30 in 30: Part 2

What my 30's are teaching me...

How bout thing 8: Life happens...
don't let it get you down... just get right back up!

I had this grand idea... an intention in my head... but I allowed myself to get overwhelmed, distracted, and busy. Now, I know, it was the holidays... I had deadlines for yearbook, and I've been sick more than once for days at a time, I shot a wedding, had a visitor from out of the country, and together, all these things attacked my blogging confidence and took away my focus. While I still kept track of the little things, I allowed myself to 

wallow in the big ones... in the stress of the day and this is not where I want to be anymore.

Starting tomorrow I am starting a new routine. I'll share more about that after I get back to completing the 30 things I've learned in the first 30 days of being 30. (Rather than "new" things, I'm just going to focus on lessons or at least things I am acknowledging now. Things I'm learning about gratitude and my own well-being. Some new, some re-discovered from scratch.) And yes, I am aware that I have been 30 for a total of 50 days now, but I'm not too far off my mark, so I will now continue where I left off...

Thing 9: Sleeeeeep: It does a body good.

My pillow in Portland at Ace Hotel (summer '11)

Poh nappin' (winter '12)

I can no longer remember what day it was, but there have been about 5 days in the last month that I took naps. Real naps. Not naps where I wake up feeling drowsy and worse than before I fell asleep, deep naps where I wake up feeling completely rested, in a better mood, ...lighter! They are so absolutely necessary! Sometimes I'll make an excuse and say I have way too much to do, but my naps, I believe, will make me much more productive during my week, and in a better mood. I should also probably start going to sleep earlier, but my clock is so jacked up from years of no sleep, that I think it's still going to be a while before I can do that. Poh (my dog) likes to take naps... and he's super alert! I'm learning to be more like Poh.

Thing 10: The art of conversation...

I have a lot of Facebook friends; I recently hit 500. I know that Facebook is not necessarily a clear representation of reality and I believe that most people can only truly maintain healthy, honest, and personal relationships with a handful of people... less than 150...  in real life.

That being said, I can honestly say I'm friends with each and every one of my FBFs for a reason. I have been enlightened, entertained, or encouraged by a status change or two along the way, and Facebook has served to keep me connected to family&friends whom I really do cherish, appreciate, and love to have in my life.
Time and Distance have proven no match for "the book." For that, I am grateful.

But still, I have at times wondered... If I hang out with an FBF... will there be awkward silence? Will I be able to communicate Face to Face... in the flesh? Will it be creepy that we may know the recent happenings of each other's life so well that we'll be finishing each other's sentences and have nothing left to share?

A few weeks ago I went to a new sushi place (Full Moon sushi in Tustin) with 2 beautiful girls, my friend Jen (a long time FtF friend) and Monica a friend who I grew up down the street from (and hadn't seen in maybe 10 years), with whom I (up until recently) had only been communicating with via FB. Well, we crossed over! The whole night, for me, was really refreshing and comforting in that we all seemed to have so much in common... common experiences, interests, and the conversation never seemed to be lacking (age, travel, family, babies, bad habits). 

One key piece for me, was the laughter. We laughed a lot and that always makes for the best time. Being able to LOL in person is a whole different experience. It wasn't like we had to talk about strictly the past, we had plenty going on in our own lives that we could share or relate to and I left feeling very thankful for the conversation and the friendship, and I hope that it continues... 

via "the book" and in person. 

Thing 11: i don't do it for the money.

Gypsy Den, paid with $8 in change (January, 2012)

This is my 5th year in my school district. 

I have been a part-time teacher for the last 4 years... My % has gone up and down several times since then and 2 days before we went on Winter Break, I was told it'd be lowering once again. I have very little left to say about it. I work a ridiculous amount of hours through sickness&health, not because I get paid to do it, but because I feel I must. I have no other choice.

However, 

I do feel it starting to take a toll on my confidence, internal motivation, and really, I'm just left feeling burnt out, trying to dig out bursts of energy that I can share with my students. They deserve my 100% all of the time, so something is going to have to change. It must be me. It's the only thing I have any control over. 

I am going to give this till the end of the year, but then I'm going to start looking for a new and/or second job. Though grateful for the bit of a part that I have, the amount of hours being spent on it, are not even close to equitable. My husband Luis seems to support all that I do and is encouraging me to just be happy. 

I am that lucky. So, with this new year, maybe will come some new opportunities.

Thing 12: Getting together can get ugly, but that's ok.

We did it again. 

Had friends and family 

get together for a night of 

ugliness. 

People came and went, showed off their sweaters, exchanged white elephant gifts, ate soups, sipped wines... all in all, it was a good time. A little more mellow than last year, but still a good time. I got to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in a while, and I personally just enjoyed listening to the chatter and laughter as I ran around and helped make sure we had enough toilet paper....

Santa's Behind... part of my classroom door decoration.

Loved the effort that was put into the sweaters this year. The store bought ones were awesome this time too! Nice work! 

me and the sibs

This "lovely" thing was left on my tree....

I love Christmas Time and this annual gathering allows me to share that joy and celebrate!

Together we created a painting that I believe is the best one yet!

It's a Wonderful Life at the Regency Theater
(December, 2012)

Thing 13: It's A Wonderful Life... 
Growing up, my mom always made sure we watched classic movies. I don't have kids yet, but I have always tried to share the classics with the ones around me who've missed out on these truly classic moments from films that I believe have so much to say. 


I feel this way about It's a Wonderful Life. 
A movie that used to be played on REPEAT during the holidays, but this year I only caught it once on TCM. Luckily, the Regency Theater in San Juan Capistrano was showing it. To be able to watch it the way that it was intended (on the big screen) was super exciting.

The movie was enjoyed with a dinner (during the movie), dessert, and even a bell that we could all ring. (The bell, however, got a bit annoying and I think should have been handed out at the END of the movie. The audience was GIVING away wings every 2 minutes that night. sheesh....)  

Arlene and me, taken by Luis

It was a great night. It was my sister (in-law's) birthday, and she is one that I have always tried to educate on the classics... since she was 7 or so. This is one that we hadn't watched together yet, so it was perfect. I also brought along my husband Luis. 2 of my favorite people watching a movie that really is all about being appreciative of the loved ones around you and trusting in that love.

This movie has been spoofed, re-done, and adapted into TV shows, cartoons, sketches, and muppet movies. It has a simple message of worthiness. That we are all worthy of the air we breathe. That we are loved, that we were created to love and to serve, and that we do make a difference, just by living. 

Good stuff.

Thing 14: brussle sprouts... 

they don't smell like feet.

Brussels Sprouts I saw, but did not purchase, at Albertsons. (January, 2012)

On an episode of Full House, someone commented that Brussels Sprouts smell like feet. That idea has stuck in my head and prevented me from having any desire to even be in the same room as a brussels sprout. After a little coaxing, I tried one and, to my surprise, I actually liked it. Jen made my try them. (Thanks!)

They'd never be my first choice, but if they happen upon my dinner plate in the future, I won't be hiding them under my napkin.

More to come... but don't want to overwhelm. :)

30 in 30

For this first month of being 30 I'd like to try 30 new things in the next 30 days... we'll see how it goes.

It does not necessarily need to be something new to try, but can just be something new to my 30's. I really just want to make note of experiences I have within this 30 day time frame. And in each thing I will also seek out a lesson to be learned, no matter what it is.

I began writing  this post a week ago, but today, my friend Jennifer posted as her status,
"In every situation in life... I ask myself 'What can I learn from this?'" 
Not merely a coincidence, but I believe many of us are in a similar phase in our lives and we are asking this question of ourselves much more often. When I was in my twenties I think I asked this a lot less, which resulted in me being a lot less present.

So here I am. I've been 30 for 1 week now and here are my "things" thus far.

Dec. 5-12

Thing 1: Train ride in California. 
I am a fan of trains. I believe the first time I'd ever ridden on one was when I was about 3years old during a trip to the East Coast. I remember, vaguely, riding and looking out the window with my Tio Carlos, at the green trees zipping by. I've been on many more trains since then, across the country and in Europe, but I had been eager to ride one in California.

I love train stations, the sound of the train along the tracks, the way it sounds when it pulls into the station... I love the romance of trains... the images I've seen in movies of lovers separating or being reunited.... I was not disappointed with my first train ride in California.

My husband surprised me on my actual birthday. I had no idea where he was taking me. When I suddenly realized where we were headed I immediately became 5 years old again, screaming and giggling about how excited I was. It was a short ride (about 45 min) to San Juan Capistrano. It's a lovely mission town with great restaurants and historical sites. But honestly, it could have been 1 stop to Santa Ana, and I would have been just as thrilled.

Lesson learned: Continuing a sense of wonder and excitement is crucial 

and will keep your heart young.

Thing 2: Polenta
Not the most thrilling experience of my life, but I saw it on the menu and really wanted to try it... With a consistency of something between tofu and pound cake and flavor of... something like yucca or bland cornbread. But I ate it, with lots of marinara sauce, topped with a Salciccia (sausage). Not sure if I'll be eating polenta again, any time soon, but I'm glad I tried it.

Lesson learned: It's worth it to try new things, regardless of the outcome, 

a discovery will be made.

Thing 3: First Wednesdays at the Community in Anaheim
I absolutely adored my first "official" visit to Community. It's a small shopping plaza run by independent artists and crafters. The place was packed when I arrived. A live band played while shoppers walked through open galleries and shops, getting a head start on their Christmas shopping. The atmosphere was very hipsteresque and shop owners were eager to meet their guests, share stories, and continue the effort at building a diverse and creative community.

One of the shop owners (of the Nest) is a friend of mine from high school. She has been immensely successful with her own artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors and I couldn't be more proud...
which leads me to my 4th new thing....

Lesson learned: A night alone and on the town is needed every once in a while. 

Also, don't do so with empty pockets.

Thing 4: Bought my first Flask
Not sure why, but I have always wanted a flask. I'm not a drunk and I normally don't even drink hard liquor. Maybe it was due to my early fascination with Marilyn and the way she made it look so cool in Some Like it Hot... not sure. Before last week, I could never get myself to actually purchase one, until I saw the ones at the Nest. From the variety of colorful prints, to the unique and relevant designs, these flasks are simply awesome.

It was hard to choose, but I finally decided on the the green flask with a hot air balloon. It reads: Wanderlust. With a constant urge and desire to travel the world, this flask was calling my name. And with that I ran home and filled her up!
(Not really. She sits empty and waiting on my book shelf. Soon.)

Lesson learned: I am not as sexy as Marilyn, but it's fun to try.

http://www.communitysocal.com/nest.html

Thing 5: Car Accident
I don't have much to say on the subject. It happens. I'm sad, irritated, and a bit stressed at the added expense during this holiday season, and really they [accidents] are just always real butt-busters when you're involved in one. None the less, all involved are ok and I am sure there are lessons to be learned all around. This is the 1st, and hoping the only, accident I will be in during my 30's (and beyond).

Lesson learned: Poop happens... But, be grateful, don't rush through life, forgive easily.

Thing 6: First Christmas Photo Shoot

laughing at a sprinkler incident

I have known Sheryl for about 25 years. We met in Kindergarten and she now has a 13 year old and a 3 1/2 year old. She is dedicated to her kids and works very hard to support them. Even going back to school to study graphic media she has set new goals for her life and is being a great example
to her two children.

I offered to take her and the kids out for a Christmas photo shoot. We spent about 2 1/2 hours in both Anaheim and Downtown Fullerton taking some fun candid/posed shots of her and the kids.

Lesson learned: It's the real and raw moments that matter most. 

Keep it simple and fun.

innocence & awe

Thing 7: First temper tantrum in my 30's

Well, I'm not proud of it. But sometimes it happens. I have always had a bit of a temper (it's hereditary, I'm convinced). We've been planning a trip... well discussing taking a trip to Europe this summer. And as I mentioned in Thing 4, I love to travel. I not only love it, I need it in my life. It's something Luis and I have a common passion for and we make a point to travel as often as possible, near or far, it doesn't matter. It could be a simple trip to a semi-local city I've never been to, or to a completely foreign country... we LOVE  to travel.

Well, due to a few added expenses that 2011 has bestowed upon us, the idea of our trip is slowly fading from a concrete plan, to a distant dream. That said, the idea of taking this trip this coming summer is a dream I am not willing to give up on. (Sure, taking extra trips here and there, I'm sure, are not helping the odds, but I do think it's still possible.)

It's always been true of our relationship, he is the realist and I am the perpetual dreamer. This does lead to minor kerfuffles now and then, but I help him see new possibilities and he keeps me from flying away. I should not have panicked and lost my temper the way I did. (sorry, babe.) That's what my angry moments usually amount to, panic. I need to continue to breathe and understand that eventually we will find ourselves on that side of the world again, but I need to get there with a patient heart and a focused mind.

Lesson learned: Don't panic. Just breathe. 

(Which reminds me... I need to get back into my yoga practice this week.)

argentina 2009... on our way to mendoza

holiday happenings with the hubby...

It was so much more than I thought.

The plan for today: Luis and I were going to do a tasting at Giracci Vineyards, a winery he found in Orange County that opened not too long ago. (He originally found it by chance, after getting a flat tire on his bicycle in the area.) After that, we were going to check out Christmas trees at the Christmas Tree farm up the road, decorate, and then meet my family for dinner in the evening.

Well, this morning I was in a sleepy... lazy... wanting to cuddle (with Poh, my puppy) mood. Luis rushed me a bit and said we had a lot to do, with all the decorating, so we should get going.... I eventually got ready, nothing fancy (ripped jeans, old jacket), and we eventually headed out the door.

Well, we pull up to the winery, I take my time getting out of the car (had to at least put some mascara on) and we walk up to the front entrance. As we approach... I hear shouts, which startle me at first, and then lead to a slight feeling of confusion, shock, and disorientation. I literally feel as if I'm trying to manually focus my eyes, as I would on my camera.... Eventually (a matter of seconds, really) it all becomes clear and I realize I am surrounded by family and friends and a whole surprise birthday spread! All a bit overwhelming... in a lovely way.


I had absolutely no idea, and I love Luis for pulling it off and keeping me completely OBLIVIOUS (though that part is not really that hard). We drank wine, walked around the gorgeous property, visited the horses in the stable (Rusty is the one with the teeth), and just enjoyed the Saturday afternoon chill. It was perfection. 

A few friends keeping warm in the sun.

Made by Diane! She knows I love chocolate. Thank you!

Luis does so much, loves so much, means so much and I am SO blessed to have him.


Most of the pictures from the vineyard were taken by my mom and others, so I only have these few from my camera to share.

However, I did take quite a bit at the Christmas Tree farm. 

The following document our search for our tree. Magical!

 

broke out into fits of laugher

spontaneous game of hide-and-seek

Though TONS of fun, no luck with our tree.

 After a long search at the farm, we decided to do our final purchase at Home Depot. This is where we've gone the last couple of years. The prices are  very affordable and they have some nice trees.

 At the farm, most of the ones we liked were either out of our price range, or sold already... but NEXT year, we'll try to come right after Thanksgiving and claim one! I loved walking around the trees, in any case, and would recommend taking a visit!

Got home to find a box of Krispy Kremes on the doorstep! ...Says, "From: John Wayne."
He must have gotten hungry... there were 2 missing. But still... how thoughtful of John.

BTW... I'm still 29. Not 30 till Monday. ;)