The end of an era

Hello friends! I know I don't blog that often but I wanted to let you know that I won't be adding any more to this blog since I have transferred to http://thebrandnewzealand.blogspot.com/

I'm starting a new chapter of life down near the 45th parallel and would love if you came along. :)

Happy blogging to all.

Metaphors, analogies, and poems

Since when did I crave this mysterious language? I grew up with an intuitive father that wrote sermons in the form of metaphors and poems and taught me life lessons through analogies. Throughout the years I have had a handful of close friends that can delve into a discussion that consists entirely of these cryptic languages and yet will have the deepest meanings for our lives.

Not all have a love for this type of thought. They find it superfluous and weak to speak in such a way. "Just say what you mean," they say. Meaning requires much more than words... there are thoughts and dreams and connections to other worlds behind what we say in this vernacular.

I miss those conversations with my NF friends.

"Cool summer nights with whimsical breezes awaken my adventurous spirit and make me want to fly away..."

Air

Another day at the beach, sand between her toes, salty air on her lips. She is familiar with the ocean. Diving through the waves she feels the water enveloping her body. The feeling is exciting and she tells herself that she could somehow make it work to live in the sea.

...and then it hits. Slamming her down into the ocean floor, forcing her into sand and reef, the power of the wave gives her a dreadful feeling. She is reminded of the heaviness that comes with swimming in the waves. As she tumbles in chaos looking for light she realizes she has run out of breath. Struggling to put her feet back on the ground she bursts through the surface of the water and air rushes into her lungs. Oh the joyous feeling of life re-entering her cells!

She has been through this experience too many times, telling herself she could inhabit the ocean and learn to live in its unpredictable world but is always reminded that her lungs are not compatible with this ecosystem and her spirit cannot take the beatings. Today she walks away from the sea with a great respect for it, takes a deep breath of fresh air and is thankful.

Go outside and play!- A few of my favorite things.

I've never been much of a shopper except when it comes to outdoor gear. When I find something good it becomes like gold to me! Just wanted to share four things that changed my life outdoors!

The REI Taku Rain and Wind Jacket

This durable and waterproof jacket has a feminine fit and the fabric on the back is silky soft. It's not bulky and isn't meant to be warm but makes a great outer layer for those windy/rainy days.
Perks:
The sleeves are long for tall girls
The colors are cheerful for those rainy days
It's made by REI so the price is better than big name brands
Note:
I'm normally a medium but a small fit me best. I suggest trying one on!

Five-Ten Approach Shoes


My first experience with 5-10s were in New Zealand. We were making our way down Sleeping god's canyon and my feet were sticking to mossy wet rocks. Normal tennis shoes and most hiking shoes don't have the grip that these shoes do. It could be that Five-Ten uses the same stealth rubber on these as their rock climbing shoes. I'm continually amazed at my ability to walk down almost vertical faces when bouldering or hiking. I cannot praise these shoes enough! I would recommend these as a hiking shoe to anyone, anyday!
Perks:
Many styles, male and female
Comfortable
They are Amphibious- certain shoes are made especially for water
They give you a whole new confidence when climbing on rocks because you trust your feet
The Five-Ten outlet store is right here in Redlands, CA
Notes:
I bought a whole size up.
They tend to run smaller than normal and you want that extra space for hiking.

Camelbak Day Star pack

Lugging a water bottle up a mountain is no fun especially when you also want to carry snacks and a base layer for later. This little pack is the perfect size for lunch, a warm layer, 2 liters of water, and all the other little necessities you need on a hike or bike ride (compass, pocket knife, chapstick, and sunscreen). I love having my water easily accessible on a bike and the size isn't too bulky. I've actually started taking this everywhere as it fits my school books and has now become my purse.
Perks:
Very comfortable
Comes with a water bladder
The price was right on Amazon when I found this one.
Notes:
This is a girls pack and doesn't have a waist strap if that's a necessity for you

Merino Wool


This is the next best thing to being naked...unless it's cold outside, then it is the best!

These sheep got it good! Their wool keeps you warm (even when you get soaked), wicks away sweat, and doesn't hold odor. My favorite thing about it is, it's NOT ITCHY! This stuff is oh so comfy! I can't bring myself to put on cotton socks anymore as they hold sweat and cause blisters. Smartwool socks rock my world! As for baselayers- Icebreaker, Backcountry, and Smartwool all make great different merino base layers. So whether you are on top of a glacier or in the desert this stuff is amazing!..better than polyester, polypropylene, capilene, silk, and gold!

I don't understand yet

"I dreamed about going to the beach with my wife like we used to." he said. The nurse was pulling off the yellow fluid soaked dressing from the largest pressure ulcer I have ever seen. The woman's buttocks were nearly gone and bone was visible amongst the red emaciated tissue and serous fluid oozing from the wound. Being a paraplegic, she couldn't control her bladder. This meant urine was constantly soaking her underwear and giving her an additional rash around the ulcer. She also had a colostomy bag attached to the side of her stomach.

I asked them how they met and both of their eyes lit up as they took turns telling the story of how she used to walk by his desk at work and he would wave at her until one day he asked her to breakfast. They spent their early years together biking, swimming, and fishing at Catalina island.

Now...
He spends his days taking care of her. Changing and dressing her wounds, emptying the poop from her colostomy bag, taking her to doctors appointments.

They have been married 25 years and he still looks at her with love in his eyes.

How to make a friendship.

What's the key? The equation for making a friend and keeping a close bond of love and trust? This is what I have decided from experience.

(You + A person you like) + spending at least 15 min together x 5 days a week x 1 year = close friendship

me, myself, and I

I've been off kilter it seems for a week or so now.
I'm just now realizing it but it has been brought to my attention by those closest to me.
Friends, family asking,
"What's wrong?...You don't seem like yourself."
I'm not sure what's wrong but I feel unrest inside my soul.

I guess when I sit back and think about it, there is a lot going on that I'm not addressing.
Grad school is almost over.
Boards come next and I should be lining up job interviews.
But where will I go?
My parents are relocating. I don't have strong ties anywhere.
My relationship with God is not much of a relationship right now.
It has been a while since we talked.
Art.
It used to be a part of me but not recently.
Feeling inadequate.
Not feeling myself.

I've read that for NFs (idealists) it's highly important for their inner compass to be on track,
for them to be in line with their morals and beliefs.
Where did my compass go?

be back soon