Life in the Desert: Tucson, Arizona

[Jan 20-24, 2012]

There’s a girl I’ve been friends with since 6^th grade, and let me tell you: she’s one of the loveliest people I know.  It easily follows, then, that her family is one of the loveliest families I know – but the thing is, her family moved to Arizona when she and I were in college, so I rarely get to see them.  I’m lucky my friend stayed in the Chicago area – as I know she and her family miss living in the same city.  I hope her family knows that I do my very best to take care of her as family would :) 

This friend of mine is getting married soon, and as such – I booked trip to Tucson, Arizona with her for multiple purposes: to see her family. to participate in some bridal shower/bachelorette celebrations. AND… for me to finally see Tucson!  Surprisingly enough, this trip marked my first visit to Tucson – and my first visit to the fine state of Arizona, too.  Between my bride-to-be friend and another dear friend who also who has family there and loves the city, it’s a little crazy it took this travel-bug so long to get out there.

This four-day trip was my first true experience “inhabiting” a desert climate.  [Exceptions include a drive through Wyoming on family vacation in junior high and a stop-off in the Palm Springs area on my Cali trip in 2008].  Absolute, primary takeaway?  Cacti. are. awesome.  

How to Travel the World on the Cheap

People often comment to me, “I don’t know how you can afford to travel so often!”  Valid question – considering in the last 3 years, I’ve been to France, Ireland, Spain, Italy, New Orleans, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle – to name a few – and let’s just talk about it: I don’t make tons of money.  But what I’ve found is, successful travel isn’t about being rich, it’s about being creative and strategic.  Up until now, I’ve only written about travel in terms of writing about each one of my trips – but I’m thinking it’s time to write about travel in terms of tips I can share with you, for how to be a world traveler without breaking the bank, or stacking the plastic, as it were.  (- yeah I just made that one up…)  So, let’s do it! 

Tattoos

Tattoos are fascinating.

Permanence. Body-modification. Art.  

But more, really...

Rebellion.  

Because you're not "supposed" to get them - not if you're a good kid.  People believe you can't trust yourself with a decision today that can impact you the rest of your life, through all the changes you're going to undergo: mentally, physically, emotionally.  People believe you can't trust that you're going to still like how you look, years down the road - just because something seems like a good idea right now.  Tattoos are too reckless - too rash, too naive, too impulsive.  

And well, there's the pain.  If the social taboo / the fear of permanence doesn't stop you - often the pain - the needles! - WILL.

The thing is: I kind of love tattoos.  I also fear them - and certainly I've judged others for them.  I wish that weren't the case, but I want my writings to be about truth.  It's hard to have a set opinions about tattoos - because there are so many kinds of them out there.  Awesome ones.  Lame ones.  Disturbing ones. They run the gamut - as do my opinions on them...  Mostly, though, I love them.  

I love tattoos, because to me, they tell a powerful story...  

I have died everyday waiting for you...

Forgiving its origins - what a gorgeous song...  

Resonates very intensely for me.

Claddagh Rings: Jewelry with Lore

As any good Irish lass, I've always loved the idea of the Claddagh ring.  It has symbolism of many kinds, and well - it's jewelry - which I love :)  The heart stands for love, the crown for loyalty, the hands for friendship.  If you wear it upside-down on your right hand (the point of the heart pointing to the fingertips), it means you are single.  If you wear it right-side up (the heart pointing away from the fingertips), it means your heart is taken.  Upside-down on your left hand?  Engaged.  Right-side up on your left hand, married. I love anything with a process, with a story.

I've almost always had a Claddagh ring, but usually they have been given to me

Christmas Crafting

When your resourceful little brother finds whatever he needs for himself, what do you get him for Christmas?  Actually, I did find some lovely things for purchase to give him... but I decided to craft something up for him, as well.  His very own drink servin' tray!  Haha.  A funny little tribute to an amazing dude.

Materials?  Wood serving tray found at a Salvation Army/Goodwill/the like.  An awesome photograph of said brother from a Mad Hatter Tea Party.  And my number one art tool: Mod Podge. 

In Process...

After...

Resolutions

In this year of 2012, I resolve to:

* Eat more vegetables.

* Exercise more often - specifically yoga.

* Save more money.

* Clean my apartment more regularly :)

* Learn to cook at least one new entree.

* Write write write.

* Make more time for reading.

* Craft more often / create more art.

* Date better.  Haha.

* Deal with more issues.

* Love myself more.

* Ice skate often.

* Listen to more french music and more classical music.

* Enhance my foreign language speaking skills.

* Iron my clothes more often.

* De-clutter as often as possible.

* Light more candles.

* Help a good cause.

* Pray more often.

* Dance whenever possible.

* Celebrate love and celebrate life.

A Food Blog!

I'm starting a separate project... a food blog!  [I will still write here, no worries.]

See, about a year ago I was telling a co-worker about something I'd recently eaten.  She asked me how it was, and I said, "Meh. It won't change your life."  She laughed and asked, "Has food ever changed your life?"  I paused and then said, "You BET it has."

Ever since then I've started to more keenly pinpoint foods that have and have not changed my life... and now it's time to write about them.

www.howlifeshouldtaste.com

Enjoy!