Madness. Hail.

After my mom got married to George a lot of things in my world – for instance, when it was time to watch TV, we usually watched what I wanted to watch.  After we all moved-in together, suddenly his vote counted.  Unfortunately, for me that vote usually didn’t include “The Cosby Show”, “227”, “Growing Pains” OR “Who’s the Boss.”  What it almost ALWAYS included was Westerns, “Unsolved Mysteries” or sports. 

It was when my vote had been over-ruled that I began watching basketball one winter.  Me on the sofa and George in his chair, with my cat (who he hated) curled up at his feet – basketball on the television.  It was 1992 and The Fab Five was all I heard about.  I watched, quietly, not wholly understanding the game or why these five were such a big deal.  I asked questions.  And sometime along the way, decided to join George in cheering for the Michigan Wolverines and this “Fab Five” team…It was here this love for the Maize and Blue began… and what would drive me to Ann Arbor in the fall of 1997 to fall in love all over again.

 Sadly, that love of Michigan basketball took a backseat to my love of Michigan football until recently.  Because of the Fab Five, and the accepting of “gifts” from boosters – the basketball program was in the midst of a tournament ban during my entire time in Ann Arbor.  It seemed like it was taking forever to pull us out of that hole.  How do you hire a good coach or recruit great players when they know they can’t play in the tournament?  You can’t.  For what seems like foooorever.  My love faded.

Back in December, with a fellow Wolverine I cheered on an undefeated Michigan team.  I watched some incredible wins and some devastating losses this season.  This team was incredible – oftentimes inconsistent – completely young – but, whoa… when they were on, it seemed like they couldn’t be stopped.  I think we were all skeptical of their performance in the tournament… but with a tournament stop in Dallas, I jumped at the chance to go to see my Wolverines play.  I watched as Kansas worked us – with two minutes left, it seemed silly to be optimistic for a comeback – they were down by like 10 points and kept sinking 3s.  And then… seconds to spare, Trey Burke threw up what seemed like the craziest shot ever.  It hung for what seemed like an eternity…and swiiiish… OVERTIME.  Just reliving that moment in my head makes me smile.  I later read that with 2-minutes left of the clock, we had a 0.06% of winning that game.  I was part of the 0.06% of people who believed we might pull it off.

Now, I can continue babbling on about basketball – but that’s not really the reason I feel compelled to write.  It was through this time – through the Madness that is March Madness – that I grew more and more proud of this part of my life, this not-so-small part of who I am.  My Facebook feed was each and every one of my classmates, friends and fellow Wolverines showing their pride for our school.  Congratulatory text messages came from Buckeyes, Spartans and Brits.  It was Block M default pictures.  “Go Blue!” and “Hail” status’.  It was pictures of children, cousins, neices, nephews and pets wearing Maize and Blue.  It was links to story after story of what Burke was thinking in that moment.  It was each Wolverine and every person who loves us being incredibly proud of this team, our program and school. 

Something special happened back in the Fall of 1997 when I first walked onto the University of Michigan campus and moved into the dorms – I met some of my best friends (to this day) and became a part of an incredibly tight family of Wolverines.  A family that doesn’t care what your major was, where you lived, when you graduated OR what your name is – but who will see you on the street or in a crowd wearing Maize and Blue and knows that you’re part of the family too…and feel compelled to yell, “GO BLUE!”

So thank you, Fresh Five for this reminder that whether I’m at music festival in Philadelphia, visiting Portland or lost in this sea of Longhorns – that my Michigan family is every where.  Thank you for reminding me that I’m so incredibly proud and honored to be a Wolverine.  Then.  Now.  Always.  Hail.  

Lessons from Whiskey II

To say my life has changed since Big Whiskey found me would be an understatement.  I've come to appreciate my morning routine with the pup - and the lessons she teaches me every morning.

• It's easier to wake up early when you're excited about life.
• It's never too early to wake up the one you love but it's best to wake them with a smile, kisses and snuggles...
• and if they still want to sleep, it's best to rest quietly and pretend you're still asleep.
• Fresh water in the morning is as necessary as a good breakfast.
• Smile at strangers and let them feel your joy.
• A quick run is the best way to start your day.
• Everyday is a new day and we have a choice to be happy - choose happiness each morning.  Repeat as necessary throughout the day.

Everyday I appreciate you and love you a little more - thanks for letting me be your human mom and pack leader, BW!

“Happy one year anniversary...”

Leading in to Saturday afternoon I started to have a strange feeling – a feeling as if something was going to happen.  The events of the day were a bit out of the normal and I think I was probably a bit more on edge.  I was in a protective state of mind – protective of those who I care about in my life.  As the day wore on to evening – the feeling was still there.  I took Big Whiskey out for a walk… the air some how felt heavier or unsettling.  Something was off – but I couldn’t figure out what it was.  Something so off, it made me think I should stay close to home. 

There was a full-moon.  Maybe that was it.  Who knows.  But this wasn’t the first time I’ve felt an energy so strong around me it couldn’t be ignored. 

I went to dinner with friends and called it a night as they ventured on to the next stop.  I called my mom to make sure my parents were ok.  I sent texts.  I just wanted security in knowing everyone was ok. I got home and sat down on the sofa and just opened my mind to what it could be. 

Him.  It was last year about this time. 

No.  It was exactly a year ago.  

Is it possible that those energies work in tandem with the calendar?  Is it possible that your sense of energies are heightened at certain times?  I went to sleep wondering how it was all connected – because something tells me it is. 

It was exactly one year ago that my world got completely flipped upside down.  Everything I had known to be true when it came to life and love was being challenged.  Everything I had known to be true about myself was shifting in ways I didn’t know was possible 

It was one year ago yesterday that I sat in a bar with my back to the door and felt an energy come in – I was present enough not only to feel it, but to be curious about it and spin to see what it was.  I was present enough not to let it pass and to pursue it. 

‘You’re beautiful” Is what I said to him from across the room.  He approached and asked me what I had said.  “I said, you’re beautiful. And I love you.” 

In the year that has passed since he walked into the wrong bar – rarely does a day go by that he doesn’t cross my mind.

I’m thankful for you, Devin.  The lessons I’ve carried with me since our chance encounter on 6^th Street have made my heart open to the possibilities and open to love.  I’m thankful that my friendships seem richer, more authentic and true.  And I’m thankful that I’m open to decisions and feelings not needing coming from a place a logic – I’m thankful for perfect timing.   I’m not sure that what I felt this weekend had anything to do with what I felt last year – but my heart is happy in replaying those days and those moments over in my head. 

I hope that wherever you’re at – your heart is happy, your smile is contagious and your life is full.

Eat 'Yo Veggies

It’s no secret that when you turn 30 everything changes.  Yes, I heard everyone say… “oh, your metabolism will slow down.”   I didn’t believe it.  I’m an active person.  I work out and run very regularly.  I’d say I eat fairly well… I by no means sit around eating potato chips all day.  But I grew up in the Midwest – my diet has always been meat, potato and bread heavy.   It wasn’t until I got to college that I started to eat vegetables other than carrots and iceberg lettuce. 

Last year, I had the opportunity to work with/for one of the most holistically minded people I’ve ever known.  I ate raw and vegan while I was at her house.  I learned about essential oils and supplements.  I left that job at the end of the year, and have spent the last 365 days feeling like my body has a mind of it’s own.  Yes, I still work out.  No, I’m still not eating bags of potato chips.  I’ve always thought it would be interesting to make a drastic diet change and see what happened.  Last week I had dinner with my resident all things healthy friend and was telling her I had thought about going vegetarian…but that I love meat so much. (As I took a bite some of the best damn beef curry my mouth has had the pleasure of knowing.)  She asked what my blood type was – A+ - and said my blood type thrives on a vegetarian diet.  She asked me when I’ve felt the best in my life.  Without hesitation I tell her it was when I did a 10-day juice cleanse in April.  Fine.  I’ll try being a vegetarian.  But only for 30 days.  Just to see what happens and how I feel. 

I came home that night and watched “Forks Over Knives”… and then “Vegucated.”  My thoughts shifted from the clear health benefits of a plant-based diet to animal welfare.  My heart ached for all of the animals that were being tortured so I could have some bomb ass beef curry, delicious cheese and a coffee with skim milk. 

The next day I went to Costco and to Whole Foods on Friday night – very suburban and 30-something of me, I know!  I left with things my cupboards have never known. 

And today… is my 5^th day of a vegan diet.  Yea, you heard right.  Vegan.  I’m trying it.  For 30 days.  So far, so good.  I had a monster headache for about 3 days… but I suspect that had something to do with no sugar, caffeine, gluten OR animal products.  Yea…go big, or?  Right. 

So here I am, craving cheese like it’s no bodies business.  Nutritional yeast on my rice and quinoa… you are my savior tonight.  Thank you for tasting cheesy and providing me those 6-amino acids my body won’t produce naturally.  I’m excited to see how my taste buds and cravings change in the next few weeks – and mostly I’m excited that I have friends that can point me in the right direction, give me recipes when I’m bored, and tell me just to go get some damn French fries.  So thank you Dalit, Cathy and Angie!! And thank you to all my veggie friends!

And as luck would have it… Angie is blogging 30 days of vegan recipes, starting today!  Boom! http://www.powered-by-produce.com/

Here we go!  Oh, and Happy New Year!

2012 Recap - Top 12 Lessons

Top 12 Lessons Learned in 2012

1.  You can fall in love instantly.  It can happen on the dirtiest part of Sixth Street or in the parking lot of an auto shop.  This love will forever change your heart.  You’ll see the world differently.  You’ll feel yourself grow into someone you’ve not even realized you could be. 

2.  Life can be taken at any moment.  Hug fiercely those who matter most to you, tell them you love them, that they mean something to you, that they’ve left a mark on your heart, on your soul -  for you never know when they’ll be gone. 

3.    How it was, only matters if you’re still who you were.  If you’ve grown, look ahead.  Appreciate what was, and smile at will be. 

4.  Friendships change and evolve.  Some will leave when the friendship you share with them isn’t serving one or both of you.  Sometimes you’ll find yourself re-connected with them.  Some stay for it all.  All of them matter. 

5.  It’s ok to live in the moment.  And that last minute flight to Vegas might be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.

6.  It’s never too late to forgive -to forgive others, to forgive yourself.  Forgiveness creates a space inside of you where great things are bound to be drawn into.

7.  I have a lot of favorite people.  Some of them live close, many live in other states, some on other continents.  We don’t talk every day.  Sometimes years span between the time we see one another.  But each time, with each of these people it’s as if a moment hasn’t passed.  Each time my heart is overwhelmed by their friendship and love. 

8.  It’s ok to make a stand for your happiness – if you don’t, no one else will.  Treat yourself the way you treat others. 

9.  Take care of yourself.  Eat well.  Exercise.  Love freely and fiercely.  Take time for yourself to do the things you love.  Run.  Read.  Learn. 

10.  Surprise someone.  It makes your heart happy.

11.  Aim to see the world, people and your day through the eyes of a puppy.

12.  Be open. To people.  To ideas.  You’ll be surprised at what you see, learn and become when you’re open. 

Reoccurring theme:  Love

2012 Recap: Top 12 Favorite Songs & Shows

... Because I love me some music!  In no particular order...

Top 12 Favorite Songs

1.  Madness – Muse

2 .  Only Love – Ben Howard

3.  Mercy – Dave Matthews Band

4.  1957 – Milo Green

5.  Lucky Now – Ryan Adams

6.  Take a Walk – Passion Pit

7.  Just Breathe – as sung by Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder and Willie & Lukus Nelson

8.  Trojans – Atlas Genius

9.  Levels – Avacii

10.  Anna Sun – Walk the Moon

11.  The Motto – Drake and Lil Wayne

12.  What you Know – Two Door Cinema Club

Top 12 Favorite Shows

1.  Avacii – ACL

2.  Eddie Vedder – Bass Concert Hall

3.  Dave Matthews Band – The Woodlands

4.  Ben Howard – ACL

5.  Willie Nelson – The Backyard

6.  Jay-Z – Made in America

7.  Lil Wayne – Austin Music Hall

8.  Bon Iver – Moody Theater, ACL Live

9.  Lance Herbstrong – The Belmont

10.  Ghostland Observatory – White Water Ampitheater

11.  Pearl Jam – Made in America

12.  The Temper Trap – Stubb’s

2012 Recap - 12 Favorite Memories & Moments

Top 12 (x3…because there have been so many!) Favorite Memories and Moments

1.  Dancing with my beautiful, silly, amazing cousins and best friend at Krystal’s wedding.
2.  Being at Big Star Lake with Sarah, the girls and those crazy Klingenberg kids!
3.  Meeting and falling in love with the cutest, sweetest and most amazing puppy, Big Whiskey.
4.   Being reunited with Team USA in Las Vegas.
5.   Each and EVERY Supper Club
6.  Realizing that love at first sight exists and is completely real and utterly inexplicable.
7.  Vallyn and Lindsay singing their hearts out to “Call Me Maybe” on the corner of West Sixth and Rio Grande.
8.  Being reunited with Shultzy and Jen on the Hermosa Pier.
9.  Asking George to adopt me.  Officially. 
10.  Having my worlds collide on the rooftop deck of Pure and be surrounded by a few of my favorites from college, Austin, Cali and a music festival in Philly.
11. Brunch and afternoon adventures with my mom and Kelly.  Actually, ANYTHING I did that included Kelly was pretty ridiculously awesome. 
12.  Watching my sweet niece, Sophie, take her first steps…on her first birthday. 

1.  Any hug from Gerald
2.   Kings cup in my living room. 
3.  White trash raves, glitter, neon and glow sticks.
4.  Tailgating for America’s best BBQ
5.  Amanda’s birthday boat party
6.  Seg-waying through Austin with one of my favorite South Africans.
7.  Eddie Vedder.  Bass Concert Hall.  Austin.
8.  Seeing Manus and getting that first hug in 3 years
9.  Stopping Adam Duritz to take a picture of him – and receiving Jen’s reply text.
10. SXSW Shenanigans.  Eskimo Sisters. 
11. Dancing my ass off at Avacii – Night 1 of ACL 2012 with Jen and Anthony.
12.  Brunch and day drinking with Holly.

1.  Everything about Philly.  Including, but not limited to Jay-Z and Eddie Vedder doing 99 Problems together.
2.  Bringing lunch, when dignity is lost. 
3.  Whiskey before 8.
4.  Being barefoot for 3 days in Zilker park and dancing in the rain and mud. 
5.  Waking up in Vegas.
6.  Anything that involves my amazing neighbors.
7.  Dave Matthews and road trippin’ with Jane, Chris and Anthony. 
8.  Birth announcements and Christmas Card/pictures in my mailbox. 
9.  All of my Californian lovin’.
10.  Getting my near daily text from Misa and Shultzy.
11. Each time I run over the pedestrian bridge and catch a glimpse of Austin, and think, “Man, I love this city!”
12. Each and every I stop and think, “I really love my life.”

And some of my favorite pictures from 2012 that go along with a few of these favorite memories and moments.

Some of the hottest asses I know!

I told you we're silly.

Brunchin' at Green Pastures.

Austin Adventures

Tailgating for meat.

Gerald's hugs.

Reunited.

Two of my favorite blonds.  On a boat.

Glitter, neon, glowsticks at our WT Rave.

The moment I looked in my backseat and fell in love.

Jeff and Duddy, love these boys!

Jen and I at a very WET ACL!

Duddy, Owen, Tots and my big brother, Manus! <3 td="td">

My family.  My Mom.  My dad.

Anthony and I at DMB

Being all touristy with Angie!