The fog returns to Pacifica

The fog is rolling in thick today.

Just like in life, sometimes the fog comes in thick. But, all of the beauty, all of the blue skies, all of the hope, and promise, and direction, and potential are still there. Even when it's not as apparent as when the skies are clear. vlb

Monday

At the end of the day this Monday, while I did a ton of research, and found some interesting positions to apply for, and finally had my telephone interview with EDD to go over questions regarding my unemployment benefits, it felt like a wasted day, unfortunately.

But, during this period of searching for a new job, going back to school, and changing my career path, I'm guessing that's just the way it's going to be. I've had some incredible days that felt successful and I could see that I made some major steps forward. This was not one of those days.

What was missing? Well, I never took my walk today, I never picked up my book to read, I had lunch at my desk, I didn't do my stretches.. My lesson? To remember the exhaustion that comes from not doing those things that recharge and renew my brain cells and battery. It's just as vital to take time to smell the flowers, as it is to plant the seeds, as I grow into that new job that I'm looking for. vlb

Pacifica, California this week end

"The Daily Show" w/Jon Stewart

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Take time to Breathe Deeply

The sf chronicle had a story in the datebook section today on rock climber 'Katie Brown'. Only 28, Katie Brown is author of 'Girl on the Rocks': A Woman's Guide to Climbing with Strength, Grace, and Courage' Falcon Guides, 2009. The title alone describes my job search journey, as I climb onward and upward, I’m relying on strength, grace, and courage.
When I lived in Florida, I worked for a start up television station that during the construction period of the new building, the station launched a 20 minute show out of an old strip mall turned office complex. In the complex, next door to the temporary station, was an indoor rock climbing gym going in. Working for a start up station was exciting, but just as exciting was watching the progress of the rock climbing gym going on.
Later, after moving to California, I finally made my way to an indoor rock climbing gym in San Rafael, California. I joined the gym, took lessons in rock climbing and weight lifting. Before starting up the wall, you would say on-belay, that indicated to your belay-er, that you were tied in and ready to climb. I was in the best shape ever when I climbed. Reading the chronicle story about climbing and author Katie Brown this morning brought back many memories of those days.
I have had the good fortune of taking part in in-door and outdoor rock climbing, parachuting, scuba diving, and snorkeling out in the ocean over huge sea turtles and reefs. Each of these activities brought me a very similar feeling, of being out in nature, and really letting go of all the stuff, the baggage, the dust, the cob webs, you truly, in those type of moments, live in the present moment, as you focus on safety and survival, and you breathe in the air, and take in the beauty of what’s around you.
Here's a quote from Katie's book, "You're a little intimidated by the challenge of the climb, and the exposure, so you breathe deeply, tell yourself you can do it, and continue to move upward on the rock."
Whatever you do, remember to take a moment to breathe deeply, tell yourself you can do it, and continue to climb upward! vlb

breathe in the fresh salty air and fill your lungs