The Power of Accessories

Ever look at a closet full of clothes and ask yourself, "What should I wear?" I have that internal conversation almost everyday. I read a statstic once that stated that we "wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time".

I'm a stubborn person and I decided that I did not want to be part of THAT statistic! So I did something about it....I went shopping!

Well actually......I went through all my clothes, tried everything on, made quick decisions on what to keep (fits and I wear it often) or toss (didn't fit, had not worn it in over a year), drop off a car load to Goodwill (literally filled my entire backseat and truck!!!) and then I went to the store and bought two belts (a brown one and a black one).

Even though I downsized my wardrobe over 50%, I added at least 15 new outfits with these two purchases.

Summer Favorites

Some of my favorite things about summer.......

Sunshine!!!!!

Fresh Oregon fruit

Farmer's markets

Summer nights

4 hours of daylight after work

Fourth of July fireworks

Taking naps outside

Fruit smoothies

Wearing sandles

Riding my bike

BBQs

The smell of sunscreen

Sunshine!!!

Habits

"We first make our habits, then our habits make us." John Dryden

I've read several studies that suggest it takes an average of three weeks to form a good habit and even less to form a bad one. It really got me thinking about my own habits....

Bad Habits:

too many sweets

not washing my face before bed

going to bed too late

daydreaming at work

procrastinating

Good Habits:

riding my bike

journaling

lunchtime nap

calling my family

regular medical check-ups

Desired Good Habits:

flossing

weight training

studying (I'm going back to school)

Fresh Air....Fresh Perspective

With the arrival of the nice weather, I have been wanting to spend much more time outside. My roommate recently purchased a bicycle and inspired me to dust off my bike. My bike has seen better days. It's about 14 years old, rusty and squeaky....but it fits me just fine. I think it's been at least three years since I've taken it for a ride. Way overdue!!!!

On a lazy Saturday afternoon about two weeks ago, I found myself extremely bored! I had done quite a bit of reading earlier that morning, was not in the mood to watch a movie or sit in front of the computer, wasn't hungry and didn't feel like talking. I suddenly got an itch to go for a bike ride. What a beautiful day for a bike ride! Sun is out, not too hot, slight breeze, birds churping, no street traffic, families walking their dogs and laying with thier kids. I remembered why I had so enjoyed riding my bike in high school and college. Even after I owned my car, I still rode my bike to work. Saturdays were my day to ride up to Yosemite Lake (12 miles round trip), lay in the grass, read my book and nap. I would feel so at peace :-)

I started to crave that feeling again. The wind in my air, the smell of fresh air, the sound of the road. It felt so refreshing to ride again that I decided to start riding to work (10 miles roundtrip). It takes me about 20 minutes, which is only 10 minutes longer then if I drove. On days that I don't ride to work, I wait until about 8:30pm and then I go out for about an hour. It's the perfect time to watch the sunset and the sky fill with vibrant colors.

I find that it helps me unwind at the end of the day and ultimately helps me fall asleep much quicker. It has lifted me out of a rut of 'work, home, eat, computer, sleep.....repeat'. I usually bring a backpack filled with some snacks, water, a book, a notebook and some money in case I decide to pick up some groceries or buy a chai tea latte. Working in customer service, I find that this quiet time is an essential part of how I re-energize. And the best part...IT'S FREE!!!!!!

2009 Starlight Run

That's me on the far left...rockin' the 80's look at the 31st Annual Starlight Run in Portland, Oregon. My friend Aimee is Gem from Gem and the Holograms and her friend is part of a group theme...running with the bulls. 

Though dressing up is not required, there sure were lots of creative costumes. A bunch of middle-schoolers dressed up like iPod nanos. There were superheros, Wizard of Oz characters, octo-moms, bailed out CEOs and lots of hula dancers. 

On the way there, Aimee and I were talking about how anyone could do a 5k and it should be no sweat! Oh boy were we wrong!!!! My recent bike rides had not prepared me for the reality of how out-of-shape I have become. We both started off strong and steady. Lots of momentum in the beginning!!! By the time we had reached the second mile marker, I could feel my body tensing up. At 2.5 miles I had to merge to the far right hand side of the street and start speed walking. It was quite humiliating to see little kids passing me up :-( That was right about the time when we started seeing the spectators....over 100,000!!!!! They were cheering us on and giving high-fives from the sidewalk. It was very inspiring. At one point, I looked around and realized that I was all alone and a guy on the sidelines screamed, "Come on girl in yellow! You can do it!" I started running again which eventually turned into a slow trot but the crowd kept me going. I finished in about 40 mintues which works out to be a little more then 13 minutes a mile. Not bad in my book considering the fact that I felt nauseated the whole last mile!

There are two lessons here; 

1. Never underestimate the small runs (5k = 3.1 miles)

2. Never run in bedazzled denim converse (a week later, I'm finally healed. Pun intended)!

Real Beauty?

So I was browsing YouTube the other day and somehow I came across a few Photoshop videos.

OMG!!!!!

I always knew that the magazine covers were altered in some fashion but I had no idea of the extent to which these photos are severely changed! I was shocked! My bubble was burst! For years I have subscribed to various health magazines in hopes of being motivated by the 'real' pictures of 'real' woman and now......my perception is what is being altered.

Check out this video on YouTube. It's a fast-forward look at a photoshoot that is then altered by photoshop. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcFlxSlOKNI

Now I'm staring at my brand new copy of Glamour and though the actress on the cover is quite beautiful, it only peaks my curiousity about what is real and what has been 'photoshopped'. I read an article on yahoo the other day about a survey conducted on 200 college campuses nationwide. College men of various ages were shown several different pictures of women. They chose the woman that they found to be most attractive. In the end, the average desired woman was 5'3" and had measurements of about 36'' - 30'' - 40'' (which is about a size 14).

So ladies...look in the mirror.....smile...and then have another piece of chocolate!

Bad Timing

I don't enjoy going to the dentist...mostly because I usually have another cavity. I have been blessed with many things in my life however good teeth is not one of those things. It's never a matter of 'if' I have a cavity.....it's an issue of 'how many'????? Last dentist visit I had one cavity and was also told that I needed 3 fillings replaced.

Sure...why not...can I really argue the point?????

I make my appointment but then have to cancel it and I didn't remember that I had not made another appointment until I was eating a Now-n-Later and well.....you see where I am going with this.....out popped my crown! Dang!!! I call the dentist and they can see me in 3 days. Sweet!

So my appointment was today and it couldn't have come any sooner because I have been chewing on one side and now my cheek is sore :-( My story to the dentist is that I was eating a turkey burger (I don't want to get scolded for eating candy) and it came out. He decides to replace the 3 fillings, cement the crown back in and have me come back in a few weeks for the replacement. 

He pulls out the yucky numbing needle and starts poking away. He is actually giving me my last injection and the power goes out!!!! It doesn't just flicker.....it goes completely dark!!!!! The dentist looks at me and says, "Well that's not good." Gee...ya think???? I say, "Okay where's the hidden camera. Am I getting punkd????" We start laughing because really...that's the only thing we can do at this point. 

As it turns out, we are in the middle of a freak electrical storm and the power is out all over town. The power comes back on and the dentist says, "Let's hurry up and get that crown back on.'' It took all of about 3 minutes for him to cement it back in. As the nurse is picking away at the excess cement....you guessed it...the power goes out. This time it doesn't come back on. I end up spitting out chunks of cement into the trash can. At least my situation was easily remedied. I felt bad for the gal next to me who was having major work done involving several missing teeth. 

Can you imagine having to leave without all your teeth???? 'I wasn't completely satisfied with my last visit! Can you ensure that I will leave with at least as many teeth as I came in with??'

Needless-to-say.....I'll be making a repeat visit very soon :-)

Garage Sales

I am having a garage sale today!!! After 30 minutes of sitting around....blogging...I finally had my first customer. A older gentleman who was driving his hotrod around town and wanted to buy a gallon of water from me!!! He gave $1.00!!! If nothing else, I can say that the day will not be a total loss :-) This is why I have mixed feelings about garage sales.

On one hand...you can find some really good deals on stuff that you need or want. 

On the other hand.....you can see all the crap people have be hanging onto for decades!!!!!

On the third hand.........I hate HAVING garage sales because I price things astronomically low, knowing what I actually paid for the item and then have people dicker me .25 here and .05 there!

I have used a popular website to buy and sell several things recently and I like think I prefer that method. There is huge appeal in getting rid of a large number if things all at once!!!!

Anything that doesn't sell....GOODWILL....because the process of putting it all away and then taking it all back out again.......I would rather go to the dentist!!!!!!!

Road Trip

Have you ever travelled out-of-the-state? Well I just drove from Texarkana, Arkansas to Merced, California with my brother. He is relocating to California and I just happened to be in Arkansas visiting my family. 

ROAD TRIP! 

Car packed to the brim, full tank of gas, ipod, gps, Monster energy drinks.....we're set!!!!! It was great to spend some quality time with my brother. We have always gotten along very well and share a similar sense of humor so there was lots of laughing :-) We also had an opportunity to share about some really deep ideas.....politics, love, relationships, religion. 

When it was all said and done, my brother had this to say, "Hey sis, thank you so much for helping me come back to California. I miss you and hope to see you soon." 

Can it get any better then that???? I think not!!!!

Mother Nature

In the 11 days that I have been in Arkansas, I have survived two severe storms! I guess it's not called Tornado Alley for nothing. I am generally a fan of storms...especially thunder/lightning storms. There is just something magical about how Mother Nature can be so delicate and yet so powerful at the same time.  

I'm here at my family's bakery, Merfeld's Bread Co, for Open Mic Night and instead I watch the storm blow in. The beating rain causes the windows to flex back and forth, the flooded parking lot quickly invites itself in, the lightning & thunder work in perfect unison and the storm sirens pierce the darkness. We hear the shatter of glass from the store a few doors down. Huddled around the ham radio that my-always-prepared-dad has brought along, we listen to the weather report. 

"SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL!"

The silver lining in all this is that we are seeking shelter at a bakery that is stocked with lots of goodies, restrooms and a bunch of musicians!

I have decided to put together an emergency kit of supplies that I'll keep in my car for just such an occasion. Non-parishable food, water, flashlight with batteries, candles & matches, blanket, radio.....that sort of stuff. You ask, "But you live in Oregon. How many storms will you really experience?" I have no idea.....but if one comes.......I'll be prepared :-)

Before You Die......

This may sound a little morbid but during my frequent bouts of insomnia, I often think of what I would do if I only had six months to live???????

'Imagine. You've just learned that planet Earth will explode in six months. Or, a virulent parasite is wiping out the chimp population and it's beginning to strike humans-it's sure to be the worst plague in the history of humankind. What ever will you do during your last days on Earth?' ~ excerpt from 2001 Things To Do Before You Die by Dane Sherwood.

Of the 2001 listed, these are some of my favorites;

Write, "If only I had...." on a piece of paper and flush it down the toilet.

Learn how to say "I love you" in ten different languages.

Follow your bliss.

Haggle....and win.

Pay for the next car at the toll booth.

Eat dessert first.

Love to loaf, loaf to live, live to loaf.

Fall asleep counting your blessings.

Play with your food.

Kiss people on both cheeks.

Repeat the phrase, 'I will not die wondering.'

Give up being perfect.

Consider the opposite.

Meet the love of your life's ex and shake his or her hand and say, "thank you".

Emerse yourself in another culture.

Live.

There is a checkbox next to each one listed so you can check things off as you go! I think I'm at about a 40/60. Some of the items listed can realistically be accomplished, like 'put the toliet seat down'. Others are not so realistic, like 'carry on an intellectual conversation with the Dalai Lama'. Now I didn't say it was impossible...just a low rate of probability. I find those particular items to be the most motivating and inspiring. Just the idea that someone wrote it down, almost makes it seem more possible.

I sometimes struggle deciphering whether my thoughts are my own or are some warped version of what 'society' holds to be true. Selling all my possessions and traveling the world sounds like a great idea until I start sharing my idea with others. That's when I get alot of, "Isn't that expensive?"....."Won't it be depressing to travel alone?"...."What will you do when you get back?"

All very valid questions and instead of simply acknowledging these questions as a form of care & concern from my loved ones, I allow the questions to fill me with doubt. At thirty years old, I am too young to think or feel that this is as good as it gets. About embarking on his third career (police office, attorney, professor) a professor of mine once said, "I knew it would be tough to go back to school and learn a new trade. I also knew that in 10 years I would be 40 whether I went back to school or not. I decided that I would rather be 40 and have accomplished my goals then to be 40 and stuck."

As a reward to myself for not allowing my passion for traveling to die, I have just sent off to have my passport renewed. "It's time to start living the life you've imagined" ~ Henry James 

No Second Date If.......

*disclaimer: these are all things that have actually happened to me!*

you have more in common with his teenage kids than with him. 

he complains about his 'virtual' mortgage (read Video Game Addicts blog).

he considers black lights and Baywatch to be mood-setters (can you say 80's).

he starts groping you before you've even ordered your drink (Hello? Hands??).

he tells you he wants to see you again because you are a good kisser.

he talks about his ex-girlfriend the entire night (BAGGAGE!).

he brings along his 22 year old daughter (what, no babysitter?).

he can't remember your name (I was possibly his 2nd or 3rd date of the evening?)

he pulls the whole, "I forgot my wallet" bit and yet his right butt cheek strangely resembles the shape of a wallet!

Living With My Man Dog

My 10 month old Labrador Eddie is preparing me to live with a man!

His farts can clear a room

Snores like a train and twitches in his sleep

No matter how cold it is, he is always warm

Happiest during meal time

Usually falls asleep on the couch after dinner

Follows me to the bathroom

Stares at me while I'm showering

Sniffs my underwear

Ladies......if you want to know what it's like to live with a man......get a dog first :-)

Music Is My Boyfriend

Always available (multiple downloading sites)

Perfect mix of old school and trendy (re-mix of Time After Time by Quietdrive)

Touches your heart (If I Lay Here by Snow Patrol)

Reminds you of the good times (Stay by Dave Matthews Band)

Gives you permission to be pissed off at the world (anything by Linkin Park)

Will walk thru fire with you (I'll Stop The World and Melt With You by The Cure)

Loves your body (Your Body Is A Wonderland by John Meyer)

Is your biggest fan (You're A God and by Vertical Horizon)

He's crazy about you (Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews Band, I'm Yours by Jason Mraz)

Understands real love (Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman by Bryan Adams)

Embraces your imprefections (Flaws and All by Beyonce)

Knows life without you is a life without love (I'll Never Love Again by Taio Cruz)

Will spend his life earning that love (Guardian Angel by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus)

Knows the different between sex and making love (Feel Like Making Love by Kid Rock)

Can't wait to hear your voice (Calling You by Blue October)

Will fight for his place in your life (The Dairy of Jane by Breaking Benjamin)

Admits his mistakes (Sorry by Buckcherry, Take Me Back by Tinchy Stryder ft. Taio Cruz)

Enjoys your company (Here In Your Arms by Hellogoodbye)

Not afraid to tell you what he wants (Short Skirt, Long Jacket by Cake, She Is by The Fray)

You are his bestfriend (Dreamgirl by Dave Matthews Band)

What more can you ask for.............. :-)

Eating Healthy is a Full Time Job

Ever open a Shape or Self magazine and read an article about the 'New Superfoods'? 

NEW SUPERFOODS!!!! I'm just trying to get a grip on the old ones! 

I'm beginning to wonder if I'm causing myself undo stress. The more I read, the longer my shopping adventures become. I write down recipes to meals that are suppose to give me more energy and stamina except that the process to buy these ingredients is downright exhausting! I check my copy of Eat This Not That, refer to my notebook of random nutritional information that I actually color-coated in a bout of insomnia and of course read all the labels even though half the time I have no idea what I'm reading. I am hoping that if I keep reading this gibberish that one day it will just all click and make perfect sense! I can dream can't I????

And why is so expensive to be healthy??? How is possible to spend my monthly grocery budget in one shopping trip and have nothing to show for it but a few jars of coconut oil, almond butter, herbs, gluten-free/sugar-free/taste-free bread and a bag of organic vegetables? 

Don't get me wrong.....I am a self-proclaimed Whole Foods Lover but SERIOUSLY??? How am I suppose to remember that certain herbs interact with others and that adding A to B is suppose to double the nutritional value of C?????? What is this....algrebra for life??? I can barely remember to walk my dog!

I think I may have discovered the world's cheapest diet! Health magazines! Read enough of them, get confused enough and you will be frozen in fear or which foods to eat or not eat and before you know it......the pounds will start to fall off in no time! THE FEAR DIET!!!!!!

I suppose the safest thing to do is grow my own food but them I'm back to a second full time job. I daydream about what I would do if I won the lottery and my twisted mind immediately gets giddy at the thought of being able to go to Whole Foods and buy something from every eisle!