A $28 million dollar chair

Wow... this chair just sold for around $28million dollars at Christie's auction house... during what is the so-called economic recession. I just don't understand this world sometimes.

Spring has Sprung!

The last week or so in Victoria has just been gorgeous! Mild weather, everyone getting their gardens ready, and yes... flowers starting to bloom. I know many of you are still buried in snow, so don't hate, I'll be moaning with you next year. But since this is my last spring here, I have been outside every single day! Here are a few pics from hiking (you can kind of see Mt. Baker in the distance). Maya loves hiking, and is so good off-leash, I am a proud momma.
Poor Dom was battling the cold/flu crap last week and missed three days of work. It looks like he has finally won however and thank goodness no one else got it. I snapped this picture of him napping on the sofa while sick (which Maya totally loved!). The funny thing is that I already donated all our extra blankets in prep for the move, so he is inside my sleeping bag.

In other news, I have been inspired to change Maya's diet. After much research, I have started her on a raw diet this last weekend. I'm following a great book my girlfriend lent me (it's Australian). My poor pooch got fleas a few months ago, and was so miserable. I really didn't want to take the route of pumping pesticides on her every month, and I'm glad to say I was able to get rid of them using all natural remedies and lots of frustration in a couple weeks. She also has a sensitive tummy, and always seems to have digestive problems even though she was on 'really good expensive dry dog food'. Anyways... the raw food is a hit! She loves eating the raw meaty bones and veggie pulp (run through juicer, I drink the juice). Her snacks and treats have been raw almonds and cheese and peanut butter. The only thing she is not fond of that I just tried today was liver. I finally cut it up really small and mixed it with cottage cheese and honey, and she ate most of it. I however, almost hurled. Ugh. This new diet is really messy, and I think most people who do it must feed their dogs outside. I need a fenced yard!
I hope you are all happy and healthy and enjoy your day!

Man on Wire

We just watched this documentary last night about this high wire walker in the 70s that snuck into the world trade center towers and he and his buddies rigged a tight rope between them, then the next morning he walked, danced, layed on the wire while a crowd watched below. The top of the towers was 1/4 mile above ground.

Pretty cool show along the spirit of 'nothing is impossible'. Next week I am going to hit up our local bike store and see if they will let me try the unicycle. Have a great weekend everyone!

Valentines!

I know I'm a day late, but I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and I hope you all find love in your life each and every day.

And, here are 10 things I love about my valentine Dominik:
1. Dom is extremely kind and doesn't judge or gossip.
2. He doesn't take anything too seriously, or needlessly worry.
3. Super Duper sense of humour.
4. He is very humble and modest about all his amazing talents.
5. His patience is unbelievable! I have a hard time being patient and he is the perfect example.
6. Dom has a passion for helping people. He is always willing to help someone with anything.
7. He has fantastic taste in music, and plays guitar!
8. His sense of adventure is awesome. He is willing to try new things, go new places, and take chances.
9. He is an incredible listener.
10. He is really sweet. He remembers to say thank you for even little things like washing the dishes, and he tells me I look pretty or that something I cooked is delicious. He doesn't overlook the small things and makes me feel appreciated.
11. He likes to hold my hand.
12. He is a great hugger and kisser.

Shoot, I said 10 things didn't I? Oh well... I am a really lucky girl and counting my blessings today. :)

Reno mess

Well, the new owners of the home we live in have been renovating. In addition to the almost daily hammering and noise, we have had two days without hot water (the electrician put the wrong voltage to it), various visits from trades, and last night was even worse.

We share a washing machine, and I have mentioned to the owner at least three times to please let us know if the washing machine is not going to be in use, or let us know if they are doing something that will affect us. So, yesterday evening I went to put in a load of laundry. The light fixtures are not re-installed yet, so it was dark and I had my head lamp on... it didn't start. Okay, well a week or so ago the same thing happened and the owner told me "oh, it was just unplugged." So, I figure out how to plug it in. Now it is making some noise, but there is no water running. Okay, I can see the water shut off so I have Dom check it and he turned the water on. No problem right? (also the owners were away at the time)

I then proceeded to go to the grocery store, and when I came back and opened the front door, there was an inch and a half of water in the entrance way. I guess the hose coming from the washing machine that lets the dirty water out was not hooked up and proceeded to spill out everywhere and flood a good 50 or so square feet of our place, including some carpet. It all leaked under the wall between our apartment and the laundry area. We tried to get the most out we could (of course I was washing towels, so we only had about 4 dry ones to use and constantly ring out). I called the owners cell and he was able to bring a shop vac back that took up some. But the carpet is the worst. I don't know how that is going to dry out, and of course this morning it is starting to smell... Ugh. Must be Friday the 13th or something.

Routine

I'm feeling philosophical today, and thought I would start a discussion. Dom and I do this all the time: bring up a topic and then start analyzing it from unconventional angles with an open mind (I love this about him!). So, the topic I am thinking of today is -

ROUTINE.
I have realised that I am really bad at routine, and really dislike it. Some people thrive on knowing exactly what they are going to do, have checklists and do it! These are also the people that can carry through an exercise or diet program by force of routine. My theory is that this personality type is respected in our society and seen as a goal.

Since my teenage years, I have started to-do lists and felt really great about checking things off (still do, even in my blog! eh.). And then inevitably feel guilty or stressed when I don't finish something in the time frame I set. Why do we do this to ourselves? Can I just do what I want when I want? I know you are probably thinking "Sure Leah, we would all love to do that, but nothing would get done and we would all lounge around the house watching tv eating crap and waiting for the wanting to happen". I would have to disagree. There are days when I feel like sleeping in, days I feel like waking up early, days I feel like spending 4 hours cooking an amazing feast for dinner, and days I feel like not stepping foot in the kitchen. Every time I listen to these intuitive feelings, those activities are filled with joy and purpose and I believe create a better result. Is it better to get up every morning no matter what and exercise even when you are sore and grumpy vs. feeling some energy and going for a run and loving every minute of it? Which is better for your body?

Along with this realization that I suck at routine, comes also the reason why I don't really get along with a 9-5 job, and most schooling. If I am having a day where my brain is not firing for work, and I'm out of creative juice (come on we've all been there)... wouldn't it be better to recharge and do something besides work? Which leads of course to what the heck am I supposed to do to make money (which unfortunately I need) in this over-achieving routine place? Any jobs out there for us creative want to live in the moment types?

It seems like most humans (and dogs) like routine... is this true? Are we just used to it? Brainwashed into thinking this is what is acceptable or to be expected?

A few quotes on routine (looks like maybe I'm not the only one?):

"The less routine the more life" - Amos Bronson Alcott

"So much of our time is spent in preparation, so much in routine, and so much in retrospect, that the amount of each person's genius is confined to a very few hours." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge." - Henry Van Dyke

Would love to hear your thoughts.

25 Random things

Sorry for those of you who have already read this on Facebook. I thought I would share with everyone else as well.

Here are 25 random facts etc. about me.
1. I love the smell and sound of rain.

2. We do not own a TV, and I have only watched one once in the last year+ for the presidential election.

3. I love living so close to the ocean (3 blocks) even though my dog can't go on the beach because she has a weird tendency to drink the salt water and get sick.

4. I love long walks with friends or just Maya (dog)

5. I'm an extremely avid reader and average about a book every week or two. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I need some sort of help program but the city just keeps supplying me for free!

6. I get really excited about learning new things and have even started a list of things I would like to learn. Some of these are: play the guitar, a new language, garden, knit, letterpress...

7. I love to sing and dance even if only in the living room. Music is a big part of our lives.

8. I think I have the sweetest dog ever. Yesterday I told Dom she is like the Dalai Lama of dogs. I have seen a big mean scary dog growl in her face and bare it's teeth, and she gave him a kiss right on his bared teeth. Obviously not a watch dog at all, but if everyone was like her, there would be no wars.

9. I have recently developed a habit of blog reading (mostly design blogs).

10. I have worked the last 5-6 years as an interior designer, and am now at the point where I want to do something else, more meaningful. I have about 10 ideas bouncing around...(yoga retreats anyone?), I'm sure I'll have enough time in my life to do them all right?

11. I would die extremely happy listening to Dominik play guitar.

12. I am an eco-junkie, have overhauled all products I use and buy, recycle everything possible, and someday really want to build an 'off the grid' self sustained home. I would also love to be able to live without a car.

13. I love to travel and really want to go all over the world (maybe by sailboat?) even if that means bringing kids along... right honey?

14. I've recently been bitten by a crafting bug. Watch out! This sucker is big and affects your vision (you'll start hording junk that looks like some craft project), and it makes time disappear!

15. I think I can crack almost every bone in my body... I know gross.

16. I love to bake yummy sweet things (my mom's influence) and give them away.

17. I love warm summer days and swimming at the lake.

18. I still talk in a southern accent sometimes (lived in Mississippi till 8 years old).

19. I miss being near my family and love them dearly.

20. My boyfriend Dominik is the greatest guy I have ever met. He is incredibly kind, humble, and makes me laugh every day.

21. I am totally that annoying friend that gushes about the love of her life (see above), but seriously... you would too in my shoes.

22. We are pursuing a life long dream to move to Europe this year.

23. I hope I am lucky enough to be as wonderful a parent someday as mine were/are.

24. I like watching funny old-school 80's music videos on youtube.

25. I am training to do a marathon in 2010, for my 30th birthday.

Falun Bomb

So last night I went to a free community center Falun Gong meditation class. I don't even know how to fully describe how much I hated (yep, I used the 'H' word) this. I arrived to find a woman and man, both in their late sixties... and me (I should have taken this as a bad sign, but I was being optimistic). Before the 'session' started, the woman hands me brochures on Falun Gong and torture in China (actual pictures of torture)! 2nd bad sign.

We go into this big gym and they start music and the woman tells me to empty my mind of thoughts, just follow her and concentrate on the music. Fine... for those who don't know, I have been doing yoga for about 6 1/2 years now and am a certified teacher, so of course my ego speaking... no problem. I start to concentrate on the music and it is awful! I mean cheap Chinese restaurant awful! Okay, great. Well, I just try to retreat into my body and focus on my own energy, and then a Chinese man's voice on the CD is yelling at me in Chinese... did I mention this is a 2 hour meditation? I'm really trying to relax to this while holding my arms out from my body for an hour (try doing this for 10 min! - like you are holding a ball in front of you). I was having the worst time keeping my mind free (I always meditate to no music) and kept thinking:

mind #1: "My arms and shoulders are killing me!"
mind #2: "Shut up mind! Concentrate on the energy you are creating."
#1: "But they are seriously asleep!... Did that Chinese guy just say 'some young guy'?
#2: "hehe... that is funny. Okay, enough."
#1: "Crap, this feels like that book 'Eat, Pray, Love' where she has such a hard time with that one meditation."
#2: "Right, and it ended up being super great for her, so stick with it!"

Well, by the time we sat down (1st hour standing, 2nd hour sitting) I had memorized the horrible music, and it was on a 5 min. loop (seriously, I timed it). The woman left and this man sits in front of me saying "the next hour is spent in full lotus position" (!!!). Uh yeah... that doesn't work for me. After 20 min of more sitting and arms falling asleep, I had enough. I was really trying to tune the music out and just meditate as I usually do, but no dice. I was in complete awe of this old dude sitting in full lotus for an hour listening to Chinese water torture. I think he could tell I was done when there was 15 min. left and I was stretching and walking around the gym. I asked him if it is always the same, and to the same music. Yep!... and he does it every day!

At least when I do yoga, I can put any music I like on and afterwords I feel refreshed, energized and healthy. After this I felt like eating an entire chocolate cake.

Hope you all have a peace filled day... off to my yoga mat.

V-day fundraiser

Okay, is it totally cheesy that I want to have a good old-fashioned bake sale next Friday for Valentines? I thought I could bake cupcakes (all the rage here right now) and cookies and decorate them, and then sell them by the side of the road in the village... maybe along with some hand-made valentines as well. I have no idea whose permission I have to get (??), I just thought I could park a table in front of St*rbucks where the old fat guys put there lawn chairs in the summer, and go for gold (hopefully lots of it! - I mean how much would you pay for a made from scratch love cupcake?).