i did it!

i did it! i ran my first half-marathon! having no expectations, i entered this race with endless possibility. no time to beat, no competitor to run against. it was just me, running because i love it. running because it's freedom. running because it's a proactive approach to benefitting a cause: kicking cancer to the curb!

at the health expo

it was an early day. woke up at 3:30 am, in san diego by 4:30 am, at the start line by 6 am. sleepy? no way! with over 32,000 runners, i was charged with energy.

my support: gino and kristen (cousin). bless their hearts!

it couldn't have been a more beautiful morning...clear skies, cool temperature, and scenic course. and the music! at the start line, i began the race to footloose. at that moment, i knew it was going to be an amazing experience. 

and it was. i loved running with people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. i loved knowing everyone was running for a different reason. to compete and qualify for another marathon. to celebrate a life. to cross this off a bucket list. to propose. i loved the cheers from the spectators. i loved being uplifted by the music. and i also loved the silence while running through the intervals without music. focus. determination. refection. 

i finished the race in 1 hour and 52 minutes. i finished feeling like i could run forever. a natural high came over me, fueling me to cross the finish line blowing kisses. when i turned the last corner and saw my mom, gino, and kristen cheering for me, i felt like i had come home. like i had traversed a route of unknowns to satisfy something within myself, coming out of it feeling inspired and welcomed by people i love. it was thrilling. 

the finish line

about 15 feet from the end

my sweet support

running the rock 'n' roll half-marathon was one of the greatest experiences of my life. as much as i try to paint a detailed picture of the day, there really is no way to convey the immense emotion and satisfaction that was felt. it will be interesting to see how the next half-marathon goes...santa barbara, i'll be seeing you in november!

note: just so you know, the bowel movement came AFTER the race! hallelujah! 

the big day

the countdown begins. in 16 hours, i will be stretching, praying, and lining up for the rock 'n' roll half-marathon. from the moment i committed to this feat in january, june 5th has been a much anticipated day. less than 24 hours from changing a dream to reality, i am feeling a mix of emotions...and here they are:

i am...

-- drunk with the energy brewing from yesterday's health expo
-- anxious about jumping - or running - into a world of unknowns
--  proud of myself for getting this far...and feeling great!
-- nervous about my bowels. during the past few runs, i've needed a toilet for the morning BM. hopefully Nature will make its call before the race
-- at peace with however i finish, as long as it's with a smile on my face and legs fully intact

so until tomorrow, keep my strength, endurance, and first-time jitters in your thoughts and prayers! off i go...

the season's first taste test

it's official: the memorial day halapalooza has come to an end, signaling the onset of summer. i, for one, am not your typical southern californian - that dreamer of hot summer days, lost in a crowd of eager beach-goers. give me a hot tea and scarf (almost) any day. but perhaps i am speaking too prematurely. i do enjoy feeling my skin absorb the sun's rays (with SPF 30, of course), fashioning bright sun dresses, lingering over twilight meals, and embracing seasonal flavors -- to which i proclaim, behold the stone fruit!

i knew we were about to experience a change as soon as my eyes fixed their gaze on crates of apricots, nectarines, and peaches at the farmer's market. a subtle hint? i think not. one week, mounds of citrus; the next, sweet stone.

i couldn't wait to set my hands on those gems - their velvet skin, sunset color, ever so gentle firmness. and then the rush of recipes running through my mind: crumbles, marmalades, yogurt/oatmeal toppings, tarts.

so in honor of the new season, i bought some peaches for the ultimate taste test. it was rather unnerving taking that first bite. would it meet my criteria? or would it shatter my dreams of a tasty summer? well, one peach down, and i am happy to report the former: the first bite into this season's stone fruit was enlivening, surely satisfying my criteria and cravings...

its color was impeccable, not a bruise in sight. slightly firm to the touch with perfect give. juices dripping down my fingers with each bite. flesh so moist and succulent, bordering sinful, decadent. and the flavor - could hold its own even when  mixed with plain greek yogurt.

i just may consider the taste test of the stone fruit as the "groundhog" of summer. this peach is undoubtedly the harbinger of something good (and sweet) to come.

the search

as much as i hate it, i am on the search for a new apartment. my roommate of two years is moving to san francisco, and although i am excited for her pursuits, i cringe at the idea of leaving my home. my home. the place at which i've transitioned into this self, where i've developed a community, where i've filled every nook and cranny with something meaningful to me. yes, my apartment is old and, yes, it has its fair share of flaws, but after two years of negotiating its imperfections, i've grown to love it. every bit of it.

some people say it's a great opportunity to find something "better." others add, "you won't have a problem creating a new home. it's a good transition." but WAIT! i'm perfectly happy here. what's not to love about being walking distance to all things needed, in the heart of brentwood? and what about the shelf space for my vases? or the deep ceramic sink for washing dishes, trimming flowers, rinsing fresh produce? and the shutter windows...instant (and free) air conditioning! in the past few days, i've come to recognize that i'm not the biggest proponent of change - at least not for matters of the home. but i'm okay with that.

yesterday was day one of physically looking - or better yet, scowling - at apartments. two apartments, and i was already discouraged. no, i don't like the view. where am i going to store my cookware? not enough natural lighting. where would i ever host a dinner party? i know they were only two apartments, but they were two apartments that failed to evoke any excitement.

faith. that's exactly what i need to get through this search. but to be honest, the idea of biting the rent bullet and staying at my place doesn't sound that bad. stay tuned.

mystery

over the course of my life, i've learned that most people have a preferred scent. whether it's lemon for dish soap, pine for wood-cleaner, vanilla for kitchen candles, or florals for perfume, people naturally express themselves through their choice fragrance. it's rather comforting expecting to smell a specific scent when visiting family or a friend and then actually smelling it. in these cases, when reality meets my expectation, somehow life feels right. familiar. the stars are aligned.

i am one of those people described above. someone with a nose for preferred aromas. floral-fresh for my daytime fragrance, lavender-chamomile for my bedside candle, basil for dish soap...and "light-and-fresh" for my deodorant. whether it's out of my predictability, dislike for extreme change, or thrill in being associated with specific scents (only the good ones!), i rarely "mix it up." once i find what i like, i hold true to it. that is, until the other day.

it was time to replenish my "light-and-fresh" deodorant. to target i go, with the exact brand, strength, and fragrance in mind. but once i reached the aisle, i was distracted by a new scent: lavender. sifting through the pros (well, it is spring) and cons (what if you don't like it tomorrow?) of replacing my familiar deodorant, i bit the bullet and bought the new one.

one day later, all i can say is: way to go, erica. way to shake up your predicability with the one thing you sport every. single. day. there i was running, wondering what that unfamiliar scent was. and at the market, a whiff of something nice, but unusual. and in bed - where in the heck is that springtime smell coming from? in those moments of confusion i had to remind myself of the new deodorant, my attempt at discounting the impact of identifying oneself with something as simple as a smell.

do i like the lavender deodorant? sure. on me? not so much. in due time, i will revert back to "clean-and fresh." it's me. until then, i will either warm up to this impostor or be as confused as a dog named kitty.

team effort

i'm all about independence. set your goals, make your plans, stride forward. grow and be challenged. however, today at work, i witnessed teamwork at its prime, giving me an entirely new perspective on this whole "independence" thing.

one of my patients delivered twins. for privacy's sake, we'll call them baby A and baby B. baby A was transferred to the NICU for respiratory problems, while baby B stayed with mama in postpartum. this mama was fully intent on breastfeeding, and did a wonderful job with baby B. but what about baby A? did mama have to trek to another unit between baby B's feedings in order to feed baby A? nope. as a matter of fact, she was able to stay right where she was, assured that baby A was also being breastfed. but how? TEAMWORK!


mama had a domestic partner who induced her own lactation during the pregnancy. in layman's terms: while this mama was pregnant with the twins, the lesbian partner underwent hormonal therapy to produce her own breastmilk so they could both breastfeed.

once i recovered from my initial shock of ever hearing such a thing, i was ecstatic. both mommies breastfeeding! both babies benefitting from the rich juices! a loving couple able to share the joy, stress, and intimacy associated with having the baby at the breast. one big happy family, bonding. teamwork.

for as natural and organic breastfeeding is, this experience gives me hope for the future of what lies ahead in maternal medicine. i am convinced that no one should be robbed of an opportunity to experience some type of teamwork that builds foundations within a family. and let me tell you, some serious foundations were being built here.

finding my niche, involving a stitch

i can admit arts and crafts have never been my forte. painting, drawing, ceramics - especially ceramics - all disastrous. i've never been one to enjoy scrap-booking and i have a distinct disdain for jewelry-making. whether it's my inherent lack of creativity or unfortunate need for instant gratification, i have usually stayed clear of all things handmade, preferring to revel in the craftsmanship of those with talent and flare.

but times have changed. watching my co-worker knit an afghan, i was intrigued by the progress she made, all while finding complete peace and relaxation. no stickers or scraps scattered about. no paintbrushes or oils leaving a mess. no beads to choose or string. essentially, no fuss. 


i love that the extent of creative energy associated with knitting rests on choosing a yarn and a pattern. i love its portability...pack up the needles and yarn, and your set. i love seeing progress rather than waiting eons for some masterpiece. and the anticipation of a blanket...ahh, sweet comfort.

although my co-worker has blessed me with the know-how of this addicting pastime, trust you me, holidays will NOT be laden with knitted scarves, hats, coasters, and the like. a couple of afghans for my bed, and i'll be on to something new. perhaps gardening...