January 31, 2011

In the silence, the stillness, the calm, the being... is when it all happens. On an experiential level, I have learned what it means to not be attached to the outcome. I move forward with excitement and wonder. I have no idea what will happen, but I am open to the possibilities. Everything falls into place just as it is supposed to. I really believe this!

January 30, 2011

Here are the two statements that hit home for me today: "Love, love, love. Love is all you need!" and "Stop it!" They sound as though they are drastically different but I assure you, they are not. It is true, love is all we need (minus the food and water, lets not get too technical). And "stop it"... stop pretending that all that other crap is important. Stop the complaining, stop the nonsense, stop pushing the love away because you think you are unworthy. I choose to live in the love. Now, I'm not sayin' a girl isn't going to get annoyed and irritated every now and again, but life is too short and just not that complicated! So, just stop it because all we need is love! That and extra long conversations over Indian food with with the girls!

January 29, 2011

Today started with a plan: Have lunch with a friend... throw in chai lattes, cupcakes sent from above, brainstorming, chatting about views on life (a minor thing), sharing excitement about the future and what do I have?... an incredibly inspiring evening leaving me feeling encouraged and confident (and a $50 parking ticket that the universe tried to test me with... I didn't take the bait).

January 28, 2011: Looking on the bright side

I don't know what other people do on their breaks at work... but I get massaged! So what if my client threw up all over my treatment room nearly making me throw up as well. I still got a massage!

January 27, 2011

Because sometimes when there is nothing else to do at work, one must practice "smiling with her eyes". How great to have co-workers, as ridiculous as myself, willing to perfect such an art. I hope we made Tyra Banks proud!

January 26, 2011

Busted streetlight on my way to work = 45 minute commute
Busted streetlight on my way home from work = 1 hour and 30 minute commute
Having these two beautiful faces to look forward to = absofreakinlutely priceless (or timeless, whichever word makes this little ditty work) Oh, and singing extra loud in my car also helped.

January 25, 2011

Sometimes a girl just has to eat. And so I did. Now to some, an enormous veggie burger with sweet potato fries is not that indulgent. But to me, life just couldn't go on unless I had it. Indulging, sometimes it's the best thing I can do for myself. If only I remembered to take a picture of my meal before devouring it... instead, I leave you with the treat that ended the meal.

January 24, 2011

After two months of not swimming (first month because I colored my hair and didn't want it to fade, the second because I couldn't move my neck appropriately), I'm back! And with my newfound attitude of taking it easy and not forcing myself to workout despite my better judgment, I had such a great swim. Free as a bird... or dolphin.

January 23, 2011

Makin' things happen! That's what I'm doing! I declared last night, "I want to read my book, I'm just not making time to do it." So what did I do today?... I made time to read my book (I didn't say I was making grand things happen, just things). I took myself over to the local nail salon and indulged x2. Pedicure and book reading! And to top it off, I found a new fabulous manicurist. What a day!

January 22, 2011

Driving down Ocean Blvd, I passed by a yoga class in session... overlooking the beach. "Brilliant idea!!" was my immediate thought. So, I u-turned, parked, and took a picture (slightly creepy, maybe, but I needed my shot). This was my final sign... I AM going to become a yoga instructor this year!

January 21, 2011: The Simple Life

While enjoying a delicious meal at Chipotle, I realized something... they do not give their patrons many choices at all and it is quite possibly the most wonderful concept in the world. All day, I am faced with options, sometimes too many to make a choice. It's overwhelming, and often annoying. But then there's Chiptole, they're fast, simple and healthy-ish. Because life actually can be, that simple.

Ps. I took a better picture but I thought this captured how supportive Marc is of the things I do. He pulled over, stopped the car and tried to get out of the shot. Whatta man!

January 20, 2011: Zzzzzzzz....

SLEEP!! I can't seem to get enough of it the last few days. So, I am not pushing myself beyond my limits. That won't get me anywhere, except more tired. I know I have a to-do list to keep up with but no matter what, there will always be a list. And right now, it can wait until tomorrow. I am honoring what my body is telling me... Good Night!

January 19, 2011: Holy crap... I really CAN do what I want!

I realize that I may have some guilt around getting to do what I want (I'll get down to the bottom of that one eventually) but it doesn't stop me from actually doing it! Bought my ticket to Tanzania last night and I could hardly fall asleep because my heart was racing from excitement. This is the first step towards my next goal...hmmm, maybe its like the 5th step, but still, you get the point. Upward and onward!

Hey, I never claimed to have earth shattering, fabulous pictures everyday. I thought this was pretty clever

January 18, 2011: Let's get physical

I drive past this hill on a regular but today is the first day I walked it. It doesn't look like much but it's an ass burning fantastico... That's the best adjective I've got right now. And I followed this great workout by eating an entire bag of chocolate covered power berries... It was dark chocolate so it doesn't count. Today was one of those days that lasted forever, in a great way!

January 17, 2011: "Friends Forever" - Zack Attack

I have decided to offer massages to the best clientele of all... my friends. They are the people I love the most and the ones I work on the least (family not included, sistas). "I am so excited... and I just can't hide it" - Jesse Spano. I've spent the day putting the final touches on the room and I heart it to the max! 

January 16, 2011: You're the meaning in my life, you're the inspiration

Inspired. Incredibly inspired. Last night, I went to sleep asking for clarity and quite frankly... ideas (I'll take them any way I can get them). This morning started out slow. And by slow I mean, I got up to open my windows to let the sun shine in, before I got back into bed. And then it hit me, one after another they just came pouring in... the ideas, that is (nothing flying in through the open windows). The Tanzanian fabric came out of hiding, the spare room was rearranged, yoga was attended, and a shower wasn't had until nearly 11pm (and as we know, that's a true sign of genius)

January 15, 2011: I can see clearly now...

Holy crap! Has this place always been this gorgeous? I mean, I know I've lived here 9+ years and all but I never remember seeing such amazing scenery day after day. Wow, the world is a different place when I decide to open my eyes and really appreciate it. Oh no, I think I just recognized a metaphor for my own self in there. Ah... Touche!

And the bill was $52.52... umm, that's only my favorite number, TWICE! I choose to take this as a sign of something great!

January 14, 2011: On a clear day, you can see Catalina

A friend suggested to me yesterday that I take a 90 minute lunch. My response: my life IS a 90 minute lunch! 
It's the middle of January and it is 85 degrees (sorry to those trapped in snow). So after my three hour work day, I find myself sitting on the sand, watching the waves.  I've always said that the ocean is my favorite sound...but today I stopped to listen. 

January 13, 2011 They call me the wanderer...

Malaysia, India, Africa, Thailand... all in one day. How does this happen, one asks? I have four words for you: Cost Plus World Market. This is how much I love that store... I worked a full day (well, six hours is more than a full day for me), went home and ate dinner, sat on the couch for a bit, THEN, I proceeded to actually get off the couch and drive myself to the store that transports me all over the world. A whimsical wanderer, is what I was. The designs, the colors, the shapes all inspire me. And the lucky item to be purchased... drawer pulls! Ah, just what I needed.

January 12, 2011: Oooooommmmmmm...

I've been challenged... and I like it! "Ah, yoga. My first class in three weeks and its going to be good", I said to myself as I walked into the studio. "Wait a second... something seems different. What is she doing here. Oh, she must be taking the class. No, no, no... crap! She's teaching it!" Maybe that's mean, I don't know, but that's what went through my head (just being honest). So, I took the class and I didn't love it. But there is a lesson here that makes this class a beautiful part of my day... I may think that I have everything scheduled according to my specific plan, but where is the opportunity in that, right? Sometimes, its the "surprises" in life that make it interesting. Its the surprises that challenge me to move deeper into real gratitude and to just say...

Although, I still have preferences ;)

January 11, 2011: Thank you for being a friend.

A walk in Seal Beach with Isabel, coffee and cake in Santa Monica with Kim, a meeting of the minds in Playa del Rey with Patty, Denise and Sim. I have some of the most amazing, inspiring, hysterical, and downright fabulous girlfriends in the world. There is no distance that I wouldn't travel to spend time with these ladies. Hint: This picture is a representation of previously said statement... also, a representation of the gorgeousness that I get to see on a daily basis!

January 10, 2011: I have the pooooowerrrrrr!!!

What I am truly learning to recognize is that I have a gift... the gift of healing touch. And having this gift does not mean that I am always extra excited to share it. Sometimes, it wears me down and I am just too tired to go on. At the same time, I realize that the way I feel and think about it is totally and completely up to me. I call the shots. I can say yes. I can say no... It's in MY hands!

January 9, 2011: "All I'm sayin' is..."

Could this day be any more fabulous?... I went to work for a total of three hours (which made me realize that is the maximum amount of hours I would like to work in a day). I cooked a delicious stew (so out of character). And most importantly, I laughed, vented, gossiped (oh no she didn't...) brainstormed, slightly created a website (four hands on one computer... we're not that tech savvy), walked to a restaurant, sat by a romantic fire and enjoyed a fabulous glass of wine. And I won't neglect to speak of the late night tacos that caused the unbuttoning of some already snug jeans! Oh Sim, how I love you so!

January 8, 2011: Its a marvelous night for a moon dance...

I took advantage of this cool January early eve and strolled on down to the corner boutique, Twig and Willow. I do not like to shop, per se, but I ADORE this place. Minimal amounts of clothing on a rack (I cringe at the thoughts of Marshals), funky jewelry by local artists and my coveted purse that I like to visit every now and again. As I smiled on my way home having enjoyed my shopping experience (a rarity) and prizing myself for not purchasing anything (although quite common), I saw this tree, full of itchy balls and it made me happy. Its as simple as that!

January 7, 2011: Bueller?... Bueller?

Headache still going strong this morning so the only solution was... calling out of work, of course. Brilliant move #1. Brilliant move #2: Watching Lifetime Movie Network (and a little MTV). I have not a care in the world when I am enthralled in such delights as "7 Deadly Sins", "The 19th Wife" or "Death Lies Next to Me" (ok, so I made that one up but still, it sounds right and you know it). Escaping? maybe... but we all need a little escape from the real world every now and again. And that's mine...

January 6, 2011: The sky's the limit

OK, it's time for me to recognize the beauty that I get to witness every day I drive to work... sometimes, I get hung up on the outrageous amount of stop lights and signs that dot my 30,35, 40, 45 and sometimes 50 minute drive to and from work. And then there's days like this (days where I dangerously take pictures while driving) that make the ride the best part of my day... I realize there may have been an overuse of the word "day" there. 

January 5, 2011: Wax on, Wax off!

Swirly, purpl-y, warm, creamy WAX! I cannot tell a lie...I love me some good epilation. On my drive to work, all I could think about was slapping some purple goodness on these here eyebrows and brightening up my baby browns. My eyebrows, your upper lip, her legs, his back... its just so much fun. Call me crazy, but I consider this one of my greatest talents.

January 4, 2011: Good Food, Good Friends, Good Times

It's the beginning of January and I am in Santa Monica, sitting on the grass, sipping on tea, chatting with a super fabulous friend and looking at this... I had such a great time, I didn't even mind the hour and a half drive home.  No really, I didn't! (of course, forcing sisters to talk to me during my drive does help).

January 3, 2011: The juice is loose!

I absolutely loved the way this looked as I was cutting up the fruits and veggies for my morning juice. But as I sit here now on day 3 of this juice cleanse, desiring nothing more than some chewable treats, I am tempted to think otherwise. “Oh, you’re cranky and have a headache because you’re detoxing”, they say. Really? So, it has nothing to do with the fact that I am hungry?! 

Nonetheless, this pic is fabulous because I’m proud of myself for having spent the last three days filling my gut with such healthiness. I am also happy that it is done!   

January 2, 2011: Purple Rain (not really purple... I just like Prince and Rain)

 I heart the rain! I love the gray sky, the crispness in the air, the sound of raindrops and most importantly, the excuse for not having done anything all day! I admit, I get tired of the sunshine. I need a change from all this mild temperature and blue skies (Yes, I live in LA and the Jersey girl in me is slightly annoyed with myself for writing that).  Alas, rain makes me happy! So does using the word “alas”, whether correctly or incorrectly!

  

January 1, 2011: Lil Guy

What could I possibly take a picture of today? … Day 1, the day that will set the tone for this whole experiment.  What do I think is beautiful? What do I love? What inspires me… today at least?  Uh huh, of course, I’ve got it!  And here is what I found when I got home from work on New Year’s Day.