Recently.....

Happy Monday!  What an absolutely gorgeous day.  Well, from a week ago, Monday, yes, it is stunning.  A week ago some of my friends from Colorado were in town.  They were on a golfing venture.  I tried to warn them the heat would be unsettling and playing 36 holes of golf would be challenging.  One of them called and said--how do you live here?
I said, this is nothing.  This isn't even that bad.  It's only...109ish.  In July, it'll be 118+ish.  That's when it starts affecting me. 
Regardless, for a few days last week, it was hot.  The signs of the beginning of a long, hot summer.  Then, Thursday it dropped to 90's.  Relief.  Beautiful weather again.  I love every single minute of it.  I rode my bike to commemorate the occasion.  Well, sort of.  That and the fact that Veronica was in the shop for a little bit of work.  I did enjoy cycling to and from work.  Really.  I love my bike.  It forces me to stop and think instead of rushing around if that makes sense. 
The other night, my boss, Pat, insisted on driving me home since he felt it wasn't the best idea to cycle home at 2 a.m.  After some thought, I agreed to it.  It had been a long day and as much as I do thoroughly enjoy the new bike, I did not relish the thought of adding riding home and it taking anywhere from 30-45 minutes.  It was late and I was tired.
We are about a block from my house when he gets pulled over.  It was comical.  Here he was being a good samaritan and for that, he gets hassled by the police.  The cop that pulled us over seemed interested into why we were in Tempe.  Pat explained that he was giving me a ride home since my car was in the shop.  The cop said--where do you live?
I pointed at my house and hoped that he would let us go.  Nope.  He wanted to check into Pat's background.  After some talk on his walkie-talkie, he returned to ask Pat to step outside so he could show him why he pulled us over.  Basically, a ploy to say, have you been drinking? 
Afterwards, Pat said, well, I won't be driving by campus or to Tempe anytime soon. 
The weather inspires cycling and being outside, for sure.  With that in mind, I should conclude this and go outside.  Happy Monday~

denver visit

Dinner with Sara Jo at Solera....delightful.  We had mushroom risotto, truffle fries and calamari.  The only place that I eat calamari, too.  It is that good~ 
I do adore the calamari.  However, it is only the gateway drug of that place.  The cheese plate, risottos, mac and cheese are just a few of the offerings that I love.  We tried to take it easy and sampled a few of the appetizers only.  Wine was involved, too.  How could it not be?  Combine excellent food, conversation and wine is naturally part of the equation. 
By far, one of my absolute favorite places in Denver.  At one point, a haven, even.  I think Sara and I dined there once a week while I was living on Birch St. in 2006.  I never tired of the calamari, wine or ambiance. 
Yes, I always make a point to visit this restaurant when I am in Denver.  I also wanted to go with Sara as it is sort of our place.  I believe I have dined there with her the most and I wanted to experience another spectacular meal with her.  I knew she would enjoy it. 
I will reflect more on my visit later.  I am off to work~ 

Michaela's visit to AZ

Finally.  I am able to upload photos to my blog again.  I have experienced some difficulty the last few weeks which has delayed posting.  I wanted to have visuals to illustrate the last few months of my life.  This will be brief as I have errands to run before heading into work.
I am excited to say that I am running a 8k race on Saturday night and am considering the San Diego half since I have friends running that race.  I never need an excuse to visit San Diego.  What a treasure of a city.
Regardless....this is me and my sister, Michaela.  She spent three days with me in Phoenix and it was lovely.  Of course, I had to take her on an eatery tour of my fave spots in Phoenix even if it was brief visit.  We started our foodie venture at St. Francis.  No drinking (i know...can you believe it? )  Still, we had been up til 4 the previous night drinking wine and catching up. 
The food at St. Francis is delicious.  We shared a vegetable flatbread, french fries and the quinoa and romaine salad.  I loved every minute of it.  Talk about glorious day.  We even look happy.

Doesn't this look delicious?  I loved the addition of the avocado.
After St. Francis, we did begin the wine adventure at a few local spots that are worthy.  I could talk about her trip, ad nauseum, and so I am going to conclude it instead.  Rarely, do I have the opporunity to show her around my surroundings.  I enjoy tour guiding my city and wish I had more people to show around.  I suppose I make traveling a priority because I want to and because I can.  Well, that is, until I received another dr. bill.  It's annoying.  It feels like I am being hit over the head with things that should have been taken care of a month ago.  The best part is that I went to the surgeon's office to settle my account.  I was given an amount and I asked if that was all.  Little did I know that there would be a succession of b.s. bills to take care of a few months out.  What I mean to say is, I just want to know, up front, what I am signing off on.  Not being told, yes, you are current only to find that that it is incorrect.  Isn't there a better way to bill these things?
And, to top it off, I was ten minutes late to the parking meter in Tempe the other night.  $42 ticket.  Seriously.  That is insane.  No warning.  Just a eff u for making the mistake of parking in that downtown area.  I will not make that mistake again.  
I am glad that I can post, again, about my dining choices, wine, and friends's visits.  Celebrate, enjoy and always, Taste Life!

Early Saturday

Happy Saturday!  I woke up, startled (meaning frantic and confused).  Mostly due to the immense sunshine streaming through my window.  It seemed later than 6:25.  I thought it was ten a.m. and I was seriously having panic attacks at what that would have meant.  See, due to my creating the bar schedule while enjoying a glass of wine, I overlooked that I had not scheduled two bartenders for the morning shift today.  Then, one of the bartenders had a family emergency, yesterday, where there was doubt if he would be able to work today.  I checked the schedule to see who I could call on to assist if necessary.  At that point, I noticed, that there was only one person scheduled for Saturday.  WTH?  How had I overlooked it?  Not to mention the guy that checks it, after me, before I post it?  Plus, it had been posted for over a week.  How had that not been noted yet?
I sort of had a mini-freak out.  I tried not to be too obvious about it.  I was trying to figure out how I would be able to avoid working an open to close double.  I texted the other manager to see if he would be able to help out.  Meanwhile, I checked in with the bartender who had left due to an emergency.  Neither of these guys responded.  Eventually, I was able to persuade one of the newer bartenders to come in and that I would help her set up the outdoor bar.  I noted that there was a great possibility that I would be working inside as I had overlooked the necessary amount of bartenders needed for this given shift.  She seemed enthusiastic to help out.  And, in all honesty, she will do great.  I have faith that she will be a very capable bartender.  I am very grateful to her and that she is willing to help me out. 
So you can see why I woke up, startled, at 6ish thinking it was ten.  Had that been the case, I would have felt like a complete jackass for promising to help her set up and then leave her stranded.  I am the type of person where if I say I am going to do something, I do it.  Come hell or high water or so the saying goes....
Thankfully, the guy will be able to work today.  I am willing to help him out too.  I completely understand needing to work but not being in the right head space to do it.  I believe in being with family and/or friends when there is loss or an emergency.  I am compassionate.  I think of how awesome my old job was when Brian died.  They stepped in and covered my shifts until I was able to return to work.  No questions asked.  I am very thankful for that time to just be where I needed to be.
Anyways, there is a salsa fest in Tempe and I hope to check out with Jan.  Or, go running.  Maybe hit up yoga. I did laundry yesterday so there will be no repeats of fainting spells at the laundromat and trip to Denver is a GO.  Cannot wait to see friends and get a much needed massage at Izba.  Enjoy your Saturday~

Making time to be grateful

Yoga is essential to my livelihood and peace of mind.  I do miss some of the instructors in Denver.  They were more spiritual and provided the right energy for the reflective mood I was in yesterday.  My current studio in Phoenix is excellent in the physical sense.  I always leave knowing that I worked out.  The spiritual essence of yoga is neglected though.  That is one way, I believe, that practice could improve.  I would feel a little more centered--I think.
I was having a rough morning and craved a recentering.  I had plans with friends and put them on hold til I could go to yoga.  I wanted to reflect on life, have gratitude and be positive.  I was able to meditate before the class and when I left, I felt incredible.  It's sad that I need reminders (sometimes) that I should always fully live each day.  I know this from experience.  Still, I find that I get caught up with stuff that prohibits me from enjoying life. 
Until, I hear news that reminds me to enjoy life.  Tell people I appreciate/love them.  Smiling.  Smelling sunflowers and projecting positivity.  We all have opportunities (daily) to make choices as to how to spend our lives.  Of course, I could make some adjustments and be healthier.  I could make more time to see friends/family.  That is definitely an improvement I should make.  I have a new niece that is adorable and I still have not met.  I should make arrangements to see her and my sister, Jasmin.  My recent fainting spell did make me stop to appreciate my health and how quickly I could recover.  Still, I needed another reminder to stop and enjoy the people in my life.  So, today, I will make an effort to tell people that I appreciate them and I will consider a trip to Kansas to see my sister and her daughter.  Life is short.  Health scares should be taken seriously.  Being grateful for recovery is essential as well as making time to make changes to improve your situation.  Be it, eating more veggies, cutting out soda, sweets, smoking, etc,,,I know this list can go on and on.  Some might tell me to cut red wine out--that will not happen (ever), but I could be told to decrease my intake, I suppose.  Regardless, I am happy today and I am sending positive vibes to Tom.  Sunshine, love and sunflowers, too.  Enjoy your Friday as best as possible.  I am taking my new bike out for a spin, meeting Vegas for coffee and sampling wine prior to work.  Yes, today is going to be great!

I finally received the bills for my recent visit to the Emergency Room.  The ambulance ride consisting of less than a mile to the nearest hospital cost $908.  Keep in mind, they did not put an i.v. in or anything.  I was on a stretcher and then taken to the emergency room.  They had taken my blood pressure and asked me about my medical history.  That transport ride cost as much as the surgeon and emergency room stay.  How is that possible? 
I returned to yoga yesterday, too.  It had been too long since my last class.  I was tentative as the last time I went to the studio I experienced vertigo and had to leave.  I suppose I was overthinking what my reaction would be.  I went in and the class started off well.  I was enjoying the flow and not too hot.  about midway through the class, I had a headache which is a sign that I am dehydrated.  I tried to breathe through it.  I wanted to finish the class but I didn't want to keel over due to being too hot.  I was over it.
Instead of staying, I showered, left and made a massage appointment.  Lovely.  I found a new therapist and (thankfully) found a good one.  Jessica is going to be my replacement for Brandon. Yea, she is great, but not that good.  Brandon is my first choice and then Jessica.
After massage, I drove home, made dinner and relaxed.  What a great night and way to spend a MOnday.  I do intend to call about the ambulance bill and figure out a way to make it work.  Honestly, there must be a way to pay that bill and not be taken to the cleaner.  I mean, in fact, in the way that I am supposed to be obligated to just pay for a mile ride.  There must be a better way.

Monday Memory

Yesterday, I took a nap and when I woke up, I finally, felt normal.  Able to safely feel like me without any residual affects of my recent fainting episode.  No hydration issues or whatnot.  I felt excellent. 
Finally.  I cannot tell you how relieved I am.  Fear, paranoia, hypochrondria all have vanished (finally).  It's scary when you are uncertain with your health.
Last night, I was reflecting back on my visit to the E.R. to a few customers/friends.  I had forgotten that when I went in for the initial questioning, the medics said--you are a runner, aren't you?  Followed by--do you do meth? 
What?  How would you make that correlation?  From asking me if I am physically fit to if I am a junkie.  Seemed odd at the time and I remember being angry about it.  Now, it's funny.  I suppose with my face with abrasions that could indicate meth use but after looking at my skin, complimenting me on my physique and still asking; well, it just seemed ridiculous.  Not only that, they asked me if I smoke.  I have smoked, maybe, three times in my life.  Once, when I was in 5th grade, my mom let me try one of her cigarettes since I was curious about it.  Curious until I had a coughing spasm and hated it.  My mom did have some good tactics to dissuade me from foolishness.  The smoking one stuck.
Lesson learned.  Well, almost.  I think when I was 21ish, I was living in Tempe, drinking and I opted to smoke a menthol cigarette followed by a clove cigarette.  The next morning I was so hungover that I threw up in people's yards on the way to work.  It was awful and forced me to reconsider ever attempting that habit again. 
I have smoked the occasional cigar.  It's rare and like previously mentioned, I have fear of repeating the hangover experience from my younger days.  I don't look like a smoker and my hair no longer smells from smoke since smoking is banned from restaurants.  Glory be!  I loved that day in Denver.  Smoking never really bothered me while bartending.  All it meant was that I had to clean out ashtrays (constantly) which was a necessary evil.  I didn't begrudge people that smoked and I definitely wasn't hyper about it.  (Live and let be is a motto of mine)  Still, when the banned was enforced, I did recognize how excellent it was to not smell like an ashtray or clean them out either.  Delightful. 
So, no, I am not a smoker.  While talking to the paramedics, I kept thinking my vice is wine.  I do that vice, justice, too.  It is my only true vice however.
I woke up, had coffee, granola, went to the laundromat and ended up in the E.R....not, at all, how I envisioned my day going. 
Tomorrow, I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon and then I believe I will truly return to normalcy.  I feel good and have a run scheduled tonight.  It is time to start moving and committing to training. 
I considered a photo memory but feel the smoking memory will suffice.  Happy Monday!