Mojo Monday: Let the games begin!

When you start to feel like things are getting a little status quo, the best way to spice things up is to find something new and adventurous to get into.

No, I'm not referring to sex... at least not in this post. 

I vowed in the beginning of the year to find some interesting new activities that didn't break the bank. 

Although I loved the Russian baths, I haven't been back since, so I've been itching for something outside of my typical social schedule. 

The goal was also to be spontaneous and say "YES" to things popping up unexpectedly that might lead me outside the box.

Well, it just so happened that my friend invited me unexpectedly to take a ride and hang in the park in our neighborhood.

It was a gorgeous day and I had no set plans other than to get some work done, so I said yes.

We sat in the sun drinking beer out of paper bags old school style, and I was so happy to be outdoors.

We noticed some people walking over to the empty field nearby and my friend pointed out that it was an archery field. 

Archery on Staten Island? Really?

I was surprised I never knew it was there or knew anyone who had done it before. 

I watched through the fence, seriously impressed as they shot their bows and arrows Robin Hood style.

Finally one of the guys yelled out for us to come over and try it. I hesitated for a second, and then said YES.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I was SERIOUSLY excited. I felt like I was getting to experience a part of history. 

Maybe it was the fact that I'd seen The Hunger Games, Braveheart, and Robin Hood in the two weeks before, but I was like a kid in a candy store. Who knew?

These guys were no joke. They had some serious gear and some more basic stuff for beginners like us who wanted to try it out.

A "quiver" used to hold arrows behind your back

beautifully crafted bows, which can be pretty pricey

They were using traditional bows and arrows...

NOT the more modern compound bows common in hunting today. I was told those require less skill and effort than the traditional versions.

There's a whole subculture linked to archery, and although they were laid back, they definitely took it seriously.

I asked about a million questions and learned that they each had pseudonyms, and there are huge events where people set up tents, dress up in medieval garb, and represent their "kingdom" in competitions.

Yes, it was all a little "dungeons and dragons" but these guys were so cool to let us try it out. And because they had extra equipment, it was free!

I got a quickie lesson on safety, form, and mechanics before strapping on a leather arm band, finger tab glove, and taking my first shot. So exhilarating!

I was nervous at first, but it was actually a pretty calming, meditative experience once I got into it.

I definitely shot better than I expected to. The arrows flew straight and quick, just a little to the right of the target board. Eventually I hit it, and naturally, I did a cheesy celebratory dance.

I was very proud of myself. It was so fun, I felt like Katniss! (That's the girl from The Hunger Games in case you've been living under a rock.)

Ironically, the next day I got a Groupon for archery lessons on Staten Island... pretty strange coincidence. 

A few hours after that, I opened a People magazine right to an article about an actress who is into archery. Weird.

Then I had a dream someone was trying to kill me and I was defending myself with a bow and arrows, lol.

Clearly all signs were pointing in that direction, so I went with it.

They invited us to come practice any time, so I went back again, making a lot of my shots on the target board. Three or four even hit the blue!

Apparently there's a whole points system and ranking procedure. I'm not there just yet.

It was honestly one of the coolest things I'd done in a while. It's not often we stumble onto activities that are new and exciting.

It was definitely outside my comfort zone, but well worth it.

Admittedly, I'm a GINORMOUS geek. And while I might not meet the man of my dreams at the archery field or become a grand master bowman with a pseudonym like Angel Heart Demon Slayer, it sparked something in me that made me feel like a kid again.

I'll be on the lookout for other things that ignite the kid in me, and I encourage you to do the same.

So next time you're on the fence and someone asks you to cross over and try something new, do yourself a favor and just say

  YES!!!!!!!!

TRAVELISCIOUS: Going Gaudi

I fell off track a bit with recapping my Europe trip, but I'm getting back into it, so stay tuned for posts covering my adventures in Spain, Italy, and Greece!

To catch up with earlier travel posts, start at the beginning or at the previous TRAVELISCIOUS post . You can always click the TRAVEL label on the right to view them all.



After La Boqueria, we took a bus to Parc Guell, one of Antonio Gaudi's masterpieces.

I hadn't really planned to go visit the park but my new friends said it was worth seeing, and so did my old friend from high school who lived in the area.

It was a bit of a trek, probably a 45 min bus ride from the city center, but I loved looking out the windows at the streets of Barcelona.

I was about to fall asleep standing when suddenly a woman screamed. The bus had stopped and just as the doors opened, a man grabbed her bag and bolted!

Within two minutes the Barcelona police were on the scene. It was as if they were waiting on the next corner...hmmm, they're either super fast or super shady.

Some of them got on the bus to check for an accomplice, but no dice. 

First and only crime witnessed on the trip...thankfully! 

Petty theft is huge in Europe, especially in the big cities. After that I actually contemplated wearing that horrendous body wallet you strap on underneath your clothes.

Never happened though.

Not long after that sobering experience, we arrived at Parc Guell (pronounced "gway"). It's an amazing outdoor garden overlooking the entire city of Barcelona.

Gaudi created the park with the vision of combining the natural landscape with his incredibly imaginative architecture.

I honestly wasn't interested at all in Gaudi before Barcelona, but his art is impossible to avoid when you're there.

My impression was that it would be over-the-top, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice In Wonderland-ish... fun, but not my taste really.

But I have to say, I was amazed by everything I saw. No one would question Gaudi's originality. It was the kind of place you'd think a kid dreamt up.

It wasn't just the structures, but the incredible detailing. Every inch both inside and out was taken into consideration.

amazing mosaic tile ceilings!

As distinctive as they are, the structures somehow blend in with the natural backdrop.

 my new travel friend from Cali, Karina

I loved the way he used his art to celebrate nature and create an outdoor space for people to enjoy. If you ever make your way to Barcelona, it's the perfect place for a picnic. 

Even though the weather was overcast, the colors were absolutely amazing!

 

Even after the park, I was obsessed with noticing the colors around the city. Love how art can have that effect.

This was the start of my obsession with doors and windows on this trip. I loved all the different styles and colors. Stay tuned for more in future posts.

This pic makes me laugh. Such a dork, but I gotta love it.

One of my new friends made me take a picture of him jumping up in the air with the city in the background, and then somehow convinced me to do the same. It took several attempts to get it right, but the small crowd watching was definitely entertained, and it's a classic shot I'll always look back and smile at.

Mojo Monday!: Fortunate Wisdom

Those fortune cookie people are pretty wise.

I love finding simple statements that are so profound... and so damn true. 

We often assume people will just know where we're coming from, as if they have access to all the things going on in our heads. 

But just as we can't read their minds and can only judge their words and actions, they too can't read ours. 

Make your intentions clear. Act. Don't assume others know anything other than what they hear you say and see you do.

You can have the best intentions, but intent isn't seen or heard or felt. All anyone knows is what you actually show them. 

In the same respect, there's likely more than meets the eye going on behind someone else's action or inaction. Take a moment to consider that and inquire before you rush to judgment.

Hmm, if only the laws of clear communication were emphasized in our learning the way multiplication and the periodic table are, the world might be a more peaceful, loving place. 

Just saying. 

The Rat Race

I recently heard this very wise quote and had to share:

"The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat."

Think about that for a minute. Even if you're "winning" the rat race - making money, acquiring bigger and better toys - are you enjoying it? Are you really winning?

I'm not trying to downplay the importance of working hard, providing for ourselves and our families, accomplishing goals, the fun of enjoying the finer things, or the role money plays in our lives... especially in our society.

But I also know the satisfaction we get from "having" as opposed to "being" is superficial and short-lived. Don't get me wrong, I love a new pair of shoes as much as the next girl, but I try not to be fooled by the allure of false confidence that brings. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But I always try to catch myself.

Success for me is realizing I've overcome a fear, learning to let go of a negative habit, accepting something about myself or my life I wouldn't necessarily choose, or being a source of strength or comfort for someone else.

I believe in creating balance, spending as much time as possible doing things you really love, and enjoying what you have now, instead of waiting for the arrival of the things you're chasing after or believing where you are now is not good enough.

Our culture reinforces the notion of HAVE MORE = BE MORE, but every time we reach a "have more" moment, we inevitably create a new one to chase. That wheel never stops spinning, so prepare to be running forever.

We're all running on a wheel. The question is, what are we running towards?

It's a choice.

My equation is DO MORE = GROW MORE = BE MORE

So think about what you're chasing in comparison to what you really want out of this life...not what you think you want, but what you REALLY, truly want in your heart and soul.

It might not align with what everyone else wants or expects of you, but at the end of the day, you're the only one living your life and the only one responsible for your own happiness.

Then, stop thinking and start doing.

xoxo

SH*T SINGLE GIRLS SAY

This video is entitled SH*T SINGLE GIRLS SAY...

I personally think it's hysterical and definitely worth a minute of your life for a laugh. 

youtube link

And yes, I've probably said at least one of these things... 

in the last week ;).

Enjoy!

Aint No Mountain High Enough

Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

-Theodore Roosevelt

Been feeling really good about my work prospects in this new year. WORD-OLOGY is growing its wings, and I've been really inspired to get it to the next level.

I've learned to be comfortable with the idea of the unexpected, so I'm open to things heading in a new direction, but I really love the one they're heading in now. 

Freelancing opens up all kinds of opportunities to meet and work with different people. It keeps me mobile and my schedule flexible...HUGE plus on my list of "dream job" criteria.

It also keeps me working on different projects, which keeps me entertained and away from the dangerous wrath of boredom...another HUGE plus on the list.

On the flip side, freelancing is a constant balancing act that isn't always stable or consistent.

There's no one providing you with benefits and no guarantee that work will be there at any given time.

It's a constant search and it can be scary and stressful.

The good news is I have a lot of feelers out there, I feel confident about my ability, and the work itself is proving to be pretty lucrative.

It's been a long struggle but I can finally sense the sweet smell of success on the horizon. I feel like it's only a matter of time before my plate...and my bank account are full.

My goal is to establish a consistent roster of clients so I'll continue to have work lined up for long periods.

I've already got several projects under my belt, I'm doing additional work for my new job, and waiting to hear back on some new clients. 

The big difference I've noticed is how I'm presenting myself. I'm advocating a lot harder than I ever have before and the response is definitely noticeable.

It's been a long time coming, but I finally have my range of work in one place and it no longer feels like a bunch of scattered, wasted efforts.

I used to view my professional history as a series of sordid affairs. Now I see it a series of adventurous pit-stops along this endless road trip.

There is no map. You just have to explore until you find a place you want to settle into.

It actually feels purposeful, like I've finally reached the top of the mountain. There's certainly more hiking to do, but it already seems easier from this altitude.

I've ventured into new territory several times before but something feels very different this time.

I'm operating with more clarity and more faith than ever, and that now makes me feel like a person with endless possibilities. 

It's even more empowering and encouraging when you start seeing opportunities that align with your efforts. There's nothing more validating....it's like God is telling you, "Yes, you're headed in the right direction. Keep going!"

Eventually, it'll be time for new mountains. But for now, I'm enjoying the view from this one.

Whatever it is you're striving for or struggling with...addiction, being a great parent, going back to school, dealing with a loss, getting a promotion, losing weight, building a better marriage, starting your own business...I seriously encourage you to keep going and have faith that if you keep putting one foot in front of the other with your eye on the prize, eventually, you'll reach the mountaintop. Wink wink.

xoxo