People. I’m back.

After a two week period of zombiesque shuffling around the house with ZERO energy, I woke up this morning, full of vim and vigor, and I’m back to my old self. My ear is still a little painful, and I hope it declogs soon (gross, eh?) but in the immortal words of James Taylor… I FEEL GOOD. Na na na na…

I am going on the Ultimate New York Body Plan by David Kirsch… a program that I have great confidence in. Hut hut hut.

I’ve got to get a camera. I need to document my life – or at least the interesting things that happen around me.

I’m currently planning dinner.

Chicken Tender Milanese
Grilled Zucchini
Ricotta Basil Ravioli
All of the above piled up and topped with a lemony basil sauce.
I’ll let you know how it goes, but until I get a camera, I can’t show you.

So, I’m done with Provo. I made it out. I survived – mostly intact, no less.

I’m in California – in a little town called Santa Maria – about 70 miles north of Santa Barbara. It’s quiet, and I am getting some much needed rest from how insane my life was. I’m decompressing – kind of like an accordion that has been put down. I’m no longer getting the air squeezed out of me, or making horrible noises – to continue that imagery.

Anyway, now that I’ve had week to myself, with some time to stop and think, I’ve come to several conclusions:

1. I’m capable of anything I want to do, but I need to realize for once that I actually need to take care of myself a little, and not get so stressed. I have a tendency to spread myself thin, trying to do too much. I blame my parents – I learned it from them. I can’t remember the last time they slept in.

2. I’m going after what I want in life. I’ve got nothing holding me back, so why not?

3. This blog has been neglected, and I need it, even if you guys find it boring. Somehow it’s therapeutic, and requires me to be objective about my life. So, from now on, I update once a day, regardless of how dull my life is.

4. This is my chance to get really, truly, shiny-haired, apple-cheeked, well-rested healthy. So I’m leaping at the chance, and am going to form some healthier habits. In spite of getting an ear infection less than a week into the California period, I feel healthier already: more flexibility, less puffiness. I’m guessing after my ear heals, I’ll have more energy too.

5. Design wise, this is my opportunity – no distractions, no discouraging outside voices, just pure unadulterated time to do what I want in.

6. This is the time to prepare for New York City. I’m moving in January, and I need funds, a good portfolio and a great haircut.

So, here I go.. wish me luck.

I’m moving on Saturday. My friend Jeff (who shall most likely make into the Celestial Kingdom based solely on this act) is DRIVING me there in his truck. 13 hours. Yes, he is a saint.

I’m in a state of limbo when it comes to packing. It’s as though I’m making an inventory of my life. I have a feeling that I’m going to be tossing huge amounts of just pure Stuff. It makes me feel materialistic and weighed down by unnecessary excess. Considering how happy I can be (and have been) with an almost monastic inventory of possessions – the sheer volume of junk in my ownership grates on my conscience. Part of it – the useful part, I hope – is going to be passed on to my sister Chere. The rest I’m planning on donating ‘generously’ to Deseret Industries.

I’ve been reading Real Simple, trying to scour out ideas for organizing my life. I’m really good at organizing small things – my computer is really well organized – as are my spices, cookbooks, dishes, and design resources. My art supplies and makeup are also carefully separated by medium and weight (since they’re in a plastic shelving thingy).

My problem comes when I have notebooks, magazines, and library books around – they tend to be spread on all surfaces that aren’t currently being used. Also, once my clothes are put away, they’re nicely organized – but between being worn and laundered and then folded/hung again, they create the largest source of chaos in my bedroom.

I have vowed that my next bedroom will be carefully put together and deliberately managed.

My car is dead.