Well, I did it!  Six whole nights by myself in the new apartment.  Okay, so one night I slept at a friend’s and two nights I kept the dvd player running, but all the same, I made it!  And I didn’t even hide under the blankets!  Though, I have to admin that the idea of being alone for so long was torturing me.  It’s not that I really thinking I’m going to get eaten by monsters or attacked by an intruder, but there’s something that happens when I’m by myself..my mind wanders.  Apparently I have a pretty vivid imagination.  If only I could use this talent for good and not the total destruction of my bedtime wind-down. I know don’t why it is I’m so afraid to be alone at night.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve slept with the covers over my head, one eye slightly open, scanning the room for an apparitions and boogie men. I always thought as I grew older these fears would vanish.  I remember going into my parents room at night, seeing my them sleeping, unshielded by the  protective blankets.  I believed that one day I too would feel no reason to be scared of what goes bump in the night.  Of all the things I couldn’t grow out of! 

As part of the New Year and turning 30 and being a grown-up professional and all that blah-blah-blah, I’m making the concious effort to face my fears, just as I did this week.  When I look back, it wasn’t that scary being alone and last night I did say, enough with the dvd night-light, I’m gonna get some peace and quiet sleep.  It was refreshing and I grew a little.  Next time, maybe I’ll welcome that bed-all-to-myself feeling. (haha, though I doubt it.)  But it does get me thinking about other fears that may be holding me back, fears that maybe I’m not even aware of.  There’s certainly plenty of times I react a certain way to things and look back saying, “what the heck was I doing just there.”  I’m gonna bet half of that is caused by the girl inside of me thinking, “don’t leave me, I’m hungry, please like me, etc.)  We’re a complex puzzle, we humans, and that primal instinct of fear can be pretty powerful.  Where the off switch to that mechanism is? Not sure, but I’m gonna start with looking it straight in the face, and saying “back off  phobio, I’m in charge now!”  I’ll keep you posted on my progress.  

Happy Bravery!

This is it folks.  The final moments.  There are exactly 48 hours left to shop and bake and make plans for holiday cheer.  I for one have felt pretty mellow about the whole thing this year.  Granted there were some scary moments, particularly when booking my airplane tickets to New York.  Luckily I had The All-Star there to talk me through it.

The shopping, fortunately, was much less terrifying.  I did it right this time I guess.  I waited till almost the last minute, thought nothing about it before-hand, closed my eyes, pictured each loved one and…Eureka! the perfect gift ideas came rushing to me and just as I approached the appropriate shopping venue.  Okay, so it wasn’t that easy.  But it kinda was.  I wouldn’t allow it to be any other way.  I’m over the gift shopping hoopla that we’re supposed to surrender to each year.  I’ll still be giving gifts, but I didn’t get all stressed out preparing.  And as soon as I did feel myself slipping into consumer anguish, I simply stopped and moved on.  My gifts are all from my un-agonizing heart and will be given in person which I think is the best part.  Besides, my parents will still love me even if they hate the pot-holders I made them, and I’m sure The All-Star won’t leave me just because he’s getting a year’s worth of fruit.  (Just kidding guys. And sorry for being so cliche.)

But I’m serious about my presence being the best present, at least for me.  I’m so happy that I’ll spending the holidays with my family and friends who I miss so much and can not wait to see.  Sure there will be a whole lot of rushing around, and fitting everyone in and making sure I remember how to drive in the snow.  It’ll be cold…and windy…and rainy…and perfect.  And it will be home…the place that I know I can always go and no one cares want I look like, or smell like (eh hem, we all remember I’m taking the red eye, right?), and where there will always be a warm place to lay my head, even if it’s a couch, and the blankets will be laid out with love.

So I’ll be home for Christmas folks.  You can count of me.  I know you’ve got snow, John get out the mistletoe, and who cares if there’s presents under the tree.  I’ll be with home for Christmas, it’s the present of my dreams!

Last night was the annual Boat Parade Christmas Party at my friend Mika’s house, hosted by his oh-so-fabulous landlords.  The food was delicious, all home-made recipes prepared by the loving hands of our hostess, and the crowd was eager to laugh and share in the seasonal glee.  Since both my friend and I were going stag, we decided that instead of dressing up in our holiday best, we’d instead dress up like elves and offer an elfy helping hand to our generous hosts.

At first I felt a little silly about the idea, dressing up like a fictitious “red” collar worker and prancing around like a funny sort of thing.  But shortly after arriving, I knew why we thought to do it and we took our places as the on-hand-helping-hands (who also got to fill their bellies and enjoy the Christmas “spirits”).  The guests thought it was a riot and our hosts didn’t have to worry so much about all the extra work throwing a party entails.  It was the kind of giving that reminds me of what the holidays are all about.  Instead of just enjoying ourselves we decided to give a little back.

As Christmas drawers closer, I will to continue to share gifts with others.  Some will have been bought at the store, and others home-made, but the ones that will fill my heart with the most joy are the ones that don’t cost anything at all.  They are the random acts I kindness that each of us are given the opportunity to give on any day, to anyone, and anywhere.  In this elf’s opinion, that’s the best gift of all!

It’s difficult being away from family at this time before the holidays.  I wish they could see how I’ve decorated my home and share with them warm meals and other festive goodies.  Luckily this year I’ll be flying back to New York this Christmas Eve and the following morning will be just as it was before I moved to another state.

It’s odd living in California in the winter time.  For years, the holidays meant it was cold outside and taking a walk down an illuminated street was accompanied by a warm cup of cocoa and a few layers of wool.  As crazy as it sounds, I do miss the cold, however nice it is to not have to bundle up all the time.  In fact, one of the coolest parts about this sunny side of the country is Christmas on the water.  My Florida family have been telling me about this for years.  Decorated boat parades and Christmas light contests.  It was not until I traveled 3000 miles away from my norm that I was able to take part in this fantastic holiday tradition.

Last night, after some delicious sushi and Saki, The All-Star and I drove down to Naples in Long Beach to enjoy some of their festive flare.  The temperature of the air was probably 60º which was the first “hooray” in my book.

Here’s a little bit about Naples for those who don’t know….  Many of the homes are on canals which run throughout this little part of town.  What makes it so unique (for me) is that the front of the homes are on the canals instead of the backyards, (which is what I’m used to), and there’s a sidewalk between the water and the properties with little bridges to walk and drive over and for boats to pass under.  It’s a very cool part of town.  Over the summer The All-Star and I kayaked through this area, not realizing at the time we were actually looking at the front of these beautiful beach dwellings.

So last night was the judging contest for this year’s “California Dreamin’” Christmas theme.  There were lots of folks walking up and down the canals and connecting streets, admiring the hard work of these most fortunate home owners.  A very cool sight to see.  I have to say that although I certainly do miss Christmas in New York, (not a whole lot beats that Rockefeller tree), seeing this light show on the water does get me into the holiday spirit.  How lucky I am to be able to experience both sides this year…the cold weather with the love of my family to keep me warm, and the warm weather with the excitement of the holidays to bring joy into my heart!

Happy Holidays!

I don’t know anyone who loves to get up in the morning, especially in the wintertime.  Hitting the snooze button for another 9 minutes of pleasant slumber seems so much better than braving my warm body for the cold a.m air.  I’m, however, finding that although I am notorious for this snoozy act, once up, I’m quite the morning person.  In fact, it may be my favorite time of day.  It’s still quiet from the night before, my mind is fresh and clear for writing.  On this particular peep of day, I was happy to find it was already light at 6:30am, and, with the winter soltice being in 5 days, we can expect earlier sunrises till at least the spring.  All this aside, I still dred that alarm.  How can I resist so earnestly what I hold so dear?

Driving past the neighborhood high school this morning and seeing all the young teenagers crossing the street for school, reminded me of my own high school days.  Homeroom started at 7:25 am and (most of the time) I was there, even after my 3 am bedtime.  Now, however, even though I am officially a morning person, the idea of a 6 am alarm makes my skin quiver.  What’s the deal?  If my lackadaisical teenage counterpart could do it, surely the adult me can do so too, especially after 8 hours sleep.  And knowing the I’ll be bright eyed and bushy tailed once I’m off my pillow should help too, right?  You’d think.

Part of my turning 30 celebration (ACK! I’m turning 30 in 19 days and yes I’m going to celebrate!) is a 30 day fitness challenge.  I’m planning to wake up at 6 am every morning and go for a jog and/or practice my yoga.  The idea frightens me but it’s also exciting.  Of course part of the challenge will be the waking up part.  But I feel that since I will soon officially be an adult, (30 does mean I’ll be an adult, won’t it?), that it’s high time I start thinking like one, or at least acting like one, I don’t think I’ll ever not think like a 15 year old.

So here’s to the morning and all the more hours I’ll be enjoying each day.  I hope I can do it.  I think I can!

Life really likes to throw curve balls, and often several in a row.  But a strike doesn’t mean you’ve lost the game.  You just need to keep a sharper eye on the ball.  The next ball thrown could be your homerun!

At this time of year, when life seems more hectic than we’d ever wish it to be, let’s take the time to reflect on the positive in our lives and remember that every struggle eventually passes but not without leaving the opportunity for growth. 

Today I’m grateful for…

• I’ll be spending the holidays with my far-away family this year
• I share a warm home with a loving partner
• I work with people who care for me just as I do for them

I just hit a triple!

On Tuesday, I found out that I was to have yesterday off from work.  I immediately texted The All-Star.  We both knew exactly what we’d do.  We’re in Southern California, it’s almost winter, and a weekday…we’re going snowboarding!

Bright and early, with a friend along for the ride, we drove up to Mountain High Ski Resort for a full day of winter sporting.  What a great time!  I’m not gonna lie, it was cold on the lift, and the clouds were low so it was sometimes hard to see.  But we were greeted by sun and higher temperatures each time we reached the bottom and warmed up enough to jump right back on the lift and do it again.  I’d say we got in a good 20+ runs!

This is probably my sixth season on the slopes.  That does not, however, mean that I am an expert snowboarding.  Quite the contrary.  Three trips each winter meant it was a good year.  Many were not good years.  But since living in So. Cal, with a longer season and less lines at the lifts, I’ve been able to fine tune my boarding skills and each time I get a little better.  Last season I had a few discouraging moments, mostly driven by fear.  Some nasty falls made me wonder why I ever took up the sport.  But I tarried on and I was now ready to advance.  I put my fears in my back pocket with my SPF lip balm and took on the jumps! (the beginner ones of course).  It was so much fun.  I landed maybe half of them, but got some good air and found a new side of snowboarding that I can’t wait to exercise this winter season!

Yesterday, I overcame a hurdle that was daunting me.  I often felt frustrated on the mountain, watching The All-Star take courageous leaps off snow banks while I sat in the snow nearby taking pictures.  This time I was the one with the guts and he stood by with the camera.  It felt good.  Real good.  I challenged myself and overcame the doubt that I could actually do it.  Sure I fell a few times, but it didn’t hurt too much, and I got right back up and tried the next jump.  I’m proud of myself and I’m ready to take on more challenges next time.

Today I’m sore, so is the All-Star.  The first time out is always the hardest to recover from.  Some of those muscles are just not used to getting worked in that way.  But I can’t complain.  I got a great workout, learned a new skill, and gained confidence in myself that I can succeed if I just give it a try.  Not something we’ve never heard before, right?  But it’s always nice to experience it firsthand.  Being in the business of helping others, I’ve always got a good cliche up my sleeve.  Having a story behind the lesson is helpful, especially for the one telling it.

What life lessons are you living out today??

Aaaa.  Finally another chance to sit in front of the computer and share.  I thought preparing for the move was going to be the part that kept me away from blogging, but now that I’m in the new apartment and trying to settle in, I’m finding little time to do much of anything besides “nest.”  So now is my chance, and here’s a little post.

One of my most favorite things about living in California is the weather.  It’s not blue skies and sunshine every day.  But it is most days.  Whenever it does rain, which isn’t that often, I see it as a great treat.   We were given this treat on Monday when we had a whole half day of heavy rain.  And not the drizzle that we’re used to, but real “buckets of rain.”  So refreshing and cleansing…it didn’t last long.  In the winter, when a storm brings rain down by the ocean, you know that it snowed up in the mountains.  And one of the coolest things about living in Southern California, and especially in my new town of Long Beach, is that you can sit on the beach with the waves and palm trees and see the snow caps of the Los Angeles mountain range.  I can’t help but smile every time I look at them.  And after a good rain, when the air is crisp and fresh, the view is as clear as the blue skies that canvas them.  I wish I could post a picture but no camera I own would give the scene any justice.  Besides, some things are kept safer in my mind.

Seeing these mountains reminds me fortunate I am to have the opportunity to live where I do.  Being so close to the two things I love most about nature, the mountains and the ocean, feels my heart with joy.

What do you love most about where you live??

I’m so happy to back to the blog.  Sadly, between travel and moving, there’s been little time to write.  I’ve felt a mild sense of stress and emptiness these pass two weeks.  I guess I really love my work.  That or I’m addicted to the blog.  Anyway, it’s good to be back!

My Florida Thanksgiving vacation was a wonderful trip.  I spent time with family that I hadn’t seen in years, ate Grandma’s cooking (which is always the best), and sat around doing a whole lot of nothing.  For exercise I took walks, went wake boarding with the teenagers, hit golf balls at the club house, and did Yogilates with my new Aunt Teresa.  Now that’s doin’ it Florida style.  The weather was okay. It could have been warmer but I didn’t mind.  Only the people from the colder climates were looking for a more “fun in the sun” vacation.  In California I’ve got that every day of the year.

Here’s a pic of the Thanksgiving dinner crowd…

Now for the “Wild Blue Yonder Adventure” part…

The voyage back on Tuesday was a journey indeed.  We left my grandparents house in Palm City, Florida at 8:00 am Eastern Standard Time.  It was a 45 minute drive to West Palm Beach Airport, which Teresa was kind enough to be the driver for.  Checking in was painless and so was security, leaving us plenty of time.  And what better to do with free time than shop.  I bought a painted flamingo to match my new pink bathroom.  Tacky city and I love it!

From West Palm we took a short flight to Charlotte,  North Carolina.  There we deboarded for lunch.  I had my first taste of deep fried pickle.  Just writing about it is making my mouth water.

Of all the airports I’ve been to, this has to be my favorite.  They had beautiful Christmas trees of pointsettia and ivy, Santa Clause was riding around with all his jolly cheer, and all along the food court there were rocking chairs for your sitting pleasure .

The All-Star said this was the greatest idea ever.  I found a sense of serenity watching my fellow travelers rocking in the sunshine.

After lunch we got back on the same plane and took another short flight to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Time of arrival: 2:38 pm Eastern Standard Time.  Hours of travel:  6.38 hours.

We had a two and a half hour long layover in Pittsburgh so we found a spot for another bite to eat.  Things to enjoy at Pittsburgh airport? An art exhibit showcasing the life of Andy Warhol as well as a display dedicated to Fred Rogers and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.

I’d like to take a moment to explain the difficulties people were having with the boarding process.  The All-Star and I were boarding for the 3rd time that day and we pretty much had it down.  Our carry-ons fit under the seats, we knew where our seats were located and we avoided the mad rush.  Others did not have such luck.  The over-head compartments filled quickly and many had to check their bags, couples were getting separated and those seated near emergency exits were disgruntle about the “job requirements.”  One poor stewardess really heard it from the woman sitting in front of me.  She complained about the airline and the customer service.  I felt sorry for them both actually.  Who needs extra baggage when traveling, right?

From Pittsburgh, PA we flew to Denver, Colorado.  Landing time was 7:13 pm Mountain Standard Time.

At this point I had no idea what time its was on the East Coast nor how many hours I had been traveling.  I only new that all the take-offs, landings and being in the “Mile High City” has taken their toll and I had had enough.  I was hungry but full-feeling, tired but wired, I had a headache and was beginning to get cranky.  I opted for a tall cup of Tazo Calm Tea.  It helped, and just in time to board our last flight to our final destination.  Time of take-off: 8:50 pm.  Flight time: I don’t even know…

I slept most of this flight which was great because according to The All-Star it was the worst flight of the day.  There was a dog he became allergic to sitting behind us, a girl who talked the whole time, a woman who laughed very loudly, and an old lady who kept kicking his seat.  Poor guy, he was ready to be home too.  We arrived safely in Orange County, California, on-time and so did our luggage.  After a ten minute cab ride we were home sweet almost home and ready for bed.

Time of arrival:  11:15  pm Pacific Time.  Total air-travel time: 4 hours and 24 minutes.  Miles traveled: 3,695 miles. Time from door to door: 15 hours.

Now for the lesson, do we still have time for a lesson?  While both The All-Star and I had our shared moments of “stress” during this journey, we practiced  patience and endurance.  The goal was “home” and we had to keep moving.  We could have become angry or frustrated more than we did.  I could have taken my crankiness out on my travel partner, or the poor stewardesses.   We could have got good and drunk at an airport restaurant and disturbed our fellow travelers.  And I could have bought a heck of a lot more than a silly pink flamingo and regretted my purchases later.  But no!  We kept our chins up and took advantage of seeing the county via airports. We joked that next time Jet Blue offers 30 days of unlimited flights for $599 we’d taken advantage and see the nation.  It’s still not a bad idea.  We have certainly become pros at air travel. But for now I’ve had my fill and for the next 3 weeks I’m staying on the ground.  Luckily our flights to New York for Christmas will be a little less time, and patience, consuming, I hope.