On this Easter Sunday as I'm writing this, I'm in disbelief that spring is just around the corner. With the promise of new blossoms (not to mention new and returning allergies), I am dumbfounded by all of the new changes as we head into a transitioning season full of life, warmth, and color. The environment definitely has an effect on my mindset, mood, and sense of self—hence me always talking about it at the beginning of a blog post—but I always feel like the atmosphere has an impact on all things happening for me, and I want to share some new beginnings and things I am looking forward to this season!
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01. Embracing new and old relationships. Maybe this whole "blossom" metaphor is a bit overkill, but I like to think that it aligns perfectly with my current social happenings and experiences as of late. This time last year, we were all trying to get back "out there". Going to outdoor patios, backyards, and anywhere and everywhere that was safe enough to actually be together.
Jump to present—I've been comfortable enough to go to bars, clubs, restaurants, movie theaters, the gym—you name it. I really didn't think I would meet anyone new or develop new friendships (let alone in my hometown), but I was wrong. I think this sudden and newfound urge to socialize has made it easier for me to meet people and feel less pressured to put myself out there. And to just be myself. And I am entirely grateful for that and the amazing people I've been able to meet and continue to meet because of it.
02. Work/life balance has been coming to fruition as the sun begins to shine and I'm itching to want to spend my afternoons absorbing any ray of warmth—I can't wait for longer days, last minute dinner plans, outdoor fires, and actually being able to work outside and sit at our patio. It really took me awhile to adjust to my routine of an 8 hour work day spent within the four walls of my bedroom—if not at our dining room table (for a change of scenery that is). However, I've just started going back into the city and am meeting more fellow colleagues. For awhile, it was hard for me to feel like I belonged at my agency, but the more and more I dedicate to meeting people in person or over the phone, the more sense of humanity I start to feel—like work isn't just work. I show up for the people and that's what continues to keep me there.
03. This travel bug I've had has not gone away. With the cadence of work life, I am constantly thinking ahead to what's next on Natalie's travel list. What next spot or destination can I look forward to. Now, I know that I've had some really stellar trips this year and a big Europe trip to come (more on that later), so I realize that it's not typical to be constantly going places every month, but hey one of my goals is to travel and as long as I am able...anchors away! Over Memorial Day weekend I will be visiting my good friend Kyra in Myrtle Beach. I went to a beach wedding not far from there on Ocean Isle and one of my most cherished memories was getting out of bed really early in the morning to watch baby sea turtles hatch on the beach and shining our flashlights on the sand to guide them to shore. I am definitely in need of some beach days that's for sure—and I can't wait!
04. Finding time to dedicate to my blog, in addition to doing the things I love and that fill me up, has been my mantra this past month. Although it took me a month to sit down and dedicate to it, I was also juggling other things such as work but being present with friends, family, and my goals as well. But that comes with creating boundaries with people and remaining true to doing the things that you love—the things that feed you. I've made many reservations for why I shouldn't put myself first, but as the queen of all things self care and holding true to prioritizing your wellbeing and mental health, it takes a whole person to be able to give the most to someone else. So within the next few months, and years of my life, I want to continue to pursue those things that fill me up and bring me joy. While not having to sacrifice or de-value my priorities and set aspirations—and making the time to continue to stay motivated in those endeavors so that I can share my whole self.
Hello, March! It's time to turn a new leaf and wish the snow be gone. The lull of dark winter nights is slowly but surely fading and I'm ready for a spring refresh in the coming weeks—life's been good these past couple of months, so I thought I would write a brief update on all the winter happenings and what I'm looking forward to this month!
01. Continuing work from home and transitioning into the office this spring. So far, I have been really embracing my work-from-home routine, especially since the thought of commuting in 20 degree weather just isn't ideal at the moment. I've been switching up my days by going to coffee shops or working at my gym's lounge before I workout and I've also really enjoyed getting to know my team more over the past couple of months. I've been able to work on some fun campaigns for Trolli Gummi Worms and General Mills cereal brands, so it's been a lot of fun and every day is different for me. I know I'll be heading back into the city soon, but for right now, I'm totally okay with waking up at a reasonable time and having my morning coffee without worry of catching a train.
02. Setting boundaries and creating time to dedicate to myself has been my motto. With balancing time to go out with friends, travel a lot more, and work full time, I have honed the ability to be fully content with just having time and peace to myself every now and then. I think I've fully grown into my introverted-extroverted self. I am okay having time at the end of a long work day to decompress or go to the gym and run it out to Lizzo. Setting boundaries for me to reset, be productive, and work on me—even getting back on my blog—has always helped me stay grounded.
03. A wedding, a wedding! No...not my wedding, silly. This month I'm headed down to Virginia for my good friend's wedding and I can't be more excited to actually be at a wedding with people my age. Now, before I get too old and sick of weddings, I just love to celebrate love with the people I love. That AND open bars AND cake.
04. Speaking of traveling, I've had a bit of a travel bug lately and planning quick, spontaneous weekend trips just seems to be in the cards for me lately. With skiing in Idaho, to a weekend trip to Georgia with my best friend, the wedding, and next...well I've got a big trip over the pond in the works for this summer, too!
While keeping tabs on happenings throughout the world (I say that so so lightly), my cousin and I have booked a trip to Italy and France later this summer. Details to come later, but we are thrilled and are fleshing out the itinerary as I speak...so stay tuned!
05. So, this is really cheesy and gimmicky, but to remember the joys of each day I've been writing down little blurbs of good things—whether it be my hairdresser keeping a clip I left in the salon a year ago or just simply treating myself to Chinese takeout, I've made it a point each day to reflect on one good thing. Big or small. It keeps me in check and focused on what matters and what makes me happy. After I write these little blurbs down on my mini Post-Its, I drop it into a blue mason jar on my bookshelf for safe keeping. When one day I find myself in need of a little uplift, I can open one of these blurbs and remind myself of all the good I've experienced. Cheesy enough yet?
The newness of spring is on the horizon and I'm ready for whatever may bloom this month. Keepin' it fresh and being open to change—or even cultivating change—in my routine is on my radar and I'm looking forward to sunnier and longer days ahead!
The Mountains are Calling and I Must Go
Last weekend was a weekend filled with firsts. I went skiing in the mountainous west with my cousins in McCall, Idaho. This was also one of my first winter trips, as my family usually hunkers down and only visits family remotely near us during the holidays. I was excited to get the chance to appreciate the snow a bit more and spend it with family I don't often get to see—along with three new little munchkins running around and just beautiful, blue sky mountain views.
Day 1: McCall & the "Little Ski Hill"
With zero experience skiing, I was going fully prepared to experience blood, sweat, and tears—sans the tears—and test my athleticism, patience, and mental aptitude for what was a pretty successful first ski run for me! Thankfully, my cousin's husband Shane was a ski instructor and their whole family was equipped with extra gear for me so I was among the experts. As daunting as that already is knowing that they regularly ski, I knew that I wanted to make the most of the trip as much as I wanted them all to enjoy it and not have to worry about me going off the mountainside.
Before we checked into our cozy Air BnB, we explored the quaint ski town, which reminded me a bit of the Wisconsin Dells—it definitely had a lot of tourists visiting for the weekend ahead of their annual ice festival, which I was really excited to see since I haven't seen ice sculptures in person before. We took a stroll around the frozen lake with their golden retrievers and stopped for some much needed caffeine before we hit up the first mountain of the evening.
The Little Ski Hill (which I report is NOT little for a first time skier) was where we ended up going that night just to get me on the skis and learn the basics—little did I know I would be basically leashed down the hill, but to my cousin Rachael's point—I was not going to live up there. Only one way down! The first hurdle for me was getting adjusted to the fact that you're on a high mountain and it definitely psyched me out. I would take many, many, falls just because speeding down it was not going to be an option for me that night. Instead, Shane was patient with me and showed me the basics to turning and weight distribution...all I'm going to tell you is that I made it down that mountain. Thanks, Shane.
Day 2: Brundage Ski Hill & Winter Tailgating
The second day was our big ski day as a family. We headed up to Brundage Mountain and from my previous day of struggling down my first mountain, I will admit I was a bit nervous considering we would be going down more similar or even harder runs. Thankfully, my cousins and I decided it would be most beneficial for me to take at least one lesson to feel more confident in my skis and also so they could go off and do their thing while I was learning on the bunny hill below.
The hardest part for me learning to ski was understanding how weight distribution and speed work for you rather than against you. The more momentum you have, the easier it will be to curve and turn down the mountain—learning how to regulate your speed was another hurdle. You can't just pizza and french fry the whole way down. It's exhausting! So, turning was really the secret to having an effortless run. And I had to make it to the top!
My ski instructor was patient with me and I finally had my turns down for the most part, it was just graduating to steeper hills and remembering to lift the weight off of my inside ski and using the whole width of the mountain to my advantage. When I finally regrouped with the family, we took the lift all the way to the top for what were just stellar views of the valley below and a quite relaxing road to ski down until I got to some of the more steeper slopes. Once we finally got down the mountain, my aunt met up with us for a winter tailgate and barbecue (bless Aunt Laura!)...and much needed beers. We ended the night with rejoining with more family that met up with us at the house and some hot toddies.
Day 3: Snow Shoeing in Ponderosa State Park
By Saturday, I was pretty gassed out and was feeling the soreness all over my body from using every single muscle to ski. My cousins and I were also ready for a break and to also just enjoy what McCall had to offer. We slept in and took our snow shoes to Ponderosa State Park for a hike!
I've never snow shoed either, but it almost feels like you're strapped into moon shoes and are walking on an elliptical since your stance is so wide and you're cutting into the snow. It definitely was a workout in itself, but the paths were pretty groomed for snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Not to mention it was cool just being able to walk through the forest and see the portrait of Payette Lake, with a majestic bald eagle crossing the horizon as we howled and cawed over the frozen lake.
After snow shoeing, we drove into town for some much needed shopping and lunch at the Salmon River Brewery as we had all of the babies with us. We wandered around town, visited some cool ice sculptures, and ended the night eating a big spaghetti dinner at my uncle's friend's house outside of town. It was definitely a day needed to just rest and have some quality family time before heading out on Sunday.
Day 4: One Last Ski in Boise
With a good lay in, the whole crew was getting ready to pack up. Time flies when you're flying down mountains! We headed into town for one last bite to eat—the most amazing french dip at the McCall Brewing Company (all the breweries, yes) where we said adieu to most of the cousins and headed out with my aunt and uncle and cousin Lindsay back to Boise. We were going to night ski one last time before I was dropped off at the airport and they headed back to Oregon.
I was feeling like mush from skiing for two days, but one more day couldn't hurt right? Mustering up the courage and what I learned to get through my first intermediate ski run (the level goes bunny hill, green, blue or intermediate, and black diamond). Also successfully going down my first green without falling. I owe it to my cousins for their patience with me and being the true ski cheerleaders as I trudged back on my skis every time, had a couple yard sales, got a pretty good battle scar on my knee, but never—not once—shedding a single tear, just powder.
They know this already, but sending another huge thank you to the Livingston crew for inviting me on their yearly ski trip and for putting up with my mother goose ski skills. It truly is a difficult sport, but I understand why so many people do it once they have the gear and experience down. The running joke was that my next ski venture is the winter olympics...so just you wait.
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