Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Good, The Bad, and a good stiff Tea
Ever want to give yourself a raging headache?
Try relocating, planning a wedding, and working full time hours at the same time.
Blogging, I fear, has taken the back seat on that priority list. Though I'd love to tell you all about a great trip to Disneyland with a good friend I had on Sunday - and I'd LOVE to throw up montages I've been working on about previous trips. But honestly - I haven't worked on any of that. Having time for myself hasn't been plentiful lately.
All that said, I have managed to stick to my promise to take 30 minutes out a day just for me.
Usually this involves a great cup of tea, something to do with water, and a book that has nothing to do with Washington, travel, or weddings, etc. Lately, that book has been the first in the Kingdom Keeper's series. A book series ment for young adults, the premise is basically "What if the park came to life after all the guests left?" Perfect for an imagination like mine that needs an escape.
Disneyland on Sunday was a great escape. It wasn't as sad as I thought it would be to say goodbye to all the places there I know so well. They were an escape when I needed it most, a place to make memories with the ones I love, and a place that allowed my imagination to roam free, if only for a little while. Where Mice could fight fire-breathing dragons, and win.
Like many other things here, I'll be taking Disneyland and all the memories I've made there with me. I'll be writing for the magazine from a distance, and I'll visit as often as I can. Pluto danced with me and I couldn't think of a better way to cap off my Disneyland day.
But this experience has been an enlightening one as well. I've caught up with a few long distance friends that I've truely missed, and found comfort in their ongoing support. I've needed a big life change for a while and they don't get much bigger than this.
Do I miss single life? Sometimes a little (I don't miss dating - just the simplicity of it in a few ways). But mostly, I can't help but feel incredibly grateful for all the support and love in my life.
And all of the wonderful indicators that I'm heading the right direction.
Try relocating, planning a wedding, and working full time hours at the same time.
Blogging, I fear, has taken the back seat on that priority list. Though I'd love to tell you all about a great trip to Disneyland with a good friend I had on Sunday - and I'd LOVE to throw up montages I've been working on about previous trips. But honestly - I haven't worked on any of that. Having time for myself hasn't been plentiful lately.
All that said, I have managed to stick to my promise to take 30 minutes out a day just for me.
Usually this involves a great cup of tea, something to do with water, and a book that has nothing to do with Washington, travel, or weddings, etc. Lately, that book has been the first in the Kingdom Keeper's series. A book series ment for young adults, the premise is basically "What if the park came to life after all the guests left?" Perfect for an imagination like mine that needs an escape.
Disneyland on Sunday was a great escape. It wasn't as sad as I thought it would be to say goodbye to all the places there I know so well. They were an escape when I needed it most, a place to make memories with the ones I love, and a place that allowed my imagination to roam free, if only for a little while. Where Mice could fight fire-breathing dragons, and win.
Like many other things here, I'll be taking Disneyland and all the memories I've made there with me. I'll be writing for the magazine from a distance, and I'll visit as often as I can. Pluto danced with me and I couldn't think of a better way to cap off my Disneyland day.
But this experience has been an enlightening one as well. I've caught up with a few long distance friends that I've truely missed, and found comfort in their ongoing support. I've needed a big life change for a while and they don't get much bigger than this.
Do I miss single life? Sometimes a little (I don't miss dating - just the simplicity of it in a few ways). But mostly, I can't help but feel incredibly grateful for all the support and love in my life.
And all of the wonderful indicators that I'm heading the right direction.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Relocation Nation: Emotional Processing
Most of the time, when I talk about the big move coming up, I'm ready to say goodbye to my hometown for a while and blaze a new trail in Washington state.
But every once in a while, I miss home.
The thing I miss most?
My family.
We have a close, casual relationship. They are a huge support and help with this new chapter of my life and I'm going to miss going out to breakfast with my parents on weekends, and getting the "Wanna do dinner together?" random phone calls. Sure they could still call me, but it'll be a 2 hour flight and a few $100 plane ticket to take them up on it.
Yes, I'll be visiting home often, I'm sure. ESPECIALLY with the wedding right around the corner.
I had a good cry about it a couple of weeks back. I knew it was coming. It's necessary to moarn the past to move into the future sometimes.
But knowing I'm building a stronger present and future is worth every tear and moment of homesickness.
And knowing that My Sailor is taking this adventure with me?
Priceless.
But every once in a while, I miss home.
The thing I miss most?
My family.
We have a close, casual relationship. They are a huge support and help with this new chapter of my life and I'm going to miss going out to breakfast with my parents on weekends, and getting the "Wanna do dinner together?" random phone calls. Sure they could still call me, but it'll be a 2 hour flight and a few $100 plane ticket to take them up on it.
Yes, I'll be visiting home often, I'm sure. ESPECIALLY with the wedding right around the corner.
I had a good cry about it a couple of weeks back. I knew it was coming. It's necessary to moarn the past to move into the future sometimes.
But knowing I'm building a stronger present and future is worth every tear and moment of homesickness.
And knowing that My Sailor is taking this adventure with me?
Priceless.
Relocation Nation: Etsy & Clydas
Clydas is almost ready for the move.
Almost...
He just needs one more thing - the bed I'm going to pick out for him this weekend. It's a gift from My Sailor to the #1 pup! (How sweet is that?) I'm shopping for a dog bed that helps support his joints, yet is soft and comfortable for him, and possibly has it's own warming unit. So we'll see what I find. I have my eye on a Foster Smith bed but I hear CostCo has some great ones as well.
See, Clydas is a boxer. That means he has a short nose AND short fur. Dogs with short noses have trouble regulating their tempurature. Dogs with short fur have trouble staying warm under 60(ish) degrees.
The average temp lately at our new home? Around 48. And it rains almost daily.
So Clydas needs some extra gear to make the move as comfortable as possible.
I've replaced his seatbelt harness he's had since puppy-hood with a new one, to ensure the vinyl strap that attaches him to the seat belt is solid.
Clydas also needs something to keep him warm.
I'm unsure how he'll react to booties, so he's going sans-footwear for now.
After searching high and low, I found something I am really happy with on Esty.com. This craftsmen has been making custom dog coats for about 16 years. I love supporting the little guy, and Etsy is all about the handmade crafts.
I ordered both of these in burgandy, so Clydas is bound to be the best prepared boxer on the block!
Almost...
He just needs one more thing - the bed I'm going to pick out for him this weekend. It's a gift from My Sailor to the #1 pup! (How sweet is that?) I'm shopping for a dog bed that helps support his joints, yet is soft and comfortable for him, and possibly has it's own warming unit. So we'll see what I find. I have my eye on a Foster Smith bed but I hear CostCo has some great ones as well.
See, Clydas is a boxer. That means he has a short nose AND short fur. Dogs with short noses have trouble regulating their tempurature. Dogs with short fur have trouble staying warm under 60(ish) degrees.
The average temp lately at our new home? Around 48. And it rains almost daily.
So Clydas needs some extra gear to make the move as comfortable as possible.
I've replaced his seatbelt harness he's had since puppy-hood with a new one, to ensure the vinyl strap that attaches him to the seat belt is solid.
Clydas also needs something to keep him warm.
I'm unsure how he'll react to booties, so he's going sans-footwear for now.
After searching high and low, I found something I am really happy with on Esty.com. This craftsmen has been making custom dog coats for about 16 years. I love supporting the little guy, and Etsy is all about the handmade crafts.
I ordered both of these in burgandy, so Clydas is bound to be the best prepared boxer on the block!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
President's Day Weekend Montage
So if you've been following my blog, you know I was lucky enough to visit My Sailor over President's Day weekend.
While we're looking forward to seeing each other in late April, that's a LONG stretch. On my end, time is FLYING as I prepare for the move, sketch out wedding ideas, speak with vendors, and try to get everything else done.
One of my pet projects are montages. They are a good way for me to focus on great memories in my "downtime". In fact, I wish I had more downtime! I haven't been able to touch My Sailor's Christmas trip to California, or our engagment weekend in Disney World yet! I'll get to them... eventually.
But here's a little photo recap of the President's weekend trip! We went to Amelia Island and Fernandia Beach in Florida, and Kings Bay and St. Mary's in Georgia. It was a wonderfully relaxing few days!
While we're looking forward to seeing each other in late April, that's a LONG stretch. On my end, time is FLYING as I prepare for the move, sketch out wedding ideas, speak with vendors, and try to get everything else done.
One of my pet projects are montages. They are a good way for me to focus on great memories in my "downtime". In fact, I wish I had more downtime! I haven't been able to touch My Sailor's Christmas trip to California, or our engagment weekend in Disney World yet! I'll get to them... eventually.
But here's a little photo recap of the President's weekend trip! We went to Amelia Island and Fernandia Beach in Florida, and Kings Bay and St. Mary's in Georgia. It was a wonderfully relaxing few days!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Nonsense and Non-Stress
Just thought I'd share a few thoughts on last weekend. Click here and follow the blog My Sailor and I have to check it out.
I have so much going on in my head right now about the relocation, work, etc, that I'd like to blog more, but if I do, I won't get to bed for another hour and morning feels like it's coming earlier and earlier lately.
Goodnight Moon!
I have so much going on in my head right now about the relocation, work, etc, that I'd like to blog more, but if I do, I won't get to bed for another hour and morning feels like it's coming earlier and earlier lately.
Goodnight Moon!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Relocation Nation - You can take the girl out of California...
But I don't think you can ever take the California out of the girl.
The other day, I was caught saying "Dude!" about something cool. Yup, that's right. "Dude" is part of my vocabulary. It most likely always will be long after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Bill and Ted are distant memories.
Here's a short list of the things I am planning to do before I leave this beautiful state behind for the splendor of the green Pacific Northwest:
1) Disneyland solo.
2) Disneyland w/ friends.
3) Spend as much time with family as possible.
4) Enjoy at least one good hike in the countryside.
5) Enjoy some good time on the beach.
6) Enjoy as much time outside reading in the jacuzzi as possible.
7) Throw 1 dinner w/ friends.
8) Take a tour of Stone Brewery.
9) Get the T serviced for the long drive north.
10) Go to the movies with my brother at least once.
Top 10 things to do when I'm in Washington:
1) UNPACK and decorate the new place.
2) Enjoy a fire in the fireplace and a glass of wine.
3) Get Clydas a good dog bed.
4) Explore the antique shops on the waterfront.
5) Try the 2 sushi places.
6) Buy a Mountain Bike.
7) Find a good breakfast/coffee shop spot.
8) Try out the little local movie theater.
9) Meet the other 3 boxer dog owners on the apartment property.
10) Take the ferry to Bremerton and Seattle.
So there is plenty to do in the next 3 weeks. Obviously some of my Washington top 10 can wait until My Sailor joins me,but I'm looking forward to getting set up and starting something new, even if leaving my hometown is a big sad and scary.
The other day, I was caught saying "Dude!" about something cool. Yup, that's right. "Dude" is part of my vocabulary. It most likely always will be long after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Bill and Ted are distant memories.
Here's a short list of the things I am planning to do before I leave this beautiful state behind for the splendor of the green Pacific Northwest:
1) Disneyland solo.
2) Disneyland w/ friends.
3) Spend as much time with family as possible.
4) Enjoy at least one good hike in the countryside.
5) Enjoy some good time on the beach.
6) Enjoy as much time outside reading in the jacuzzi as possible.
7) Throw 1 dinner w/ friends.
8) Take a tour of Stone Brewery.
9) Get the T serviced for the long drive north.
10) Go to the movies with my brother at least once.
Top 10 things to do when I'm in Washington:
1) UNPACK and decorate the new place.
2) Enjoy a fire in the fireplace and a glass of wine.
3) Get Clydas a good dog bed.
4) Explore the antique shops on the waterfront.
5) Try the 2 sushi places.
6) Buy a Mountain Bike.
7) Find a good breakfast/coffee shop spot.
8) Try out the little local movie theater.
9) Meet the other 3 boxer dog owners on the apartment property.
10) Take the ferry to Bremerton and Seattle.
So there is plenty to do in the next 3 weeks. Obviously some of my Washington top 10 can wait until My Sailor joins me,but I'm looking forward to getting set up and starting something new, even if leaving my hometown is a big sad and scary.
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