The Perfect Date

I recently saw this laugh out loud post listing date ideas for guys.  There were legit dates given, like mini golf, going out for breakfast, go-carting, attempting an escape room, and going to a concert/listening to music together.  There were also some cutesy ones, like playing with puppies and going to the beach (picnic maybe?!), and definitely some off-the-wall ones, like burning things and taking over Poland.  Haha!

This got me laughing, obviously.  Then it got me thinking that a guy doesn't have to do something super fancy every date.  Going to a show/sporting event, having an outdoor adventure, or watching a movie is acceptable in my book, as is cooking at home.  Don't get me wrong, guys, a woman likes and wants some thought put into what the date entails and a bit of fine living and dining ever so often -- think fancy restaurants and big ticket items from jewelry to weekends away!

Still, no lady will ever complain about flowers and chocolates or the like, sweet compliments, your effort, getting dressed up, and your complete attention :)

Whether it was a true date or just a delightful outing, I've done a lot of fun things in a lot of cities.  So, if I were in…

Fort Worth, TX
It's my home for now, so outings would be filled with some good friends (maybe the quintessential double date).  Putting on our boots for some two-stepping after licking our lips at Rodeo Goat or a place along Magnolia Street with all the yummy food choices.  However, I would definitely want to do a Chef's tasting at The Bastion at some point.

Rapid City, SD
I'd want to go do something outdoors -- kayak, ride a motorcycle, enjoy music downtown, or hike.  Somewhere in the mix, I'd want sushi and Silver Linings' epic ice cream!

Des Moines, IA
Hands down, I would want to visit the Raygun store to laugh our heads off!  We could then venture over to eat at the super delicious Tacopacolyse after window shopping downtown.  It definitely wouldn't hurt my feelings to grab a shake or tea and chat at Smokey Row.

Columbus, OH
If we went to the planetarium and then had a picnic outside, bliss.  There are just so many green spaces in Columbus that you couldn't go wrong!  My inner nerd would need to be fed by going to the COSI museum.

Knoxville, TN
Seeing the city on bikes and dining at The Tomato Head is a must.  There are plenty of offshoots from this awesome city to explore history, hear good music, go hiking or whitewater rafting, or just relax in a cabin in pure nature.

St. Louis, MO
Yes, I've seen a lot in this city, but The Arch is too iconic and full of history to miss.  There are a lot of good places to eat here, such as Pi Pizzaria, so it wouldn't be hard to choose something to check out.  As for other things to do, I think it be fun to pop into The Magic House because I haven't been since, well, I was a kid!

Austin, TX
Not too far from Fort Worth yet seemingly a world away due to its eclectic culture, outdoor adventures, and good eats, it'd be hard to mess up a good time.  Pick an adventure and a restaurant and go!  I think you could do this ad nauseam here and not get bored.

Norman, OK
The place I still feel is home because of my alma mater and sweet, close friends.  So, anything with said friends will win every time.  Every.  Single.  Time.  Throw in some sporting events and campus walks and you're golden.

Why am I telling you all this?  No, it's really not to help some guy out.  Guys can be creative and thoughtful; they'll be fine on their own.  It's also not to describe the "perfect date" because I don't think it exists.  Although, I think that notion might change when a guy is on one knee with some bling.

Seriously, I thought it would be a fun way to A) test a theory and B) describe some great places I've seen and could see myself living.  Oh, don't even get me started with international cities I'd live in!!

So, yeah.  I could see myself in Rapid City or Des Moines or even back in Norman.  Never would I ever had thought or said that a year ago for some of these destinations.

It really is amazing what travel does to you and for you.  Sometimes, it's just unexplainable how a city can grab you in such a short amount of time, how much is offered in one place, how home-sick one can get, or how much appreciation for what you left is truly in you.

I'm not quitting the travel gig until something solid is lined up, but I'll be looking for a FT job in these cities while keeping myself open to others, if the job is right.  We'll see what God does!

Whole30

My friend wanted me to join her in doing Whole30 for Lent.  I don't typically "do" Lent but I love my friend so I said sure without thinking.  Then I thought about it.  Still, I didn't back out because I thought my reasons were good enough to go through with it.  I've made changes to my diet over the years, some big and some small, but I've never cut out whole food groups because I don't think you should or have to [as a normal, healthy individual].  That said, I'm writing this post for me and about me.  Your experience, if you choose to complete Whole30 (more on that as part of the conclusion) will be completely different.  You can even read about my friend's experience here: https://www.thefenricks.com/blog/2017/3/30/i-survived-whole30-and-you-can-too  She's a brilliant and honest writer with a legit website!

This post is the play-by-play of each day with some needed edits.  I quickly jotted down my thoughts, sometimes all at once and sometimes in pieces.  I had an added challenge of sticking with Whole30 while traveling abroad in the middle of the month, so that was fun.  Not.  At least I throw in some fun stuff I did while in India.  My overall thoughts and findings are at the end.  I'd be more than happy to talk about it in another setting if you wish or have questions!

I will warn you that, if you don't like hearing about bodily functions (day 13 is definitely a LOL day for this!), this post isn't for you since I had some GI issues (nothing too graphic, just being honest).

Let's go!

Day 1:  

Wait, why am I doing this?  I can't have lentils??  I don't think I can do this.  I need more carbs for running and working out; this might end really badly.

Day 2:  

I'm hungry.  Talked with my friend, which helps, and at least I'm not feeling "hung over," have a foggy mind, or have headaches like the [Whole30] book says I might!  It's going to be okay.  Need to get some recipes and a bit of variety but that should be doable.

Day 3:
Less hungry and feeling more full after eating the same amount of food!  Didn't feel super great the whole day, however.  My eyes were watery as if from allergies, my stomach started hurting, and I had a lot of gas.  Ate the same food as the other two days but my poop is still real loose.  Found Larabars!

Day 4:
Didn't wake up feeling ravenous -- bonus!  Found Larabars the other day; they're probably going to save my life. Otherwise, uneventful day for me, while my friend was angry and had the "kill all the things" day like the book said.  Kill all the things, hahaha!

Day 5: 

Still can't really tell any difference other than my poop is loose, but I don't think I got enough calories in me before my long run yesterday.  Nose is still runny and stuffy, likely from allergies.  Did wake up with a very noticeable headache, so will try to drink more water today. Feel good at the end of the day.

Day 6: 

So far, today is in the only day that the book feelings have rung true.  I was so, so tired!!  I barely woke up for work, it seems.  I could've kept sleeping and sleeping!  Otherwise, doing fine.

Day 7: 

Still a little tired.  I'm feeling full a lot quicker and longer.  I know that's fiber doing its job but it's crazy how much I say that to patients and am now really experiencing it myself!  Had my first real craving for frozen yogurt today but didn't cave.

Day 8: 

I feel sluggish and foggy.  Not productive.  Ugh.  I didn't feel awake until at least 230pm!  After that, I was fine until bedtime, when I felt nauseous and a headache ensued.  Not sure that wasn't allergies from coming into NC...

Day 9: 

Still have a bad headache, and I ate "breakfast" (small salad) super early since I'm headed to India!!  Praying everything goes smoothly...  The gluten free option in flight was genius!  Getting grilled chicken with veggies was nice but not eating the delicious smelling pizza was super rough.  I didn't give in!  Buying nuts in the airport was a very good idea and scavenging for fruit in flight is a must.

Day 10: 

Yesterday was so long!  Almost never-ending, what with a 16 hour flight but we got to our destination!  The day kinda ran into the next but I survived again with a big buffet breakfast of basically protein.  On a good note, my headache subsided once we arrived in Dehli.

Day 11: 

Another big buffet breakfast got me through.  I just ate chicken at lunch; it was really, really hard to pass on naan bread.  I almost gave in.  But no.  I think I've survived the two toughest days, thank goodness!  I honestly don't think it will get that much easier.  I see foods I really want like frozen yogurt, naan, and some sweets.  But I haven't given in!  I'm eating a lot of protein, and I've also been super duper constipated the past couple of days!!  Never have I ever.  Ugh.  Haven't eaten as much fruits and veggies in the past couple of days just due to circumstances, so that probably has a part to play but still.

Day 12:
My dinner, which was the best meal I've had here so far, was spectacular!  Grilled fish with a spicy sauce that made it and vegetable kofta.  Yummy!

Day 13:
Constipation with a vengeance!  When I pooped at the end of the day, it was like all my insides were coming out, along with a lot of pain.  I kept replaying the memory of when I was growing up of my Dad unplugging the toilet saying, "How could SO much poop come out of such a tiny body?!"  Hahaha!!  But seriously.  No fun.  I'm eating veggies as much as possible and they're covered in yummy spices, but I've had hardly any fruit and a lot of protein (because, what's left?), so not much fiber :/  Nothing I can do, I feel... and I basically feel like I eat a ton at each meal since I'm not sure how much will be edible for me at the next one.

Day 14:
Today was absolutely terrible health-wise for me!!!  I got diarrhea (maybe from something I ate) but took a nap and felt a bit better.  

Side note: I definitely questioned whether to keep going with this Whole30 thing or not, especially right about now!  But...
Still sticking to the diet.  Still hard, especially as my options seem to be dwindling (as I think the watermelon did me in at lunch).  But now I'm almost afraid to start eating anything that I've cut out because I don't know if terrible symptoms will ensue!  I also have been doing it so long now I don't want to give up.
Thankfully, I felt well during my presentation despite feeling like death right before.  The talk was fun, and I think the Indian ladies liked it as much as me :)  Yay!

Day 15:
I'm eating whatever I can get my hands on that is seemingly on the diet.  For dinner, for instance, all the items but one were fried and all those fried items were potatoes.  The only thing that wasn't fried also contained potatoes.  I have to take what I can get, especially since I'm pretty hungry by the time we eat.  Ugh.  Another example, I had three bananas and five bites of chicken for lunch.  This has been the worst so far.  I'm trying to supplement with Larabars but I only have one for each remaining day :/  I also don't know what my bowels are going to do.

Day 16:
I didn't poop today.  I don't even know the last time that's happened!  No poop.  All day.  Crazy!  At 4am, when we got up for the early train, I pooped.  

Still sticking to the diet as able.  Had "ketchup" at lunch (1 pack) because the "chicken" nuggets were so dry.  Eating a lot of bananas and chicken.  The tandoori chicken at dinner was delicious and the "dry veg" was too, though it wasn't dry, ha!  The spices here create like a curry or sauce; tastes pretty good but it isn't dry as one would think it would come! 

Day 17:
What you need driving in India:  "Good horn.  Good brakes.  And good luck."  Hahaha!!  Too true.
I shared about what I'd learned in "Good Leaders Ask Great Questions" by John C Maxwell, and it went well!  After was a culture show with dancing and it was SO fun!!  Most joined in :)
As for Whole30, I feel full and bloated most the time :(  Probably the food/spices...  I hope it gets better.

Day 18:
We got up real early to see the Taj Mahal!!  It was spectacular.  Very impressive, though I could have skipped being packed like a sardine to see the tombs inside, ha!  Still, quite the experience.
I had a lighter breakfast, which helped with the bloated feeling, but it had no spice so...?  Nonetheless, I feel much better today.

Day 19:
Feel awful.  Stomachache, congestion, headache, gas, discomfort, etc.  Found tiger balm for headaches and used it, seemed to work.

Day 20:
I think I'm back to normal with GI stuff, I hope and pray.  I also feel like I'm on a normal sleep schedule which is great!  Right back to the whole30 with a salmon dinner last night and a salad with chicken today.  My friend says we should be feeling good for the rest of the time so that's encouraging!
I keep thinking of the things I want to add back like oatmeal, Greek yogurt, quinoa, and chocolate milk.  Really, I think I'm going to stick to eating this well all the time and just add back in things that I enjoy but are truly healthy and beneficial.  I'm going to try and continue to do gluten-free for about another month to test a theory of mine.  Also going to try and get more Larabars today for snacks, though I feel like I'm eating a ton of nuts!

Day 21:

It's much easier to eat the diet now back in the states.  Not trying to lose weight, honest, which is a good thing because I don't think I've lost a single pound.

Day 22:
Got a massage :)  Nothing crazy Whole30-wise.

Day 23:
Felt weird in the afternoon so I had a little more to eat and then felt fine.  Pooped once and have stinky farts.  Counted my calories just for the fun of it and found I was going to be pretty much in line for my daily allotment after exercise.  Feel full, so all is well.
I went to Sam's Club with a friend and was blown away with all the foods I'm not eating but really the fact that they're so full of sugar!  Some stuff I can do without completely, while a few things I wouldn't mind having on occasion like some chips, yogurt, or cheese.  I'll be adding those back in moderation.

Day 24:
I've made it this far!  Big breakfast today.  Tried to lessen my fat intake because I read that fat can give you gas but it was very hard.  I basically didn't do it because I have a Larabar at least once a day!

Day 25:
A lot less gas today for no known reason.  But I'll take it!  I feel as though I had the same amount of fat as I have been having each day and the same foods.

Day 26-29:
No real changes.  Gas and BMs are better.  Weirdly, I feel bloated before bed but then normal and slim in the morning.
Made a list of foods I want to add back and when.  I'm starting with gluten-free grains because I want sushi while watching the NCAA championship game, then I'll add legumes and dairy.  I bet sugar will be throughout since it's added to so much stuff!  Finally, I'll add back in gluten grains.

Day 30: 

Nothing.  No other events except thinking of what I'll soon be able to have and buying stuff to make paleo desserts!
My friend and I both agreed this was NOT easy but still, in a sense, fun :) It brought us together for sure despite the distance.

Day 31:
I can't believe the last day is here.  Hip-hip-hooray!  I know I could go on with it (and will with this reintroduction thing) but I'm looking forward to eventually having...
Chocolate
Chocolate milk
Oatmeal
Plain Greek yogurt
Brown rice
Quinoa
Corn
Black beans
Things with added sugar like salsa and seasonings
Peanut butter
No added sugar jelly
Lentils

So, I'm basically going to eat as I was before this thing, haha!  But definitely not as much added sugar or sweets, in general, while sticking to cooking the recipes (just adding brown rice, for instance). 

I reweighed myself and did the body fat assessment again (did it at beginning and end).  I lost 2.5 pounds in 28 days (4 weeks).  I think that's good since healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week and I wasn't trying to lose.  I was just trying to stick to the diet, exercise when able, and not feel too hungry!  Honestly, I probably worked out only 12 days during the month due to scheduling and life events, when I usually exercise 5 or 6 out of 7 days of the week.  Also, my body fat percentage went down the tiniest bit.  Definitely taking that!

One reason I was doing Whole30 was to cut whole food groups out because I've never done that ever, nor do I plan on doing it ever again.  I think certain products are healthful, like plain Greek yogurt or Kefir to brown rice or quinoa, and are perfectly fine in a balanced diet.  Another reason was to see if my headaches subsided.  They didn't.  On some occasions, they were actually worse.  What I didn't expect at all was my bowels to go through so much!  Yikes.  Everything is normal now, but the worst was definitely seen in India.  Speaking of travel, I felt limited in food choices and immediately seemed to have more options and time to cook different dishes once back in the States.  Definitely something to be thankful for and something I take for granted.  

This whole experience challenged me greatly to be more disciplined in what I ate from looking at labels I've previously seen but maybe only glanced over to saying no to things I love like peanut butter and yogurt.  Whole30 made me reach out to my friend (I would not do this without someone else!).  It also re-opened my eyes to all the added sugar in products and how much I was actually consuming in my "healthy" eating.  I had grown accustomed to saying things were okay to have, like sugary yogurt, chocolate, or a cookie, because I don't have it all the time and yogurt is still "healthy."  Well, anything healthy can become unhealthy, and anything you have occasionally can turn into a regular!  It's nice to get back on track.  It's also nice to look into a fridge full of delicious produce and not feel guilty for eating anything I've eaten in the last month while feeling completely full and satisfied!

I would only recommend the Whole30 to someone else if they have a buddy and have clear and tangible goals, such as "I want to be gluten-free for this month to see if my skin clears up."  This was the case for my friend and, as an added bonus, going gluten-free also helped with her joints.  So, she feels this lifestyle change is worth it and, important to note, sustainable for her.  I also wouldn't go into it with lofty expectations like you'll lose 30 pounds (I've heard this happening but the guy was quite overweight and working out a lot, so one should have specific goals and realistic expectations tailored to them, which is why I think seeing a Dietitian for nutrition and a Personal Trainer or Fitness Specialist for exercise is very important).  

In the end, I'm glad I completed Whole30 to be able to share my experience in the hopes it helps someone else in any way possible.  

SO much poop!!  Hahaha!!

Now to enjoy my sushi tomorrow night and the rest of my re-introduction phase!

Gifts (Part 2)

Two days ago I wrote about gift giving as re-gifting, trying to show some love, and the beauty of giving in general.  This post is a little piggy-back on that because yesterday I was given a yoga mat!  So fun! 

I have no idea if my yoga buddy read my last blog post about giving gifts.  She just claims it's an early birthday present.  Guys, my birthday isn't until August.  Haha!  It's definitely a sweet friend thinking of me :)

In fact, I have a lot of people who think of me and show me in delightful ways.  One such way is with little gifts.  For example, two super nice guy friends seem to always have something for me whenever I see them.  It's typically food now that I think about it... Haha! That's a-okay in my book!  It's very kind of them, especially since I've been restricted on foods lately (another post to come!) and the one buys what I say I like and can have.  Then there's my twinny who gave me a matching SD spoon ring, my bestie who gave me a book that reminded her of our relationship (and she wrote a sweet note in the front to me), and my brother and sister-in-law who gave me a set of 5 pearl earrings that I wear all the time.  Literally.  All the time.  I have a pair in right now. 

Those are just some of the most recent and tangible things, and I love it.  Gifts are just good and fun, especially if there's a note/card attached :)  Honestly, I personally give cards/notes to stand out and to try to better convey what I think of the person receiving it.  Thus, I spend time on what I write and assume others do the same.  Maybe not, but I still like to think it!  I mean, I know it's not everyone's cup of tea so some won't get it (*cough* guy I'm crushing on *cough*), but notes, gifts, and quality time are the top ways I show and receive love so it just makes sense to me. 

My upbringing had an impact, I know. My Mom loves with words and she's pretty artsy, so she'd write notes and put them in mine and my brother's  lunch bags, which were cutely decorated.  I vividly remember one bag with my name boldly written in black magic marker framed with a big, tilted, red heart.  I loved it.  Aww, good Mommy! 

I also spent a lot of time with my Grandparents.  My Grandfather, Duke, always had us grandkids huddle around to tell us crazy, made up, funny stories so I think quality time is big for him.  My Grandma, Lulu, practically bought every piece of clothing I put on my body while growing up.  She always explains her purchases and it goes something like, "This was originally $176 at Dillard's but there was a 75% off sale on clearance and then I had a 20% off coupon on top of that.  I saw a mark on it so the lady at the register gave me an extra 10% off.  I already got it out.  I only paid $2.89."  I mean, the store basically pays her to take merchandise.  This is Grandma talk for "I love a bargain" and definitely "I love you."

Going on a small rabbit trail and the flip side of love languages, my Dad and brother love in ways that are not my strong suits, which are acts of service and physical touch.  Once I learned this, though, I made the effort so they felt loved.  For instance, I wash cars or do yard work for/with my Dad and I try to make sure I give my brother a big hug when I first see him and when I say goodbye. 

So, back to gifts.  For me, it doesn't matter the price one pays, whether something is used or brand new, or how "simple" it might be as long as it comes from the heart.

I suppose the bonus is a gift from family, whom I'll always love; from wonderful friends, whom I hold dear; or from a boyfriend or crush, who has the extra, extra bonus of giving me the butterflies ;)

When the day is done, though, I hope I will be thankful for what I receive no matter what it is, think of others and not just myself, and continue to be a giver, not a taker. 

The Re-gift

We’ve all done it, and we’ll all keep doing it.  The re-gift.  It’s like a disease.

We’ve all received some little trinket that another person is kindly and maybe excitedly giving us  …and we have no idea what we’ll do with it.  Sometimes we don’t have a clue what it is!  All we know is that we will either throw it away or re-gift it.  

We also know we have to fake it.

I think this is where true talent comes into play.  Or perhaps one’s “perfect practice” is about to pay off.  I think and hope I’m in the latter camp.  I’ve had many years and attempts to feign excitement, some successes and some down-right awful face plants.  Yikes. 

Let me say now that I think the main take-away from one giving a gift, absolutely no matter what, is the person is trying to show they like you, care for you, or thought of you.  They want to convey that through a gift because it might be one of their love languages or they feel compelled to do so due to a holiday or your birthday.  However, whatever the reason, it does take the person time and thought (but some put in more effort than others, let’s be real).  So, yes, it’s cliché but true – it really is the thought that counts.

I was once sent a picture with texts reading along the lines of “Bought for me (but not what I asked for).  I thanked her profusely, of course, but didn’t let on.  It was sweet of her to do it for me.”  Precisely.   Sometimes people just won’t get exactly what we request.  They can’t see the picture you have in your mind.  Perhaps it wasn’t available and they had to get second-best.  You don’t know but you should still be thankful.

Growing up I had gotten into a bad habit of not being very thankful for the things being offered to me.  I think my facial expressions of disappointment or disgust or befuddlement also got really old.  Isn’t forgiveness a beautiful thing?  Maturity is too, thankfully.  

I didn’t realize it hurt my Mom so much when I didn’t say thanks or had an air of “well, nice try…” until she said so one day.  It wasn’t pretty.  Now I am truly and genuinely thankful for what she and others do for me and give to me.  I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, especially in the midst of their joy to be presenting me with something they think I’d be delighted with or just something simple and fun that made them think of me.  I do this very thing often and love it :)

I have also now been on the receiving end of the not-so-thankful person, and it’s not nice.  So, for one, I don’t stress over what to give my family and friends.  I still take the time to search for a great gift but I don’t put undue pressure on myself.  Once something is offered, whether I bought it or made it, it’s up to them what they do with it.  They can either use it, toss it, or re-gift it.  Secondly, I try hard not to let someone’s response bother me, making a mental note that gifts might not be for them or that I will try to improve the next go-around.  

Let me tell on myself…  The last “crappy gift” I gave (this has been verified) was a drink koozi with a gift card to Chic-fil-a and some candies.  Doesn’t sound so bad but here’s what happened.  My family does a Dirty Santa game, for which everyone is to bring a $10 gift to exchange.  I quickly bought a $10 gift card for food, thinking that no matter who got it they could use it.  I tried to spruce it up by placing it in a koozie filled with candies.  Our game didn’t exactly happen this year, so I thought of a friend who might want it.  Every guy likes food and a koozie (for beer obviously), right?  Well, not my best work.  And I kinda spread the disease of re-gifting.  Ugh.  I should have gone with my original, super awesome gift for him that I talked myself out of because it was too much.  He at least said thanks and later confessed to using the koozi.

Since then, I decided I should just go with my gut even if it is over the top.  Happily, I can say I’ve given one of my most favorite gifts.  It was a house-warming gift, and it most definitely wasn’t wine.  I specifically wanted to avoid alcohol since I thought the item over-done and generic for the occasion.  So, I did some searching and decided on …drum roll… an address stamp and other goodies like homemade wheat bread and yummy spreads :)  I was SO excited to give it to my friend!  Since I was so thrilled, I knew it was the right thing to give even if he never uses it or feigns delight.  He ended up saying thanks for the “phenomenal gift.”  Aw, warm fuzzies.

I won’t stop giving gifts and enjoying it, because I like to try to think of others.  I also like when, on occasion, no one else knows I gave an item, making the mystery of a blessing more fun.

No matter what is given or how, it takes some work and my time, but it’s worth it.  On top of that, it can be hard since I’ve definitely given things away that I’ve wanted to keep for myself yet seeing (or hearing about) the recipient’s happiness makes my day and confirms I made the right decision.  Giving is the best!

I could stop there but I’m just too thankful for a particular gift given to me, and I can’t help but think that my little gifts, whether “good” or “bad” and no matter how perfectly thoughtful they may be, greatly pale in comparison to God’s gift to all of us: sending His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins so that we can know God and have a relationship with Him.  Now that’s the ultimate, sacrificial gift.  It’s mine, and it could be yours, too.  I mean, it’s definitely one gift I’m not afraid to re-gift.

Rapid Fire

Some people don't like change.  I don't mind too much.  Actually, it seems to be quite the theme in my life these days.  So much change in so little time!

I wouldn't change it for the world! (Did you get that?)  I'm getting to see and do so much, and I definitely wouldn't be able to if I had stayed in one place.  I mean, the country we live in is immense and I'm thankful for the opportunity to explore it.

I've also come to realize I've only been traveling for less than a year yet, some days, it feels much longer.  I can't believe only two months ago I was leaving Iowa and six months ago I was leaving South Dakota.  All the while, taking time off in Texas.  It's kinda crazy. 

I miss the friends I made, the friends I left, and the cities, too.  I think of them often.  Needless to say, I'm truly grateful for all who make a true effort to keep up in some form or fashion.  For instance, just today my PT guy sent me an informative article on running for my reading pleasure.  It was helpful and made me feel loved :)  Gosh, everyone needs a stellar PT guy in their life!

Really, how can I not miss and reminisce when South Dakota was one of the best summers of my life?!  Some times it feels like a distant memory, and other times it feels like it was just the other day.  And now that I'm creeping up on my 1 year travel mark, it seems slightly unfathomable. 

Time just goes by so quickly and is most definitely super jam-packed with all sorts of events and changes.  So, two weeks to me can feel like two months!  Honest.

A friend recently told me that she heard people only remember three days out of a month.  Yikes!  Think about that.  If you're only remembering three days a month, that's only 36 days out of the year.  Whoa. 

The reason?  People are in a routine. They get used to doing the same thing and not much is varied so nothing really stands out except for a few things. 

I found that interesting and, whether fool-proof or not, I feel the opposite is happening to me right now.  Lots and lots of days stand out in the month as of late.

The reason?  I posit it is because I don't have a routine, among other things.  My routine is not having a routine…?  Or, maybe more accurately, my routine is just trying to find my next temporary one.  Ha!

I've found that my work schedule and the fitness center schedule kind of dictate what my week will look like while on an assignment.  Surely others can relate.  Still, now that I know this, I think I'm going to try to combat it and break out of the norm more often.  

Currently, West Virginia is following suit, in its own way, with the other two assignments -- mapping out a schedule, exploring my surroundings, making some friends, and learning oh so much.