Learning to Find Time

Unbeknownst to me, I’ve been losing my time. My self.

At the start of my First Summer in San Diego, I had two goals:

1. Have fun.

2. Make money.

And I did. Lots. Of both. I took a second job at my beloved Bar Method Studio, and jumped from weekend to weekend – working, entertaining (beloved) visitors,

attending very wonderful friends’ weddings,

attending AWESOME sporting events,

and meeting real life race horses up close and personal.

My summer? It was fantastic. My only regret? Not learning to surf.

But here’s the thing: from working two jobs, never having a day off, and continuous fun, I somehow lost a sense of me. I lost the time I used to spent doing things I liked – things I needed – to be a happy person.

I stopped writing. And blogging.

I got involved in a messy, toxic relationship – one I’m still dealing with the residual pain and nonsense.

I stopped walking Tahn. This summer? From my busy lifestyle, and my very physical full-time job, and the Bar Method, I got in the best shape of my life. My dog? Gained weight. Gained 12 pounds.

I lost time for myself.

It wasn’t until the excitement of the Summer passed, and leaving my second job did I realize how unhappy I was.

It wasn’t until I took my days off – to cook, to clean, to read, to walk Tahn, to sleep, did I realize how unbalanced my life had become.

It wasn’t until recently – almost 3 months after the CrazyFunSummer did I have the urge to write – to blog.

I’ve been reading a few books – books on how to simplify your life, your thoughts, your self. Recently, I read this from one of my absolute favs, Anne Lamott.

I hope you click over and read the fantastic article. But, if not, here is a quote, summing up what I’ve been working towards/thinking about/ attempting lately:

“I’ve heard it said that every day you need half an hour of quiet time for yourself, or your Self, unless you’re incredibly busy and stressed, in which case you need an hour. I promise you, it is there. Fight tooth and nail to find time, to make it. It is our true wealth, this moment, this hour, this day”. – Anne Lamott in Sunset Magazine

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28 in year 28

Recently, I turned 27. I had one of the best birthdays I’ve had in my twenties. In San Diego, I had a dinner with close friends – a night of laughing, listening and unconditional love. Last weekend, I traveled to the Bay Area and had an incredible family dinner and birthday cake made my brother and S2. My family came together over this superb meal, and I felt completely loved.

As my brother and S2 remind me every year, I am 27 years-old, starting my 28th year of life. (Right?! Just when you become okay with your age, you gain another year!)

Inspired by many fellow blogger’s life lists, and particularly Drea’s 30 by 30, and Tami’s 43 by 43 here are 28 things I want to do in my 28th year.

1. Learn how to surf.
2. Read 28 books.
3. Save 10% of my monthly paycheck.
4. Do 10 real push-ups.
5. Listen to live music at least once a month.
6. Start a garden in my backyard.
7. Take Tahn to the beach twice a month (except when it’s closed for the summer).
8. Create scrapbooks of all the cards from my grandma.
9. Find a yoga studio in the San Diego area that teaches Yin Yoga; attend class twice a month.
10. Go to a roller derby match.
11. Visit 3 museums in San Diego.
12. Enter two writing contests.
13. Write a letter a week.
14. Hold a plank for 60 seconds.
15. Walk Tahn 5 days a week.
16. Become CPR certified.
17. Hike once a month.
18. Bake an Angel Food Cake from scratch.
19. Help my mom learn to use her iPod.
20. Clear out all the boxes of stuff from my dad’s house.
21. Play in the beach with Buddy.
22. Learn to French Braid my hair.
23. Find a volunteer job that I really love.
24. Host a brunch.
25. Join a wine club.
26. Start collecting wall art.
27. Watch a foreign film.
28. Stop using paper towels.