Year in Review

2013 was about change.  Kind of a boring year, for me, reflection wise, and perhaps, that is due to the fact that I am still transitioning.  Figuring out my next journey.
I kicked off 2013 with a 30 day yoga challenge.  The first five days were rough.  The thought of doing another side plank terrified me.
Then, I wanted to do yoga.  Couldn't wait to get to another flow class.  I rearranged my work schedule to accommodate this crazy desire to complete the challenge.  Everything said and done, I completed 40 consecutive days and only stopped because my schedule wouldn't allow for it.  I was super bummed on that Saturday that I missed the class.
Shari and I had considered traveling to Tibet, Bali, or Chile to celebrate the 7 year anniversary of Brian's death.  After much thought, we chose Denver.  Why we didn't think about that, initially, still stuns me.  It made the most sense.  Brian was a chef and we wanted to honor his life in the most organic way.  Traveling to Tibet or Bali would meet the spiritual requirements but the food factor, zest for life, a couple of other things (wine) seriously lacked.  Denver was the most obvious choice and it did not disappoint.

 First, dinner at Solera with many of my friends--Goddess, Steve, Pocketsize, Goose.  Of course the anniversary fell on Denver's restaurant week which is always a nightmare for me to find a place to dine and order off of the menu.  I like the idea of restaurant week, I do, I just find it challenging to enjoy a quality experience being rushed in/out to accommodate everyone else that wants to dine at that particular spot to take advantage of the value oriented dining.  I choose to avoid it as much as I can.

 I digress.  Two of my friends/family.  These two ladies are keepers and my running partners at an upcoming half marathon in Napa in July.  Cheers to the Goddess & Sara Jo.

Shari and I had a lovely meal at Solera (as noted) and spent the anniversary dinner at Frasca.  Divine.  Never disappoints.  I felt fortunate to spend time at both places and Brian and I had eaten at both places.  It was nice to recreate a foodie experience with Shari.  I will go more into the food thing at another posting.

Anyways, so, 2013, started with yoga, celebrating Brian's death, running (a little) and trying to transition more into wine.  My boss, G, took me to Paso Robles for a beer fest.  Since we were in central coast wine country, he asked me, when I would be heading that direction to do wine?  Funny how he completely saw that coming, even if I didn't.

I spent a couple weekends in Paso with Sara Jo/Agnese, G, and then Shari.  It was lovely.  Each time I found a new reason to enjoy it.  Sara and I ran a half marathon in Santa Barbara. I hadn't been training and so the run sucked but it was a wonderful experience.  

Prior to that trip, I spent a few days in Denver and managed to attend Opening Day.  My first one.  I had had tickets in the past but never managed to actually make it to the game.  The festivities always thrilled me.

Beer Festival in May with G was pretty freaking awesome, too. We went wine tasting (obviously), checked out Pismo, ate mexican food and in general, had a good time.  

We returned to Phoenix and it was summer.  No more leaving the windows open it was hot.  I couldn't believe how much it had changed.  At any rate, I spent June in Phoenix and planned an adventure to Oregon in July.  It was lovely to see my sisters, visit Bend for the first time and take a much needed break from the heat.  At that point, I was thinking I was ready for a change. I wanted to get more into wine and an opportunity presented itself. 

I took a wine buying job in September. Thankfully, i had a trip to Paso Robles with Shari already planned out before I took it.  I had bought tickets to Santa Fe Wine & Chile, too.  I believed that I would complete those trips without incident.  I took the job and since then, my travel has decreased.  

Yoga remains a constant and the desire to travel remains.  I took a solo trip to Santa Fe in November and it was glorious.  Much needed.

Now, I enter 2014 with hope.  Hope that I made the right decision to pursue wine.  I am ready for the next venture.  I know this.  

2013 brought transition, change, and some adventure.  I felt my heart beat again and no, I do not say that lightly.  Yoga continues to inspire, motivate, change.  I am happy with the present and embrace tomorrow as a new day.  Happy 2014 to all.  Celebrate, enjoy & taste life, always~

reason for car side assistance

Car Insurance...health insurance...both things that are necessary even if, at times, they seem ridiculous.  Many times, I have scoffed at my car insurance.  No lie.  I have wondered what, exactly, this service provides.
My car is an antique.  I love Veronica.  She is solid, a tank, my savior.  Men stop me, repeatedly, in admiration of my volvo.  Regardless of the condition...they recognize the rarity of the model.  It is a wonderful car.
So, today, I drive to the west valley after spending the beginning of the day with friends in the northeast valley.  We toast life, drink bubbles and bid adieu.  I head west and when I arrive with a a few bottles of wine to accommodate everyone, I break my key in the door.  WTF?
Seriously...Crap!  F^&K!!!  I am f#*ked.  What is the best option?  My one friend suggests a lock smith.  I know that I will be taken advantage of as it is xmas and so I hope to avoid that option.  My other friend mentions that I can stay with her and her boyfriend.  I think of what is in my car--glasses, ipod, contact solution and I am sad. I have everything that I would need to stay at her house but no way to access any of those items.  F^&K!!!!
I mull it over and realize that I must be an adult.  Staying at my friends' house is not an option.  Yes, a temporary solution but not a result. I would be stranded, somewhere, relying on public transport or an acquaintance to get me from point a to b.
I call my road side assistance and am told that the guy will agree to making a key for $800.
Wow, really?  You think that is agreeable?  I was taken aback and horrified that someone would suggest it.  Perhaps you weren't interested in work today.
I get it...it's a holiday, christmas (for F*^Ksake)  However, it's not like I planned to have a key malfunction.  Thankfully, they found another kind person willing to make me a key.  Awesome end to a shitty day.  Cleanse will be 2014, trip to Denver (january),  freedom.  I believe in my decisions and support the upcoming choices.  Cheers!

Three year lessons...

I met a tarot reader in Melbourne, Australia.  I was hesitant to meet her.  There was a massage therapist, reflexologist, multiple vendors and tarot readers.  I approached the area, worrisome.  There was an old guy (out), lady with McDonald's (obviously, not a viable option) and one other lady.  Wearing turquoise, kind eyes, no fast food bags.
She read my cards in 2008 and told me that I would be on a different path in three years. I would want something new.  Ironically, in 2011, I did venture out of Denver (as she predicted) and stayed within the comfort of my chosen profession.  She said a few other things that did not resonate at that point. I felt that, for the most part, she was spot on.  I took from that reading what was necessary for my life.
Three years later, and again, I question my choices.  What would happen if I wanted to open my own place?  What is the limitation?  Hesitation?  Freak out point?  I guess I am now considering what is stopping me from truly taking a risk, this risk.  Of course, it would limit my travel options which always scares me.  However, I am almost convinced that it is something that I would like to do.
I went to a new place in Phoenix the other night. I know the chef and bar manager.  The space was fantastic...well lit, great vibe, fun.  Food, okay.  Not great.  One of the dishes was super salty and some sand to accompany the scallops.  A bit much considering.  We ordered a sammie that seemed unreal.  Sausage octopus and it severely lacked.  Dripping in mayo, bland bread and some protein...I wasn't in love the concoction.  Yes, I did manage to be constructive about the disaster.  Octopus sausage still appetizing.  The chopped salad was the most balanced, fresh and inspiring dish.  Hearts of palm, parsley, onion, pine nuts were a few of the core ingredients.  I did enjoy the salad.  I will return as it has only been open for a month.  I believe it will work out the kinks and be a destination for foodies in Phoenix.
I have been meaning to get to the post office before work and I have not been successful.  Gifts this year will be arriving late.  This new schedule is making me a little crazy.  My days off, I act, like I still have a ton of flexibility.  For example, I went to yoga, had some wine, met a friend for happy hour and then retired to my house.  There was no real push to be anywhere but where I wanted to be.  Now, that I have a set schedule, I am concerned with maximizing my free time.  So, no, I didn't make it to the post office today and I will not make it until next week or after.
There are other things that I want to consider but I am running out of time before my day starts.  Til then, I dream of travel, a new city and yoga.  Cheers!

yoga, vision boards and other ways to "reset"....

I think I've heard the Hawaiian Christmas song 20 times in the last six days...I am over it.  It's one of those things that annoy me while working.
I have ample time to reflect, consider, analyze while working it seems.  I get bored and then I obsess over decisions I have made to get to this point.  I obsess or try to zone out into music.  That is challenging as in the spirit of the holidays, most places are playing christmas music.  For me, it becomes a bit much and I ready to return to more current music selections.
Speaking of music, I am going to check out a new yoga studio today.  I know the instructor from attending other classes she teaches and also practicing alongside her at times too.  She has a great flow and great selection of music.  Previously, I purchased a 50 class package at my normal studio.  I like the vibe of the place, the owner is kind and every instructor is welcoming/approachable.  The only downside is the class selection.  They offer classes that are a mix of bikram/flow.  I am a "flow" girl and they do not offer enough of those classes.  There is a noon class offered daily which I would attend regularly.  That is, until, I took the real job.  Now, I am lucky to attend my preferred class once a week.
I have the opportunity to attend one of their other studios and check out that vibe.  I know there are more flow classes available at that location.  The downside of that studio is that it is north of where I live and I don't want to grow attached to driving more.
When I lived in Denver, I drove four-six miles, round trip, on a daily basis.  It is crazy that I put at least 1200 miles on my car monthly.  What happened to the days of simplicity? I could walk to and from work.  I do miss that aspect of living in Denver greatly.
In the spirit of the new year, I opted to revise my current vision board.  My last one was focused on running, health and getting fit.  After randomly choosing photos/words that inspire me now, I saw an emerging theme.  Still centered on being healthy and living a healthy lifestyle, I am drawn to locations.  I am inspired by wine country (a few photos of wine glasses, Paso Robles), chiles (Santa Fe), rocky mountains (I do love Denver).  In addition, yoga and being happy.  I guess that is what I am identifying with, most, as I conclude 2013.  I choose to be happy in every aspect of my life.  Even if that means I am disappointing my dad as he would prefer that I live in a more stable environment.
I know this is a lesson and one that I wanted.  I must see where it leads and how to make sense of it.  The vision board soothed me.  My ideals have not altered while pursuing stability.  I still yearn for more travel and wonder how to make it happen.
I view every day as an opportunity to grow, adapt and find my calling.  Maybe it will happen today.  A special happy birthday to my little sister, Jasmin.  Finally entering the 30's and still so much available for her to discover.

Tuesday randomness

I am trying to convince myself that I am excited to go to work today.  I'm not.  Shocking, I know, and honest.  I would love to spend the day reading or lazy.  Not thinking about either job or obsessing about things that are out of my control.
Work is necessary and so I will greet the day shortly.  I've had dreams of stocking endless cases of wine and kissing co-workers.  Cute co-workers, age appropriate, but still, a co-worker which is a huge no-no.  Not that I haven't foolishly ventured down that path in my past.
This, to me, that I am thinking entirely too much about work and not enough on happiness or what makes me happy.  Today is a new day and opportunity to enjoy it. I must look at this job as what it can be or mean to me.  Possibility of something new and how to make it better from that perspective. I am meeting a bunch of people in the industry and that is fun and exciting.  I know that there are doors opening because of my decision. It's the waiting that is challenging and forcing me to reconsider what I really want.  I suppose if it was easy, I wouldn't want it either.
My landlord will be remodeling his home 2014 and so I will be looking for a new space to call home.  I got that news last night at dinner.  He did say he would give me ample notice which is nice.  I was a little surprised at the news still.  Perhaps another sign of change for me.
Until then, I will dream of future travel.

Inspiration

I have a few days off next month (thankfully--I think I would have really gone crazy if I had not managed this)...it gives me something to look forward to.  I seem to really need that these days.  I suppose I make it sound worse to justify why I want to escape the current reality.  I know that I am fortunate to have this chance to seek a more stable industry.  I am meeting many many people that offer new opportunities for growth, education and travel (of course).  I am capitalizing on a connection made, recently, in July.  Cannot wait to run a half marathon and then wine taste in Napa.  Sure, it will be hot in July.  It won't be as bad as Phoenix and I am very aware of that fact.  July is brutal in the Valley.
Originally my plan was to go to Santa Fe with my friend Lisa.  She was going to work the market while I took a much needed break from the Valley.  I asked off from my job and was about to purchase plane tickets when she had to cancel.  I was sad since I really could use a trip and I adore Santa Fe. It wouldn't be that much of an expense for me since she would get the car and I would figure out accommodations. It was a quick trip, though.  She wanted to go for the day.  I (honestly) wanted three days.
At that point, I looked at my options.  Go to Santa Fe, solo.  I could fly to Albuquerque, rent a car & drive to Santa Fe, see my friend, Melody, and maybe Jenn from high school.  It would be great, rejuvenating and lovely.  I always have a great time in the land of enchantment.  The last few trips have been memorable.  I would have to return to Ojo Caliente, too.  There is always a chance of crappy weather and so as much as I wanted to go to Santa Fe, solo, I felt there might be a better fit elsewhere.
I could stay in Phoenix and head north to Sedona.  Day trip somewhere and enjoy the beauty of Arizona.  I suggested that to a friend and had hoped to make that happen.  There are many activities to enjoy in Phoenix and surrounding areas. It would be nice to see it through the eyes of a visitor and I am more than willing to be a tour guide.
However, I have been thinking a lot about Denver lately.  I looked at flights and they are more than reasonable.  It seems that I should head that direction for a few days to reset my priorities.  I am going to have to arrange a session at Izba.  It is a must do activity, for me, when in Denver.  Moreover, I miss my friends and the city itself.  Even it it snows, I can manage a visit to Denver.
I get conflicted with what is best compared to what is right for me.  Sure, stability is something that I should work towards.  I just don't know if it is a good fit for me. I thrive on flexibility and freedom.  I hear stories of people up and relocating to other countries and it sounds like true bliss.  I don't want to be handcuffed to anything.
I know that I will be doing something with those few days off.  Then, there is Vegas in February and maybe a trip to Santa Fe in March of April.  Opening Day in Denver is always excellent. I am so confused and inspired by the possibility of it all at the same time.  I am working towards a life full of travel.  In the meantime, I will enjoy my surroundings, yoga, cultivating relationships and life as it is for now.  Cheers!

Books that have inspired me

Every morning, I wake up, grab my lap top and check e-mail, daily blessings and facebook.  Today one of my friends from high school posted ten books that had inspired her.  I have not been able to stop thinking about books that have inspired me.  So, here goes--
The Year of Magical Thinking.
The Alchemist
Geek Love
Revolt of the Cockroach People
Love in the Time of Cholera
The Cold Six Thousand
May we Be Forgiven?
A Year in Provence
Life and Death of Charlie St Cloud
The Stand
I reflect over my choices and see themes that have inspired me at different phases in my life.  My friend, Sarah, from college always read and would lend or buy me books.  She turned me onto Geek Love, Love in the Time of Cholera, A Year in Provence.  Also, a few books that I just considered.  Choke, Fight Club, a few other books by Chuck Palahniuk.  Sarah always knew how to find a great read.
The Stand, I stumbled upon, while working at a gift shop in high school.  My boss, Carol, is a kind woman.  She taught me how to approach customers without appearing aggressive.  She and her husband owned a collectible store that my mom worked at when we first moved to Salina.  Later, Michaela, my sister, worked for Carol and then me.  It was a great job.  I could do homework while being open at the shop and I read a lot.  I think I have always been drawn to Denver from that book.  Who knows?
I read Revolt of the Cockroach People in college.  I thought I would attend law school when I was a little kid.  I think I came up with that notion when I was 7 years old.  My parents were supportive of my decision and firm that if and when I attended law school, I would be paying for it.  That is not what stopped me from pursuing that idea.  It just didn't feel right when I attended college.  I loved history and ended up in the latin american studies section of the department.  My advisor was a kind, patient man.  He taught us to learn in many mediums--film, lecture, music.  I read Revolt of the Cockroach people while attending one of his classes.
Another academic and friend, Cotten, suggested that I read James Ellroy.  I have never been disappointed in any of his books.  Black Dahlia, White Jazz, L.A. Confidential.  The one that stays with me is The Cold Six Thousand.  Every few years, I reread it, from start to finish.  I never get bored with the story.  I actually almost checked it out, again, a couple weeks ago.  Instead, I picked up May We Be Forgiven?  I had started that book, this past summer, while visiting my sisters in Oregon.  It captivates and is at times, laugh out loud, hysterical.  I had to finish it once I found it at the library.
I found The Alchemist while traveling on my around the world adventure.  My friend, Amber, loaned it to me in New Zealand.  It's funny how when you need something, truly need it, you receive.  I randomly encountered Amber in Christchurch at a hostel.  We shared a room and she spoke of a great park to run in in Christchurch.  A week later, we ran into each other in Wellington.  Now, she is relocating to Denver after several years in Chicago.  She teaches yoga and is highly respected in her field.  I keep meeting people that know her or have taken her class.  At that point, in my journey, I needed the Alchemist.  It was perfect.
The Life and Death of Charlie St Cloud was in a hostel in Costa Rica.  I found it near Manual Antonio where Shari met me to celebrate the 28th of February.  I found it and was wrecked, emotionally, as it rang true to me at that time.  Especially as Shari was traveling me and we were both trying to identify how to heal ourselves from the greatest loss I have ever felt.
The Year of Magical Thinking, still, brings some sort of peace to my life.  I have sent it to others in similar situations to help them breathe as it did me.  Loss is part of our lives and how one chooses to deal with differs greatly.  For me, I had to lose myself in travel to refind what living could be.  I am still learning that path.  Not as intense, but, still a part of my life.
I think today is going to be about reflection, inspiration and power.

Hair cut and other random encounters....

A few weeks ago, this guy, stopped me at my retail job. I thought the question would be related to beer or wine (hopefully)...instead it was this---Is all of your hair the same length?
I was taken aback.  Not at all what I was anticipating.  I almost stuttered my response.  Yessss, it is.  He hands me a business card and explains that he is looking for models to cut hair.
I have been considering having my hair cut and so it sort of worked into a manifestation.  Recently, I frequent a salon in Tempe that is great. However, I spend $65 for two inches to be cut off.  Yes, my girl styles my hair and she does a good job.  It just feels steep for two inches to be subtracted from my mane of hair.
I called the guy and set up an appointment.  During our brief exchange, he mentioned that he would not be cutting layers to my hair as he didn't know how to do that yet.  At that point, I realized that the hair cut would most likely be a trim. I wasn't prepared to have my hair jacked up and then spend more money to fix any mistake.
I arrived a few minutes early and checked in.  I thought that the appointment would start at 9:15 as arranged.  I sat there for 15 minutes and started to get anxious.  I was thinking of the rest of my day and what I had intended to do prior to work.  Finally, after I inquired about the stylist, he shows up with his instructor.  He asks me what I would like to have done and make suggestions.  His instructor agrees with the assessment and off we go.  She had recommended cutting bangs to further accentuate my face. I was like--no freaking way.  I know that I came across as low maintenance and even hesitant about going through with the treatment.  I was absorbed with time and thinking more of the cut as an obligation not something that I truly wanted.
In all fairness, he did a good job, was professional and kind.  His instructor checked each section before he proceeded and she taught him how to do layers on my hair.  It was getting later and his instructor was in high demand.  There were other apprentices that needed guidance and assurance that they were styling hair in the correct technique.
Due to this, she cut the other side of layers and finished up my hair.  He watched and noted that he had other clients coming in and that I was in a time crunch to leave.  I had mentioned that I had work soon and that I was hoping it could speed up.
I was disappointed that they didn't style my hair.  They let me leave after the cut was complete.  I get it to some degree.  I said, I like to shower and go, that I rarely, ever, blow dry my hair, that I was low maintenance.  But, the style is part of the experience and I was disappointed that I didn't get the full treatment.  Of course, I tipped and I pulled my hair back into a pony tail the minute I left.
I stopped by a market to pick up soup.  There wasn't anything that looked inspiring and so I chose a sandwich.  Being in a hurry and instead of taking a deep breath and noticing a few things...like I didn't need to return to Tempe to pick up my bag for work as it was already in my car.  Instead, I am rushing around and pick up a pre-made turkey sandwich.  I get home and realize that the sandwich has american cheese which I loathe and think, I should have relaxed and gotten my hair blown out/styled and shown up to work refreshed.
I change out a few displays, work on my biceps/triceps and approach customers.  The guys on my team are talking and I notice a guy that may or may not have been helped.  I ask him, have you been helped?
He looks at me and goes--no...I don't mean to stare, you are just so attractive.
What?  I know that I turned like 30 shades of red and I say--thank you, I guess, and walk away.  Later, I was paged to help me out of a talkative customer that kept following me around.  At first, I enjoyed the conversation.  Interesting guy, wanted to road trip to NYC and had a natural vibe.  Then, he just got weird and wouldn't stop.  I tried on a couple different occasions to make a clean break without offending him.  Somehow, he managed to continue the conversation until I was paged which was awesome.
I think there is a full moon or perhaps the 13th is already enchanting people.
I skipped yoga today as I want a flow class and that cannot happen today.  I work, early, and have happy hour plans with a friend from Denver.  It's dangerous to meet with her as we both miss the city, dearly, and talk about it.  We compare/contrast the differences between here and there and I always leave sad.
I am off to greet the day.  I am curious to see how this day will pan out....

current thoughts

I am arranging a trip in January.  Either staycation, here or head to Denver, San Diego or Santa Fe.  I am considering the staycation option as it will be a little warmer here than in Denver or Santa Fe.  I can drive up to Sedona or explore some other place in Arizona.  Mostly, I want a few days off from work to be free.  Two days off in a row where I can venture elsewhere.
I know that Las Vegas trip will happen in February.  I thought about working Thursday morning and then heading out to meet Shari.  I believed it would provide a way to not feel bad for asking off more time from work.  Then, I realized how foolish that would be.  I don't want to appease other people.  I want to enjoy my life and a large part of that happiness occurs when I am traveling.  I remember when I chose to try this new job.  Many friends remarked that the lack of travel would kill me.  They are right!
I am attempting to rectify that.  To balance options and make it work for me.  I am enjoying the new job--cultivating relationships, meeting more people in the industry and my arms are finally looking sculpted. I can do an adequate push up (another bonus of retail work).  I jest.
The main concern I have is the lack of travel.  I must find a way to make it work and continue to work in this industry. I know there is much more to learn and I am committed to doing it.
In the meantime, I will read, do yoga, travel (as much as I can) and blog.  A friend of mine suggested that I continue this the other night when I was venting my crazy of the current state.  I was expressing to him my unhappiness with not being able to travel and he told me that I should write.  I agree.  And, I will write about traveling and in that regard, I must do it. I cannot worry about money or work.  I feel these things will always be in my life.
Til then, I will contemplate peace, celebration and my next trip.  Staycation or trip elsewhere.  I am going to do it next month!  I know it is going to happen.

Happy Thursday thoughts

Today is a glorious day.  Mostly, as that is how I am choosing to greet it.  The last few days, I have been in a serious funk.  My body felt bloated (damn thanksgiving), I was stressed out due to work and my sleep suffered in addition to other areas of my life.
I woke up today and felt great.  I skipped yoga.  In my defense, I am unfamiliar with the teacher and the prospect of attending a bikram/flow class with crappy music just inspired me to stay home and watch Nashville, early, as opposed to tonight, when I am done with work.  I really enjoy that show--great character development, plot twists and then the music is great.  On a side note, I am listening to that station on pandora.
I miss my running partner, the Goddess.  I wish we could go for a run/catch up session.  Or, I wish I had someone in Phoenix that could become my running partner.  I had one, last year, but it felt shallow and forced.  Plus, I am pretty sure the guy was only running with me, hoping, that I would go out with him.  I thought that was incredibly lame.  His nickname was McFly (no, I never told him that).  Super nice guy but he reminded me of George McFly, the high school student.  I didn't him as anything but a running mate.
I will return to yoga tomorrow.  I have the option to go to another studio and catch more vinyasa flow classes which I prefer.  I know the bikram style is beneficial for a lot of people.  It is not for me.  I prefer balancing postures and change, every day.  I get bored when it is the same sequence daily.  It is stagnant.
I knew that I was a 5 according to numerology.  A nonconformist.  Some positive attributes and some that are risky.  But, it is me and it is so true to how I view my life.  I like the freedom/flexibility of how I choose to live.  Real job is challenging my ability to travel and sustain like I am used to.  I haven't completely decided to chuck it, but, I'm not 100% sold on the benefits of stability.  I am learning, a lot, which I appreciate and meeting more people in the industry that I want to be part of.  I know that I am on the right path and that challenges/obstacles are part of it.  It's all part of the learning process.  I am thankful that I have mini-trips in the works.  Gratitude for my employers and their patience with me.
I have an upcoming venture to New Mexico in January and then there is Las Vegas in February.  Shari and I need to lock down the dates so that I can ask off from work.  In July, I have a half marathon in Napa.  The accommodations are set and I know that I will manage (somehow) to make it Denver or Santa Fe another time in the Spring.  I know that I benefit, greatly, from these quick trips.  It's like a reset button that soothes me.
Well, I must fully embrace the day and head to work.  Cheers~