Day 100: New Adventures

Car troubles have been resounding in my family for the last several months. Each time a new problem arises we all cringe and wait for a bill that we didn't expect. It was my car yesterday - just in time for my trip. An odd smell... but I'm so lucky to have a dad that would drive it to the mechanic and urge them to fix it as quickly as possible this morning in efforts to help me leave town.  They replaced the radiator.  While I hate the bills, I am glad I didn't break down on the road, as that would have been much worse.

I left around 1pm.  I've made the drive from MT to CO twice and I believe I've gone similar ways each time, but my GPS decided to take me down a new path today. It was raining/snowing as I got into the car and then glorious sun along a wonderful river enclosed in forest. The further East I drove the colder it got and eventually it was snowy and icy. It was a beautiful, new drive.

I love taking new paths and seeing all of the beauty around - if we just stick to what we know, we may miss out on something wonderful.  I know this applies to my life in so many ways so I guess it'll be my reflection for the coming days - what else might I need to try?

Day 99: Reconciliation

Well, today had a ton of great elements - sunshine, coffee, breakfast, thunderstorm, new mentees, community dinner, catchphrase, babies doing things for the first time, laughter, and biggest on my list: reconciliation.

A few weeks ago I got into a bit of a fight with a friend - one friend whom I have always enjoyed whenever I return to Montana.  The incident made me sad and while I was not entirely sure my anger was unwarranted, I did feel that I had handled the situation poorly. In my desire to make amends I wrote a note apologizing for the way I had acted and noted why I had gotten irritated to begin with.

They say that people tend to get angry at the people we love the most. I'm sure there are several philosophies on why things are this way, but I've always gravitated toward the idea that we believe those people will forgive us, so we let all of our emotions loose. Since this was just a friend, I couldn't figure out why I had allowed myself to release my rage, but I suppose there could be more to it.

I handed off the note in passing and tonight that friend and I spoke. We discussed the nature of our conversation - how we'd both hit each other in a sensitive spot, we both apologized, and we agreed to move forward with our friendship.

I tend to mourn lost friendships - especially those that I've cherished for so long (we grew up together) so I am happy that there will be no mourning period.  I'm happy we were able to discuss our feelings like adults, apologize, and still share a hope to be friends. It was, and is refreshing.

It seems there has been much reconciliation between people around me lately.  It gives me some hope for humanity.  We are meant to show love to one another  - and  I do hope this is something I can accomplish and learn to do better each and every day.

Day 98: Pizookie

I think it was someone's birthday when I first learned about a Pizookie - a cookie that is just large and round like a pizza. I am still unsure whether it's meant to be fully baked through and sliced up or just demolished by a group of people diving into a half-baked, gooey mess of chocolate chip cookie topped off with vanilla ice cream.

I've only experienced the latter - and tonight it was just a small pizookie shared with my parents. I'm not usually one for desserts, but this was amazing.

Yum.

Day 97: Articles

I find that I end up reading a lot of articles with my current non-traditional lifestyle.  Some of them provoke some introspective thoughts, others just light things to think about and others just make me happy.

So here are a few *mindless articles I liked this week: 
*Note: these are lists I just like to call articles.

• 10 Proven Ways Traveling Makes You Happy - I agree with almost every point on here, however, #10 is, "It makes your relationships better," to which I cannot really say much as I've always enjoyed my independent travel.
• 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself - This is really great and encouraging for people in all sorts of situations. I do think looking over it definitely caused me to look at myself and see what offenses I was really putting myself through. Worth a read if you have the time.
• Awesome April Fools' Day Pranks Your Kids will Totally Fall For - I may not have children yet, but I always think things like this make me excited to have kids.  I know I'm a terrible person, but some of these are hilarious. I'm sure some could even be pulled on adults... Not saying I'll try any, but I'm also not saying I won't.

Of course there are actual articles that are interesting and around on the internet, but I wouldn't say they necessarily make me happy - but these do. If you decide to only read one of these, read the 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself, it might make an unexpected impact.

Day 96: Memories/Throwback Thursday

I'm not really sure who created Throwback Thursday, but it's definitely been an outlet for reminiscence.  I find myself looking at old family photos, pictures from the first years of college, listening to music from way back when and revisiting wonderful memories.

When I ran into a tree:

Today I substitute taught at my own elementary school as my last substitute teaching gig for a long while.  It was fun to be back there and share some of my memories with the students - particularly how I ran into a tree when I was in 1st grade. I was chasing a guy several years older than me when he suddenly turned around to chase me and I turned to run away... straight into a tree.  I was knocked out (on my birthday, mind you) and sent home with a goose egg.

When I got swindled:

I am not really sure what provoked my remembering of the time I got swindled - but I was swindled once. It's funny because it seems like swindlers are stupid to fall for until you experience one for yourself.  I was walking across the campus of my alma mater when a guy asked me for help with directions. I sat down with him and he struck up a conversation about life and such - proceeded to tell me how he was in a contest with several other guys running around campus - and asked if I would help him. I, to this day, do not know how he managed to convince me to help him (smooth talking? I don't know!) but the fact is he did. I don't know how much money I gave him, but he won - the swindling, at least, he probably wasn't even in a contest in retrospect. I was comforted by a friend that evening as I shared my bewilderment and amusement at the whole interaction - she said she had just been swindled a week earlier and that there are just people like that.

When we saw Snow Patrol in 2006:

Today my friend pointed out this lovely photo on Facebook:

He noted our cell phones from 2006.  Man, I was a rockstar at T9 that year! I also recall it being my first year really texting at all - let alone having a phone. Anyway, the picture did make me laugh as those phones were totally with the times and now they generally seen as a joke.

When we recorded a classic:

(Here Comes the Sun) - It only seems fitting since the sun is just starting to really make an appearance and this is a genuine throwback to a couple of years ago.

Anyway, all of these, and many other, memories make me smile. Coming up on some big changes, it's nice to reminisce good memories now and then.

Day 95: Beautiful, Wise Mentors

Young adulthood can be a confusing time - trying to figure out life after school and what steps to take can be overwhelming. At times, I think these decisions can get so ambiguous and confusing that they become paralyzing. To combat this, I have a High Council. Actually, I have a "High Council of Jedi Knights."

This is a council I have compiled of under 10 people/couples that I see as mentors in my life. As they agree to be a part of my counsel they agree to listen, contemplate, discern and speak over the large decisions in my life - locations, relationships, careers moves, etc. I have selected an eclectic group of members that know me from different areas of my life and also have different ways of drawing conclusions and mentoring me.

Over my travels I've had the opportunity to actually meet with the majority of my counsel in person - a rare and wonderful treat since they live all over the country - and each time I meet with one of them I feel like they have SO much wisdom to offer that they probably all need to write novels.

Today I was able to have one of those rare meetings; I met with a couple that are on my counsel as being folks that have known me since I was a child, saw the environment in which I grew up, have a lot of experience and insight on going through different steps of life. As we spoke they listened and then offered advice, but it was an especially triumphant meeting for me, as I have become more confident in my own decision making.

I love having these people in my life - I love having a High Council. I knew I was supported before but having them reinforces that support to a new level, as it is support from so many different parts of my life. Definitely I would recommend having some sort of support/encouragement team to anybody - selecting people held in high esteem and worthy of respect. With them, I do not have to go through any of these big decisions alone and that is quite wonderful.
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To go along with my support of friends and family from a few weeks ago, one of my counsel members does keep a beautiful blog where she seeks to capture hearts on camera. I find her sight for such things to be refreshing. This picture is just one example:

Take a look at the blog for yourself: The Heart of The Matter

Day 94: Fresh Air

Fresh air, clean water, sun shining, snow capped mountains, green trees, green grass making an appearance, cool, dry temperature... Today reminds me how much these small things can affect my mood and feelings of contentment.

At a whopping 47 degrees, I rolled my windows down, turned the music up, and threw on my sunglasses - and it was amazing.  Montana may not be the most hopping place to live, and definitely doesn't offer any of the opportunities of the large cities but Montana has fresh air - and for some, the freshest water.  I'm so thankful for these elements.  I'm thankful for the small town that exists in a dry climate where 47 degrees feels good with just one layer.

Sometimes I forget these blessings, but when I reminisce the stops along my travels and the places I've lived, I am grateful for the unique offerings of each location.

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure"

Day 93: Forward Motion

In less than a week I will be relocating back to Colorado.  I have been a bit apprehensive about the move, but as it approaches and as things fall into place, I find myself enjoying the movement.

At this point in time I have 2 interviews set up to take place just a couple of days after arriving.  Along with that, I have a small part to play with a group I used to work with back in Oregon.  I am excited and hopeful for the new adventures Colorado might offer me.

I feel that all things in our lives do eventually add together - whether in small ways or large ways. Where we have lived, the jobs we've had, the people with whom we've associated - they have all contributed to the shaping of our character and who we are. And certainly, there are moments in time where we are really unsure why we are where/with/doing whatever we are, but eventually they might make some sense.

As I prepare for the coming months, I am hopeful for more pieces of the puzzle to come together, clarity on how to continue with the forward movement, and also contentment to embrace the experiences as they come.

Day 92: Drives Through Mountains

I had the opportunity to be a passenger this past weekend driving through the mountains and... still so convinced Montana is one of the most beautiful, wonderful sights.  Pictures never quite do it justice - and after all of these photos there was a spectacular sunset that I just chose to sit and watch.  Oh Montana, you will always hold a part of my heart.

Day 91: late night conversations

So I am currently in a different town staying with a dear, old woman whom I just met yesterday, no computer, all adventure, etc...

But tonight I returned to her home around 10pm with full intentions to go to bed (I am tired) only to end up in nearly two hours of wonderful, wisdom-filled conversation.

Cherish the moments. Living as a lifelong learner.

Day 90: Into the Wild

In my substitute endeavors today a couple of my classes were watching "Into the Wild." Even just the snippet I saw contained such wonderfully thought provoking and wise quotes.

The premise of the movie follows Alex, a 23-year-old on the adventure of life in hopes of making it to Alaska. Even the way he approaches interactions with people along the way is inspiring. He sees each person as an opportunity to learn more - the curiosity for their work is enough to support this.

The class told me they'd read the book and that it was much different from the movie, but even in researching the book the quotes are delightful. I believe I have a new book to add to my list and some thoughts to share with you...

"HAPPINESS [is] ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED"

"I'd like to repeat the advice that I gave you before, in that I think you really should make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt. So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun."

"...you are wrong if you think that the joy of life comes principally from the joy of human relationships. God's place is all around us, it is in everything and in anything we can experience. People just need to change the way they look at things."

Day 89: Filling Out March Madness Brackets

It's ridiculous - I don't even watch basketball - but a few years ago I filled out a bracket because it was all of the rage at both my work and in my house.  I even entered money into a pot for one of my brackets!  I picked the teams based off of research, mascots, colors, and locations (like any non-knowledgable participant in such a thing) - and surprisingly, I did pretty well.

I don't even think I've ever watched a game - now I just watch my bracket.

This year I heard about the billion dollar bracket and various potential million dollar brackets - and I didn't enter any, simply because I didn't want to sign up for some new service not applicable to me.  (I'm just no where near a mortgage at this point...) I still filled out a bracket on ESPN and today is the exciting day where I get to watch and see which of my teams win and which lose.

Already there are upsets - one of which is Harvard winning against Cincinnati.  I honestly almost picked Harvard and then said, "No, they are known for their brains..." yet here they win.  Way to go smart young men!

Anyway, yes, ridiculous; yes, it's madness; yes, it makes me happy.

Why? The world may never know.

Day 88: Community Effort

The disappearing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has consistently made the news the last few days. People are talking about the mystery and because it's so bizarre there are theories floating around everywhere on what might have happened.

Nonetheless, the fact remains that there are people still searching a 3million square mile area for this flight on land or sea. I was intrigued to find the website tomnod where anybody can search grid by grid for oil slicks in the water, debris, safety rafts and anything unusual that might lead to the finding of this plane. I have searched about 2500 grid spaces over the last day - which isn't very many, to be honest, but I feel like having a large community of people helping with this effort is going to be the best chance of finding anything.

We're obviously behind by a week due to lack of communication that Malaysia's search capabilities were not up to par, but I feel like when over 200 people from all over the world are involved, this isn't something to give up.  There are people hoping for closure at some point - and if this can help them, then I am even more thankful for the community efforts which exist in our society today.
To search tomnod for yourself click this link -----> tomnod

Also something I enjoyed reading through today was this article with all of the popular theories that have been shared - and why they are wrong:
Every Popular Theory You’ve Heard About Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 And Why They’re Probably Wrong

Day 87: Shakespeare

My parents knew I had an overactive imagination so they would often "hide" news from me or end up having to stay up late into the night to ensure I was calm enough to go to sleep.  Saints, really.

Anyway, my dad was a teacher and taught English, Theater and Mythology - so when it was his time to stay up with me, he would play his mandolin and sing or he would read me stories. Sometimes mythological stories or classic bedtime stories, and I would fall asleep as he read them.

I feel like I credit these stories and the fact we would run around in the theater to the later fact that I enjoyed Shakespeare even in High School.  Perhaps I was just trying to look cool and hip (but... honestly, that's a bit nerdy, so probably not) but I enjoyed reading and working to understand Shakespeare.  ...Most of the time; sometimes it was awful.

Anyway, today I was talking with a friend about decisions in life. Particularly, I was saying how I might switch my mindset during a non-ideal situation and approach it from a experiential perspective rather than negative. It changes the entire outlook on the circumstance and potentially offers enlightenment.  He'd commented with the idea that we are all just figuring out how to act on earth and it reminded me of the famous line, "All the world's a stage..." from Shakespeare's As You Like It.

I looked it up, and the speech is still fantastic - and understandable to most, I would guess:

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

I just love it.  All the world's a stage - and all the men and women merely players. We play the part we choose to play.  I could continue with the nerdiness, but I will stop... but seriously... Shakespeare.

As my friend added, "Be a character worth remembering." So now to contemplate my part and the impact I can have.

Day 86: Replacing Memories

You know that time you were in that one place and that one terrible thing happened with that one person - and now anytime you hear that name, or think of that place (or month/holiday/etc), you can only think of the terrible thing?

I think we all have those...

I like to take those and make new memories - because those people, and that event, are not entitled to take ownership of certain places. I feel like the memory is terrible, so it does not deserve to continue its existence as dominant in our minds.

So tonight I returned to a space where I had an unpleasant experience with a friend - I returned with a different friend and under different circumstances (IT'S ST PATRICK'S DAY) and created a new, better, and more recent memory.  I reclaimed ownership of the space.

While old memories may not completely fade, they are all part of life.  The ups, the downs.  The sad times, the good times... it's life.  I just want the ups and the good to dominate, so reclaiming them only makes sense.  Otherwise what bad are we allowing to permeate our lives with our permission?

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Also today... ST PATRICK'S DAY - because I'm 50% Irish.  It's my day.  Let the leprechauns loose.  Always.

Day 85: Birds

When I was a child I remember thinking bird watchers were weird people, but as I get older I understand the appeal.  They are beautiful and sing beautifully.  As I've been back in Montana I've seen a fair number of birds hanging around the house and I just find them fun to watch.

Today I saw a blue bird much like this one:

The woodpecker that normally hangs around our house (and may even be building a nest under the porch?)

I frequently see bald eagles out hunting - sometimes two flying together, it's magnificent:

And then... there are always mallards, swans, and other types of ducks/geese around here but out on the lake where my family has a cabin, there are loons:

I mean, these four birds don't even begin to touch the surface for all of the wonderful things I see here on a regular basis - humming birds, pheasants, peacocks (weird?), turkeys, owls, chickadees, hawks, etc. They are just so neat.  Perhaps I SHOULD get into bird watching.  They just sound so wonderful, and look pretty.

Day 84: Funny Things

Okay... so I tried to make a Jib Jab e-card for St Patricks day - I used myself, my sister in law, my brother, my mom and my dad for the "casting" and ran the card... SO FUNNY.  I was laughing quite a bit.  Real laughs, too.  I was just bummed when I found out it now costs money to send these cards...

I went to watch my parents play a St Patricks Day gig and ended up laughing a lot at children and their funny faces.  C'mon folks, kids can make some priceless faces, that's fo sho.

Laughing may be one of my favorite things, but I think I've already written about laughing so I guess tonight it's about the funny things that make me laugh - which are most things.

The last few things to make me laugh were various guys asking me if I was married while I was at a St Patricks Day event.  HA HA, boys... no. 

Maybe today is the type of day I would request people send me things to make me laugh...

Day 83: Random Invitations

I arrived at home, Friday night, exhausted from the substitute teaching and my physical therapy; Worn down from the week.  It was pouring down rain and I could not shake the chill that started to seep into my skin the moment I left the house this morning.

I'd been invited to a "Sing" - kind of like a music jam, except with just singing.  I teeter-tottered on whether or not to go.  On the one hand, I didn't even really know what time it started, I COULD just put on pajamas, curl up under a blanket and read.  On the other hand, I love singing and after a long week of busyness, but also some feelings of loneliness, I figured I should go.

I got to the Sing and we sang... crazy... It was fun, and I was glad I'd gone. I enjoyed the conversation that followed the singing with a few stragglers and was walking out the door to go home when a friend of mine asked, "What are you doing?"  I said, "Um..what do you mean?  Walking out the door?" He asked, "No. What are you doing right now?" and I said, "Oh... well I was just going to go home." He said, "Well we are going to get drinks. Do you want to join?"

Again, a long week, and everything on my mind I said yes and went with them.  We started talking about some of the events from my week, and I'll tell you what, it's nice to have a sheriff as a friend - he put my mind at ease over some things.  We discussed such random topics ranging from tattoos to Scooby Doo to roofies... even some politics.  We laughed quite a bit and had a good time.

In the end, I'm just really thankful for the invitations - to go sing, to go out afterward.  I was invited by people I didn't realize would invite me to be a friend in their life - and it just made it those invitations that much greater.

We all would like to feel like we're wanted. Even if we cannot go to an event, it's nice to know that we were considered an option - it gives a sense of value.  Perhaps there are times we spend too much time being selective with our time, and rightfully so at times, but maybe there are times there is someone nearby that is just waiting for a random invitation to join in on whatever activity we may already be pursuing.

Day 82: Avocado

Some friends and I once sat around discussing super foods and came to the conclusion that the most loved super food is avocado.

I love it on salad, in soup, in wraps, guacamole, and even by itself - and other ways, for sure, but those are the ways I find myself eating it most often.  It's versatile, delicious, and healthy.  

The only downfall is that it's easy to get carried away and eat a lot more avocado than what might be considered a "serving."  The avocado has wonderful fats to add to the diet but for people watching caloric intake, it comes out as quite a hefty number to dwindle away at the "daily allowance" they might have for themselves.  Even so, there have been studies that show a diet with avocado can actually be better than a diet without.

Why? Well...

• The monounsaturated fat (oelic acid) found in avocado increases fat metabolism and helps to lower cholesterol
• It contains anti-oxidants
• Avocado is high in Vitamin E, Potassium, Magnesium and Folate
• It is also high in fiber
• Good for the skin - some would even say it has an anti-aging effect

Interestingly enough, avocado is considered a fruit - and the majority of the nutrients are the in the greenest part of the fruits flesh near the skin.

Given all of the benefits and how it deliciously adds to my foods, I love avocado.

Other Super Foods to Check Out

Day 81: Showers

Who doesn't like a good shower?  And I don't mean baby/bridal/etc showers.. just showers.  With water.

I love them.  I feel like there is not much else to say on the matter.

Day 80: When Reality TV...

When reality TV show hosts even realize the ridiculousness of their program.

Several years ago I was living in a house with 4 other ladies - all of whom I sought friendships with. One of them and I were amazing roommates but found it a roadblock that we didn't really hang out just for kicks. So... for some reason, we started watching The Bachelorette together.  It was silly and we recognized the production and comical nature of the show, but it was fun to laugh at it and discuss it together. It became our bonding ground.

We kept this tradition until we both moved away to different parts of the country.  Upon arriving in our new homes, The Bachelor premier caught our attention and we decided to watch it "together" from afar. At this point it moved into a new category of TV shows for me - something to tie us together.  After discovering some other "fans" (that also liked to watch the show just for laughing and talking about the ridiculousness) it filled two roles.

Of course, all of the time while watching such a reality TV show, I have always been reluctant to admit it to people. It's embarrassing because the TV show is just absurd. Perhaps there are people that watch with true hopes for the contestants to find love, but I have never been in that position.

Last night The Bachelor had its finale for the most recent bachelor, Juan Pablo. In the finale the bachelor/bachelorette choose the woman/man of his/her dreams (or is supposed to) from all of the other prospects on the show.

SPOILERS AHEAD (if you are also a closet Bachelor watcher..)

Juan Pablo goes on final dates with the remaining two women - who have met his family in their entirety.  His family kept dropping hints that Juan Pablo might not be committed, that he can be rude, and a few other key red flags people should note while talking to family.  Of course the girls don't hear these red flags - in the midst of being infatuated and on a TV show this long.

On his final date with one of the women, Clare, he sincerely hurts her feelings. There is speculation about what actually happened but I would be surprised if the story from Wet Paint is actually legitimate. Clare even references their claim in one of her camera interviews.  I'll let you look it up (HA...if you're a closet watcher ) and spare you the details, but she gets the urge to leave.

Understand that at this point, several of the women he liked the most have already left for one reason or another. She, unfortunately, doesn't leave when she feels the urge, but when he "dumps" her and chooses the other girl she does stand up for herself.  The live audience (and everybody watching from their homes) went wild. Bravo, Clare.

Note: I promise this is going somewhere beyond a review of a silly TV show.

This then left the final contestant, Nikki.  The build up to the last date Nikki has with Juan Pablo, she vocalizes countless times how she wants to hear how Juan Pablo feels. She knows she's in love, but she wants to hear it from him. Most of the seasons are like this to some degree, so it's exciting when the final day comes and the man/woman tells the remaining prospect that he/she loves him/her.

Nikki arrives to meet Juan Pablo, where she tells him again how in love she is. He then responds that he likes "a lot of things about her" and over a really vague speech says he doesn't want to propose to her because he's not 100% sure yet (which I actually respect since this show is filmed over a short period of time). Of course, all of the viewers hold their breath for the anticipated "I love you" only to be met with, "I like you.  A lot.  ...A LOT."

So now that I've narrated the show, bring it back to the studio audience where they meet Nikki and Juan Pablo for an interview.  Chris Harrison always asks good questions and proceeds to ask Nikki if Juan Pablo has told her that he loves her.  Nikki is slow to answer - and of course the answer is no.  Chris presses on whether there is a time limit to hear such a thing, especially since the show was filmed 4 months prior to last night, and Nikki says it's something you can't really put a time limit on. (I agree with her on this one.)

Chris continues to press about their plans and their future and Juan Pablo basically says that everything they are doing is "private."  Now... I consider being and advocate for people on reality TV shows that get bombarded with media for the rest of their lives, but as some of the earlier Bachelor/Bachelorette contestants noted, when someone signs up for the show, they sign up for the publicity. They are signing up for a show to "find love" (ugh, those words get old, I tell ya...) and they are signing up for the public to be involved in their lives to an extent. I thought Catherine, now wife of bachelor Sean Lowe, said it best when she said, "Don't slap the hand that feeds you," in reference to not shutting the show out that enabled Juan Pablo and Nikki to meet one another.

Juan Pablo basically refutes that once the show was done, they could be private. He refused to answer anything regarding the L question, he refused to reveal anything going forward, and as the interview progressed Chris Harrison got visibly more and more irritated. At the end of it, Chris even says that he's not sad to see this one be over.

It was during these moments, I felt like we could see Chris understanding how ridiculous this show and the people on it can be.  He seems to believe in the show, so I would never say that he thinks it's a bad thing, but he shared in our frustrations and ridicule for a moment.  For that, I appreciate him even more.

Day 79: Distractions

Some days are just tough.  Within them I am thankful for distractions from the tougher elements - todays distractions included the students in the classes I subbed, BuzzFeed, How I Met Your Mother, and physical therapy.

The students said that I was the best sub they'd had - helped them get stuff done but also didn't yell at them.  Sometimes I do wonder if I'm mature enough to really be in a high school with those students, but I feel like as long as the work gets done and nobody is in danger at any point, then it will work.  The teachers like that their lessons plans are done and the students appreciate that they don't have someone they don't even know trying to push them into things.  It is my constant reminder to them that they make decisions and they reap the consequences of their actions - if they want to make a bad choice it will be their own fault if there is a detrimental consequence.

On BuzzFeed, I love this post:
16 Tips from Bull Dogs to Improve Your Day - it probably helps that I LOVE bulldogs because they looks sooooo hilarious.  I still can't really believe there is a dog that looks like an English Bulldog.  Or a French Bulldog, for that matter. They certainly hold a special place in my heart.

How I Met Your Mother is just a good, distracting, feel good, funny TV show to me and therapy continues to yield results.  Definitely nothing to complain about there.

I'm glad that even within a tough day, distractions exist to lift my spirits.

Day 78: Exercise

It's been a long time since I was able to get into a gym - when I left on my travels I canceled my gym membership and resorted to functional training wherever I was.  Then once I sprained my ankle my opportunity to get back into a gym was delayed even further.

It's been a process, but after starting physical therapy this last week, I found out I could some low impact exercises while we work with mobility, stability and strength in my ankle.  Today I made my way into the gym and rode a bike for 30 minutes!  It was amazing... I feel incredibly out of shape, but it was just so fantastic to get back in there again.

I know there is countless evidence that exercise aids in the happiness of life - I've even seen it on numerous occasions recently that exercise is the best antidepressant.

One Harvard article says, "Besides lifting your mood, regular exercise offers other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, protecting against heart disease and cancer, and boosting self-esteem."

With results like those listed, I find it hard to NOT get workout on a regular basis.

Bring on the endorphins.

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And here are some more articles on the matter:

• 7 Benefits of Exercise
• "7 Mind Blowing Benefits of Exercise" - because simply noting 7 benefits like the previous article simply isn't enough, apparently.
• 13 Unexpected Benefits of Exercise

What I find interesting between these 3 articles is that they hit a lot of similar points - and yet some feel the need to say they are unexpected or "mind blowing."  I am excited for a day when we all just understand and desire the benefits of exercise on a regular basis.

Day 77: Dreams

There are mornings when I wake up and I don't want to get out of bed because it's cold outside of the covers, other mornings I'm just too tired; Today, on the other hand, it was my dreams that kept pulling me back into sleep.

It used to be that I was interested in keeping a dream journal and working out interpretations on a regular basis, but I lost the motivation after some time.  Now I really just enjoy any time I remember a dream.

I find it fascinating to consider what happened and who was involved. Generally speaking, I can make some connections to my own life on the plot lines.  The people, on the other hand, simply intrigue me.  They say that we can only dream of people we've seen - whether in passing, personally, or in some sort of media.

It's interesting to me, then, when I dream of being engaged to a person I recognize but do not know, or when a person I know in depth is present and our interaction in my dream is not at all how we interact in reality.  Last night was one of the former and the plot was overwhelmingly influenced by the *Divergent books I finished recently.  

(*Sidenote: I would not recommend these books to anybody.  Good story but subpar writing.)

The friend and I made our way into the city from camp we had been at.  Along the way we enjoyed each other's friendship and care for one another simply by being present for one another. It was in no way romantic, but the affection was a bit above how it is in real life. In the past when this happened I felt weird around whomever was showcased - even if the level of affection was at a hug - but this time it made me just consider how much I appreciate that friend of mine.

Dreams, to me, indicate that the mind and imagination are still active. And I find this to be valuable.  I hope to never stop dreaming.  - And while I may have slept far longer than I intended, I am happy that it comes with a new level of appreciation for a friend in my life.

Day 76: Driving

So I have more people/things to acknowledge in my stream of support on family and friends but due to lack of websites, and how embarrassed I am for my post yesterday on the photographers missing both  many of the people AND websites, I want to take today to acknowledge driving.

All week I've just loved getting in my car and driving.  Today was especially fun because the ice on the roads has melted and some of the puddles have dried up.  I love driving fast. I love driving through large puddles. I just love it...

And this.

Day 75: Supporting Friends & Family: Photographers

I have a ton of friends who are working the photography industry - and when I see their shots on my Facebook page, I find myself constantly in awe.

Roth Couple Photography - Look at their work!
Evan and Melissa are extremely talented photographers in Oregon. Even before they got married Evan was becoming quite an impressive photographer. Once married their pictures just seemed to become even more magical. They passed through Colorado on their way to shoot a wedding in Chicago and I just remember looking over their portfolio and being blown away. I love that their pictures are fantastic and they are also a really great team in life.  It's great to watch.

Allison & Andrew
This couple is based out of The Twin Cities and their work is the type that ends up in big magazines.  I love following Allison on Instagram because she lives by the philosophy of seeing beauty in all things. She takes fantastic portraits and captures people as well as really taking advantage of good light situations. I need to track down a website for them, but everything I've seen is definitely noteworthy.


I know I have a lot of other photography savvy friends but since I don't know their websites I feel I may need to revisit this element of support again in the future.

Day 74: Supporting Friends & Family: Good Causes

Over the last couple of years I've seen some of my friends embark on entrepreneurial adventures - probably part of the reason I like Shark Tank - and I am so proud of my friends that have tied their entrepreneurship to good causes.

Good Spread - Help Good Spread on their website!

Good Spread is kind of like Tom's Shoes except with peanut butter.  Selling individual packets of peanut butter, each packet of peanut butter bought by a consumer here buys a packet of therapeutic food for a malnourished child in the world. I really think the concept is gold and the peanut butter tastes pretty great - just peanuts and honey... and quite delicious and convenient on all of my road trips. I love it, and the two guys who have been working on this are both incredible.

Purple Door Coffee - Explore their website for yourself
Also a great cause started by a couple of individuals I met while in Denver.  Their coffee shop seeks to employ homeless youth and young adults with hopes of working their way off the street. They sure did their homework in finding a lot of homeless youth and young adults held the desire to get off of the streets but had a hard time finding work without any prior experience. In working with Purple Door they learn a variety of skills - and after being open not even a year they've had one of their first employees find another job.  It's a really cool idea and to top it off, their coffee shop is awesome.  It's in Denver so if you're ever there, try to stop in and taste their high quality coffee for a good cause.

It's exciting to have seen both of these businesses start from the initial fundraising all the way to opening their doors and beginning sales - and all while aiming to help the world be a better place.  I love it.

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Also from today: Driving through giant puddles. SO FUN.

Day 73: Supporting Friends & Family: Theatre

"You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find you are left with nothing but a bunch of empty yesterdays." - Harold Hill, The Music Man

To continue with my support of family and friends, I spent my day watching the school preview for a theater production taking place at my High School this weekend.  They are opening The Music Man tomorrow night and running it through Sunday.

The last time they put on The Music Man, my brother and some family friends of mine were in the production - this time the younger of those family friends (nieces, cousins, etc.) are in the production and it's directed by another family friend.  My brother and I basically grew up in that high school theater, as our dad was heavily involved in its evolution - and after we graduated both my brother and I received theater scholarships.  My brother took his and ended up pursuing theater with fervor.  I, on the other hand, went took a music scholarship and went that route.

I will always admire my brothers drive to live his dreams and not sell out for anything.  He recently moved to Chicago and started working on this project:

 Honest Theatre - Take a Gander at Their Website

The name says it all, it is truly Honest Theatre.  My brother and his cohorts have been working to develop this company and prepare it for it's first stages of production. They held a fundraising dinner in Chicago a few weeks ago and raised nearly 20% of the funds they were looking to get.  Last I knew they were at just over 60% but I may be behind! To see him pursuing his passion is and always will be inspiring to me.  He started The Portland Improv Group in Portland, OR a few years ago and continues to spread his artistic ideas everywhere he goes.

Check out the website if for nothing else than to look at really great head shots.

Day 72: Supporting Friends & Family: Musicians

So I think within the first little bit of doing this blog I noted that one thing to make me happy was being supported. Support is important to all people, and reasonably so, as nothing in life matters if it isn't shared with anybody else in some form or another.  (Right?)

Anyway, I just wanted to take a little bit of time to acknowledge friends that I support in their endeavors. Since I have a lot of people and things to support I've decided to separate them into days based off of their category...

As a musician, I have a lot of musician friends that deserve some shout outs.

The Mark G Project - Visit The New Incredible Website

First and foremost, a friend of mine is about to release his first album, or perhaps already has dependent on when you read this post (release date is 3.4.14).  This guy is good at developing catchy, relatable lyrics and putting them into music. I was first impressed by his skills with rhythm and rap but he proves to be talented in other areas as well since he is singing and playing a lot on this album! Check out his website, listen to his previews, maybe pick up a free download and perhaps even consider buying his CD.

Matthew Price - Visit His Website

I used to play with Matthew Price when I was living in OR and I still think he has an incredible voice and an amazing song writing talent. It seemed like every week he had one or two more songs he was working on or about ready to play at a show.  I think he just breathes wonderful music everywhere. In fact, when I first heard him, I was SO impressed that when someone said he might ask me to play with him I was a) shocked and b) didn't want to seem too eager to jump in on that. Anyway, he's so amazing I was a fan before we met and I'm still a fan even after having moved away.

Christy Taylor - Check Out Her SoundCloud
This is another friend of mine who decided to up and leave to pursue her passions in music.  It's funny because she's so humble about her music that I had no idea she was a musician until quite a ways into our friendship - and I'm pretty sure I heard it from someone else. When we got in her car once she said she had a couple recordings so I asked to hear them and I was honestly impressed with her voice. It's totally my style... Check out her SoundCloud and listen to some her originals so you can hear for yourself.  Hopefully she'll be going on a tour and opening for another band sometime in the nearer future. Until then, though, I will continue to admire her talent and her courage to pursue her dreams.

I could go on for days with musician friends that I support... instead of going on forever I'll just mention them with their names as links:

• Jack Martin - This guy has a voice I love and has written some seriously fantastic songs over the years I've known him.  He also has some other projects going but this link will take you to his musician page.
• Ruth Ginelle - An extremely talented musician that I will always admire for her sass and talents. Rumor has it she's putting a new song on her SoundCloud this week!
• Christiana - Okay, this lady is a phenomenal vocalist and fiddle player. I always loved singing with her and various others on this list even!
• Ben Roberts  - Composer - Ben has an incredible mind and ear for music and is starting to work on his career in composition even more than ever.
• Phil Taylor - Composer - Phil was an amazing composer from the get go. I wouldn't be surprised if his music is performed nationally already despite how young he is. 
• Gungor - I adore these two. They've been on their path for a while now, but I can't help but keep supporting them.

....okay this list could seriously go on forever. I'm going to stop with that, but I've become increasingly aware of the amount of talented and performing musicians I know.  I will likely post again later with some more, because they are all so wonderful and unique.

First things first, though, check out these ones - there are samples at the very least on all of these links.  You never know if you'll hear another small, or up and coming, band that you'll want to add to your playlists.