No "Jim", New "Gym"

This January, much like last January has been a bit of a roller coaster.  It started off great, excellent really, (see my new years post HERE).  The first 2 weeks actually were pretty great.  "Jim" and I spent a lot of time together, we went on some awesome hikes, we played badminton with his friends and watched football with mine.  We celebrated 2 months with a home-cooked meal and beautiful flowers.

But then, things took a turn for the worse. "Jim" and I broke up. :(  Everything was great, except we had a different vision for our future family, an irreconcilable different if you will.  Despite the hurt and the sadness of the breakup, I have nothing bad to say about "Jim" or our relationship, except that it ended.  For me, that was really the only bad thing.  My time as "Jim's" girlfriend was a great adventure and he exposed me to all types of new activities and things.  "Jim" allowed me to be myself around him, he made me laugh, took care of me, surprised me, and generally increased the fun and happiness in my life.  We experienced some exciting firsts together, memories of which we will both carry indefinitely.  I am hopeful that with time we will be able to be just friends, but it will definitely be in time.

I have seen people spiral when relationships fall apart.  They pick their poison to drown their sorrows - alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, etc.  But none of those appealed to me.  I was upset, cried a lot (still do) but ultimately after a little self reflection and a push in the right direction, I found my own "drug of choice" - working out.

When I first started going to the gym it was an escape of sorts.  It was time for the gym to become that again.  But, I needed a change of scenery. After my (nearly) three year love affair with Fitness 19, it was time to move on.  I started at fitness 19 when I lived in the bay area and my gym up there became like a second home, like an odd sanctuary of sorts.  When I moved back to orange county, I was hopeful the club down here would have a similar feel and make me want to go.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.  It did not have the same feel to me.  It was not as welcoming, I didn't make friends there, the crowd was different, and it was always crowded to the point of waiting on machines.  

My best friend's husband has invited me for years now to come check out his gym with him, take a class, see how I like it.  I finally agreed since he agreed to go apartment hunting with me.  And well, the gym sold itself.  It was downright awesome.  The gym itself is gorgeous and clean and modern.  It has everything.  Then there are the classes which are taught by awesome instructors who push you like a personal trainer might (at least the ones I have taken).  And they have everything - yoga, pilates, row, spin, circuit training, zumba ... the list goes on.  There is a spa and a pool.  The showers are private and big.  Lockers are available to use.  And there is never a wait for machines.  One time going, I was sold, totally and completely sold.

Living everyday, down a "Jim" but up a "Gym"

Pretend It's the Last

In our busy, hectic, overbooked lives, we often forget that moments are fleeting, that tomorrow is not promised today, that not everything lasts forever.

Let me ask you something ... when you woke up, got ready for work, and left this morning, were you rushing around?  Were you thinking about your day, what you had to do, where you had to be, who you had to talk to?  Did you say goodbye to your kids/husband/fiance/boyfriend, etc.?  Did you hug them or kiss them?  Did you tell them you loved them?  Did you do it in passing, or did you take the time to really show them you mean it?

Now let me ask you this ... if you knew that this morning was the last time you were going to see this person or the last time you were going to kiss them or tell them you love them, would you have done it the same way?  My guess is no ... I can tell you in my experience, my answer is no.  If I knew a week ago what I know now, I would have done it all differently, so so differently.

Hindsight is 20-20.  I should have savored the moment.  I should have given one more kiss, said I love you one more time, hugged a little harder, lingered a little longer.  I should have, I could have, but I didn't, and now I can't, no matter how much I want to go back and re-do it.

Things change in an instant.  So when you get up tomorrow, pretend as if it were your last morning together, and do it right.  And each morning hereafter, pretend it is the last, because ... well because you never know if or when it will be.

Be present in the moment, cherish the moment, and live everyday like it is the last.

 

2 weekends, 2 hikes

Two weekend in the new year so far, and 2 hikes under my belt.  :)

We did Peter's Canyon on January 5.  It was a beautiful day.  We hiked up Big Red, down past the creek, and around the lake, I think it was about 5 miles. 

 

On January 11, we did Crystal Cove/El Moro Canyon.  Another goregous day.  We did about 6.5 miles in all, going back into the canyon, down inside it, and then back up to the ridge.  A nice little hike with a stunning view of the water.

Living everyday by trying to spend more time in the great outdoors!

Year End Wedding

A former boss of mine, turned good friend, texted me a couple of weeks ago (early December).  She was getting married ... in 3 weeks time, on December 30, 2013.  Having met her now husband mere weeks before, I was thrilled for her, and excited to attend her wedding.

It was a warm December day, gorgeous even by California standards. She got married in her friend's beautiful backyard, with just very close friends and family in attendance.  I was honored to even be there.

The wedding was small, but it had everything that it needed.  A nice setting, delicious food, good music, gorgeous flowers, loved ones, and of course a bride and groom who are clearly and undoubtedly in love with each other.

 Walking down the aisle to "All of Me"

 You may kiss the bride ...

 Mr. & Mrs.

 The cake!  Lemon and Blueberry

 First Dance as Husband and Wife

With the newlyweds

It was a great way to close out 2013.  Living life everyday, with a little bit of love.

Cheers to 2014!!



The start of 2013 was quite terrible, so much so that I declared February the start of my new year in 2013.  So I was thrilled when I was not sick for this new years and even happier when I decided to spend it with my closest friends.  To celebrate, I wanted to make some special hats.  So I went to the party store and picked up some supplies.

 

 

 

 

I busted out my glue gun and scissors and got to work on what I had.  After a few hours, a few burned fingers, and some frustration later, I ended up with the finished product - 5 hats for the guys, and 5 mini-hats for the girls.

 

 

I brought the hats to the party and they were worn by all.  We ate good food, played video games, had a white elephant exchange and hung out all night.  I got to spend new years eve with my best friend.

And I got my first new years kiss.

 I could not have asked for a better new years. 

 

 

Cheers to 2014!!  May it bring health, happiness, and love to all, and may we continue to live a litle everyday!