Challenge 230: Not my favorite day

Today has not been my favorite day.

I think that is all I want to say about that.

I have ONE more episode of Dexter to watch and I'm going to go do that right now. I think it's exactly what I need.

Challenge 228: Feeling a bit lost

It's been one of those days where things just haven't quite been connecting very smoothly. It felt that way instantly this morning. Something about the air and the way the sun was shining, not hot but crisp. It's beginning to feel like fall and I think it's my very least favorite season.

I won't bore you with complaining type details but just know that it was the kind of day where I bought the wrong kind of chicken for the boss (white instead of dark), and he made sure I knew it, where I came home to my front door pushing around an "accident" that the dog had left for me, and a potential business venture out the window. Maybe.

I'm feeling a bit lost.

Challenge 227: Tired but great

What a day! Packed and lovely and filled with great people.
My coach friend, Natalie, and I had planned on taking a hike together in the late morning. It was to be a no big deal, hour or so long hike with the puppy. One that I've never been on before but she had. I pick her up and we drive up the beautiful winding road into Oakland Hills. We come upon this big parking lot and it is buzzing with activity. Families with their kids, couples with their dogs, groups of people with their walking sticks, guys with their bikes. This was the place to be on a Sunday morning. So we begin walking. The puppy is having the time of his life going to the bathroom on whatever he feels like it. Smelling all the new smells, going up to all the new people. The redwoods smell very tree like and we're having a great time. Our trail forked off and we took the one with the decline, which was fine, except I knew that a decline only meant one thing...and incline later. No prob. I can handle incline. I've been working out. So we got to the incline and I could tell I was getting out of breath, but it wasn't that bad. We were in the shade and it was gorgeous. Then we walk up to another fork in the road and my girl wasn't sure which way to go. So we decided to go left. The more adventurous looking choice. I said, "what the hell...let's do it!!" This was about 30 minutes into our hike.

So we started to go. And go. And gooooooo. And go. The trail twisted and turned. It got dirty and dusty and hot and out of the forest. We both kept thinking we would loop right back around. But it just kept going. And going. We definitely on a different side of the mountain from where we started, but how far? Who knew? We knew we started on Wild Ridge (or something like that) trail, so we just kept following the signs for that. Until the point came where the only two options to follow were NOT Wild Ridge trail. OH NO!! Where are we?! We tried to intuit the right direction and starting going up a steep path. Then neither of us felt it was right and we ran into some men with a map. We found out where we were...NOWHERE NEAR WHERE WE STARTED!!! We giggled and kept good attitudes about the whole thing. At least now, we were back on track.

The rest of the hike was smooth, albeit about an hour and a half long. We found some water for us and the puppy. We shared one small bag of nuts I brought and eventually we made it back to where we started. Three and a half hours later and a ton of great conversation. We figured that we hiked about 10 miles. Maybe more. So what started out as being a leisurely hike with a girlfriend turned into a mega adventure! Needless to say, I'm sore. Oh! Did I mention that before I started, I could already barely walk from a session with my trainer on Friday? I might not be able to get out of bed tomorrow.

So the rest of the day was great too. Got lunch, hung with Lily, had a meeting, and am now waiting for another meeting. I'm so tired!! But it feels great.

Challenge 226: Can't get enough

So I can't help it. I'm a total, 100% Dexter junkie. I literally had to limit myself today. I looked in the mirror and said to myself, "ok Sally, only ONE episode this morning and MAYBE one later. That's it. Got it?" The morning started off well. I followed the rules. I got my tea to the perfect temperature, filled my bowl with the perfect amount of yogurt, nuts and fruit, and jumped onto the couch and underneath my favorite blanket. This day was looking good already. Only one episode got watched. But then...tonight happened. One was SO good and I couldn't help myself. Like a chocoholic in front of a giant bowl filled with candy bars. Anyway, I stopped before I went over the edge, and now I have one to look forward to tomorrow.

I spent the day with Phoenix. She is the most darling little girl. So sweet and loving and good. She grins literally ear to ear and her belly laughs are contagious. I feel lucky to be able to spend this time with her.

Well I beginning to get tired and I think both the puppy and I need a bathroom break. Til tomorrow...

Challenge 225: Dexter

Ok. Ok. So I've calmed down. It's not a big deal anymore. But I'm glad I got upset because I know I have fire for something to change.

Today wasn't so bad. I had so much work to do and got it all done. And I've ended the evening by watching way too many episodes of Dexter (I think my favorite show after Friday Night Lights. Or maybe, they're equal).

Lately, I've really been wanting to focus my energy, time and thoughts on gratitude. On putting energy out there for things that I'm grateful for. And I'm noticing a subtle shift in me as I do that. It feels good.

I haven't much else right now. Back to Dexter.

Challenge 224: Ugh.

I'm very frustrated again with work, more than I want to say right now. My chest is tight and I'm just feeling fed up. I'm tired of having to fill in the gaps doing this. I'm tired of needing it. When the FUCK am I going to feel like I can do it on my own?!?!?! Probably when I actually believe I can. This is just ridiculous.

When did I get so wimpy?? I'm too in it. I can't see anything objectively right now.
My blood is boiling and I want to yell and cry all at the same time. And the thing is...nothing really that big happened. It's a feeling I've had, underneath, simmering for awhile. It's been dormant for a couple months and now it's on the surface. FUCK THIS.

My values are definitely not being honored in this current situation, and yet, I can't really see a way out of it. I feel like I've tried different things. So what's the stuck common denominator?

Ugh.

Challenge 223: Things to think about

Today, today. It seems like today was two days. Two long days that had many things in it. Internal things though. From the outside, I'm not sure that it would look like I did a lot. Well, actually, that's probably not true.

I keep waiting until I feel like a real writer. I write everyday, which I'm very proud of, but so many times it feels like reporting. The details, the daily grind. Sometimes it feels like I'm just describing what I'm feeling right here, right now. Sometimes I transcend into complete openness and spill a gut or two. But I feel there is no consistency and no real point when I'm writing. Especially since the inherent point here is just to write. Is that good enough, for now? Should I be trying harder? Should I give myself parameters? Or should I just be?

Technically, this whole thing is about following through. Setting out to do something all year long and follow through with that. Which it appears (mostly) I'm doing. Perhaps it'll morph into something more writerly in 142 days from now when this year of writing is up. Something more profound maybe? More interesting? But what am I waiting for...couldn't that all be now? Do I care? Things to think about.

Challenge 222: Get moving

It is hotter than hot here today. It got up to 101 degrees and we have no air conditioning or fans in the house. So...I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to check out our neighborhood community pool. BUT, it was closed today (boo). So, I'm sitting here in a summer dress, drinking lots of iced tea and trying not to think about the heat.

I think I'm still trying to get over this cold. I woke up early today and then had to take a nap shortly after. I missed a call with my coach today, but luckily she called me. I didn't have much to talk about which makes me feel like things are pretty much on track.

That's about all I got for right now. Gonna get moving.

Challenge 221: Talk about a co-pilot

I'm still on a buzz from my trip. Something about all those trees and that Oregon air.
The drive today was a bit more rough than the one going up. Since I haven't been feeling well, I also haven't been sleeping well. But that didn't stop me from still waking up at 5am to get on the road by 6. By about 8:30, I realized that I was just too tired to be driving, so me and the puppy pulled over at a nice, shady rest stop and parked and cuddled for an hour long nap. I have to say, my car is really roomy. That is one lucky dog getting to travel back there.

So after our nap, we got back in the car and stopped to get gas further down the road. I took the puppy for a walk and when we got back to the car, he simply WOULD NOT get in. He pulled against me, tried sitting, backed up, straight turned his back to me. Everything I tried failed. UNTIL...I opened the passenger door. He jumped right in and sat in that seat like he owned the thing. The positions were varied...sprawled out over to my side, curled up in a ball, sitting straight up with his head touching the ceiling, half his body on the floor, half on the seat. He even changed the radio station for me once by accident and it landed right on NPR. What a good, good boy. The rest of our ride was fairly smooth, minus some traffic as we got into the bay. Check mark for Portland.

I have to be honest, home didn't seem as pretty, cool, or fun when compared to the backdrop of Portland. I always thought I lived in a pretty place, and I know I do, but not like THAT. Oh hum.

So I'm already unpacked, well fed, and tired as all get out, but yet I find myself on here doodling around, procrastinating writing an email. I'm back to work full force this week. I wish vacation could go on forever, but alas...

Challenge 220: Finding myself happy

Another night of sleep spent coughing. This cold is so annoying. But at least it has completely kept me from having fun and going out. Coach has had the house and us to himself since last night and he's a happy dog...cuddling and snuggling and nuzzling.

This morning I met my cousin Emilie for breakfast at this really cute cafe down the street. I had the "world famous" farmers scramble, and it lived up to its title. YUM! It was so nice to see her and catch up. All this family hang time has just been so great. I took the puppy to the dog park and now we're just gearing up to go to the street fair.

I don't have any new news to report since my last post. As my trip is winding down, I'm finding myself happy.

Challenge 219: Gone by so fast

Well...the dogs aren't getting along so well. And they needed to be separated. Brookes' dog is staying at Auntie Allyn's house and Coach is here and happy to be an only child again. I got some good parenting lessons from Brookes, whose had dogs her whole life. Today was, again, another lovely day. I went exploring out on the town a bit with the puppy. We found this amazing fenced in dog park that was huge and gorgeous. In the middles of a forresty setting. Coach was just so happy to get to run around and play with dogs. He really needed that after being here at the house since Tuesday. He's been back to his normal, sweet, sleepy and snoring self ever since.

I also stumbled upon this really great cafe on the way home. Their sign said, "Come here for really ridiculously tasty breakfast and lunch." How could I possibly pass that up? And I think the sign was appropriate. Not sure totally since my taste buds are almost non-existent because of my cold. Ugh!

Anyway, just had a nice and relaxing day. Tomorrow is my last day here and it's gone by so fast.

Challenge 218: Lovely Portland

Another lovely day in lovely Portland. If I didn't know better...I'd say I'd want to move here. Maybe I don't know better. I don't know. But what I do know is that I'm having an amazing time here. Really fun. I've already seen two cousins (et family), gone on the Willamette River in a boat (and jumped in...the river, not the boat), eaten at a grilled cheese cart and a crepe cart, sushi restaurant, dog friendly breakfast joint (that serves the dogs free range chicken, rice, and a fried egg), played ping pong in a women's league with an olympic trained instructor, had band practice, and caught up with old friends. Still ahead is a hike (perhaps), a street fair, another cousin outing, seeing some music, and I'm sure lots more cheese and carbs. My newly exercised body has assumed it's prior-to shape, but I don't care. It's fun here.

I'm feeling ok right now, cold-wise. It's changed a lot throughout the day. A cough is here but I'm not as stuffed up. Sneezing is also here.

Right now the house is quiet. Brookes left to run an errand and her roommate is out. It's just me and the puppy in the Christmas light lit living room. I can honestly say I'm thoroughly enjoying this trip and I hope to come back often.

Challenge 217: Amazing Day

Absolutely amazing day. I am so exhausted. This cold thing has gotten much worse and I feel my head might explode. So, friends, I am turning in for the night.

Challenge 216: World Record

Gosh I feel good. Well...that's not entirely true. I actually feel incredibly exhausted and (I'm really upset by this) I appear to have come down with ANOTHER cold. I felt it coming on on my drive up to Portland this morning. Sore throat ish. And now it feels so sore I'm having trouble swallowing. UGH!!! On my FIRST day of vacation no less.

But, given all that, I feel great. I'm so happy to be in Portland. My drive rocked. I woke up at 4 am and left by five. By the time the sun was coming up, I was almost half way done with my drive. It was a beautiful drive. The smell of the trees and wood permeated the car. We had all windows down. Coaches flaps flying in the wind. I had a bunch of coaching stuff to listen to the car and a fully loaded ipod with a "Portland" mix and everything. I had gone to Trader Joe's the night before so I would have healthy snacks and we only stopped a few times for gas and to let the puppy run around. He was a dream on this trip. Sweet and silly, climbing up to the front seat every so often. We made the drive in 9 hours. A world record I think. I'm feeling very proud.

And it's been so great to see my old friends. It's like no time has passed. Her house smells the same as her old house in Santa Barbara. There's something so soothing about familiarity.

And now it's half past eleven and I can't believe I'm still awake. Must go to sleep.

Challenge 215: Goodnight Oakland Moon

Can't get the song "Leaving on a Jet Plane" out of my head. It's what I want to sing whenever I go on a trip. This time, though, I'm not going on no jet plane. I'm hitting the streets with my big ole dog. I wasn't even worried at all about my 10 plus hour flight until today when I kept getting weird faces and winces when I said where I was going. And a couple of "oh wow...that's a REALLY hard drive to do in one day," and "well, maybe you'll be able to stop for a bit and rest." Uh oh. I thought. But oh well. I'm going and there ain't nothin you can do about it.

I'm exhausted. Which is awesome because I'm supposed to be on the road in seven hours. I'm hoping sleep will come easily.

Today was just wonderful. I hung with a good friend, and her mom and grandma. Trying to be an ambassador for Oakland, trying to explain why THIS is the best place to live. I think it worked a little. I hope I hope. Had a bunch of clients, got a bunch of stuff done, and I'm all packed and ready to go, with the backseat of the car stuffed with goodies for Coach.

So, so long office. Goodnight Oakland moon and hello (on my way to) Portland sunrise.

Challenge 214: It's time

Why not just do it?

Seems like a simple enough question. Not that many words in it. Not any hard words. A simple and short string of easy words, strung together into an easy question. So then why is it so hard to move forward.

I find it funny that my whole line of work stands on the "why not just do it" ground. But yet, I still find myself here hemming and hawing and waiting and hoping and dragging my feet. What the gosh darn heck is my problem!?!?! And what is taking me so long? Geez, take the first step already.

A little nudge from Vaughn today has this on my mind. We chatted about it and he basically said "why not just do it?" And of course I got huffy and weird. But he's right. It's silly.

So I guess I should do it. Not just to prove him wrong, but because it's time.

Challenge 213: Feeling Good

Ok. Yes. Technically it's tomorrow. BUT I just got home and so it's still today for me. Today was great. Lots of buzzy energy.

I had a new client this morning, a random stumbling upon something AWESOME I think I want to be a part of, spent my evening with the sweetest little girl, then went out to a biker bar to meet some friends and ended running into a friend I toured with. AND, Lily let me have some clothes, so I was stylin.

It feels good to be out, meeting people, seeing what connections can be made, because inevitably there will be some. I'm feeling good.

Challenge 212: Personal Growth is a Bitch

Do you ever feel kind of like a loser? For no real reason? Like nothing happened, nothing changed, there's just an underlying feeling of unease inside. It's underneath and also on top.

For me, right now it's showing up as energy in my chest and neck. The puppy is so cute. I really feel like he can read my energy. As I'm writing, he came in the room and looked right at me and curled up at my feet. Silent and calm and warm. Providing a footrest. A source of love, right in front of me.

I was asked yesterday if I knew what unconditional love was. Love...without limitations. Without conditions. The kind of love where no matter what the other person does or says, you love them the same. I had to really think about it. And the more I thought about it, the scarier it got. Could it be possible that I've always loved conditionally? That what a person does, DOES factor in to how much I love them. I think I've been confused by love, forever, if that's the case.

And when I was asked if there was someone I could think of that I love unconditionally, Coach came to mind automatically. The way I love him is so pure. He, most of the time, doesn't do things that make me happy. He gets into things, he dirties the sheets, and requires a lot of attention, he doesn't always come when called, he eats the couch, or plays rowdy in the office when I'm trying to work. But none of that effects my love. My love for him is expansive. And I'm learning that I've learned to love in a very confusing and conditional way. I'm now aware of it, which is good. But I feel like I have so much work to do. To open my heart, really.

I've said it before but I'll say it again...personal growth is a bitch.

Challenge 211: Lesson Learned...again

It's amazing to me how much better I feel about myself and my life when I'm busy busy busy. I've had a jam packed day of coaching and I feel a million times better than any of the previous four days when I've had virtually no work. I can't believe I STILL learn this lesson everytime. No plans/work=feeling bad. Lots of plans/work=feel great. It also makes my relaxation time feel deserved instead of slothful.

I get so much more done too. When I have a packed day, somehow I end up cleaning the office, mopping the floors, doing laundry and organizing the closet. When I have nothing to do, nothing gets done. Lesson learned. Again.

Challenge 210: Staying in the Moment

Well, details of said reunion are starting to get closer, but I won't say anything officially until I know for sure. But I do know that I picked up a guitar TWICE in one week, which is more than I've done for four years or so. I'm learning a new song. One of my favorites, and one of the first that made me love rock n roll. It feels good to be back.

I was lying in bed, reading, when I realized I hadn't written today. Again. I think about 155 days from now. When I have completed an entire year of writing and following through. Yes, that's me, always thinking ahead, living in the dream world. Living in the world ahead of time. I'm so resistant to being in the moment because being in the future is so fun and so full of possibility. But I keep getting messages to practice being and staying right here, right now. So unnatural for me. But I'm so willing to keep trying. And as I'm writing this, I'm imagining myself 155 days from now. What projects will I embark on then. AHHH!! There I go again. (Self...be here.) And as I wrote that, I checked my Facebook. Really...is it so hard to just BE!!?!

Big deep sigh. My shoulders are tight, I just realized and a surge of energy passed through me, pushing little chill bumps up from underneath my skin. I can hear the sound of a car or two passing by on the nearby freeway. Bucket drinking water from his bowl in the kitchen. I know I'm tired, but I don't really feel it. All I can feel is my hair against my neck, almost itchy and definitely tickly. I scratch my head, I don't know if because I needed to or if it was contagious, since I'm writing about itching and all. The cars outside sound louder than just a moment before. I just cracked my knuckles with a release so satisfying. And I guess I was just in that moment.

Now I'm off to other moments spent in my bed with a book and a big ol puppy dog.

Challenge 209: Titsofrenix Reunion

Well it's technically tomorrow since it's past midnight, but since I haven't gone to bed yet, I'm still counting this as today's post.

I'm still not over this damn cold and it's really starting to frustrate me. BUT, I can see the light. I think by Friday I'll be as good as new, which is good because I have friends coming into town.

Lately, I've really been missing being in a band and that part of myself. I think I sort of pushed that part of me away for the past few years, but I feel it bubbling back, badder and bigger than ever. Today I met up with my old bass player from my first band and we played around with some old songs. The girls and I decided to play a Titsofrenix reunion show. Hopefully opening for Diego's. Wouldn't that be a trip!? Don't know when, but I'm going to practice with the girls when I'm up in Portland.

Tired is setting in and cuddling in the bed with the puppy is sounding mighty fine.

Til tomorrow...

Challenge 207: Business on the Run

I was lying in bed, reading, when I realized I hadn't visited you all today. I meant to at many points throughout the day, but the day just passed on by.

Right now there is a tickle in my throat. Still. I'm trying to figure out how to hold all the things I want to do. Hold them in my hands and heart and see them, literally, happen. With my eyeballs. I believe, now, that I can do a lot of different things. That I don't necessarily have to choose, and somehow I still think they will al fit together. Right now the Universe is placing some decisions on my lap. It's giving me help. And making me really decide how I feel, what I want to do.

And then there is traveling. Lately I've been feeling like I want to see more of the world. Live in another country. Explore this one. THe word that comes to mind is RICH. I want to experience richness. I just want to experience experience. I met a little girl who is moving to Brazil next year with her mom, just because it's a nice place. No real reason. She's no more than 12 and has already been to Brazil and India and wants to open up a restaruant in Paris (I think I told you about her, no?). She's so wide eyed about the world. So interested. And she inspires me. AND, I'm reading Eat, Pray, Love, which all fits together very nicely. I love it here, but really, I have very little ties. My job can travel with me, I don't have kids or a mortgage. Why not, right?

As I write, Coach has taken up over half of the bed. He's snoring and twitching and is resting his head on the pillow like a good diva dog. He's getting so spoiled with this bed thing, but oh well. I love having him there and I try to balance the spoiling out with discipline drills throughout the day. He keeps me warm and gives me something to cuddle.

Tomorrow I get lunch with Lisa, my old bass player for my first (well...technically second if you count my little bluegrass outfit in college) band. We're going to catch up and play some music together. Possible reunion show is my future, I think.

Challenge 206: Finally feeling like summer

It's the first time I've been home since 10 this morning. And it feels good. I got out, I saw friends, drank tea, went to the city, had a business meeting, and now I'm back at home, in my office with the pets by my side. Sounds of licking and grooming.

I'm feeling very tired. Like I can just curl up on the couch with a blanket and check out for the rest of the night. It helps that it's chilly here, with a gray sky. Seemingly the perfect weather for right this moment. I'm still feeling under the weather. Not my full self, but a more lethargic, tired version. With a stuffy head and no taste buds. It's annoying and I can't wait for that morning when I wake up feel great, and grateful that I have my health back. Tomorrow perhaps?

Things feel exciting right now. New ventures, new perspectives, tons of new ideas. I'm really looking forward to a vacation I have planned with the pup in a couple weeks. Finally feeling like summer. Except the weather, of course.

Challenge 205: Want it all

What would it be like if I could have it all?

This was an inquiry posed to a client of mine this week. And in the spirit of walking the talk, I've been asking myself the same question ever since. And it's opened up my mind to so many possibilities. Why limit myself? Why not have all the things I want, no matter how crazy they sound? Why shouldn't I be able to be a Jill of all Trades, doing many things? I tell you...it's a freeing exercise. A freeing thought process. I mean, really, to get to paint it the way I want to paint it. Life. And I do...want it all, that is.

Challenge 204: Onward

Well it's spring cleaning here in the house. Time to get my butt in gear and do all the towels laundry that's been piling up, organize the closets, mop the floors, give the kitchen and bathroom a good scrub. It feels good to do it. In fact, I love doing it, especially when I know it'll stay that way for awhile.

Today is sunny. It's early evening and the slight wind outside is making the red flag in front of my window dance and the trees sway. I can feel fall somewhere around the corner. Not in anything specific, just a general feeling and knowingness that August is technically the last month of summer. Summer just flew by with no real beginning or end for me. I didn't really do any "summery" kind of things, my workload was the same, and I still don't have a tan. Very different from the southern california summers I'm used to. And the non-tan isn't because the weather hasn't been nice. I think it's because I no longer have a pool at my house, or a laying out area, and the beaches aren't necessarily the warm spots here.

I found out last night that I passed my written exam for school. One more thing to go and then I'm certified! My oral exam is scheduled for the end of September.

Vaughn left this morning. It wasn't a huge event. Just a following of events, time passing. We knew it was coming. And it was gosh darn early. 6am. I took him to Bart, we said a quick goodbye and I came home and went back to sleep for a few hours. Nothing feels different yet, except tons of laundry is being done. I wonder why it doesn't occur to me to do while he's here. Hmmmmmmmm.

Anyway, I have a lot planned this month and I'm really excited. Starting with a Trader Joe's run and dinner/brainstorming session with Lily. Onward.

Challenge 203: Later Skater

Last night was a bit rough. This silly little cold is acting so weird. I was so cold last night that I had to put on a sweatshirt in bed. My body was shivering and I couldn't keep warm. That coupled with a cough evenly spaced out every 2 minutes, made it hard for me (and Vaughn) to get any rest. Eventually, I did fall asleep, but I had the strangest dreams. Wonder what's up.

I gave myself the freedom to sleep in and boy did that feel good. I woke up feeling much better than when I went to sleep. My voice, however, is still hoarse and smoky. I kind of like it.

Today is coaching and errands and lots of staring at Vaughn. We just figured out Skype, so we're both looking forward to some funny Skype sessions while he's away. I plan on just leaving the computer open right in front of the dog, hoping that he'll be doing funny things when Vaughn calls in.

I had the most amazing time with this little girl down the street from us. She is in love with our dog and every time she sees us walking she stops to say hello. She's 13 going on 30. Sweet, present, kind, calm, interesting, and she's traveled all over the world. She's moving to Brazil next year and says eventually she wants to open up a restaraunt in Paris. Talk about a girl with dreams!! I love it and being around her inspires me. I want to travel more. See more of the world. Dream bigger. Like her.

I'm now off to do some stuff for my boss. Later skater.

Challenge 202: Drink Fluids

Well, I do have a cold. But it's kind of weird. It started with a tickle in my throat and a slight cough and now I've lost my voice, have a headache and still have a cough. Usually the losing of the voice happens at the tail end of a cold for me, so perhaps this sucker just moved really fast. Let's hope. I get annoyed when I get sick because I feel like it must MEAN something. As if a sickness just can't simply be germs caught. That it means something is up for me. And who knows, maybe it is.

Vaughn is leaving tomorrow and although I'm really excited both for him and for the things I have planned while he's gone, I'm also sad (shhhhhhhh don't tell him...trying to be strong, happy, and supportive) thinking about missing him. I think there is something that happens right before he leaves. It's like an anticipatory sadness, but usually once he's gone, everything is fine.

I had to cancel my 9am appointment this morning because of said cold. I decided to sleep in and it felt good. I have a client in an hour and am not sure if I'll be able to talk for that call, but I'm drinking tea right now and so we'll see. The rest of my day is pretty mellow. Have some errands and calls to make, plans to hang with my bestie, dinner plans with Vaughn, but not much "work." So perhaps that will give me some relaxing time on the couch to drink fluids and let this things pass.

Challenge 201: Beach Workout

Geez am I slipping. I'm not happy with how much I've been forgetting to write lately. I'm just completely forgetting. I've been working on making more of a schedule for things that don't normally need to be on the calendar, like laundry, emails, etc, so I think I' going to try to write this on my calendar. The busier I get, the more I can't quite keep it all together in my head.

I woke up with a tickle in my throat and a slight cough. I'm annoyed. I have a beach workout scheduled this morning and I haven't been sick in over a year. So I'm just going to decide that this isn't here and move on with my day.

It's a grey morning here, very fall feeling and almost wet. The sound of Bart outside my window feels like commuters and I imagine cars full of people listening to NPR sipping on their coffee. That will be me in a half hour, minus the coffee, and minus the commute to work.

I'm feeling a bit anxious lately about how I'm going to make it all work, coaching, ideas, money, business. But luckily, I have a call with my coach today. This hot tea feels warm and yummy on my throat and against this day.

Challenge 200: Life is good. Belly is full.

200 days of writing and it really has gone by so fast. I can't believe it. 200.

I met an anonymous reader last night at Vaughn's show. She introduced herself to me and said she read my blog every day and that it inspired her to do her own 30 days of challenges. I was blown away. Sometimes I just sit here in my house and write as though no one (other than my mom and Dewey and occasionally a friend or Vaughn) are reading, and I always get so pleasantly surprised when someone unexpected mentions something from my blog.

So...you should know, it means a lot to me that you're with me, here on this journey.

I had a great time last night, and although the stilettos were the perfect outfit choice, they weren't necessarily the perfect walking and dancing choice. OUCH! The show was literally packed. I got tossed around up in the front row, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. To me, that's the best way to enjoy Diego's. Front and center.

Today was an amazing day. I couldn't believe how late I slept in...11:00!!! I think it threw my whole day off, in what turned out to be a "slow take-off" morning (as Vaughn calls it). I scheduled absolutely no work today and we just spent the time flitting around town, shopping, erranding, etc. We brought the puppy. We met the most amazing dog today. A Daniff. Great Dane/Mastiff mix. I think I found my new breed to be obsessed with. And gauging from the 2 hours I spent when I got home on the computer researching the breed, there might be a new dog in our future. I said MIGHT. I just can't help it. I'm in deep.

Crab leg, veggies, and quinoa (Mom...pronounced KEEN-WA) dinner in celebration of me finishing school, an episode of True Blood, and now just a few minutes here before the next episode gets put on. Life is good. Belly is full.