6 things...

...I did this week:

1. Went into El Sal/surf withdrawal. My goal this summer: Get out to the Rockaways/Long Beach and continue learning how to surf. OBSESSED. I've spent too many hours this week looking at wetsuits, surfboards and local classes. *Dreamy sigh*
2. Had A Serious Talk With The Boyfriend. We are both beyond laidback and love to go with the flow, but it's important to do check-ins now and again. I just adore his rational and understanding outlook; such a good ying to my impatient yang. Nobody's perfect, but he's perfect for me.
3. Cashed in a free gym membership. My gift certificate was about to expire, so I hit up Crunch for my free month. Maybe I've changed, but I was struck by how the atmosphere seemed a little punitive (looking at you, unhappy lady on the elliptical). I did go to a yoga class, which was delightful.
4. Visited Erik's new office. It's huge (two floors!) and amazing.
5. Went to swim practice with A-Strom and Hamps in preparation of our triathlon. Felt good to get back in the water!
6. Ate my little face off at Smorgasboard. Hooray!

Happy Friday, everyone! I'm looking forward to a long run with friends, birthday barbecue and lounging around. Hope you have a good one. :)

living the life

I've said it before, but I'll say it again: Traveling gives you perspective. Since coming back from my amazing trip in El Salvador, I've found myself with a fresh new outlook. Stepping out of my routine reminded me that life is all about fun adventures and friendships, not should-do's. It also made me realize how much I've accomplished this year: I ventured out on my own, reclaimed my free time, and got my priorities in order. I'm living the life that I've always dreamed about! Isn't that incredible? [Photo credit: The talented Sarah at sarahhamptonphoto.com]

surfing in el sal

Home from El Salvador, where I had a blast with an amazing group of ladies! I rode a short(er) board and learned how to catch my own waves. There was also tons of laughs, delicious food and a fun excursion to a sulfur lake in a volcano. Off to meet a deadline, but will post more details later!

6 things...

...that are going on with me. It's a random grab bag:

1. This week, Sarah and I are headed to El Salvador for surf trip, the sequel. I can't wait to catch some waves and feel the sand between my toes.
2. Since going freelance more than a year ago, I finally said no to an assignment because I'm swamped. (See #1.) So far, so good with my 2012 resolutions!
3. Yesterday, Amanda and I had dinner with a lovely group of ladies we used to work with. They're a little older, some with grown children, but they still live happy, exciting lives with close friendships. My role models!
4. After nearly a decade of Heraculean work, it looks like big things are happening for my fella. Crossing our fingers and toes!
5. I paid taxes for the first time as a freelancer—ouch. Still a small price to pay for freedom, though.
6. Currently reading Game Change on my new Kindle. I'm obsessed with both.

Pic: The lake near my mom's house.

whine whine whine

The few times that we've had to bring Monkey to the vet, she makes the most pitiful sound. If we could translate it into English, I'm pretty sure she's saying, "Why are you doing this to meeeeee?" These days, to be perfectly frank, I'm feeling the same way. My mom's widower health insurance plan abruptly changed this year, which has spelled disastrous with her chronic health conditions. Since I'm in charge, I've spent countless hours on the phone, figuring things out with doctor's offices and insurance agents. There's also disability and grant applications and sheaths of paperwork. I know it's all relative, but it's been stressful dealing with that on top of my usual stuff. Since I don't want to complain too much in real life, I figure this blog is a good enough place to vent. So: BLAH. UGH. BOO. GAHH. I'm hoping, like Monkey's trips to the vet, this is all for best and I'll wind up stronger on the other side.

spring in NC

Just back from another quick trip down to Raleigh, where spring has unfolded into a glorious burst of color. My childhood home looks like Emerald City—a jade-green lawn dotted with azalea bushes and dogwood trees. We snipped a few blooms to bring my dad a little piece of the yard that he loved so much (so much so that he forced Tim and me to spend countless days of our youth out there moving, pruning, mulching and whining.) :) I also soaked up lots of suburban goodness: Shopping at a mega-Target, eating fluffy chain-restaurant pizza, visiting my super-mom friend and watching the Hunger Games in an empty stadium-seating theaters. My mom's review of the film? "Hungry movie so exciting!"