instant relax

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As Bay Area girls, there is nothing like rolling hills and a little fog to set in a perfect, middle of the day respite session. So, here is to a Tuesday afternoon deep breath. As the NYC hospital hustle starts to infiltrate it’s way back into my body – and the miles on concrete into my feet and calves – it does a girl right to think about the wet foggy air, dirt packed hiking, and endless sight seeing, view taking spots that our homeland provides.

Thank god for magic! power of our imaginations, so able to sweep us up for a moment, leaving us in the perfect spot. I’m okay with a little fantasy today.

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monday

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It’s funny.  My yoga teacher actually had us try this the other day.  I failed miserably, of course (that’s some serious shiz).  But I tried.  Counts for something, right?  Here’s to Monday.  To giving the week all you’ve got and to remembering that the best things in life don’t come easily.  Happy day to you.

Hi.

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Well, hello.

I know, it’s been a minute. But for now, I’m back, with a new resolution to visit this little internet place of sharing a bit more often. The past few months have been one heck of a birth canal (literally, the frequency of birthing babies dreams was out of control) and I find myself sitting at my desk, post vacation, more present and grounded than I have felt in some time.

This was no usual trip to the Bay. No daily circles through SF-OAK-Marin. No excessive bridge tolls, gas costs, multiple dates a day. Instead  this trip involved a lot of respite, few plans, a bit of anxiety about disappointing people, and ultimately, my own ability to let go of what I think I should be doing when I am home.

I rested. I ate more steak than I have in a year. I layed in the sun. And, I let myself be in the place that I try to avoid missing.

For the first time since I moved, I asked myself why I don’t live in the bay area. I mean, that place is heaven, and minus a few people in NYC and a certain someone in Seattle, my people are there. It was nice to tap into the place I love. To slow down enough to ask some questions about what I want and what the plans, er really dreams are, over the next few years.

A theme that wove itself through many a conversation was the moments in our lives that show up and invite us to new places in ourselves. Sometimes we miss the moments. Sometimes, if we are so very lucky, they find us, with our eyes open and hearts a beating for an adventure, and we step through a threshold. This can be towards a smaller thing – simple changes in food or exercise or other habits that keep us feeling good. Or, they can be a bigger thing – like clarity about our roles, work, loves.

A door opened up on this trip. And, I am happily dancing through the threshold.

More on this soon.

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set

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Maybe it’s because we spent our teenage years on Mt. Tam watching the sun set, or maybe it’s because since before I can remember, my dad has told me that the clouds at sunset are really pink ghoulies watching over me, but I have forever been enamored with sunsets.

Today marks eight years since Barbie lost her battle with breast cancer.  I could tell you that I posted a quite literally, heavenly looking sunset today because of it’s symbolism, but that’s not it.  I just loved this moment.  It was on an otherwise mundane run the other night, and it absolutely made my day.  Losing my mom continues to teach me many things, one of which is to make the best of all situations; another, to remain eternally optimistic; and another – to absolutely value all those tiny moments I wouldn’t otherwise remember.

Today, I am thankful for the 22 years I had with my mom, but I’m also thankful for so much good fortune that’s come my way since.  The bigger things – my honey, my career, my education, my doggie, for starters – and the littler things – a good book, beautiful sunset, an infectious laugh.

Cheers to the mama.

juice detox, pt ii

Part two… the happy part.  I really, truly do feel like I’ve pressed the reset button on my attitude toward food and on my overall health.  It was tough, yes… but it was (almost) totally worth it.  I needed that.  Winter months mean comfort food and holiday booze, and the theme seems to have trickled into Spring.

So it’s been five mornings since the cleanse ended.  Thursday morning I woke up feeling energized and almost hesitant to jump back into my normal non-juice detox patterns.  Maybe it was in my head, but I felt healthy inside and out.  The day continued with energy and feeling good overall.  It didn’t hurt that the Fundraiser I attended at lunch served friend chicken and jambalaya.  The good fortune continues today.  I’d be lying if I said I haven’t also gotten an insane amount of sleep over the last few days, had a good run, practiced yoga, hung out in the SU library, and overall been extremely kind to my body, but I’d like to think it started with last week’s cleanse.

So, my post-detox recommitment to health includes:

  • Making healthy choices when eating out.  Have you been here?  Currently obsessed with the All Hail Kale salad.
  • Limiting the wine and cocktails – this will get tough when the sun is out and I can’t hide behind my studies.
  • Running (I think we took a “break” this winter) – mentally preparing myself for ladies weekend in Santa Barbara!
  • Yoga – oh Bridget, you changed my life with that one. It all comes back to QT before class in the studio and complimentary Kiehl’s lotion back in January.
  • Time with friends (juice has nothing to do with this one, but I am almost done with all-consuming grad school and can’t wait to get fun again)

Happy Monday!