Some People Just Don't Get It

When I do things like buy a one-way ticket to Seattle or tell my job that I need a month off, I get lots of questions. I get tired of explaining myself and end up giving vague answers like "Why not?" or "That's just how I am" that don't necessarily satisfy the question-asker but get them to at least cease the interrogation.

When I read The Lost Girls' book, I felt better in knowing that I am not the only one who thinks the way I do. I honestly believe that most (if not all) people would love the opportunity to escape their day job and travel the world. However, many do not believe that it is a possibility and leave it in the category of things that other people do.

As one of those other people, I sometimes feel "weird" for thinking the way I do and doing the things I do. It's always comforting to meet and discover others who think like I do and who get it without me having to explain "it". I stumbled upon these article: "How a Career Break Changed My Life" and "7 Things You Learn about Yourself (and the World) While Traveling Solo" I was so excited to see someone else articulate thoughts I've had but have been hesitant to share with any and everyone, the fear of having to explain why it's a good idea.

Do you get "it"?

Fun Friday: Getting to Know Miss Journey

10 more things you may not know about me:

1. The word tilapia tickles my fancy
2. I want to be the voice of a cartoon
3. I've always wished for telepathy and the ability to fly
4. I have statue phobia and mythical creatures freak me out
5. I have an indescribable attachment to and longing to go New Orleans
   
6. I have a fascination with butterflies and hummingbirds
7. I spent only 3 weeks in kindergarten, which resulted in my graduating from high school at 16 and college at 20. (Sounds cool now, but I did not always enjoy being the youngest among my friends)
8. I can write with both hands. I'm not ambidextrous because I'm not equally strong in both, but I do pretty well. Also, even though I'm a lefty I do most things with my right. I'm stronger on my right side but have more refined dexterity on my left.
   
9. I can write backwards in print and script.
10. I always wish I had a twin.
    

Fun Friday: Getting to Know Miss Journey

10 things you may not know about me:

1. I'm an only child
2. I'm a lefty
3. I'm a Leo
4. I love chocolate (okay you probably knew that)
5. I love to drive, and take pride in my Fast and the Furious style.
   
6. My fave color is purple
7. I looove word games
8. I used to play volleyball and softball in high school
   
9. I love cartoons
10. My middle name is Lavern

Charity is Sexy with Lifestyle and Charity

I absolutely love the work that the ladies of Lifestyle and Charity are doing. They are making charity sexy, combining the worlds of social life and social good. Every month they gather some of NYC's stylish people altogether for a common cause. In May, it was such an honor to have Her Journey be a part of the event.

LC MAG Party Featuring Mediterra Collection from Lifestyle + Charity TV on Vimeo.

This month they are combining forces with NYC designer Lauren Gabrielson to support City Harvest. For details click here.

9/11: 10 Years Later

From September 1st, I was already reminded of what was coming. With this year being the 10th Anniversary of September 11th, the media overload only made me more anxious and uneasy. It wasn't until someone else commented on my demeanor not being like my usual self did I realize how much the upcoming day was actually affecting me. During the week leading up to the anniversary, I relived the weeks after September 11, 2001 over and over and over again. It is not something that I share with most people, but this year I am ready to open up and share that I lost my grandfather on September 11th.

Because my grandfather's influence is a part of who I am today, I now feel it is time to share a bit of the story. My grandfather was a man who stood for quality. From the way he carried himself to the way he treated others, it was evident that he was genuinely a class act.

Although I was not thrilled at the time, I remember the day he gave the assignment of ironing (by his standards) my school shirts for the entire week on Sunday evening.

I vividly remember how hard he laughed as I unwrapped my gag Christmas gift (two empty toilet paper rolls) and how excited I was to discover my real gift of a CD player that I wanted more than anything and not-so-subtly hinted at weeks before.

I remember discovering just how hard it was to clean a fish tank, trim trees, clean a pool and learning to tie a solid knot (all on one Saturday) with him.

Because he was so much fun to me, I now wonder how he managed that on top of everything else he did. I now have an even greater appreciation for the quality of man he was, and it makes him that much more special.

The saddest part for me is the moments I wish I could have experienced with him: my high school graduation, college graduation, getting my driver's license and first car, and eventually getting married. There is something so special about when a grandparent is proud of you, and I so miss that. But that is my motivation to continue to create moments that would make him and my grandmother proud. (My grandmother passed away two days before the 5th anniversary of 9/11.) I continue to remember the moments we had together. He was more than a grandfather. He was like a father and a friend to me. I am so grateful for the moments we shared. Though it has never been the same.

It seems fitting that my mother and I went to the 56th Fighter Group for brunch today. In a World War II setting that has been preserved, it felt as if we were among American history. Seeing the American flag that was adorned with all of the names of those lost on 9/11 reminded us that we are in fact a part of American history.

Photo credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ87Khz3hfNHdVq4Ooo2nzPsdWFEcN0ZfhCl2dXKcES4sR882uEMV5KbbZbgFbeHfJPb7RCXqbkSJAF3o5ZSTtKT5lgwtfYizSy5xvfwWccMfjbsrYU2nX-QEY-hGT6FLEFX6HXgCbAVQ/s400/01.jpg

Fun Friday: Getting to Know Miss Journey

Guess who has a YouTube channel...Yup. ME!

Now I'll be able to share my adventures in a whole new way.

Stay tuned!

Seattle: Other Fun Stuff

I am so happy I stumbled upon Wax On Spa, not only because my eyebrows were in need of some serious attention but also because I finally got myself a copy of CRAVE seattle (which Wax On Spa is in).

It's obvious that they taking waxing seriously. I was surprised to see an array of different wax options in a number of fragrances. I also thought it was a cute touch that they offered lingerie options that are a nice little bonus to accentuate some of their wax services.


Fly Fitness, which is also included in the CRAVE guide, won me over with their FUNky style. I'm such a sucker for clever marketing, and everything about Fly Fitness' identity is (for lack of a better word) fly. From the breathtaking views that serve as a backdrop for runners to the exquisite studio, the details create nothing but an enjoyable experience for guests. I would love to go back for one of their Sporty Soirees.



Even though I was not involved in the Rain City Rock Camp, I was inspired by their "Girls Rock!" message. As I shared in my first Seattle post, my main reason for the trip was to escort my friend's niece (who we'll call Patty Schwab) on the cross-country flight. After two weeks of camp, where she enjoyed a variety of different sports, she went to Rain City Rock Camp for a week. I could not believe the transformation we saw after just the first day. When we picked her up that evening, she was so excited to share her stories that she didn't even get all the way into the car before rattling off all her favorite parts of the day. As the week progressed, we witnessed her style evolve, her confidence blossom, not to mention the singing in the bathroom. From song writing activities and band practice to lunch time performances and the big concert at the end, it seemed like an amazing experience that the girls not only enjoyed but really benefited from. I even wished I could share in the experience. You don't have to take my word for it, local publications like the Stranger and Seattle Weekly are singing their praises. I'm so proud of our little rock-stars!


Even though Sky High Sports is included in Memorable Firsts post, seemed appropriate for this one too:
Believe it or not, I had my first experience on a trampoline at Sky High Sports. (It's possible that I've been on a trampoline at some during my childhood, but I honestly don't remember. It's been on my to do list in my adult life for quite some time now.) I have to admit that I felt a bit ridiculous as one of the few adults (maybe the only adult with no children) there as groups of children ran by me. I was even a little bit intimidated at first when I saw what looked like a field of trampolines.

Watching the children, some who looked like they'd barely mastered walking, bound across the field of trampolines and bounce off the walls, it was only a matter of time before I was infected by their contagious energy. I was also inspired by the freedom I saw in a few women who were doing bouncing exercise. With all of that combined with the intensity I witnessed in the dodge-ball game in an enclosed pit, I was ready to go. I immediately realized that it was not as easy as the others made it look. Although I eventually got the hang of it, I was surprised by how much physical effort it took. I enjoyed the release and the freedom that came with each bounce. I enjoyed t so much that I'd love to develop my trampoline skills.

Not only does Sky High Sports offer a fun atmosphere, but with their dodge-ball pit and AIRobics classes, they also create a unique trampoline experience. It became clear within minutes of my experience that this is fun for all ages. I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

I found a YouTube video that shows just how cool this place is: