Relocating

After finishing up work in NC, going through almost every item I owned and deciding what to take and what goes, and packing, I headed south to start a new chapter in my life. On the morning dog walk the day I left NC, I saw the horses that live at the Rachel Carson Reserve for the first time. It felt like an omen that everything was going to be OK. Initially, I was worried about the trip down. I was worried about pulling a trailer 10+ hours on the road, about the toys tied down to the roof racks flying off, and about which route to take. The approach I decided to take: staying present and sticking w/ my gut on making decisions, the outcome: the trip down went so smoothly I've been waiting for the inevitable bad to happen to balance out the yang.


I drove half way to my destination and stayed the night in Columbia, SC. There I met up w/ a friend of a friend and got a bite to eat at Hunter and Gatherer , a local restaurant and brewery located downtown. Come to find out, it was one of the few places I had been to the one other time I had been in Columbia, to interview for a graduate student position ~7 years prior. Wow, has it been 7 years? It seems like just the other day I was in Dr. H's lab running soil samples looking into graduate programs...


I pulled in the small town in SW Georgia I would soon call home Friday evening an hour before the sun set. Mr. W met me at the little house he was renting, which I soon fell in love with. Since I moved to NC, I had been looking for a small house to call home and it seems I was just looking in the wrong place. This little house is everything I have been looking for and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to live in it.

The winds are a changing

Things are coming together, winding down, and amping up all at the same time. This is my last week of work in NC and I am excited, nervous, and trying not feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, I have plenty of time before I start the new job.

It is times like this that my perspective begins to shift and I see the town I have been living in differently. Winter dog walks on the beach, something I did not do often in the past, become a weekly occurrence. The beach in the winter was never something I particularly enjoyed. Once the water was too cold to dive into, I generally quite going to the beach. However, the weekly dog walks on the beach stir something and I feel a little sad to not have enjoyed the quiet winter beach, tourist free with open room for happy dogs to run.

This like other little things become more apparent. The restaurant that had a delicious soup and 1/2 sandwich lunch special, wine tastings at the bakery downtown, the quirky shops some of which I recently knew existed... why didn't I enjoy these things more during my time here? One thing I have noticed... things always seem more appealing when you are either leaving or visiting. Why is that?

Toys and contemplation

This blog started because of a purchase. The purchase of a digital camera.

Like a cell phone, I did not foresee myself succumbing to the technological advances of the times. I know it is practically impossible to imagine someone not wanting a cell phone, as they have infiltrated our societies, but I was reluctant. Similarly, I was reluctant to buy a digital camera. My enjoyment of photography was in the organic process that occurred in the dark room while developing the film and creating prints. Therefore, digital photography was not very appealing to me. However, without access to a dark room and the equipment necessary to carry out that which I enjoyed so much, I decided to buy a small point and shoot digital camera that had a few manual capabilities. The instant gratification of being able to see the pictures was overwhelming and soon I knew I wanted a DSLR. However, the expensive price of the newly coveted device made it inaccessible.

Now, after years of desire and saving, I am ecstatic to have just purchased a DSLR. The past few weeks have been filled with research, educating myself on the DSLR products available, seeking advice from friends, determining the best price for the products, etc. What a relief it was to finally make a decision and purchase the equipment. I felt as though I was starting to go crazy, chasing my tail in circles with all the information.

It does not surprise me that the resurgence of this blog coincides with the addition of this new toy. Somehow, I find it quite fitting. This purchase accompanies a large transition in my life and the resulting myriad of emotions, thoughts, and changes that occur internally and externally. It is during times like these that I seek refuge in posting.

Thinking back, looking forward, and being thankful

As the Thanksgiving holiday has been approaching, my thoughts return to this time a year ago. The joy that filled my life seems so tangible, yet so distant. There were many things I was thankful for; the future was wide open and I was full of optimism. Now, a year later, my life and future seem completely different. The goals and aspirations I held a year ago have wavered, yet the direction, speed, and optimism seem different... as though they are or were another's life. I am happy and joyous, though for different things, it seems. There are a few things that have remain consistent, like the joy and gratitude of wonderful friends and community. Yesterday and today I had the opportunity to share in the preparation and consumption of wonderfully scrumptious and tasty food. Although I seem to congregate with fellow foodies who take their cooking seriously with a large helping of flavorful fun, today's meal was special, just as each of the wonderful gatherings we create are. I will greatly miss these wonderful fun filled food gatherings and hope to create and partake of such events during the next chapter of my life.

On to more important things... what did we eat? Like last year, there were a few vegetarians [some more strict than others] and gluten and dairy free diet restrictions. However, none of the dietary restrictions were an issue [one of the wonderful reasons I love cooking such great people!]. Our Txgiving meal was composed of a variety of dishes, including some new recipes. The afternoon was started with a tasty glass of bourbon slush, which was kept full through most the evening. It is a wonderful treat and a Txgiving tradition I acquired from some good friends. The drink mixture is prepared at least a day in advance and frozen, then topped w/ ginger ale or the equivalent. It has become one of my favorite parts of the holiday! This year, there was an oven roasted chicken, marinated bear grilled and then basted w/ a secret special sauce, parsnip rice with carmalized butternut squash, macaroni & cheese, broccoli and cauliflower casserole, stuffed acorn squash, savory spinach salad w/ homemade balsamic vinegar dressing, gluten free cornbread, and for dessert.... chocolate sweet potato torte. Even though I am still stuffed, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Perceptions of projection

Recently faced w/ the daunting task of moving and leaving the place I've called home for the past 3+ years has made me see things differently. It is no surprise, yet I am surprised. The positive things appear more positive and the negative things appear more negative. It's odd how knowing that I soon will not reside somewhere does that. Guess it just demonstrates how everything is a matter of perception and how we, as human beings, create the connotation projected onto things, situations, and people. All this time everything has been exactly what it is and will be once I no longer live here.

Four more weeks of work and then.... moving, the winter holidays, and on to start a new job and a life elsewhere. However, tonight was all about good food and friendship. A tastiliscious tapas style dinner at Aqua, followed by delectable dessert at Front Street Grill, not to mention the wonderful company, made the evening! Nights like tonight are what I will miss.

Inspired

A young girl approaches. She is tall for her age, thin, w/ blonde ringlets flowing onto her shoulders. She has bright blue eyes, clear and open, unjaded by the bitterness of what is to come. She is me, many years ago, so long ago I cannot remember what it is like to be her. She approaches and asks, ‘why? why did you leave?’, and looks up at me expectantly. I look down at her, and knowing what is to come, I want to wrap my arms around her and hold her, shielding her and also wanting to be her, so young and innocent. She asks again quizzically, ‘why?’ I do not have an answer. I search my mind, an empty caverness, but nothing. I look deep into her eyes and tell her, ‘I don’t know.’ Her eyes drop in sadness and she looks down toward the ground. I bow down to meet her gaze and ask her, ‘what is like to be lifted, to be held, to be loved?’ She looks up, meeting my eyes and smiles wide. ‘It is wonderful!’, she proclaims, pulling her arms out wide and lifting her chest to the sky as she twirls around. She twirls in circles as the sun brightens and I begin to loose her shape. Then, the sun begins to dim and the landscape comes into focus. I realize I am alone again and a light wind gently kisses my skin. ‘No, I am not alone’, I tell myself. She is with me... and I see her smile everywhere.

Fun filled food laden weekend

This past weekend consisted of good company and good food! Friday, was pizza night. I think there were 6 or 7 pizzas in total made that evening, which included detriot style cheese, pear and cheese; tomato, spinach and feta; roasted vegetable, gluten free veggie; and more. There was also garlic bread, a veggie laden salad, and ice cream and popsicles for desert. With more people than chairs, it was a harmonious evening.

After finishing some work Saturday, I decided it was time to play. With the temperatures rising and the beach calling, I attempted to enjoy the sound of the surf, but the chill in the wind soon sent me home. The afternoon was pleasantly spent working on my current knitting project and getting lost in one of the many books on my current reading list.

Sunday evening I was invited to a vegan potluck. It was the first one I have been able to attend and was very excited. There were a variety of vegan dishes, including gluten free lasagna, thai chili, pasta salad, cucumber salad, and for desert.... coconut milk ice cream! The evening was pleasantly filled with meeting new people, reconnecting with others, and tastilicious food. With a full belly and a chill in the air, me and my empty salad bowl made our way home for a pleasant nights sleep.

Good beer and great music.... can't ask for more!

Earlier in the week, a local pub hosted a tap take over by Natty Greene's Brewing Company to showcase their beers. In addition to the libations, there was also entertainment by Yarn, a Brooklyn based band that is working with the tap take over tour. The beer was tasty, I tried the Whit Bier, and despite the non approving beer advocate remarks, I enjoyed the beverage very much. It was light, but a smooth blend of malt and spices with a bit of hops.

The band, however, blew me away! I had heard very good things and enjoyed listening to the songs available on their website, but these boys definitely had so much more energy in person... and they were even down a few band members! Needless to say, the music was... amazing! I took the opportunity to play with a Holga fisheye lens and tried it out with my little point and shoot. I was pleasantly surprised in the results. Unfortunately, the lighting in the pub was too dark for the point and shoot, but I was able to get a few blurry shots of the local band, Tobacco Roses, who opened for the event.

Southbound and back

This past week, I headed down to Miami for a job meeting and had the opportunity to visit some old friends and make a few ones as well. The meeting was with a local consulting company for a GIS specialist position they are hiring for. The meeting went well, but it seems they are unsure what they are looking for in the position. Therefore, I'm not sure what, if anything, will come of it. The rest of the time was spent soaking up the fabulous Florida sun, checking out the area, and enjoying time with old friends.

During the brief 3 day stay, I spent time in Coral Gables, Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs State Park, Dadeland, Midtown, South Beach, and North Miami Beach. Although the water was more of the turquoise green, similar to that in the keys, it was very turbid and not as inviting as I had imagined. However, it was a warm enough to swim in and that I did!

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of lunching with a friend I have not seen in years [too long] and meeting his lovely wife... yes, it's been that long! We ate as a great little restaurant in Midtown, UVA 69. I started the lunch off with a mojito and being a soup lover, had to try their soup of the day, which was a tomato bisque style soup. It was delish! We followed the food with coffee and as I was sad to say goodbye, it was so wonderful to spend time with them that I was more so happy to have had that opportunity.

Another spot I enjoyed [so much I went there twice] was Sweet Point Bakery & Cafe. The menu was simple, but they offer a pleasant blend of dishes and you can tell the ingredients was all fresh and made to order. Additionally, they have daily soups! It was a pleasant tranquil spot amongst a busy shopping center that has wonderful outdoor seating and was perfect for people watching or simply relaxing. To top it off, the staff are very attentive, pleasant, professional, and all around great.

To get a feel for the area and people that may have common interested, I contacted a member of a volleyball meetup group to see if I could join them while I was down. The member I spoke with was very nice and although he was not going to be attending the Wednesday night meetup, he said I was more than welcome to join. Super excited, but a little nervous when it came time to show up, I overcame my fears and forced myself to go. The group was playing at North Shore Park in North Miami Beach. There was a nice group of people and they were all very welcoming. Having not played sand vball since last August, I was a little rusty, not to mention the indoor moves I have been using were useless on the sand. However, I was able to pull off a few good plays and our team actually won a few games. Having been the first meetup I have attended, I think it was a success and am definitely going to utilize the site in the future.

Overall, it was hard to leave the wonderfully warm weather in S. Florida... especially being surrounded by family and friends. That alone makes any place hard to leave! Although I was not excited to return to the chilly NC coast, I was overjoyed to be reunited with K. I'm not sure where the next few weeks will take us, but I am looking forward to warmer days and summer fun to come!

Biking and brunch

The second week of work at the temporary position was followed by a busy weekend. After finally getting my federal income taxes accepted, it was pizza night w/ a friend where he introduced me to Detroit style pizza.... and upon which I quickly fell in love. Not being familiar with this style pizza, I was intrigued by the thick focaccia like crust. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture, but hope to learn how to make the pizza and will update with a picture. In the meantime, you can check out various pictures online, here.

Saturday, two representatives, Steve and Morgan, from IMBA [the international mountain biking association] held a class on trail creation and construction followed by some trail rerouting. You can check out the blog post about their visit and some pictures of the work we accomplished. It was a great experience! The class was very informative and then to be able to put the new knowledge to work rerouting a portion of an existing trail was superb.

After spending Saturday working in the woods creating a new portion of the trail and revegetating the old trail, so people would not continue to use it, a group of us gathered for brunch Sunday morning. Pancakes were the theme, but like all out friend food gatherings, everyone brought their own brunch ideas. In addition to strawberry, banana and walnut, and chocolate chip pancakes, there was fresh fruit salad, a delicious frittata, potatoes, grits, and bloody marys. It was a great way to start Sunday!

Whirlwind week & weekend rewind

This week has come and gone and I have been simply trying to keep up. Monday, started off with a meeting for the temporary position I am working at for the next few months. The remainder of the week consisted of getting things set up, settling in, and learning the ropes. After completing a full week of work, I was looking forward to Friday night friend's dinner. We went with a Mexican theme of salsa, enchiladas, Mexican rice, refried beans, and calbacitas con elote. Unbeknown to the dinner host, we surprised him with a strawberry shortbread cake for his birthday. Dinner was followed by a great regional band, Mandolin Orange, at Hannah Haus. After recovering Saturday and enjoying a repeat Mexican dinner of leftovers, Sunday was a fun filled day of mountain biking the Bicycle Post trail. Having not rode much lately, the trail definitely kicked my butt, but it was great to get out and enjoy the sunshine. I survived, mostly unscathed, and enjoyed a pleasant lunch at one of my favorite Greenville cafe's, the Tipsy Teapot. It has been a full week and I am not quite ready for Monday to come, but it will be here anyway, and I will try to be ready.

Friends' Friday Night of Food & Fun

Another week has passed and those of us that were out of town are home and an old friend is in town visiting. What better way to spend the evening than to get together for a fabulous Friday night of food and fun? This is group that likes to cook and more importantly, likes to eat. To keep thing simple we opted for a fun favorite - pizza night! We started off with an appetizer of the always awesome hummus [which I forgot to get a picture of] and then followed it up with a scrumptious salad and homemade pizzas. First, we had a pear and goat cheese pizza. Second was a tomato, mushroom, gorgonzola, and mozzarella cheese pizza. The third and last pizza had balsamic onions and goat cheese. Pizza night would not be complete without cookies; therefore, we had homemade oatmeal raisin cookies for dessert. It was a wonderful evening with good food and great people!

East Coast : West Coast

After finishing up my contract and with one day to pack and plan, I headed west for a job interview, to visit a friend, and check out the area. The flight out was early; however, watching the sunrise out the airplane window was gorgeous! The clouds looked like ocean waves and the sun glimmered off them.

It was a long day of travel, but my luggage and I touched down in SD and were quickly reunited. We were promptly picked up and whisked away to my friends little cottage where I attempted, without success, to take a nap. Perhaps it was the excitement or perhaps it was the slowing down of a hectic nonstop work week, but I was exhausted and sadly remained so during my time in SD. A few hours later, I retrieved my friend, her husband, and their luggage from the airport. They had been on holiday in Denver and were scheduled to return that evening. After a quick reunion, we headed out to get dinner and had wonderful Vietnamese food! Having not had Vietnamese, I quickly fell in love with my grilled shrimp vermicelle and even woke the next morning thinking about it.

Over the next few days I had the second interview, checked out Stone's brewery, hiked to the top of Laguna Mountain on what must have been the windiest day in California, hiked in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, ate scrumptious apple and boysenberry pie at Julian Pie Company, wondered through Balboa Park, and enjoyed a brisk sunset.

Within Balboa Park there was so much to do and see. First, we strolled through the cactus garden where I took a few too many pictures. It was hard not to as so many of the cacti were in bloom. Additionally, there was the Botanical Building, filled with gorgeous orchids, ferns, and many more beautiful plants.

The Museum of Photographic Art was a must see and had a few fabulous exhibits, including Streetwise: Masters of 60;s Photography and Imagine That!. As part of the Imagine That! exhibit, there was a place where one could take a picture with the man in the moon. I just couldn't resist!

Unfortunately, the weather turned cold and rainy during my last few days in SD. Not being a fan of the cold and especially being wet and cold, I stayed in and worked a bit. Truthfully, it was really nice to have the down time. The trip back had a few hiccups, but I made it back and was greeted by a fluffy K with hugs and sneezes. It's a long day of traveling, but I was thankful to meet some interesting people during both trips and was greatly humbled to see the sunrise on the east coast and set on the west coast in the same day!

Last day: take two

Today was officially my last day of work... and oh what a hectic day it was. It's a good thing I worked all weekend, because I was not able to get any work completed today, besides writing a few emails. Between working all weekend and the hecticness of today, I am exhausted.

Thankfully, I have all day tomorrow to pack, plan, and accomplish various tasks before heading to the west coast early Wednesday morning. Aside from the long airport time [I'm not a fan of airports... I think it's something about being the recycled air, but I find air travel really draining] I am super excited to get to visit with old an old friend and talk about potential new beginnings. I am a buzz with excitement and possibility.

In the meantime... it's time to celebrate and what better way than martini's? Although the temperatures and wind outside are brisk, I'm going to warm up with a tasty martini and celebrate the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. Although the new chapter in unknown, I do know it's going to be awesome and I'm enjoying the journey!

Friday night fun

What better way to end a week than cooking dinner with friends? It's one of my favorite things to do and I try to do it as often as possible. This collaborative effort included white bean hummus, black bean oat burgers, brussels sprouts [with your choice of bacon or parmesan cheese], pasta salad, french fries, and avocado fries. Hm... makes my mouth water just typing it.

Needless to say dinner was a hit. The white bean hummus was so good and was gone within 30 minutes. The black bean oat burgers [a new recipe I had read about and wanted to try] turned out really well, were tasty, easy to make, and freeze well. The avocado fries were a bit more challenging, but were great. The pasta salad was super yummy and the brussels sprouts were mouth watering as well! With good conversation, great food, and wonderful company the evening couldn't have been better. That is until the next time we do it!

What kind of glasses are you wearing?

It is my last day of work, I have a zillion things to do, and yet all I seem to want to do is blog. Why? I am not quite sure. Especially since I do not feel I have anything significant to say at the moment. Yet, here I am... blogging. Perhaps it is the procastinator in me, I'm not sure, but I finally decided it was better to give in than to try to resist.

So, yes it is my last official day of employment at the lab I've been working at the past 2.5+ years... and I'm ecstatic! I know unemployment has a negative connotation, but when I think about not having to come into an office, sit at a computer all day I am filled w/ excitement and see all the possibility. I know that not many people see things similarly, but I if they could only shift their perspective they would enjoy their days much more. As for myself, I cannot wait to have a few days to myself.... to paint, be active, and explore!

As much as I do want a more stable job [as opposed to soft money/contract work] where I can advance, learn, and grow w/in a company, the thought of floating for awhile is salivatingly tempting. The comfort I feel may be b/c there are some opportunities taking shape and I am not completely optionless and for this, I am extremely grateful. However, we always have opportunities... we may not like them, but they are there, and sometimes we just don't have the correct glasses on to see them.

At the moment I am enjoying this tumultuous time... something I would not have said a few months ago. I may not know where I am going to be in a month, but I know it's going to be great and I can't wait to see what happens on the journey there. In the meantime, I intend to enjoy the view through my glasses of endless possibilities and suggest you try on a few different pairs of glasses until you find one that sits just right for you!

Life is a train of moods like a string of beads, and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

5 day whirlwind and back again

After a whirlwind trip from the North Carolina coast to Southeast Florida and back, I arrived to the treehouse apartment a little past midnight last night. Over the course of five days, I drove through old stomping grounds, checked out possible new ones, met some really awesome people, visited w/ old friends, enjoyed some family time, and sadly watched my home town fade in the rear view as I headed north.

Saturday morning, I left to check out a potential new job. Not being familiar with the area, I wanted to check it out, look into housing, as well as visit the facility and meet the potential new boss. The visit went great and everyone was very kind. The climate was wonderful... it felt SO great to run around barefoot, sweat, and feel the sun on my skin. The area, however, I am not so sure about...

On the return trip, I popped in on some friends. There is something priceless about relationships with history.... and the ability to pick up no matter the time that has passed. Along the way, I made a few stops at old familiar places. It was amazing to see how things have changed. As usual, there were some wonderful new additions and smiling faces.

It was great to get out, meet new people, and especially be in a warmer climate. However, it was really nice to come home as well. As I moved about the little treehouse apartment this morning, unpacking and cleaning, I could feel the excitement from experiencing new things and places fading and the comfort of the familiar settling in. It won't be long until the itch to go returns and old blue, K, and me hit the road again...

Life lesson take 1: Surrender

Ever so slowly, I am getting acquainted w/ the unexpectedness the future holds and reveling in the excitement of the unknown. Although I consider myself to be a flexible and mutable person, there are some things that have always had to be knowns for me. This recent transition time has carried with it the lesson of surrender. One would think, given some my past experiences, surrender would be something that came easily to me, but in fact those previous life experiences had the opposite effect, leaving me with the need to feel secure and in control. However, I am beginning to slowly open to, enjoy, and embrace surrendering. And I must say, it is damn nice! What a relief it is not to carry the weight of the world [at least my world] on my shoulders, not to make myself responsible for everything, especially things out of my control. It has been freeing, exhilarating, and I will admit scary, but stepping outside one's comfort zone often is.

It has been a roller coaster and the ride doesn't look like it's coming to end anytime soon. Each day, I sit a little more comfortable in my seat, accepting the things I cannot control, and taking action when I can. We always have a choice and at this time in life, I choose to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as much as possible... it makes the journey all that more enjoyable!

9 days!

That's right... in a mere 9 days my current position will end. It is interesting to reflect on how a few months ago this thought brought waves of fear and anxiety, but now it brings ecstasy. Sitting last night in the dimly lit apartment, paintbrush and glass of white wine in each hand, I savored the thought of the unknown, the endless possibilities that begin to take shape, and long list of things I'd like to do. A list that includes:

• cross country road trip
• NOLA visit
• extended ashram stay
• painting
• backpacking
• photography along the way

Thankfully, a temporary position is waiting in the wings and I am excited about that as well, but first a break. Ah... a break, those sweet words! I have been waiting for this time for what seems like ages. What shall this time be used for?? Oh, there are so many things. However, being that the break may only be 1 to 2 weeks, I am focusing on a trip to New Orleans, painting, a lot of asanas, and meditation. Depending on how much time is available, perhaps more can be worked in... and who knows, maybe a cross country trip will take shape as I relocate to the west coast.

The world is full of possibilities!

Orange juice and pickles

I was thinking this morning of how I think I could live off of orange juice and pickles, although not together. More so, I was contemplating how perfect each is in their own and how thankful I am to whomever decided to juice oranges and pickle cucumbers. Don't get me wrong, I love a juicy orange or a crisp cuke, but there is something more... I don't know... about orange juice and pickles compared to oranges and cucumbers.

As I am in a transitional state at the moment, changing jobs with the likelihood of moving, I have associated this time in my life to that of the process in which oranges and cucumbers evolved into the mouth watering orange juice and pickles. This time, although stressful, is filled with excitement and awe. It is a process and I am not sure exactly how it is going to end up, but I am sure it is going to be something great, just like orange juice and pickles!

Your patience please

It might be time to revive this blog and in doing so, I felt like a new look was in order. So, please bare with the trial period, as I test out a new template and figure out where this blog is going to lead us.

Thanks for your patience!