First

It's the first day of a fresh year, or if you will, a fresh page in a new book and I plan on writing a very interesting adventure story. My story, that is. What will your book look like this year? Would your story be a best seller, or a pamphlet that no one would want to read? My book is going to contain a lot of pictures, and here's some to start it off!

I am happy to report that I rang in the new year healthfully with a restorative yoga session and dinner out with great friends. Last night as I slowly dozed off to the noise of fireworks, I thought about the fresh year ahead and was excited for the first event of the year. Today I participated in the Commitment Day 5K. It wasn't a resolution, it wasn't a race. It was a commitment to move and be active. A commitment to live healthier. I initially thought I could live satisfied without signing up for a new year's day activity, but the more I prolonged registration, the more internal arguing I heard in my head. Now, I don't know about you, but the only way I can shut down my inner voice is to usually give in to it. So I did. I registered, I walked, and I soaked up the beautiful and soul warming sunshine on the coldest, thus far, day of the winter season. Of course, I got a good workout in along the way, and am happy to have started this year off on the right foot (literally) to a healthier and even more active me. 

Instead of getting caught up in the competition (real or imagined), I actually stopped along the way to take some photos. The day was staggeringly bright, yet grey and some how bland. The cold North wind ripped through my clothes and tore at my eyes, enough to make them tear but I still managed to appreciate and capture the beauty of the day. Some people stopped along the way to take photos of themselves, but I decided to try to capture the brightness and hope of the day. I love the reflections in the water, the detail of the lamp post, and the lack of color yet overwhelming brightness and light of this photo.

Post photo session and 5K, I headed to my car. On my way back to the parking garage, I decided to take advantage of my proximity to the Field Museum. I had been wanting to see the latest exhibit, "Maharajah" but hadn't made the time. Since I literally had to pass the entrance of the museum to get to my car, I headed in. I showed my zoo volunteer ID, got free general admission, and added on the extra exhibit. There was no time like the present I figured, and how could I not take advantage of one of my volunteer perks? I learned a lot about the history of India and how it intertwines with that of the British. I learned about the different traditions of the Indian royalty and it's progression through history. In all, the exhibit was small, but I was glad I went. It is one more thing I can scratch off my "to do" list.

After the Maharajah, I grabbed brunch and then walked around the rest of the museum. Having been amongst live animals at the zoo all season long, seeing the lifeless exhibits of stuffed animals was odd and macabre to me. I couldn't help but think of the animals I have come to love at the zoo, their names, their personalities and how full of life they are in comparison to what was in front of me. I pray that  the future does not allow museums to be the only place that we will be able to see examples of such majestic animals on display.  

Ironically in the photo to the left, I love the warmth of the bronze bones that Sue the T-Rex provides against the stark white walls of the museum.

In wrapping up my day, I headed home for a much needed nap, errands, chores and home made chicken fajitas. It's hard to believe that today is a Tuesday versus a Sunday! In closing, I am glad I took full advantage of the day today, got active despite the weather, and treated myself to an exhibit that I had procrastinated seeing. Now, I'm off to pack my gym bag for an early morning workout tomorrow. Good night for now, readers.

I think I'm off to a good start in my book so far, what is your first chapter looking like?

Retrospect...

In looking at my year of pictures, I'm reminded that 2012 was pretty amazing for me. I'm looking forward to a fresh start of new possibilities in 2013, and am hopeful, like always, that I will find much love, luck and peace in the new year to come. The photos below are in no particular order, but are some of my favorites and most memorable experiences of the past year. What does your year in review look like?

 

I found many ways to give back to the community this year by fundraising and volunteering. I met the artist, Rafael, after having helped paint the Addison street community mural he created.

 

I vowed to take advantage of what my city had to offer, and explored much more of it this year.  One of my favorites was "Dragon" by Cirque Shanghai at Navy Pier...



I made new friends this year, and strengthened existing bonds as well (and rocked a few concerts along the way)

Saw Ron Santo added to the Hall of Fame and enjoyed many a Cubs game this year with new and old friends alike.

I expanded my horizons and attended an educational photo seminar at Wolf Park. I enjoyed intertwining my love of animals and nature with my creative side. Additionally, I loved learning more about animal behavior at the Anti-Cruelty Society's seminars and enjoyed the Pet Expo as well!

I learned to enjoy the scenery along the way and have captured many a nature scene via my smart phone. (Thistle photo taken while participating in the Out of the Darkness Walk with friends)

I challenged myself, and then some, by participating in and completing the world's toughest challenge on the planet, the Tough Mudder.

 

I couldn't add just one photo of my trip to Wolf Park

I enjoyed yoga on the beach in both California and Chicago this year. I was happy to travel to the sunny state early in the year for work, and enjoyed yoga and running on the beach - can't wait to do it again!

I found I love volunteering at Lincoln Park Zoo and have met some really great people and made new friends. I've learned more then I ever thought possible about the zoo and it's inhabitants and am super excited to continue volunteering in 2013.

I completed 20 races this year and logged over 100 competitive miles breaking all personal records to date.

I enjoyed learning ASL and met some really cool chicks along the way!

 

The eldest bacheolor troop gorilla, Azizi (one of my favorite photos) taken at Lincoln Park Zoo.




My favorite theater! I enjoyed a few musicals and productions this year, including The Addams Family and War Horse with family, adopted family and friends!



I went gluten-free and am loving the health benefits! I have fallen madly in love with Rose's Wheat Free Bakery in Evanston and am so ecstatic that the business will be around for a long time despite some recent hardships! I've found numerous gluten free offerings in the city that are delish-ous and can't wait to keep exploring.

Bring on 2013 - a new year and new photos to come!

Sunday

It's the last Sunday of the year and since tomorrow is Monday and the start of a fresh week, my new workout routine starts. Although January 1st brings on all the promise of a fresh year, I can't make any sense of starting something new on a Tuesday versus a Monday. I'm guessing lots of readers have similar new year resolutions (to workout/diet) and will start a new on the 1st, but I can't say working out is anything new for me, rather I'm just switching up what I do.

I've been struggling since my tailbone injury and a pinched nerve to find a challenging workout that won't aggravate my issues, (I dearly miss my Cross-Fit class) so back to the Body for Life program I go. It's a great routine and easy to follow. I just purchased the Body For Life Success Journal and downloaded some new tunes for my I-pod - this girl is ready to hit it, and hit it hard.

But with all that said above and talk of resolutions, I have decided to change things up a bit for 2013. Instead of focusing on things like, "get skinny" or "get rich", I'd rather focus on how I feel. Meaning, if I want to feel healthy, I ask myself what do I have to do to get there? How do I feel healthy? The answer is I feel healthiest when I'm working out, eating well, and practicing yoga. Additionally, I feel healthy and happy when I'm giving back and volunteering, and (hopefully) inspiring others. I feel healthy when I forgive others, and let all the bullshit of the day go and focus on friends and family (admittedly, sometimes easier said then done). Pretty easy right? This frame of mind and choice of "resolution" seems much more forgiving then torturing one's self with the scale, right?

As for that comment about getting rich - how does one feel rich with limited money? I've got a plan for that too - save money, give to others, and realize that not all riches are monetary, of course. Easy-peasy, right? It will be as easy as I want it to be. Resolutions after all, are really just a frame of mind. How do you plan to feel in the new year?

PS) This author is going to start feeling happy immediately by finally pulling a nail out of the living room wall that has been there since I moved in 5+ years ago. It's constantly made me think it was a bug on the wall when I catch a glimpse of it!

Wordless Wednesday

Some pictures I snapped and Instagramed on my afternoon walk...



Death Day Party

I've heard that funerals are for the living and not the dead, and I tend to agree with it. Think about it, funerals help finalize the reality that our beloved is truly deceased, and allows for the grieving process to start (if it hasn't already). Additionally, funerals can serve as a reunion of friends and loved ones, and allow for good times to be remembered. But how does this help the deceased? I don't think it really does! But, that's a different blog post and my original intention is to blog about a related, but somewhat different topic which is, "If you could have anything at your funeral, what would it be?".

I can't take credit for that question, as I recently heard it as a subject of debate on a radio station. When posed, the audience responses included strippers to dance on top of their caskets, a full open bar and other un-memorable ideas. This got me thinking, what would I want at my funeral? Oddly enough, this question has stuck with me for a few weeks now, and I feel compelled to blog about it here, after all, I've put a lot of thought into it! I must admit though, even with two weeks of thinking, I still don't have all the answers to that question. 

First, I want to be cremated (this post really isn't meant to be morbid, stick with me). If life is supposed to be about living "outside the box", then I want to be dead "outside the box" too. I would want my ashes spread somewhere beautiful and peaceful, but I'm not quite sure where. As for the funeral itself, no viewing of the body - have me cremated before hand! I've always felt approaching the body (of anyone) at a funeral is the most stressful thing any one human can do. Therefore, let's avoid that at my death-day celebration. I mean, come on, if we celebrate birthdays, why not celebrate the end of life as a death day?

Ok, so if I'm cremated and there's nothing to view, how do I entertain my guests? I did mention that my visitors would be attending some type of charity event/walk and not a funeral home, right? While it may not continue forever, at least at the time of writing this blog, I'm actively involved in participating in charitable 5K walk/run events, and would want my guests to know how it feels to cross a finish line for a greater cause then themselves. Perhaps they'd create a team on my behalf, and raise donations for an animal cause (by now you know I love the cheetah, dogs, and everything at the Lincoln Park Zoo), so why not continue my love, in death, for those same things? (Hey, be thankful I didn't request you all to go zip-lining or something super adventurous!!!) Not a walker or runner? Then donate blood, volunteer your time, or do something you know I'd be proud of.

Of course no event is complete without swag, right? After enjoying your gourmet double chocolate, blueberry cheesecake, or red velvet finisher cupcake you've got to start digging through your goodie bag. Now this, I got covered! I'd give out beautiful sterling forks with a lavender ribbon tied around each one's handle. Why you ask? As a reminder to eat dessert first, challenge the norm, and enjoy the best things in life, which usually isn't work! Leave that damn desk behind!

What else would my swag bag include? A rose-bush suitable for planting outside. A vibrant pink perhaps to stand and serve as a reminder to stop and smell the roses. Yes, I DO actually do this! I stop often to admire nature's beauty, to smell the flowers, the rain, and the fresh air and don't think anyone can ever do this often enough. Life's best "stuff" is made up of the moments we don't plan for.

Lastly, my swag bag would probably include a copy of the Wizard Of Oz (where dreams really do come true) as well as a book of inspirational quotes. Be inspired by the brightness of Oz, and the simplicity of it's sentiments, and as for the quotes? Heaven knows some of the best ideas have already been written (and that I repeat them often) so why reinvent the wheel?

So, yeah...that's my death day party. Hopefully not too morbid of a post, right? How would you want your life honored? What would you want at your funeral?

Fat

Chipotle = epic fail for dinner last night. In a rush, I caved to the convenience factor of the fast food chain (with gluten free options) and was thoroughly grossed out. I ordered steak tacos, and while they looked appealing, the steak seemed to consist solely of inedible gristle and fat. (A reminder as to why I've only frequented the restaurant chain once since it's local opening.) The upside? Since I hardly ate the taco filling, I'm guessing I saved quite a few calories! *Sigh*

Happy

A friend posted this link on her Facebook page and I loved it so much I had to share. Happiness, to me, is not about your surroundings, or what you have (or don't have for that matter), it's seriously about making a mental choice and making the most of what you do have! I know life isn't always a bowl of cherries and we all get dealt a crappy hand from time to time, but how you deal with it depends on you, and you alone. Choose happy!!!

This post is not to spite or insult the medically/clinically depressed. Rather, my focus is the people out there (not in need of medical help) that just don't appreciate the important things in life and more so, don't know how to prioritize what it is in life that would make them happy. Trust me, more "stuff" is not the answer to happiness.

Think about it, what is it in life that truly makes you sustainably happy? Sure, you might get a happy feeling buying that new car, new outfit or new technological gadget, but how long does that "happy" last? What I'm talking about it sustainable happiness! I know for me, sustainable happiness comes from my friends and family and the times I share with them. Not only do the original encounters provide hours of happiness, but reliving them in memory, and recounting them at future gatherings bring back the original (or even better!) version of happiness that I felt. 

I also do my best to appreciate what it is that I have, as I know others are far less fortunate then I am. Of course I'm human and I want "stuff", but I also know my over all happiness doesn't come from it. I "make do" with the simple versions of things like a value packaged car, a basic smart phone (admitted former flip-phone user and lover) and even basic cable. The fact is, all of those things meet my basic needs. The car starts and stops and allows me to drive to fun new places and explore new adventures. My phone calls, texts, and allows me more time on Facebook then one human needs all while keeping me in touch with those I value. My lack of cable options (at times) force me to find other ways to entertain myself, whether it's reading, exercising or reconnecting with my friends. My point is, more isn't always better. Having (or not having) what I have today affords me plenty of opportunities to enjoy life and be happy if I just take the time to focus on the "haves" versus "have nots".  

Additionally, I have learned to find purpose in volunteering, and helping others. Purpose doesn't always come from having the highest job on the pay scale. I don't have my dream job (yet), but I won't hate what it is I do in the mean time, either. Instead, I do what I can to feel accomplished in the role at hand, and more so, focus on ways to add purpose to my life outside of work. I enjoy numerous hobbies and volunteering. And believe you, me, there is no greater reminder to be happy with what you have then volunteering and being charitable. Be thankful, grateful and happy for what you still have and can use, whether it's financial or physical.

And finally, if I've learned anything from the dogs I've worked with, it is to live in the moment. Act, re-act if need be, and move on. You don't see dogs worrying about the past or future, and they sure do forgive and forget far easier and faster then their human counterparts. All too often I find myself thinking of the past and dwelling on what I could have done differently or thinking fifteen steps too far into a future that never materializes the way I thought it would. If I could harness that energy and focus on the moments at hand, I'd be even happier then I am today!

In closing, no, I am not happy every second of every day. I have my bad days (just ask my friends). I have to work at being happy, and believe indeed that happy is a choice so why choose to be miserable? I refuse to stay focused on the negative things that happen because life is too stinkin' short to only attend the pity party (you know you've thrown one in your own honor at some time!). Come on, get out there and be happy - you've got far better invitations in life to enjoy!!!