days of contrasts

Almost every morning I wake up with yoga. When I can, I pair it with Exhale Core Fusion Pilates Plus. When I can't, I follow it with some brewing coffee. Afterwards, I make my bed, get dressed and prettified (you know it's a word), and have breakfast. It's always oatmeal, banana, almond butter, and, then, if I'm lucky, berries. Raspberries are my favorite. The only exception is a vegetable omelette with buttered toast, like this past Saturday's brunch, for instance. I don't hold myself to this habitual routine for any other reason other than the fact that it works for me. In another week, however, I have no idea what my AM routine will look like, and it will probably change each and every morning. 

My days are usually undefined. In the past they contained class schedules and working hours. For the next seven days they will be filled with last minute cleaning, pending errands, and intelligent packing sessions. And in the weeks that follow? More concrete planning is in the works, but for now: driving, walking through downtowns, driving, cultural venue exploring, driving, museum-hopping, sightseeing, driving, making new friends, and more driving. There will be a few local cuisine tastings too, you can count on that. 

Assuming that you're interested, here's the most updated Road Trip USA list: Philadelphia, Raleigh, Savannah, Montgomery, New Orleans, San Antonio, Salina, Oklahoma City, Denver, Santa Fe, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Eureka, Portland, Seattle, Coeur D'Alene, Bozeman, Rapid City, Sioux City, Madison, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse. Please let me know if you're going to be out and about at any point along the way!

If I could, I'd end each day with either wine or chocolate... or possibly both. That's not always the case though. When the evening is preceded by a day an afternoon of beer, for example, I willingly pass. (Somebody please tell me those kinds of days occur following college graduation). Then again, when I make happy hour plans with an old friend, a rare but much appreciated mixed drink is preferred. What you see above is a Leninade (citrus vodka, lemon juice & fresh mint) from Pravda, a sophisticated underground Russian bar.

I've never claimed to be perfect. I'm not. I do like to eat healthfully and exercise regularly but that doesn't necessarily translate to my daily reality. I savor my independence but letting go scares the s*** out of me. I've prepared myself quite well for a successful career but I have doubts about how ready I am to have a real job. I thoroughly enjoy wine and chocolate (and good beer and quality liquors) but I don't always consume them for the taste. I am excited and unnerved by the wide, open road ahead of me (literally and figuratively). And yet, I wake up each day with high hopes for what's to come. My smile may not always be authentic but my optimism sure is. We're hitting the road, jacks, and we're hitting it soon.