Calm. This is my fourth day of no coffee and surprisingly, hot tea, is a lovely replacement. I feel lighter than when I wake with coffee if that makes sense. And, I survived the full on caffeine headache which typically follows my departure from coffee. I just wanted a break and I know that that first cup of coffee (when I return) will be inspired. I can almost taste it.
I think I got on the hot tea train after spending five days with Jean--aka, poodle, while in Mexico. She stopped drinking coffee three years ago and drinks tea instead. I envied her decision while trying to craft my own coffee at Jonny's condo. His french press broke. Mental note to self, must bring new french press to Mexico or a coffee pot for my next visit unless I am able to sustain the hot tea morning wake up.
Anyways, I feel awesome and am rested. I think I am actually caught up on sleep for once and I have went to yoga three consecutive days. I love this trial period offered by the studio in Phoenix. For twenty dollars, I have unlimited access to the studio for two weeks. It's ideal. This way, I can check out classes at different points of the day to see what works best for me. I prefer the vinyasa flow series and see a noon class, regularly, in my future. They offer a bikram with flow intertwined which means the class is an hour and twenty minutes. I liked the class and hope to return but I like wrapping things up within an hour. The additional twenty minutes just means more sweat and adds thirty minutes to my drive back to the east valley while covered in sweat. Yuck!
Side note, my brother-in-law, Jeremy, is performing his dissertation tonight. I am sad that I will be unable to make it. This piece of work will be extraordinary--I know it. It's taken him awhile to complete the task, but I am sure that it is a true piece of art. Inspired. Beautiful. Accomplished. He is a rock star~
I began this post today with the intention of writing about Jean's visit to Phoenix. Need to return to that goal.
She arrived after sitting three hours on the tarmac at the Seattle airport. Yes, she departed during the crazy snow storm last week. Had her flight been Thursday she definitely would not have made it out. However, she did make it and immediately, I drove her to one of my favorite spots in Phoenix. We drank cocktails, ordered brussel sprouts and a beet salad and quickly returned to our normal flow of conversation. I met Jean while in college and despite the fact we see each other, rarely, we have the ability to pick right up from the last time we saw each other. She is a genuine friend and I am extremely grateful for her in my life. I have seen her more often the last six years. I flew out to Minnesapolis in 2006 and spent a few days with her and her family. Then, there was a road trip in 2007, a wine trip in 2008, a girl's weekend in 2009 with Michaela and Shari, and now this year. She sends the occasional christmas card and we always manage to talk during the year.
We have a solid foundation of friendship is all I am saying and it is easy to hang out with her. I called Jan and she agreed to meet up with us. They met this past summer on a trip to Oregon that Jan accompanied me. It was natural to invite Jan along.
From the parlor, we headed to Tempe to enjoy the last of happy hour at another wine bar that I frequent. We called Jan's husband, Tom, to see if he wanted to join us at the happy hour place. He didn't. He wanted to dine at Los Dos which is closer to their house and not an option for us on Wednesday. We had dinner plans with some of Jean's friends and I was trying to figure out the best way to get my car home and Jean to the restaurant on time. Jan offered to follow me home, pick us up and join us for dinner. Seemed like an easy fix.
I forgot to mention that Jean's friend lives in the west valley and had asked Jean if she could stay at my place instead of drive home. I would be all for that if I had a sofa. I don't. I couldn't envision the three of us in my queen bed and so I told Jean to let her friend know that I had a yoga mat if she wanted to spend the night. Then, I felt guilty. I knew this woman was older than me and I didn't want to make her that uncomfortable on my floor so I decided I would sleep on the floor, begrudgingly. I brought it up to Jean, again, that the sleeping arrangements would be as such. I inquired--maybe her husband could pick her up or join us for dinner. Hoping that her husband would pick her up. The prospect of the floor was not that inviting for me.
When everything was said and done, Kirk, joined us for dinner. It worked out well and dinner was fantastic. We enjoyed a few bottles of wine and reminisced how we all knew Jean and why we moved to Phoenix. I think Sue was interested in hanging out with us after dinner but that drive home is long. Since Jean and I were not ready to call it a night, we stopped at another tap room and had a beer. This establishment is close to my house--very close--and Jean wanted to get a cab. Incredulous but I wanted her to be happy and so we found a cab. Immediately, we both noted how it reeked of vomit. It was overwhelming. We gagged while opening the window and sought fresh air. The cabbie started incessantly spraying air freshener which made it all worse. All, I could think was, why didn't we walk? It's only five blocks.
The next morning we both laughed at our decision to take the cab. That is how our mini adventure began. We managed to get pedicures, stop by my job to enjoy a bloody mary and then I drove us to Mexico. From here, debauchery ensued. I will reflect on the mexican adventure later....
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
yoga studio found
Most excellent experience. I arrive early to communicate that I am intererested in attending the class and that it is my first time at the studio. The instructor asks me if I have done yoga in the past. My response, I moved from Denver. She goes, oh, core power.
Yes, I was a member of core power and so we chit chatted their studio, a bit, and she told me that her daughter lived in Denver. Ah, no wonder you are familiar with core power. Anyways, she offers to set my mat up for me while I fill out some paperwork. She asks if I want to be near the door for air flow and I am like--sure, I can handle this.
The class was a mix of traditional bikram poses and the vinyasa flow. She incorporated a few ending poses which confused me. We were approaching the hour mark and I noticed a few people gathering their things and heading out. I laid there and thought, I thought this class was an hour and twenty minutes....must have looked at the schedule wrong. So, I get up, gather my things and head to the door. April stops me and asks--are you okay?
I was and at that point, I realized that there was in fact, twenty additional minutes to contend with. I opted to leave since I was hot and had profusely sweat through my yoga pants. Next time, I am wearing shorts. I was miserable with the amount of clothes I had on and was sweating through. Yuck!
Regardless, I loved the class and thought April was lovely. There was a mix of men and women, ages and level. I felt comfortable and cannot wait to return. Plus, they offer a two week trial period for $20. That is awesome.
Side note...two days without coffee. I am happy to say that I feel great and am enjoying the green tea. I am dependent on coffee, normally, I love it and I want to alter that habit. Drinking tea is different. There is the caffeine to satisfy my addiction and lessen the intensity of the withdrawal headache. I just feel less full from drinking tea if that makes sense. We'll see.
I must get ready for work and figure out my yoga class for tomorrow. I am definitely going. Enjoy your Wednesday!
Yes, I was a member of core power and so we chit chatted their studio, a bit, and she told me that her daughter lived in Denver. Ah, no wonder you are familiar with core power. Anyways, she offers to set my mat up for me while I fill out some paperwork. She asks if I want to be near the door for air flow and I am like--sure, I can handle this.
The class was a mix of traditional bikram poses and the vinyasa flow. She incorporated a few ending poses which confused me. We were approaching the hour mark and I noticed a few people gathering their things and heading out. I laid there and thought, I thought this class was an hour and twenty minutes....must have looked at the schedule wrong. So, I get up, gather my things and head to the door. April stops me and asks--are you okay?
I was and at that point, I realized that there was in fact, twenty additional minutes to contend with. I opted to leave since I was hot and had profusely sweat through my yoga pants. Next time, I am wearing shorts. I was miserable with the amount of clothes I had on and was sweating through. Yuck!
Regardless, I loved the class and thought April was lovely. There was a mix of men and women, ages and level. I felt comfortable and cannot wait to return. Plus, they offer a two week trial period for $20. That is awesome.
Side note...two days without coffee. I am happy to say that I feel great and am enjoying the green tea. I am dependent on coffee, normally, I love it and I want to alter that habit. Drinking tea is different. There is the caffeine to satisfy my addiction and lessen the intensity of the withdrawal headache. I just feel less full from drinking tea if that makes sense. We'll see.
I must get ready for work and figure out my yoga class for tomorrow. I am definitely going. Enjoy your Wednesday!
tuesday night
Night off. Skipped the mandatory run and opted for a lovely bottle of wine to accompany a meal. Inspired by wine and unmotivated to run.
Really. Truly. Seriously.
I could have run; but felt, why do it? I was not in the mood. Instead, I visualized sauteed tomatoes, onions and garlic. I had several containers of tomatoes for Jean's visit. We had a few tomatoes the initial night but that was pretty much it. Two containers of grape tomatoes remained unopened in the fridge. I couldn't get past the image and eventually, I texted my running partner that I wanted a rain check.
He responded that he was fine with it and that, he, too, was hesitant to run. I texted that I appreciated his understanding and left it at that. Not that I wasn't interested in his reason for not wanting to run, but only wanting focus on my reason for postponing.
I drove home, stopped by my favorite little farmer's market and returned home. Opened the remainder of a delicious cabernet from Sonoma and began prep work. I cut onions, tomatoes and garlic. I waited for the vegetables to cook down, meld and overwhelm me with flavor. Delightful. Amazing. Absolutely loved Tuesday dinner.
Afterwards, I sorted through the piles of paper that cover my kitchen table. Bills, christmas cards, to-do lists, etc. I walk past it, daily, and note that I must clear the table. Finally, I tackled the table last night. I sorted what was necessary/unnecessary and now have a beautiful table to utilize again.
My dad is visiting in March and I woke up, this morning, with the realization that I must buy a couch and yesterday. I will have to give him my room. I love my yoga mat but it isn't that comfortable. I have six weeks to find a couch as well as get fitted for the lovely bridemaid dress. Wedding in September requires fitting by March. Not looking forward to that fun little appointment either.
Things to do and lines to cross off the to-do list. Happy Wednesday~
I am heading to a yoga studio and have the intention of making it a regular thing in my life. I enjoy yoga and feel that I truly benefit from it. When I first returned to Phoenix, I found an instructor I enjoyed but her approach to the class changed. Initially she taught the flow series with some yin yoga involved. Eventually, the class focus shifted to all yin yoga classes which I do not particularly enjoy. I stopped going with the hope that I would locate another studio and quickly. Five months ago....
Looking forward to the class. Namaste!
Really. Truly. Seriously.
I could have run; but felt, why do it? I was not in the mood. Instead, I visualized sauteed tomatoes, onions and garlic. I had several containers of tomatoes for Jean's visit. We had a few tomatoes the initial night but that was pretty much it. Two containers of grape tomatoes remained unopened in the fridge. I couldn't get past the image and eventually, I texted my running partner that I wanted a rain check.
He responded that he was fine with it and that, he, too, was hesitant to run. I texted that I appreciated his understanding and left it at that. Not that I wasn't interested in his reason for not wanting to run, but only wanting focus on my reason for postponing.
I drove home, stopped by my favorite little farmer's market and returned home. Opened the remainder of a delicious cabernet from Sonoma and began prep work. I cut onions, tomatoes and garlic. I waited for the vegetables to cook down, meld and overwhelm me with flavor. Delightful. Amazing. Absolutely loved Tuesday dinner.
Afterwards, I sorted through the piles of paper that cover my kitchen table. Bills, christmas cards, to-do lists, etc. I walk past it, daily, and note that I must clear the table. Finally, I tackled the table last night. I sorted what was necessary/unnecessary and now have a beautiful table to utilize again.
My dad is visiting in March and I woke up, this morning, with the realization that I must buy a couch and yesterday. I will have to give him my room. I love my yoga mat but it isn't that comfortable. I have six weeks to find a couch as well as get fitted for the lovely bridemaid dress. Wedding in September requires fitting by March. Not looking forward to that fun little appointment either.
Things to do and lines to cross off the to-do list. Happy Wednesday~
I am heading to a yoga studio and have the intention of making it a regular thing in my life. I enjoy yoga and feel that I truly benefit from it. When I first returned to Phoenix, I found an instructor I enjoyed but her approach to the class changed. Initially she taught the flow series with some yin yoga involved. Eventually, the class focus shifted to all yin yoga classes which I do not particularly enjoy. I stopped going with the hope that I would locate another studio and quickly. Five months ago....
Looking forward to the class. Namaste!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday Memory
Til then, I have fond memories of my friends, of San Francisco, of wine (of course)....
Intro story to the last five days
Five days with Jean. Too much fun. Nonstop laughter and reminiscing. Quick story. There are too many to count from her five day trip. However, this one stands out in my mind.
We were in Rocky Point with Jonny. She asked me--what is your name for me...I mean, I know you have one for most people in your life...goddess, fisherman, barefoot runner, s.o., etc.
I looked at her and said--actually, I call you Jean. You don't have a name.
She responded that she was surprised since most of my stories had nicknames for friends. Still, I remained firm that--to me--she was Jean.
We head to Pelican Point with roadies and reflect on how beautiful the ocean is. Lovely day and we did take in the moment. Afterwards, Jonny drove us to JJ's for a quick cocktail. This is a cornerstone of Rocky Point for sure and Jean needed to experience it. Teddy and Donna showed up. These are friends of Jonny's that I have met on several different occasions. Good people and always entertaining.
We continued the bar tour of Rocky Point by stopping into the Wrecked Bar. Right about sunset and it was stunning. A few other Zonies were enjoying the Rocky Point attractions. Jean, being Jean, starts talking to this threesome--two women and one guy. Curious about their lives, she inquired about their history. We continue the back and forth banter. Eventually, the guy looks at Jean and I and says--lookie here....here is the poodle and the rock climber. I look at her and say--omg, that is your nickname...poodle. Fitting. Curly, uncontrollable hair that absolutely works for her. She is gorgeous. I think the poodle reference is cute but don't know if the nickname sticks for me. I am not a fan of poodles, noted, in previous posts while running with the Goddess. Somehow, it wasn't truly a long run Saturday until we saw a standard poodle at which point I would comment to Lindsay how much those dogs freak me out. So, no, I don't think I can actually refer to Jean as poodle. Good story and another memory in about twelve years of visits between she and I.
Happy Monday!
We were in Rocky Point with Jonny. She asked me--what is your name for me...I mean, I know you have one for most people in your life...goddess, fisherman, barefoot runner, s.o., etc.
I looked at her and said--actually, I call you Jean. You don't have a name.
She responded that she was surprised since most of my stories had nicknames for friends. Still, I remained firm that--to me--she was Jean.
Happy Monday!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Monday Memory (late)
Anyways, happy wednesday. Lately, I have been reminded to enjoy the moment and stop trying to worry the future. I am HAPPY now, in this moment. Especially, today, where I am able to tour the valley with a dear friend. Tonight might be interesting. We are meeting one of Jean's friends that lives on the west side. She asked Jean if she could stay at my house to avoid the drinking/driving factor which I completely understand. However, I have a queen bed. No sofa yet. I think I might be sleeping on my yoga mat tonight to be accomodating to Jean's friend. I want to strongly advise her to take a cab back to the west valley in all honesty. My lifestyle tends to be frugal in the "things" department. I prefer dining out and travel to purchasing things to spruce up my space. Regardless, enjoy your wednesday and know that I intend to fully taste life today~
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
travel aspirations (somewhat)
Yesterday, a friend texted me to see if I would be interested in a girls' weekend getaway to celebrate her bachelorette party. Confused about it since originally I had suggested something like that only to be met with--I want to do it before the wedding. People are traveling to Denver and I think having it closer to the wedding would be preferable. I am excited for her nuptials. It's a lot of work though. I had forgotten how much planning/preparation go into being part of the wedding party. There is the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, wedding itself, etc. I already know that I will be unable to be present at each function. If they have an engagment party I am probably out. Work, being in Phoenix and other things take priority unfortunately.
I sort of forgot about the wedding. I have been busy with work, running and dreaming of other places that I want to visit this year. For example, I want to go to Italy. I have a friend that lives in Venice and she has invited me countless times to make the trip. Last year, I was busy with stateside travel and family/friends. I put it off til it was too late to make it happen.
This year, I intend to go. It will require some planning and compromise from some of my co-workers but it will be great and I know that it will happen. However, wanting to go to Italy and planning a girls' weekend for a bachelorette party cuts into my travel time. Then, there is my dad's visit to Phoenix, Shari and my annual trip to celebrate Brian, my affair with Temecula/wine countries in Cali and half marathons that I want to run. I would love to do it all but understand that something must give. In this case, it's probably the girls' weekend. I suppose I am being unfair about this because their wedding date is a week before my birthday. It requires a weekend in Denver. I love Denver but I sort of unvisioned spending this birthday in Napa. That would be a stretch to pull that off after heading to Denver for 5+ days a week before it.
I think I can make some of it work. I did put it out there to the other attendees of the wedding to assess their thoughts regarding the bachelorette party. Anything is possible with planning. If they are interested in a girls' weekend before September, maybe, it will work. I asked them to be honest about their interest, commitment and finances. I don't know any of these girls and I want to make sure they are comfortable with a trip. We'll see.
I do know that I will go to Italy. Why wouldn't I? Food, WINE, olive oil, history, my friend lives....I would be a fool to not go.
I think I may have offended my friend when questioning the weekend trip. It was not my intention to do so, but, right now her focus is the wedding and mine is not. I understand her desire to talk about it, plan it, love it, etc, but I am just not there yet. I need to find a balance and show her that I am happy to be part of her celebration and excited for her. I am. I just have other things that excite me, too. I thrive on travel plans and could talk about that all day. In that respect, I do understand her wedding planning and how it can be consuming.
So, it remains undecided for the time being---the girls' weekend, that is. Italy is a definite as well as Shari's trip, my dad's trip and my desire to return to Temecula. Oh, and my sisters should visit, too. Each of them. I think Jasmin will be unable to since she just had a baby, but, Jade and Michaela could definitely make a trip to the Valley if they decided. Jade enjoyed Phoenix the first time out. She still speaks fondly of a mexican joint that I frequent.
Anyways, more on this later. I must start the day~
I sort of forgot about the wedding. I have been busy with work, running and dreaming of other places that I want to visit this year. For example, I want to go to Italy. I have a friend that lives in Venice and she has invited me countless times to make the trip. Last year, I was busy with stateside travel and family/friends. I put it off til it was too late to make it happen.
This year, I intend to go. It will require some planning and compromise from some of my co-workers but it will be great and I know that it will happen. However, wanting to go to Italy and planning a girls' weekend for a bachelorette party cuts into my travel time. Then, there is my dad's visit to Phoenix, Shari and my annual trip to celebrate Brian, my affair with Temecula/wine countries in Cali and half marathons that I want to run. I would love to do it all but understand that something must give. In this case, it's probably the girls' weekend. I suppose I am being unfair about this because their wedding date is a week before my birthday. It requires a weekend in Denver. I love Denver but I sort of unvisioned spending this birthday in Napa. That would be a stretch to pull that off after heading to Denver for 5+ days a week before it.
I think I can make some of it work. I did put it out there to the other attendees of the wedding to assess their thoughts regarding the bachelorette party. Anything is possible with planning. If they are interested in a girls' weekend before September, maybe, it will work. I asked them to be honest about their interest, commitment and finances. I don't know any of these girls and I want to make sure they are comfortable with a trip. We'll see.
I do know that I will go to Italy. Why wouldn't I? Food, WINE, olive oil, history, my friend lives....I would be a fool to not go.
I think I may have offended my friend when questioning the weekend trip. It was not my intention to do so, but, right now her focus is the wedding and mine is not. I understand her desire to talk about it, plan it, love it, etc, but I am just not there yet. I need to find a balance and show her that I am happy to be part of her celebration and excited for her. I am. I just have other things that excite me, too. I thrive on travel plans and could talk about that all day. In that respect, I do understand her wedding planning and how it can be consuming.
So, it remains undecided for the time being---the girls' weekend, that is. Italy is a definite as well as Shari's trip, my dad's trip and my desire to return to Temecula. Oh, and my sisters should visit, too. Each of them. I think Jasmin will be unable to since she just had a baby, but, Jade and Michaela could definitely make a trip to the Valley if they decided. Jade enjoyed Phoenix the first time out. She still speaks fondly of a mexican joint that I frequent.
Anyways, more on this later. I must start the day~
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