Author Archives: Brittany

• Springtime Sunshine

  Posted at 9:30 AM by Brittany, on April 4, 2016

  When the sun shines bright in the pacific northwest us Washingtonians come out from our dungeons like a zombie chasing human flesh. It doesn’t rain as much as people think, but it IS grey a lot. I’ve come to love the grey skies, they add to the lush green scenery, but this winter was much too long for me.

  

  I like to think I’m always butterflies and glitter, but this winter knocked me straight on my ass. I am more than ready for the sun to come back for the feel good vibes, but what I love most about this time of year is the way the sun hits the snowy mountain tops.

  Instant happiness.

  

  I’ve been soaking up my vitamin D with a couple hikes, and a handful of runs.

  

  I’ve been moderately lazy lately, and by moderately I mean immensely. My running has taken place inside on my treadmill because it’s more convenient, but I spent the last week house sitting which forced me outside.

  

  My house mate.

  My outdoor runs have been invigorating, but they’ve also reminded me of a few things. First and foremost I don’t love running the way I used to. I enjoy running 3-6 miles on my own terms, but the last two times I’ve tried to sign up for a half marathon in an attempt to kick my fanny into shape have backfired.

  

  I just don’t enjoy running longer distances on my own, and it’s time I accept that. Once every so often I’ll want to bust out an 8 miler, but that’s rare these days. Plus sometimes I would rather be doing things like hiking, biking or even just walking.

  

  Lucky for me I get paid to walk 3x a week with that good lookin cow dog.

  

  With all that said I look forward to more hikes and bike rides as the sun continues to fuel my cells with its power. I had planned to run a half marathon in Portland in two weeks, but my training has been inconsistent so I decided to run the 10k instead.

  Best decision I made all week. I get to go to Portland, I get to run a distance I love, and I get to breath easy knowing I can run 6 miles no sweat. OK, a little bit of sweat. It’s true that when you try to force something you end up avoiding it. When running is forced and I don’t listen to my desires for other movement I end up skipping all together.

  No bueno.

  

  It feels good to honor thoughts and feelings. Our bodies have a unique way of letting us know what we need. The signals start quiet, but if you ignore them (like I tend to do) eventually they scream at you. I must work on listening for the quiet signals before they come at me like a howler monkey in heat.

  On a less serious note school is great, work is the same, my need for a metal detector to find coins in the grass has increased, and I’ve finally bonded on a deeper level with my best friend. By swapping faces.

  

  I’m just gonna leave that there…

  Q: Did winter come in and steal your soul like it did mine? 

  

  | 91 Comments Tagged Cats, Explore, Hiking, Mount Walker, Mountain, Running, Spring

• Minimalistic Easter

  Posted at 7:35 AM by Brittany, on March 24, 2016

  Long time readers know that I tend to lean on the simpler side of life. I have an aversion for clutter, waste, things in excess, and slugs. Mostly slugs. Thanks to my willingness to always reduce, reuse, and (mostly, but I could do better) recycle I was more than happy to help the folks over at gifts.com inspire others to find an Easter basket that could be reused.

  

  With a wide variety of gift baskets, I settled on a rustic picnic style basket filled with fruit. If you’re boring like me you could leave the fruit and call it a day, or you could eat the fruit while you stuff the basket with other Easter treats.

  

  

  I am one of those lucky souls that still gets an Easter basket from her mother. Born with wings of an angel that woman, she never skimps with the goodies. These days I try (key word) not to overdo it with the candy (I save that for Halloween and every other day of the year) and instead opt for non food related items.

  

  So what would I put into my basket this year? As with most gifts I receive (regardless of insisting I need nothing else added to my current lifestyle) I try to choose things I have a current use for. I hesitate to say things I need, because let’s be real we don’t really need half the stuff we ask for/receive.

  This year I don’t really need anything, so instead I’ll speak hypothetically.

  Easter Items I “Could Use Right Now”

  • A trip to Ireland, itinerary nestled inside a pale pink envelope in the center of my basket with an egg sticker sealing it shut.
  • A new cat wrapped in a blush blue bow to emphasize his snowy white fur. A friend to play with one of my current children, to match my black and white life.

  

  “It’s my CAT IN A BOX!”

  • The ability to rewind time. Not because I want to go back to my past, but because I want to tell people what I really think, and then rewind so I don’t get slapped. 🙂
  • Food, but not candy. Self explanatory, think staple items like veggies, nut butter, and oats.

  

  • A massage everyday for the next year, from the hands of Tom Hiddleston. <– Top priority please.
  • An iron gut to digest all the vegetables, and iron legs to get me through my half marathon next month. My training has been God awful less than stellar.

  

  “How about instead of running you just lay on this step and be a blob like me. Also, can you hand me that mouse?”

  • A TINY HOME!
  • A new Garmin because my current Garmin only tracks running. I want to explore the world of Garmin fueled biking, hiking, breathing, and scuba diving. My REI dividend is calling me to buy one.

  

  I dream about this beauty, and reaching rhino speed.

  Per usual there’s nothing I need, so a cup of coffee, bottle of Kombucha, and using my new basket for a picnic with my family suits me well. If my gift ideas don’t spark your fire check out Gifts.com for all the fanchy schmancy stuff.

  DISCLAIMME: I was not paid for this post, but I did get this basket o’ goods fo free to hippity hop my way to grandma’s house like I’m red riding hood. Can someone please knit me a cape for Easter?

  Q: What would you fill your basket with? Both realistically and hypothetically as I’ve done.

  

  | 85 Comments Tagged Basket, Cats, Easter, Fruit, Garmin, Gifts

• Balanced Isolation Leads to Peaceful Understanding

  Posted at 11:00 AM by Brittany, on March 15, 2016

  I want to hug each and every one of you that commented on my last post. It’s sometimes scary opening your heart and soul to a sea of people, but I am thankful that I have never once received a negative comment on my blog. The community we have built here is one I am happy to be apart of, even when I don’t blog as often.

  I adore having this space to share bits of my life.

  

  I want to say thank you for all the kind words shared the last handful of years, and while my blog is just a small speck in a sea of whales I appreciate anyone that stops by. I read and reply to EACH comment, so if you ever ask a question please be sure to check back in for my reply!

  I don’t have the fancy capabilities to have my reply sent to your email, so we just have to put in a little work to engage in conversation in my neck of the woods.

  

  SPEAKING OF woods, I took myself on a solo hike last Tuesday and it was one for the books. A complete spirit, mind, and body renewal.

  I finished my set of classes about a week and a half ago and I tried to get a small bit of exploring in before starting back up again today. My first round went smashingly well, and it was nice to take a non school related book with me into the mountains.

  

  I’m currently reading Amy Poehler’s book “Yes Please” and it’s both entertaining and inspirational all wrapped into one. I was fortunate enough to have this spot of the trail to myself for a while, until a fellow reader came and sat down. It was like our own unannounced book club. Reading different books. Not speaking.

  Just go with it. 

  To balance out this solo adventure I made plans to hangout with a friend a few days later. Like a real life human friend, but first I had to give some love to my main man.

  

  Since I’m trying to push myself out of the isolated bubble human interaction is necessary, but the allure of the silence while walking with animals is one I will never outgrow. There is something special about not being alone, but also not speaking.

  Does that make sense? I’m sounding crazier by the minute.

  

  

  I had quite the adventure once reunited with my friend. At lunch I was served beef after ordering a vegan burger, and then I was blindfolded by a towel while laying on a stingy recliner at a $25 foot massage/full body abuse chamber. The beauty of being balanced is that moments like this are easy to laugh at. I thank my solo hike.

  I also thank my running, even when inconsistent.

  

  Mistakes happen, and why people get worked up when they do is beyond me. I will never be the person to demand a free meal from a mistake, or not leave a tip because my “masseuse” was training for his next cage fight on my arm.

  So what’s today’s takeaway?

  Before letting your own mental distress hurt someone else, put yourself in their shoes. Have you never messed something up before? Have you never upset another person? Have you done something to be given the right to treat people rudely because you feel you’re entitled to? We are all in this world together and should all be treated the same.

  

  In all honesty though I won’t be adventuring to a cheap sketchy massage place again anytime soon, but the memory is one I will laugh at for years.

  Q: Allergy concerns aside, take a moment to think about how you would react if your food order was messed up. Is it really worth it to cause a big scene? My waiter was extremely embarrassed and apologetic, had he been rude perhaps it would have been a different story, but we each treated each other with respect and called it a day. 

  

  | 79 Comments Tagged Adventure, Hiking, Life, Running, Solo Hike, Vegan

• The Time Has Come the Walrus Said

  Posted at 10:30 AM by Brittany, on March 4, 2016

  …to talk of many things.

  The last time I started a post with these words I shared with the world my thoughts, feelings, and emotions after going through a breakup. No, let me rephrase – after going through the breakup. You know, the one that shakes you so hard to the core that your life will never be the same.

  Grab a cup of coffee, this is going to be one of those posts.

  

  Coffee tastings inspire me to be creative.

  I’m thankful for this time in my life, and despite going through the typical hardships that come with a split it was in this time that I discovered how to be on my own. I had a sense of peace about the situation that I will never forget.

  I will also never forget how this relationship robbed me of my ability to be vulnerable. I made it my mission to be stronger alone and never again let someone make me loose all desire to have a mind of my own. It took me three years to realize I had accomplished this mission, but had then continued running with it further than I needed to.

  

  For the last few months I’ve been in an odd place. I have alluded to a void that I have been trying to fill in other posts, but they all come back to the fact that I feel out of balance mentally, physically, and spiritually.

  I’ve been trying to figure out the root cause of a myriad of health issues the last nine months which has put me into a bit of a funk. I don’t believe in a quick fix, and am not interested in drugs, pills, or other cover-ups which has made this process a bit long. I am a big believer that most anything can be fixed through food.

  

  I’ve developed a handful of food intolerance’s the last year that suddenly gave me the desire to try adding animal products back into my diet. Long story short this hasn’t been working and always leaves me mentally distraught. I regret nothing, and don’t feel the need to expand on this anymore. I’m only sharing because I believe in being as transparent as possible.

  I still haven’t figured everything out, but what I have figured out is that after being fearful of what I ate for months, stuffing any emotions that I felt because: “I can do this on my own, no one wants to hear my problems” and eventually spiraling into a: “I don’t care anymore I’m going to eat anything and everything” what I need is quite simple. What I need is other people.

  

  In all honesty it’s been difficult finding other people that enjoy the things I enjoy. I’m an odd bird that enjoys eating plants, running streets, climbing mountains, and exploring new places. You’d think living in the PNW this would be simple, but I’m surrounded by sedentary people. In order for me to find a circle of people I genuinely enjoy being around I will have to step outside of my comfort zone.

  What started as a necessary journey of figuring out how to be on my own, has transitioned me into a deep hole of isolation from other people. I don’t know how to talk to people about my feelings because I’ve never felt validated. I don’t regret taking the time to be alone, but I’m starting to realize that perhaps the void I’m seeking to fill is learning how to be vulnerable again, and knowing that it’s OK to fall down.

  Human beings thrive on companionship and while it’s essential to know how to stand on your own, I now realize it’s just as essential to lean on each other when you’re in need of an ear to listen, an arm to hug, or a partner to run with.

  

  Early morning solo runs require mace.

  I don’t typically enjoy posting things like this, but to bring this topic of leaning on others full circle I want anyone else out there to know that if you’re feeling similar things that you’re not alone. We all go though moments in life that cause us to reflect, and it’s what we do with the thoughts and emotions that matters. You can either sink with the waves or swim to the shore.

  Last week I set out for a bike ride only to discover I had a flat tire. Drat. I knew how to take the wheel off my bike thanks to watching my dad do it many times. The problem didn’t arise until I returned home from REI to discover I couldn’t figure out how to get the wheel back onto the gears. I let the bike sit in my garage for a few days before deciding to take the bike back (stuffing it awkwardly in my car because I didn’t want to have to ask for help) and let them reattach my wheel.

  

  I knew in the back of my mind that I had a neighbor familiar with bikes, but I had never spoken to him. I didn’t want to ask him for help because it made me uncomfortable. Just as I was going to attempt getting my car filthy I got a burst of confidence and decided to ask him for help.

  He put the tire back on my bike in less than a minute.

  It’s in these moments of discomfort that we grow. I’m uncomfortable asking other people for help, but it’s time for me to get over that. It’s OK to need other people. It’s OK to need help, and more importantly it’s OK to be vulnerable. No one is created with bionic emotions, so it’s essential for us to embrace them all. Besides, helping others gives me a great excuse to bake cookies and share coffee as a thank you.

  

  The best part of not knowing my neighbors is that they’d have no idea my cookies were vegan. Classic chocolate chip cookies to highlights the beautiful cocoa notes of the sweet and full bodied Caffe Verona.

  Writing this post feels good, like a small weight has been lifted. Overall things in my world are great – I’m an optimist, and stubborn as hell so I see every experience as an opportunity to grow into a bigger and better you. I’m ready to put this experience into my learning jar and move forward.

  So who wants to come venture into the mountains with me? I suppose not every hike needs to be solo. 😉

  No questions today, just feel free to share thoughts, experiences, and emotions.

  

  | 94 Comments Tagged Biking, Emotions, Friendship, Life, Running

• Trusting the Process

  Posted at 9:05 AM by Brittany, on February 26, 2016

  I find myself bouncing back and forth between blog posts that have some sort of underlying message about life, to blog posts that have no outline or purpose other than to put mind thoughts to paper – or internet pages. This post falls into the latter category.

  

  I turned 27 last week, which is an odd feeling because when I hear 27 all I think about is, “three years from 30” which is terrifying. Not to say there is anything wrong with being 30, in fact I somewhat look forward to turning 30 because I hope by then my life will be together. What’s terrifying is that I feel nothing like an adult, and my lifestyle is still somewhat juvenile.

  

  I wear a Buzz Lightyear bag when I ride my bike.

  I’m thankful that I’ve finally, and I repeat FINALLY buckled down to finish my college degree after eight years of back and forth nonsense. From psychology, to dental hygiene, to dental assisting, to nutrition, to where I am now with ASU. I swore I’d have some kind of medical degree like my dad, but alas I’m better with words.

  Let me be a prime example that it’s never too late to finish something you’ve started.

  Never. 

  

  BS in Human Communications here I come

  The last few years have been spent soul searching. I’ve discovered a sense of who I am, which is a crucial puzzle piece of life when you’re in your 20’s. I know I’m not done yet and lately I’ve started to feel the sense that something is missing, but I’m not quite sure what. I tend to get stuck in my comfort zone which is where I am once again.

  This happens to me when I run, I get comfortable staying between 3-6 miles and my fitness eventually plateaus. This is when I get impulsive and sign up for another half marathon, like I did last month. I sometimes need a push to step outside my mandala of butterflies and rainbows.

  

  Half marathon training is on par, 5 miles is my comfortable spot and now we start getting closer to double digits.

  I am thankful for everything that I have right now – a loving family that supports me in every way, a house over my head, a small but solid friendship circle, and a stable job that allows me to finish school, go on adventures, pick my schedule, and coworkers that love me regardless of my wind blown hair after biking to work.

  

  Despite my blessings, I now need more. These feelings creep up whenever I notice myself getting complacent with my comfort zone. I have all the means to take a giant leap in life, but I find myself needing the push. I’m trusting the process and putting the vibes into the world that I’m ready. For what I don’t know, but I’m ready.

  I don’t often look at the bigger picture because I truly believe life is meant to be enjoyed right now, and too many of us get so stuck on what we want later in life that we miss the beauty that’s right in front of us. Disclaimer: I don’t mean throwing everything into the gutter just to have fun, I mean building a life of balance right NOW instead of later when you have X,Y, and Z accomplished. 

  With that said, I’m heeding my dads advice of “look at what you want later, and do what you have to now to make that happen.”

  

  I want energy, so my weekends are spent at the theater so I can be in bed by 10.

  I want independence (in other ways that I have now), I want stability (not related to money), I want a place of my own (specifically something tiny and on wheels), I want world exposure (without the fear of getting lost), but mostly I want balance.

  I can feel my inner world slightly off-kilter, and despite being semi locked into life right now (to finish school I must stay with Starbucks for at least another 1.5 yrs because they are footing the bill, yeehaw) I’m looking towards the future for once instead of living in the moment. I must trust my current process to propel me somewhere amazing later in life.

  Perhaps that in and of itself is a slight sense of balance.

  

  When all else fails, I can always lean on trees for stability.

  After all that, it turns out this post actually had more purpose that I expected. 🙂 Things are changing in my world, and I’m honoring the flow of life by conforming to the changes.

  Q: Who can relate?

  

  | 90 Comments Tagged Bike, Half Marathon, Life, Running

• How Biking Differs from Running – Vol. 2

  Posted at 6:05 AM by Brittany, on February 16, 2016

  It’s been three months since my first post differentiating my views on biking vs. running, so it’s time for another round.

  Biking vs. Running – Volume Two

  …according to an amateur.

  1. When riding a bike it’s completely acceptable, if not preferred to wear your hair down. I direct this towards women, or any man with longer hair. Riding in 30 degree weather gives me an entirely new perspective on why humans were given hair. Thank you built in ear warmer.

  2. I have officially biked to work, which makes me a bike commuter now right? Due to the fact that running for as little as one mile turns me into a swamp monster I could never successfully run to work without having to shower after. Biking to work ( in colder months ) is totally acceptable and stink free.

  

  Morning commute views. I die.

  3. Biking in the rain is colder than running. The wind, the moments of rest, the downhill – all give me shivers I don’t feel when slugging through a run in the rain.

  4. When running I struggle to speak, leaving minimal room for friends. Biking gives more rest time so making friends is easier. Granted I have yet to bike with a friend, but my bike met another commuting bike recently. I must figure out who the grey beauty belongs to.

  

  5. Biking does not make you invincible, and yelling at people that litter just because you’re on two wheels instead of two feet might not be wise. Then again I’d probably do the same thing when running. Littering isn’t cool.

  6. Biking saves money. I’m more likely to hop on my bike and ride to the store to buy something, like sugar laden Gatorade and saltines for my mom when sick, instead of running. Although I did run to the store on Thanksgiving a few years ago for flour.

  

  “Gimmy da cheda!”Saving money on my bike since 2015.

  7. When I run I’m out there for one specific reason – to run. This is strictly to release stress, raise my heart rate, or because I’m training. When riding my bike I’m out there for adventure. The exploration opportunities are endless and the world becomes my oyster.

  8. Sometimes when I run I feel people watching me. People in cars, people on the side of the road, people with binoculars…it’s eerie. On a bike I go faster than the speed of light so no one can really see me.

  

  “I always feel like, somebodies WATCHINNGG MEEEE.”

  That’s all I’ve got for now. Until next time. Happy pedaling.

  

  Q: What was your favorite workout last week? My first bike commute! 20 miles round trip of fresh air and freedom!

  

  | 97 Comments Tagged Biking, Biking Vs. Running

• I Am…

  Posted at 6:10 AM by Brittany, on February 9, 2016

  “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. – Pablo Picasso.”

  The places I find inspiration and motivation are often unexpected. For example this post was completely different before I had the pleasure of watching Kung Fu Panda 3 with my family last Saturday. I was surprised by how good the movie was, but even better was the underlying message between the black and white fur.

  Grab your coffee cup, let’s get some reflections flowing.

  

  If you have’t seen the movie I’ll give you a quick Clif Notes review: it’s about discovering who you are – separate from anyone else, discovering your potential, discovering how to take your talents and turn them into something great.

  Basically it was an hour and a half of positive soul vibes about taking your inner chi, also known as inner peace and making it sparkle.

  

  Naturally this had thinking about who I am, who I want to be, and realizing while some of our tendencies or qualities are set in stone, many are fluid. So who am I?

  Well, let’s see…

  I am…a sister, a daughter, and a mother. A mother to cats, don’t get excited.

  I am…a  runner, but more specifically an athlete. I fell off the workout wagon this winter and was hit hard by the lazy bug. I got back into a gym routine and signed up for another half marathon to help me get my groove back.

  

  My sisters Nike’s may be cooler than mine….

  I am…a student. Finally finishing my degrees through Arizona State University. I’m getting a BS in Human Communication, and it feels right.

  I am…an earthy, plant loving, self proclaimed minimalist and I think a simple life is a happy life.

  

  Because every self proclaimed granola needs a pair of Birkenstocks. On the left is my 10 year old pair of troopers, and on the right are my brand new pair of warriors.

  I am…shy and outgoing all at the same time.

  I am…a sugar addict, but try my damnedest to balance my diet with real food.

  

  I am…a person that likes to help. Give me a task and I’m happy to do it, that includes cleaning the bathroom. Bring it on.

  I am…a leader. At work I’m a supervisor, at home I set examples, and in society I don’t follow the crowd. I’m not jumping off the bridge with you so I hope you can swim. OK I did just say I like to help so if I see you struggling I’d put my 3rd grade swim lessons to good use.

  

  That one time I was voted Partner of the Quarter. 🙂

  I am…someone that worries about making other people happy. This has plagued me my entire life and I’ve only recently let some of this go. We have to march to the beats of our own drums, because at the end of the day we’re the only ones that live our lives. I just really like when people are happy. 🙂

  I am…a foodie. Food is life, and succeeding in making a home cooked meal or baking a cake brings me great joy. #stillasugaraddict

  

  I am…sensitive, and easily hurt, but am learning to accept who I am in each present moment regardless of what other people think or say.

  I am…creative. I don’t give myself enough credit, but it’s time. My creativity shines in the kitchen, in my writing, and sometimes even in my crafting. We all have a niche of creativity somewhere.

  

  Creativity – random food bowls.

  I am…an explorer. The world is a giant cookie and I want to bite off as much as my sugar loving body can handle. Mountains, and valleys, and rivers, OH MY!

  I am…a giver. Why keep everything to yourself, when the world is so much larger than what you see in front of you? “Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have. – Jim Rahn” 

  

  This is a constantly changing subset of a MUCH larger list, but notice how I don’t define who I am based on what I do for work, but rather how I live my life in the bigger picture. We are often many different things, all of which make up the blue prints of who we are, and it’s up to us to create and define a life we want to live.

  Upon first meeting someone we often ask, “what do you do?” This typically refers to one specific thing such as a career, but what if we changed this question to, “what do you to to come alive?” This would then open the door for many different answers, to go with the many different tendencies and activities that make up who we are.

  My inner chi is built on a foundation of love, adventure, helping others, giving what I have, and leaving a positive footprint everywhere I step. This kind of energy allows me to worry less, accept challenges, and leap with faith knowing that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.

  

  Take a moment to think about who you are (outside of your career, or in addition to if you LOVE what you do-bonus points for that) and see if you’re truly living a life you’re proud of. You only get one, so make it count.

  Q: Who are you? Give me five bullet point ideas. 

  

  | 97 Comments Tagged Explore, Life, Random, Reflection

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 7:00 AM by Brittany, on February 2, 2016

  1. Anytime I write a post, I ensure it’s posted on the hour, on the half hour, or if all else fails a time ending in a 5. Minor OCD moments. I also like my radio/TV volume to be on an even number. OK I’m going to stop now.

  2. After randomly discovering that my most popular recipe was made by a “famous Youtuber” I felt inspired to bake some muffins.

   

  

  Buckwheat banana chocolate muffins.

  

  3. I was happy with the results of my muffins on the first attempt at this recipe which almost never happens. The flavor is mild making it more versatile.

  1.5 cups buckwheat flour

  1/2 cup rolled oats   

  1/2 tsp baking soda

  1 tsp cinnamon

  3 ripe mashed bananas

  half a pinch of stevia 

  1/4 vanilla almond milk

  1/2 cup chocolate chips

  Combine all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl mix together the bananas and milk. Slowly pour dry ingredients into wet until well combined. Bake at 350F in a greased muffin pan for 16 minutes, after 16 minutes I turned off my oven but left the muffins in the oven for 3 more minutes. Makes 9 muffins.

  Note: the mildness of these muffins means they aren’t overly sweet, which makes them the perfect transport vehicle to top with nut butters/jams/coconut oil/pudding/you name it. To make these sweeter simply add some sugar.

  4. I’m jazzed to start riding my bike more with nicer weather, but finally realize why when I bought it they suggested I get fenders. I was all like “ppppppffftt fenders schmenders.” Until riding in the rain and getting soggy bottoms and mud everywhere.

  

  5. I tried BBQ jackfruit for the first time – stopppppp. So much yes.

  6. Sometimes I unintentionally match my friends.

  

  7. Along with making sure my posts go up on “happy times” I also like my paragraphs to end by filling up the entire line. I don’t like when a new line is created for a couple words. Like this paragraph would have looked without this last sentence.

  8. I love Starbucks because they treat me so damn good. As if paying for my college education wasn’t enough, they sent me a pin and a bag of coffee as a congratulations gift. Oh and I have a dank 401K, benefits, stock options…yeah.

  

  9. I alluded to my ASU adventure last March, and it took me nearly another year to finally bite the bullet. What gave me the final push? I abandoned everything medical/nutrition/science based and went for something else. Feels great.

  10. Two words: homemade waffles.

  

  I’m just gonna leave that last photo right there for ya.

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 98 Comments Tagged ASU, Confessions, School, Starbucks, Vegan

• The Grotto

  Posted at 9:45 AM by Brittany, on January 26, 2016

  I’ve never been an overly religious person, but back in 2013 I was in need of something bigger than myself to help me through some hard times. I started going to church, and the feel good vibes I received helped me find peace in my tangled mind.

  

  Religious or not, I find the messages given in settings like a church to be messages I want to live by: treat others well, share what you have, help when you can, and trust in the universe. Whatever your thoughts on higher powers are, I believe everyone should find something to believe in that’s bigger than us.

  

  It was in this time that I discovered the power of positive thoughts. The moment I relinquished control over what was bothering me and trusted in the process was the moment I felt calm, and hopeful. This was years ago, but I have held onto this mindset and use it whenever I feel necessary. A calm mind is a happy mind.
  

  One of the places I find the most solitude and peace is in nature. I discovered a sense of who I was the last couple years after diving head first into many hiking adventures, some solo, most with friends. There is something powerful about observing nature for what it’s worth and appreciating the effort that went into its creation.

  

  On my recent trip to Portland, I found myself appreciating the beauty of nature from a religious standpoint while wandering around The Grotto. I was in absolute awe of the history here and the air around these trees felt lighter and full of life.

  

  

  Although I don’t identify myself as a Catholic, the work that went into preserving the peace within this area is enough for anyone to appreciate. No matter your beliefs, in the end as long as you live a life of integrity, honesty, helpfulness, and trust the process – life becomes much easier.

  

  I’ve been talking a lot about manifesting lately, and it’s something I’ve grown fond of. This universal practice of turning your thoughts into reality has been around for ages, and I’ve been putting all the things I want into the universe and slowly but surely the seeds I’m planting are starting to grow. As with most things, this takes time.

  I set a goal of honoring my thoughts more this year, and paying attention to the waves that flow through my brain space. I truly believe life is too short to have worry, fear, anxiety, distress, and discomfort. These emotions come when we set our focus on the future, or the past, both of which are irrelevant because all we have is now.

  

  My takeaway message is this: whatever you believe, you must believe in something. We are a much smaller piece of the worldly puzzle and having “something” to lean on when things get difficult helps make this life we create a much smoother ride.

  Find your “Being” and run with it. This is a constant work in progress as life is one big mind game, and only those who can complete their puzzle come out on top. 

  Q: Where do you go to find peace and solitude? The trees, always the trees. And sometimes a bakery… 😉

  

  | 91 Comments Tagged Explore, Nature, Portland

• Body and Heart Music

  Posted at 7:35 AM by Brittany, on January 21, 2016

  “Food is music to the body, and music is food to the heart.” – Gregory David Roberts

  Portland speaks to my soul in ways that Seattle cannot. Earthy, life loving/free spirited people on every corner draw me in with their vegan treats and plant based eats. I’ve made a habit of visiting new places each time I visit, and after spending last Thursday/Friday in the Rose City I can cross five more places off my list.

  .a.n.d cafe.

  After driving for three hours, tummy monster on empty, I was ready to devour coffee and carbs. The place was adorable.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  I knew what I wanted before I arrived, and to set the theme for this post (and for my life) I couldn’t choose just one. So I had two.

  

  Berries and “cream” waffle and the vegano burrito. So much yes.

  Stop number one complete.

  .arlene schnitzer concert hall.

  

  The reason I went to Portland was to have my soul serenaded once again by my favorite artist. This time with the Oregon Symphony.

  

  

  

  What I would give to harvest a garden with Gregory Alan Isakov. Swoon.

  Went to concert. Slept. Woke up hungover on life and ran to the nearest Stumptown Coffee in brand new Nike Free’s that cost far too much, but with no tax it was OK.

  

  Savored coffee in the Ace Hotel lobby, and momentarily life was perfect.

  .petunias pies and pastries.

  Drank coffee, ate oatmeal, & prepared for sugar coma. Salted caramel cookie square and raspberry lemon coffee cake.

  

  

  Post sugar influx, I ensured much walking was done. I’m a belieber of my new Nike’s. Never thought I would say that, but man do I love those shoes.

  .garden bar.

  First attempt to balance the sugar. It worked. For 1/11th the price of those Nike’s you can build your own salad with as many greens as you want, and 6 toppings.

  Sold.

  

  Or just eat the outdoor plants.

  

  .back to eden bakery.

  Walked around downtown, endured the rain, felt the addiction creeping back through each vein and migrated to my final destination.

  

  $25 dollars later…

  

  I have no words. Thankfully there were three of us and we saved some for later.

  Food and music fueled my two day trip to Portland. Until next time, it’s time for water and greens. I’m officially a walking glucose molecule.

  Q: Where was your last adventure?

  

  | 72 Comments Tagged Explore, Gluten Free, Gregory Alan Isakov, Portland, Vegan

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