December 3 Prompt: Moment.

"Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail".

The boat rocked steadily on the waves making my stomach do acrobatics in nervous anticipation and motion sickness. We all need our motivation huh. The sun was precisely over head baking my crown. I removed my tank top and tied it around my head to thwart the suns blows. The ocean air caked my nose with a tiny dash of salt. The boat continued its fervent wave dancing. Two young men, barely old enough to drink, with tan lines and muscles in all the right places guide the boat. They fight to unwrap and untwist the lines. The newly-wed couple with us on the boat is exchanging amorous glances and pecks. Alex, being ginger in nature, had concocted a fort out of her life jacket and pants. I realized at that moment we would never make it if we were lost at sea. The guys release the parachute to its long-awaited freedom where it flees to the sky momentarily until something made a sudden snap. The chute plummets halfway into the water and partially on the deck. In retrospect, if I hadn't been secretly pumped up on adrenaline and using all my energy to avoid puking I certainly would've shown more convern. "We have to go back for another chute", said the one with the chipped tooth....I think as I was probably inconspiculously staring at his abs with a side eye. Finally harnessed into the chute on the back of the boat we have lift off. I am suprised that we are seemingly floating. I am suprised that being in the back I didn't throw up in Alex's hair. I am suprised that we didn't see any sharks or other creatures. Like white water rafting, I am suprised I went through with it. Prepare yourself for next year Alex, we still have fire and/or earth to conquer.

One word: Pivotal.

Last year I buried my toys in the soil and removed my hand steadily into adulthood.
My eyes were exposed to succinct clarity. Call it 'Saturn Rising'. Call it turning 30. But I call it empowering.
I accomplished things I once didn't have the courage or tools to ascertain.
Everything which was once a jumbled puzzle became a Tetris board which I contorted the crooked pieces in harmony.
I know where I am, who I am and how to train myself to get where I need to go.
I am fully aware of both my flaws and strengths.
I lost my youthful cockiness, selfish and rebellious nature and awkwardness but found confidence. strength and a bit of wisdom.
I am in a serene place and nothing can take my inner peace from me.
Next year I hope to emulate the word 'accomplished'.

Saying Goodbye to a Good Pair of Shoes.

I bought a new (much-needed) pair of shoes this weekend for cardio. My trainer advised I just get a cheaper end, basic pair one-half size up from the perfect snug size to leave room for any common swelling. They are nothing fancy just a basic white pair that cost $19.99 plus tax. Tonight was the first night I tried them out and I must say they have passed thus far with flying colors. That being said, the trash man runneth tomorrow so I dug out my old pair to discard them but I feel like before they go off to shoe heaven I must pay a tribute to them. Send them off in style so to speak.

 Oh Saucony, we have been through a lot this decade.
I bought you in 2001 right after my 21st birthday in Olathe Kansas with my first real paycheck.
I selected you from the rummage pile at a discount, last season clothing store similar to Marshall's. If I remember correctly you cost $35 and some change.
Oh there were other pink and glittery girl tennis shoes smiling at me but I chose you.
It's been almost 10 solid years.
You supported me when I got my first management job at Blockbusters and Amoco, then Walgreens and even at my current job. We went to countless pool halls, bars and concerts together. Remember when we saw "They Might Be Giants"? Remember how we danced.
Remember all the hikes we went on? And Bonnaroo?
Oh how we splashed in puddles.
You still have the frayed string from where Guido the hairless Chihuahua chewed on you.
There are spots on you still from where we stained Cheryl's deck.
Last year we logged at least 600 miles biking and jogging. It's been a phenomenal journey with you my friends. Maybe one day I'll actually learn how to pronounce your name.
In Steve Madden's name,  Amen.

An Ounce of Prevention Prevents What?

I am sitting at my kitchen table, sipping "Ethiopian Harar" my friend roasted for me and listening to "Explosions in the Sky". The washing machine belt is pleading to be put out of its misery. This morning may not be Thoreau-approved  but it is in fact my modern-day equivalent.

Well blog, I've fretted over you enough for the last 24 hours. I wanted to christen this page with a mind-blowing blog that would pique interest and cleverly astound anyone. I wanted to carefully measure out in teaspoons whit, with maybe a half a cup of brutal honestly, stir in 1/4th cup of my undiagnosed ADD/OCD (which causes me to see and laugh at metaphors such as these btw) and finish it with a dash of sarcasm. Oh sh*t, I spilled the sarcasm. Well, no worries,  I'll throw it over my shoulder and carry on as I am often forced to do. Obstacles must be faced. Experiences must be explored. Life continues at time dragging us kicking and screaming with it. I am not a super hero. I am not Stephen Hawking. I cannot stop time.

While perusing my old writings recently I uncovered a list I composed of things I wanted to accomplish over the next 10 years. In 1999, at the age of 19, I had quite an ambitious spirit. I quite miss that.

1. Graduate from college. 2. Make a movie. 3. Have poem/something published. 4. Travel the US (all 50 states). 5. Go abroad at least once. 6. Donate money to a charity. 7. Donate money to Hume-Fogg. 8. Sell a piece of artwork to someone. 9. Get organized.

Now, I have only completed 1 of these items on this list technically with the implied intensity. I'll let you guys take a stab at guessing which one.

At 30, albeit slightly disappointed I am also aware that in 30 years I will never regret my flighty, whimsical nature. I will not say on my death bed I wish I had partied less. I would not change a thing in my life.
Every occurrence had to happen for me to be right here. Life has painted me on a canvas.

Now for fear of treading into possible Seuss infringements I will close.
You can plan your entire life down to the very second, make lists and set goals and limitations but make sure that you don't forget to experience life as it is happening. That tad bit aside I am very excited to reflect on the last year. If you can set aside everything you know about proper grammar and spelling then it should be an exciting month.