Outdoor Adventures
This past week as I've been adapting back to CA time and getting into the groove of work, I've been trying to get outside more than usual. If there's one thing that I've learned from all my traveling, it's that moving around and being outside is an important part of my day-to-day happiness - but that's hard when you work inside all day! This week was full of sunshine and outdoors though, so I can't complain :)
Horsin' Around at our Team Offsite
I'm lucky because my team had an offsite this week in Los Altos Hills where we hung out with my manager's horse, did some leadership exercises with him, and then got to ride her friend's horse after. I learned how intuitive and perceptive horses are and that your presence, energy and body language are so important when trying to lead them (much like when leading people too!) It was such a unique, refreshing, and fun way to spend a random Thursday afternoon. I love my team!
Hiking with Mom
One of the highlights of my weekend (aside from binge-reading The Nightingale - see my review here) was hiking with my mom. As usual, we talked about all the things. There's nothing like that raw, honest conversation (venting session?) that you can only have with your mom... am I right? It's definitely a form of therapy for me :) I'm practicing some extra gratitude for her this week, especially since someone at work who just lost her mom literally took my arm and said "treasure the time you have with your mom while you have her". It was a great reminder of how precious life is... and how special moms are. So mom, this one's for you! Xoxo
All the Playgrounds with Mercy
My not-so-little niece slept over last weekend and we went to two playgrounds together and had a blast. I always tell her that I'm not allowing her to grow anymore, and she always laughs and says, "Auntie Nay Nay, I'm still going to grow, I can't help it!" She has a heart of gold - always wanting to share her snacks and make new friends at the playground; she is becoming fiercely independent - braving the big-kid slides and jungle gyms and swings now without letting me push her; and she is a great companion no matter what we do - I took her to Target, the grocery store, Goodwill - and she just loves being my little errand buddy! She fell asleep holding my hand Friday night and it melted my heart. She'll be FIVE soon and I absolutely CANNOT believe I've watched her grow from a newborn into this beautiful little girl! Xoxo
