Happy Friday

"Be brave and be patient. Have faith in yourself; trust in the significance of your life and the purpose of your passion. You are strong enough to sit in the space between spaces and allow divine inspiration to shed some light. When you put positive energy and productive effort into the world it will come back to you. Occasionally in ways you might not immediately understand and on a time frame you didn’t expect. Look. Listen. Learn. Stay open. Your destiny is awaiting you."- Jillian Michaels

Let Your Light Shine

 Photo: Pinterest

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"- Marianne Williamson

My goal for the weekend and the upcoming week- find peace. All too often I stress myself out over the fear that I will fail. I worry about work, law school, Peace Corps, and a myriad of other tedious things. I need to find my own peace and be content with each day. Live in the moment instead of worrying about the future so much. My future is important. Success is important. But I have plenty of time to achieve my goals. For now, I want to be happy with who I am, where I am, and the people I have in my life. It’s an ambitious goal, one that is easier said than done, but I believe it to be entirely achievable.

Time to Catch up!

Well it has been a while since I last posted on here. I am so terrible at maintaining my entries. I’ll work on it!

Here is the low down on what I have been doing:

-My Peace Corps application is in full swing now. I am knee deep in medical clearances and background checks. It is a grueling process- they literally want to know EVERY single detail about your medical history. I had to have blood work done for about 10 different diseases and vaccinations and spend a total of about 4.5 hours at the doctor’s. Additionally, I have to have an extensive dental exam, complete with x-rays and everything. It is a frustrating process, especially considering that I will most likely have the paperwork sent back to me because something was filled out in error thus prolonging the process even more. However, it is definitely worth it. At first I was not sure the Peace Corps was something I wanted to do but as more and more time goes by I am getting even more excited! For those that don’t know, I have been nominated to teach English in Eastern Europe and am scheduled to depart between April-June 2012. Wish me luck!

-Lately, I have been trying to get much more involved with local organizations in San Jose. Starting in the Fall I will be tutoring students after school and also teaching English to Adults at a local community center. I am using my connections to try and make the most of my time in San Jose because even if I do not join the Peace Corps I plan to move to attend Law School in the fall of 2012.

-I went to Vegas. That was crazy. What an incredibly opulent and extravagant place, I am still not entirely sure how I feel about the place. But it was a great time :)

-I joined a new gym and I think it was the kick start I needed to get back in shape.  It’s amazing how a simple change of scenery can be the motivation you need to stay committed. My new gym is clean, in a fabulous location, and it doesn’t hurt that there are hot guys there! I am really in to group exercise classes- like Yoga, Cycling, and Kickboxing- and Club One has a great selection of classes to choose from! I am in the midst of an extreme detox (following my Vegas trip). I am cutting out all the negative from my life by eating healthier, not drinking, and by surrounding myself with positive people!

-Lastly, and probably the most exciting, I think I may be going to India with a friend of mine in October! I really hope we can make the trip work out because that would be an amazing experience. More on that later I am sure…..

Well, that about sums up what is going on in my life right now! From here on out I promise to be more frequent in my updates- not because I am concerned with others reading what I have to say, but because the act of writing in this blog has become very therapeutic to me.

Hockey, Rugby, and Basketball- OH MY

HOCKEY

Well folks, in case you’ve been living under a rock, the Stanley Cup finals are in full swing. Boston has faced off against Vancouver and the series has been incredibly exciting so far. Vancouver eliminated the San Jose Sharks in 5 games… much to my dismay but the Canucks certainly deserved it. The Sharks did not play to their fullest potential but one must always look on the bright side and say there is always next year! I believe that the Sharks had one of their best post-seasons in their 20 year history. They played hard and now in the off season it’s time to work on the weaknesses of the team and pick up some valuable acquisitions for next year.

But anyways, back to the finals. Tonight is game 3 and the Canucks lead 2-0 BUT the standings do not accurately reflect the battle that has been taking place. Boston is playing great, actually Tim Thomas is playing great and the rest of the team is playing well. Thomas has really stepped it up and is playing phenomenally but now he needs the rest of the team to support him offensively. I am really excited for tonight’s game and anticipate this series going to 7 games. Boston has home ice advantage for the next two games and that is crucial. I want to see a big game from Chara and Lucic tonight! GO BRUINS

RUGBY

I know that Rugby is not very popular in the US which is strange to me, but I for one am very excited because the 2011 Rugby world cup is right around the corner! This year it will be held in New Zealand and I can’t wait to watch the countries match up. I for one will be cheering for the defending champions South Africa’s very own Springboks. I lived in South Africa from 2008-2009 and was certainly taken over by Rugby fever. It is such an amazing sport that requires tremendous athleticism. I am baffled as to why this sport is so under appreciated in America, especially since it is so similar to football but just much more physical. As an American I know how much other Americans love to watch people get hit- this is why we love football and hockey. Well, rugby is all about the hits and physical play. I think that most people shy away from watching rugby matches because they do not understand the rules, but I assure you it is very easy to catch on if you just watch for 5 minutes. I urge you to tune in when the world cup starts! GO BOKS!

NBA

The NBA finals are also in full swing. But… I. HATE. THE. NBA. Something about professional basketball players just rubs me the wrong way. And it is not that I do not like basketball in general, because I love watching college basketball, I just really do not like the NBA. But I still have a little something to say about the subject. The Mavericks are playing the Heat and I am most certainly cheering for the Mavs. Why you may ask? Because I have an incredibly intense hatred for Lebron James. He is the most overrated athlete in the world. Yes. I said it.. In the world. He whines, complains, and has a complete and utter disrespect for the game in my opinion. I am tired of him being compared to Jordan, his name should not even be uttered in the same sentence as Jordan. I have nothing else to say about the NBA. GO MAVS

OH MY

The Giants are on fire right now. I am seeing some outstanding pitching, hitting, and all around great play. Let’s go SF!

Going, going, gone

Photo: ThinkFit

It's summer in California... but unfortunately the earth didn't get that memo. All week it has been gloomy, cloudy and rainy. So in order to kick this funk I plan to go for a 5 mile run around a local lake. If you have the blue weather blues get out and do something! Nothing beats the just after rain smell, and for some reason I just love to run in chilly air.

Sunshine Mind

Photo: Pinterest

Bikram Yoga= My latest obsession. 

I have been really into fitness lately and trying to find new, exciting ways to get my workout on. The gym had become too mundane and unchallenging. Furthermore, the gym I went to was crowded at ALL hours, with obnoxious people lacking basic gym etiquette. So I cancelled my gym membership and vowed to find new mediums for exercise and stimulation. 

What have I done since, one might ask. Well let me tell you. I have been really into jogging lately, fueled by the fact that a handful of my friends are doing a marathon in San Francisco in August. Unfortunately, my yo-yo of a life does not allow me to make decisions that far in advance, and since I don't know if I'll be in SF come August I'll just have to congratulate my friends and offer them excessive amounts of moral support. Their commitment to training for this marathon has inspired me to make a pledge: before 2011 is over, I WILL run a marathon- or maybe 2 if I am feeling ambitious. So I bought my new running shoes, synched them with my Nike+Ipod and hit the pavement as often as I can.

BUT the real source of inspiration, infatuation, love, desire, excitement, joy, energy, and mental stability in my fitness life as of late is BIKRAM YOGA. I. AM. OBSESSED. It is one of the most fulfilling and challenging workouts I have ever done- top 5 for sure. And that is saying a lot since I was a 3 sport athlete all through high school, and one of those sports was water polo. I have been burdened by stress lately, which is my own fault of course because I obsess and micromanage everything but yoga has offered me a release. For 90 minutes I forget the world and focus on myself and bettering my life. Now, the reason Bikram is so special and challenging is because it is yoga in a 105 degree room. It is hot as balls but so worth it. I sweat out all the negative that has been getting me down and rejuvenate myself. I look forward to the class and can feel my entire body transforming. It is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it to any all all fitness lovers. 

Cancelling my gym membership is the best decision I have ever made. It is far too easy to get into a fitness rut from the same old routines at the same old gyms. I challenge you to think outside the box of your usual routines and try something new. Trust me, it will be amazing and will offer the kickstart you have been looking for!

Happy Sweating

A quote to get you through the day

Photo

"If you want to change the world, first try to improve and bring about change within yourself. That will help change your family. From there it just gets bigger and bigger. Everything we do has some effect, some impact" 

The self is not something one finds, it is something one creates.

 Pinterest

  

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition.  What you'll discover will be wonderful.  What you'll discover is yourself.  ~Alan Alda

On the path to self discovery, there are good days and there are bad days. For the past 2 years, actually more like 3, years I have been desperately trying to figure out who I am and change the qualities about myself that I find less than desirable. And let me tell you- it is a major challenge and clearly not as easy as I thought it would be. My reflective state began while I was living abroad in South Africa. It is almost impossible to not be permanently changed by such a life changing experience. I was on my own, in a completely foreign country, where I did not speak the language- in fact I had never even heard of the language, and I was faced with the challenge of befriending people from allll over the world. But it was incredible. I quickly made friends with many of my fellow international students (thankfully I had an amazing roommate, Danni) and the good times instantly began to roll. The entire experience was about over indulgence, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. Over indulgence of education, wine, love, friends, personal growth, and of course school work. I threw myself into the South African social scene and braai'd every weekend, drank copious amounts of Hunter's Dry Cider, danced at the clubs, and educated myself on the history of South Africa. It was incredible and I will never forget the amazing people who changed my life during the course of that year- I am of course referring to my life long girlfriends Danni, Karie, Jenna, Rebecca and Lisa. 

But like all good things, it had to end. And when I returned home to the states in June of 2009 I was faced with an even bigger challenge. How do you rebound from the most amazing year of your life and continue to positively grow without feeling overly nostalgic for the past. Well let me tell you, the 2 years since my return from SA have been a constant roller coaster. I continue to question who I am every single day and I most certainly have my days where I don't like certain qualities. However, as a whole I love the person that I have become and I love who I foresee I'll be. The true key to success is constantly challenging who you are and who you should be. The day I stop trying to develop into a better person will be the day that I truly start to worry. So I will continue to expand upon my relationship with myself, I will look in the mirror every morning and remind myself how amazing I am, and finally I will not stop challenging myself- because I WILL NOT settle for anything less than what I deserve; whether in my career, my friendships, and most importantly my relationships.

“Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.”

A little inspiration to follow up my last post....

Photo: Sarina Slims Down

Here's to eating healthy, drinking less, and working out!

Revitalized By Spring, Energized for Fitness

 Photo: Think Fit

It's time to get back in shape! Spring is here, which means Summer is right around the corner and I would like to spend as much time as possible in little dresses soaking up the sun. SO, it's time to get back in shape.

I have fallen out of shape in the last few months- due in part to winter lazyness, too many drinks, and a physically detrimental ex-relationship (note to the ladies out there DO NOT date a professional chef). However, there is something about the change in season that has put an extra pep in my step. Warm nights are ideal for outdoor jogging and of course my gym membership is calling my name. Here are some things I am doing to shed those extra pounds and tone up:

• Nike+Ipod: An absolutely amazing investment if you enjoy running outside. When you buy the kit from Apple or Nike ($30) you are given a connector for your ipod and a chip to put in your shoe- you have to buy special Nike shoes but they can be found for cheap- once the set up is synced it allows you to track all your workouts on your ipod. You can see how far you've run, your pace, and the calories you have burned. It is a great way to track your progress and challenge yourself constantly.  
 

• For tracking progress check out The Daily Burn. This website is amazing for tracking your weight loss, calorie intake, and overall progress in reaching your fitness goals. Whether you are trying to tone up, lose weight, or just lead a healthier life this is the website for you! You can log workouts, meals, enter challenges with other individuals or friends, and even track your sleep! I am very happy with this website and recommend anyone getting back on the fitness train to check it out. AND if you have an iphone or ipod touch you can download apps to check your progress on the go- you can even take pictures of your meal and instantly be given an estimate of calories. How amazing is that?!

• Finally, visit Think Fit. This blog is an amazing source of information. It is run by a nursing student who is always willing to answer any fitness/ nutrition questions you may have. Look to this website for advice on what to eat, work outs to try, and how to get motivated. Overall a very positive source of inspiration!!! 

Good luck and happy working out!

Explore. Dream. Discover.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

 photo:shelby nycole

Lately, I have been feeling like something is missing and that life is passing me by. I am torn between my desire to travel the world and my feelings of wanting to start a career and a life for myself. I am set on my decision to move to Washington D.C. but I cannot kick my feelings of regret for not traveling more. I know that once I settle into D.C. and get a job it will be hard to travel as much as I wish I could- stupid 2 weeks only of vacation time. Back in January of this year, I interviewed with the Peace Corps. When the process hit a snag, I sort of decided that maybe the PC wasn't the best choice for me anymore and that's when my D.C. plan began to take shape. However, last week I heard from the recruiter and he informed me that jobs would be opening up in May for placement in winter. And now I am once again reconsidering everything that I have planned. My good friend Danni is currently teaching English in Morocco. She is having what seems to be the time of her life; traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing amazing adventures. Seeing how happy she is makes me wonder if the Peace Corps is where I should be.


On the other hand, I have this stupid voice in the back of my head telling me to settle down in D.C., get a job, and become an adult. It is frustrating not knowing what the right decision is. I suppose time will tell. I must remind myself that moving to D.C. will be a great adventure. I will be able to explore a new part of the country, travel on weekends, and meet all kinds of new people to share my adventures with.

So now I must decide. Travel the world- starting with Morocco in June/July or settle into a life for myself :/

HOCKEY HOCKEY AND MORE HOCKEY

In all honesty, I have one main thing that is occupying my attention- and that is the NHL playoffs. I absolutely adore this time of year for one major reason.......

 

The Sharks are in the playoffs!  Playoff fever has officially taken hold of San Jose, California and after 3 rough years of playoff stints the city seems to believe that this really is the year! It is truly incredible how much of an impact sports make on a community. At the risk of sounding corny, I believe that a love of sports- an specifically of a local team- allows everyone to relate when they may have nothing else in common. The roar of the crowd, the mass waving of rally pom-poms, and the incredible way that the building seems to shake create an atmosphere that is hard to match. It leaves the city blanketed by the playoffs, and if you aren't engaged you are not a true resident

Last night was game one of the 1st round and the Sharks matched up against the LA Kings. I am incredibly lucky, and actually have a part time ob serving in the restaurant before hockey games. So last night we welcomed guests who were enthusiastic about the game and together prepared to scream our lungs out in support of the team. The restaurant closed when the puck dropped and I hurried off to meet my friends at a local bar. The game was a battle from start to finish, the bar was packed, and the beers were flowin. During the intermission I got to thinking and began to look around at all the faces in the bar. Literally, every type of person could be found huddled around the screens, high-fiving after every great play. 

The Sharks pulled in out in the end and won 3-2 in overtime. When Joe Pavelski scored the winning goal the bar erupted and everyone went crazy cheering for the team. I literally felt the ground shake and I immediately flashed back to when the Giants were in the World Series/Playoffs and how remarkable it was so see everyone united over a silly sports team. Say what you will about hockey and sports in general but I do not think there are many other things that could bring people together the way a playoff hockey game does. It is going to be a great series and the cup will be ours this year!

About me

"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles."- Audrey Hepburn 

Hello, and welcome to my blog! I have finally decided to delve in to the fascinating world of blogging. This is my first crack at this, and I am bound to make a few blog faux pax, so please be patient with me and giggle at my eccentricities. This blog will follow the every day ins and outs of a recent college graduate thirsty for life. I am currently a case assistant working in San Jose, California with plans to relocate to Washington D.C. in 2 months (flight leaves June 27th). After reflecting on recent conversation with a fabulous friend of mine, I have realized that I am not a fully developed being. I know this may sound strange but it really is the only way for me to describe my existence at this phase in my life. I have graduated from college, am working in my first big kid job (well, kinda), and have absolutely no solid idea of who I am. Shocking, right? I am not frightened by this discovery because what 23 year old really knows who they are, or who they will be for that matter- anyone who tells you they have it all figured out is lying! All I do know is that I am ready for whatever life wants to throw my way. It has taken me a while to get to this point, but I am finally on my way to happiness and self assurance.

To get started, here are a few things one must know about me:
-I have a passion for human rights and international politics; I believe that I will change the world and make a difference; I love to read and write; I have traveled the world- albeit not as much as I would like but I’m still young; I adore wine and trying new foods; I like to run, go to the beach, spend time with my family and friends, and be outside; I am sickeningly optimistic but can be refreshingly sarcastic as well; I laugh, A LOT; I can be a girly-girl but also enjoy sports, pizza, and beer; I enjoy fashion although I am not as trendsetting as I imagine I should be; and finally, I am a new soul.


Enjoy!