Life According to Alicia

Sigh No More...

2012-01-28T15:39:00.000+01:00

Love it will not betray you

Dismay or enslave you, it will set you free

-Mumford & Sons

Winter Solstice

2011-12-19T15:02:00.002+01:00

Winter is officially here--and I find myself in the most amazing winter wonderland in alps. It has been a long time since I have spent time in the snow--and it is so refreshing and has been a nice change of pace.

2011 is nearing to a close and I have taken some time to reflect on all of the opportunities that were seized and moments that were enjoyed. I'm also thinking about the excitement that awaits me in 2012--which from now on will be called "the year that I finish the dissertation". I cannot believe it, but I am already 25% done with the big D. The words are starting to flow right and the pages are starting to accumulate into what will soon be the opus that is my PhD dissertation (a.k.a. the book that will be read by few, but make many proud).

So, for the first days of winter and the last few days of 2011 I will be baking tasty treats from scratch, letting hearty soups simmer on the stove for hours, drinking tea by the teapot full, going for snowy walks through the forests of Seefeld, and writing, writing, writing.

Gift to Self 3.3

2011-12-15T17:43:00.004+01:00

I just finished section 3.3--which marks 21% of the dissertation completed. The next 4% will come in the next week--when I plan to finalize 3.4. My gift to self is the gift that keeps on giving...a Kinfolk Magazine subscription.

A quote from my recent Pomodoro...

2011-12-04T14:05:00.001+01:00

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

-Immanuel Kant

Entertaining at 28 Rohde

2011-11-29T20:55:00.001+01:00

Photo Credits: Natalie Norton & Nathan Williams for Kinfolk Magazin

I have been overcome by a desire to have some small gatherings in our soon-to-be renovated home. The future interior of 28 Rohde has become an obsession of mine. I am so excited about spending time in that house--and making it my own little piece of the world. Watching the evolution of the place has been really inspiring and such a labor of love. I think the house was so sad before--clogged up with years of stuff that nobody used and space that nobody lived in--it needed some serious attention. I am so happy to able to play a part in making it beautiful again and showing it some love.

I have recently had some chats with my brother about personality types, and remembered the good old Myers Briggs test that I took back in the day. Josh reminded me that I am a ESFP (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perception). I looked into that a little further and realized a lot about myself! Apparently I was supposed to be an artist, actor, fashion designer, interior decorator, photographer, or entertainer or some sort. That explains a lot! Well, I am hoping I will one day be able to perform as a Professor one day and I can keep my students entertained in the classroom.

...and apparently I like to have a good time: "They would love nothing more than for life to be a continual party, in which they play the role of the fun-loving host".

On that note, I have decided that 28 Rohde is going to be a place for entertaining and hanging out with friends. It is going to be a place for us and our friends and family to have fun and spend time with one another.

After reading the recent Kinfolk, I took a few notes about hosting small gatherings. I love everything about that magazine--it is just so beautiful and it focuses on things I value. There are sections about gatherings of 1, 2, or more people. So, even being alone can become and event. There are some great recommendations and recipes for having a good time. Here are some of the notes that I took and the things I will definitely implement at 28 Rohde.

-Have a tea time with lots of tea accessories--make authentic chai tea.
-Bake cookies for this tea time
-Have a simple breakfast with authentic ingredients
-Sew napkins out of scrap cloth--tie them with leaves from the garden
-Have mix & match seating at a table
-Make chocolate covered fruit for dessert
-Collect white plates and mix & match them
-Have citrus trees and and herb garden
-Create homemade place cards with lettered stamps
-Have a guestbook for collecting memories from gatherings
-Send vintage postcard invites

Oh the fun we will have!

Gift to Self 3.2

2011-11-28T04:08:00.000+01:00

I have recently realized that I write best when I have nice tunes playing in the background. Sometimes they can even be loud tunes. I have recently been listening to my favorite Pandora Station: A mixture of Florence & The Machine, Brandi Carlile, Regina Spektor, and Mumford & Sons. It is playing all day every day in the Bockel house. So, for my Gift to Self #3.2, I decided to upgrade to Pandora One--which cuts out all of the annoying advertisements and also allows you to skip songs. Ahhh, so nice.

Twitter Key Project

2011-11-28T03:35:00.000+01:00

I came across The Twitter Key Project via Susannah Conway's weekend link love--and I fell in love with it. It is a simple idea, where Twitter folks send out a message to explain the secret life of lost keys.

My message was featured on the blog! Check it out--it's pretty cool.

Gift to Self 3.1

2011-11-09T03:58:00.000+01:00

I have been working diligently on the dissertation. Life has kind of wrapped itself around that topic for the moment--I go to bed and wake up thinking about it. It had to get to this point--the point where I knew that I could not go on without getting these thoughts and discoveries out of my head and onto paper.

I finished section 3.1 some time ago, but hadn't found a nice gift to give myself as a reward. I reward myself every time I finish a section of my dissertation (more on that here).

I finally found the perfect present this evening though! I am a big reader of the Kinfolk Journal, so I just purchased the hard copy of Kinfolk Magazine. Ahh, so excited! I love this movement--it is all about casual gatherings and authentic living. So nice.

Excited!

Happy Fall Equinox

2011-09-24T21:09:00.003+02:00

Summer has come and gone and Fall is officially here. My Summer Experiments are now finished and it is about time for a little recap:

Social Media Summer Break: I liked staying off of Facebook so much that I have now decided to keep off of it permanently. I found a way to prevent comments on my profile page so I don't have to worry about not responding to people when they contact me on there. I also found a way to reply to direct messages via email--so I don't even need to login to facebook to stay connected. So I guess even though I am staying off facebook--it's not all that dramatic.

I have decided to start back up with Twitter since it is a great way to get a big dose of the daily news without having to actually go out and look for it--so I have tried to make it a less social and more informative experience for me. Should be a good balance.

Good Mornings: My "Up with the Sun" experiment was pretty successful. I saw many a beautiful sunrise and had lots of time to get down to business. Now I have started going to bed around 9pm instead of 11--and those extra hours of sleep have been a blessing. I feel more awake and alert when trying to get through my Pomodoros--and that little bit of energy goes a long way. I am not being super strict on my wake schedule since I have to adapt to Dirk's Kona training--but this summer I have somehow managed to become a morning person--which is like some kind of mini-miracle.

Summer Shots: With my trusty iPhone in hand, I captured some pretty awesome memories this summer. My Scenes of Summer project went off without a hitch. From those many lattes to the August Break, I had tons of stuff to keep me inspired this summer.

So now that Fall is officially here: I am looking forward to pumpkin spiced lattes, jack-o-lanterns, and all that jazz. But really, I am looking forward to getting more things done and being productive while remaining inspired and creative on the journey.

I have settled into a nice routine and have began writing parts of the Big D. I have a number of writing goals in site, and the first big one is due in January. That means I am going to be spending quite some time putting fingers to keyboard and pencil to paper this Fall. I also have a presentation in October that I have been working on and it is coming along nicely. I am pretty stoked about that.

On a side note, I have acquired a new and oh-so-lovely Moleskine planner. Woah, I never thought I would actually have so much affection for an organizational tool. It is functional, sleek, and perfect in every way. Combine that with my Pentel mechanical pencil (.7mm) and I am set for a productive Fall.

This season's inspiration and creativity segment will be brought to you by the lovely Susannah Conway via her Unravelling course. That is due to start in a couple of short days. Stay tuned!

The 3 B's of Boulder: Books, Bikes, and Beans

2011-09-02T23:34:00.003+02:00

This summer has been rad. Here is a little update about what I have been up to:

Books: The summer has been filled with page upon page of interesting reads about diss related things. Working on my dissertation has been such a great experience and labor of love. After some chats with my advisor, I took his advice (well--he is the advisor afterall) and started working on the Concrete Model of my thesis----aka Chapter 3--which has been exciting. I have been reading lots about the Tour de France and just trying to get into the head of a cyclist. I even went to the Colorado Pro Cycling Challenge for a bit of "in field research". It has been a lot of fun so far and I am falling more and more in love with my topic.

Bikes: On that note, I have also spent plenty of time riding around on all sorts of bikes--from cruisers to road bikes to mountain bikes. I guess it is all part of the "research" isn't it?

Beans: I spent lots of time in cafes in Boulder, drinking 8oz lattes (you can see my coffee collection here). Taking those shots were part of my August Break--which was very cool indeed. I had such a good time capturing moments on my iPhone and sharing them with the other 789 August Breakers.

There are officially three weeks left of summer! Cannot believe it. I am going to make those weeks last. Here is what is coming up for me:

Telling my Story: I am taking part in Unravelling #2: Living in My World. I am excited about this little e-course that is scheduled to start mid-September. I enjoyed the first e-course so much and I am sure this one is going to be even better. Susannah's e-courses are perfect for someone like me, who is traveling all the time. I still get to have that creative outlet and push the limits of my self awareness, without having to be in one place for too long.

Traveling to Hawaii: Like the past two years, Dirk and I will be traveling back to Kona for the IM World Champs. The big island has a pretty awesome vibe--and I am looking forward to getting into the aloha spirit and getting into my Chapter 3 Diss work. We will be in Kona for a month total. Should be fantastic.

Reading Good Blogs: I have found so much inspiration from some cool people out in the blogosphere. I keep an ongoing blogroll on the right hand side of my page--so feel free to click over to visit any of these inspiring ladies and lads. It has brought me a lot of joy being able to get my daily dose of inspiration via these folks--and I plan to keep that up.

Week Four: My favorite four

2011-08-29T02:39:00.000+02:00

Week Three: My favorite four

2011-08-21T22:54:00.000+02:00

Week Two: My favorite four

2011-08-15T03:44:00.000+02:00

Week One: My favorite four

2011-08-07T15:23:00.008+02:00

The August Break 2011

2011-08-01T07:05:00.016+02:00

I am taking part in The August Break this month! So, I am one of a few hundred of us who are going to take a little break from the blogosphere and focus on taking cool photographs of our summer days in August!

This August I am in Boulder, Colorado enjoying laid back mountain life. I should have some pretty cool moments--so keep checking my flickr page for the update!

A quote from my recent Pomodoro...

2011-07-29T21:36:00.002+02:00

It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied. Better to be a Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied. And if the fool or the pig are of a different opinion, it is because they only know their side of the question.

-John Stuart Mill

29, on the eve of 30: An open letter to my third decade.

2011-07-03T18:02:00.000+02:00

So, here I am...29, on the eve of 30.

You've been good to me 20's. Thanks for all that we've been through together. You taught me to be who I am, to believe in myself, and to have the courage to jump when I have no idea what I will land on. You and I've shared a broken heart or two, plenty of hangovers, lots of time moving boxes, and sitting in airplanes. We have no regrets. We flew the nest together and rebuilt it many a times. We learned languages figured out how to speak our mind. You have been good to me 20's. Thanks for all of the smiles, ah ha moments, and those handful of very good friends you have put on my path. We have rocked out and slept in, contemplated and commiserated, procrastinated and graduated. We have loved and been loved, and we have enjoyed each others company to the fullest. It's been a good run 20's..but now it's time to part.

I am excited to meet your older wiser sister tomorrow--the 30's! I am hoping she is half as cool as you are!

So, just a couple more hours and I will be on my way. I can only wish that you greet some other hopeful 19 year old on the eve of her 20's, and you treat her as you well as you did me.

Summer Experiments...

2011-06-24T23:44:00.003+02:00

Because I have some very specific goals in mind this summer (namely the big D), I have a couple experiments in mind. The summer solstice has come and gone and it is about time for a re-evaluation of where I am, where I want to be, and how in the heck I am going to get there. These experiments are going to help me out on the way.

Experiment Number One:
Up with the Sun

I am going to need to have a few more productive hours each day, so I am going to start getting up earlier. How early? Pretty early. My alarm clock is going off exactly at sunrise each morning, which is roughly 6:30am. I have been letting my wake up time creep up to nearly 9am lately--which is not exactly in the interest on my productivity (or happiness). This summer I am making sure I don't miss any of those quiet hours of the morning. Don't worry, I won't forget--I even have an app that reminds me.

Experiment Number Two:
The Official Social Media Summer Break (and the The Return of the Face to Face Connection)

Facebook and Twitter are amazing tools and great ways to stay connected to people who are far away--but as amazing as they are--they do have their down sides. These two guilty pleasures have got to go. Not that I don't like knowing what everyone had for breakfast this morning, but I have to stay focused on what is important this summer. So, browsing through photographs of old high school buddies is not on the top of the agenda for me. This might be tough, but I gotta do what I gotta do!

With all of this online hoopla, I feel like face-to-face connection has become an afterthought. I am going to spend time with cool people in "real life" and really try to make an effort to learn from and enjoy those awesome people in my life. Since I am going to be spending hours and hours reading the philosophical works of the deceased--it will be nice to have a break to chat with a live human from time to time.

Experiment Number Three:
Scenes of Summer via Instagram

Okay, so this doesn't exactly up my productivity quota, but since I recently broke my Nikon lens (long story)... I need a way to quickly snap shots of all of the (loads of) cool things that happen to me each day. Enter Instagram--that fun packed iPhone app that captures summer moments in a blink. Best of all, it doesn't require any downloading, editing, and uploading--so I have more time to focus on important things in life--like writing... and remembering to call my Granny.

Bavarian Roadtrip & the Value of Hard Work

2011-06-20T15:44:00.008+02:00

We set off for Europe in early May and after taking care of business here in Luxembourg for a couple of weeks, headed for Bavaria with nothing on our minds but relaxing with a Weissbier while overlooking the Alps.

We started out in the Königsee in Berchtesgaden, on the Austrian Border, and then drove to Chiemsee. We took time to visit the castle on the Herreninsel there, built by König Ludwig II (my latest obsession). We rented a little electric boat and cruised around the lake, hung out with the über-cool in Übersee, and had plenty of heart-to-hearts while sipping Aperol-Spritz. We drove to Munich for a couple of days, rented bikes and cycled through the English Garden (my Electra Cruiser was oh so lovely), visited the Augustiner Brauhaus, and had too many glasses of Champagne in Munich's star studded bars and clubs. Absolutely amazing--that's all I can say about Munich. I am completely in love with that city.

Next, we headed over to the Tegernsee for a few nights and spent some very good times with Dirk's parents. The food was fantastic--well maybe too fantastic ;) and the company was even better. So much laughing really good times together. Dirk says it was some of the best times he has had with his parents in years--laughing till it hurt. Definitely something to remember.

Our last stop was Füssen, the fairytale spot in Eastern Allgäu. One word to describe this place: Wow. It is really from another world. From our apartment in Hopfen we could see the castles Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein nestled in the alps, with the view of the Fogernsee & Hopfen lakes just in front of them. Dirk and I swam across the fresh Fogernsee and walked around the old town sampling the Bavarian delicatessens.

Towards the end of the trip, I went on a rainy run around the lake and started to think about something that I recently read by Kahlil Gibran (special thanks to Vanessa for introducing me to this book):

You work that you may keep pace with the earth and the soul of the earth. For to be idle is to become a stranger unto the seasons, and to step out of life's procession, that marches in majesty in proud submission towards the infinite. ...When you work you fulfil a part of earth's furthest dream, assigned to you when that dream was born, and in keeping yourself with labour you are in truth loving life, and to love life through labor is to be intimate with life's inmost secret.

Although holiday time is lovely--it is not what life's all about. It may seem really great to be on a permanent vacation--but there is definitely something missing in the idleness of hols. At the end of the trip I was getting pretty antsy to get back into the daily grind.

So, now it's time to keep my nose to the grindstone and work on my PhD--as intimidating as it may be.

You may be asking, why would I want to do such a thing? Well, somethings gotta keep me marching in majesty in proud submission to the infinite, right?

Off to write now :)

To Everything there is a Season

2011-05-15T15:45:00.005+02:00

Been contemplating my life--and where I am right now. This bible verse has helped me gain some perspective.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war and a time of peace.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

An Ode to Grandma

2011-04-09T19:21:00.004+02:00

My grandma, Dorothea Lucille Saunders Pellicer born October 2, 1921 passed away March 27, 2011 after her battle with Leukemia. It was an emotional few months since she was diagnosed at the end of last year. I remember exactly where I was when I heard that she was sick: at our apartment in Bereldange, Luxembourg sitting on my couch next to Dirk. As I heard my mom’s voice over the phone I knew that it meant that Grandma didn’t have much time left with us. I was in disbelief and all I wanted to do was to see her.

So, we cancelled our ski holiday plans and booked a flight to Florida where we remained for the next few months. During this time, I was able to spend a few great moments next to Grandma’s bed where I shared stories of our times spent together. I was able to let her know how much I love here and how grateful I am for all of those memories that we have together. Those visits were so valuable to me and will always be remembered.

A few of the many lessons learned from the 4’11” giant that I called Grandma:

-Blackberry brandy cures everything
-Ain’t isn’t a word
-A woman can never have too many shoes
-Knowing a little about a lot can get you pretty far (in crossword puzzles and in life)
-Stand by your man
-Good things come in small packages
-Knowing how to set a table is a priceless bit of information
-Own a pair of traveling shoes and wear them often
-Driving miles to avoid a speed bump is a perfectly logical idea
-One should always end sentences with “isn’t that something though” or “don’t you?”
-Reading is on of the best ways to develop your mind

So, Grandma, thanks for everything that you taught me this time around. In the land of farm manners and country grammar, you were a beacon of poised brilliance and elegance. I will do my best to pass on all that you taught me. I know I am taking a part of you with me everywhere I go. From your flat feet to your sophisticated style, you are hard-wired into my DNA and into my heart. I think that is pretty special, don’t you?

Alicia Bockel, A.B.D.

2011-02-17T04:57:00.007+01:00

Okay, so I have decided today that it is about time I got a bit more serious about my PhD progress. The procrastination has been killing me. Combine that huge project with the renovations and repairs and I am one overwhelmed little lady lately.

I am officially an A.B.D. now--which stands for All But Dissertation. Yes, this is an official term. It is the acronym used for those students who have completed all of the PhD requirements in their program but have yet to finish the big D.

Dissertation. That word carries quite a bit of emotional baggage.

I must look up out of the depths of despair and write. Step by step, line by line, word by word.

This quote is going on my wall:

"The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time." Sydney Smiles

Let's get dissertating.

Dreams fulfilled in 2010

2011-02-08T04:24:00.005+01:00

I know it is already February--but I still wanted to take some time to properly reflect on 2010 and all it brought my way. As you know, I have The Little List of things I want to do in this life, and I just went through to see how many of them I owe to 2010. Crazy when you don't even realize that you are doing things on your list but somehow they magically happen. Just goes to show me just how important writing down goals really is--sometimes that is all you have to do!

~~Practice daily yoga~~ (Bikram yoga in Boulder 2010)
~~Have a flourishing herb garden~~ (window herb garden at 28 1/2 Rohde)
~~Have a weekly date with my mom~~ (weekly Goodwill hunt 2010)
~~Paint a picture to give as a gift~~ (painted pics for babies Mathilda, Harry, and Anastasia).
~~Bake bread from scratch~~ (baked lots of bread in 2010)
~~Have beautiful cook books~~ (have a few by now--all lovely)
~~Sew my own outfit~~ (sewed lots of clothes with my sewing machine in 2010)
~~Have a spa day with mama~~ (mani-pedi mother's day spa present in 2010)
~~Have a breakfast nook~~ (the best ever breakfast nook at 28 1/2 Rohde--)

Home

2011-02-08T00:55:00.004+01:00

So, first of all--let me throw this out there: I know it has been a heck of a long time since I blogged. I am here to rectify that issue and take up where I left off...

My life was a whirlwind the last part of 2010 and after Ironman Hawaii and Ironman Florida we spent some well deserved time in Italy at an amazing spa hotel--soaking up the relaxation together. It was awesome to get a break from the world and hang out in a fancy bathrobe all day (and matching slippers). We spent every night drinking great wine and eating delicately delicious meals--lots of time for cuddling up and kissing, and hanging out in the sauna with random naked euros.

After that little hiatus Dirk and I decided to make some changes for 2011. Dirk now has a manager that takes care of all his sponsorship deals--which leaves me with a lot less to worry about and a lot more time to cook great meals--more on that in a second.

Dirk and I decided to buy an apartment in Luxembourg (Bereldange to be exact)--and it has been converted into this little cute studio and a shop front. The shop front now houses a lovely sandwich shop called "Carpe Diem" that sells tasty treats for Luxembourg's ladies and lads who lunch. In the back, we have created this great little oasis of a studio--which has been completely optimized and customized to fit our needs. Trying to convert a little matchbox into a mini mansion was a pretty big project but I loved every minute of it. It turned out really cool in the end and gave me the confidence to tackle the big kahuna--28 Rohde.

We spent a few nice weeks in Luxembourg--and then booked a flight to Florida. We had initially planned to go skiing in the alps for a few weeks but because we heard some bad news about my Grandma we booked a flight right to Florida. My little Grandma is really sick with Leukemia.

I am not sure if I am ready to write about it yet--but the time will come (very soon I hope) when I can express exactly how I feel about her and what I am going through. Right now I am a little blocked I guess. Maybe that is what has been blocking me in general lately--I just feel like if I let out one little drop of emotion, then a whole waterfall will be released. And I don't want any waterfalls right now.

So that brings me to the next big thing.... 28 Rohde Avenue. Lovely isn't it? That is the new address for Casa Bockel. We have finally moved into our little place in the world. It is just splendid. It is HOME.

Home as been absent from our lives for a long time. We had a house once, but it wasn't really home. Then we had a suitcase instead of a house--and that just didn't do it either. Now we have a home--a real rock to stand on. It is a crazy feeling knowing that the things I have are not going to be packed up in a few weeks and squeezed into a suitcase. It is foreign to be able to buy heavy things without having to worry about them incurring crazy overweight luggage fees. This is quite the experience to be able to cook in my own kitchen--to have real spices and dishes again--to make friends that I can text with and actually get to know for more than a few weeks at a time. That daily life interaction is something that was absent from our lives while we were "on the road" and I realize how important that is. I love that my buddies can come unannounced and have a chat and I am enjoying having my brother a few blocks away. I like that my parents can tell me their daily plans and dilemmas and I can legitimately have relationships with people face-to-face again. Friendship is such a blessing. It makes my life so rich in so many ways.

Welcome to Hawaii....

2010-09-27T03:36:00.003+02:00

We arrived in Hawaii a week ago. It has been great to be back on the Big Island. There is something about this place that just makes me very happy. Some kind of peaceful vibe out here that makes me feel more like myself.

Since I have been in Hawaii I have been:

Stand Up Paddling: One of our friends has a couple of boards and she took me out. We saw lots of dolphins and manta rays--they were so close. I fell of the board and cut my arm--but will be back out tomorrow to keep practicing. I really want to master this skill before I leave.
Sporting Hot Pink Finger Nails: I got a nice manicure and pedicure with my friend Nikki--and chose hot pink. Somehow this color makes me feel really cool--funny how finger nail polish does that.
Contemplating a Tattoo: I have been thinking about getting a tattoo for a long time--but somehow didn't know if the permanence was something that I would be in to. Still thinking about it though. If I do get one, it will read Deus Caritas Est, which means "God is Love" in Latin. It is also the first encyclical letter of Pope Benedict XVI.
Taking Photos: My new awesome lens arrived and I am taking loads of cool sports pics with it. What a difference a lens makes! It has been really great.
Getting Ice, Water, etc: I have basically been Dirk's personal Sherpa since we arrived. Getting ice for his ice baths, handing him water every mile on his 2 hour run, rubbing his feet. All in a day's work.
Driving a Convertible: We decided to rent this awesome red Mustang convertible for our 3 week stay in Hawaii. Wow, convertibles make driving so much more fun and cool. Dirk and I are loving it.
Swimming Laps: Kona has this great FREE outdoor pool--so I am taking full advantage of it on my trip this time. I couldn't swim all that much in Boulder because I didn't have a swim pass--so now I am making up for lost time and getting in some laps--I like it.

Boulder...

2010-09-27T03:06:00.005+02:00

We had a great 6 weeks in Boulder this Fall--just left last week. Here is a little bit about the time there to update you guys...

Triathlon 24/7: More and more of my life has become about Dirk's training and becoming a one-woman triathlete support crew. Just from being around it all the time, I have noticed that I have really come a long way in terms of understanding how things work in the biz and how to help make Dirk's life easier.

So about Boulder: The mountains are just something that always seem to impress me and I never get tired of them. When in Boulder, I spent most of my days either at coffee shops, running errands around town, or in Bikram Yoga class. I always wanted to have a daily yoga practice and I was able to intensely learn about yoga and practice it in a great studio out there, Boulder's Bikram College of India. I was drawn to the place because of the nice people working there and the seriousness of the type of yoga--and I came into the whole thing with a very humble attitude. The instructors taught me a lot about my limits and what brings me true joy. As I mentioned in a previous post--something really cool happened when I started going. One of the teachers mentioned "Self Realization" and I immediately thought of Yoganada--a great yogi that my good friends Simon and Vanessa introduced me to. I have read some of his books and have been inspired by his teachings. Come to find out, Bikram was a student of Yogananda's brother--so there are a lot of similarities between Yogananda's practice and Bikrams. That was a great confirmation to me that I was exactly where I needed to be.

Fires and a Cold: We had a bit of stress during our last few days in Boulder because Dirk and I both got a bit sick. Getting sick is one of the hardest things for Dirk to deal with because he puts in so much effort into the training and doesn't want to lose any of it. Boulder also experienced some of the worst fires in history and many people in and around the mountains were evacuated. This meant that we were displaced for a few days--and we headed over to Colorado Springs to train in order to escape the smoke. Despite this--Dirk had a great training block and I really enjoyed myself when I was there. Joshua came to visit for a few days and it was so good to see him. I also met and caught up with dear friends--and I feel very blessed to be able to have such cool people in my life.

My New Best Friend: AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6

2010-09-13T21:42:00.003+02:00

Ok, so after much research and consulting with various people who know better than I do, I finally bought my new Kona-lens! I decided to go for the larger zoom and just use this for race photography instead of trying to combine it with a "normal" lens.

For sports, this baby is perfect--going to take some awesome shots of Dirk kicking butt in Kona in a few weeks. I got it refurbished, so got a smashing deal too! I am so excited!

Bikram virgin no more...

2010-08-17T06:23:00.003+02:00

I completed my first Bikram yoga class on Saturday...
...and it was so awesome that I also went on Sunday and Monday as well--and will go every day this week if I can.

I am addicted.

I admit it.

<---- I want to be able to do this one day.

I have never experienced anything like this in my life--it is truly an amazing experience. I kind of feel like I have gone home--like everything that I have done this far has lead me to this practice.

I will tell you a few reasons why in my next post.

How to be alone...

2010-08-10T21:28:00.002+02:00

I am up in Nederland, Colorado right now.

Dirk & I are staying here in the evenings and during the day heading down to Boulder for training and hanging out where the air isn't so thin.

I decided to stay up in Nederland and get some work done today.

It is strange to be away from Dirk--even if just for a day. We have been spending so much time together! He is the ultimate accessory.

I stumbled upon this lovely video that makes me appreciate being alone, if even for a day. I love it.

Sky-bottling from the balcony

2010-07-20T08:47:00.000+02:00

To give you a bit of background--I have just finished reading The Art of Travel, by Alain de Botton. Wow, this Alain de Botton is really a great author. I believe that I can connect with his thinking and that I get it. I like that. I like it when other people think like me or I think like them, and they inspire me to be more myself.

He talks about the human desire to possess beauty. Like when one goes traveling, there is an impulse present that makes us want to take some of the beauty of a scene home with us. Some people do it by buying souvenirs and taking pictures.

De Botton notes these 5 points about the human response to beauty--as described by John Ruskin:

1. Beauty was the result of a number of complex factors that affected the mind both psychologically and visually.
2. Humans had an innate tendency to respond to beauty and to desire to possess it.
3. There were many lower expressions of this desire for possession (like buying souvenirs & carpets, carving one's name on a pillar and taking photographs).
4. There is only one way to possess beauty properly, and that was by understanding it, by making oneself conscious of the factors (psychological and visual) responsible for it.
5. The most effective means of pursuing this conscious understand was by attempting to describe beautiful places through art, by writing about or drawing them, irrespective of whether one happened to have any talent for doing so.

Through all of the amazing things I have seen on my travels, I have come up against an issue that I hadn't known how to tackle--up until now. I have seen so many amazing and beautiful things! Moments filled with places that scream beauty. In an effort to try to remember how beautiful any moment is, I started taking photographs. I think this helped in some ways, but on the other hand, as Ruskin points out, it has made me lazy. I am able to just quickly capture a moment and come back to it later on at any given time. But then I have so many lovely photos that are saved on my hard drive--and a great many of them have no emotion attached to them. It is like I didn't leave enough time to understand the beauty that the photograph tries to capture.

Ruskin suggests that we draw or write about these beautiful moments. By doing so, we are forced to understand why we think something is beautiful, and we are able to let us effect us--and we can possess it in the sense that it is really ours.

So, this brings me to my balcony--and the word painting that has been waiting to come about. As per my last post, I have been taking some pictures from the view of my balcony--hoping to somehow capture what is so beautiful to me about it. But, I am afraid that the photos haven't been able to do the beauty justice--as they never can.

Ruskin was known for taking great notice of the sky--which was an ever present source of beauty for him. He was said to "bottle skies as carefully as his sherry-importing father did sherries."

My sky bottling technique is not as developed as the likes of Ruskin. My pallet is not quite mature as his yet--but I think my word painting will serve it's purpose of getting me to understand the beauty here.

July 17, 6:05 pm: A chilled bright evening. Many clouds--and a lot of different kinds of clouds . On the left the clouds cover the sky but have a blue tint to them--it is hard to see where the blue sky ends and the clouds begin. Above there are fluffy clouds that are mostly pure white but with hints of gray around the edges. They seem to be completely immovable--like they are part of the landscape and have always been there and like no wind could ever move them due to their heaviness. One is in the shape of the mountain that lies below--a transfiguration of the mountain. Just below this is a long light gray cloud that decapitates the mountain. Mountain is dark grey with tan specks that sometimes turn glowing bright green in the sunshine--making the mountains gleam as corroded brass.

Changing view...

2010-07-13T16:11:00.001+02:00

Traveling shoes...

2010-07-10T17:06:00.002+02:00

I have had an amazing summer so far--been traveling again. Here are some of the highlights since my last post:

In the past couple of weeks, I...

...bought an apartment in Bereldange, Luxembourg. It is lovely--and I am enjoying feathering a nest once again. It has been a lot of fun and also a comfort to me to have a little place in the world. We had been basically living out of a suitcase for more than a year--without a real place to hang our hats. Now we have two places on two sides of the world to hang our hats--need to get more hats.

...traveled to St. Poelten, Austria for a few days for a race--took in the lush green landscape. The contrast between Europe in Spring and Florida is so drastic--we have been loving the fresh air and green hills.

...turned 29 years old! Wow, it is a strange feeling to know that my 20's are nearing an end. I am excited and really looking forward to living this last year of my 20's. I think it has been a good run so far so want to roll into my 30's knowing that I have gotten every last bit of life out of my 20's.

Now I am...

...spending 4 weeks in Font Romeu, France--in the Pyrenees. It is lovely up here and Dirk has a nice group to train with. I have been taking advantage of the nice pool here and swimming lots! I am working on my goal of swimming 5k complete with flip turns--it has been really fun "training" a bit! I really love swimming!

...reading The Art of Travel, by Alain de Botton. Great book that explores the philosophical ideas behind traveling. It is making me think--which is always good. It is also inspiring me--which is even better.

...planning and booking travel for the rest of the year.

Soon I will be...

...painting some pictures up here in the mountains.

...hopping on board another plane--this time to the mountains in Colorado. We will be there for 6 weeks in August & September.

...doing Yoga up in the mountains. If available, I am going to take some classes while Dirk is doing his buildup for the Hawaii Ironman.

...hopping on board another plane to Hawaii--where Dirk has his big race. Three weeks in Hawaii leaves me with enough time to learn to surf--one of my big goals!

...buying a new lens for my camera.

...preparing for the 2 PhD courses I will take at the end of the year in Leipzig.

Quote love...

2010-07-03T10:35:00.002+02:00

Very many people spend money in ways quite different from those that their natural tastes would enjoin, merely because the respect of their neighbors depends upon their possession of a good car and their ability to give good dinners. As a matter of fact, any man who can obviously afford a car but genuinely prefers travels or a good library will in the end be much more respected than if he behaved exactly like everyone else.

– Bertrand Russell, The Conquest of Happiness

Belgian Cows...

2010-05-27T18:40:00.005+02:00

Dirk and I spent the past few days in Belgium visiting some dear friends--just taking in the awesome peaceful surroundings there. It was a great time.

We both are starting to realize how great the country is for our souls--the peacefulness of being away from the hustle and bustle is extremely refreshing.

So--now for the for the cows. I fell in love with these guys on one of our walks through the forest--aren't they sweet?

Goodbye my lovely St. Augustine.. see you soon

2010-05-15T03:23:00.003+02:00

In a couple of days, Dirk and I are off to Europe for the summer. We have so enjoyed the lovely days in St. Augustine, just hanging out with the family, sitting in cafes and sipping sweet drinks, meeting new friends and catching up with old ones, and riding around on our cruiser bikes.

We will be back soon St. Augustine--be good till we return.

A day at the beach...

2010-05-15T02:55:00.002+02:00

2forTuesday: Week 19

2010-05-11T02:39:00.001+02:00

We are beach-babes this 2forTuesday...

Vanessa took this shot of her daughter as she spent her Mother's day on the beach with her family. Her little girl is spending quality time with her little cousin.

My pic is from St. Augustine beach--I got my mom a mother/daughter manicure & pedicure for her Mother's Day gift--and I picked this rad color out. Loving summer already :)

2forTuesday: Week 18

2010-05-05T04:24:00.001+02:00

Vanessa - Alicia

Vanessa's shot is of her little daughter. This shot resembles one of the greatest things about being a mom and the power that mom's have to make their child's teary face turn into a smile with a simple cuddle. Vanessa feels really blessed to be a mom and to be able give this gift of nurturing to her babes. I thin that is a really insightful perspective that I can certainly learn from.

My shot is from my recent trip to Munich. Someone's old receipt has become a little sign of love for me. I guess it is all in the eyes of the beholder. There are so many times that beauty and love shows it's face to us--if we can only open our eyes to look.

2forTuesday: Week 17

2010-04-27T23:38:00.003+02:00

Vanessa - Alicia

Vanessa's shot is of her sweet little girl in the garden while they were picking wild flowers. Her face is worth a thousand words here--she is such a funny little character and makes everyone around her smile with her.

My pic is in New Orleans where I had a memorable breakfast with my husband at the Cafe du Monde--the French cafe that has world-famous and very delicious beignets.

Pin Cushion loving from Beijing...

2010-04-23T22:45:00.002+02:00

Special thanks to Ingrid over at Rufusandco who sent me this lovely handmade pincushion! It is getting me all inspired to do lots of little projects around here--specifically turning all of my old t-shirts into awesome material for making beautiful outfits :)

Thanks again Ingrid--you are a star!

Vagabonding Revisited

2010-04-21T22:07:00.000+02:00

I just watched this awesome video of a recent DO Lecture by Rolf Potts (author of the amazing book--Vagabonding). I came across the video as it was posted on Tim Ferriss’ blog--which I have been a avid follower of for years (it inspired me to take THIS big leap).

Since December of 2008 I decided to lead a life uncommon and sell most of my belongings to travel the world with my husband Dirk. Now I am sort of settling into a in-between state of travel and being “home” as we have decided to have two homes--one in Luxembourg and on in St. Augustine, FL.

Watching this video has really brought me back to why I decided to leave the average life of 9-5 and start on the path that I have chosen. And it also reminded me to be sure to stick to my convictions to continue to question “normal” thinking--and to reject those ideas that stuff = wealth. I mustn't slip into the consumerism mentality that is surrounding me from time to time. It is easy to fill those empty voids with stuff instead of just letting the empty space be as it is--simply empty and beautiful.

I would really encourage you guys to watch the above video and think about how you can incorporate these philosophies into your everyday life.

2forTuesday: Week 16

2010-04-21T22:02:00.002+02:00

Alicia - Vanessa

To see the meaning behind this week's pairing--check out Vanessa's site!

Simplify...

2010-04-17T05:18:00.001+02:00

Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need--a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and a little more than enough to drink, for thirst is a dangerous thing.

- Jerome Klapka Jerome

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...

2010-04-17T05:10:00.001+02:00

I have been reading this great little book that I got on sale for half price at a used bookstore in St. Augustine.

Wow, I didn't realize how much I would get out of this little book-wonder. I can actually say that it has changed me--and I guess it has been a while since I have read a book that has really spoken to me like this one has. There are so many great things inside... here are a couple that I really like:

Don't interrupt others or finish their sentences.
Let others have the glory.
Let others be "right" most of the time--would you rather be happy or right?
Allow yourself to be bored--just "be" instead of "doing".
Once a week, write a heartfelt letter.
Experiment with your back burner--let problems solve themselves with time by just leaving them alone.
Set aside quiet time every day.
Choose your battles wisely--is this really worth arguing over?
Become aware of your moods and don't be fooled by the low ones--don't try to analyze your life when you are down.
Praise and blame are all the same--you can't please all the people all the time.
Practice random acts of kindness.
Look beyond behavior: give people a break.
Spend a moment everyday thinking of someone to love.
Just for fun, agree with criticism directed towards you and then watch it go away.

I am only halfway through this little book and already learned a lot!

2forTuesday: Week 15

2010-04-13T22:01:00.001+02:00

Vanessa - Alicia

Vanessa has captured a deep look into her baby's eyes for this 2forTuesday. Wow, I have to say that I am amazed at how fast she is growing! Vanessa has been inspired by her innocence and her curiosity--and this picture really captures every bit.

My pic was taken while on a bike ride through St. Augustine, FL. Wow, this little earth-boat caught my eye. I wonder how nice it must feel to live in such a place--so free from all of the things that can weigh our spirits down.

2forTuesday: Week 14

2010-04-08T00:52:00.002+02:00

Vanessa - Alicia

Sorry I am a day late with this--but here is your Easter special for the 2forTuesday :)

Vanessa captured a shot of the lovely centerpiece from her sister-in-law's Easter Brunch.

I took my pic of my little cousin Jenna--who was oh-so-excited about finding her Easter eggs!

Hope you guys are enjoying Spring as much as I am--I am really just as content as can be--spending some time back in St. Augustine, FL for a few weeks. More to come soon!

2forTuesday: Week 13

2010-03-30T07:45:00.006+02:00

Vanessa - Alicia

This week is brought to you by the letter B!

Vanessa caught these two cute bums while bathing her little darlings. I caught this little B while walking through Luxembourg in the rain!

2forTuesday: Week 12

2010-03-23T14:59:00.001+01:00

Vanessa - Alicia

Tuesday is here again and here are our 2forTuesday pics for the week.

Vanessa took this sweet shot while doing a photoshoot. These little boy converse make her smile--and I agree. I actually own a pair of baby converse in in blue--I have no baby to wear them but I couldn't resist buying a pair when I saw them in the shop!

I took my photo while strolling through Luxembourg Sunday afternoon. All of the shops were closed and it was drizzling. These two ladies just jumped out at me--even the men in suits across the street were staring at them in all of their loveliness.

I love this.

2010-03-19T18:21:00.002+01:00

I love this.

2forTuesday: Week 11

2010-03-16T16:58:00.000+01:00

Vanessa - Alicia

Vanessa's shot: Her daughter Chloe looking cool as can be at the beach with the family!

My shot: Swim exit at the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon--where I watched my man swim, bike, and run his way to 2nd place (and the 20,000 USD prize).

For the love of travel... and updates about the upcoming

2010-03-11T13:37:00.002+01:00

I am back in my traveling shoes again! It has been a long 2.5 months since I have packed my life into my suitcase to board a plane. It feels like forever. I have been enjoying building the nest back in St. Augustine, FL for a while--but it seems that I cannot stay rooted for too long.

For a bit of an update about what I am doing right now...

This trip has taken me to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates--for the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon--where Dirk is racing. It is really exciting and new to be in this part of the world. Also, there is a lot of excitement surrounding the race which will start this Saturday here at the Emirates Palace.

After the race I will head to Leipzig to attend a Doctoral Seminar at my University. I love going to these seminars because it gives me a chance to gather my thoughts and exchange ideas with other students from the department--who are often enough alone in this little dissertation writing journey.

After Leipzig, Dirk and I will meet up in Frankfurt and head back home to Luxembourg for a while. We are not sure how long our stay will be--but considering the weather--it is difficult for Dirk to train there so we will try to get going back on our way as soon as we can.

Traveling has given me the chance to find myself. In the midst of all of the commotion--I always seem to figure things out. I have been known to be inspired while on planes and trains--and find clarity while sitting in hotel rooms and random cafes where the sounds of commotion in unfamiliar languages fills the air.

I heart traveling!

2forTuesday: Week 10

2010-03-09T10:25:00.001+01:00

Vanessa - Alicia

I am really excited to share this weeks photos with you. Vanessa and I have have really been in synch! The photos that we took this week were both of beautiful buildings, with similar shapes! We haven't spoken to one another about what we were photographing--so this makes this weeks pairing pretty amazing!

I am on a trip to Abu Dhabi right now, in the United Arab Emirates--and I have been really amazed by the beauty and architecture here. This photo is of the great mosque here. It is the third largest mosque in the world--and is open to the public. For me, it resembles the tolerance that Abu Dhabi has for people of all religions--because it is one of the few mosques that are open to everyone.

Vanessa took this photo while she was shooting some photos at the University of Tampa. The school used to be a hotel--designed by Henry Plant--one of Florida's early real estate developers.

2forTuesday: Week 9

2010-03-02T16:40:00.008+01:00

I am stoked about this weeks 2forTuesday. I have been pretty busy lately (as we all are I would assume) and the 2forTuesday is just a great excuse for me to get blogging!

I was excited to get to drive down to visit Vanessa this week and have a pre-birthday dinner with her! It was great to catch up in real life.

This week Vanessa is sharing her birthday breakfast with us! This tasty breakie looks like a shot from Eurpoean bakery--pretty amazing to find here in Florida. She is having an almond croissant and a cappaccino at a great cafe called Pane Rustica.

My shot is of a little kitten that lives nextdoor. I cannot tell you how happy this little guy makes me! He comes out to play right outside my window and when I am doing the dishes and I spot him out there I have to immediately go out to say hello. It makes me realize the joy that animals bring us!

2forTuesday: Week 8

2010-02-23T10:00:00.000+01:00

Hi guys--I am sending out some link love this week for our 2forTuesday! Please go to Vanessa's lovely site to see what this Tuesday has in store!!

While you are over there--check out some of her inspiring posts! I particularly love THIS ONE and THIS ONE!

Her honesty is very refreshing and I am very blessed to call her a friend!

2forTuesday: Week 7

2010-02-16T14:47:00.002+01:00

This weeks 2forTuesday brings Vanessa and I to two simple moments that madee us smile recently.

Vanessa's photo is of beautiful simple flowers in a vase. These flowers remind Vanessa that Spring is just around the corner. I am really glad that she has decided to showcase flowers this week--I think after the cold winter that we have been experiencing this year, flowers are so refreshing and give off a positive vibe.

My photo is of a tasty breakfast that I had with my husband last week--breakfast has become our daily ritual and I love it so.

Happy Valentines day my love...

2010-02-14T19:21:00.002+01:00

To my one and only Valentine,

Thank you for making every day a bit sweeter because you are in it. I am so glad to be able to call you my husband & my co-pilot, my schatzie & sweetheart, my breakfast chef & friend.

Happy Valentines Day!

I love you,

Alicia

Great inspiration for 2010!

2010-02-13T16:11:00.003+01:00

I know that 2010 is well underway and everyone has perhaps gotten into their grooves and routines for the year. I guess that sort of "newness" that January brought has slowly started to wear off for some of us. My soul sister and fellow blogger Vanessa Kessler has made some awesome "New Day's Resolutions" over at her blog Flourish: The Art of Living--and I have decided to take a deeper look into my resolutions this year (and this day) as well.

I came across this really great worksheet from Susannah--my Unravelling teacher and inspirer. She has created this awesome pdf that got me thinking more about what I want out of life. I will be sitting at a cafe filling this thing out as soon as I can get to a printer. I am really excited about it!

You can check out her post with the link to the pdf HERE. It is free and really pretty--I hope you guys enjoy!

2forTuesday: Week 6

2010-02-09T16:14:00.001+01:00

I am really excited about this week's two for Tuesday pairing--Vanessa and I both captured fleeting moments with comrades.

Vanessa took this lovely photo of her daughter and friends at dance class--she managed to really catch them in this special moment while they chat and their dance teacher is looking on.

I took my photo when having breakfast with my babe at a little french cafe here in St. Augustine. The world was still sleeping outside and we were up early--enjoying our coffee and breakfast at the sweet little cafe. These salt and pepper shakers are just so perfect together--so ordinary yet perfect.

2forTuesday: Week 5

2010-02-01T21:11:00.002+01:00

Vanessa - Alicia

This week's 2forTuesday takes Vanessa to a moment in her past. She took this shot while watching her husband and daughter on the merry-go-round. Her daughter seems so content sitting up there with her dad.

My photo is from a trail that we have been running near our place. It is really like some kind of a runner's dream. Perfect in every way--it makes me want to put on my running shoes and go!

2forTuesday: Collaboration with Vanessa Kessler

2010-01-26T15:06:00.005+01:00

Vanessa over at VanessaKesslerPhoto has so kindly agreed to begin a lovely project with me. Our Happiness Project: 2forTuesday will take us through 2010 with a smile :)

I actually got the idea from my Unravelling Teacher--aka Susannah Conway. I have been doing her Unravelling eCourse this winter and she is absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend that you check out her blog: Ink on my Fingers. She did a similar project with a fellow photographer, Alicia over at Bloom Grow Love.

So Vanessa and I were so inspired by their project that we decided to start a similar one to help us get through 2010 and stay connected with one another--here is how it works...

Every Tuesday we will be posting lovely shots from the previous week in our lives--capturing those fleeting moments that really bring joy to our hearts.

The rules of our little game are as follows:

1. The photos have to be taken by us (duh) from the previous week leading up to that Tuesday.
2. We cannot share our photo with one another until Monday night.
3. The photos have to bring us joy--the more the better :)

These are our photos for this week:

Vanessa - Alicia

To check out our "catch up batch" from the rest of the month CLICK HERE!

Looking forward to smiling with you guys every Tuesday :)

Reading in the sun

2010-01-23T21:45:00.001+01:00

I have been having a great time here in Clermont--lots of time for myself and time to get some reading done for my thesis. Life is good right now.

Bike Ride by the lake

2010-01-21T03:51:00.001+01:00

I went through a bike ride around Lake Minneola here in Clermont. Wow, the world was speaking to me in serious ways--so much beauty. I just couldn't stop smiling--I took these shots along the way.

Reflections of me at home

2010-01-16T16:46:00.005+01:00

Current Read: Walden by Henry David Thoreau

2010-01-14T17:35:00.000+01:00

"If a man loses pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away."

-Henry David Thoreau

Today....

2010-01-14T01:19:00.002+01:00

I love the smell of Spring around the corner

I love the sound of cafe music playing

I love the taste of afternoon tea

I love the sight of my brother's smile over lunch

I love the feel of being home

Inspired by Marta's mini diaries--see more lovely things that Marta is doing here

my favorite 4: Feet

2010-01-11T02:58:00.003+01:00

I am unravelling for the next couple of weeks.

Here are a few photos from this week's topic: Feet

my favorite 3: Sunset on the St. Johns River

2010-01-08T16:54:00.000+01:00

Evening stroll through St. Augustine

2010-01-03T04:19:00.002+01:00

At the dawn of 2010

2010-01-01T22:01:00.003+01:00

I spent the first day of 2010 having sweet coffee treats in sweet cafes in St. Augustine--with equally sweet company (Josh & Tati)

I am sitting here in the first moments of 2010 and am a bit in awe of it's loveliness--I already love you 2010--you are really just so beautiful and new--like I just bought you at the back-to-school special and cannot wait to try you on.

2009 can be called my year of flying the nest--letting everything go.

2010 will be my year of rebuilding the nest. Putting new parts together that mean the world to me.

Concert by the fire

2009-12-30T00:38:00.000+01:00

Spending the last moments of 2009 in Elkton--enjoying home grown music and taking in some family time.

Dreams fulfilled in 2009

2009-12-27T11:16:00.005+01:00

Thinking back on 2009 I realize that life is pretty amazing. I have fulfilled some of my dreams without even realizing it! Here are a few things that I did this year that make me very happy.

From my "list" come the following things that I am happy to say I have done in 2009!

Buy an old house with character (done in December 2009)
Take up photography (bought the Nikon December 2009--photos are posted on this blog!)
Cook Thanksgiving dinner (done in Ophir 2009)
Eat oysters together with my family (done December 2009)
Own a pair of low-top Converse (bought blue Converse December 2009)
Have a daily tea time (complete with cookies--December 2009)
Make a snow angel (done in Ophir Pass in Colorado November 2009)
Learn to knit (done in November 2009)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T11:30:00.001+01:00

Today I will take some time to reflect on how blessed I am--another wonderful Christmas and so many reasons to celebrate!

Sunset in Stuttgart

2009-12-23T22:37:00.001+01:00

I took these shots while Dirk drove us home to his parents for the holidays.

Driving through Elkton

2009-12-13T17:06:00.003+01:00

On my drive home to my parents I captured these lovely views.

For Dirk on his 33rd Birthday...

2009-10-18T19:31:00.001+02:00

Happy Birthday my sweetheart--another year that I am blessed to have you in my life. 33 will be the best year yet....

Nikon dreaming...

2009-10-04T21:36:00.000+02:00

I am dreaming about the Nikon D5000--and all of the amazing moments I will capture with it.

Oh Nikon D5000, I have a crush on you. One day you will be mine.

Freezing to death on a million dollar mattress...

2009-10-03T03:16:00.002+02:00

This is a great little story that I found in an workbook I am reading by Paul Myers. It made me think a bit... thought you might like it....

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I lived in Cleveland, Ohio. One day I read an article in the Plain Dealer that changed a lot of how I thought about life. It wasn't a happy article, but it carried a powerful lesson.

You may not know this, but the winters get really cold in Cleveland. Sometimes brutally cold. The article was about a man who literally froze to death in his sleep, in his apartment.

That was unusual, but not unheard of. When the police looked the place over to make sure the man wasn't the victim of a crime, they discovered something that shocked them.

No, the man wasn't murdered. He simply froze to death. The neighbors talked about how poor the man was. He bought only the cheapest food he could get, and kept the temperature in his tiny apartment so low that no one could visit him for long. Almost no one wanted to anyway. He was suspicious and paranoid.

While checking out his apartment, they noticed something odd about the mattress. When they looked, they discovered that it was stuffed with money. He had apparently saved virtually every penny he'd ever earned.

The man froze to death sleeping on over $1,000,000 worth of silver certificates.

Evolution of beauty...

2009-10-02T22:27:00.004+02:00

Once in a while...

2009-09-30T08:52:00.002+02:00

“Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.”

-Alan Keightley

The latest Malcolm Gladwell

2009-09-28T04:37:00.000+02:00

On my flight from Vegas to Kona I read the latest book by Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers.

I guess the fact that I read the entire book in one sitting shows that it is a great little entertaining read.

As with Gladwell's other two books, Outliers approached it's topic from a less than ordinary perspective. The book looks at people who have been successful throughout history and tries to find the reasoning behind this success. He debunks the idea that success is based on pure talent, and ties it into everything from someone's birthdate to where and when they grew up.

One point that really stands out to me is that success doesn't necessarily boil down to how gifted someone is at something--but it is more dependent on how much time someone spends doing something. The magic number seems to be 10,000 hours. So it takes about 10,000 hours to become an expert in something--no matter how old you are or who you are. He points out that real experts and successes (like the Beatles, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mozart) have all had extraordinary opportunities to practice their craft for hours and hours on end--10,000 hours actually--and this is what has made them successful.

Amazing--so this means that I could become a professional pianists if I dedicated 10,000 hours of my life to playing piano. Or I could become a ballerina if I decided that I wanted to do ballet for about 10,000 hours of my life. All of those things that a lot of people say are impossible to do past a certain age--they can all be done if one just dedicates enough time to them. Interesting idea. And I believe it.

It reminds me of all of the hours that my brother Josh spent playing guitar (and how he mastered it in just a few months) and all of the days and days he spent surfing, and skating, and building his businesses. I guess this crazy obsession that he has with reaching his goals by practicing and practicing from morning till night has been the secret of his ongoing success in everything he does!

This book has made me think about a few things differently--from how I should schedule my future children's summer vacations, to how much time I should spend doing meaningful tasks in my life, and how blessed I am to have been raised by parents who made it their priority to teach me to be a caring and loving person.

Blogs to inspire...

2009-09-21T11:12:00.000+02:00

Here are some of the new blog finds I have been savoring lately...

Mocking Bird

Marta Writes

Bloesem

Bloom Grow Love

and some of my long-time favorites...

Apartment Therapy

Pretty in the City

Nectar & Light

Check any of them out for a bit of inspiration... they are lovely.

I travel light...

2009-09-19T11:05:00.000+02:00

“I travel light; as light, that is, as a man can travel who will still carry his body around because of its sentimental value.”

- Christopher Fry

Recent read...

2009-09-19T10:28:00.002+02:00

I have recently read this lovely eBook by Leo Babauta, called The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life.

I really like it. It has lots of good ideas for getting rid of the extra stuff in life that just complicates things. I am living a real minimalist life at the moment--with all of my possessions fitting in my handy little suitcase. But, for all that this is worth, I know I will go back to normal life one day and integrate myself into (some kind of) society. With this in mind, the eBook helps to shine a little wisdom on the ever present pressure to succumb to consumption for consumptions sake--and is something to keep in mind for the future.

I would definitely recommend this little eBook (which can be read in a couple of hours) to anyone who is struggling with weeding out the unwanted junk in life, anyone who is stuck in a rut of monthly payments, anyone who buys clothes or shoes all the time in order to feel better, or anyone who would like to know where (true) freedom lies.

Food for thought...

2009-09-18T12:02:00.008+02:00

“Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like.”

- Will Rogers

To read...

2009-09-14T10:44:00.004+02:00

On Writing Well, By William Zinsser

Simple & Direct, By Jacques Barzun

Good in a Room: How to Sell yourself (and your Ideas) and Win over any Audience, By Stephanie Palmer

What they don't Teach you at Harvard Business School, By Mark McCormack

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, By Douglas Adams

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, By Shunryu Suzuki

The Leap: How 3 Simple Changes Can Propel Your Career from Good to Great, By Rick Smith

A Homemade Life, By Molly Wizenberg

Quinoa

2009-09-09T10:45:00.003+02:00

I am in love with this healthy seed.

I am looking forward to making in my kitchen one day when I have a kitchen again!

Check out some lovely dinner recipes at the kitchn, and and tasty breakfast recipe at simply breakfast!

I heart Quinoa!

Stuff I am loving right now...

2009-09-07T17:49:00.004+02:00

This website where a picture is worth a thousand scrumptious words...I am in love,

Joshua's eCourse 1.0 and particularly his chapter on Value--I am still learning so much from him,

Running, swimming, working out and being fit here in Fuerteventura,

Using Zen-to-Done to be productive from all over the world,

The thoughts of decorating my Airstream like this,

The idea of documenting myself on film for a while with this lovely lady,

and avocados on everything--especially egg sandwiches.

My little list

2009-09-01T13:02:00.014+02:00

This is not a to-do-list

This is a become list, a dream list, and an aspire list.

I have no pressure to cross things off--let things happen as they may. Life is already too busy to worry about getting everything done all the time.

But here is a little list of my dreams, hopes, and things I think about doing one day:

Get my PhD
Run a marathon
Have a baby
Buy an old house with character (28 Rohde, December 2009)
Have a sleeping porch
Plan a weekly menu on a chalkboard
Run 5 miles with my dad on the beach
Take piano lessons
Speak French
Make pottery using a wheel
~~Practice daily yoga~~ (Bikram yoga in Boulder 2010)
Take up photography (bought the Nikon December 2009--photos are posted on this blog)
Do a split
~~Have a flourishing herb garden~~ (window herb garden at 28 1/2 Rohde)
Own a cool bicycle
Write a book
Have an awesome blog
See the sunrise daily
Go on an African Safari
Send cards to my loved ones on a weekly basis
Cook Thanksgiving dinner (Ophir Thanksgiving 2009)
Go on a road trip with my brothers
Have a well read library
~~Have a weekly date with my mom~~ (weekly Goodwill hunt 2010)
~~Paint a picture to give as a gift~~ (painted pics for babies Mathilda, Harry, and Anastasia in 2010)
Document my life on film
Play in sprinklers
Go to Disney World with Dirk
Eat oysters together with my family (December 2009)
Get a small tattoo
Stay in the Alps for a summer
Have a picnic with Dirk on an island
Go SCUBA diving with Dirk
Swim 5k (with flip-turns)
See Minorca
Do cartwheels with kids
~~Bake bread from scratch~~ (baked lots of bread in 2010)
Own a pair of low-top Converse (bought blue Converse December 2009)
Bake a pie with my mom
Play a game of football
Have a sleepover
Play cards with Grandma
Build the perfect sand castle
Write a love letter
Plan a birthday party with games
Take a wine tasting course
Mow the neighbor's grass
Learn Tai Chi or Qigong
Have a girls only dinner party with every detail planned
Snowboard effortlessly
Do a detox week
Play a round of golf with Dirk
Prepare a candlelit dinner with a live violinist on a porch
~~Have a recipe book~~ (have a few by now)
Give blood
Make a time capsule
~~Sew my own outfit~~ (sewed lots of clothes with my sewing machine in 2010)
Change a tire
Own an airstream
Go camping in a tent
Go to baby swimming lessons with my baby
Help my mom have a yard sale
Learn to whistle as loud as mama
Go on a wine tasting tour of California
Go skinny dipping
~~Have a spa day with mama~~ (mani-pedi mother's day spa present in 2010)
Go ice skating
Go sailing
Teach an undergraduate course
Can homemade jam
Make my own Nutella
Make Datil Pepper sauce with my mom
Have a scavenger hunt
Learn how to play tennis
Be one of those people who carries around sunscreen all the time
Find a mentor/guru
Memorize some knock-knock jokes
Give my Grandma a manicure
Have a cross-country team reunion
~~Join the Minorcan Heritage club~~ (Signed up January 2011)
Watch a Fraggle Rock Episode
Build a proper snowman (with a carrot nose)
Have a daily tea time (complete with cookies--December 2009)
Make a “reasons I love you” list for people I love
Have a tea party and invite at least one teddy bear
Create a vision board
Make homemade ice-cream
Have a snowball fight
Make an origami crane
Have a jump roping contest
Achieve a PB in 10k
Go oysterin’ with my daddy
Chase fireflies
Have a star watching evening
Make a snow angel (Ophir Pass, Colorado November 2009)
Watch an eclipse
Learn to knit (November 2009)
Sew my own handbag out of old t-shirts
~~Have a breakfast nook~~ (the best ever breakfast nook at 28 1/2 Rohde)
Speak Luxembourgish
Have a fire pit
Fall asleep on a hammock
Write German without a spellchecker
Paint a wall a fun bright color
Stand-up-paddle
Make an affirmation pledge for 40 days
Have a knackarsch
Own an beautiful and inspiring outdoor seating area
Write a book
Go on a photography road trip
Cultivate discipline

Emotions observed on the bus.

2009-07-18T16:00:00.000+02:00

A scruffy man with Turkish decent is sitting across the aisle from me in the bus as we are about to leave to go to the airport.

As the bus is parked and people are loading on, a little boy runs into the bus and holds his arms outstretched wide.

He yells, “papa, papa” and runs to give the scruffy man a hug. The man is overwhelmed with joy.

I am almost in tears as I think about how amazing that feeling must be for the man.

The little boy starts to leave the bus and then turns around again to come back and give his daddy a second hug. A really sweet heartfelt hug.

The bus starts to leave and and we are stuck in traffic around the bus station. The little boy continues to wave--for about 5 minutes straight.
 Then when the bus finally takes off, he waves a final time and blows his daddy a big kiss.

I don’t think I have ever seen such an affectionate little boy who loves his daddy so much!

So this shows me that everyone and anyone can be my teacher. Maybe I learned more in that moment then I did during my whole PhD seminar this week!

One moment...

2009-07-12T15:31:00.003+02:00

I am sitting on the balcony of my room in Leipzig. Well actually it isn’t really a balcony--it is like a little outlook-nook. I have created my very own nest in the sky. Such a nice feeling--sitting up here in my little makeshift writing nook, overlooking the people walking along the street. They don’t even know that I am up here... observing and listening to the amazing music being played by the accordion man sitting outside of the church. I have boxed seats to the best show in town.

Something I have just realized (aka a Nugget of Wisdom):

I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Right here, right now. I have stopped saying “wish you were here” and “wish I could be there.”--I am happy where I am right here in this moment. I do not forget to savor the here in now because I want to be in another here and now. This here and now is exactly perfect for me.

I am not living my life so many moments ahead each day and spending this moment planning too much for the next ones that may or may not come. Yes, I do need to do some necessary planning for the future, but I am not living there. I am living here! This moment is something that every other moment in my life has led up to! It is the grand moment that finally has a chance to unfold. I am not going to short change this moment--I am going to let it reveal itself in all it’s glory. After all--this moment will only happen once in a lifetime.

Nuggets of wisdom learnt lately...

2009-07-07T09:15:00.010+02:00

I am down in the South of France and taking some time to slow down. Our time in Luxembourg was really really busy (in a good way--lots of great things are now checked off the to-do-list) but I really needed a break after that!

We are here in Le Barcares for a bit before I head over to Leipzig for my PhD summer school session. We are spending our days soaking in the lovely view from the terrace and feeling the sand beneath our feet--really a great experience (thanks to the Wagner's).

I have been keeping up my running habit since I have been in Europe and I have to say--it is awesome. I am feeling really great about that.

(Nugget of Wisdom #1): People really underestimate the power of movement in everyday life. It is so important. We spend so much time trying to figure out the source of the "problems" in life and not enough time just getting out there and doing something! All it takes is a 30 minute run (in any kind of weather) to get us looking at the world in a positive way. It is so simple & so powerful.

One reason I was so busy in Luxembourg was that I was attempting to visit so many old friends. I knew that I wouldn't see them again for a long time--so I tried my best to squeeze in some time with as many of my friends as possible! (Nugget of Wisdom #2): Time filters the friends we have and makes us realize which ones are lifelong friends, and which ones are there to fill a void for the short term. It is always the ones that we least expect that are there for us when we need them. The ones that we least expect keep in contact with us when we are gone. The ones that we least expect are the ones that really care about us and are "real friends". It is a bit sad to see those short term friends turn into acquaintances--but our time is precious--and with friends only the real ones survive.

I appreciate the fact that I have such an awesome life. I am happy with the choices that I made this far. I am grateful for the chances that I have been given and the home that I was brought up in. However, (Nuggest of Wisdom #3): life is full of chances and choices... and there is no such thing as being "lucky". People always tell me that I am "so lucky that I get to travel all the time" --well luck has nothing to do with it. For most of the people living in the western world, such a life of travel is completely within grasp. We all have choices each day (a choice to get up, go to work, live our lives in the same rat race, in the same routine, in the same cubical, talking to the same work colleagues about the same topics). This routine is comforting. This routine is secure. This routine is BORING. But we are choose to be there--so we cannot complain. Where we are in life is a direct result of the choices that we have made.

On my travels I have met some interesting folks who also like to travel. It is really funny that among these people there are a little inside cliques. There are the Vacationers, the Tourists, and the Travelers.

Vacationers are basically just visiting some place (usually a resort) in order to get away from life for a while. The vacation is just a resting period before they will go back to work. Vacationers usually travel for weekends or a few weeks at most and try to spend most of their time sitting by the pool or eating big dinners from a buffet.

Then there are the Tourists. Tourists visit a lot of places and take photos next to all of the monuments. They take note of all of the places where they have been--and then tell all there friends about it when they come home. "Here is a photo of me next to the Eiffel tower, here is a photo of me next to the guard at Buckingham Palace." When looking back on a trip, a Tourist cannot remember what actually happened during their weeks away--all they have to stand for the trip is a photo album and some trinkets from the gift shop.

Last but not least, there are the Travelers. Travelers are people who travel because they want to let a foreign culture wrap itself around them and change their view of the world forever. They go to little local cafes and sit and watch the people walk by for hours. They look at things in detail and walk slowly down the foreign streets observing the emotions of the local people. They listen to what the new place is telling them about themselves.

(Nugget of Wisdom #4): I know that each trip has a bit of Vacation, Tourism, and Traveling... but I always try to be a Traveler. I want to force myself to grow more and more each day--and really traveling is a great way to do that.

Back in the EU (without 9-5)

2009-06-01T23:25:00.004+02:00

So I have made it full circle and am back in Luxembourg once again.

All I have to say is WOW. I feel like I am looking at Europe through very different eyes. The whole world looks beautiful without 9-5 getting in the way. The day is mine and I can let it unfold how it will--I can decide how and when I want to discover life. Freedom means so many different things to so many different people--and to me it means being able to go to lunch without worrying about the waiter bringing the check in time for me to get back to the office. Tomorrow I will go and sit in a cafe, watch the people in suits rush around looking at their watches and then think to myself, "life is so much better when it runs on Alicia time."

back to my blogging...MAC style

2009-04-26T19:16:00.002+02:00

I am so excited to be blogging for the first time from my new MAC! It is really a great machine and I think my logged hours on the computer will be going up! It is a really fun and different experience from my old PC--I am happy I made the decision to switch!

We are currently in the Tampa Bay area and about to leave for St. Croix for Dirk's first 70.3 race of the season. I am so excited to see him racing there!! It is going to be awesome.

I had such an amazing time in New York last week visiting Josh! It was really great because my mom finally was able to make it up there and it was so much fun showing her the city and spending time with her. Being around her and Josh brought me back to the days when we were kids. I love spending time with my brothers because I feel like they were my original buddies. They really know me and they love me anyway--which is really a great feeling. I have so much love for them and I cannot explain it. I guess every big sister knows what I am talking about though...

It was so cool to see my mom in the big city--just enjoying herself and exploring things. I am looking forward to the time when I can make an even stronger habit of expanding my parent's reality and challenging them to do new crazy things--somebody has to be the "enforcer" as my mom calls it.

I have been having a really great time spending time with Dirk and just taking life in. It is pretty amazing really--we are making huge advancements in life and business that really motivates us. I will be linking to Dirk's new website really soon--it is an awesome site and we have been putting a lot of work into it so I am excited to share it with the virtual world very soon!

So between running, creating, researching, and motivating--there is still plenty of time for enjoying the finer things in life (like little Chloe's laugh, a sunset at St. Pete Beach, or a good conversation with my Mom). I am one blessed girl.

One man's version of the meaning of life...

2009-03-19T10:39:00.002+01:00

"You want to get rich in order that you may eat, drink, and be merry when it is time to do these things; in order that you may surround yourself with beautiful things, see distant lands, feed your mind, and develop your intellect; in order that you may love men and do kind things, and be able to play a good part in helping the world to find truth."

-Wallace Wattles

Jet setting from Auckland to San Francisco

2009-03-11T18:54:00.004+01:00

Dirk and I have had a crazy past couple of weeks, and haved lived to tell about it.

He had his first Ironman last weekend--and had an amazing result--3rd place. He put in an awesome effort and I am really proud of him. When I saw him cross the finish line, I knew that he had really given his ALL during that race. It is amazing how his race mentality has changed and his confidence has been boosted since he has gone to long distance racing--and the future for him certainly looks great!

We are both a bit bruised at the moment--Dirk is recovering from his race, and I am recovering from a scooter accident that I had during the race. I hit my head pretty hard and have a burn on my leg from the exhaust, combined with a few brusies and scratches. My nice tan legs look pretty disgusting at the moment but everything will heal again soon. The human body is really amazing in that sense. It is amazing how much we can handle and how we can heal ourselves.

We finally left New Zealand and have arrived in San Francisco yesterday. We had an awesome time in New Zealand--and met some absolutely great people. I just think about the chances I would have had to meet so many interesting people if I were stuck in an office in Luxembourg--people who are so open and interesting--who are living their lives to the absolute fullest and making memories that are worth remembering.

San Francisco seems to be really cool so far. We are a bit south of the city and are able to go to a couple of cool places on the coast pretty easily. Right now though--Dirk and I are just hanging out and trying to recover from our hectic last week building up to the Ironman. So we are off to have some coffee together at little cafes and to stroll down sunny streets hand-in-hand.

25 Random things about me...

2009-02-05T22:43:00.006+01:00

1. People say I am “high on life” and I guess they are right.
2. I am super proud on my two brothers, and I talk about them constantly (even to strangers in the grocery line, on the plane, and anywhere else you can find strangers).
3. I think accents are hot and will go to every expense to surround myself with people who speak with one.
4. I get really entertaining after a bit of alcohol and can make entire rooms break into laughing fits (this skill actually runs in my family).
5. As a child, I had to hold my brothers hand and walk around the neighborhood as a punishment for fighting with them.
6. I hate working a 9-5 job and hope I never have to do that again!
7. I make strange sounds when reading interesting books (i.e. “hmmm” “okay” “wow”).
8. I am proud to be a nerd and love to hang out in the library and surf the shelves.
9. I think that all girls have a right to do what they need to do to feel pretty!
10. I will be fluent in French before the end of ~~2009~~ 2015.
11. My parents are two of the coolest people I know.
12. I get along best with philosophical silly people.
13. I make an effort to meet interesting people and have extraordinary experiences every day.
14. Living abroad has made me liberal.
15. ~~I only own 4 pairs of shoes~~. Okay, slightly more now--since I live in a house and not out of a suitcase.
16. ~~My iPod has a really strange mix of music on it ranging from Modest Mouse, Joni Mitchell, and Jack Johnson, to Kanye West, Bad Religion, and Johnny Cash.~~ I basically just listen to Pandora these days.
17. My circle of friends looks like a mini-United-Nations.
18. ~~This year~~ I am going to beat my running PR from college.
19. I aspire to one day be a little old lady who sings to herself while washing the dishes.
20. I used to be a vegetarian but the call of hamburgers and bacon did me in.
21. I am a bit obsessed with reading self-help books.
22. I wanted to major in every subject in college and have somehow accumulated a random mix of degrees (religion, psychology, business, and soon to be economics).
23. I want to be an aunt one day so am wondering which brother is going to succeed first.
24. I think that no wedding reception is complete without someone doing the Gator.
25. I believe that becoming a millionaire is far easier than people are led to believe.

Listening to Life

2009-01-24T03:52:00.002+01:00

D and I are in Auckland at the moment because he has been having some issues with his foot, and he needed to see a good physio and get it sorted. Luckily, we have been taken in by a friend of ours who has a place down here. I am the only girl out of 6 people living in the flat, which makes for interesting conversations that usually revolve around girl’s body parts, bodily functions, or sports teams. It is just fine with me though—I have just learned that guys will never change, no matter how old they are. Boys will be boys, as they say.

Between taking care of D, hanging out in cafes and pubs writing, and running every day, I stay pretty busy. It is an awesome type of busy though—one that I have dreamed about for a long long time. I just love being able to decide what I want to do each day without having someone or thing dictating that for me. I love meeting random people in cafes and chatting a bit about the weather and how New Zealand is great but very different from Australia, and how we have a new President in the US now and the future looks bright. It is all really interesting and I am able to observe people and just fall in love with the human spirit again. I can just see that everyone has a story that they want to tell—and thankfully I am able to slow down and listen to those stories.

Becoming yourself...

2009-01-19T10:42:00.001+01:00

"I certainly do not hope to alter the world. Perhaps I can put it best by saying that I hope to alter my own vision of the world. I want to be more and more myself, ridiculous as that my sound.

-Henry Miller

Going Public... plus random thoughts...

2009-01-14T09:10:00.004+01:00

Okay, it's out... my blog that is.

After a long contemplation period, I have decided to open my blog to the public. So welcome to my blog--read on and enjoy the random thoughts.

We are having an awesome time here in Taupo. It has been one of the most amazing experiences. I have worked on my affirmations, which I will be posting shortly.

I have been spending a lot of time working on D's image and brand. We are revamping his website, etc. and it should be awesome once it is done. I am looking forward to it's debut in the next couple of months.

Besides that, we have been hanging with the cool Kiwis, two cute cats, and lots of triathletes. I have been doing cool stuff like kayaking, running, swimming in the lake, watching random people bungy jump into this river (in the photo above), and riding scooters on the left side of the road... but more to come on that later.

New Zealand is lovely. I am really happy right now.

Welcome...

2009-01-06T01:10:00.004+01:00

Life is good.

We arrived in New Zealand about a week ago--and the new life has been awesome so far.

We spent New Years Eve in Auckland, with Luke and Celia (awesome triathletes and friends). We had a chance to really enjoy ourselves and ring in the New Year--with those huge smiles on our faces--knowing how amazng 2009 is going to be for us.

After our great night, we got on the "naked bus" and headed down to our home for the next 2.5 months--Taupo. This place is bloody fantastic. We are staying a few hundred meters away from the lake, and have the honor of staying with a lovely host family, who have taken really good care of us here! The place is awesome beyond words, and there is such a great vibe.

D and I are so freaking happy!