Post Challenge

Alright, so I have some long overdue updates that I've been meaning to share.
What I've learned from blogging (almost) daily I really couldn't have discovered any other way: setting the right intentions, finding joy and success in little things, and unknowingly creating the framework for how I wanted to live in 2013.

I also couldn't be happier with how supportive everyone's been! I seriously had to a do a double-take sometimes with the numbers of readers that grew each day, so I can't thank you enough for following along and for the kind and constructive words.

After 30 posts, I'm making the bold move to have a blog overhaul. For a number of reasons - but mainly because I felt the need to adapt, change, and recreate it in some way. Not to say I'm completely abandoning the challenge-a-day project which I love. It's just something I want to come back to eventually.

I'm excited for what this will look like, so stay tuned!

#29

I quickly booked it after my last day of work before the holidays (Friday) for a weekend trip to Seattle. I didn't know what to title this post, but it has to do with visiting a familiar place but doing unconventional things instead of what I'd normally do. That entire weekend, we ditched the rushed, shopping mindset and instead got to explore the city's hidden corners and gems. Some of the places I fell in love with and never bothered to visit before include: West Seattle/Alki, the Public Market on Pike (and yes, the infamous gum wall), and other happenings in Bellevue. 

And not to mention some of the eclectic dining adventures we went on — it was a weekend filled with delicious food fare. Wes' aunt and uncle took us to Salty's on Alki famous brunch, XXX Root Beer and The French Bakery, and even brought back hand-made mochi from Umai-Do (LOVE). They're all places I highly recommend if you're ever in the Bellevue-Seattle area.

#28

 

Somehow most of my Christmas dinners magically worked out to be a day after the other, and this is what basically happened last Sunday to Wednesday. It made sense that the recurring theme of last week was to celebrate the holidays and reconnect with great company — and in some cases, get to know others a lot better.

Looking back on the past year, I'm entirely grateful I get to surround myself with an amazing bunch of people. Whether it's with different groups of friends or with the YWiB chapters, I'm just happy I get to be a part of their lives, and be able to pick-up where we last left off!

In case you're wondering, I didn't eat any meat with the exception of fish at all five dinners (this called for interesting conversations as well). So no tryptophan or food coma for me, just really well-balanced Christmas dinners. I truly believe anyone can do anything after getting through that :)

#27

 

In my week or so of not blogging, I owe a lot of posts. This calls for much-needed time to catch up and tell you what I've been up to! Starting with last weekend:

Last Sunday my high school friends and I got together to cook dinner, which probably hasn't happened in well over 3 years. And the fact that we haven't all hung out since February is proof enough that we're just too busy these days.

That evening we enjoyed a roast beef, fresh roasted potatoes and vegetables, bacon-wrapped peppers, rye sourdough with garlic spread, spring greens, and red and white wine (note: my friends made me grilled salmon to eat instead). It was a team effort and was a delicious way to catch up and reminisce about our high school years and share what's changed since then.

#26

 

You'd be happy to know that adjusting to the new vegetarian (or pescatarian I guess) lifestyle has gotten a bit easier. I was feeling a little creative today and made two meals: Quinoa Fried Rice and Chickpea and Lentil Curry.  It's official guys — there's a new kind of happiness that comes with biting into mindfully-prepared healthy meals, and sharing them with the people that matter most (they were a hit with the family and boyfriend).

I've been keeping busy in full anticipation of the 4-5 Christmas dinners in a row that I have starting tomorrow. It couldn't have been better timing to give up meat and processed food, right? Thinking about all the traditional food I'm so used to having around this time of year is enough to make me a little sad that this will be changing, but also excited about the challenge as well.

#25

 

Meeting with my SOUL mentor today was not what I expected — but in a really good way. While talking about myself was something I wanted to avoid, I was really excited to learn about my mentor's story.

We soon found out we had so many things in common: the same views on food production, sustainability, leadership/entrepreneurship, not entirely fitting in with the career status quo. We both had the same undergrad concentrations, often tried new hobbies and got bored soon after, and were reading books by the same author. When she told me she loved hiking too, I was pretty convinced she was me from the future! So yes — while this made it super difficult not to want to jump in and constantly add on to what she was saying — it was a humbling experience learning so much over just one conversation, and from someone I now not only consider a mentor but a new friend.

You never know where listening, asking questions, and just being present can lead you to. Like the epic words from tonight that I'll look to weave into my daily routine which involve "living life simply." Amazing!