the week:
WOO-HOO, VACATION! We’ve been hopping (driving) around to a couple cities in the Midwest on a little road trip this week. And I can cross off visiting the state of Nebraska! We drove over the border from Kansas City, MO, so the boyfriend could cross off Kansas, too.
I wish that I could’ve signed up for a race somewhere while traveling, but not much of that happening during the week. There are quite a bit of “new” cities that are only a couple hours drive away from us — so in the next year, I’m going to start looking at races in some of those other cities.
weekend:
Enjoying the last couple days off work. It felt good to finally get caught up on sleep last night IN MY OWN BED. (Surely, the cat still woke me up in the middle of the night, just as though we never left.)
seven things, seven days:
1. The cats seemed to do well with the new sitter; though Big White Cat hasn’t left my side for 15 hours. I also had all three cats in the bed with me when I woke up. <3
2. Speaking of cats and vacation: on one of my job alert emails this week, a position for "two spoiled cats that need extra attention while we are out of town” MADE ME LAUGH SO HARD.
3. There is still a gluten-free Godiva cheesecake in my fridge that we forgot to serve from our 4th of July party. #breakfast
4. On nightshades and inflammation — something that I’ve struggled with for years (including a two-year abstinence diet from); my cravings for tomatoes and spicy foods has never gone away. SIGH.
5. I considered joining the Kansas City November Project workout this week while I was there. And I’m really bummed after reading this article that I didn’t (though I dislike the “cult” reference in the title). I discovered the amazingness of November Project too late after the “pop-up workout” in Pittsburgh last year, and I really wish that there was a tribe in Des Moines! This type of fitness community chatter, though, makes me miss my CrossFit family a lot.
6. Being a go-getter is no fun {via The Atlantic}
7. Appropriately, Easing the pain of returning back to work after vacation {via HBR}
The prompts for July 03 (Week 79) :: Updating, Remembering, Needing, Wearing, Being
Enjoying a vodka lemonade at last weekend’s Arts Festival (in a perfect-length maxi dress that I got from StitchFix!)
Updating:: my shampoo. Random response to this prompt, but I finally consulted a hairdresser for help with my scalp. I get the worst acne — washing my hair every day isn’t helping to get rid of these painful pimples (neither was NOT washing every day). So I was recommended a product to help balance, and, hopefully, help me out with this 30-something problem.
Remembering:: Well, trying not to remember that we were supposed to be in Belize right now. While we ultimately made the correct (adult) decision to cancel the trip, my friends are still there and I’m feeling kinda bummed out about it.
Needing:: some time off, despite our trip cancellation. How convenient that I kept this week off? 🙂 I was incredibly lucky to get a job so quickly after relocating, but I still have some unfinished business from moving. Also, can you believe that we’re closing on FOUR MONTHS of living in Iowa?! I still haven’t got my new ID here yet!
Wearing:: SWEATPANTS. After having 90+ days for most of June, this weekend’s temperatures in the 60s feel like winter. I’m not mad — it’s going to be gorgeous fireworks weather. Bonus: last night, I watched FIVE DIFFERENT displays from my bedroom window. Monday is going to be so awesome.
the week:
Feeling a lot like my first week of work, as I’m transitioning into a new role on my team. So, it’s been a lot of training (both receiving and giving, as I have to train a couple team members who are taking over my previous tasks) and exploding my brain with new procedures and systems.
BUT I love that the work is a little more intense and challenging and providing me with a broader skill set.
It’s also really, really hot this week — like, in the 90s, hot. It feels nothing like Pittsburgh 90-degree weather (which I found completely sticky and oppressive), and I actually spent time OUTSIDE kind of enjoying the hot winds (yeah, it’s still windy!).
weekend:
Last night we went to a fundraiser at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, which is in Prairie City, Iowa. I want to post something separately about this wonderful preservation because it was a beautiful place and a fun event.
Since it’s going to be close to 100 degrees with the sweat index today, I’m going to spend some time in some air-conditioning at Ulta replenishing some of my make-up stash (birthday gift cards, ftw!). And then, we’re golfing on Sunday — I get to practice some of what I learned at my lesson this week.
seven things, seven days:
1. I plan to attend one of these beginner adult ballet classes at Des Moines Social Club.
2. I’m also starting to think about CrossFit again. I’m just… not comfortable or confident with lifting alone at my gym (and I can’t get a trainer to respond to my online requests to set up an appointment), which is kind of a bummer.
3. Man, just when I thought that MarathonFoto was a rip-off, to download pics from my race last weekend is $18 per freakin’ picture. FOR A LOCAL RACE.
4. For all my fellow Goop haters: Is Gwyneth Paltrow full of shit? Science says yes. And I especially love said scientist calling out detoxes as “fancy anorexia.” {via Think Progress}
5. Hold the carbs, please. {via NYT}
6. On the tireless consumption of foodies. OOOOOH BOY, do I hate the word “yummers.” {via The Baffler}
7. We’re booked on next year’s Rock Boat XVII!
Last weekend I went to my first yoga retreat with South Hills Power Yoga. It was hosted at Lakehouse Inn & Winery in Geneva-on-the-Lake with teachers from the SHPY studio. SHPY was my first yoga “home” in the Burgh, before a studio finally opened up on the north side this year (although I still keep a few sessions loaded up in my account and travel back for special classes). I traveled with a fellow yoga-loving friend, who was also attending her first retreat AND also celebrating her birthday in May. Geneva is an easy 2.5 hour drive from Pittsburgh.
The B&B grounds were gorgeous and RIGHT on the lake.
Check-in was late Friday afternoon, and the yoga studio provided each of us with a bag full of goodies upon arrival. Our first two-hour session was soon after check-in with LA Finfinger, former instructor from SHPY who sadly moved away to Baltimore. She embodies a lot of what I love about yoga, and I’ve probably felt more connected to her style because she was my first regular teacher. She oozes warmth and authenticity and has that spiritual connection to the practice that I long to, well, practice. Her practices make me think about much more than just yoga and much more than getting a workout. I feel truly self-aware and present when she teaches. Seriously, her classes are transformative.
The restaurant did a fantastic job in tailoring meals for my (and my friend’s) dietary restrictions, given that food was included in the cost of the retreat. I got to eat gluten-free manicotti for dinner #1 — topped with a pesto sauce and filled with asparagus, spring onions and mushrooms. It was fantastic. And yes, naturally since we were at a winery, we had some wine.
We skipped the “optional” thai massage yoga in the evening, since we planned to wake up early for the lakefront sitting meditation in the morning. Which was incredible. Man, I miss the lake so much.
Seriously. The BEST sunsets ever.
Saturday we started with the meditation and the day included two additional two-hour sessions on the schedule, with a nice break in the afternoon to explore The Strip. Our morning class was led by LA again, and she’s just so inspirational. She left us each a card at our mats to take with us to continue our practice.
Preach.
GOTL is a weird place if you’ve never been; it’s nostalgic for me, but I’m always disheartened that it couldn’t be so much more because the setting on the lake is just beautiful and makes you feel as if you’re a hundred miles away from home.
This is where I got my first tattoo at age 16. Yeah, my mom was mad. (I think she still might be.)Outdoor bar on The Strip.
The afternoon class started outside, but as the thunderstorms rolled in, we rolled up our mats and went indoors. This was my first class led by Darcy Lyle and she is adorable — I would definitely attend more of her classes. She has a more playful style and encouraged us to take some chances with advancing our practice. It was in that class that I FINALLY was able to balance for a few breaths in Crow.
The lake was angry Sunday morning.
Our Sunday morning class was only an hour-and-a-half, but man was I tired and sweaty. Stacey really focused on powering us through that last session — and I even attempted a float out of crow (I belly-flopped and it was hilarious). Like Darcy, Stacey empowers us through advancing our movements and supports the learning and practicing (and failing) side of yoga with encouragement and laughter. She brings out the fun in yoga, which we all need to balance (pun intended) our practice.
After breakfast, it was time to check out and head back home to Pittsburgh. I totally sold my friend on Madsen donuts, and she grabbed a box to take home with her (just as a line was growing outside). I was fine with a contact high from the delicious smells.
I’m excited to hear about a fall retreat in Cook’s Forest… I might have to add that to my agenda for this year as a graduation present to myself.
Going to Costa Rica was a bucket list-of-a-trip. The country that I always dreamed about visiting. The beautiful sights, sounds and scenery… a volcano — a tourist destination that was, surprisingly, not all that expensive to travel to (this time of year is considered the “offseason,” but the temps are freaking BEAUTIFUL this time of year; low 80s during the day and 60s at night). Seven days felt like a vacation too, even considering the travel time.
The clouds clear from Arenal — as seen from our hotel property:
The vacation was spurred by a conversation with a good friend — an opportunity to meet said online friend IN REAL LIFE for the first time at that. This, after knowing and talking to him almost daily for the last 13 years. Crazy story, I know, but I’ll touch on that another time. There were six of us altogether: my boyfriend and I, my online friend and his girlfriend, and another couple from Denmark that currently live in the states. Our varied personalities and interests made for a well-rounded vacation, and we all got along perfectly. In fact, I wish I could always travel with the same group!
Travel friends for life!
OVERALL: As I mentioned, going to Costa Rica is a bucket list-worthy trip in itself (in fact, I crossed one item off my 30s Life List!). I wasn’t anticipating the perfect balance of beauty, adventure, fun and relaxation (although I really wish I would have booked an outdoor massage at the hotel). I enjoyed staying remote up in the mountains, but you might enjoy the beach — Costa Rica has both!
We’re all in here too:
The vacation was made through a Bookit.com deal and included both hotel and airfare.
LODGING: the Green Lagoon Lodge was incredible — the staff really went above-and-beyond our expectations. We ended up being the only couples in the place until the last night of our stay. The lodge itself is small and cozy (only 11 rooms, I believe), so it can book fast. There are no TVs in the rooms (a big YAY from us; I really hope they don’t ever add them because there isn’t really good noise insulation in the rooms); all of the rooms do have an air conditioning unit in the wall (I’m a light sleeper, and every time it turned on, I woke up… it might not bother you, but if those things do, bring ear plugs). Strangely, our room had a double bed and a single bed, but both were REALLY comfortable. The room is cozy and clean, and includes a refrigerator, small sitting area and shower bathrooms (bring slippers for the tiled floors that exist throughout the space).
The property includes a small restaurant area, outdoor cabana/bar area (which wasn’t open until our last day) that includes two outdoor pools (one large/one child size) and a covered hot spring tub area (we drank and played games outside every night). Because of the off-season, there was some construction occurring, but it wasn’t disruptive. We were honestly impressed by how much work was completed in one week.
In the clouds…
FOOD: arroz con pollo, no bueno. But ALL OF THE PINA. Breakfast was included with our stay — there wasn’t a menu; the cook just decided what to make us every morning. Breakfasts typically included eggs, fruit, yogurt — but sometimes we had cheese or fried plantains or more rice. After five days of rice-and-beans-and-plantains-with-everything, I wanted something different. There are a few “American” restaurants (not chains) in La Fortuna for this purpose. The last night of our visit, our hotel hosted a travel group from France, but invited us to join them for a welcoming party (we enjoyed a really good meal and drinks and dancing). Also: THE COFFEE.
My rotating snack menu: from left-to–right: Zucaritas! / Imperial beer of Costa Rica / Lime & Salt Platanos
ADVENTURE: white water rafting, volcano hikes, ziplining, canopy tours, cloud forests and rainforest exploration, waterfall diving, hot springs… yeah, Costa Rica has all of that. If adventure is what you seek, then I highly recommend staying around Arenal. A few other activities that we did: LOTS of hiking, visiting an animal sanctuary, Salto and sneaking into the “secret” hot springs location.
Then there’s this (NEVER MIND THE LANGUAGE):
Yeah, I was a little terrified.
THERAPY: disconnecting from all the stressors at home was what I was looking for — and some peace and relaxation to grieve a bit. This vacation was a good time to get away from everything… well, everything except the boyfriend. Ha! But there were also opportunities to challenge myself… and then, there was my battle with the resulting poison ivy rash.
But it was the perfect place to have a sandwich. Sandwich Therapy, duh.
Have you traveled to Costa Rica? Tell me your favorite adventure in the comments!
the week:
Ah. The first week back from vacation. Usually tortuous, but I feel good. RECHARGED. Like I really had a vacation. But oh, do I miss Costa Rica!
Sneak peek: Guess what I’m about to do?
weekend:
Staying low key, given that August is busy every. single. weekend. If we get an itch, we might walk over to the Beer Fest at Stage AE on Saturday. I’ve got brunch with the girlfriends planned for Sunday (psssst, the place has a DOUGHNUT MACHINE).
seven things, seven days:
1. Free lunch at work this week because of national “thank a zoologist” (or something) week. It was also birthday cake week. A nice way to ease back into the real world. I also had my yearly review, which was excellent.
2. Ha. We have a push lawnmower now, but we lost nearly all of our new grass. We think the sod might have been bad. *cry*
3. The cats are crazy. The end.
4. Catching up on old favorite — nip/tuck — while I’m doing other work. What a fun show! Season 2 was definitely my favorite. Or, maybe 3. Season 5 is so weird.
5. Finishing up some DIY projects this week. Feeling crafty!
6. Processed my FAFSA – school is getting close!
7. The Truth About Female Desire via Salon
During our California trip, we made plans to drive from Los Angeles to Phoenix to visit my siblings for a couple days — and my new niece (squee!). It wasn’t that long of a drive, all things considered, and we’d just fly back from Phoenix. On our route was Joshua Tree National Park. When will we ever be on that section of road again? Likely, never. So we detoured into the park. It resulted in a three-hour detour (half of which was to get OUT of the park. Lesson learned.).
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most wonderful places that I’ve ever seen on this planet. And another thing? The forest is quiet. One of those eerie quiets: a cleansing, big-sigh-out-and-breathe-it-in quiets. It doesn’t even echo. And it was beautiful and breathtaking and expansive (and there was no cell coverage). If you ever get the chance, it’s something you just HAVE to experience for yourself.
This past week’s adventures took us through Southern California and Arizona. CHILLY California. COLD Arizona. By plane, and then by rental car. At least there wasn’t snow? But seriously, who would’ve thought we would need an ice scraper in Phoenix?!
Sure, it was chilly and beautiful and a little hard on my body… But this vacation was a success!
The main reason for the trip was for roller derby (it’s the beginning of our travel season; and this, being our “big” trip of the year). I SKATED BANKED TRACK! SUCH a thrill. The secondary reason: well, I’ve never been to San Diego or LA, so we flew out a couple days early to explore and stayed a day later (to take a road trip to do #3). Thirdly: to visit with my siblings and meet my new niece! One of my favorite parts of the trip was all of us sitting on the bed face timing with my Dad in Ohio.
Why you need a vacation too:
Whether it’s a trip around the world or a staycation in your hometown, each and every one of us 30-somethings needs some time off: to decompress, de-stress… enjoy life’s simple pleasures again without the constant checking of email and internet (wish somebody would have told the boyfriend *tsk tsk*), and hey, maybe reconnect with a loved one (for me, it was to connect with my teammates AND family). Some other reasons we use to vacation: you might need time away from the kids (or other family). Or could benefit professionally from a writing retreat. Or desperately need a girls only weekend.
A vacation — hey, even a long holiday weekend break — is something that changes up our daily patterns and responsibilities — all while helping our minds and bodies recharge.
Now that I’m back (and relaxed and recharged… and IcyHot-ed all over from three games in three days), I’ll be sure to share some highlights of my trip in upcoming posts.
I had intentions of posting a variety of pictures from my trip… But when using the most recent backup from my old phone to set up my new phone, the pictures were gone. *sigh*
So you get a picture of my splurge from Black Friday:
No discount from Apple — save for signing a new contract with Verizon device discount — but so much nicer to blog from! And I didn’t have to wake at some crazy hour to get it. I also purchased it when tipsy from hoppy beers, so there’s that.
Did you make any big Black Friday purchases? What was your best deal?
Sunday Lately is a weekly linkup hosted by the Blogger Tribe (lead by 
