friday | All That Glitters

Day82

{Day 82: Not a bad view while running errands on a gorge Saturday afternoon. I sure do love palm trees, high in a clear blue sky.}

Not to be a “Negative Natalie,” but this was a pretty lousy week if I’m totally honest. Boooo! (Let me take a moment to re-iterate that…BOOOO!) And it certainly didn’t help that I spent much of my free time reading (which is one of my favorite ways to unwind) the worst book possible guaranteed NOT to cheer you up, The Fault in Our Stars. What a devastatingly beautiful story though, a book that makes you laugh out loud then cry 5 pages later. I finished it a few nights ago. One of the main things that I’ll take away from Hazel and Augustus’ tragic situation is that any human being walking this planet with their health in good standing is richer than a millionaire. It was also a reminder to make the most of your time here on Earth, surrounding yourself around those that love you, that will always be there for you…even on the days when you’re not your best self.

I’ve been debating when to see the film, if I’m ready to re-live the devastation and beauty again so soon. I can already tell that I won’t like the movie as much as the book (but isn’t that always the case?), though I’m always curious how books translate to the big screen. Perhaps I should give myself some distance before taking the plunge to see the film. Then again, perhaps I should just get it over with. Better to already be in the middle of a not so great mood when seeing a film like this, than being super chipper only to crash two hours later after seeing such a depressing movie, ruining the rest of your day.

But enough about my less than stellar week. Time to look ahead to the weekend (THANK GOD). I have a few fun things to look forward to. I plan to welcome the first day of summer with a gorgeous early morning hike. The goal being to remove myself a bit from the city to enjoy nature, take a few deep breaths, and re-energize my mood after such a crappy week (oops, there’s “Natalie” again). I’m also super excited to finally check out the much hyped about LA Chapter since the big Ace Hotel renovation downtown. (Not to worry boys and girls, I’ll report back if this place is worth the hype!)

And of course, I’m ready for a new read. Let’s just say it’ll be lighter in tone after The Fault In Our Stars.

Transitioning to more positive things – the 100 Happy Days Challenge is coming along, and I must say, the premise works even during a not so great week. Despite what may be going on in your life, there’s always SOMETHING that brings a smile to your face – even if it’s the simplicity of eating your first Snickers Almond Bar in ages.

Have a good weekend!

Day85

{Day 85: That aforementioned Snickers Almond Bar.}

Day84

{Day #84: What happens when you walk through Macy’s with a coupon. Gosh – I just LOVE these earrings and I LOVE the name. Who doesn’t want to wear “C.A.K.E.”?}

Day86

{Day #86: That time three little grilled shrimp in my salad made my Wednesday.}

Day81

{Day #81: The Fault in our Stars, my go-to latte, and the open outdoors during an afternoon break.}

Day79ATGFINAL

{Day 79: New seasons call for new sunnies.}

Happy Friday (the 13th – beware!) guys! A productive week here.

I finally put a big project to bed, feeling great about how I overcame a few obstacles along the way to see it through, while professionally satisfying my creative side to my delight. I somehow managed to also impress everyone with the results!

I also had the pleasure this week of learning just how out of shape I am when I accompanied a work colleague on a mid-day “hike” to enjoy the great outdoors for a class. Admittedly, I would say I’m not in the greatest shape at the moment; but I would say, fair, at best. What I thought was going to be a slightly rigorous hike, turned more into a boot-camp style class (at least that’s how it felt to me as we intermittently stopped for calisthenics and body resistance exercises along the way.) Suffice to say, I was NOT at all prepared for that aspect to things, or warned about them in advance.

I tend to go through spurts with fitness. Around this time of year up until the beginnings of fall when the sun is out until 8:00pm, I have such motivation and commitment to a firm workout schedule, because I’ve always been more of an evening person when it comes to workouts and taking classes. However, once the time changes and it’s dark around 5:00pm – the only motivation and commitment I have is to getting home as soon as possible…to my couch.

At this point, you might be asking: “Why don’t you just work out in the mornings then, Candice?” To which my response would be (as I roll my eyes and snort): “HA!”

(I’m NOT a morning person.)

The good news is that I saw it through (though I think part of me died on the side of that hill yesterday between lunges, to which I’m now waiting for that thigh-area soreness to kick-in). I made a mental note to myself that I really need to get back to the gym…that’s conveniently located less than 100 steps from my apartment…in the heart of my complex….provided by management…that’s already included in my rent. (I know, I know.)

Outside of putting the polishing touches on my work project and realizing it’s time to focus my energies on being more active – this week was rather uneventful. That being said, it’s time to look toward the weekend – which is coming down to time spent around that beautiful thing we call cinema. The LA Film Festival is in full effect, and it wouldn’t quite be a start to summer without spending some time there.

With that, I’m off to order a pizza…I mean, hit the gym!

Have a nice weekend. xx

Day74ATGFINAL