Things I am loving lately:
Tackling my New Year's resolutions, seeing green grass and fizzy waters
As Spring is turning a massive corner, I am feeling revitalized! I used to think I was a winter girlie, but things have changed. And not to sound like a total asshole, but I love every single season and find so many ways to enjoy where I’m at. There’s NOTHIN’ like a fresh snow and sunny day. Ain’t nothin’ like tulip buds pushing their way up through the earth in spring and the birds splashing around in the bird bath (in the view from my office space). I also love a hot summer day and a cold rose on the beach. The cool drizzle outside my window in the fall OH! I just love it all. I’m a spoiled lil’ beach, too, aren’t I?
I have found myself reaching for many of the same things recently. As someone trying to slow down her consumerism, I just can’t help picking up cool shoes when I see them. As a bonus, I recently had my bunion chopped up and can fit in SO many more shoes now.
To top the list of my favorite things (and a few that made me cry):
Getting foot surgery. I can’t fit in most shoes unless they’re made of leather, and they’ll stretch, or they’re “wide fit.” Even wide shoes, especially heels, aren’t going on these fat f**kers. I just about had a full-on breakdown when I slipped my foot into an Adidas samba the other day. It just… went on. I didn’t struggle or have to jam my toes in or redo the laces or asses how much pain I’d be in if I bought them and wore them in. I looked my mom dead in the eyes, “Is this what normal people feel like?” I honestly couldn’t believe it. It feels life-changing. Well, it is. Because lord knows I love me some cool sneakers and have to put just about 70% of them down because they don’t fit my feet. Nike better watch out! Or give me a discount.
BLT obsession. Can’t stop, won’t stop.
Sparkling water is a standard staple in my life and won’t be going anywhere soon. I can’t get enough of that FIZZ! It burns going down my gullet, and I’m addicted to the PAIN. The stronger the fizz, the higher the rating. P.S. Trader Joe’s “Lime” Sparkling water is top-notch. I avoid Perrier and San Pelligrino if I’m stateside. That shit is overpriced here. Another great option is the Polar Seltzer. I had lime juice in that one for my daily dose of fizz. If you wanna be a little bougie, I’d go with Death Water’s Sparkling. Maybe I’ll write an article on the best fizzy water.
The GREEN. Green is my favorite color, but there’s nothing like that springtime lush uncut grass just growing wild before the weather is nice enough to trim it. And Maryland has some funny things where daffodils grow in the ditches between the highways. I love seeing those little cuties as the warmer weather comes around.
Painting my nails. I stopped painting my nails for one reason and one reason only. Every time I did, something cursed happened. I painted my nails between my freshman and sophomore years of college, and two days later - I dislocated my pinky. I painted them before playing against San Fransico (my most hated gym & team in the WCC) in 2013 and MADE THE SAME MISTAKE the following year. We lost in five. To add insult to injury, we outscored them by nearly an entire game. 22 points. I didn’t stop getting my nails done entirely but stopped painting them myself. I’m happy to report I have picked up the habit again, and so far, it's uncursed!
Pilot G2 07 ballpoint pens. If you know, you know.
Ashwagandha & Sleepy Cocktails. I admit it; I gave into the TikTok trend, and this one does NOT disappoint. Ashwagandha has done wonders to reduce my cortisol levels. I feel so much more level. At one point, I was taking it too much because I was beginning to lack empathy. Weird feeling! So I’m on to five days on, five days off now. The sleepy cocktail is just a mix of magnesium, tart cherry juice, and sparkling water. I drink it about 30 minutes before bed. Better sleep has never been achieved for me!
Getting into the habit of slow exercise. Once you’ve used to really high-intensity jumping, diving, lifting, and generally explosive movements, taking a walk just doesn’t feel like “legitimate” exercise. These last few weeks, I’ve been learning to slow down and enjoy what my body can do rather than push myself to the limits. Also, I am jumping (not literally) for joy over the fact that I am in regular walking shoes now.
The Accidental Shoe Collection. I accidentally grew a small collection during my time in the States. I don’t know if it’s just my dumb luck or if I am actually good at finding deals - but I have found two pairs of boots that fit the exact specifications of wish-list shoes, a pair of Adidas (that slipped onto my feet effortlessly and previously hurt), and a pair of half-priced hokas. The boots I am most proud of are Sam Edelman’s, and I got them for $34.99 from their $180.00 retail tag! Yeehaw!!
And that’s all for now. I’m keeping up with my New Year's resolution of “consistency” fairly well. I picked a sustainable path and work harder when I feel like it and less when I don’t. That’s the beauty of freelancing, I suppose! Add that to the list.
Happy Tuesday, and please share some of your favorite things with me.
Ciao for now,
xooxoxxoCait