Emotional Update, Teach Me How To Bucky

If I have any consistent readers out there, you may or may not have noticed that my posts arrive a bit more sporadically and fewer per week than in the past. In spite of thinking this blog had changed me, my introvert personality has overpowered me in the past week or two. In fact, I don't want to lose my introverted side: going to the movies alone or reading/relaxing at home are some of the best ways for me to reenergize. After weeks of trying new experiences nearly every day, I reached a point where I could not sit at home contently, and I realized that that is an important part of life that I need to not lose: being content on my own.

In addition to holding onto that key part of my life, I think in attempting to try out something new nearly every day causes me to put other very important aspects of my life on the sidelines or to the back of my mind. Religion would be the biggest impacted aspect. Another - trying to fill my schedule to the brim, and in doing so, not allowing for other priorities a chance to pencil themselves into it. Although it's unintentional, for me it's also unacceptable and not who I am. On top of everything, I'm spending way more money than I should, when normally I'm an excellent saver.

This is not to say I am going to stop seeking new experiences and living life; this is solely a reality check that I need to manage my priorities and get back on track. Perhaps, toning posts down to twice a week would be a good compromise. (Or at least new activity posts, and other days I can post dorky youtube videos that made me laugh). Also need to really focus on my training! After 3 days of being more or less MIA from training, I made it back on tonight :)

Also - I'm missing home a little bit today, but received a package from one of my old roommate in Madison! Perfect timing. Thought I'd share this video because I love me some Bucky! So proud of our boys getting drafted!

Fleet Feet, San Jose Sharks

I've needed to buy new running shoes for quite some time, and today was the day! I drove to Fleet Feet and asked for assistance and a fitting. The guy helping me knew what he was talking about and runs himself. He measured my foot and arch, both while i was sitting and standing, before watching me walk to determine which type of support I need. He then brought out three brands and watched me run in each pair. I narrowed my choice down to two: Addidas or New Balance. He relaced one of each brand and told me to take a jog down the block to see how they feel. The whole time he asked questions about how they felt and if there was anything that stood out to me with each shoe.

Finally, New Balance won the show down. My old shoes are New Balance, so the materials felt familiar and comfortable. I liked the colors and style the best too, which is obviously the most important detail of all. My helper gave me a couple training tips before sending me out the door with my new kicks. Great experience - I'll definitely go back there for future fittings or basically any running gear.

Side note of the day: I stopped at Whole Foods to grab lunch (I love love love their mango quinoa salad and salad bar in general). Checking out with my salad and Kombucha, a worker walked me out and invited me to eat my salad with him on his break. Very flattering, but no thank you, although you kind of made my day!

Next stop of the day: Union Square. And later, SJ Sharks. I allowed the sun to soak in for an hour in Union Square before bar hoping towards the Caltrain station with a friend. We bought a few beverages and snacks to pregame on the train. That was another new experience - Caltrain. In my mind I'd imagined it to be more like the trains in Spain where you'd sit two by two, facing another couple with a table in between. This felt more like a commuter train, where some even had to stand for several stops before there were enough seats (although we went right at the end of the work day). We finally arrived in San Jose; the HP Pavillion is only a parking lot away from the Caltrain station, perfect transportation to a game. We bought some beverages to see the Sharks kick some Stars butt, 3-2, with two goals in the third period, pretty exciting! Such a fun time. No matter where you sit, you can see the action.

Best part of the night, balloon guys that made me a Bucky Badger on the train ride home! Badger for life. Real talk.

Nick Saban's Speech

Since I've been boring the past couple of days, enjoy this video that a friend shared with me on facebook a few days ago. Pretty good motivator. Self discipline is something with which I've always struggled.

"Discipline: Doing what you're supposed to do, when you're supposed to do it, the way it's supposed to get done"

"You are going suffer through one of two things in life: the pain of discipline, or the pain of disappointment."

"Your character is a accumulation of your thoughts, your habits, and your priorities on a day-to-day basis"

Plough and Stars

To begin, watch this video....



Now that you're smiling already, I'll begin. Plough and Stars is an Irish pub that has a pool table and a neighborhood feel. A group of old men played their guitars and banjos the entire time we were there. I guess one of then is the "banjo" guy from 49ers games. I'll try to post a video later. Overall- super chill, fun atmosphere.

Block Party, NorthStar Bar, House of Nanking

I'm going to make this short and sweet and I know we all had eventful St. Patty's Days. After catching up with a friend over a healthy lunch, I met up with H, S, C, F, and bunch more random people at a block party in honor of the day. Standard green bottled beers, Irish bands,  and lots of people dressed in green.

Next, we moved onto a nearby dive bar that had green beer and a late night visit by men in kilts doing their thing on the bagpipes. Awesome. I'll attempt to post a video later.

Ended the night with some amazing food in Chinatown. House of Nanking. Not bad for a random selection. Cheers!

Hawaii Day 2: Hapuna Beach, Ukulele Festival, Lava Lava Beach Club, Manta Ray Snorkeling

Another beautiful, long day on the big island has come to a pleasing end. Apparently, I brought strong winds with me, but they did not stop us from enjoying each moment. (The Trade Winds constantly sweep across Hawaii, but not normally this ferociously!)

Acai Bowl

This morning began very differently than yesterday. We had a leisurely morning, no rush to leave the hotel. Since I'm still on Pacific Coast Time, I was up early anyways and enjoyed mimosas with breakfast on the water as the sun rose. We later enjoyed Acai bowls, which are delicious.  Acai is grown in Brazil, but popular here!

We eventually made our way to the most popular white sand beach on the island: Hapuna. Not hard to see why with its long stretching sands reaching out towards the blue water and picturesque palm trees. Bonus... its easily accessible and has showers. Super strong sun as I learned yesterday, so I made sure not to miss any spots with the sunscreen.

Next stop was the annual Ukulele Festival. Two stages of young and old musicians showing off their ukulele skills. We got to learn how and make our own leis and watch a kid youtube star perform live! (See below with link to youtube video)

              

Onwards to a late lunch at the Lava Lava Beach Club. Perfect spot on the beach in 'Anaeho'omalu Bay to enjoy happy hour, hot wings, watch the sun start to set, all while having our toes in the sand listening to a cute, talented singer play. We were also surprised by seeing another giant sea turtle in the water by the rocks.  Better yet, as we watched the sun begin to fall, two whales decided to play in the distance - jumping far out of the water, sending visible splashes in the air.

Poke at the Lava Lava Beach Club

            















Final activity of the day: kayaking snorkel manta ray tour. I was so giddy about this adventure ever since I read about it while planning the trip.  A told me it is on Discovery's top 10 things to do before you die list. I was so nervous at the possibility of not seeing the rays, since everything else on the trip has gone so well. Some coworkers of A joined us for the tour.  We kayaked out into the bay, pitch black without flashlights. After getting anchored, we floated in the night waters, face down. The guides use flashlights to attract plankton to lure in the mantas. While waiting,  our guide dove to the bottom to show us various fish and bring us urchins to touch. I had kind of a religious moment in the water as I internally settled with the fact that we were not going to see the main attraction. You can't control nature! And then he came! (Lesson #2 patience). I was scared and star struck and intrigued all at the same time. His bony rib like white belly gapped from the main part of his body and he constantly did back flip after back flip.  It was like an underwater dance. He got so unbelievably close to me and seemed inches away the entire time. Wow. Below is a video I grabbed on youtube of the view scuba divers get, just to give you an idea of how impressive the whole experience was:

Great end to the day. We both were sea sick,  so are happy to be home to sleep.  Goodnight!

 

Aiden - Youtube Ukulele Star

Talented musician at Lava Lava Beach Club

Funk Skate in Golden Gate Park

One of the many reasons I love this city... an unplanned afternoon treat!

Gotta love their style, and the fact that the ones super into it are 20 years older than me. I think they know the secret to happiness :)

(Pause and let it load to avoid pesky interruptions!)



Enjoy this sunny afternoon!

Prioritizing Life

I am home sick from work today, and therefore not doing anything fun. Instead, I'll share a video from a time management training seminar about putting the important things in your life first:



Here's another way to look at it, if the previous one didn't do it for you (I particularly like the last added item in this one... won't spoil the surprise for you_:



Enjoy and hopefully I'm well enough soon to share more adventures! Otherwise maybe I'll have a flashback to a fun activity in the city from before I started this blog :)

Have a good weekend!

The First Follower

I'm feeling a little under the weather today, so I will leave you with this video on how a movement becomes a success, first shown to me in a leadership training a week or two ago: The First Follower



In case the embedded video doesn't work - you can copy & paste the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ


I hope you enjoy!