The natural New Hampshire! July 25, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Environment, Family, Health and Well-Being, Travel.3 comments
Finding a more natural (and healthier) routine July 23, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Environment, Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Theories and Thoughts.2 comments
(image courtesy of crytalinks.com)
Even if my stay in one place is no more than four or five days, I’m finding that I will develop a routine in some way. What I’ve enjoyed most about being on vacation is not having to get up at a certain time every day. I feel like I can take my time getting up. No one is expecting me to do anything. It feels great.
During this freedom with my time, I’ve discovered my own natural biorhythm. I feel like I’m listening better to what my body is saying to me. I wake up late and go to sleep late. It’s natural.
I’ve diagnosed my problem with mainstream working America and it’s that I don’t fit into its schedule.
I let my body sleep as long as it needs. I stretch and walk, and have been doing a little hiking up here in New Hampshire too. When I want to write something, I write it. I don’t try to compartmentalize the things I want to do into time slots. I just do things when I think about it.
I think it would be better for me, and for the people around me, if my time wasn’t controlled by someone else. Now, I just have to figure out how to do that successfully. Suggestions?
A career-path or a just a hobby? July 18, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Millennials, Theories and Thoughts.4 comments
Growing up American, I’ve definitely felt the pressures to live “the dream.” From the age of about 19, however, I realized that this “dream” really is a crock of shiz. I began to notice early on that the people who worked ridiculously long hours, sacrificed their family ties, and who started to rack up clothes in their closets they didn’t even realize they had, not only seemed unhappy, but also really c-r-a-z-y!
And now, eight years later, my opinion about this hasn’t changed at all. And I’m glad.
Having said this, though, I am encountering hurdles when it comes to deciding exactly what I want to do as my contribution to the world. I have read many new-age books that stress the importance of the laws of attraction, and that life and its purpose will be revealed to me. Basically, I shouldn’t try to control my destiny. I believe all of this to a point, and feel that it explains why people who do try to control their destiny are so unhappy. But there are still parts about the concept I struggle with.
So far, what has been revealed to me in this life is that I’m very good at one thing: dancing. I’ve also discovered that I have a passion for writing and expressing myself. For me, these two activities have always been more about escape and release. But, if the universe has given me these skills does that mean I’ve been given an assignment of some sort?
My dilemma is that I’m afraid that if I turn my hobbies into my career, I will start to dislike them. By not doing what I’m good at, though, am I throwing away what I’m really supposed to contribute to the world?
Hmmmm.
Managing the Frizz! June 26, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle.2 comments
(Image courtesy of kidzone.com)
I expected the heat and the humidity of the South. What I forgot, however, was how my hair reacts to this environment. All I can say is that I have been frizzified!
Yesterday I went to get a pedicure and I was sitting in the spa chair when I noticed my reflection in the mirror. It was a fright. My hair did not look like this before I left the house, but as soon as the humidity hit me I suddenly became Bride of Frankenstein. Yowza!
So I mentioned this out loud, and the lady in the chair next to me (a total southern belle) said to me, “Oh honey, you just get you some body lotion and smooth it on there when it’s dry. You’ll be lookin’ sleek.”
On the outside, I was courteous and thanked her for the advice. On the inside, however, I was like, “This woman is bonkers.” But when I got back to my Dad’s house, I decided to try it. And sure enough it worked! I didn’t believe it at first, so I went outside for a 20-minute walk to test it out. When I came back in, the frizz was contained!!
So folks, the lesson here is to never underestimate the beauty advice from a true Southern belle. These girls know their stuff!
Saying goodbye to a piece of California’s Gold June 22, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle.1 comment so far
One of my favorite spots in SLO County is Montana de Oro. When I first arrived in California four and half years ago, this was one of the first places I visited. I remember being in such awe. I’d never seen anything like it before. Since then, this spot has grown to be more than just an amazing view to me-it’s been a necessary refuge.
On Thursday afternoon, Noa and I decided to go camping one last time together and enjoy the beauty of this landmark. It was STEAMING hot in SLO – we’re talking triple digits folks – so arriving at MDO was a great relief. What made it more great was the incredible sunset we witnessed. Normally, the heavy clouds block the view, but his time the heat had burned it all off. We felt lucky.
CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO MAKE IT BIGGER!
Spooner’s Cove
Yes, that’s my foot. See Noa fishing on the far left?
We tempted the gopher with a strawberry. He was so excited, but couldn’t see very well to find it.
He eventually got it though!
Quail mating rituals…
NettyD in full effect!
I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E
“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert June 18, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle.add a comment
I am well aware that I’m a little late with jumping onto this book’s bandwagon, but I have to express my appreciation for it nonetheless.
I received this book about a month ago, but was hesitant to start reading it. I guess I didn’t want to feel like a groupie, which is ridiculous because I’m a fiend for everything pop culture anyway. Or maybe I was afraid of the word “pray.” Whatever the cause of my resistance, when I did decide to crack the book open I was kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
For those who haven’t read it yet, it is the true memoir of Elizabeth Gilbert’s travels through Italy, India and Indonesia in search of, well, everything! She’s just getting out of a nasty divorce, and begins a journey to reconnect with herself, all while enjoying the world’s pleasures.
For me, the timing in receiving this book was so incredibly synchronous with my own personal journey. I too am transitioning out of a long relationship and headed for an itinerary of adventure. Reading Ms. Gilbert’s story has been so soothing to me. Her sense of humor is both infectious and intelligent. I feel much stronger spiritually, and therefore more ready to take on what the next few months will bring.
Even if you aren’t currently going through an emotional time in your life, I still would recommend that every woman read this book. It’s like a good kick in the arse!
Soap Hygiene December 10, 2007
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle.1 comment so far
[photo courtesy of sungoldsoap.com]
Are there standard rules about soap? Surely we all know not to drop the soap in the shower (well unless we really like what comes after,) but what about other things like:
1. How long do you keep a bar of soap? Is it okay to take the small remains of the end of one bar and meld into the new one?
2. Should every person in the household have their own bar of soap?
3. When having a house guest, should they bring their own bar, or should you provide a new one? If you provide one, what do you do with the remains of the bar when they leave?
4. Regarding hand soap at the sink: Is leaving out a bar okay, or should you really have a dispenser bottle?
5. Sensitive skin issues aside, is it really necessary to have a separate face soap or is that the soap industry’s gimmick to get you to buy more soap?
And none of this covers laundry or dish detergent! Ah – so many questions about soap!
Raping the planet-one real Xmas tree at a time… December 9, 2007
Posted by NettyD in Environment, Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Science and Technology.1 comment so far
Yesterday I arrived to the supermarket shopping center only to find that the bike racks were almost completely shrouded by piles of chopped down trees. Not only was I miffed because it seemed like a total disrespect to bicyclists, but it made me sad for the trees and our planet.
Let’s get one thing straight here – I’m not a crazy tree-hugging radical liberal. Even though I have moments of impulsive and emotional reactions, I consider myself to be a rational and logical thinker. Having said this, my opinions about the state of our environment are based solely on scientific facts. One fact is that the effects of the harmful Co2 gases we produce are endangering our o-zone. This “poison” can be offset by plant organisms that soak it all up for us., i.e. Douglas Firs and the like.
So, doesn’t it seem counterproductive (and a little ridiculous) to chop down millions of trees just for the sake of making our houses look pretty and smell nice for one month out of the year?Look, if you want to drive a car every day of your life, fine, but at least be a little more thoughtful about your environment and offset your carbon footprint in some way.
BUY ARTIFICIAL TREES!
How do you cure your hangovers? December 6, 2007
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle.1 comment so far
[Image courtesy of nohangonline.com]
The office holiday party was last night. I only had 3 drinks, but I feel so “blah” today. Although I’m not hungover, my “blahness” got me thinking about all the different remedies there are for treating hangovers.
Hydration, sleep, coffee, aspirin, greasy food – what’s your fix?
What’s for lunch? December 4, 2007
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Sociology.add a comment
[Image courtesy of timeinc.net]
Since I get an hour for lunch every day, and home is just a 10 minute bike ride from my office, I try to eat in as many days out of the week as possible. But, with all the great places to eat in downtown San Luis Obispo, it makes the choice each day very hard to make.
I don’t know about you, but lunch is the sneakiest robber of my money. Even if I decide just to drink a smoothie, Jamba Juice manages to pull a good chunk from my budget each month.
And then there’s the dilemma of deciding exactly what to eat. If I eat at home, the options are less satisfying – usually leftovers or a traditional turkey on wheat sandwich. That’s why I have a hard time eating at a deli-I feel bad spending the money when I know I have the ingredients at home to make the same thing. If I do eat downtown, it’s usually Thai, Sushi, or a juicy hamburger.
Do any of you pack your lunches, and if so, when do you get the time to pack it? Do you trust your office’s community fridge?
What about those of you who don’t eat lunch on your break? I know some people who go to the gym for their hour. How the heck does that work?
