Moving

After some reflection.  I have decided that this particular blog space no longer fits my needs and lacks purpose.  Therefore, I am moving over to a new location, with a new perspective, and a new goal.  Come visit my new blog at: http://embracingorganicliving.wordpress.com/

I hope to see you there!

New Sneakers

This afternoon following two hours of grading final exams, I bought a new pair of sneakers. Two days left to the school year and summer's promises are but an arm's reach away.  For the first time in a long time, I am not falling asleep on my couch at 9:00PM. Rather, energized, alert, and excited, the evenings are more provocative and engaging. Instead of eating through the cabinets upon arrival home, I am able to wait, enjoy, and process my fare. And, my knot in my left shoulder while not relieved knows that its days are numbered.

Midnight black with electric blue highlights, these sneakers are a half step up from complete minimalism.  When I put them on my feet, I feel the slight cushion beneath my toes and know that is it time.  I walk up to the counter having had a truly meaningful conversation with the salesmen about arches, collapsed arches, pilates, exercise, and lumbar support. With my payment entered into the system, I am the new owner of these new, sexy shoes and the new owner of a new chance.  With each summer, I make new goals and hope that I can keep them.  With little responsibility there is no better time than the present to set and meet goals. This summer's goals:

• Run, be active, stay moving
• Eat local and organic as often as possible
• Be crafty with DIY projects
• Volunteer
• Read compelling books

So buying these new sneakers today feels like the first step in the right direction.  The second step was taking my 1 mile run before settling in this evening.  That's right, I not only bought those shoes but even broke them in a bit...

Rainy Days

For almost two weeks, Boston has been bathed in mist, drizzle, and gray skies. Good for the grass, tough on the spirit. Students are less likely now to imagine summer and to struggle in their desk chairs, but the persistent gray is taking a toll on more then just summer eagerness. In order to remain content, ponderous, and awake, I conjure up memories of Paris. March in the city of lights had two choices for its visitors: glorious blue skies and warm weather or mist and gray.  These choices were evenly split.  The cobbled streets, winding paths, and immaculate facades that harkened back to periods gone by were uplifting in either of these dressings. Paris wore its gloom well.  The becoming shade easily reflected in the cities intellectuals, performers, models, and the casual passerby.

Irony

It has been quite some time since my last blog post.  I have been thinking about this for awhile.  Writing about my day to day has been a goal and yet I have not been able to commit myself to consistency.  The irony of writing now is that my previous post was about the joys of living in the city after experiencing some substantial "house envy" as my good friend took that next step into adulthood in her own life. Now things have changed dramatically in my own. One afternoon, David and I decided to step into the apartment building across the street for an open house. Little did we know that we flipped the page on our chapter of life. We dove head first into searching for a new home and within a week put in a bid on our current new house.  It was a wonderful process. Our realtor and team were amazing.  Within two months we signed our mortgage and moved in.  It is unreal to be in a house that is our home.  Something we own together and will quite possibly be in for the majority of our adult lives together. Whenever I go home, I feel so at ease and comfortable.  2011 has been quite the year and has brought David and I closer than ever before. While Whole Foods across the street is now a loss, the gains in being in a large, beautiful home that belongs to us is well worth it all. Working around the home, enjoying the home, being in the home is so joyful and fun and makes us so very grateful for the past two months...and the past year.

Girls Night "Out"

Sometimes I feel guilty about living in the city.  As a married woman, I feel pressure to move as quickly as possible out to the burbs.  Babies, painting, yard work, and interior decorating beckon. Yet, there is something beautiful and calm about denying that urge: Saying that just because one is married does not mean one has to follow the 1950s standard.  Instead, David and I are going on with our days as usual.  And, what is so nice about this is the spontaneity of the daily.  Staying in the heart of Boston means endless opportunities for filling a cold, rainy evening. Yes, one day we will be more rooted down to a home or townhouse.  At least we will own some type of property someday.  But, I am in no rush to end the fun of the city yet.  I have not lived enough of the cosmopolitan life and David agrees.  We live in the "Paris" of America and to leave now would be a mistake.  An evening in Cambridge playing dress-up with Skye confirmed all of this. Bounding into American Apparel, we gawked, laughed, and played around in the endless spandex, lace, and unisex designs.  Donning crazy outfits of velvet and heather we laughed and giggled our way through the store.  Then we were off to Anthropologie to be immersed in a boutique a la France.  We were too late to aimlessly wander the store but were able to sneak in a few purchases before closing.  The workers were super gracious and kind as we pushed the limits of closing time, while trying to indulge ourselves in unique patterns, 1960s romantic cuts, and eclectic designs. To end our spontaneous Cambridge evening, we sipped the best cup of Hot Chocolate Boston has to offer: Burdick's.  Deliciously warmed and slightly hyper we ended our Friday night already planning the next day. It was so nice not being "settled" the way standard requires of me.  And, yet I was still able to come to the apartment and settle in next to David.

Chia

Chia seeds are an ancient seed full of healthy nutrients, fiber, and omegas. After a sample of a drink, Mamma Chia, in early January I have ingested these seeds in some way, shape, or form every day. These little seeds can top any meal sprinkling extra vitamins and energy into your life.  Since starting my addiction to chia seeds, I have noticed something amazing: Energy.  Each day after school, exhaustion was not enough to describe the sleep, fatigue, and weariness that combined to bring me to bed by 9:00PM.  The antidote is Chia Seeds.  Indeed, from zero to sixty my energy level has completely changed since this little seed became my friend and I am super thankful for this adjustment.  Up early and to bed late it is like being a teenage again. These seeds can be added to any juice to create a delightfully surprising beverage.  Or add them to almond milk and make "rice" pudding.

Recipe: Chia Pudding
2 cups of almond milk
2/3 cups of chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
chopped dates
coconut flakes

Process: Pour almond milk into an air tight container, pour chia seeds in.  Close the lid firmly and shake-up the mixture. Refrigerate overnight.  Next day throw in some dates and coconut flakes and enjoy!

Whole Foods

I am obsessed with whole foods. Living so close to one, I visit it everyday.  I am delighted by the whole experience. Walking through the front doors, I am greeted by an array of colors.  Pinks, oranges, reds, purples, and a whole lot of greens from the produce section assault the eyes. While cooking is something I  need to continue to improve upon, whole foods is inspiration. Some lucky nights as you walk through the various departments from produce through cheese to meats and finally prepared goods one is greeted by samples of the stores tasty delights.  "Tapas" at whole foods always helps kick start a good evening. Tonight's tapas were a cold berry soup, pecan coated tofu, and cous cous.  While perusing these stations, I happened upon the sushi section and struck up a conversation with the chef.  I never got his name but while about to pick up a prepared and refrigerated sushi roll he stopped me and asked, "What can I make you."  I never knew we could order sushi fresh from whole foods and now that I know this I am super excited for my sushi future!  The chef chatted about the benefits of brown rice and multigrain rice.  He also mentioned how he wants to make more inspiring rolls.  He is tired of making california rolls, salmon avocado rolls, and shrimp rolls.  So he made me something special and it was delicious.  I simply had such a wonderful time food shopping this evening which is not surprising. Sushi may be the main course again soon since the sauce on this roll is addictive. And well it always feels good to eat fresh food.