Blooming

Time for a happier post. Things have finally calmed down, I think. I am sleeping 'til 9am, embracing my late nights, and taking care of myself in terms of exercise and self-care. I started working at a yoga studio that pays me well and is an ABSOLUTE place of respite and peace--the environment there is just so wonderful and in-line with me. I feel very blessed to work there. I'm even more glad that I found such a place in this area--a place of like-minded people! And the best part is, my clients love me! What is there about working at a place where the clients expect good bodywork, actually get it, and express their appreciation for it? Gosh. It's like the customers of that horrible franchise that employed me just expected bad massages, so they assumed mine was bad.

But mine ain't bad, baby.

In other news, I am teaching a different class now, which also helps my psyche. I am actually teaching massage (not anatomy), *Swedish!*, and that makes my soul happy. The best part is that I am teaching a whole new group of students. The whiners are gone. Yippeee!

I have been doing a lot of jogging lately. It makes me feel really good. I still cannot jog the whole time, even after 1.5 years of this, but that's okay. I'm glad to get the sunshine and the endorphin buzz. I'm thinking about doing a 5k on Memorial Day in my town with Leo--he's starting to train for a triathlon in September, so it would be a good start for both of us. I will probably do a 1/2 and 1/2 of jogging/walking, but it would be fine. I do about that distance on my jogs anyway.

I only have two reservations. One--all the people. I really don't like jogging around people. It makes my heart palpitate and I guess I just have social anxiety about it. I like being alone.

My second reservation is that the race starts at 7am. SEVEN IN THE MORNING!!! Good GOD!! I think that will just do me in. I don't think I can do that.

I took some pictures of the trail that I have been testing out lately. It's only steps away from where I live, and a continuation of the trail around my favorite park--although it is NOT my favorite park on Saturdays (read: Soccer/breeder Hell). It reminds me of the forest preserve trails in the prairies in the midwest. Grassy and breezy and sunny and QUIET:


This one snakes through a canyon that parallels a creek, so it has very gentle rolling hills. So, unlike the midwest, there are hills:


And, characteristic of southern California (and something that I LOVE about this area), you see views of the buildings/houses that sit atop the mesas in the distance. Note the wildflowers, too:


We've had two whole days of overcast here, which is VERY rare. I can't remember the last time the sun didn't really pop out all day--at least 2-3 months. But that's actually OK, because I love going outside so much, and I'm starting to get really sun-kissed, if you know what I mean! It's a good time for a break. Plus, the humid-rainy weather reminds me of summertime storms and rain. And those are lovely.