Monthly Archives: August 2014

New Commute Routine

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My commute to work the last few years is now part of the past. My co-teacher used to pick me up in the mornings around 6:45 Monday through Friday for three or four years. We’d head up 1st avenue, chatting during the drive, sometimes stopping for coffee or at the bank, then arriving at school just after 7. The way home would be a walk to the 6 train or sometimes a full 2.5 mile walk home, depending on the day I had.

But now my commute has changed. I had to establish a new commute routine because I started a new position as a “central employee” based out of the Bronx division office.

So Sunday night I walked to Grand Central after our ramen bowls to get a 10-trip ticket for Metro North. A three-way subway transfer every morning would end up frustrating me, so I chose the most appealing method of transport to start my day. I looked up the train schedule for Monday morning and determined the best time to leave home to catch the 7:18 train, arriving at 7:36. Perfect for an 8am start. Just enough time to stop in the Starbucks located near the entrance of the building. So far, the morning trip is great! I have a nice 10-12 minute walk to Grand Central, not accompanied by many people on the sidewalk at 7am, and not a lot of people on that reserve commute out of the city.

metro north

blogs.wsj.com

The way home is not as desirable but it’s not horrible. I now take a west side train, the B or D because it’s the nearest to the office. And by nearest I mean, a 10 minute walk. As a walker, not a big deal at all. It’s just an interesting walk. So I hop on the subway and could transfer to the 4 to get to the east side but it takes the same amount of time if I just stay on the B or D and walk home from Rockefeller – which is a nice walk anyway.

Now, this new commute routine will only be valid for the next couple of weeks, because after that I’ll be making site visits and those locations will be different every day. So guess what? No routine there! The routine would be that there is no routine – which I will happily get used to.

Enjoy your long weekend everyone!

 

#tbt #34- Taste Memories

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I had a serious throwback to the ’80’s today when I drank some Vitamin Water. Flavor – fruit punch. The taste took me to my grade three classroom. Eating lunch at my desk. Drinking a fruit punch. The kind in the stubby plastic bottle with the foil top. From Super Store. Anyone remember these?

Quarter water

Staying In One Place

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We arrived in Dublin 10 days ago and stayed at the same hotel the whole time. I know many come to Ireland and travel, hopping from medieval town to the next, a couple of nights here and there. I love that idea, I really do. But I also really loved coming back to the same place every night on this trip.

Here’s a list of things I learned about staying in one place in Ireland:

1. I really got to know the place (hotel) you are staying. You get to know the staff, who works when, when they will knock on your door, who gives the towels at the gym, who runs the elevator to the rooftop lounge. I got to try basically all the food at the hotel, which I have none to complain about.

2. I really got to know the neighborhood. The Marker Hotel is new to the Dock area and the Dock area is the newest neighborhood in Dublin. It houses many internet and financial companies, new condos, cafes and hotels. It’s pretty accessible to downtown but really has what you need in the area.

3. I learned to feel content. In July I began to put this into practice when I was in San Diego and continued that content-ness here. Feeling present and content in each experience by doing what locals do – having a morning routine, running routine, activity time and quiet time.

4. I learned that it’s okay not to do everything. Yes we were out everyday exploring, but it wasn’t this sense of crazy rushing around. Okay, so we didn’t make to the Cliffs of Moher because of a poorly planned Saturday, but I’m not sweating it. We went to Galway, Kilkenny and Dundalk, so it’s not like we didn’t see the countryside, cows, sheep, stone walls, rolling hills. Again, this is something I am continuing to learn, and for those of us who are always on the go – this is hard! Learning to be present is hard and takes time to get used to! Planning ahead is inevitable but it’s also nice to not plan sometimes too, letting events happen organically.

5. I learned that I really don’t like eating all the time. I didn’t eat a lot each day, but my body really just wants my veggie and hummus dinner back.

I value my time away, and when you are away, make sure you really enjoy what you are doing – even if it means doing less.

:)

🙂

 

There’s A Reason I Don’t Drive

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That’s because I’ve actually come to hate it. I was okay with it because I lived in a place where I had to drive to get around in a decent amount of time.

Now I hate it. I don’t like it all.

Selling my car and living in a city where the norm is traveling by public transit is something that I totally own. Although a crowded subway car is not my favorite place, but it does allow me freedom. Yes there is a schedule to stick to, but I’m good with that. The freedom comes with attention. I can read, eat with ease, sleep (unlikely unless on Amtrak), stand up, walk around, stretch, watch people, organize my bag, grade papers, write blogs posts… need I go on?

runawayjuno.com

runawayjuno.com

I do not miss car maintenance, stopping for gas, scraping the windshield, warming the car, locating the car in a parking lot, paying insurance, getting a flat changed, having road rage induced by other stupid drivers, driving in snow storms, having someone drive right on my ass, waiting in traffic… need I go on?

Anywhere I want to experience will have a train, bus, plane, boat, cab or bike to get me there. So I’m done renting cars. Not doing it anymore.

 

Dublin Delights

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We’ve been here in Dublin for almost three days and I think I have some things figured out from a lazy first day trying get sleep, a busier second day wandering around Temple Bar area and a third day of Hop On Hop Off Tour Bus and more walking.

First, Irish people are really nice, love to greet you, and are amazing attendants at our hotel. However other really nice Irish people do not offer the greatest service in restaurants. It’s not bad service, just minimal. I guess that explains the no tip rule?

Second, I need to listen very closely to those Irish that I assume speak Gaelic. They speak so fast I have a hard time comprehending! Lip reading doesn’t really help either.

Third, I like the afternoon sunshine but not the chilly, cloudy mornings.

Fourth, unlike London, I’ve actually been quite impressed with all the food I’ve eaten so far. I haven’t had any blood sausage or pudding or Irish Stew yet, but the wings, soup and breads & dips I have had were pretty tasty.

Finally, there are not many runners but plenty of bikers. I was excited to see the many bikes lanes since we will be biking around the city today! Will let you know how that goes!

Dublinbikes

Dublinbikes

 

I see Susie and Bobby and Timmy and Mary…. but never Robyn

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I love it Robyn! And I have never seen a Tamera, but the occasional Tammy keychain. I feel your neglect Danger Girl.

Musings of The Edmonton Tourist

I am invisible.

I grew up with a name that no one ever had and people often told me they hated my name…Thanks?

My mom read Angel Unaware by Dale Evens before I was born. She loved the book and named me after the baby Robin.

In the 60’s, there sure weren’t a lot of girls named Robyn. I watched Romper Room every day hopping Miss Susan would look in the mirror and see me. I would sit up close to the TV and say Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease say my name.

It never happened. Not once. Ever.

Thus began my years of hating my name.

My first Husband, whom I fondly refer to as Idiot Stick, told me he hated my name.  Nice….Jerk. But the good thing is I have met plenty of other Jerks since him so he seems normal now.

My point being….Romper Room broke my heart.

Now Coke is…

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Your Body Won’t Take Care Of Itself

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And neither will your mind.

Taking care of ourselves physically and mentally/emotionally takes time and thought. If we don’t do it, it’s not going to happen on it’s own. If you are feeling headachy, stressed, anxious, depressed, tingly, heavy or whatever else, here is a list of things I’ve tried and have found success in getting myself back into physical and mental shape.

1. Get a massage – I mentioned this in another post not so long ago. Just do it. Get all your knots worked out. You’ll thank yourself.

2. Try acupuncture – Get your energies balanced so your body can function properly and you can feel calm and relaxed.

3. Go to a naturopathic doctor – Try some herbal supplements to regulate your body naturally and without side effects. When your body feels healthy, your mind will follow.

4. Get outside – Engage in physical activity. Go walking, jogging, biking, hiking, yoga, or anything to get your blood flowing.

5. Meditate – Train your mind to be peaceful and serene.

6. Reduce your consumption of caffeine – Try decaf like I am to reduce the jitters and physical effects of anxiety.

7. Be social – Nothing takes your mind off your stressors like talking with friends or meeting new people.

8. Hypnotherapy or therapy – Let a trance and a calm voice help you work through limitations and/or talk through your stressors, anxieties, life with someone who knows nothing about you.

Taking care of your social emotional needs will help you stay physically healthy. Never dismiss the effect of your thoughts on your physical well-being.

Happy Sunday!

Race Frenzy

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Well, I did it.

I registered for 4 races! Ah! I feel better. Still deciding on a few more… but it’s a start.

Check out my race widgets for updated race events!

Missing All Those Races

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From September of last year to this past June, I participated in so many races. Fifteen from January to June alone. All over the city, Philly, DC, California. And now, only two races in the next three months.

I can’t stand it anymore! I need to go crazy and start registering for some! I have been holding off because of many upcoming changes and travel, but now that I have an idea of what’s happening in at least the next few months, I can go nuts registering!

Seriously! I miss the corrals, costumes, bibs, expos, medals, bagels, volunteers, scenery, everything! So here I go! By tomorrow, my widgets will be updated. First up will be finding one in or near Dublin, and then I will add to my September and October line up locally. Stay tuned! 🙂

lightlifealliance.com

lightlifealliance.com