Choosing the Nomadic Lifestyle

The Nomad

By definition being nomadic is "of, relating to, or characteristic of nomads" and/or "roaming about from place to place aimlessly, frequently, or without a fixed pattern of movement."  I wouldn't necessarily choose the words "aimlessly, or without a fixed pattern of movement" to describe my lifestyle.  As I would choose a phrase a little something more on the lines of "living where ever my heart desires." 

About a year ago, I decided to sell all of my personal belongings, give up my apartment aka my home, and chose to live a life traveling.  This sounds like something unimaginable or crazy to some of you, like a pipe-dream for others, and/or like an unattainable, unrealistic goal to the majority of you.  As for me... I made it my reality.  I became a Nomad, as some call it. 

This was a lot easier than it might seem.  However, don't get me wrong.  It was and still is in a sense one of the hardest things I've ever done.  To actually become homeless--kind of.  Am I actually homeless?  No.  I just make my home where ever I might be at the moment.  This could be in someone's home, a tent, a hostel, a van, or even renting my own studio for a month or two. 

Can anyone do this?  Yes.  Is it for everyone... No.

There are so many things I never thought would be so difficult before I ventured on this lifestyle.  Like--having to ask your friends if you can stay with them, or crash on their couch from time to time.  This is still one of the hardest things for me to do.  I usually don't have any trouble or difficulty, but I'm constantly deeply dependent on others for opening up their homes to me.  Which is extremely hard being an independent, yet open-minded female.  Yet, I've gotten really good at asking others for help and I'm extremely... EXTREMELY... Grateful!

I would not be able to live this lifestyle without the help and generosity of others.  Speaking of that, I've met some absolutely incredible people along the way.  This being one of the rewards living a nomadic lifestyle.  Beautiful people with beautiful souls.  People that inspire you to follow your dreams.  People that are so sweet, kind, and caring that I would do anything for.  Reminding us that there is so much love and kindness in this world if we allow ourselves open in receiving it.  That being said, I sign off for the day.  Besos y abrazos from one nomadic girl's heart to yours. 

Arriving to Mexico City

Day 1

I arrived for the first time in Mexico City at 12:30pm on New Years Eve, 2013... the day before my 37th birthday.  I was traveling by myself, a single female embarking on a new adventure.  I was nervous, excited, scared, and happy!  I had so much adrenaline going through me, I had no Idea what to do with it.  This was not the 1st time I've traveled alone, but it was all new experiences for me none the less.  I was going to one of the biggest cities in the world by myself, and I couldn't help being a little nervous, no matter how prepared I was.  I had to be on my toes and boy was I tired.  I flew a red-eye flight, from Seatac at 10pm the night before, layover in Atlanta, GA, landing in Mexico City at noon the next day.  Needless to say, I was lacking sleep upon arrival to this amazing, a bit intimidating international hub.

This trip was different for me.  "Why" you may ask, because  I was traveling as a student enrolled in two separate independent studies.  It was winter quarter and I did NOT want to be in Seattle.  So I did what any smart student should do... I studied abroad.  However, I was not studying abroad through any of the schools resources.  I researched other ways to find out how I could achieve a similar experience on my budget.  Studying abroad with the school was way too expensive for me, and so were a lot of the volunteer programs I found on the internet.  I couldn't understand why I should pay to volunteer.  Doesn't that take away the whole idea of "volunteering?"  In reality, we end up paying a lot of fees that go towards setting up the experience for multiple students or volunteers.  Which makes sense, if we don't want to take the time doing it ourselves.  However,  I figured I can, and should be able to do do this on my own.  So that's exactly what I did.  Hasta luego Seattle!

I decided to book a hostel prior to arriving in DF, since it was New Years, and I had no idea how busy things would be.  The hostel was located right behind the cathedral in the Zocalo, main square.  I highly recommend this hostel!  The staff was super friendly, helpful, and welcoming.

So I'm not only a female traveling solo, going to school at an age about 15 years older than the average student, but also, I'm staying at hostels for the first time in my life.  I've stayed at similar places in Asia, but I was with a buddy, and we shared rooms vs. dorms with bunk-beds.  Really... I'm 36, staying at a hostel in Mexico City for my 37th birthday, and on New Years??  What the hell am I thinking!  Haha... One might thing I'm having a mid-life crisis, but No Way is that the case.  If you know me, I love connection, traveling, and making shit happen.

Anyways, I arrived to one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world; safe and ready to celebrate!  VIVE MEXICO!!

Work in Progress... Travel Blog

MORE TO COME!

So many of you frequently tell me that I should start a travel blog.  Well... this is the first step per your request.  If anyone has any tips they would like to share, please leave a comment below.  I welcome any and all feedback.  I'm changing most everything on this site--slowly dedicating it all to traveling.  I'm a female traveler with many tips for being a female traveling solo.  Also, for all my fellow travelers, who need tid-bits of information helping them with things like; should I bring my ipad, iphone, laptop, camera, kindle...??  You get the picture.  Please be patient and please express opinions.  Gracias y Hasta luego!

The 5 C's for Life

Hi and Good Afternoon!

Lately I feel that my mind gets distracted or I lose my focus.  I've had something on my mind for a while now and I think it's time for a change.  In the past when I get this feeling where I need to create excitement in my life, I would up and move to a new city!  No better way than completely removing all comfort from my life and putting myself into a whole new scene.  Right?

Well I've been trying to change that with fulfilling my life with other exciting hobbies and adventures.  I love to travel and have been doing plenty these last few years.  But the time when I'm not traveling I still get this urge to create and change.  So I need to focus and maybe do the thing that I've been fearing the most...  Can you guess it?

I was turned on to this site Zap Oracle from a friend of mine and here was something we should all try and do and especially, ME!
 
"The Complex Personality knows how to integrate a variety of experiences into its overall experience, making the dullest moments interesting.  Being in Flow leads to Complexity for when you experience Flow, you want to experience more of it and construct you world to pull you irresistibly towards experiences within the Flow.  Focus on these to craft you world:

1) Clarity - Know what you want to do in you life every day.  Have clarity of goals, listen to feedback and adjust yourself to the feedback you receive from the world.

2) Center - You are in Balance.  Your goal is to focus, to know how to avoid distractions, to become at one with what you're doing, with all of your attention under your control.

3) Choice - Knowing there are a variety of possibilities around you that you're not determined by outside events but have choice and can move within it.  Whatever you do, you do "at Choice".

4) Commitment - Care for what you're doing at all times.  Remain conscious of what you care about.  Commit to it.

5) Challenge - Keep upping you challenges as you master a certain level.  Always make life more challenging."

I'll leave you with that for the day and I hope you are challenging yourselves every day!  

                                      

                                              (Me at summit of awesome hike!)

I almost vanished! 3 Months Recap

I will start with Italy.  I have to say that "I Love Italy"!  Everything was amazing and I will return someday.  Highlights will be short since this post is overdue.  The history and the culture will blow your mind.  I loved the architecture and all of the churches and little towns, some with walls around them!

 Of coarse the food, coffee, and the Vino!  Never had a bad espresso or coffee anywhere!  Even the gas stations or cheap hotels had amazing coffee.  The food is divine and I loved getting a carafe of wine for $5 euro!

And, of coarse, the people and culture!  So fun and sweet and charming.  I love Italy!!

Next couple months were kind of a blur thinking back..  May and June.  I may have to come back to them and also do a more dedicated post of travels.

July started with a spontaneous trip to my favorite...  MEXICO!

I finally went back to Playa Del Carmen to kick start my summer!  It was filled with sunshine and amazing beach time and beautiful friends.  I love you Playa!

So this is a very short and sweet recap of the last few months.  How has your summer been so far?  Unfortunately I failed on my goal for my blogging, however I will start over again and try to catch up and succeed for next year.

Happy rest of summer to you!

ITALY!

In just two short days I will be off to ITALY for the first time in my life!  I'm very excited and still have a lot to do so even though I have been slacking and I still need to update after my return from Iceland, I promise I will recap both wonders of the world when I return.

I'm looking forward to seeing my brother and his family and enjoying the history, culture, WINE, espresso, GELATO, and Pasta a'more!  

Bon Voyage!

Have you been?  Where is your favorite place and memory?  

Saturday Bliss

Saturday, today, was a lovely day.  Do you ever have one of those weeks where it's literally a painful start and ends pleasantly blissful?  That was my week this week and as I write this I feel so calm, loved, beautiful, and accepted.

I don't want to bore you or complain about my life so let's just leave it as my week started with terribly painful tooth issues.  Only thing I will elaborate on is that I threw away my peppercorn.  No more fresh ground pepper for this lady!

So as the week ends with a full work day and an appointment with my tax accountant needlessly to say I did not expect it to end so pleasantly.  Work was awesome, with a little help from the sunshine bursting through the windows!  And my taxes are done and I'm still happy!  Yay!

Now I get to look forward to this...  

Next Sunday I will be off to an island that most people don't think twice about.

As it is now only a week away I am getting quite excited for my little adventure!  Iceland is one of the volcanically active places in the world that offers a ton of natural beauty from glaciers and geysers to the awaiting mineral rich, geo-thermally heated BLUE LAGOON!

So this might be the last post possibly till I return but who knows maybe I will say Bon Voyage in my next one:)

How was everyone else's week?  Anything exciting for your last couple weeks of winter?  And don't forget next weekend is DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!  Yay!!  Longer days await:)

Loss for words

Not sure what to post to end this week because it hasn't been the greatest of weeks and I'm not one to promote negativity so I will end with FOOD.  It can bring you down or Cheer you Up so here are a couple sauces I made today.

Last night I made an oil free pesto sauce  and put over steamed broccoli.  It was delicious and light.  Unfortunately I may have chipped a tooth on the first bite on a peppercorn.. yikes!  But was still yummy.

Oil-Free Vegan Pesto
makes about 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients:

1 cup diced zucchini
1 handful fresh basil leaves (about 3/4 oz.)
4 garlic cloves (I love garlic, but feel free to use less)
½ cup raw walnuts
1/4 cup water
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

Directions:

Throw all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender, and blend away!

Tonight I made cilantro garlic sauce and had on top of steamed brussels sprouts.  Yum again!

Here’s the recipe:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 small/medium cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp tamari (soy sauce)
• juice of 1 fresh lemon (about 1/4 cup)
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Put all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. Pour over your favorite dish – brown rice, lentils, beans, veggies, tempeh, tofu, meat, eggs, whatever you want!!  Enjoy!

And don't waste the left over sauce.  Simply put into ice cube trays and freeze for later!  Add a couple cubes to your favorite dish when ever you are in a crunch for time.  Brilliant!

So enjoy these easy healthy sauces and share with friends.  I'm winding down tonight with a glass of wine and the end of the Oscars.  Did you guys watch??  

Music to listen to!!! Check it out.  Her voice is mesmerizing! xoxo

FIRST TIMES

This last weekend was jam packed with lots of first times!  Starting off with an interesting night going to see "Cold Cave" at the "Electric Tea Garden".  It was the first time I'd ever been to this place and a great excuse to check it out was to go see "Cold Cave" perform live for the second time.  The place was small and intimate which I loved and very close to my home.

Also went to a new place on Saturday night called "Primo".  Little spot on 1st hill in the bottom of an apartment complex.  Old style charm equals pretty chill little hidden spot.  I did not try the food but would return for drinks sometime.

Third, went to see a silent movie at the "Harvard Exit".  First time at the theater and first time seeing a silent movie at the movies.  All was a great experience and I really liked the Harvard Exit.  Can't wait to return.

So it was a happy firsts this last weekend.  Let's keep it going!  Have a good weekend everyone and have you been able to cross any firsts off your list yet this year?  I'd love to hear about them!

February Starts off like Spring!

So it feels like spring in Seattle and it's been awesome!  People are out enjoying the weather and always hoping that it will last  As we all know who live here though know that it won't, we enjoy it while we can. I have come down with a nasty little cold however that is trying to slow me down but I'm fighting it with two fists up!  POW take that!

I am happy to say I will have a couple things I can mark off my list! 

FIRST off is I went to the Hot House, a bath house spa for women only, on Capital Hill.  I loved it!  I wasn't sure how I would feel with the all nude in a public place but it was fine.  Everyone is in their own little world and it's a very cozy and relaxing vibe.  I went back and forth from the steam room, sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub.  Ahhhhh I can get used to that and I Will go back!  Two thumbs up for the Hot House!

SECOND off is I'm am proud to announce I am going to ICELAND!  I got an amazing deal and will be heading off to the mysterious wonderland in March.  Can't wait!

So to conclude this week I hope you all are enjoying your February so far and do you have anything to cross off your list yet?  Or some exciting news you want to share??  

Listening to New Model Army

Juicing and Juicers

So I have been juicing a ton lately and loving it!  My big question of the day though is...  Which juicer produces the most juice?  I feel like from reading other blogs and books that I may want to invest in a new juicer but then I think well I have one already and it works fine so do I really NEED another juicer?  I have a Jack Lalanne and really have no major problem with it other than yes it can be a pain to clean sometimes, I don't have a dishwasher, and if it produces the most bang for the buck?  As you know juicing can get expensive at times with buying fresh fruits and vegetables but trust me..  It is worth it!  Juicing is so healthy for you and if I had more time right now I would babble on and on and tell you why.  Or you can watch Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead.

So for all of you juicers, cleansers, and anyone with an opinion...  What is your favorite juicer and why and what is your favorite juice recipe?

Happy Juicing!

Snow = Stay warm inside = movies and teatime

Well the predictions came true.  We have snow in Seattle.  Some might be excited, others not so much, and I am perfectly content looking outside how pretty and white it looks while I stay inside keeping dry, warm, and cozy.

Things I like when I'm stuck inside.. Movies, Tea, cuddles, and if I had a fireplace I'd be in heaven but I don't so I pretend with candles.  So for those of you who are possibly cleansing or dieting for a new years resolution I HIGHLY recommend watch this excellent documentary http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/.  Of coarse I had to make me some juice about half way through because I know already how tasty it is!  So watch Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead on a cold winter day.

What else should I watch today?  Any recommendations?  Well I'm off to make some tea:)

Monday Inspiration

As Monday is nearly over I feel the need to share a couple of sites that have inspired me recently.  This time of year it seems that we all want to start fresh and cleanse our bodies, mind, and souls.  I came across a way of eating recently through some of the following blogs and decided to do the Detox for women for 30 days.  Natalia Rose - Books - Detox 4 Women  Are any of you cleansing or feeling the same after the holidays?  Share your comments or ideas please:)

So I came across the rose cleanse above through another new favorite and local blogista...  The Vegetable Centric Kitchen | For the Love of Veggies

Do any of you currently use or have heard of Stevia? I want to share with you my new favorite site to order vitamins and herbs from.  It's called iHerb and it's the cheapest I have found for all.  Cheaper than amazon or local vitamin or co-ops or grocery stores.  Something I highly recommend for all of you to start using is Stevia.  The species Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as sweetleaf, sweet leaf, sugarleaf, or simply stevia, is widely grown for its sweet leaves.  Use it as a sweetener or sugar substitute and is all natural derived from a plant.

NuNaturals, Pure Liquid, Alcohol Free Stevia, 2 fl oz (59 ml) - iHerb.com

So order stevia or vanilla stevia and all your health products from here and enter my coupon code BEM483  to receive $5.00 off your first order!

Another lady I want to mention who led me to a new favorite dish of healthy roasted vegetables is http://lindawagner.net/blog/  Super easy and so good in the winter you must try!

So please check them out and be inspired!  And fall in love with Stevia for a healthier sweet tooth!!

To close I am on Day 3 of my cleanse and feel great!  I will try and post some pics and more posts on that subject next.  

35 Things to do this Year

Thirty Five Goals for 2012

1. Travel to a new foreign country
2. Travel to San Juan Islands or new WA town
3. Travel to a new U.S. state
4. Read a book a month or more
5. Write in journal daily or once a week minimum
6. Learn to sew
7. Study a foreign language
8. Do buckram yoga 30 day challenge
9. Create new art
10. Go on a hike somewhere new
11. Go to the hot springs
12. Cook a favorite Thai or Indonesian dish
13. Bake something new
14. Go to the bath house spa
15. Paint kitchen shelf
16. Run a half marathon
17. Blog once a week
18. Read at a coffee shop
19. Paint the living room
20. Paint footboard/headboard of bed
21. Decorate bedroom
22. Make a new friend
23. Eat a new fruit/vegetable
24. Travel somewhere solo for a vacation
25. Practice and play guitar
26. Create a Facebook page for work
27. Take a class on a hobby
28. Meet with an advisor at Seattle central about enrolling
29. Take an educational class
30. Play a new sport or activity
31. Go to the top of the Space Needle
32. Get a new camera and take lots of photos
33. Volunteer at a shelter
34. Reupholster 2nd chair
35. Go to a new museum 

Thirty Four Goals for 2011

1. Travel somewhere new in US.  √ Austin, TX
2. Travel somewhere new abroad.  √ Thailand and Indonesia
3. Learn to sew
4. Paint on canvas.. 1/2√ for this one
5. Practice spanish.  1/2√
6. Buy running shoes and run more√
7. Ride bike√
8. Cook something with cactus
9. Make business flyers self promotion
10. Go to bath house spa
11. Get massage√√  (got this one extra.. In Thailand!)
12. Practice guitar
13. Plan trip to Europe 1/2√
14. Plan trip to Thailand√√√
15. Make space in apartment for art projects 1/2√
16. Paint shelf in kitchen
17. Reupholster kitchen chairs 1/2√.. (Finished 1)
18. Reupholster headboard/footboard 
19. Read more books on crafting√
20. Cook a thai dish.. (did not do but ate plenty:))
21. Make something for Aunt Lori and send care package.. sadly she passed
22. Write in journal√
23. Finish Harry Potter series√
24. Set more goals for work√
25. Go hiking somewhere new in summer√  Cabin in Leavonworth
26. Go to San Juan Islands
27. Go to new museum√
28. Go to top of Space Needle
29. Get wood floors in living room√
30. Go to coffee shop to read
31. Go to remedy teas
32. Plan trip for parents to visit√
33. Bake healthy cookies√ (vegan brownies and macaroons!)
34. Go to Vancouver and visit friends

15 COMPLETED!

5 HALF COMPLETED

MUY BIEN!!!!!!

Happy New Year!

Well we made it through another year.  There were some hard times and plenty of good times.  As I am working on my 35 goals for turning 35 list, one of the goals is to blog once a week or as I'm hoping to do even a wee bit more!  To start off the very first post of 2012, I will share a couple of holiday pictures to recap the end of the year.

The 1st is a picture of a dinner party for winter solstice with the ladies and burning of the old to start off the new.  Next I am proud to say that I baked my first homemade vegan brownies which were a hit at the party to follow for us orphan children.  And finally a lovely cocktail to celebrate my Birthday on New Years Day... Cheers!

So to sign off I'm hoping to live up to some of my goals and to fill you all in as I check them off my list.  Next blog is hopefully a top 12 list to highlight 2011....

Happy New Year to All and may 2012 be full of happiness in life to be shared with the ones you love!!

Thailand and Indonesia Adventure

It's been very busy since my return from my travels to Southeast Asia a week before Thanksgiving.  I would have tried to post earlier but I had a recent loss of my Dad's brother and my fun loving uncle Urbie.  It's always sad but we did celebrate his life.  Unfortunately he loss his battle with esophagus cancer on December 4th, 2011.

                                                       R.I.P. Uncle Urbie  Love you Always

Of coarse there was also Thanksgiving which I chose to celebrate at home with my big fat cat Earl since it was my first full day home in over a month..

So back to the travels!  How would I sum up in a word the beauty and intriguing culture and land of Thailand and Indonesia... Delicious, Genuine, and absolutely take you breath away Beautiful!  Ok that's more than one word but one word is not enough to describe a land of caring people, beautiful land, and absolutely delicious food.  So here are some photos to capture a few of the moments.

                                                                   1st meal.. So Good!!
                                                           

                                                             Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

                                                    Breath taking Sunsets.. Above Ko Lanta

A couple questions everyone has been asking since I've returned...
1.  "Was a month long enough?"  Yes and no.  I was ready for my own shower and bed and different clothes but I was just starting to really feel comfortable in such a foreign land.
2.  "So was the food good?"  YES!!!!  Some of the best food I've ever had and one of the main things I miss.  I haven't had asian food since I've been home cuz I'm a little nervous it's just not gonna measure up but I think I'm ready or at least I want to try and make some of my favorite dishes at home.  Maybe that will be some of my next posts??

Well now I feel a little better getting something up since it's been forever except I just realized that my camera went kaput on my trip from the heat and humidity...  Xmas ideas for me...  New digital camera Please:)  Kap kuhn ka!  xoxo