She Wants It Her Way

Why do we gravitate toward doing things we think we should do rather than the things we want to do? How does it become challenging and difficult to do things we once loved so much? Is it a loss of interest? Is it OK to be idle and comfortable--or is that being lazy? Is it time that seems like a constraint or like something that will always be there?

Priorities play a big factor; as does will and desire. I am a firm believer in "if you want to do or get something enough, there is nothing that will stop you from making it happen." Time is added to the schedule, preparations are made, and you get it [done].

I'm not sure if it's post-college life, but I haven't been as dedicated to making time for some things I feel like I should do. I also want to feel bad -- and even mentioning this may mean some guilt is in there, but I enjoy not being [pro]/active. Then I wonder if it's because I'm using up so much energy toward other places that aren't necessarily nourishing for the time spent.

Time is money; and time is life. Each moment that we use and each moment that we "waste" is time that could have been spent on something else. What's the best thing today and tomorrow?

There is also power in comfort and only doing just enough. When the right boundaries aren't in place, it's also possible to lose your reality and fall into someone else's. It's interesting how we get caught up in the every day and move based on an agenda that's not completely predicted by us so easily. Do you ever feel comfortable in living and doing just enough? 

...then, Vegas.
I really expected falling in love with the city, but I wasn't. I couldn't. The moment I walked off the plane, pokies (aka slot machines) greeted me and I knew that I would be in for a treat. I assumed being in the city of sin would mean more temptation...but it was not the storyline I plotted in my mind. Everything about Vegas is what I expected, but I was different.
I felt different. I felt out of my element--as if I didn't belong there. I stayed at the beautiful Caesars Palace (which you may recognize from the Hangover movie) and enjoyed everything about it, excluding the prices and indoor smoking policies (although both apply to all of Vegas). I took some extra time to really settle in and take it all in after I checked into the room.

Why do we gravitate toward doing things we want to do rather than the things we think we should do? How does it become challenging and difficult to do things we once loved so much and gave so much importance to? Is it a loss of interest? Is it due to life's many distractions—the Internet, relationships, work? Is it just part of growing up? Do people grow out of the things they love...their once upon a time passion or dreams? Is it even OK to be idle and comfortable--or is that being lazy and a borderline parasite (laziness has a scale)? Is it time that seems like a constraint or like something that will always be there, and so there is no need to rush?

My favorite character, Paul (formerly Saul) says, "For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice" in Romans 7:19 (NKJV). I know I am not the only one who struggles or has struggled with having the desire to get something done, but not actually doing it...or doing the opposite/nothing.

Priorities play a big factor; as does will and desire. I am a firm believer in "if you want to do or get something enough, there is nothing that will stop you from making it happen." Time is added to your schedule, preparations are made, you think every step or at least the first, and you get it [done].

I'm not sure if it's post-college life and the thrills of working, but I haven't been as dedicated to making time for some things I feel like I should do. I want to feel bad -- and even mentioning this may mean some guilt is in there, but I enjoy not being [pro]/active. I wonder if it's because much of my energy is projected toward other places that aren't necessarily nourishing (mind, body, and soul) for the time spent.

Time is money; and time is life. Each moment that we use and each moment that we "waste" is time that could have been spent on something else. What is the best thing to do right now for today and tomorrow?

So now I'm just thinking about what to do each day, every moment, every opportunity to live... How to be better. It is 2015.

Did I ever say 'hello'?

FROM NEW YORK CITY TO YOU...12.31.14

Disclaimer: This was not my first time to New York and I've been several times. But this is the first time I went to NY independently of age and with no agenda. It was phenomenal. Check out pics from my 2014 transition, from DC to Philly to NYC.

I can't believe it's 2014 and I have unpublished blogs. I start writing, but can never complete the thought. It's as if I get to a point where my mind decides it doesn't want to feed me more words, more wit, more thoughts to put down.

It's 2014, and I'm looking to change that. I'm looking to change several things in my life. It's time to make things happen and not just think about the fact that it needs to be done or that I want it to be done. No more being idle. No more watching and waiting.

My turn to rise up!

2013 was pleasant and filled with travels for me and my beloved. Over the summer, we joined 12 others for an adventure in a strange house in the woods with no internet.

Only two (2) hours outside of D.C. is a house unlike any other that I've seen. I never thought I would come across a place like Brewhouse Mountain Eco-Inn in York Haven, PA.

It was in July when a group of youthful, free souls joined together for some fun over the hot summer weekend. It was magnificently detailed and clearly someone's treasure.

Image by Neha Gautam

We arrived on a dark and stormy night (literally lol), but our curiosity loomed. With 12 others eagerly prepared to explore our new haus for the weekend, it was just us and the woods away from the rest of the world.

There were figurines and odd statues from the mid-1900s and more importantly, the walls were lined up with containers of beer in all sizes–kegs and cans–from the past century (possibly more).

Image by Neha Gautam

Each room had its own theme based on the cans in the room; there was the Pacific, Germany, America, and Africa and EurAsia. Every element of the house and every single room was unique and well organized/planned. I slept in the bright and beautiful Scandinavian/Swedish Room.

Image by Neha Gautam

We had fun; partied in the game room with strobe lights; drink skippy; went hiking; and made it a weekend to remember. I would do it all over...perhaps in a new house with the same people... just for different stories.

...

Fast forward to November with the autumn season slipping away, and the adventure continued in Pennsylvania to Philly.

It was my second time to Philly–if 1 unplanned overnight for American Idol auditions at 16 counts (itinerary was pretty strict)–and I was pretty excited. My boyfriend and I made it a trip right before the Thanksgiving holiday.



I was eager to explore the streets of brotherly love and see what one of America's favorite cities had to offer. It was also another opportunity to have a mini-road trip and see some friends.

We walked around the city from South Street through Old city, until we were in Southwest Philly overlooking a view of Camden. Beautiful sight.

I believe it.

Photo courtesy of J.G.

Of course, we tried a recommended cheesesteak at Jim's Steaks on 4th and South Street. Splendid and delicious, it was! Perfect way to start the day before heading back to DC.


Philly–I liked it. I felt the love. I felt good vibes all around. I would do it again and maybe again. It's nice to go into a new city or a new place in general. It feels good to start fresh .


Welcome, 2014.
http://bit.ly/1cDs6XM

Hello, there.

I realize that my travels exceed the number of blogs I've written in the past year. I'm not sure why my writing keeps coming in random spurs, but I have to feel the inspiration. These days, inspiration takes more than a trip. It takes wanting to share the details with all of the people who can and want to listen. I traveled to Dallas in April and May, Boston in October (lovely city), New Jersey/New York in July (2012), and China in June ('12). Details and reviews in the recent blogs posted have been limited during that time, but I've been a little preoccupied...

Last March, I hit it off with a wonderful man and recently landed the perfect opportunity to jumpstart my career. Two things that will keep you distracted - careers and romance.

A week after I started my new job, they had their annual conference in Dallas, TX. Ironically enough, I found myself back in Texas for a second time within such a close period of time (April & May)... It was like another chance to live my Dallas experience and I took the time to relax and enjoy every day as a fresh start. I spent most of my time working the conference and getting to know my new co-workers, but I left time for me to decompress. I even made it out for dinner with a friend from undergrad!

About two weeks after Texas Pt. II, I set out for another adventure! My boyfriend and I hit the road to enjoy a weekend of music, memories, and fun.

The Head and The Heart in RIVA**

Although I enter state lines daily, that Friday was different. We made an afternoon departure for Richmond, Virginia to see The Head and The Heart on Brown's Island. After spending 3 hours in Virginia's [fabulous] traffic congestion, we checked into our [free*] hotel and headed to the show.

The night was fantastic. The music was spectacular. The mood was perfect. Everyone was enjoying the tunes, drinking beer, and loving it all. Apparently, this type of thing goes down every weekend over the summer on Brown's Island; and they call it "Friday Cheers." While I don't know most of the artists they have lined up, THTH was definitely worth the distance and time.

After the concert, we needed to refuel and ended up at The Well - which came highly recommended for local late night dining. The food was delicious/cheap, and the scenery was a small corner [college] bar with perfect mood lighting. We headed back to the hotel to prepare for another day of adventures.

Saturday morning, we ventured to Virginia Beach. We spent time walking on the beach and main waterfront strip. It was your typical commercialized beach scene, but it was nice to be there with a guy I was into...as opposed to family trips to the beach that seem so much more familiar. It was a good time and quite relaxing. We did make it to a cute, house-like restaurant called Tautog's. The food was delicious, but I was sad when the only two things I asked for were conveniently the only two things sold out for the night (guess I have good taste buds).

Photo courtesy of Tautog's

**

**Chincoteague Horses

I am still going on adventures and I still love to travel. I do apologize for not sharing the special details from my other trips, but eventually, they will come. For now...I anticipate the next trip to be as good as the last and hopefully better. The next travel adventure will be to Pennsylvania..an interesting treat with my guy and his friends. All I know is that there will be beer.

xoxo
C


*Courtesy of going to Dallas with both of my companies and staying in the "right" hotels each time, I managed to score enough points for a free room.
** All photos, unless otherwise indicated, courtesy of J.G.

The conference began on Sunday an it was so nice to put names to a face! We had a "new hire" dinner for all of the new employees who started after March 2012 at the Dallas Fish Market (sister to Chophouse Burger - my first Dallas dining experience). The food was delicious with a preset menu and several options to select from. I guess going for the steak was not my best decision after tooth pain from the night before...but when in Texas, LOVE the red meat!!!!

I eventually made my way to Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse with some major disappointment, and introduced my friends to Wild Bill's Western Store - where you can find boots on boots on boots!

I have never seen so many boots in my life, but that is possibly because the farthest I've been out West is Chicago (minus my trip to Australia and the hours of waiting in LAX).

Unfortunately, my tooth took it's final hit with the "BBQ" brisket from Sonny Bryan's; and I needed a solution.

Bourbon, anyone? Or whiskey? Either way, you forget that you're hurting and I was told a little swishing around my mouth would help numb the pain. A select few and I headed to the hotel pool with wine and bourbon in hand.

The next two days were a bit of a blur due to the intensity of my toothache and my primary goal became to make it stop. Even with antibiotics, 'real' pain killers, and peroxide, I felt helpless.

I did meet some cool people and got a taste of what professionalism should be while away on business. I definitely did not do it all right, but I learned a few things that will help me in Round 2 (please standby....). I made new connections and got an opportunity to discuss theories/beliefs about life, religion and love. I had time alone to think and reflect about my life and where I thought I would be and want to be at age 22.

I'm still not 100% sure; but I want to be happy. I want to live comfortably without worrying about what's next or spending an extra $1 in my bank account that I don't really have. I want to know that getting into so much debt for my undergraduate college education was worth it. I want to end up in a career that allows me to help people realize their true potential and the unlimited opportunities. And I want to love and be loved until there is no more love to give.

Thank, Dallas. I don't [/didn't] plan on coming back for you, but it was definitely good while it lasted.

Thnks fr th mmrs.

Pics:


Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse on Main St.

Same corner

RIP JFK



Memorial

Watching from Above

So I tried too...