Neil Diamond and Banana Crepes

On the way to work this morning I had an urge to listen to Crunchy Granola Suite by Neil Diamond.  This is one of my dad's favorite songs and I have many fond memories linked to it.  Driving in my dad's car with the volume turned up as high as it could go or while making banana crepes with him on Saturday mornings.  Some weekend mornings my dad would even wake my sister and I up by blasting this song.  

As I drove to work this morning, listening to Neil Diamond and almost smelling my dad's famous banana crepes, a smile broke across my face and I could picture my dad sitting shotgun jamming out with me.  Simple memories like these make me most happy.  Nothing crazy about them, just my old man, a solid tune, and the best homemade breakfast.      

Fun Fact

I am a huge fan of fun facts.  And it only takes curiosity and a quick Google search to add to your collection.  This past weekend I spent most of my time in water.  I went to the greenbelt and both days noticed more than ever how quickly my fingers were pruning.  My friends and I started chatting about it and tried to determine the explanation for the skin wrinkling.  We chalked it up to dehydration of the finger tips.  I was still thinking about it when I got home later so I decided to do a little research.  What I found was very interesting - getting pruney fingers and toes is actually an evolutionary adaption for survival.  Think treads on a tire that create traction on the road.  Who knew!

Dryer Sheets

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I normally don't buy dryer sheets or use them, but the other day a friend of mine was telling me the various things you can do with them.  After she listed off some of her preferred uses, I turned to Google to find out more.  Other than their obvious use of throwing them in with your laundry to fight static cling, you can put them on the bottom of your trashcan, clean chrome faucets, keep inside of your shoes, remove pet hair, and to even repel bugs.  I found a pretty good list here.  

Sunsets

If you know me then you know I am a sucker for pretty skies - no matter what time of the day.  My love for sunrises, sunsets, pretty clouds and full moons stems from my Grandpa Etto.  I have fond memories of sitting on the beach in Naples, Florida with my grandpa waiting to see the green flash.  Grandpa would explain to me that if you looked long enough, right until the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, you would see a bright green flash for only a second.  Time after time when the sun sank down Grandpa would ask me, "Did you see it?!" and time after time I would reply, "Not this time, maybe next."  To this day, I don't think I have seen the infamous green flash.

Dots are in my vision.  Blinking does little to rid them.  I have been on my apartment's rooftop for ten minutes now staring into the setting sky.  I'm on the phone with my best friend from grade school and she asks what I'm up to.  I tell her I'm watching the sunset and she immediately replies without hesitation, "typical AP!"  Natural beauty is undoubtedly irreplaceable.  Watching the sky change color in a matter of minutes as the sun sets is incredible.  There is something so satisfying about watching the sun rise or the sun set.  Mother Nature truly is the greatest artist with the largest palette.

"How blessed is the last light before the dark.  That last, rebellious and triumphant spark, before it too becomes the ash of the night." – Tyler Knott Gregson

Online Shopping Hack

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Last night I was surfing Pinterest, something I haven't done in a long time, and came across an amazing online shopping hack that I've never heard of before.  It's recommended to be used on Overstock.com, but I'm sure it works on other retail sites.  Ok...ready for it?  All you have to do is type in "as is" to the search bar and hundreds of discounted items will appear!  The items that appear are ones that have been purchased and returned for whatever reason.  Sales are final but Overstock lists why the product is being sold as "as is".  Most times it's due to a minor scratches, scuffs, or snags. 

Less Stress

The other day at work I noticed my new teammate had a few potted plants on his desk, two succulents and one cactus.  He told me that he added these plants to his work space because he had read that plants significantly reduce stress.  This perked my attention because I'm all about sprucing up my cubicle and not feeling stressed.  Once I got back to my desk I did a quick Google search and came across an interesting article.  Plants are shown to reduce stress, increase concentration, and improve mood.  

“Breathe deeply, until sweet air extinguishes the burn of fear in your lungs and every breath is a beautiful refusal to become anything less than infinite.” – D. Antoinette Foy  

Spaghetti Squash

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Recently I have been amazed by spaghetti squash.  It is so easy to make!  You can bake it or microwave it depending on how much time you have on your hands.  I think it turns out almost identical either way you cook it.  Spaghetti squash has a pretty mild flavor so it can be combined with any other veggies in my opinion.  I like to use it with ground turkey, asparagus and broccoli to make a meal.
Ingredients:
-1 spaghetti squash
-Olive oil
-Salt and pepper
Method:
-Cut the squash in half long-wise
-Scoop out the seeds of both halves (you can save one half in the fridge to cook later if you want)
-Rub about 1 tsp of olive oil into the the squash and sprinkle with salt and pepper
-Place the squash half downward into a baking dish filled with 1 inch of water
-Microwave on high for 5 minutes
-Check the squash with a fork.  When full cooked, the fork should slide easily into the skin of the squash.  Cook for another 2 minutes if the skin is still a bit tough.
-Let the squash cool for at least 5 minutes
-Using a fork, scrape out the squash strands and season more salt and pepper if you please

Wanderlust

Merriam-Webster defines wanderlust as "a strong desire to travel" or "strong longing for or impulse toward wandering".  Near the end of last year's summer, I finally understood what wanderlust meant.  One year ago today I set out for my post-college adventure to Europe.  The trip was a graduation gift from my Dad and stepmom.  My roommate from freshman year and my best friend from high school's sister lives and works in London.  It was the perfect situation, the stars aligned.  I would be able to spend time and stay with Michelle, as well as reunite with Tania who has been living in Mexico the past five years for med school.  While in Europe, Tania and I spent the majority of our 10 days in London; however, we took a trip to Paris and Amsterdam for a few days each.  All three places were unique in their own way: London resembled a U.S. city with its public transit and large buildings, and hearing English chatter was comforting; Paris was right out of a storybook and exactly how you would imagine - romantic, scenic and very French; and finally, Amsterdam was incredibly easy-going, beautiful, and easy to adapt to.  All three cities provided me with so many irreplaceable experiences and memories that I cannot favor one over the other.  Yet by the time I left London, I considered myself to be practically a local.  Most days Michelle left me her key before leaving for work and I quickly became friends with her doorman, Manuj, knew exactly how many tube stops it took to get to Tania's sister's flat without the aid of a map, and slept through the 4:43am sunrise beaming into the bedroom window.  The time I spent abroad in Europe will always hold a special spot in my heart.  I can't wait for my next adventure.  Where would you wander to?

"Not all those who wander are lost." – J.R.R. Tolkien

Start Each Day With a Grateful Heart

I'm not sure who should receive credit for this quote, but I came across it about five years ago and it has stuck with me ever since.  I think it is a simple and direct way to capture how I believe everyone should feel about life.  Start each day with a grateful heart, count your blessings.  "Tomayto, tomahto" as they say.  Yesterday something happened that really put my life into perspective and made me reevaluate things I suppose.  It may sound extreme, but perhaps you've never been in a life threatening situation.  Some friends of mine and I went to an Indian restaurant for dinner.  After a 45 minute wait we were finally seated and quickly ordered our entrees.  When our food arrived my friends and I immediately dug in as we had built up quite the appetite.  I consider myself to be a speedy eater, but never have literally inhaled my food of course.  Second bite into my Chicken Biryani and I second guessed my ability to inhale.  I tried my honest best to swallow the chunk of chicken that inadvertently made its way into my throat without being chewed.  I gulped and gulped trying to force the piece of meat down, but failed miserably.  My friends caught on and knew something was wrong.  I scooted out of the booth to stand up and started coughing, signaling to my friends I needed help.  The next thing I knew my friend's arms were around my midsection and with one swift motion to my stomach, my throat was clear and I could breath again.  After the very exciting interruption to our dinner, I returned to my seat with tears in my eyes and impressively enough finished my meal.  My friends asked how I was doing and we all recounted what had just happened.  Laughing seemed to be the most appropriate reaction to ease the situation.  They continued chatting as I found myself zoning out.  The rest of the time we were there, I was deep in thought about life.  You always hear that your life flashes before your eyes at the beginning or during a life threatening situation; however, I can't say that was true for me as I experienced this phenomenon post-choking.  I am still shaken up today with a bit of a sore throat, but it is safe to say I woke up with a grateful heart, I counted my blessings, and I am looking at today with a new set of eyes.  This life is so precious and I am nowhere near ready leaving it just yet.

Less Routine

Yesterday I went over to a friend's newly purchased home for dinner.  The attendees and I arrived with Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, tiny quiches, crackers and brie in hand.  Before entering Brent's new place, my friends and I were warned that there was a lot of work to be done as he bought the house knowing it would be a fixer-upper.  We were all impressed by its layout and all of the noticeable changes he had made.  After he explained all of the improvements he planned to make, images of his renovated home quickly assembled in my mind.  Now stationed in the kitchen, we chatted about our days at work in between bites of cheese and sips of wine.  Before we knew it, Brent had successfully grilled the Ahi tuna steaks to perfection, sauteed snap peas, and unveiled a beautiful tomato salad he whipped up earlier.  We all raved of how great the meal looked and quickly dug in.  The first bite of the tuna steak sent my taste buds wild.  It was encrusted with sesame seeds and topped with a soy wasabi sauce.  Yuuum.  My stomach I think is actually growling right now as I reminisce.  The snap peas and tomatoes were the perfect complement to the fish and the Chardonnay paired seamlessly – all in all it was a very well crafted and cooked meal.  Compliments to the chef!  On my drive home I caught myself tuning out the song on the radio and instead engaged in my thoughts.  I was thinking about how nice of an evening it was.  A week night evening not spent being lazy with my roommate or doing miscellaneous things at my apartment.  During the week I usually don't end up having a lot of energy for many after-work activities, but the things I do partake in from time to time never disappoint me.  Life truly requires spontaneity if you are interested in experiencing variety whatsoever.  Anything I do that is outside of my normal routine or schedule, never warrants regret.  Last night just reiterated my yearning for spontaneity.  

"The less routine, the more life." -Amos Bronson Alcott

Eyes

A few days ago my coworkers and I were talking about eyes.  It what I notice first when I meet someone along with their smile.  To me I think the mouth and eyes are the most striking features.  When you first meet someone it's almost instinctive to take a facial snapshot whether you're aware of this or not.  My tendency is to take note of one's eye color and smile.  I suppose this is the case because you look at these two areas when speaking with someone.  At least this is true for me.  My coworkers and I continued our conversation by quizzing one another on the eye color of our friends who weren't currently sitting at lunch with us.  Most of us guessed accurately; however, there were a few slip ups.  Eyes are almost as unique as a person's finger print.  Maybe from now on you will start taking notice of your friends' and acquaintances' eye color.

My sister took this photo of my eye using a micro lens attachment for her iPhone camera.

My sister took this photo of my eye using a micro lens attachment for her iPhone camera.

Whatever You Are Be A Good One

Abraham Lincoln said it well.  Today a friend of mine brought up personality tests.  You may have taken one before in school or in a work training.  I retook the test today since I couldn't remember my results from the past times, and was surprised by the results.  The first sentence caught me off guard and I immediately started thinking I answered incorrectly.  "ENFJs are natural-born leaders, full of passion and charisma" is what it read.  I would consider myself to be well-equipped to lead in situations in which it's necessary to do so, but not necessarily a strong, powerful and natural-born leader.  However, after mulling over the past I realized the test successfully picked apart my personality and pinpointed my strengths and weaknesses.  My realization was that personality traits can be interpreted in different ways and not all "ENFJs" will be identical.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” ― Dr. Seuss

Today I also watched a video my friend shared with me that will undoubtedly inspire you to follow your bliss.

Yoga for Runners

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I ran my first half marathon in February and decided to start yoga afterward because of the toll my body took while training and participating in the race.  Yoga helps runners to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility which in turn can help you run more efficiently and stay injury-free.  In retrospect, I really should have been actively practicing yoga throughout the months leading up to the half but there is always next time.  Shiner Beer Run (half marathon) in November, here I come!

I really enjoy this yoga video for an easy 20-minute sequence.  The instructor does a nice job talking you through each move.

'Rita on the Rocks

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Today at a friend's graduation party her dad let me in on his secret recipe.  He considered it to be a life hack for margaritas.  I suppose you could make these frozen too, but how he served them for the fiesta was over ice and garnished with a lime wedge.  This recipe makes for a very refreshing and smooth by-the-pool beverage.
Ingredients:
-1 Simply Limeade bottle (59 oz.)
-Your favorite tequila (1.75 L.)
-Limes cut into wedges
-Ice and cups
Method:
1. Mix 3 parts Simply Limeade and 1 part tequila
2. Serve in a cup over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.  Cheers!
3. Repeat steps 1-2 until supplies run out.

Happy Heart

Yesterday my friend expressed to my other friend and me that she recently felt fulfilled and all around exceptionally happy.  She had been saying yes more often and saying no less often.  And as a result of being game for whatever was suggested, whether it was an impromptu happy hour, a trip to the greenbelt, or watching Netflix with friends, she felt as though she could look back and not feel one ounce of regret.  As she spewed with glee it made me realize and solidify the idea that life takes spontaneity.  Recognize the phrase?  It was a part of a Visa credit card commercial some years ago, but has stuck with me ever since.  I am generally a reserved person who favors routine and the familiar; however, I have learned I have a spontaneous side to complement.  There has not been one time in which I looked back on something I partook in that was out of the ordinary or impulsive and regretted it.  Similar to my friend's confession.  Being a creature of habit and a homebody at heart, perhaps spontaneity plays a larger role in my life than others'.  I believe to experience a truly fulfilled life with a happy heart, spontaneity is key.

"We are torn between nostalgia for the familiar and an urge for the foreign and strange.  As often as not, we are homesick most for the places that we have never known." 
-Carson McCullers

Cookie Log

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Y'ALL.  It's National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.  What could be better?!  This is the best news for my sweet tooth (unfortunately I cannot partake due to my current participation in Whole30).  So, what is a cookie log?  Essentially a very large chocolate chip cookie in the shape of a log.  The idea is you bake the entire cylinder of cookie dough for the time it takes to bake the sliced dough.  What you end up with is a deflated log-shape of cookie dough with a crispy outer layer and an ooey gooey inside.  Resembles a Pizookie from BJ's if you've ever had it.  One of my friends showed me this recipe in high school and I make it every now and then.  Along with the necessary ingredients, I would suggest inviting a few friends to devour it with you.
Ingredients: 
-Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookie dough roll (the cylinder-shaped kind that you slice into circles, 16.5 oz)
-baking sheet
-ice cream
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Place the entire cookie dough roll onto the pan, without slicing
3. Bake for 8-11 minutes
4. Remove from oven and let cool for a couple minutes so it's not scorching hot
5. Top with ice cream (optional) and dig in! (I usually eat it directly from the baking sheet - no judgement)

Memory Bank

I'm reading a book called "The Magic of Thinking Big" that my dad gave to me a little over a year ago.  I have been pretty terrible with keeping up with it, but recently decided I would read at least one chapter each night until I finish it.  This book was first published in 1959 and has timeless advice in arming readers with workable methods to achieve success in all areas of life.  The section I left off at a couple nights ago was how to build confidence and destroy fear.  In specific, how to build confidence through efficient management of your memory bank by depositing only positive thoughts.  Think about that.  In order to achieve a memory bank full of positivity, the book suggests reflecting right before falling asleep at night.  Spend the moments falling asleep thinking of the things you have to be grateful for, the good things you saw others do that day, and your own little victories.  A friend once gave my similar advice.  His advice to me was to write down at least three good things that occurred that day.  Positivity to end your day, to accompany your dreams, and to start the fresh new day.  Positive thoughts create positive results.