Time

THIS is a great article about time and the complexities and mysteries surrounding it.

I feel like time is always a thought. One person is thinking about the end of a work day while another one is planning for the future. Our lives are divided into seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades and eons. They move differently though for each of us. My week will go by so fast but for someone else, it will feel like it took forever. I wonder why that is?

With things changing so drastically at this point in our lives (late 20's, early 30's) I wonder where the time has gone. Now that I look back on my 20's, it feels like a struggle but that I survived it and it was all so long ago. I can only recall memories as I look back through journals or on Livejournal. It seems like that person doesn't even exist anymore and I am almost embarrassed to know that she did at one point in time. As I look forward, I can see possibilities and that is still exciting even as I enter the somewhat scary, somewhat amazing 30's bracket.

I have dear friends changing locations, changing jobs, expanding their families, and conquering uncharted territories. I am just as excited for them as I am for myself really. I believe in the universe directing towards a great destiny but it is up to you to get there. Each person is on such a unique path of their own that it tarnishes our own when we start to compare.

I can guarantee (which I rarely do) that no one was able to predict that they would be in this place right now only two years ago let alone 10 years ago. How wild and crazy our paths lead.

Getting back to time: it is the time of change. If you aren't happy then you need to change your perspective. If something isn't working then it's time to change your view. If you are open to new challenges and adventures, my goodness, hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

Confessions of a Blogger

We all have our little oddities that make us, us.

Stickers on apples. I can't just throw them away, I always have to put them on something. A carton, napkin, bag, notebook, somewhere.

When hot dogs are grilled, I like them really well done. Like, almost crunchy on the outside done.

Microwave popcorn is best enjoyed with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray.

When I am driving to a new location I turn the radio off the second I am even vaguely near the neighborhood.

I am slowly growing out of my superstitous belief that if I paint my toenails, I will have bad luck.

I am an all or nothing girl most of the time. If I watch one show, I want to watch the whole season. If I start a book, I want to read all of it then and there. If I am going to make a meal and dessert, I want to do it all at once.

I don't consider technology a priority. It makes things more convenient but nothing I couldn't live without. I will never be one of those people waiting in line for an iPhone or caring about which version of that laptop is newer and better.

QuoteS of the Day

Special edition: Dale Carnegie

From wiki: Dale Breckenridge Carnegie (originally Carnagey until 1922 and possibly somewhat later) (November 24, 1888 – November 1, 1955) was an American writer and lecturer and the developer of famous courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills. Born in poverty on a farm in Missouri, he was the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, first published in 1936, a massive bestseller that remains popular today. He also wrote How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, a biography of Abraham Lincoln entitled Lincoln the Unknown, and several other books.
One of the core ideas in his books is that it is possible to change other people's behavior by changing one's reaction to them.

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing."

"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get."

Style Icon: Lauren Conrad

Alright, so she is really young and not nearly as well known as, say, CoCo Chanel, but Conrad's style is simplistic, stylish, and refreshing. Her line from Kohl's also follows the same lines: clean, simple, and cost-conscious. And let's not forget the crazy braid phenomenon that is happening right now that can be, in part, contributed to LC.

Another Hills gal, Whitney Port, also has a great clothing line. Her personal style is a bit out there but she does take risks, I have to give her that. Her clothing line is ethereal, flowy, and incredibly girlie.

Being an adult.... (QuoteS of the Day)

...sucks.

Dr. Meredith Grey: We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop?

Dr. Meredith Grey: [voiceover] Remember when you were a kid and your biggest worry was like... if you'd get a bike for your birthday or if you'd get to eat cookies for breakfast. Being an adult: TOTALLY overrated. I mean seriously, don't be fooled by the hot shoes and great sex and no parents anywhere telling you what to do. Being an adult is responsibility. Responsibility really does suck. Really, REALLY sucks. Adults have to be places and do things and earn a living and pay the rent. And if you're training to be a surgeon, holding a human heart in your hands... Hello! Talk about responsibility! Kinda makes bikes and cookies look really really good, doesn't it? The scariest part about responsibility... When you screw up and let it slip right through your fingers. Responsibility. It really does suck. Unfortunately once you get past the age of braces and training bras, responsibility doesn't go away. It can't be avoided. Either someone makes us face it or we suffer the consequences. And still, adulthood has its perks. I mean the shoes, the sex, the no parents anywhere telling you what to do... That's pretty damn good.

And for fun....
"There are no ugly women, only lazy ones"
Helena Rubinstein

“The best way to learn to be a lady is to see how other ladies do it.”
Mae West

Bucket List: Portland Outdoors

I have a little less than two months left in the Portland area and each time I am able to take advantage of the adventure and culture of the city, I do! There are definitely things I want to see and do before I leave so little by little I have been able to whittle down my ever growing list.

A beautiful (and rare!) sunny day in Portland. I grabbed a delicious bagel & lox, iced tea, and cookie and had myself a little picnic at Laurelhurst Park. Reading outside is also pretty amazing...

Before hitting up Laurelhurst Park, I went on an excursion in NW Portland. I have always wanted to hike through Forest Park but never found the right time. I was looking at the huge houses when I saw signs pointing to Forest Park and decided that this was the time to go! I did about 6.5 miles through the trees and loved every minute of it.

Last but not least was finally FINALLY getting my pictures of St. Johns Bridge. I am pretty obsessed with bridges and since Portland has so many of them, I plan to get pictures of each one. My favorite is the Fremont Bridge but St. Johns Bridge has this amazing pull for me as well. Below the bridge is Cathedral Park where there are benches, a few metal sculptures and pier to walk out on to the water. I was there at about 9am on a Monday morning so it was quiet and ever so peaceful. I plan to go back again though!

Brunch for Two

House sitting for a weekend provided me the opportunity to take advantage of an amazing kitchen stocked full with kitchen appliances and gadgets. Add in spices, baking supplies and a wide array of baking dishes, I was in heaven!

I wanted to make a brunch dish that I could eat for two mornings so I used a mix of recipes, halved them, and baked them in smaller Pyrex dishes like this:

In the rectangular dish:

cinnamon raisin bread-2 eggs-milk-cinnamon-allspice-salt-chopped apples-brown sugar-maple syrup

Mix the chopped up bread and apples and spread out in pan. Mix rest of ingredients and pour over bread mixture. Sprinkle brown sugar on top and pop in oven for 35minutes. Check on it to make sure its browning properly and pour some maple syrup over the top to soak in. Bake til lovely on top and done through and through. So delicious!

In round dish:

4 eggs-salsa-frozen bell pepper mix-mushrooms-olives-Mexican cheese mix-garlic-shallots

Mix the eggs til fluffy then throw all the rest of the stuff in there. Don't forget the S&P. Throw in the oven and bake til set. Yum! Very mexi-brunch like.

I think this has all the four food groups plus I added some sliced cantaloupe on the side and enjoyed everything with a cinnamon-orange tea.

Cat Sitting

I am now becoming quite the pet sitter in this town! I love it tremendously though and I have also seen what a wide range of housing options that I could potentially have in the future.

In April, I watched a dog at a condo in downtown Portland. It was a dream location (and a dream puppers). I had thought I might be a condo person because of my crazy fear of burglary and need for safety. Every place will have its drawbacks but I thought a condo would be pretty much the greatest option. I loved everything on one floor, the view was amazing and it was close to so many things downtown. Bonus, always have a parking spot!

I was cat sitting at my co-worker's house for three days and fell totally in love with it. Much of what I love is the actual style of the house (and the cat). The house is from the 1920's with the previous owners having done a lot of work with the moldings and floors. My co-worker and her husband redid the kitchen in the style of the 20's and left the brownish-orange carpeting that starts at the bottom of the stairs and continues to the bedrooms upstairs (I love it, btw). The bedrooms have slanted walls and are not spacious but incredibly comfortable and warm. They are strictly for sleeping: no closets, no junk, no TV. The technical master bedroom downstairs is used as a study and had the bathroom attached and a huge closet. The bathroom is my total fantasy bathroom as well (I have simple tastes). The floor is warmed (yay!) from the water pipes and they have painted it in a greyish purple color. The tile is all original and everything looks clean but like it has been here forever.

The layout of the house is open and simple. Windows are everywhere! Everyone who knows me knows that I have a crazy love of windows. Add in the porch that wraps around the front and you pretty much have my own little slice of heaven here in Portland.

I realize how simple my tastes are but I like it that way. I have never been a electronics gal and I prefer vintage and unique things to anything fancy from Pottery Barn. As I am searching for my new apartment in Ypsilanti, MI, I don't have the craziest expectations but it is all about the little things that will keep me happy.

Coconut Water Benefits: Say Wha?

I am infamous for not drinking enough water and being dehydrated. I can go days without any actual water and instead drinking iced tea, soda, or nothing at all. Crazy! I am amping up my veggie and fruit intake so that does make up some hydration but some of the runner blogs that I follow have now become quite enamored with the coconut water. Who knew it could have so many benefits? Read on for the info.

• The young coconut water is one of the purest form of waters. It contains no cholesterol and has more electrolytes than any fruit or vegetable.

• It is sweet, tasty, full of salts and vitamins, which are very important for the body. It also contains trace amounts of copper, phosphorous and sulfur, thus, making it an excellent source of water to help correct electrolyte imbalance. The vitamin C content of the water is enough to meet the daily requirements of the body. It is fat free, low in carbohydrates and calories. The coconut water nutrition factor also shows that it contains niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, riboflavin, folic acid and thiamin of the Vitamin B group.

• Coconut water helps maintain the body temperature at a proper level, natural fluid levels and helps carry vital nutrients and oxygen to different cells and parts of the body.

• Coconut water health benefits also include boosting the immune system, intestinal health, metabolism, weight loss, balancing the body pH, fighting off viruses, detoxifying the blood, etc. if you are suffering from blood pressure, coconut water is a great remedy to prevent hypertension. It also controls diabetes, reduces cancer and helps treating kidney stones. People suffering from stomach pain and vomiting get relief by drinking coconut water. Coconut water is known to improve digestion.

• It helps the body absorb other nutrients like vitamins, amino acids and minerals. It helps in calcium and magnesium absorption that is very important for the development of strong bones and teeth. Coconut water nutrition facts also show it helps in the prevention of osteoporosis.

• Coconut water is the best source of instant energy, even better than most of the energy drinks available in market. It gives athletes a boost of energy and endurance factor during their physical training.

• Coconut water is also known to help in repairing damaged tissue and healing it. Coconut water is a natural antioxidant and helps in preservation and protection of the cells from free radicals in the body.

• Coconut water helps increase the metabolic rate of the body and thus proves to be very useful to those looking forward to losing weight. The fats in coconut water are not stored in the body, but sent directly to the liver and converted into energy.

• You can even use coconut water as a tropical application to treat chicken pox, measles and other summer rashes.

Sources: Here

Quote of the Day

"If you live in the past your life is history."

-Author Unknown

Note: Boy, this couldn't be more relevant or true for me lately.

Tidbits & Nonsense

(found from a friend's Facebook, not sure where it came from)

This week is a struggle! After a great weekend where I did 6.5 miles at Forest Park and leisurely read at Laurelhurst Park (pictures coming), this week has not been kind to me. I will say that most of Monday was spent with dear friends walking around in the sunshine. Tomorrow is an Americorps day with workshops and seminars held at Portland State University that will most likely include some sort of bagel and iced coffee. I desperately need to survive until Saturday at least.

I had the most disturbing dream last night which when coupled with a slightly alarming phone call this morning makes me all sorts of disjointed today. My dream? It follows along the lines of being fully pregnant yet not believing it and driving around in a car with someone who was a close female (friend? sister?) at night. Hmph. I blame it on the many, many conversations I have had lately with people in my life.

I am so very, very ready for it to be August. You have no idea.

Quote of the Day

"Do not brood over your past mistakes and failures as this will only fill your mind with grief, regret and depression. Do not repeat them in the future."

-Swami Sivananda, Indian yoga master, physician, monk and founder of The Divine Life Society, (1887 - 1963)

Quote of the Day

"The less you know, the more you believe."

-Bono, Irish singer and musician, best known as lead singer of the rock band U2, (1960 - )

Al & Tipper Gore Split

From the Huffington Post:
After Al and Tipper Gore announced on Tuesday that they were separating, reaction poured in from friends of the couple, political observers and pundits. Most expressed shock that the Gore's very public marriage was unraveling.

The Daily Beast's Lloyd Grove quotes several Gore sources who could barely believe the news:
"I am dumbfounded," says Gore confidant Marty Peretz, the editor in chief of The New Republic who was Al's mentor and professor at Harvard. Peretz is one of a close circle of friends who received Al and Tipper's puzzling email Tuesday revealing the split.

"I was very shocked," says longtime Gore watcher Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "One of the first things I tweeted was, 'Can you believe the Clintons' marriage has lasted longer than the Gores'?'"

Chris Downey, a longtime friend of Tipper Gore, said that she broke down when she heard news of the split and still remains "beyond shocked" that the couple is parting ways. The Washington Post reports:
Chris Downey, a friend of Tipper's since they were both young congressional wives, burst into tears when she heard the news. "I'm shocked -- beyond shocked," said Downey, who had talked to her friend just last week. "This is the least likely course of events I could imagine."
People magazine's Sandra Sobieraj Westfall conducted a dozen interviews with Gore family friends after news broke of the couple's decision to separate and appeared on NBC's Today Show Wednesday morning to share her findings.

"They hadn't seen it coming, but [said] if they thought about it more, maybe they should have," Westfall said.

"The two of them have been living incredibly separate lives -- their separate schedules took them in different directions," she added. "They said they had just grown apart. Tipper loved life and wanted to have fun, and Al remained a very driven man with a lot of projects and irons in the fire."

______________________________________

I have to say, I think this is one of those rare instances where the people grew apart but still love each other deeply. I see this as obviously a sad event but nothing tragic. People are always under the assumption that divorce means pain, agony, defeat, and implies that terrible things must have happened. There is the very real possibility that as they pursued their own passions in life after their children were grown, they grew apart.

Just my two cents.