Taking Myself on a Date + 10 Things

Last weekend I was in need of sunshine and the ocean, so after going for a long early morning run, I took myself on a little date. I went to a beautiful beach in the Santa Cruz area that I’ve never been to before. I read on the beach before doing a 5 mile walk along the ocean to the boardwalk and back. I almost backed out of going at the last minute, but I’m proud for not standing myself up :) Later that weekend, my mom and I went on a grocery shopping date, which these days is as exciting as it gets! We explored a new Whole Foods in the area (one of our favorite places to go; we were obsessed with the Whole Foods Headquarters when we visited Austin together) and loaded up on groceries. My mom is the cutest, sweetest, most grounded person to be around, so time spent with her always makes me happy.

I also realized I haven’t done a “10 Things” list in awhile, so here’s a compilation of 10 random things that I’ve been loving or thinking about lately. Xoxo!

10 Things

1. We binge-watched the first season of Boardwalk Empire recently and I think I’m more fascinated by the depiction of the early 20s era than the plot itself! I love seeing the way they talk, how they dress, and the lack of technology back then (lol). It amazes me how far we’ve come over the last 20 years in terms of the internet and technology (for better or for worse).

2. It’s supposed to rain here for the next week and I’m really happy about it. I love the sunshine but something about the rain makes me feel cozy and calm.

3. In addition to reading, I’ve been listening to audio books lately while walking. Every single audio book I’ve listened to has been SO GOOD. The last two I finished couldn’t have been more different - one was “The Lost Orphan” taking place in 1700s England while the other was “The Unhoneymooners” taking place in current day Hawaii. Complete opposite stories but both were very entertaining.

4. Every night before bed I spend 5 minutes journaling about one thing I’m grateful for, one thing I love about myself, and one thing I’m going to let go of the next day. I also read a daily excerpt from my version of the bible (“The Language of Letting Go”). I swear by this nighttime routine because it brings me to the present, slows down my mind, and makes me reflect.

5. I’m struggling with managing my energy better throughout the busy work week. I found myself pushing it too hard these past few weeks to the point of not feeling well, so I’m consciously trying to prioritize better. Workaholism is not healthy so I’m trying to get better. Easier said than done, especially when you like what you’re doing!

6. I would give just about anything right now to get a massage, pedicure, manicure and haircut.

7. I’m turning 32 in less than one month. So far my early 30s has been a wild ride, emotionally and mentally. I sincerely hope that I can do more traveling in my 32nd year of life than I did in my 31st!

8. I am SO CLOSE to doing the full splits on my left leg (has been a goal of mine for awhile). I’ve been able to do it on my right leg for a few years now, and the day I can do it fully on my left will be so exciting!

9. I’m obsessed with candles and having a good-smelling house and really want to try some of the ones from Bath and Body Works. People rave about them, so I may treat myself to a few soon.

10. Derek is truly the funniest person I know and made me cry from laughing the other day. I had literal tears streaming down my cheeks and my belly hurt after, but in that good feeling way. Even though working and living in small quarters together each day brings out the crazy in both of us, I cannot imagine my life or my world without him.

santa cruz

whole foods date with mom