards to work/life responsibilities, including financial obligations.