epiphanies...

I can't believe it is already March 20, 2010, can you? Copious is the best adjective to describe 2010 so far! Last night, I had an epiphany. It suddenly occurred to me that I have been in complete denial about this whole California thing. From August until now I have literally been in denial about actually being here, actually living in California and actually being a grad student. I never imagined I would be doing this, but let me be clear, I am so glad I am here and know I am in the perfect place to learn the lifestyle of being a student affairs professional. Another epiphany: 8:15 AM - - in the bathroom - - fresh out of the shower - - in front of the mirror - - naked-- "Shit...I'm fat!" In a way it seems that so much has stayed the same, and yet so much has changed. I feel age creeping up on me. I could list all the details, but I would like to focus on the fat in particular.

There is that whole superficial mentality of being young, looking young blah, blah, blah...I live in LA county after all. But really it isn't that. I have not been brainwashed. It really comes down to a new mantra, if I don't begin living more healthfully NOW, I never will. Up until this point in my life, I have been blessed with an amazing, powerful, garbage disposable-esque metabolism Not anymore (This is where you imagine my metabolism. Dressed in his finest suit, a top hat, and perhaps wearing a monocle. He slaps me across the face, with a white leather dueling glove saying, "I said Good day, Sir!" as he slowly exits the room). I only have myself to blame (though I know that finishing Emily's leftovers from the gross American sized portions we are fed does not help the cause). Bottom line, 30 pounds have mysteriously attached themselves to my body. 30 pounds more than my ideal weight. Perhaps this year I will build healthful habits in exchange for the bad habits I'm ever so diligently trying to squelch. Almost 3 months down...9 more months to make it happen.

One more epiphany I would like to share... Emily and I decided to FINALLY go for a little bike ride this evening, for leisure of course. Suddenly, I recalled that long before I moved to West Calle de la Luna #1, I had stumbled across what seemed to be a bicycle trail behind my apartment on Google Maps. Emily asked where we were going and I said, "Uh, just turn right at the end of my street and then we will turn right again down the road a 1/4 mile if that." We followed the "Bike trail" signs and came upon the San Gabriel River Trail. This trail is literally RIGHT behind my house...it is sickening how close it is. The entrance point near my house is about 5 miles west of where the trail emerges from the Angeles National Forest...and yes, this trail winds all the way to the Pacific Ocean!

I am pretty pumped to ride, walk, run along this trail...and here is where this post comes to a realized, fat, and sudden end. - Grace, peace and love to you all!