Friday, January 31, 2014

Justice

2014 started with a self induced cleanse. I wanted clarity for my life and for me, that meant, detoxing, purifying my diet and reflecting on my priorities.  I knew it would begin on the 1st and conclude on the 14th.  I had a trip to Denver on the 16th.  Although, originally, the plan was to day trip it to Santa Fe and work the market with a supplier friend of mine.  When she called me to cancel that trip, I looked into flights to Denver and created a trip that would work for me.
Anyways, the cleanse.  Prior to the cleanse, I received a letter notifying me that I would need to update my parking permit before January 1st, 2014, or be ticketed for not displaying the current permit on my car.  I received the notice in late October and it sat on my counter until I made time to get a money order and mail off the notice.  I did my due diligence and waited to receive the permit.  I waited, and waited and waited.  On the 31st, I realized that I should call the parking department and find out where the permit was...I didn't enjoy the thought of receiving a parking ticket.  I worked on the first and woke up on the 2nd with a parking ticket.  $42 to be exact.  I called the department of transportation.  First call, transferred to a voice mail at which point a menu replayed options to where I would like to be transferred.  A woman answers and tells me that I had called the wrong place.
The second and third calls I was hung up on (awesome) which further incited me.  I was in route to the department of transportation when this guy calls me back.  He apologizes for missing my initial call and finds that my permit should be arriving today or tomorrow.  I relay my frustration with receiving the $42 ticket and he tells me that there is nothing he can do about that.  I would need to contact the municipal court, myself, and explain the situation.
I drive to work and consider my options.  I could pay the $42 ticket and be done with it.  Wouldn't that be the easiest solution?  Sure, but I didn't want to pay it.  I wasn't at fault and it became a principle for me.  I recognized how the majority of people would just pay the ticket as it is more convenient.  It is a huge hassle to drive to the municipal court, find parking, pay the meter and then enter the court house and wait for a trial date or clerk.  It would be much easier to pay the ticket.
I talked to a few friends of mine and decided to pursue the case.  I asked off from work and waited for the 30th to arrive.  My meeting with the judge would be at 3 pm.  Another inconvenience.  Sure it is my day off but I cannot do wine lunch (huge bummer).  I was no longer on the cleanse.  During the two weeks of clarity, I had ample time to reflect on life and I became more convinced that I must absolutely pursue the time in court.  There is a glitch in the system and it needed to be addressed.
I dress casually, armed with my ticket, the permit that arrived on the 2nd (via mail), the initial letter notifying me to update my permit and a determination to not pay the said ticket.  I sat through two trials prior to mine.  In each case, the judge asked the defendant to pay the fine.  I waited until my name was called.
It's funny.  I hadn't done anything wrong and yet I had anxiety--increased heartbeat.  It reminded me of how I feel when I give notice to employers.  It's terrifying to me.
At any rate, the judge asked the traffic cop to tell her side.  She explained that she had begun ticketing on the 2nd as was instructed by the department of transportation.  I was given the chance to ask her questions.  In hindsight, I should have asked how many tickets she gave out that day.  Instead, I expressed my frustration with the process.  I explained to the judge that I had sent in for my updated permit on the 18th of December.  I noted that the permit I received on the 2nd of January, was postmarked on the 31st of December.  In no way would I receive the permit on time.
Instead of asking the traffic cop for a rebuttal, the judge dismissed the case.  He said he was discouraged by this practice of ticketing if they were unable to get the permits to the residents on time.
Yes, pure justice even if it was inconvenient for me.  It was worth that inconvenience.
It is a lovely day and I feel fantastic.  About 2014, how I did a cleanse, justice and today.  Cheers and make it a great one!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Radiating

I feel fierce.  There, I said it.  Maybe that should be my tagline of 2014.  Fierce.
I think about my decision to leave retail and sometimes, I question it.  I like the majority of people that I work with.  They all have had interesting lives/livelihoods and are kind, gracious, engaging.  I love that. Today I sat with a woman that I respect and learned quite a lot about her life.  She, too, is a fan of traveling, being without ties, free.  Another lady owned her own sign making shop and fell into her current job.  They had no idea that she had skills/talent in that arena as it had never come up.
Retail. There is stability and it's safe.
Not for me.  It made me feel handcuffed or suffocated.  This friend of mine last night offered some insight.  His thought was that typically people either do not like their boss (not the case for me) or it is the culture of the company that made my skin crawl.  I don't know if it was that, exactly.  I think I was not a good fit for retail.  The schedule, lack of travel and a few other things.  Mostly the lack of travel.  I think most of my co-workers understand that about me, too, even if they have only known me for a few months.  Somehow that factor shines through.
So, yea, I feel fierce.  Capable.  Ready.  I took a minute, for myself, as I do whenever I see the time is 9:27--(my birthday).  Last night, I paused for a minute and had this immense sensation overtake me.  I know it sounds strange but I felt energized, relieved, and knowledgeable that I was okay.  I had made the right decision to be where I am now.  It was incredible.  I felt empowered.  Calm in that knowledge.
I have missed yoga the last few days.  Tomorrow, I will return, meet a few wine vendors, go to court to fight a parking ticket (I am too principled to not) and meet a friend at one of my favorite eateries in the Valley.  I mentioned it to the cheese buyer in passing and he surprised me by offering to join me on our day off. Tomorrow will be a great day off.  I feel that I am in the right place for greatness.  As much as I have challenged, struggled, tried to conform...I know, it is my way to continue to take the unbeaten path.  It is me.   In that vein, I will thrive.  I know it.  I am ready for the next venture.  I have been invited to Palm Springs, Park City, Spain and Denver for the world beer cup.  I want to do it all.  I can do it all.  I will do it all.  I am stoked.
ah...life is good.  i am thrilled to be here now~

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Sunday Funday

Do I go to yoga or not?  I woke up later than usual and chose to skip yoga.  I went yesterday and I do adore the instructor.  He always plays great music, has a great flow and I always benefit from his class.  He teaches today and he taught yesterday.  I supposed I felt it was okay to skip as I had went yesterday.
A few days ago, I dashed out of yoga since I had to work at one pm.  Class starts at noon and concludes at 1.  In the past few weeks I have been going to this class to sustain some sort of happiness.
On Thursday, I rushed out of class to shower and ensure that I would have time to get a coffee.  I know, semi-lame, but a necessary commodity in my life.  As I was dressing I noticed that I had lost my earring, again.  Third time, at least, that I have lost my new favorite earring.  I bought these lovely coral earrings in Santa Fe during my birthday weekend.  I love the earrings and understand that I should purchase backs to keep the earrings in instead of dealing with the madness associated with me frantically looking for them.
So, Thursday, I noticed that I had lost one of the earrings.  I looked around the bathroom, shower stall, my bag of clothing and mentioned it to the front desk as I was leaving.  I asked them to be on the lookout for my lost coral earring.  I didn't want to return to the classroom and interrupt their flow.
Yesterday, I entered the studio and inquired about a lost earring. The new lady was like--well, we do have a diamond earring that was left behind....yea, I look like I wear diamond earrings on a regular basis.  I told the lady of my story of how I had lost the earring a few times prior.  Her response--maybe you shouldn't wear those earrings.
Thanks for the sage advice.
I looked around the bathroom, yoga studio and focused on the class.  I left early to shower and while I was dressing, I found my earring.  Yea!  So thrilled for the kindness of strangers.  Even if it wasn't a diamond earring.
I will enjoy being outside and then work tonight.  It is a beautiful day.  Yoga can wait til tomorrow, Tuesday or Wednesday.  I have some weird work days over the next few days.  Finally, my schedule gets changed.  It's only been five months of working the same shift which has created a cycle of existing, not living.  I tried to make small changes, like attending the noon class, and it helped (a little).
Today is about sunshine and embracing the next opportunity.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Random thoughts of this morning

Gorgeous weather.  It feels like March and it's only January. I know I keep harping on this.  All due to fear of what it will be like in March.  Will I have a/c on at that point?  If that is the case, I think, my landlord will speed up the demolition process of my house.  He mentioned to me, casually over dinner with friends, that his goal was to remodel his house which meant he would be leveling mine.  Awesome way to begin 2014.  Knowing that I will be relocating by June if not sooner.
In many ways I welcome the change.  It would be nice to have a home with more natural light, saltillo tile, a ceiling fan and most importantly a bath tub.  Every time I get a massage, one of my therapists demands that I take a salt bath to further release the toxins.  I love taking baths and have not afforded that luxury in two years as neither rental had that option.
I am heading out in a bit to track down cake for my landlord's step kids.  Fraternal twins and full of athleticism.  Rarely are they not skateboarding, swimming, cycling...nonstop on the go.  They are kind to me and I am thankful they told me about their birthdays today.
I am working later today after a much wanted yoga class.  I did enjoy the hike yesterday and now I am ready to sweat out toxins, clear my skin and listen to music.  I think that is one of the must haves for me when it comes to yoga class.  It reminds me of dance class and that is why I enjoy it.  I always loved dancing.  To be able to express yourself with music is intoxicating.  I have a cousin that I have not seen since she was 6 or 7 years old who is a professional dancer.  I have no idea how many years of dance she took to get her to this point.  It's incredible from my perspective.  I hope to have the opportunity to see her perform at some point.
For the next few months I will make an effort to enjoy hiking, running and riding my bike.  I actually purchased a decent road bike two years ago.  I have ridden it to and from work and could spend more time on it as opposed to walking or driving.  Yesterday, I ran out of time to meet my Mini.  Otherwise, I would have preferred to walk up to Mill.  That way I could have avoided the parking situation and watching the meter.  Thankfully, I did move my car before being ticketed.  The fear of being ticketed $42 makes me want to never frequent Mill Avenue shops or bars.  That ticket price is unforgiving. I could understand $20 or even $25 for a parking violation.  $42 seems extreme on a first offense.  Motivates me to avoid the area and shop elsewhere unless I walk or ride my bike.
Today is a lovely day.  Full of possibility, opportunity and celebration.  I will miss the twins' party but I can bring them cake to start the day.
Cheers!


Friday, January 24, 2014

Friday occurrences

Happy Friday!  I had the most awesome day today.  Well, awesome, in that there was no work involved.  Either place.  I did whatever I wanted, drank some wine, and remembered why I enjoy my life. Boy, do I miss the freedom!
I met Brandon for our weekly hike.  Somehow we manage to be good for a consistent basis and then drop off for five months before finding our way back to the fantastic ritual.  Our goal was Camelback as they recently reopened Echo.  New parking lot to boot.
Sounded awesome, in theory.  The reality of it had other ideas.  We drove up to a glorieta (in Mexico how they refer to roundabouts).  I think roundabouts are a complete waste of time.  No one acknowledges how to drive through them. They become unnecessary pockets of confusion.
Anyways, we see the line of cars and notice the guarded gate.  Several cars are turned away.  The SUV in front of us is accepted.  The guard says--they had a handicap decal.  So, they are hiking?
Anyways, the guy tells us to turn around and return in five minutes at which point they will get us in.  Sure, sounds solid, right?
We opt to head to Squaw Peak and hike there.  Some parking, facilities which we need as at that point we had been in route for 50 minutes.  We head up the massive stair climber making decent time.  Perfect day for hiking.  Overcast, 70ish and ideal.  I loved every minute of it.  Of course, we were not without the idiot factor.  Lots of people that have not figured out etiquette on a hike.  I am annoyed with this fact on a daily basis.  How hard is it to be a human being?
Regardless, we manage the ascent, capture a photo and begin the descent.  We were both hungry and dreaming of a commuter sandwich--english muffin, egg, tomato, cheese and bacon.  We head to our food destination and encounter more idiocy regarding parking.  Brandon is determined to get a spot without utilizing the valet.  Not due to finances.  More to the fact that his car handle on the driver side is broke.  No point in valeting the car if they won't be able to get in or out of the car.
He spins back into the self park parking lot and steals a parking spot.  He was stealth.  We order our food and wait.  I find coffee, water, utensils and people watch. Some people, like us, that had just exercised.  Others that were on the way to work and dressed for their prospective professions.  I filled my coffee cup and watched a woman spill creamer all over the counter.  She acted like it was nothing and puts the container back on the counter.  This is what I don't understand.  Clean it up.  What are you...five?  No, you are 45+--you don't know how to be accountable for your actions?  I just don't get it.
In similar fashion, at my retail gig yesterday, I was in line for coffee (always how I start my day) and watched a woman open a container of six muffins.  She dropped them (yes, all of them, on the floor). She picked up five of them and put the container back on the display.
I saw the sixth muffin on the ground.  I picked it up and was looking for where the container was.  She indicated where it was and watched me put the muffin back in and walk to the bakery counter with the container of tainted muffins.  I explained to the girl at the counter that someone had dropped the container and put it back in the display.  All of which was true.  The lady followed me and goes, oh, I was on my way to do this....really?  At what point?  You had no problem leaving the damaged muffins on the display for customer consumption.
Gross!
After breakfast, we headed back to Tempe.  I left Brandon's house and showered.  I had a couple hours before meeting my mini (Kristina, she is travel friendly, responsible and enjoys hiking) for happy hour.  Lovely happy hour with an inspiring girl.
Tomorrow is my landlord's girlfriend's twins' birthday. As Cloe bought me a christmas gift (a mirror), I think it is appropriate to introduce her and her brother, Cole, to carrot cake.  Yes, it's been a wonderful day.  I live a blessed life in spite of being surrounded by entitled morons at times.  I am happy...

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Thankful Thursday

I slept with my windows open last night.  It's January.  How is this possible?  This weather reminds me of March when I adore the weather in Arizona.  I guess what I am suggesting is that I am terrified of what this potentially means.  It's going to get hot and quick!
Good thing that I have a few upcoming adventures in the books.  Santa Fe, Palm Springs, Denver....more, if I can arrange it.  I let go of what I thought I should be doing and feel incredible.  I was trying to please other people and really, ultimately, I want to be happy.  Thriving, living, not just existing.  I dreaded calling my dad with my decision and he surprised me by giving me his blessing.  He said, you have always been able to take care of yourself and you should be happy.
That was music to my ears.  It was not at all what I anticipated.  Leading up to this point, he was encouraging me to give it more time.  A year or a year and a half.  I was like--are you kidding?  I will be living a shell of life at that point.  I get it.  Different generations and ideas of life.  I have a much different outlook of work ethic, for example, than people entering the work force.  It was ingrained in me to be productive, never leaning/always cleaning, accountable...midwest ethics/production.
I differ from my dad, sure.  I want to be free to come and go.  I like the flexibility of the service industry and that I am able to travel frequently.  I'll leave it at that.
I went in to give notice and the moment I walked into the store, I couldn't breathe.  In spite of knowing that it was the best thing for me to do and that they would understand my decision.  I don't know why I have such anxiety about being a responsible employee.  It just makes me anxious to give two weeks notice.  Thankfully, I was able to calm down when I approached my managers.  I wanted to give notice to the two people that interviewed me and that I have worked side by side with for the last five months.  I had my americano to give me courage, too.
At any rate, I feel much better and know that it was the right thing to do.  I don't know, 100%, what I will be doing or where I will end up and that is okay.  I know that I will be fine and that it will all work out.  I feel fantastic!
I am thankful for the experience.  I have met some incredible people along the path of this journey.  Onward to the next venture.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Delights of Denver

I should have extended my stay.  I considered it, really, I did.  I could fly back to Phoenix in time to work at 7 pm.  I knew that my friends would rally and I could couch surf another day with Sara.  That was until she told me she was working on Sunday at 6 am--yuck!  I knew I couldn't impose on her.  Returning to Phoenix would be the smart thing to do.
Sara did invite me to Palm Springs to celebrate her birthday.  I am checking into flights and know that I can make that happen.  In the meantime, I will work, cultivate relationships and thrive.
The weather was gorgeous in Denver.  I woke up, yesterday, a touch hungover and made my way to the nearest coffee shop. I miss that about my life.  Sure I live by a starbucks but it is a mile from my house.  Sara lives three blocks from a great little spot that has delicious homemade food.  In the other direction there is another lovely coffee shop.  I woke up and wanted coffee.  Sara only had one k cup for her Keurig coffee maker. I knew that I would be unable to drink the last coffee without remorse.
I dressed, put in my contacts and headed to the coffee shop.  Picked us both up some coffee and a breakfast burrito to share.  It was good size and exactly what we needed to reset and start the day.  I remembered how much I enjoyed walking in the city.
Afterwards we began the walk up to where we had left her car the previous night.  We ran into my old boss, Dave, and his wife.  I had a feeling that we would see them as they live in sara's neighborhood and more often than not I have seen them at a coffee shop during my visits. We exchanged a quick hello and met their daughter, Piper. Such a calm, healthy little beauty.  Her only dislike seemed to be the sun on her eyes.  I do not blame her for that either.  I was having some difficulty shielding my eyes from the intensity of the sun, too.
We stopped at Izba for my customary treatment when in town.  I am thankful that Sara also enjoys this spa.  I love it.  The treatments were nice.  I had a new therapist and he was good, not great. There are others that I prefer.  Unfortunately, my favorite guy only works Sunday.  Mental note to stay through Sunday next trip to Denver.
We had lunch at a pizzeria and I started to realize that I was running out of time to see some of my friends.  I thought, maybe, I should skip my flight and leave today.  I do miss Denver.
Overall the trip was too fast.  Full of wine, friends and great food.  The Goddess made us salmon, rice and veggies on Thursday.  Friday, I dined at ccg, elway's and beast and bottle, eventually.  I felt spoiled by the opportunity to dine at these places.
I work tonight.  Hitting yoga, at noon, to get back into my routine.  I must.  Not to mention, it keeps me centered and able to really think of my upcoming dreams and travel.  I make the time to be thankful for where I am at now.
This next week will be interesting.  I feel change for me.
I might blog more about my trip.  On an interesting side note...I did a quiz on fb about where I should live.  Apparently, Paris is where I would thrive.  I am open to that, for sure.  City of love, wine, lights...yea, count me in!
Cheers!