Ft. Washington State Park

Quick and cold walk at Fort Washington State Park. 

Why have I never been here before?

Only in Arizona

Map Buttons

Lots of fun making buttons and collages with the Phoenix group of Wanderful Women Who Travel. Cut + Paste PHX holds monthly events to collage and this was their first at ASU with all the outdated maps. Truly enjoyed all the buttons I made. I felt like I was hogging the machine--I made six of them!

Little Miss BBQ

Supposedly the best BBQ in the Phoenix area. Waited about minutes in line for this delicious piece of meat. And took a long lunch break. What could be better?

Stouts

Drinking my weight in stouts or sours or PBR.

Gus

When I went to Tucson this weekend, I stayed with Harley, who was house-sitting. We talked boys and adulting. The best part was little puppy Gus. I'm not a pet person but now I want a dachshund named Gus. Harley said he killed a lizard, felt remorseful, and tried to bury it.  

Wasson Peak

9 solo miles in Saguaro Park. Absolutely beautiful. 

Camelback and Lots of Sleep

Slept until noon and then hike Camelback in the heat. When I got to the trailhead, I told the park ranger I had plenty of water and he said, "Ah, I love our regulars."

Friends for Two Years

My friend Karla. I think she was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Arizona. She's hardworking and so intelligent--and very caring. She was my roommate in our little green house with the white picket fence. She tries to teach me Spanish but she's not a bad teacher, I'm just a bad learner. She calls me "Little K" and I miss her lots here in Phoenix.

Tampa: Day 3

Headed to St. Pete's to see my cousin Paul and his two little girls. It had rained earlier that day and the oldest one, Taylor, didn't want to play at the playground and get wet. I'd agree. So we drank smoothies and the girls opened up to us. Hannah kept offering us her smoothie--"Try mine!" We played and colored with them at Paul's house. They're just so cute. 

Tampa: Day 2

We woke up and drank beer. Amazing to feel at home with Joanna and Yuengling. We were ID'd before getting our free samples and the college-aged tour guide looked at my ID and said, "You're older than you look." Okay, cool. We ate lunch in Ybor City. There's a really neat old streetcar that runs through the main street. But still so stinkin' humid.

Tampa: Day 1

First full day in Tampa with Joanna. She had to judge the first year grad students on their teaching so I wandered around USF's campus. I found a hammock by a pond and read Fates and Furies, so sweaty in humid Florida weather. I was approached by two nice Mormons after I started my walk back. I declined their offer of a free book. They still told me that Jesus loves me.

Look at this tree! It was also on USF's campus. The branches touched the ground but still were steady. And so many of the tree were covered in Spanish moss--I loved it. I also watched a horde of ants eat cheese--apparently not vegan ants.Coming from La Salle, I thought Arizona was big. But coming from Arizona, USF is huge.

So Joanna gave me everything I wanted in one day: Wawa, Yuengling, and the beach. We stopped at Wawa for lunch where I got a classic turkey hoagie and chocolate milk. I wanted to cry, it was so amazing. After deciding to go to the beach, we stopped at Walmart and Target to find out that no beach towels were on sale. Just a reminder, we were in Florida. The beach is always in season. Very weird experience. So we drove through so thunder storms to Lido Key--flour sand, clear water, sand dollars, Yuengling. Absolutely gorgeous.

'Bad Feminst' by Roxanne Gay

Please, everyone read!

Who's Buried in Hunt's Tomb?

        

Sunset hikes with a book are the best kinds of hikes.

6 Month Workaversary

It's been six months since I started working here in Phoenix. It feels like forever and no time at all--at the same time. My coworker surprised me with an orchid plant. I hope I don't kill it but then at least I know to stick to succulents then!

Falling with Style

I finally got over my fear of group trail running and went to my first outing at Papago Park, super close to where I normally run. Everything was fine until about 10 minutes in when I fell? Not sure what exactly happened but this lovely picture was the outcome. It never crossed my mind to stop so I continued running with the group for 35 more minutes. Sweat and blood ran down my legs. I felt quite tough. The bruises are huge!

Monsoon Running

Chasing that elusive love of running while being chased by monsoon thunderstorms. Good trip to Tucson. Also, can we talk about the sky. It goes from dark and stormy to blue and sunny. Such a difference. A reminder that monsoons don't last forever.

Making Postcards and Friends

Moving to Phoenix has been hard for me. I don't make friends easily but I've been trying to put myself out there by joining a running club and book club and just getting out of my apartment. I found a group of young women who enjoy traveling. Like-minded individuals are the first step, right? The group organized a meet up at Changing Hands bookstore where decorated postcards. This beluga whale postcard was my best of the night. See the lipstick?! More events to come quite definitely.

Heard Museum and Biking in the Rain

Free day at the Heard Museum. Rode my bike in the hot sun while wearing a dress and stopped for ice cream on Roosevelt Row. I always enjoyed museums but recently I've been extra distracted whenever I go and I get bored easily. But I can walk for hours on trails through the desert and enjoy that. I don't know--lots of soul searching out here in Arizona.

Funny story from today. I've been making yoga on Sunday nights a commitment for a a few months now. I'm trying to be more conscious of my environmental impacts and of my laziness so I've tried to ride my bike more often. As I rode to yoga tonight, I saw the dark clouds forming over Tempe and hoped that it wouldn't rain on my way back. Well, during yoga, when I was supposed to be relaxed, all I could focus on was the loud sound of rain pellets falling six feet from me on the other side of the window. How the heck was I supposed to get back? Stubborn and rationalizing the drizzle, I sprinted back on my bike, through every rad light, through every puddle, afraid of being struck by lightning. But I made it one piece, just a little wet.

Another Papago Sunset

A spontaneous walk to watch the sunset. On my way to the grocery store, I stopped at the park across from my apartment and properly watched the sunset. I get to see it most nights during my runs but it's nice to be still for a moment and enjoy the beauty. As I sat on the rock, I thought how nice it will be to share this when friends and family visit. I'm in awe that the park is right near to where I live and that I can do this whenever. While it's tough being in a new city, it's nights like this where I feel like I made the right decision.

Bike Rides to the Library

Yesterday's trek to pickup my held items.

Beach Fossils at Crescent Ballroom

Such a good concert. A month or two ago, my friend Austin introduced me to Beach Fossils and I loved their sound from the start. He also mentioned they were going to be in Phoenix in July. I had to go...and I did. I saw fully their character and personality that I couldn't get from just listening to their music. I'm glad I'm confident in myself enough to go to concerts alone but goodness, I wish someone went with me so I could share that wonderful experience. And Crescent is a rad venue--very personal and intimate. That picture is not zoomed in and I was at the back of the room. Amazing. 

Life as a Movie: 'Holes'

Today, my life was like Holes. Well, maybe only two parts of the day but they are pretty significant parts in the movie/book so I'll take it.

I woke up at 5:30 am to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona. I'd been on the site before a few weeks back and the houses were nearly complete as of today. However, instead of getting tasks inside, with the air conditioning blasting, I was assigned to dig holes for a fence. 12 x 12 x 16 holes. Not even that big. But boy was I sweating. We kept hitting cement and toughly-packed dirt. We had to use a pick to churn it loose. Lots of appreciation for Stanley Yelnats and co. Lots.

As many know, or not know, Arizona experiences monsoon season. Roughly July and August, storms roll in and roll out in a few hours in the afternoon and evening. It's a respite from the heat as long as you don't get caught in a flash flood. Anyway, my sources in Tucson have told me that it's been raining there all week but Phoenix hasn't gotten a drop. Someone must have put in a word with the Big Man because Saturday it rained. I was so excited. I stood out on my balcony and watched the first monsoon droplets hit the ground. I called my friend Karla because I had to share my happiness with someone. And that's how I felt like those people in Holes, enjoying the rain after a long drought.

Tonight's Sunset

Took a walk and climbed up a rock to watch the sunset tonight.

Definitely made a good choice.

The Bean

For some odd reason, Meaghan thought I was joking when I said I wanted to see the Bean. She lectured me saying that the artist didn't like it being called the Bean and preferred its original title of 'Cloud Gate'. Dude, no. 

        

Also, we were picking up Meaghan's held items at the library when we came across the itty-bitty Bean. We probably disturbed the entire floor with our giggling. "It's much smaller than I thought." 

Day at the Lake

For some reason, I thought the beach would be empty. I was dumb because it was a holiday weekend and it was packed. The water was chilly but it felt good getting out of the humid Chicago air. I made Meaghan walk on a bum ankle all the way down the shoreline (sorry!). But I think she got a kick out of seeing me at the American Girl Store, freaking out over all the new stuff and getting teary-eyed over nostalgia.

Pilsen's Bookshops

So Meaghan took me to the best and worst place in the world: Pilsen Community Books. It's this lovely little bookshop with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with BOOKS. I think Meaghan could have left me there all weekend and I'd be fine with that. I also could have spent a million dollars there but I had some self-control and realized that I wouldn't be able to fit them all in my carry-on luggage. I bought three books: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead; Half of a Yellow Sun; and Rick Steves' Pocket Spanish. The first was a recommendation from a friend. The second was recommended by Meaghan and I read another book by the author. And the third is to help me converse with Karla--and light a fire under my butt to learn.

A Year Post-ACL-Surgery

It's been a whole year since my torn ACL was no longer torn and was replaced by a hamstring graft. I mostly remember last summer as mostly watching Netflix and taking the bus to campus and going to physical therapy. I read my journal from that time and I was miserable. I felt so reliant on other people; I felt alone; I felt broken.

But a lot of thanks have to go out to Patrick and Karla and Tola and my dad. They made it easier. Last year, 4th of July was a week after my surgery. To celebrate, Patrick loaded me up in his car, with my big ice machine, and took me to a building on campus to watch the fireworks. We found chairs and an outlet and I was so happy to be out.

Einstein

Saw an episode of Genius while in San Diego but only started watching when I was home. So good. Maybe it is a dramatized portrayal of Einstein's life but still very entertaining. It's on NatGeo, if anyone still has cable. My favorite line, which Einstein says to his future wife, "I'm head over heels in love with your mind."

Yoga, Yoga, Yoga

I don't know what came over me but I went to yoga two days in a row in Tucson. Maybe I felt like it justified not running in the 110 degree heat. But my goodness, hot yoga kicks my butt. Slipping and sliding all over my mat but feeling strong and relaxed by the end.

Craving Time Market

Oh how I've missed Tucson! Karla was gone for the weekend so I had the whole house to myself and it definitely felt like old times. I came and went as I pleased and today I walked to yoga. I've been hoarding a free class pass for a year and a half and finally had the chance to use it. I loved walking the dusty and hot streets, through all the distinct Tucson bungalows. And for lunch, I stopped at Time Market. I was craving the Coppa sandwich--just full of goodness that made me extra nostalgic for my time in Tucson.

Monday Night Run

Pretty Monday night run up Hayden Butte and around Tempe Town Lake. A cool 90 degrees.

What I'm Listening To: "Firecracker"

Habitat

Learned some new skills today: electric saw and nail gun and putty. And of course I loved all the caulking and painting I did. The 5:30 wake-up wasn't fun but I was glad to do some service, especially with Habitat.

My Favorite Things

On my run tonight, as I was finishing up and walking through the park on my way home, I suddenly began singing "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. After immediately thinking of Steve, I reflected on my favorite things. Maybe that is the key to not being sad anymore--just think of my favorite things. This list is definitely not comprehensive but it's a start for cheering myself up when I'm feeling sad. I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad.

Arizona sunsets. Hikes. Warm soft pretzels. The smell of rain. Cuddles. Letters. Soft sweatshirts. Peppermint tea.

Book Club, Brunch, and Beer

Spent my Sunday morning discussing The Kite Runner with 10 middle-aged strangers. Then went to Mother Bunch Brewery to drink a beer and read a book. The guy next to me at the bar had the same idea but he was reading Harry Potter and not the wild and crazy Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Tonight, I Yoga-d

This morning, my body still thought I was in Pennsylvania so I was wide awake at 6 am. I contemplated going to work early but decided to get my run done for the day. This meant I had all night for whatever activities I wanted.

I'd been meaning to go yoga as a supplement to my running but always came up with excuses. For some odd reason, I was extra motivated tonight and I rode my bike to Tempe for a 6:30 yoga class. I was worried about my knee--even though it's been 11 months since surgery. I definitely felt tightness in my left knee but it was so nice to stretch out and actually get to yoga.

At the end of class, the instructor read a quote from Confucious: "Cultivate the root; the leaves and the branches will take care of themselves." It seemed very applicable to my life today in two ways. I'm trying to build up my running again. If I focus on getting consistent training and running in, my speed and strength will come. I just have to be patient. Also, on a larger scale, I've been feeling restless in Phoenix, feeling lonely. On my ride back from yoga, I felt like I was becoming a part of the community and putting down roots. Maybe once I do that, friends and happiness will fall into place.

Valley Green

It's never a trip home without a run at Valley Green. We joke that if someone in my family was ever on the Bachelor/ette, the hometown date would involve my dad driving us to go for a run here.

What I'm Listening To: Declan McKenna

Sedona

No-work-Fridays mean adventure time. I wanted to see the red rocks of Sedona, about 2 hours north of Phoenix. On my way there, I stopped to see old and magnificent cliff dwellings. How'd they get up there? According the park ranger, they had 4-5 wooden ladders. Pretty amazing, don't you think? I stopped for lunch at this little burger place, which was full of locals and country music. I loved it. Driving to Sedona, I turned off the I-17 and onto the scenic road to Sedona. I turned a corner and there were the red rocks, looming down the road. My jaw dropped. I wanted to cry, it was so beautiful.

The best way to experience Sedona? A hike. So I strapped on my knee brace and head on my 6 mile out and 6 mile back hike to Devil's Bridge. It was so scary to look at--I thought people were going to fall off! On my way back, I came across a group of javelinas (Google it) and I was so scared that I started running! The 12 miles tired me out and all I wanted was my bed back in Phoenix. I definitely need to go back to Sedona--maybe with someone so we can experience the beauty together.

What I'm Listening To: "Sedona"

Just Read: "Americanah"

What a good book. I wrote a list of books to get from the library and I couldn't find the one from this author so I picked this one up. It tells the story of two Nigerians, who fall in love in secondary school, but life and fate separate them. However, still, after so many years apart, living different lives, in different countries, they find themselves together again. The novel is more than just a love story--it discusses race and immigrants and human interactions.

Karla and the Casita

I may look like a goof here but that's how I get around Karla. I miss living with her in this green casita with the white picket fence. One visit a month to Tucson isn't enough!

What I'm Listening To: "At the Zoo"

I've always wanted to listen to this song at the zoo. I almost achieved this goal over the weekend when I was in San Diego visiting Ben. We had planned on going to the zoo but the weather wasn't cooperating. So instead I played it on the way to brunch. So anyone want to go to the zoo with me?

San Diego to See Ben

So I decided somewhat last minute to go to San Diego this weekend. Ben, a friend from La Salle, is out there for only a week more--he's in the Navy and is leaving for Japan at the end of the week. It's kind of crazy but he seemed so excited about it. He kept bringing it up and getting into all the specifics and I was completely lost. But I love when people can't contain their excitement and just want to talk about it. The weather was cold and overcast compared to sunny and hot Phoenix, but I have missed those kind of days. We went rock climbing and toured the Midway. We watched National Treasure: Book of Secrets, which I had never seen from start to end and which my family is obsessed. It was just a very comfortable weekend, catching up with a friend from the past. Maybe my next trip will be Japan?!