2012

I've spent the holidays doing basically nothing.  I had a two-day stay with my parents in San Francisco while in California for Christmas, but apart from that, I've spent my break horizontal in bed or on the couch.  It's been great, but I'm getting over it.  I've been craving a yoga class, so I'm planning on going to the New Year's Day class at the studio tomorrow...I've been saving up because I'm currently so broke I can't actually afford it.  But man, do I need it.

Anyway, I wanted to review some of the best moments from this past year.  It's been a big one for me.  I made some big changes and took some huge leaps of faith, things that I haven't always been good at doing.  My journey continues into 2013...

Moving to Fort Worth.  This time last year, I had just quit my full-time, soul-sucking job and made the decision to move from Austin.  I've always said my life has had places, not phases, and I just knew that Fort Worth was the next place I needed to be.  It hasn't all been peaches and sunshine, of course, but I have met some amazing people and re-connected with old friends -- all of whom have played important parts in pushing me down the path I'm on.  Lindsey, who inspired me to go back to school.  Olivia, my sister in every way but blood.  Lauren, the person who's made me love yoga.  Gemma, who makes me laugh and challenges me to think of things differently.  Julie and Seth, my Texas-parents.  And so many other wonderful people who have proven that this is the place I belong right now.

My three jobs.  Sometimes I think I'm crazy, especially since I'm keeping all three jobs when I start classes this semester.  But each one has introduced me to something new, or challenged me, or opened opportunities in an area I never thought I'd go.  It doesn't matter that I'm broke, ultimately -- it's so nice to work at places that don't make you want to scream and cry and eat a gallon of cookie dough ice cream every day.

Yoga.  I never thought I was a yoga person, and in some ways, I'm still not.  I'm picky about my yoga.  I've been taking classes at a studio that focuses on Forrest yoga, a style that has really resonated with me.  The yoga I tried before was never stimulating or challenging for me -- what I call "gym yoga," or that simple pose-pose-pose-pose sequence of putting your body in a position but without much intention behind it.  Forrest yoga has not only challenged me physically, it has challenged me mentally and spiritually.  There is meaning behind every pose and I am honored as strong and beautiful no matter how deeply I can get into a pose.  The competition element of gym yoga does not exist at this studio.  Not to mention the teachers are some of the most amazing individuals I've ever met.

Western riding.  Yup, I did it.  I've abandoned my dressage diva status to become a rhinestoned cowgirl.  I don't know how good I am at it yet, but it's been a blast and I hope to one day be able to show in this area.  A horsewoman's education is never over!

Small Wonders

The world might end today.  That's according to people who didn't bother to research more about the Mayans.  NASA is pretty convinced today is just another day.  I think it's somewhere in between -- the winter solstice has been a significant day in many cultures dating back for thousands of years.  And a lot of people do agree that today is the end of something -- a cycle, an era, the ownership of the NYSE.  I can feel the energy out there.  It's actually pretty cool.  But, just in case the world does end today, I wouldn't feel right if I didn't take the time to acknowledge all those small wonders in the world -- the little, beautiful things that we normally take for granted.

The way light reflects off of water.  |  Source: Tumblr

The unapologetic strength of the ocean.  |  Source: Flickr

A good read.  |  Source: Tumblr

Innocence.  |  Source: we heart it

All the colors in the world.  |  Source: Tumblr

Courage and honesty.  |  Source: Pinterest

Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.  - Lao Tzu

Snowflakes

This morning I am happy because...

I'm sitting drinking coffee out of a snowflake cup with awesome shimmery blue nails.  And being totally cool with my puppy dog getting my sheets all hairy while she snuggles into my warm spot in the bed.

Lyrics to live by

I've been listening to a lot of music the last couple of days...

Wild horses, I want to be like you

Throwing caution to the wind

I'll run free, too

Wish I could recklessly love

Like I'm longing to

I want to run with the wild horses

Run with the wild horses 

Source: Free People Blog

Lyrics to live by

Source: Tumblr

But I don't blame you anymore

That's too much pain to store

It left me half dead

Inside my head

And boy, looking back I see

I'm not the girl I used to be

When I lost my mind

It saved my life

"Light Years Away" by Mozella

I am loved

Source: Tumblr

On those days when it feels like it's me against the world, or that nothing is going right, or that people hate me, it's nice to come home to someone who loves me no matter what: my dog.  I wish I had a good picture of her.  That's now on the list when I get those disposable cameras I've been meaning to grab.  But seriously.  I'm suspicious of people who don't love dogs.  Horses I sort of understand.  But dogs?  They live the definition of unconditional love.

Accomplishments

Over the last few days I've been on an emotional roller coaster, but I'm currently very satisfied with myself for having cleaned and organized my room some. It feels livable again, almost. And I got into grad school. You know, no biggie.

Good Advice

Source: davinie.blogspot.com via Hannah on Pinterest

Good Advice

Cold Mornings

Every now and then, I start journaling or blogging.  I usually fizzle out after only a short time.  I think part of it is that I always write about what I think I should be writing about, instead of what I want to write about.  That's where this blog is coming from.  "Fine Destination" comes from one of my favorite quotes from my favorite book, Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver.  "What keeps you going isn't some fine destination, just the road you're on and the fact that you know how to drive."  That sentiment has stuck with me for a long time because it's all about the journey, and my whole life is a journey.  So this blog is going to focus on that -- the journey.  Not the huge, memorable moments or major milestones, but every little thing that passes by and makes each day beautiful.  The everyday miracles, gifts, and joys.  That's what makes life what it is.  That's what keeps me going.

~

This morning, I am grateful for the extreme cold that means I get to go into work two hours later than usual.