late night cravings

I know, I know. I owe you a part deux to my Gatsby post and trust me it's in the works, but something was overtaking me and I had to write about it: Late night cravings. And no, not the kind you're thinking. Though of course right now I would love the leftover key-lime cake with oozing sugary white frosting that's beckoning from the fridge, but alas, there is something else occupying my thoughts. And there's no better way than to share than in the fashion that it's flitting through my mind. In a frantic list.

mad cravings right now:

to become a surfer bum at least once in my life and have really scraggly beach hair and a sick tan
to own a really great dog
acquire more tattoos, a lot more I'm afraid
experience mind-numbing beauty, whether it be in the form of mountains, seas, cities, people, conversation--i want to bathe in it
to become ridiculously adept at push-ups, pull-ups and at least one really choice, yet difficult and impressive workout move
to take part in a sports team--gone are the days of me saying, "oh you probably wouldn't want me on your team, i'm not that athletic." wrong. you want me
to save the dolphins. okay, even just one. i want to be a vigilante and there are a lot of causes i care about, but i really want to save the dolphins, man
to learn another language, preferably finnish, because that's what i'm mostly made up of, but i am open to others
become quite good at a musical instrument. even if it's just the tambourine. i need to be musically inclined. it's not too late; i'm only 25
see the loch ness monster. don't judge me. that's legitimate
cruise on a pirate ship. again, could totally happen. and will happen. okay, but not with real pirates. i hear they are quite ruthless. though i'm quite charming, so maybe it'd be fun?
read all of the bible
be a part of a flash mob
recite poetry in an airport. loudly
take an epic photograph of the northern lights
learn to meditate really well
get to be lucy and have a desi for at least one halloween of my life

to buy a one way ticket to NY. oh wait, did that yesterday! and one thing on the list of cravings fulfilled. check

The Great Gatsby-- Part Un

If any of you know me, you know that I am smitten with my soul. I mean, I aim to inextricably please this fickle creature in my life's hot pursuits. I want the best coffee that my lips could touch, I want adventures Magellan would be envious of, and heck I want a Casablanca-esque love to name a few. Why on earth not? So, it was no laughing matter when about a week ago I felt this pang, somewhere in the depths of my existence alerting me that something was off. I was at a red light at the intersection between my gym and work. And as soon as I felt this longing, I knew what it was. My soul was hungry. And it wasn't a mild hunger. It came on like a torrential downpour. Instantly I felt stricken. My soul hadn't been properly fed in awhile and she was angry and distraught. My knee-jerk reaction to this was of course dramatic. Always. Instead of going straight toward home, I quickly toyed with the idea of turning right and driving far away. Visions of mountains, water, or wilderness instantly came to mind. Then I wanted music. Big band and full skirts. Or death defiance. Where was the nearest rock-face for me to scale? If you know where I live, you know the answer is nowhere. So now, my soul wasn't just hungry, but I was blue; there was no soul food in sight and not much doing about it. My poor dear would have to go hungry. The more time that passed without me figuring out what my soul craved, the more angsty I became. I was waking up agitated. I couldn't concentrate and I was desperate to run away. Again, this happens more often than you would imagine. Until... Yesterday. The day started off a little rocky, with me missing my workout due to sheer sleep deprivation. I stumbled into work, still no better rested, discombobulated and worn out. I was frantic to get coffee coursing through my veins and bring me back to myself. After several cups of Caramel Praline Crunch accompanied by cinnamon Ezekiel toast--yumm-o--and a lovely chat with my boss I was feeling less spastic. Then it happened: I got news that a dear friend of mine will be visiting for my birthday where we will be doing something I have always dreamt of--skydiving! Furthermore there is a grand adventure on my horizon and just sensing its nearness was making me feel as if I should break out in a jig. When my sister showed up at work, I did. Because she brings out the best in me. And when she felt further compelled to jump into my arms and wrap her tiny frame all around me, I let her. Delight. All of a sudden I could feel a shift in my being. My soul was getting much needed nourishment. Finally! And I was euphoric; so much so, that I turned to my sis and said, "I don't know if I could take more excitement or happiness. Well I could, I always could. But this is perfect." And then, the unthinkable happened, it got better...

I'm Baaaaaaack!

Oh. My. Goodness, have I ever missed my blog! My baby! I hope, beyond hope you have missed it too! Though, I was negligent for good reason of course. In case you weren't privy to the past seven months of my life on national telly, I will clue you in: I have been on a bit of a weight loss hiatus/journey of self-discovery/exercise boot-camp. And yes, to sum up, twas a life changer, no? Okay, understatement of the century. I lost 92 lbs (that's one whole sister!) and a lot of self loathing. My life at the moment is completely topsy-turvy in the most delightful way and I have tales to tell! But before I overwhelm you with stories aplenty--there'll be time for that later--let me just say, welcome to my new adventure blog! And it is new in the sense that I feel somewhat new and the adventures I have embarked upon as of late and am preparing for in the very near future will probably blow some of my old ones out of the ever-loving water. Not to say those adventures weren't noteworthy and brimming with promise as they led me to the most exquisite adventure of all--my stint on The Biggest Loser, which hands down was the best thing that has ever happened to me, but the new me is not saying no to life anymore. I fully intend to Carpe the freakin Diem and then tell you all about it. So let this serve as a preview of what's to come. And okay do you want a sneak peak? Mmm, duh! Prepare for a celebration of all things art, music, travel, books, tattoos, fitness, love, adventure, mischief and delight. Oh and New York! It's a comin. In short, I hope you're ready.