Halloween Highlights

I've never been an avid fan of Halloween. There is no magic in it for me. Maybe it comes from a traumatic incident in my childhood I've buried deep inside; such is the case for most adult tendencies. (I may or may not be referring to the amount of times I had a less than mediocre costume... and maybe one time in particular when I felt so self-conscious I refused to go on the class parade around the school. I just sat in my chair, tears in my eyes, watching everyone else file by in their store-bought ensembles that were oh-so enviable. Memories from an 8-year-old...) Or maybe I just think Halloween's pointless. The world may never know.

Due to it's mid-week location, my Halloween was pretty much a normal day, except for a few highlights:

1) I watched Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (I'm talking the full 10 minutes) at least four times. I can't say it enough--I love my job.
2) My commute was more entertaining than usual, despite the horrific holiday traffic. I took the surface streets (for a looooooong time) which made it possible for me to observe people driving in opposite traffic... so many serious faces with hair and make-up pumped for a good time. Loved it.
3) Last year on this day I had Valley Fever. This year I didn't. Win.
4) It was my dad's birthday, so my mom pulled out all the stops for his birthday turkey dinner. This means that pumpkin pie was included. I'm always in the mood for pie.
5) I got onto Facebook and saw this little gem at the top of my news feed:

The newest member of the Mecham clan, Dallin. Only 2 months old, already so distinguished.

I'm grateful for the little things that made my Halloween enjoyable. I'm also glad it's over, Now we can move onto more important holidays. And more delicious food.

The Whole30 Experience

For the last 30 days I was on a... well, let's call it an eating plan because I hate the word diet. It was called The Whole30. (Run-down: No dairy, no grains, no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, no legumes... for 30 days. Click on the link if you want more deets.) The purpose of it was to escape from any bad habits or emotional ties with food, get rid of processed staples in your diet, learn how your body feels when you're feeding it only the good stuff, and learn good habits when it comes to eating lots of vegetables.

I felt good while I was eating the Whole30 way--like my body was functioning more efficiently. I trimmed up a little bit; most importantly, I just felt slimmer and more fit. It was a pain having to eat differently than everyone else around me, but definitely manageable. Yesterday, (Day 30 of the Whole30) I was proud of my diligence, and feeling very accomplished for achieving my goal. Not to mention being super excited to eat whatever the heck I wanted in just a few hours.

...I had been envisioning this day of eating for weeks. I pictured a lot of different meal possibilities... Orange rolls and cold cereal for breakfast, some fat burger with fries and a shake for lunch, a mass pizza consumption for dinner, and homemade pie for dessert. I just knew it was going to be a special day...

So here we are, the end of my break day, and guess what: I ate like a champ. I started out with a green smoothie and German Pancakes for breakfast with cinnamon honey syrup. For lunch I went to a Thai restaurant with a friend and enjoyed some drunken noodles. For dinner I actually had Thai food again: (Thai twice in one day is fine with me) yellow curry, pad thai and some mango-chicken-stir-fry dish. It was all good. For dessert we made some oatmeal cookies (enjoying the dough throughout the preparation) and tried them with some Bluebell coconut fudge ice cream. I enjoyed every bite.

I know you want to ask: How does she feel now, with all that butter and sugar consumption after 30 days of nothing? Well I'll tell you.

Awful.

Someone get all these simple carbs out of my system. And grab me a spinach salad while you're at it. I feel like a walking log with a stomach ache, and it's not my favorite.

Good Idea/Bad Idea- Root Beer

GOOD IDEA:
Grandpa making homemade root beer (for the first time) for the entertainment and enjoyment of the grandkids.

BAD IDEA:
Trying to make five gallons of it in a five-gallon container, adding all of the dry ice at one time.

It was cause for quite a lot of excitement in the Mecham home.

An Evening with Glen Hansard

What you can expect to feel after an evening with Glen Hansard:

floored.

grateful.

touched.

pensive.

moved.

musically fulfilled and enriched.

emotionally drained, and filled, all at once.

happy. oh so happy.

^ I took one good picture. ^

touched his guitar.

got a pick.

laughed.

cried.

sang.

hyperventilated, just a little.

This guy creates music that speaks so easily to my soul. He is an example that strength and vulnerability can be present in the same person, and the same song. He digs deep, but stays light-hearted. I've needed his words, chords and talent in my life. I love him--I really do.

Thanks for coming to Phoenix, Glen.

The Tallest Man on Earth

This one time, as in yesterday, my friends and I made a turn-around trip to L.A. to see The Tallest Man on Earth perform. Not a mistake. This man is an incredible performer--his presence is so engaging, with a unique sound, and manner that's chock-full of quirks. I LOVED seeing him live, and feeling what he brought into the room with that deep voice of his, and those nimble fingers. This man has serious skills, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about his performance; hence, the need to make a post. Here's a little taste...

It's probably just the dancer in me, but I'm obsessed with how this guy moves. He has such a tiny frame and he walks in such an awkward and appealing way. When he's actually playing, it seems as if the music is just flowing through him uncontrollably; as if he has a hard time keeping his body from going all directions at once. I could watch him all day. In fact, that's what I did. This next video has a better portrayal of his body language. (Feet especially.)

Thanks, Kristian Matsson, for being so choice, and living up to your moniker:

The Tallest Man on Earth.

The Wiltern

Sing it: Summa-time Summa-time Sum-sum-summatime.

I never knew that teachers looked forward to school breaks as much as their students do, if not more. After a pretty stressful but wonderful first year of teaching, I feel so very blessed to have this ample recuperation time. You better believe I will make the most of it.

I've never felt this way about my summer vacation before... perhaps it comes from the new-found freedom of having my own car and money in the bank. Maybe it's the drastic change between major grown-up responsibilities the last 10 months, and promised frivolity in the next two. Whatever it is, it feels good.

Here are some specific things I LOVE about summer:

1. I don't have to keep a schedule. I can do what I want, when I want, without answering to anyone.
2. Everything feels... loose. Clothes, time, muscles... it's exhilarating. I feel like I can really breathe.
3. I can go on trips to see family or friends, and I don't have to rush. 
4. Matinee movies. No explanation needed--they're cheap, and magical.
5. Naps. On the couch, in the bed, by the pool. They don't get old.
6. Swimming and/or sun-bathing. I adore the feeling of being warmed to the bone by the sun, and then cooling off in the pool. Dip, drip, dry, repeat.
7. Never-ending supply of BBQs. I love me a homemade hamburger.
8. Having the time to take dance classes--I love teaching dance, but there is something special about taking class, especially when you don't care who's watching. It feels great to dance just for myself.
9. Reading. Books and time are in ample supply.
10. I can play with my ukulele every day if I want to. And I want to. Here's a song dealing with sunshine that I plunked out a little while ago. I'm not great on the ukulele, but it sure does make me happy.

It's obvious the joy of summer (for me) comes from being pretty relaxed with my time. And boy, am I grateful to live this way. Work hard, play hard; right? So here comes the play.

I had to share this picture: taken in Austin, TX last weekend. I feel it does
a great job at capturing the essence and pure joy of summer.
Food, family, fun: A mix which can't be beat.

Birthdays

I happen to really love birthdays. Really. Part of this love comes from the fact that the birthday really is a monumental occasion. (Let's take a Back to the Future moment and just think: how would the world be different if I had not been born? We don't have to get cocky about it, but we can admit, it would be... different.) The other part is just having an excuse for a celebration involving food, people, presents, and balloons. If you knew the birthdays of all your friends, it would give a reason to celebrate almost every day for the whole year, and I love it. (Thank you, Facebook.)

I already celebrate my birthday throughout the year by reminding the world when it's my half-birthday, seven-month birthday, 2/3 birthday, etc. I never do anything extravagant on these days--it's just a way for me to add a little more excitement into life.

Speaking of which... Today is my 11-month birthday. Just one more month until this girl is 24. I don't know how I feel about 24. Somehow it feels so much more mature than 23. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But the real day is approaching quickly, and unlike my pretend monthly celebrations, this time I get to make some real birthday wishes. I have wished for the same thing, every year, for the past seven years, when blowing out my candles and it has yet to come true. Of course I can't share that wish with you, otherwise all hope would be lost. :)

Here are the birthday wishes I can share, without concern of any universal interruptions...

1) I wish I had one of those balloons that looks like a fish and can just float around the house on its own. It looks like it's swimming and it's one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I want it!

2) I wish I could get a new ukulele. Luda has served me well, and proven himself to be one of the best birthday gifts I've ever gotten. However, I do desire an alto/tenor ukulele with more solid construction and a more resonant tone... maybe one that can be plugged in...

3) I wish I had these turquoise earrings.

4) I wish I could go sky-diving with my best friend. Oh wait; that's reality, not wishful thinking. :)

5) I wish I could get one of those living lockets from Origami Owl. They are beautiful, unique, and right up my alley.

6) I wish I had a Camelback backpack for hiking... my return to the Grand Canyon is coming soon and I'd like to be prepared with my own.

7) I wish I had a never-ending supply of iTunes gift cards. My wish-list has reached a staggering length. I'd really like to put a dent in it by making a bounty of purchases. 

There you have it.

*And here's to my last month of being 23. May it round out a successful year of wins, losses, and overall learning and progression.