It's been quite some time since I've been able to write. Life happens. Things get hectic, work gets busy, meetings with friends and family add onto full agendas. No complaints here because I'm CONNECTing with people, places and things.
I do feel however, that something is missing. When I don't put pen to paper (or rather, fingers to keypad), my head gets a little fuzzy. I'm scatter-brained and I just want to get it all out of my head. I'm glad I've come to this realization because I know very well and desire for writing to be a constant in my life. I hope I provide the tiniest bit of excitement and entertainment to your life through my words. Here we go...
These are the happenings:
1. A personal trip for the love of music to Texas turned into a business trip. I landed in San Antonio, TX and was hired (swooped up) on the spot by a Captain at one of my fellow Trader Joe's stores. So I'm moving up and moving back to Texas!
2. I crossed an item off my bucket list, and ran 26.2 long, hard miles on the hills of San Francisco, CA.
3. I've connected with new friends and reconnected with old friends and life hasn't felt more fulfilling than it has at this very moment ;D
I hope to share more details about the points above [especially the marathon for all you runners and athletes] and provide you with a chuckle or two, but for now...
Let life take it's course. Don't speed it up or slow it down. Let it unfold and bloom at it's own pace. Go with it, flow with it, embrace it. Live here, live now.
Onward...
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Actions and Reactions
It amazes me how perceptions can differ so widely. Yesterday at work I had an encounter with a customer and acted on auto-pilot. It happened all so quickly that as the encounter was coming to an end, I then realized the odd stares I was receiving. I was a bit disturbed, but I didn't break. So this is how the story goes...
A handicapped customer came to my demonstration area and wanted a sample. (The customer was speech impaired, and I quickly realized she could only use her hands to navigate the toggle stick on her wheelchair.)
I asked, "Do you want a sample?"
I heard a muffled, "Yes."
So I said, "OK, I'll get you one."
As I was handing it to her, I realized she could not use her hands to feed herself so I said, "Here, let me feed you, hun."
I started to feed her bites of our Heirloom Tomato Salad and an Eggplant Cutlet. I made sure to make the pieces extra small because she could only open her mouth so wide and couldn't hold her head up very long.
A colleague of mine looked over at us with what seemed like a look of disgust. I kept feeding the customer. Then they just stared at the customer in disbelief.
I asked the woman, "Did you like the salad? It's good, isn't it."
Mumbles came out of her mouth.
My colleague was still staring.
Another customer grabbed a sample from the bar smiled at me, and didn't bother to even glance at the customer I was feeding. It was as if she wasn't even there. The second customer walked straight to the coffee bar as I was feeding the woman, and when she didn't get the amount of coffee she liked she told me, "You better put another coffee out there. This one is low." Again, looking at me straight in the eye, and paying no attention to my actions.
By this time, I noticed a horrid stench. I looked at her wheels and saw dried dog shit piled on. I continued to feed the woman.
My colleague had moved behind the bar and was cleaning, but still staring at the customer awkwardly. Perhaps they thought the stench was coming from the woman?
I waited patiently to serve the woman until the last bite was eaten. I wiped her mouth when she was done and put extra napkins in her Starbucks bag.
I asked again, "Did you like that?"
She looked at me, grinned, rolled her head back, grabbed onto her toggle stick and was off.
--
The caregiver in me came out. It was natural and automatic. I didn't think twice, didn't stop, I just did it. I was shocked at the reactions of my actions, the perceptions of those surrounding the woman in the wheelchair and myself. I was embarrassed for her.
For that small instance, I felt like a mother and a nurse. It reminded me of being my mother's caregiver. [Even though I hardly had to feed my mother because she was extremely independent and rather stubborn at times, wanting to do it all on her own.] I was happy to play that role once again.
Here's what I've taken from that encounter: I truly enjoy helping others. I'm proud of my actions. No matter what perceptions and reactions spun around the woman and I, I'm glad I did what I did. It's what I had to do. It's what I wanted to do. I'd do it all over again if the situation presented itself in the future. I believe, it's our job as humans to take care of ourselves AND one another. It's that simple.
What (or whom) have you taken care of today?
A handicapped customer came to my demonstration area and wanted a sample. (The customer was speech impaired, and I quickly realized she could only use her hands to navigate the toggle stick on her wheelchair.)
I asked, "Do you want a sample?"
I heard a muffled, "Yes."
So I said, "OK, I'll get you one."
As I was handing it to her, I realized she could not use her hands to feed herself so I said, "Here, let me feed you, hun."
I started to feed her bites of our Heirloom Tomato Salad and an Eggplant Cutlet. I made sure to make the pieces extra small because she could only open her mouth so wide and couldn't hold her head up very long.
A colleague of mine looked over at us with what seemed like a look of disgust. I kept feeding the customer. Then they just stared at the customer in disbelief.
I asked the woman, "Did you like the salad? It's good, isn't it."
Mumbles came out of her mouth.
My colleague was still staring.
Another customer grabbed a sample from the bar smiled at me, and didn't bother to even glance at the customer I was feeding. It was as if she wasn't even there. The second customer walked straight to the coffee bar as I was feeding the woman, and when she didn't get the amount of coffee she liked she told me, "You better put another coffee out there. This one is low." Again, looking at me straight in the eye, and paying no attention to my actions.
By this time, I noticed a horrid stench. I looked at her wheels and saw dried dog shit piled on. I continued to feed the woman.
My colleague had moved behind the bar and was cleaning, but still staring at the customer awkwardly. Perhaps they thought the stench was coming from the woman?
I waited patiently to serve the woman until the last bite was eaten. I wiped her mouth when she was done and put extra napkins in her Starbucks bag.
I asked again, "Did you like that?"
She looked at me, grinned, rolled her head back, grabbed onto her toggle stick and was off.
--
The caregiver in me came out. It was natural and automatic. I didn't think twice, didn't stop, I just did it. I was shocked at the reactions of my actions, the perceptions of those surrounding the woman in the wheelchair and myself. I was embarrassed for her.
For that small instance, I felt like a mother and a nurse. It reminded me of being my mother's caregiver. [Even though I hardly had to feed my mother because she was extremely independent and rather stubborn at times, wanting to do it all on her own.] I was happy to play that role once again.
Here's what I've taken from that encounter: I truly enjoy helping others. I'm proud of my actions. No matter what perceptions and reactions spun around the woman and I, I'm glad I did what I did. It's what I had to do. It's what I wanted to do. I'd do it all over again if the situation presented itself in the future. I believe, it's our job as humans to take care of ourselves AND one another. It's that simple.
What (or whom) have you taken care of today?
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Happy Endings
I love movies! Really cheesy, rom-coms that melt your heart when the girl wins the boys heart and gets her happy little ever after ;D They make me smile!
Sex and the City just finished, and I'm so completely and utterly the splitting image of Ms. Carrie Bradshaw ;) [I'm truly grinning right now!] A city girl down to the core, who has a drastically large shoe fetish, writer and hopeless romantic who's always head over heels in love. Carrie's happy ending just made my day ;D
In time, in due time...I'll get my happy ending too! Cheers to that!!
Sex and the City just finished, and I'm so completely and utterly the splitting image of Ms. Carrie Bradshaw ;) [I'm truly grinning right now!] A city girl down to the core, who has a drastically large shoe fetish, writer and hopeless romantic who's always head over heels in love. Carrie's happy ending just made my day ;D
In time, in due time...I'll get my happy ending too! Cheers to that!!
B&W vs. Color
I just walked through the Travel section at Barnes & Noble and instantly I drifted away to far away lands. I touched the covers of the maps and atlases as if they were ancient manuscripts resurrected from the a time when men walked on bare feet and wore cloth skirts. I was overwhelmed with excitement and wonder! Like a kid in a candy store ;P
My mission: Find a world map to complete my wedding gift for my best friend.
I slipped away to the calendars that were nearby where a Parisian calendar entitled, "Remember Paris, 1913," caught my eye. It was filled with black & white sketches of the old Paris - one of the most romantic cities in the world, and most recently, the last stop on my Eurotrip this past summer. Then I found another calendar, "A Walk Through Paris," with the Louvre on the cover. This one was in color ;) It brought me back to that warm summer afternoon when I soaked my feet in the fountains of the Louvre. Ahh...memories...sigh.....
Back to reality, I noticed I was drawn to all the calendars that were full of bright, bold colors. A thought hit me - I remember I used to love b&w photos so much. I hung b&w portraits in my Hollywood studio, I would edit my photos and turn them to b&w and was deathly afraid of neon! But now, black & white seem so triste. So desolate, drab and dreary. I put the b&w calendar down as fast as I had picked it up. Then, I remembered the wise words of someone that I used to know, "Life with you is more colorful." Probably the best compliment I've received in life thus far ;D Recently, I've started to gain that color back in my life. I wear red lipstick, neon garments and accessories all colors of the rainbow. I dine al fresco whenever possible, listen to foreign music, talk to strangers (in their native language if I know it) and smile as often as possible ;D [Did you know it take 43 muscles to frown and only three to smile?] I do not see only two options anymore, no right or wrong, good or bad, beautiful or ugly, there's all the in between, and that, my friends, is where you will find color ;D
I did not accomplish my mission at Barnes, but I did find this one my way out the door...
What color(s) is your life made up of?
My mission: Find a world map to complete my wedding gift for my best friend.
I slipped away to the calendars that were nearby where a Parisian calendar entitled, "Remember Paris, 1913," caught my eye. It was filled with black & white sketches of the old Paris - one of the most romantic cities in the world, and most recently, the last stop on my Eurotrip this past summer. Then I found another calendar, "A Walk Through Paris," with the Louvre on the cover. This one was in color ;) It brought me back to that warm summer afternoon when I soaked my feet in the fountains of the Louvre. Ahh...memories...sigh.....
Back to reality, I noticed I was drawn to all the calendars that were full of bright, bold colors. A thought hit me - I remember I used to love b&w photos so much. I hung b&w portraits in my Hollywood studio, I would edit my photos and turn them to b&w and was deathly afraid of neon! But now, black & white seem so triste. So desolate, drab and dreary. I put the b&w calendar down as fast as I had picked it up. Then, I remembered the wise words of someone that I used to know, "Life with you is more colorful." Probably the best compliment I've received in life thus far ;D Recently, I've started to gain that color back in my life. I wear red lipstick, neon garments and accessories all colors of the rainbow. I dine al fresco whenever possible, listen to foreign music, talk to strangers (in their native language if I know it) and smile as often as possible ;D [Did you know it take 43 muscles to frown and only three to smile?] I do not see only two options anymore, no right or wrong, good or bad, beautiful or ugly, there's all the in between, and that, my friends, is where you will find color ;D
I did not accomplish my mission at Barnes, but I did find this one my way out the door...
What color(s) is your life made up of?
Monday, September 24, 2012
"We all make choices in life, the hardest part is living with them."
Two amazing events occurred tonight!
1. I stayed awake throughout the entire, let me repeat that - ENTIRE - duration of the one hour, 36 minute "The Words!"
If you know me at all, you know I'm a sleeper. One of my dear friends has even named me "Snooze." The minute I sit down and get comfortable, the lights go out. I've always tried to fight it, but you know I can't help it (shrugging shoulders) - that's just what I do.
As the film came to an end, a black frame rolled in and then the credits, I couldn't tell if I was more excited about the story I'd just witnessed, that Bradley Cooper was the Executive Producer or because I FRIGGIN' LASTED! Perhaps, the excitement was a combination of the three?! No fighting, no fidgeting, no use of all my effort just to keep my eyes peeled! I just managed to stay awake ;) This is only the second time in my adult life where I can remember staying awake for an entire film (the first was Paris-Manhattan in France.) I do know this, I am extremely proud of this new accomplishment! ;D
2. A great film to me is when you are so captivated by the story that you escape your own reality and you literally feel like you are physically inside the story on the big screen, living each and every moment of it as it unfolds in front of your eyes. I had a recollection! That intense and believable feeling I had while watching "The Words" is exactly why I went to film school and wanted to break into the biz - to allow people to escape reality for just an hour or two to live inside someone else's reality. Furthermore, I wanted to create stories where people could relate to and really connect with the characters, seeing themselves as one of them.
Unfortunately, I no longer have the desire to create films in the production sense, but rather, I have come to love the base, the foundation of a film which is the story. It's funny, I used to work in a writers' office in Hollywood and had absolutely no desire to do what those writers did day in, day out. Time has passed, I have grown up and now, all I want to do is write ;D In everything that I do, I find a connection to words and start painting the story in my head. I can't stop it, words just flow continuously like a rushing river! Isn't it strange how life works out sometimes? I've found in some cases, our desires become our fears and our fears our desires.
I'd highly recommend "The Words" to anyone. The score fits just like a glove. Casting was spot on. There was one scene where I really enjoyed the cinematographer's eye. He captured Jeremy Irons's eye (The Old Man) through a hole in the leaves of a plant sitting on a shelf. Aspiring writers, this one has a lot of techniques to learn from too ;) I'm interested to find out my fellow film buffs' views on the film [one in particular, you know who you are ;)] I've never been one to spill over a film and what my critique was, but this one's got me going. I don't want to spoil anything more because it's still a fairly new release, but I'd love to hear your reviews once you see the film. [You can post them in the comments section below.]
I'll leave you with one quote from the movie that struck me, and I can relate to very, very well:
"We all make choices in life, the hardest part is living with them." - The Old Man
1. I stayed awake throughout the entire, let me repeat that - ENTIRE - duration of the one hour, 36 minute "The Words!"
If you know me at all, you know I'm a sleeper. One of my dear friends has even named me "Snooze." The minute I sit down and get comfortable, the lights go out. I've always tried to fight it, but you know I can't help it (shrugging shoulders) - that's just what I do.
As the film came to an end, a black frame rolled in and then the credits, I couldn't tell if I was more excited about the story I'd just witnessed, that Bradley Cooper was the Executive Producer or because I FRIGGIN' LASTED! Perhaps, the excitement was a combination of the three?! No fighting, no fidgeting, no use of all my effort just to keep my eyes peeled! I just managed to stay awake ;) This is only the second time in my adult life where I can remember staying awake for an entire film (the first was Paris-Manhattan in France.) I do know this, I am extremely proud of this new accomplishment! ;D
2. A great film to me is when you are so captivated by the story that you escape your own reality and you literally feel like you are physically inside the story on the big screen, living each and every moment of it as it unfolds in front of your eyes. I had a recollection! That intense and believable feeling I had while watching "The Words" is exactly why I went to film school and wanted to break into the biz - to allow people to escape reality for just an hour or two to live inside someone else's reality. Furthermore, I wanted to create stories where people could relate to and really connect with the characters, seeing themselves as one of them.
Unfortunately, I no longer have the desire to create films in the production sense, but rather, I have come to love the base, the foundation of a film which is the story. It's funny, I used to work in a writers' office in Hollywood and had absolutely no desire to do what those writers did day in, day out. Time has passed, I have grown up and now, all I want to do is write ;D In everything that I do, I find a connection to words and start painting the story in my head. I can't stop it, words just flow continuously like a rushing river! Isn't it strange how life works out sometimes? I've found in some cases, our desires become our fears and our fears our desires.
I'd highly recommend "The Words" to anyone. The score fits just like a glove. Casting was spot on. There was one scene where I really enjoyed the cinematographer's eye. He captured Jeremy Irons's eye (The Old Man) through a hole in the leaves of a plant sitting on a shelf. Aspiring writers, this one has a lot of techniques to learn from too ;) I'm interested to find out my fellow film buffs' views on the film [one in particular, you know who you are ;)] I've never been one to spill over a film and what my critique was, but this one's got me going. I don't want to spoil anything more because it's still a fairly new release, but I'd love to hear your reviews once you see the film. [You can post them in the comments section below.]
I'll leave you with one quote from the movie that struck me, and I can relate to very, very well:
"We all make choices in life, the hardest part is living with them." - The Old Man
Friday, September 21, 2012
Wushu Bourdain
I just saw 武術 Bourdain take down six men like Jackie Chan in a black leather jacket and a Yankees tee in Hong Kong. If that's not H-O-T, then I don't know what is?!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
How was your day?
A customer came through my line today and I asked her, "How was your day?" She paused with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye and said as she nodded, "Good, really good." From her pause I could tell she was taken aback. I sensed that no one had asked her that today, and perhaps, she hadn't got that question asked very often or at all.
Those four little words make a difference. They go a long way. I'm happy I was able to have that interaction and make her day. I felt like an angel for that moment in time ;)
Those four little words make a difference. They go a long way. I'm happy I was able to have that interaction and make her day. I felt like an angel for that moment in time ;)
Monday, September 17, 2012
18, 19, 20
Last weekend I had a goal: Run 18 miles.
The night before I went to a Team in Training fundraiser with lots of food and drink. So what did I do? Ate, drank, drank some more, ate some more and drank. And what did I do the next day?
I RAN 18 MILES!
I'm a perfect example of what NOT to do before a long run or before race day!
1. Do not sleep late.
2. Do not eat a late dinner.
3. Do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
4. DO hydrate yourself.
5. DO eat a light breakfast one to two hours prior to your run.
I did the exact opposite of the five steps to preparing yourself for a major run. I'm no master marathoner, and if you live a lifestyle where you do all the opposite of my five tactics for your run and can still finish the race then more power to you! I however, CANNOT do that again because I felt like dog shit the whole way through.
It's amazing how the mindset of a runner works, [or how my mindset works.]
At 9:01am on Sunday, September 9, I began my run. I went into the run dreading it which was a bad sign. I knew my preparation for the run was pretty much nonexistent, so it made me dread the run and how I'd feel throughout. After mile four, I had to use the restroom already. Miles five and six were uncomfortable as I was on an expressway that was more like a highway with no sidewalks. I knew by mile seven I'd be thirsty, so luckily, I brought my water bottle and fueled up. After mile nine I was close to my starting point and I DO NOT like loops so I had to think fast and take a detour. I ran on a trail along a creek that only ran for four miles...bummer! I wanted to go further. So I looped back around on the trail. I ran next to Great America and the sound of the roller coasters gave me a high. I imagined riding them and it took my mind off the mileage. By mile 12 or 13, I reached the opposite dead end of the trail, AAAHHHH!!! I just wanted to keep running but these dead ends were killing me. And the second bathroom call crept up again. I almost went in a bush that was visible to traffic but the urge went away and I made it to the Hilton..whew! Thank heavens!!
At this point, the time was ticking and the warm Santa Clara sun was beating on me. I was ready to quit, and just walk home since I was three hours into the run and completely off my pace. Then, aha! A light bulb! I thought of Stillpower (thanks for sharing, J!) Garret Kramer's article that featured the experience of Billy Mills, the 10K Gold Medalist at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. His thought process through his entire run was all negative. He avoided thinking positive in order to get to the race and let his thoughts flow organically. Mills used stillpower or the action or rather, non-action on the thought pattern to get him past the finish line. As soon as I thought of that, I didn't care what came to mind I just kept running. Garret Kramer has some really fascinating views on the subject and is the author of Stillpower: Excellence with Ease in Sports and Life. One of his articles on overcoming failure has resonated with me.
And we're back...
The week before I had run 16.37 miles. I figured the last two miles would be a piece of cake. The cherry on top, the reward for all my hard work!! NOPE! Not even close. During the beginning of mile 17 I was hating myself and life and everything in between. "Why are you running this ridiculous amount of miles in the hot sun, Arikka?" "Did you really forget to hydrate yourself last night? How could you?" "Run faster already, you've done this before, PUSH!!!" Just then, my favorite blue and red aircraft passed overhead heading towards the San Jose Airport. I dreamed of being in a new country, and of my upcoming trip to __?___. [It's still a surprise, details to come ;p] And then, a second Southwest plane...ahhhh travel, how I love it so ;) How beautiful it is to be riding 10,000 feet up in the sky off to far away lands, with exotic people, romantic languages and mouth-watering food to feast upon. I hope my travel bug never goes away!
Aha! I remembered, I have Black Cherry Clif Bloks in my fanny pack ;P That will get me through this last mile and a half. I popped a cherry blok and immediately regretted it :( After not eating anything since the night before and only sips of water on the run, it was the sweetest thing and left a horrible taste in my mouth that I couldn't escape. Oh, brother!!! Alas, an overpass! You know what that means??? SHADE!!!!! I wanted to run in circles for my last mile just to be in the shade, but knew I would go stir crazy so I turned back around towards my starting point to complete the last mile. I was weak in the knees, my feet felt like they were dragging and I couldn't get motivated. [Stillpower Arikka] Not even the fresh veggie spring rolls that awaited me at my friends house were enticing :( And I'm a total foodie! What the hell was going on? YAY! Another plane overhead ;) There was the motivation I needed. I told my bestie, Lisa to worry if I wasn't back by 12:30pm. At 12:33pm I get a text, "Arikka..." I respond, "6 min." I was reaching for a new goal of finishing by 12:40pm. [Horrible I know! 18 miles in 3.5 hours already...that's what happens when you fail to prepare!] I'm nearing the end of mile 18 now and ironically come close to a bright shiny red sign that reads, "STOP." So what do I do? I keep running ;D It's amazing how when you reach the end of the journey, you just can't stop and you want to keep going. That not only applies to my running career, but life in general. I ran about .19 miles more to reach my starting point and passed another STOP sign, but this one not so bright and shiny :(
At 12:42pm, I completed what I set out to accomplish...I RAN 18 MILES ;D
It was horrible, painful, exhausting, dangerous and uncomfortable but I finished and that's all that matters!
This past weekend's goal was 19 miles, but I slowly realized throughout the day on Sunday that it was a lofty goal and I remembered Kramer's article again. I'd like to post it here because I've always been goal driven and his point on limitations is a new realization for me. I really enjoy this read:
So after realizing that 19 was not going to happen at 6:54pm on Sunday night when the sun had just set, I didn't feel the disappointment because I stopped looking at it as a goal and just as a run to eliminate that disappointment. I ended up running about 6.2 miles instead just to get a run in and felt good that I had something under my belt for the day :D
This weekend, I'm meeting with Team in Training friend's for a 20 mile run ;D I already know this run will be better than 18 because when I run with others I allow them to encourage me and I like to encourage them so we can finish and spend time together. I have to admit though if I'm running with a friend who has the same pace as me, I get a little competitive and that last stretch of the last mile I picture myself in a race and run it hard because I like to win ;D I'm curious to see if my experience will turn out like my friend, Chris Guillebeau's. He ran 20 miles a few weeks ago since he's training for the Chicago Marathon (I forgot to mention...I am training, I just don't run 18 miles for fun, although that does sound strangely kind of cool ;b) When Chris completed his run, he was in the bathroom with a glass of water in hand and realized he was stepping on glass and some type of liquid. He was so unconscious that he dropped his glass of water and had to clear up (his bathroom and his mind.) After that many miles, everything seems like a blur and it's hard to function properly. Deliriousness and unconsciousness are perfectly normal. I just hope I don't go breaking any glasses next weekend.
The night before I went to a Team in Training fundraiser with lots of food and drink. So what did I do? Ate, drank, drank some more, ate some more and drank. And what did I do the next day?
I RAN 18 MILES!
I'm a perfect example of what NOT to do before a long run or before race day!
1. Do not sleep late.
2. Do not eat a late dinner.
3. Do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
4. DO hydrate yourself.
5. DO eat a light breakfast one to two hours prior to your run.
I did the exact opposite of the five steps to preparing yourself for a major run. I'm no master marathoner, and if you live a lifestyle where you do all the opposite of my five tactics for your run and can still finish the race then more power to you! I however, CANNOT do that again because I felt like dog shit the whole way through.
It's amazing how the mindset of a runner works, [or how my mindset works.]
At 9:01am on Sunday, September 9, I began my run. I went into the run dreading it which was a bad sign. I knew my preparation for the run was pretty much nonexistent, so it made me dread the run and how I'd feel throughout. After mile four, I had to use the restroom already. Miles five and six were uncomfortable as I was on an expressway that was more like a highway with no sidewalks. I knew by mile seven I'd be thirsty, so luckily, I brought my water bottle and fueled up. After mile nine I was close to my starting point and I DO NOT like loops so I had to think fast and take a detour. I ran on a trail along a creek that only ran for four miles...bummer! I wanted to go further. So I looped back around on the trail. I ran next to Great America and the sound of the roller coasters gave me a high. I imagined riding them and it took my mind off the mileage. By mile 12 or 13, I reached the opposite dead end of the trail, AAAHHHH!!! I just wanted to keep running but these dead ends were killing me. And the second bathroom call crept up again. I almost went in a bush that was visible to traffic but the urge went away and I made it to the Hilton..whew! Thank heavens!!
At this point, the time was ticking and the warm Santa Clara sun was beating on me. I was ready to quit, and just walk home since I was three hours into the run and completely off my pace. Then, aha! A light bulb! I thought of Stillpower (thanks for sharing, J!) Garret Kramer's article that featured the experience of Billy Mills, the 10K Gold Medalist at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. His thought process through his entire run was all negative. He avoided thinking positive in order to get to the race and let his thoughts flow organically. Mills used stillpower or the action or rather, non-action on the thought pattern to get him past the finish line. As soon as I thought of that, I didn't care what came to mind I just kept running. Garret Kramer has some really fascinating views on the subject and is the author of Stillpower: Excellence with Ease in Sports and Life. One of his articles on overcoming failure has resonated with me.
And we're back...
The week before I had run 16.37 miles. I figured the last two miles would be a piece of cake. The cherry on top, the reward for all my hard work!! NOPE! Not even close. During the beginning of mile 17 I was hating myself and life and everything in between. "Why are you running this ridiculous amount of miles in the hot sun, Arikka?" "Did you really forget to hydrate yourself last night? How could you?" "Run faster already, you've done this before, PUSH!!!" Just then, my favorite blue and red aircraft passed overhead heading towards the San Jose Airport. I dreamed of being in a new country, and of my upcoming trip to __?___. [It's still a surprise, details to come ;p] And then, a second Southwest plane...ahhhh travel, how I love it so ;) How beautiful it is to be riding 10,000 feet up in the sky off to far away lands, with exotic people, romantic languages and mouth-watering food to feast upon. I hope my travel bug never goes away!
Aha! I remembered, I have Black Cherry Clif Bloks in my fanny pack ;P That will get me through this last mile and a half. I popped a cherry blok and immediately regretted it :( After not eating anything since the night before and only sips of water on the run, it was the sweetest thing and left a horrible taste in my mouth that I couldn't escape. Oh, brother!!! Alas, an overpass! You know what that means??? SHADE!!!!! I wanted to run in circles for my last mile just to be in the shade, but knew I would go stir crazy so I turned back around towards my starting point to complete the last mile. I was weak in the knees, my feet felt like they were dragging and I couldn't get motivated. [Stillpower Arikka] Not even the fresh veggie spring rolls that awaited me at my friends house were enticing :( And I'm a total foodie! What the hell was going on? YAY! Another plane overhead ;) There was the motivation I needed. I told my bestie, Lisa to worry if I wasn't back by 12:30pm. At 12:33pm I get a text, "Arikka..." I respond, "6 min." I was reaching for a new goal of finishing by 12:40pm. [Horrible I know! 18 miles in 3.5 hours already...that's what happens when you fail to prepare!] I'm nearing the end of mile 18 now and ironically come close to a bright shiny red sign that reads, "STOP." So what do I do? I keep running ;D It's amazing how when you reach the end of the journey, you just can't stop and you want to keep going. That not only applies to my running career, but life in general. I ran about .19 miles more to reach my starting point and passed another STOP sign, but this one not so bright and shiny :(
At 12:42pm, I completed what I set out to accomplish...I RAN 18 MILES ;D
It was horrible, painful, exhausting, dangerous and uncomfortable but I finished and that's all that matters!
This past weekend's goal was 19 miles, but I slowly realized throughout the day on Sunday that it was a lofty goal and I remembered Kramer's article again. I'd like to post it here because I've always been goal driven and his point on limitations is a new realization for me. I really enjoy this read:
3. People who overcome failure rarely set goals.
Goal setting limits your options. If you set a goal and don’t achieve it, it makes perfect sense for disappointment to fester. Even though they might feel down in the moment, people who overcome failure recognize that any and all outcomes are an opportunity for growth, new possibilities, and future achievement. So after realizing that 19 was not going to happen at 6:54pm on Sunday night when the sun had just set, I didn't feel the disappointment because I stopped looking at it as a goal and just as a run to eliminate that disappointment. I ended up running about 6.2 miles instead just to get a run in and felt good that I had something under my belt for the day :D
This weekend, I'm meeting with Team in Training friend's for a 20 mile run ;D I already know this run will be better than 18 because when I run with others I allow them to encourage me and I like to encourage them so we can finish and spend time together. I have to admit though if I'm running with a friend who has the same pace as me, I get a little competitive and that last stretch of the last mile I picture myself in a race and run it hard because I like to win ;D I'm curious to see if my experience will turn out like my friend, Chris Guillebeau's. He ran 20 miles a few weeks ago since he's training for the Chicago Marathon (I forgot to mention...I am training, I just don't run 18 miles for fun, although that does sound strangely kind of cool ;b) When Chris completed his run, he was in the bathroom with a glass of water in hand and realized he was stepping on glass and some type of liquid. He was so unconscious that he dropped his glass of water and had to clear up (his bathroom and his mind.) After that many miles, everything seems like a blur and it's hard to function properly. Deliriousness and unconsciousness are perfectly normal. I just hope I don't go breaking any glasses next weekend.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Indecision
Indecision: a wavering between two or more possible courses of action
I, Arikka Rin, admit to being a very indecisive individual.
It's always been a bad habit I couldn't break. I am not fond of indecisiveness or individuals who are indecisive (that includes myself - I've never been happy with myself when I can't make a simple decision like which boba flavor to choose! Really, Arikka?!! It's not that hard and there are far more important decisions to make in life!)
During my recent travels, I have learned to nip that bad boy in the butt! When roaming in Italy, I had to make travel decisions on the fly. Which hostel to stay in, whether to cancel or not so I could visit Florence, what train to take, which route to take back to France, etc. etc. etc. When traveling and backpacking, especially, you just got to make a decision and go. I witnessed that in my friend, Jared ;) [Thanks Hun for the valuable lesson!] Don't get me wrong it's not like indecision has vanished from my life, but I am much more aware of it's presence. It's like a whammy and when it creeps up on me, I whack the hell out of it!
Today, I was on the receiving end of a situation involving indecision. It was rather irritating and has shown me what I must have looked like all the times I could say, "Yes!" or "No!" It motivated me to move on with my day and not wait. That's another thing I'm no longer a fan of...waiting. [Shaking head, again and again...and again] So needless to say, my awareness for this devilish whammy has grown exponentially in just a matter of minutes today. I DO NOT want to be indecisive! This goes back to my 18th lesson learned while living in France...JUST DO IT!
I, Arikka Rin, admit to being a very indecisive individual.
It's always been a bad habit I couldn't break. I am not fond of indecisiveness or individuals who are indecisive (that includes myself - I've never been happy with myself when I can't make a simple decision like which boba flavor to choose! Really, Arikka?!! It's not that hard and there are far more important decisions to make in life!)
During my recent travels, I have learned to nip that bad boy in the butt! When roaming in Italy, I had to make travel decisions on the fly. Which hostel to stay in, whether to cancel or not so I could visit Florence, what train to take, which route to take back to France, etc. etc. etc. When traveling and backpacking, especially, you just got to make a decision and go. I witnessed that in my friend, Jared ;) [Thanks Hun for the valuable lesson!] Don't get me wrong it's not like indecision has vanished from my life, but I am much more aware of it's presence. It's like a whammy and when it creeps up on me, I whack the hell out of it!
Today, I was on the receiving end of a situation involving indecision. It was rather irritating and has shown me what I must have looked like all the times I could say, "Yes!" or "No!" It motivated me to move on with my day and not wait. That's another thing I'm no longer a fan of...waiting. [Shaking head, again and again...and again] So needless to say, my awareness for this devilish whammy has grown exponentially in just a matter of minutes today. I DO NOT want to be indecisive! This goes back to my 18th lesson learned while living in France...JUST DO IT!
Friday, September 7, 2012
A Day of Music
Music feeds my soul. It makes me feel alive. Live music is moving. The vibrations from massive speakers and the trance-like state of artists performing their work captivates me. It's like an electric current. The energy from the stage pours out onto me and I start to move my feet, shake my hips and roll my head. I've heard this question before and have asked myself this in the past...
What is one thing you cannot live without?
I CANNOT live without MUSIC!
As I was feeding my customers Chicken Cilantro Wontons with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce and Vegetable Fried Rice, I met two charming members from the Grammy Award winning The Tedeschi Trucks Band. Kebbi caught my eye with his fresh picked flowers in a Jamba Juice cup from the flowerbeds outside. And Saunders had the dopest sunglasses so I knew they were not from my neck of the woods. Kebbi told me they're from Atlanta, but one of the members is from Austin, TX...ahhhhhh, one of my fav cities...got mad love for ya, Austin ;) Nous parle un peu français, they invited me to their show tomorrow night at the Bob Hope Theatre and even gave me a backstage pass ;P Good peoples, indeed!
Before closing, I met a song writer who sang me some of his lines from a new song he's working on. He told me he's wrote some things for Jason Mraz and Michael Bublé. I told him I love Mraz's latest song, "I Won't Give Up." Then he got into some technical music terms and starting talking about notes. I got a bit lost but it was so exciting to be having conversation with him and learn about music that it didn't phase me! Unfortunately, I didn't get a last name so I can't look him up and check out his lines. Not gonna lie though, I was a bit skeptical because I thought, "What is he doing in Stockton??!" But you can't judge a book by it's cover, right?!
That wasn't the end of it...one of my supervisors played "Gangnam Style" by PSY while we were closing the store!!! I knew there was a reason I wanted to be employed by Mr. Joe...it's where all the cool kids come out and play ;P If you haven't witnessed the YouTube sensation yet, you should do yourself a favor and click on the link above. You won't regret the next 4:13 of your life, believe me!
To top off the night, I came home to a Band of Brothers at the tail end of their practice. Check out the flows from my cousin's band, greyspace.
What a musical day, right?! Man, sometimes I feel since I'm so entrenched in music that I should just be a band manager or make a living out of my love for music! Hah, maybe in another lifetime? Who knows, maybe in the near future ;P???
All this music talk reminds me of my best friend, J, who is an Artist first and foremost, but also a Lover. Traveller. Dreamer. like myself ;D J, I hope you're music is flowing like a river, feeding your soul and inspiring you to keep creating. Best of luck, J! For my readers, be on the look out for joven, his music will move you ;)
Off to my bedtime melodies...good night world ;)
PS. Ladies, I'm telling you red lipstick and a warm smile go a long way! I locked my keys, phone, purse and computer in the front seat of my car today (FML, I know!) Met with my friend, John, and before he was about to call AAA, I saw a firetruck and a fireman suiting up. Asked for help and Voila! In seconds had all my assets in hand and was ready to continue my day. Maybe he helped because he's a man devoted to public service? Or because he's kind and doing his good deed for the day? But I'd like to think the cute red lipped smile reeled him in ;b
What is one thing you cannot live without?
I CANNOT live without MUSIC!
As I was feeding my customers Chicken Cilantro Wontons with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce and Vegetable Fried Rice, I met two charming members from the Grammy Award winning The Tedeschi Trucks Band. Kebbi caught my eye with his fresh picked flowers in a Jamba Juice cup from the flowerbeds outside. And Saunders had the dopest sunglasses so I knew they were not from my neck of the woods. Kebbi told me they're from Atlanta, but one of the members is from Austin, TX...ahhhhhh, one of my fav cities...got mad love for ya, Austin ;) Nous parle un peu français, they invited me to their show tomorrow night at the Bob Hope Theatre and even gave me a backstage pass ;P Good peoples, indeed!
Before closing, I met a song writer who sang me some of his lines from a new song he's working on. He told me he's wrote some things for Jason Mraz and Michael Bublé. I told him I love Mraz's latest song, "I Won't Give Up." Then he got into some technical music terms and starting talking about notes. I got a bit lost but it was so exciting to be having conversation with him and learn about music that it didn't phase me! Unfortunately, I didn't get a last name so I can't look him up and check out his lines. Not gonna lie though, I was a bit skeptical because I thought, "What is he doing in Stockton??!" But you can't judge a book by it's cover, right?!
That wasn't the end of it...one of my supervisors played "Gangnam Style" by PSY while we were closing the store!!! I knew there was a reason I wanted to be employed by Mr. Joe...it's where all the cool kids come out and play ;P If you haven't witnessed the YouTube sensation yet, you should do yourself a favor and click on the link above. You won't regret the next 4:13 of your life, believe me!
To top off the night, I came home to a Band of Brothers at the tail end of their practice. Check out the flows from my cousin's band, greyspace.
What a musical day, right?! Man, sometimes I feel since I'm so entrenched in music that I should just be a band manager or make a living out of my love for music! Hah, maybe in another lifetime? Who knows, maybe in the near future ;P???
All this music talk reminds me of my best friend, J, who is an Artist first and foremost, but also a Lover. Traveller. Dreamer. like myself ;D J, I hope you're music is flowing like a river, feeding your soul and inspiring you to keep creating. Best of luck, J! For my readers, be on the look out for joven, his music will move you ;)
Off to my bedtime melodies...good night world ;)
PS. Ladies, I'm telling you red lipstick and a warm smile go a long way! I locked my keys, phone, purse and computer in the front seat of my car today (FML, I know!) Met with my friend, John, and before he was about to call AAA, I saw a firetruck and a fireman suiting up. Asked for help and Voila! In seconds had all my assets in hand and was ready to continue my day. Maybe he helped because he's a man devoted to public service? Or because he's kind and doing his good deed for the day? But I'd like to think the cute red lipped smile reeled him in ;b
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Brand New
I love all things new.
As I grow with each new day, I'm enjoying the new things I do and see and looking forward to the new people I'll meet along the way.
This past weekend I danced on a pole and a pool table, gave a compliment to a perfect stranger passing by which sparked conversation with him and ran barefoot in the street.
Next up: Roller derby practice with the ladies tonight ;b
It's fun, random and exciting to break out of the shell and come into my new existence.
I feel like a beautiful butterfly ;)
As I grow with each new day, I'm enjoying the new things I do and see and looking forward to the new people I'll meet along the way.
This past weekend I danced on a pole and a pool table, gave a compliment to a perfect stranger passing by which sparked conversation with him and ran barefoot in the street.
Next up: Roller derby practice with the ladies tonight ;b
It's fun, random and exciting to break out of the shell and come into my new existence.
I feel like a beautiful butterfly ;)
Thursday, August 30, 2012
It's not over until the fat lady sings!
And guess what? She ain't singing anytime soon in my book! ;D
After a rough weekend of no sleep, I'm back into the swing of things and on PST (Pacific Standard Time.) HOORAY!!!
I've got some final thoughts on My Life in France as an Au Pair (that's a good title for a book ;)), and life in general. I'm a much better person now after this incredible, enlightening and empowering adventure. I've grown up! Or as my bestie would say, "I feel like you just graduated!" I DID ;D
Lessons Learned:
1. Laugh at yourself every once in a while.
2. Shit happens. Accept it and move forward.
3. I enjoy people that get "The Big Picture." A new friend and mentor, Madame Leplomb was the first to teach me about this. Merci beaucoup, Madame ;)
4. I adore children. They are full of energy, inspiration, creativity and initiative.
5. Children do not like to wait, especially when eager to learn something new. Feed them with attention and knowledge. And if you challenge them, you will be pleasantly surprised by the positivity they exude.
6. When raising an only child, you have to find that delicate balance between giving attention and giving independence. If the scales aren't aligned, you'll be in for a rude awakening.
7. Red lipstick and a warm smile goes a long way.
8. I have discovered and embraced a new love for teaching. Thank you to all of you teachers who are reading this, you have improved the quality of life by the work you do.
9. I am not meant to be a housewife, maid, servant or anything along those lines. To my fellow suitors, if I was a housewife, I'd be damn good at it! But I'd make your life miserable with my discontentment, anxiety and non-existent passion for the work I do.
10. I love meeting new people and don't feel awkward breaking the ice anymore.
11. I'm phasing out of my people-pleasing attitude, because let's face it - that's unnecessary. We, as a human race, need to please ourselves! We need to make ourselves happy, LOVE ourselves because when we do we emit beauty out to our world ;D
(OK, I've got to babble about this one.
Picture this: You're going about your day interacting with people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, professions, etc. and each one you meet truly enjoys their work or exudes a passion about the work they do, is grateful to be alive and kickin', comfortable in their own skin, aware of their strengths and flaws and comprehensive of what they can contribute to the world.
Now, don't you think the world would be (at the least) a fraction more beautiful than it already is?)
12. How to pronounce the French "r." ;D (So ecstatic about this one! Merci Louise!)
13. I don't enjoy traveling alone, but I understand there are some days when you just gotta do it.
14. I could live in Italy! And eat gelato for my three meals.
15. Being surrounded by the French has taught me to be more comfortable with my sexuality.
16. It's not all that bad getting your hands dirty and your feet wet.
17. Change is only possible when you choose to change.
18. In the words of Nike, JUST DO IT.
19. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
20. Helping others brings me joy, and what I want to do with my life is going to be a direct product of that!
Favorite French Line:
Looking at my gold-tanned skin, "Ah, vous maroon comme moi, Mademoiselle!" (Which translates to: "Ah, you're brown like me, Miss!") said my waiter at Chartier in Paris. He was actually referring to my ethnicity, rather than my Italian tan, hah! ;D
What I'll Miss Most about France:
La vie!
The French (and I'd argue, Europeans) know how to enjoy life ;) The meals are long and filled with conversation with family and friends and an aperitif or two. The work week is typically 35 hours. If you work more, you get more time off. Everyone has 5-6 weeks off in the summer for "holiday." Free health care (or nearly free.) Less stress. Siestas. Cheap wine that actually tastes good. Fresh food. Even better, fresh baguettes - DAILY! And last, but certainly not least, DESSERT! It's a must, always included and always delicious ;p
Sa fait vrais, France.
...
....
.....
The fat lady still hasn't sang! That's right, because this is just the beginning. I'm going to keep this blog up and running and hope you will stay tuned. Working on my next adventure as we speak. I think you'll like this one ;) it's exotic, BIG and full of life!
To be continued...
After a rough weekend of no sleep, I'm back into the swing of things and on PST (Pacific Standard Time.) HOORAY!!!
I've got some final thoughts on My Life in France as an Au Pair (that's a good title for a book ;)), and life in general. I'm a much better person now after this incredible, enlightening and empowering adventure. I've grown up! Or as my bestie would say, "I feel like you just graduated!" I DID ;D
Lessons Learned:
1. Laugh at yourself every once in a while.
2. Shit happens. Accept it and move forward.
3. I enjoy people that get "The Big Picture." A new friend and mentor, Madame Leplomb was the first to teach me about this. Merci beaucoup, Madame ;)
4. I adore children. They are full of energy, inspiration, creativity and initiative.
5. Children do not like to wait, especially when eager to learn something new. Feed them with attention and knowledge. And if you challenge them, you will be pleasantly surprised by the positivity they exude.
6. When raising an only child, you have to find that delicate balance between giving attention and giving independence. If the scales aren't aligned, you'll be in for a rude awakening.
7. Red lipstick and a warm smile goes a long way.
8. I have discovered and embraced a new love for teaching. Thank you to all of you teachers who are reading this, you have improved the quality of life by the work you do.
9. I am not meant to be a housewife, maid, servant or anything along those lines. To my fellow suitors, if I was a housewife, I'd be damn good at it! But I'd make your life miserable with my discontentment, anxiety and non-existent passion for the work I do.
10. I love meeting new people and don't feel awkward breaking the ice anymore.
11. I'm phasing out of my people-pleasing attitude, because let's face it - that's unnecessary. We, as a human race, need to please ourselves! We need to make ourselves happy, LOVE ourselves because when we do we emit beauty out to our world ;D
(OK, I've got to babble about this one.
Picture this: You're going about your day interacting with people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, professions, etc. and each one you meet truly enjoys their work or exudes a passion about the work they do, is grateful to be alive and kickin', comfortable in their own skin, aware of their strengths and flaws and comprehensive of what they can contribute to the world.
Now, don't you think the world would be (at the least) a fraction more beautiful than it already is?)
12. How to pronounce the French "r." ;D (So ecstatic about this one! Merci Louise!)
13. I don't enjoy traveling alone, but I understand there are some days when you just gotta do it.
14. I could live in Italy! And eat gelato for my three meals.
15. Being surrounded by the French has taught me to be more comfortable with my sexuality.
16. It's not all that bad getting your hands dirty and your feet wet.
17. Change is only possible when you choose to change.
18. In the words of Nike, JUST DO IT.
19. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
20. Helping others brings me joy, and what I want to do with my life is going to be a direct product of that!
Accomplishments:
1. Visited five countries, 13 cities and one village in 80 days.
2. Ran a bagillion miles all over France with the longest single run totaling 15.74 miles.
3. Posted 44 blogs.
4. Spent time with family (my biological family) :D
5. Co-choreographed and performed a synchronized swimming routine with Louise.
6. Taught three English classes at a private French school.
7. Taught Louise to become more proficient in English, the importance of exercise, the meaning of the word "attitude" (and how to stop rolling her eyes at me) and to acknowledge that she is and will always be beautiful ;D
Favorite French Line:
Looking at my gold-tanned skin, "Ah, vous maroon comme moi, Mademoiselle!" (Which translates to: "Ah, you're brown like me, Miss!") said my waiter at Chartier in Paris. He was actually referring to my ethnicity, rather than my Italian tan, hah! ;D
What I'll Miss Most about France:
La vie!
The French (and I'd argue, Europeans) know how to enjoy life ;) The meals are long and filled with conversation with family and friends and an aperitif or two. The work week is typically 35 hours. If you work more, you get more time off. Everyone has 5-6 weeks off in the summer for "holiday." Free health care (or nearly free.) Less stress. Siestas. Cheap wine that actually tastes good. Fresh food. Even better, fresh baguettes - DAILY! And last, but certainly not least, DESSERT! It's a must, always included and always delicious ;p
Sa fait vrais, France.
...
....
.....
The fat lady still hasn't sang! That's right, because this is just the beginning. I'm going to keep this blog up and running and hope you will stay tuned. Working on my next adventure as we speak. I think you'll like this one ;) it's exotic, BIG and full of life!
To be continued...
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Zombie
I'm going to be a zombie today!
I got back last night from Paris, going into work at 17h00 and couldn't sleep much.
Ahhahahhahahahha...life is FUN!
I got back last night from Paris, going into work at 17h00 and couldn't sleep much.
Ahhahahhahahahha...life is FUN!
Italia: Giorno 2 & 3
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| Globe at the Vatican Museum |
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| Joana, my bud from Brazil & I in the Sistine Chapel below Michelangelo's famous, The Creation of Adam. |
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| Roman artists are insane! This looks like a sculpture but it's actually a 3D painting on the ceiling!! |
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| Spirals are fun! |
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| Villa Borghese, the largest park in Roma is shaped like a heart <3 |
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| Lunch: Pizza Romana |
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| The Spanish Steps (would have loved to see them at night, heard that's the best time!) |
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| My favorite street.. |
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| I couldn't get away from the fountains in Roma! Here with Joana ;) |
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| Now can you see why it's my favorite building? |
Cool vid I shot inside the Pantheon
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| We spotted some talented kids outside the Pantheon. |
The Streetles
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| I could live on this stuff! |
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| Colosseo |
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| It gave me the chills being inside! |
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| This one came out pretty cool ;) |
Colosseo in 360°
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| Yes, I ate it ALL (by myself)! ;P |
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| Can you see the bubbles of grease glistening??? Ahhhhhhh.... |
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| My favorite dessert, Tiramisu! |
Italia: Giorno
Long, long overdue...pardon me.
This story is going to be told mostly through photos because no words can describe the beauty, livelihood, connection and friendship I experienced there.
I will leave you with a couple things though...
1. Women in Italy drive scooters while wearing dresses and I think it's sexy! When I live there, I will be an even sexier lady ;) ;)
2. Roma is hotter than a MOFO! Wear sunscreen. And beware of the mendicanti!
3. If I was held hostage in any of the cities I've visited during my Eurotrip, I'd hope that Firenze is where I'd be held. I could live there!
4. My wild fantasies of becoming a foot model were shattered in Italia for climbing over 1000 steps and wearing the wrong shoes. Ladies, do yourselves a favor, don't try to look cute while traveling. Save yourselves and invest in a good pair of walking shoes and just be comfortable!
5. Gelato in Italia could be my BLD! (No joke, one day it almost was until the pasta craving came.)
This story is going to be told mostly through photos because no words can describe the beauty, livelihood, connection and friendship I experienced there.
I will leave you with a couple things though...
1. Women in Italy drive scooters while wearing dresses and I think it's sexy! When I live there, I will be an even sexier lady ;) ;)
2. Roma is hotter than a MOFO! Wear sunscreen. And beware of the mendicanti!
3. If I was held hostage in any of the cities I've visited during my Eurotrip, I'd hope that Firenze is where I'd be held. I could live there!
4. My wild fantasies of becoming a foot model were shattered in Italia for climbing over 1000 steps and wearing the wrong shoes. Ladies, do yourselves a favor, don't try to look cute while traveling. Save yourselves and invest in a good pair of walking shoes and just be comfortable!
5. Gelato in Italia could be my BLD! (No joke, one day it almost was until the pasta craving came.)
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| My first sight of the Vatican. |
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| St. Peter's Basilica |
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| Inside |
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| Every last detail from the floor to the ceiling was incredible! |
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| From the dome. |
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| Top of the dome. |
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| Highest point in the Vatican, top of St. Peter's Basilica |
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| And it's beautiful landscapes... |
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| More of the beautiful dome. |
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| Kinda eerie..one of the late popes whose open casket is inside the Basilica. |
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| Our most recent popes...RIP |
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| The Pietà by Michaelangelo |
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| The lighting is miraculous ;D |
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| Not an odd site around this side of town. |
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| Pseudo Ponts des Arts bridge in Roma |
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| Castel Sant'Angelo |
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| The Basilica stands out like a sore thumb from anywhere in Roma! |
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| Courthouse near the Castel with amazing sculptures up top. |
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| My first meal ;D |
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| And my last. Ahhhhh...prosciutto! |
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| Dinner = Trio of pastas with new friends: Jared from LA, Kevin from Oakland and Larena & Meechele from Canada. This one I selected, Tagliatelle with Sun-dried tomatoes, Aubergines (like mushrooms) and Bufala di Mozzarella...Mmm... |
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| Penne Pesto with Cherry Tomatoes and Speck (I think?) |
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Jared's favorite: Vodka Salmon Paparadelle
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| Colosseo at night |
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| My favorite building, Monument to Emmanuel II |
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| Pantheon |
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| After hours of circling Roma, Jared & I finally found, the Fontana di Trevi. |
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| Admiring the beauty... |
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| ..and making a wish ;) |
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