Reemergence of Self:

When your personality and heart come shining through again after a rough patch. When that spark behind your eyes turns into a fire. When the strength floods back into your veins, pumping ferociously, jolting you out of bed. When you wake up in the morning and you smile. All because you know this life is yours to create--this life is YOURS, period. 

***

What a difference a week makes! When you mindfully and purposefully take a week off from thinking of other people and make YOURSELF the priority, it's interesting how your view of the world completely changes. 

I've been very reflective this week about everything: life, that guy, my tears, my right to have those tears, and how to become myself again. Even in one week's time, I feel a LOT like the old Ashley. She was lying dormant for far too long, and she's having a fucking parade celebrating the Reemergence of Self. 

I know I still have work to do, but it's funny how taking the first step toward loving myself has made all the difference.  

And, She's Back!

Hyde Park in London. If ever you feel that life is dismal, make sure to look up. You might be missing the beauty right in front of you. 

Hey bloggers! I totally missed being in the blogosphere, but now I'm BACK!

I've returned with a very happy heart, one that is excitedly beating for all the possibilities of this life. Travel and time away has inspired me once again; I'm ready to go after the things I want (I'm on the PROWL)! If you're feeling complacent like I was, go and do that one thing you know will brighten your soul. Again I say, FOLLOW YOUR HEART, dammit! (I swear I'm not on any drugs, just 2 cups of coffee).

I'll be posting some travel photos soon (I'm sure you're so surprised). Until then, it's time to catch up on your blogs that I have so badly missed! It's time for another cup of coffee...

Life is Happening

I've been here for almost a month, and I have about 18 days to go until I head home (that means I will be here for a hefty 6 weeks! How's that for a holiday?). It's been a refreshing, often contemplative, and wonderful trip. It's given me a good dose of London, sufficient enough to "calm my cravings" and allow me to head home with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

I often spend so much time worrying about the future, it's as if I'm planning on building a time machine to leave the present. This extended stay in London has redirected my thoughts to all the life going on around me. I guess it's just more practice in the art of being mindful of the present.

I do not know if I will ever live in London again; obviously, it's something I've thought about since I've been here. It's a city that I adore, and one that will always be here for me if I need it...and I can only leave it at that. What I do know is I want to continue on with this wonderful job that has let me work while abroad--HOW OFTEN DOES THAT HAPPEN?!

I'm very excited because I have booked two trips for next week: Florence and Prague! Sometimes when I step back from my life and look at it from the outside I realize two things:

1. I am a privileged and lucky girl. My life is grand.
2. It's not all luck. I brought myself here and I am proud of my accomplishments. I am a big thinker; but more than that, I am a big doer!

I may not be blogging as much these next 18 days, so forgive me for that! I will have some banging posts after I return! Until then, enjoy your surroundings today no matter where you are. Life is happening, so don't miss it! 

My London Mosaic

So much running around, so many iPhone photos, and words seem arbitrary! So the mosaic above shows you most of what I've been doing, which is EVERYTHING. And lots of river walks. Yes. 

My Favorite San Diego Festival

All year I wait for a little winter festival called December Nights here in San Diego. It's only two days long, but features all my favorite things in one go: pretty lights, gorgeous buildings, international foods and spirits, free museum entry, and a city feel. 

BUT SERIOUSLY, LOOK AT THOSE LIGHTS: 

By far, my favorite part of the festival is the international village section (big freakin' surprise). I forgot to take a picture of the House of Turkey with their delicious doner kebabs, but I did take a couple snapshots of the International Spirits section. 

Two glorious words: Swedish Glogg. What is that, you ask? Essentially, mulled wine with a kick of brandy. That'll make all the scrooges jolly! 

Above: Me savouring every last drop of my glogg. Below: other options of alcohol from around the world (here, it's India). 

Obviously, the best thing about these sorts of festivals is meeting up with friends and soaking up the happy atmosphere. 

 Emiliano practicing his "London Look." 

Above: I asked the parents of this adorable child if I could take a picture of their son. They got him to pose for me ;) 

Honestly, I could have taken TEN BAZILLION more pictures of the festival, but I got too busy with my second glogg and good conversation. December Nights is always the first weekend of December...so if you happen to be in Southern California, drop by! 

My New Morning Routine

I mentioned this challenge last week. I already knew the challenge would jump start a practice of thinking positively first thing in the morning, a practice I intend to keep. Here are the positive things I did everyday instead of looking at social media (and seeing that half the country is rioting right about now):

Monday: I did a special morning yoga routine. Only yoga would put me in a better mood on a Monday morning. And if all else fails, a special Monday Morning Mixtape may do the trick:

Tuesday: It was speech watchin' time! This speech reminded me that intrinsic purpose is the most important motivator for humankind.

Wednesday: Have you heard about the Five Tibetan Rites? Who knows if there is truth to all the benefits listed to these rites; however, I'm digging doing these in the morning. In fact, they may have been the best start to my morning all week, probably because they are simple and fast (I'm more likely to do them).

Thursday: I particularly loved this TED talk that explored the struggle between controlling life and letting go of control.

Friday: Read a little of the book, Happier, pictured above. Happier is not my favorite "self-help" book, but it's got some decent insights and is an easy read first thing in the morning.

Saturday: I actually got my ass out of bed and went for a 30 minute walk!! It must be a Christmas miracle!

Sunday: I watched Gilmore Girls. Does that count? It makes me pretty happy, so it counts for me!



***

As suspected, thinking/seeing/doing something positive first thing in the morning had a great effect--the biggest one being discipline, which would spill over into the rest of the day: I started cleaning more, flossing more, and stressing less. I'll continue abstaining from social media first thing in the morning and instead focus on working my mind like a muscle. That muscle is on its way to getting pretty buff.

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Christmas in July Party

Whilst in London, I had the pleasure of being able to attend my friend Stu's "Christmas in July" party. Everything I love about London can be found in these photos: a cheeky community coming together drinking copious amounts of wine, wearing silly hats, and allowing for a little bit of humor. 

Stu = Sad Santa?

 I know you're chowing down, boys, but CHEESE! (I'm evil) 

 I had ripped my contact that morning and foolishly did not bring a back-up. So it was glasses for the rest of the trip (argh). Giorgio was my glasses buddy! 

 I just love when English companies go overboard with American-themed stuff ^

 We had a Secret Santa gift exchange! 

 The whole crew. 

Ya know. 

The aftermath ^

Laura and I actually couldn't stay at the party for terribly long because we had to dash to our train for Scotland. We hurriedly made our way to Kings Cross (one of my fave stations):

 And yes, this is the station to find Harry. 

We took our seats, ordered some tea and water to sober up a bit (ha!), and relaxed on a five-hour train ride up the U.K.! 

***

Next post: Scotland. 

That Time I Got Dunked in the Kiddie Pool on the Fourth

Yeah. That happened this weekend.

It started with an innocent water balloon fight, and turned into this.

Maybe proof that water balloon fights are never innocent.

Ryan was just so proud of his dirty deed. So I splashed him in the face with a bucket full of water (or three). Even Stevens.

Ok, so secretly I enjoy getting dunked in the pool (don't tell anyone!). I can definitely say this Fourth of July was a true, fun, 'Merican affair! 

 Red Cup Chic. 

I wasn't the only one who got dunked in the pool. In fact, everyone got dunked in a pool or jacuzzi by the end of the night!

Hope your Fourth was smashing, dahhhhling! Now excuse me while I got on a bit of a diet this week and lay off the booze! 

Hey, Geoff Cameron...You're Pretty Great to Look At!

via

Come on now. The dude makes our win against Ghana even sweeter. Speaking of, life has been getting sweeter for me. I've been:

• Watching World Cup games pretty religiously. Oh England, that was crap! Columbia, good show! 
• Planning more of my trip for London and Scotland...32 days and counting until I'm in the U.K.! 
• Taking life a little easier.
• Flirting with good looking men, just because I can. 
• Plotting secret plans that I hope turn out. Fingers crossed. 
• Getting ready for my Norwegian friend Sonja to visit San Diego! 

It's nice when life is starting to feel happier, lighter, and not so serious all the time. Whew!

Just Your Average Gluttonous Christmas Event, San Diego Style

December Nights is a Christmas festival that is as merry as you can get: trees, caroling, free admission to museums (in San Diego's Balboa Park), international foods from around the world, performances and even carnie rides make this one jam-packed event!

Despite the rainy day, I knew I didn't want to miss one of my favorite festivals in my hometown.

 We were sucessfully photo-bombed by these dudes. I had to give them credit for it! 

I do love December Nights, but the gluttony of this kind of event--deep fried dessert, nachos, copius amounts of alcohol, etc.--had us discussing what those coming from third world countries might think about our wasteful, indulgent ways. On the one hand, this privilege is all we've ever known. But still, I think it's good to question just how much food we are consuming (and then humorously having to diet from), whilst there are countries out there struggling to gather a meal.

Of course, I love any festival where a city gets together in such a joyful way, so I won't complain too much. Especially when we ended the night watching one man sing his rendition of "I Believe I Can Fly," complete with back-up interpretive dancers. I mean, that made for the best night ever!

Justin Timberlake 20/20 Experience World Tour

This was quite possibly the concerts to top all concerts. It's pretty high up there on my list, tied for #1 with Smokey Robinson, who is a true legend onstage. Justin is definitely on his way to becoming that kind of legend.

I paid a pretty penny to be fairly close to Mr. Timberlake. Yes, I acted like an annoying teen girl the entire time. I don't give a damn.

And now, a few photos...

 Lainey and me, giddy for the concert. 

Sorry for the blurry-ish photos. One, I was dancing/jumping around too much to really care about clarity of photo. Two, it's time I invest in a newer/ better camera + camera lessons. I think that might be the next hobby I take up! 

Anyway, the clear platform you are seeing in the photo above and below was an ingenious moving platform that raised above my section and traveled back and forth across the stadium. How fantastic is that?!? Of course I was ecstatic that Justin walked on the part of the platform that was right above my seat. He knew, he just knew. 

And a couple grainy videos for you to see the intensity of the dancing + the angelic singing machine that is Justin Timberlake.

Justin, I'm just a jun-jun-jun-jun-junkie for your (music).