Yesterday marked three years of #mandjhappilyeverafter. It seems simultaneously that our wedding was just yesterday and yet so long ago since so much has happened since then. We've moved internationally (and are currently coordinating the move back home!), traveled all over Europe, adopted our two little fur babies, and have grown tremendously as individuals and in our relationship. Anytime that I stop even briefly to consider my life, my relationship with Jonathan is something which I never cease to be grateful for. Even when I'm really feeling sorry for myself, I cannot ever come up with any evidence contrary to the fact that he is the best husband in the world. Thankfully…
Keeping Perspective and Paleo Strawberry Cashew Truffles
As someone who absolutely loves to travel (for fun, NOT work), I have had the opportunity to go on several trips accompanied by others. My most frequent travel partner is naturally my husband, but I have also traveled with friends and family in recent history, some relationships more closely knit than others of course. And I've seen that it can be interesting to learn what certain people value or consider a vacation. For some people, doing as little as possible aside from sitting poolside in the sun is ideal. For others, it's not a holiday unless that means drink in hand at all times. There are beach goers, there are adventurers, and…
Exploring Colorado: The Value of Nature and a Paleo Trail Mix
There are probably very few absolute truths, ideas or recommendations that everyone will agree on out there. But one that I have yet to find hotly disputed is the value of nature and being outside. Across a variety of different areas of research and expertise, across time and cultures, in literature, media, and in daily life it seems that a constant element of the "good life" includes time spent in and an appreciation for nature. Beautiful landscapes and wildlife can be awe inspiring and rejuvenating in ways that cannot be paralleled. And thankfully, over the past month my many travels have included ample opportunity for time spent out and in…
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I am definitely what one would call a creature of habit and love my routine oh-so-much. Recently my guided journal provided me with a writing prompt to describe the ideal/perfect morning. And to be honest, as I considered the idea, it didn't look all that much different than business as usual. I'd still get up early (usually between 5-530 AM) surrounded by my little fam and I'd prefer to eat one of my "normal" breakfast foods in my kitchen with a cup of coffee in hand and messy bun atop my head, before I head out to teach and take barre. Initially when I think about these types of questions,…
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Have you ever stopped to really consider the tremendous impact that those around you have upon your experience of any given situation? Most people have noticed that the jokes in their favorite sitcom are much funnier when accompanied by a fellow couch-mate than when on one’s own, and the breathtaking sunset is even more spectacular when we are with someone else to share in awe with us. Similarly, when your Debbie Downer colleague walks into the office grumbling about Monday again, the week ahead may not seem as unsurmountable to you as it does to her, but certainly doesn’t lift your spirits. When we are around those who are sad,…
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Optimism is something I really never gave too much consideration to. I have always really prided myself on being a realist – not overly pessimistic or cynical, but definitely not an unfailing hopeful (although I suspect many people may choose to classify themselves in this way, just as everyone insists they are a “better than average driver.” Except me. I am a terrible driver and I don’t care. I blissfully have not attempted to drive in about 3.5 years now and I love it). However, I have the opportunity to work for one of the most eternally optimistic people that have ever walked the earth. My boss is unfailingly positive…
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This past week (or maybe two or three, who knows I am struggling to keep track at this point!) has been an absolute whirlwind. I have become inundated with projects, meetings, deliverables, and other time consuming activities and feeling like I am constantly running from one thing to the next. Of course some of the busyness is self-induced and energy spent on activities that I love, but unfortunately a lot of it has involved obligations and responsibilities that I have less passion for to say the least. And I know that I am not alone as we transition from summer to fall, a lot of people can agree the change…
