Semi--annoyed

A friend surprised me with a gift card to a store that I frequent. Seeing that I had some free time today and a desire to update my swim suit since the latest one he refers to as "grandma" wear. I like tankini's, feel comfortable in them and normally buy them. I have a few and another suit that is worn, semi-transparent in areas, basically unuseable. Yes, a new swim suit sounded like a fine idea.
So, I found the nearest location and headed that way. I walked in and it was chaos. I asked the clerk to point me in the direction of the swim wear since they have many items to look through. As I perused the selection, a clerk approached me, handed me a bag to make it easier and offered to walk me back to the fitting rooms. All of this was good. No issues or delays.
When I walked into the fitting room area, again, I was greeted and assisted. Told that I could only bring six items into the dressing room at a time.
The first three bikini's were okay. Not that thrilled about some of the cuts of the top or bottom. The girl walked through and said, "Is there anything I can resize for you?"
I mentioned that I wanted to change out the items. We switched them out and I tried the on the new pieces. I kept waiting for the clerk, Sara, to return. She had made it a point to ask my name, give me hers and had been extremely helpful until I truly needed assistance.
I waited.
I heard her walk through and talk to other customers.
Waited.
Nothing.
Finally, I poked my head out, made eye contact with a different clerk and asked her if she could find me a medium since I had grabbed two of the same size. She nodded and I closed the door.
Back to waiting.
Maybe only five minutes, but it felt like fifteen. I put my clothes back on and walked right into Sara.
Her words, "Oh, you are still here?"
I said, "Yes."
Her, "Oh, did you get everything you needed?"
"No," I said, "but I am unwilling to wait any longer. I am over it."
I walked out of the dressing room with a bra that I had selected and decided to walk through the swimsuit area one more time. I liked the top, but felt that I might be more comfortable in one that did not promise to add two cup sizes to my chest. Like I need that.
As I am walking through the area, a clerk approaches me with a top and says, "Aren't you the one that was looking for the top?"
I said, "Actually, it was a bottom, but I got tired of waiting."
She was surprised that I said it and looking back, I think she didn't know how to respond to my honesty. I did mention that I understood that it wasn't her fault, but I was unwilling to wait any longer. I was frustrated with the situation.
At this point, I decide to put the bra back and leave. Why am I giving them money when I am sure there are other locations that would be more than happy to assist me.
It reminded me of the scene from the movie, Pretty Woman, a little. I mean, I am not a street walker or anything like that, but perhaps out of place in this particular location and made to feel like it.
In some ways, I could have spoken up, earlier, let them know I needed assistance. In others, though, there were too many people to allow me to walk out of the store. Communication mishap.
I went to another location and had a completely different experience. No suit seemed right, but, when I am ready to buy one or a bra, I will return to that location. It is all subjective.

sunday night meal

Sunday night dinner--pasta salad tossed with mint, tomatoes and peas.
Delightful. Initially, I had some concern over how it would go over with my friends. My friend's husband said--well, she might not like the cold pasta salad. You need to ask her.
Not the biggest affirmation of what I wanted to prepare. I took that into consideration and decided that I wanted to make it. If it was unpleasant, well, than, we could order pizza. I felt that we could make it work.
And, I tossed an arugula salad blend with celery, red peppers, tomatoes, onions and egg. If nothing else, the salad would satisfy them or so I tried to convince myself. I am not that picky of an eater. I will pretty much try anything. Well, outside of liver and onions. I will never prepare that, myself, or order it in a restaurant. Undesireable. My parents forced us to learn to eat what was placed in front of us at the dinner table. I remember trying to complain that I wanted a plain cheeseburger. My mom, turned around, looked at me and said--just wipe off the onions and ketchup. You will be fine. We are not waiting for you to get a plain cheeseburger. Deal with it.
Yes, I would make it work. Pasta salad and a green salad. Simple, summer fare.
And, honestly, I was tired from my weekend. Too much play and not enough sleep. I wanted to make something that I could do with little outside direction. Yes, pasta salad would be perfect.
It worked and I know that the next meal, I want to go more extravagant to up the ante. I want to expand my culinary knowledge. Not only do I benefit but so do my friends.
We dined at a local place, last week. I had been there before and had a few nice meals. Nothing spectacular or over the top, but consistent. I agreed to go and knew that the meal would be pleasant. For the first time, I was extremely disappointed. My salad was awful. It was supposed to be mandarin oranges, avocados and greens. Mostly, the avocados were a disgrace. I was surprised that the kitchen manager would allow the salad to be sent out. I made a point to put the brown slices to the side, hoping, that maybe the server would take notice. She didn't.
This is now on my boycott list of places. I am tired of dining out, spending money on crap meals. Especially when I know that I can prepare the item better. Do you ever feel like this?
I will stick to my intention of expanding my knowledge. There is always room to improve, every area of life, right?

Productivity

Productive day or that is what my horoscope predicted.
In many ways, I would agree. This is a productive day--running, appointments, yoga and meeting my friend later to celebrate her new vehicle. She used to be a toyota girl. As long as I have known her she has been a loyal customer. I met her in Tampa, three years ago, and we drove back to Phoenix in her newly purchased Forerunner. I am all for a roadtrip any day of the week. Roadtrips inspire and enable discovering interesting convenience stores and restaurants. We stopped in New Orleans which was the highlight of that particular trip. For her, not so much. She felt it was unsafe and remained uncomfortable the length of our stay. While I would have loved to drive from New Orleans to Phoenix, nonstop, been given the opportunity. Instead we spent a night in Dallas. Just is not the same charming city that New Orleans is. Too new/spread out. I prefer the established restaurants and old world charm found while exploring New Orleans. She has family there and so we spent a night in catching up with her sister and nieces. From Dallas we drove (forever it seemed) back to Phoenix. Our initial thoughts of stopping in New Mexico fell apart when her husband was unable to fly standby out of Dallas. Our first thoughts of road trip was to spend a few days as a girls' trip. When her husband could not locate a convenient flight, we chose to continue the trip back to Phoenix.
Regardless, she stepped out of her comfort zone and bought an Audi SUV. On cloud nine since she found this car. It took awhile to get all of the paperwork, in order. Not to mention they had to order this particular vehicle. Beautiful, luxurious and an upgrade from the Forerunner, for sure. I like all of the bells and whistles. I don't think that I will ever own a vehicle this nice. I will stick with Veronica. She is a great car for me.
Anyways, I know she wants to celebrate this car and so we will find a place later. Prior to that celebration, I will return to the practice of yoga. It is very welcoming to me. I feel at ease and peaceful. Calm, even, I suppose. It is helping putting things in perspective. Yes, yoga is excellent.
I went for a quick run, utilizing this cooler weather. I was thankful that I had held onto a few long sleeve tech shirts. This weather screams to be utilized and enjoyed. Glad that I opted to go even if it was brief. Long run is manana! Focus on that prospect tomorrow and hope that the weather holds.
Enjoy your day however you choose to spend it--being productive, day drinking or neither of my suggestions.

Padilla

My last visit to Mexico and my friend, Derek, finally introduced me to this amazing eatery. Up til this point, I had dined at their home, their bar and some other tourist spots. I yearned for street fare and made a point to tell him and Jonny that I was interested in tipico fare. I enjoy tourist spots, but prefer the traditional food.

After a day of kayaking, ATV'ing, beachside life, we made our way to Padilla. Excellent. A definite highlight to my visit to Rocky Point.

I returned for another brief stopover. Jonny said I can visit whenever I want. I don't know if he knows this about me or not, but I really believe what people say. If they offer to let me stay, indefinitely, or visit, frequently, I most certainly will. I love traveling, visiting friends and checking out restaurants.

I e-mailed Jonny, mentioned that I wanted to visit and made arrangements to head south. The first night we hang out in his bar and catch up with his friends. We make plans to golf, enjoy the sand rail and beach. The only thing I really had in mind was another day at the swim bar. I thought it was a great concept and a spectacular way to cocktail and enjoy the pool.

After golfing and no my game did not improve much, we chose to go out to dinner. Jonny knew that I was not a fan of this one particular tourist spot. I had been vocal about it the last time around. Imagine my surprise when he suggests this spot in front of his friends that do like it. From our previous conversation, I knew that he was not a fan either.

I couldn't believe that he would suggest the place knowing that I abhorred it. Thankfully, I was able to kibosh the idea without too much negativity being thrown around. Instead, I mentioned that I really wanted to return to Padilla. When I went with Derek we got take-out. We sat at the bar, watched the lady compose the burritos and hand us the finished product.

This time, we sat in the restaurant. The server spoke to us in spanish and we muddled through our orders. We drank a hibiscus juice drink and thoroughly enjoyed the burritos. Delicious is all I can say. I loved the condiment tray. I hope to return for another meal. I really love Padilla.

And, my friend's friends also enjoyed the food. Grateful, for that, so that next visit, we can dine there instead of some tourist inspired restaurant.

June is the intended next visit. There is a show to see and more street fare to discover. Onward and upward, I say.

rambling

Yesterday, I chose to walk back to the hood than drive. Trying to be as active as possible, I convinced my friend that five miles in 100+ heat would be stimulating for me. I wouldn't die and I would enjoy the experience.
She only caved in when I told her I had mace.
She had some reservations but dropped me off about five miles from the house. She pulled over, I got out, and then almost immediately, a green Tahoe pulled over.
I crossed the street trying to figure out what the Tahoe was doing. I continued to walk and my friend drove up next to me. Neither of us could figure out what the Tahoe was doing as we watched it pull away. She drove me to the next major intersection since I insisted that I would be fine. I agreed to text her when I was home.
From here, I walked by several farms and multiple dogs that were protecting said properties. Beautiful, glorious day and I was very thankful for the opportunity to enjoy it in the way that I saw fit. Sure, I was hot, gritty, tired when I got home, but also extremely grateful for the time to myself to reflect, consider, contemplate life.
I think I should incorporate a daily walkabout in addition to the yoga, running, hiking. I benefit from all of it. Maybe try to go earlier since than the weather is not such a deterring factor. I am getting more equipped at dealing with the stray dogs, too. Yesterday, I watched one dog burrow under a fence to chase after me. Awesome.
I stood my ground, yelled, and then the dog had no interest in me. Stood there with nowhere to go. His mates were inside the fence and I was no longer considered a threat.
Yes, I am adjusting to the daily walks.
Last week was a complete wash--no running or walking outside of to/from the golf cart. I attempted another 9 with little success. I did have two clear shots that made me proud. Two of I don't know how many. After that I became the "mud queen". My sandals were off and since my golf ball ended up in the water, I became the designated fetch person for my friend's golf balls. It felt like clay and was the color of shale. I think I made five jaunts into the sipping bowl of golf balls. I definitely looked the part of mud queen after that.
I think I earned the nickname pack mule at some point, too. Mexico adventure would not be complete without me being mocked.
I think it all started when I told my friend, Jonny, about my recent flight where this guy chatted me up the entire flight. He told me about his life, his work history, exercise regime, kids. He asked me my name and I told him.
After two hours of conversation, we parted ways. His last words to me were--Destiny, it was really great meeting you.
Really? Destiny, hmmmm....I thought it was funny. I retold my friend, Jonny, and he said, well in Mexico, that will be your name. From this point he introduced me as Harmony, otherwise known as Destiny in Mexico.
Fun times are always had on visits to Mexico. The exercise regime sort of is tossed out the window. Next time, I will rectify it. Run, golf, run, enjoy beach and tranquil lifestyle. Maybe attain a new nickname. Anything is better than packmule.

currently, in my life....

Excessive behavior...ouch!
Yesterday started out in the "right" way. I went running, made some calls, took the dogs for their mid-afternoon walk and then planned the night's meal.
Instead of walking to the nearest market, I chose to walk. Not the brightest move seeing that it was freaking ridiculously hot outside. I carried ample water and set out. I thought the market was three miles away. Nope, try 4 1/2, one way. Gatorade eased the walk back. Yea for G2 and that it was on sale.
By the time I returned, I was hot, dirty and had two blisters. I don't know how that happened since I wear these shoes on a regular basis. Yet, I am now the proud owner of two blisters on my heel.
About a 1/3 of a mile from the house, I notice two unattended dogs. These particular dogs are always out on the loose, roaming, the neighborhood. It is obnoxious that the owner is so negligent. One of the dogs is a pitbull and the other; well, I haven't gotten close enough to determkne what type of attack dog it is. Apparently, the dogs are there to protect the property of the owner. He doesn't seem to care if his dogs get out or not. He just wants to make sure that no one gets in.
My friends have two akitas and the last thing I want to encounter on our walks, are these two particular dogs. Yesterday I was plotting a way to avoid the dogs and make it back safely. I spilled water all over my purse and felt defeated. Hot, blisters, possible dog attack. I had seen better days in that moment.
I managed to elude the dog's notice and returned safely. Shower felt heavenly and my positive mood returned. Turned on music, opened wine and made a lovely dinner. Initially, my friend was hesitant about my entree selection--tortellini tossed with numerous berries, scallions, greek yogurt, garlic and mint. Perfect summer type of meal.
I think I could improve the meal by letting it sit/stew/meld flavors. Next time, I will remember. My friends liked the meal and I believe they would enjoy it at a later date.
Yes, yesterday was a great day inspite of my brief breakdown of negativity. Heat will do that to me. On my run, I had a similar experience. Started out awesome, but then, it was too hot and I wanted to stop. I didn't, but I could have went farther. Must get up earlier to enjoy a peaceful, fulfilling run. Manana.
I feel great about the present. I am happy to be exactly where I am. Happy Friday!

thoughts of today

Running enables clarity.
Last week, I took a brief hiatus. Mexico. That is all I am saying. It was easy to find justifications as to why I could put it off until the next day. Four days later and still not one successful run in. Fail.
Very wasteful. I was two blocks from the beach and from my previous visit, I was familiar with a route that I enjoyed. Yes, definitely wasted an opportunity to run and enjoy beauty. Next trip for sure.
Moreover, I fell down a few stairs and now have a gigantic bruise on my right hip. The night it happened, I blocked it out. Insisted I was fine and enjoyed the rest of the evening. The next morning I woke up and my first thought was--wow, I slept terribly on my hip.
Got up, walked around and saw the bruise. Since then, I have been sleeping poorly trying to adjust to the hip factor. Naturally, I sleep on my right side. I try to lay flat or sleep on my left hip, but it doesn't work for long. I wake up, realize that I am sleeping on my right side and try to stretch out the hip without creating too much stress on the side.
Yes, sleep has been interesting the last six days.
I think I have tweaked my hip through overcompensating for the pain. I feel a smidgeon of hip tendonitis. My friend suggested a chiropractor. I would love to see her chiropractor but know it is a question of stretching not adjusting. I am not physically out of alignment. I need to stretch. I experienced this similar injury last July while beginning training for the Vegas Marathon. I suffered through the lopsideness of walking til I could no longer stand it. I booked a massage, hoping, that that would ease the tension.
Finally, I sought out a chiropractor to hear the words--this is question of stretching. Your tendos is too tight. I cannot adjust you. I can show you how to stretch. Here, this is what you do.
As such, I am taking a day off from running and seeking out a yoga class instead. I miss yoga. I think I will greatly benefit from the class. Spiritually and physically provide more clarity of the present moment.
I feel fantastic. Finally released some emotions from my past. I do feel fantastic. I choose happiness.
Quick side note...I love the show Glee, even before it became mainstream/popular. Last night's episode was great. I was thrilled that they brought Jesse back for an episode or two. Great song between he and Rachel.
Yes, I genuinely choose to be happy today.