Life=Vacation

Instead-of-wondering-when-your-next-vacation-is-maybe-you-should-set-up-a-life-that-you-dont-need-to-escape-from.

Well, Hello Jibber Jabber followers!

While my Singaporean adventures are posted on nextstopsing.wordpress.com, I have been thinking a lot about what to write back here on Jibber Jabber. I have a lot of ideas as usual. But if you have been reading since the beginning of JJ&H, you know already know I often have so many things to say/write, that I end up with nothing actually written.

So here is something I’ve been thinking about for the last several weeks…

I’m very fortunate to be able to travel while living in Singapore. Weekend getaways are very doable as there are many beautiful locations within a couple of hour flight time. Did I weekend travel when I lived in New York? Sure! But here it feels different. Every weekend away is a tropical vacation.

In fact, since I’ve moved to Singapore, my life feels like a vacation. Oh wait – before I left New York I started feeling like my life was turning vacationesque because of the role I was in at work and because I knew I was leaving the city with all it’s harshness…

Yes, I teach here – and it’s a hell of a lot of work. But because of the Groundhog Day weather we have, I never really know what day it is, or even month for that matter. I find myself really thinking about the date some days, like I have no clue that it’s winter. What a wonderfully refreshing way to live.

I recently read a quote that has really resonated with me since I read it. In a nutshell – “live a life you don’t need a vacation from.” How profound is that? Seriously profound! For too many years I felt like something was getting in the way of what I was wanting to do even with all of New York’s available opportunities.

I discovered that it’s way easier to live a vacation-life when you love where you are in every sense of the word. Did I love New York? Of course! But life is exponentially easier here. Is it a perfect place to live? No, but something so simple like not looking at the Weather Channel app before you get dressed makes life so much easier. I love the same weather everyday, I love the people I’ve met, I love my job, I love the travel, and I can’t say enough about the amazing opportunities at hand. When I travel now, I don’t actually need to say “I’m going on vacation” because I don’t need a vacation like I used to. For me, traveling has become what it should be: a priceless collection of life experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Aug 14

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

Jul 18

No Running For Four Days?!

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Don’t worry, this definitely doesn’t mean I was doing nothing. This trip to California was actually a great opportunity to do some cross training as part of my marathon training (or at least I tell myself).

So here’s the breakdown of activity since I’ve been here – 10 days so far.

Day 1 (Thursday 7/10): Paddle board yoga at Mission Beach and biking around Coronado Island

Day 2 (Friday 7/11): Morning 3.66 mile run, evening kayaking at La Jolla (complete with seeing baby seals in caves and dolphins swimming in pods!)

Day 3: (Saturday 7/12): Afternoon walk, probably 2-3 miles

Day 4 (Sunday 7/13): Morning 5 mile run

Day 5 (Monday 7/14): Morning 2 mile run, afternoon 4.5 mile walk

Day 6 (Tuesday 7/15): Morning CrossFit class

Day 7 (Wednesday 7/16): Afternoon 6.5 mile hike (I thought this was 8-9 miles, and it definitely felt like it) at Mount Woodson, evening kayak at Coronado

Day 8 (Thursday 7/17): Morning CrossFit class

Day 9 (Friday 7/18): Rest

Day 10 (Saturday 7/19): Morning 4.62 run so far… and just came back from a nice long walk (guessing 2-3 miles).

Upcoming:

Day 11: Chargers 5K Bolt to the Q. Had to sign up for a race here, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t!

Day 12: probably another early run, hike, bike ride

Day 13: potential early morning run

I’ve rested this vacation but I’ve also kept my body very active – and it feels great! And when you have views like this, it’s easy to keep active outdoors. 🙂

Potato Chip Rock @ Mount Woodson

Jun 18

WW #24

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http://www.dromoland.ie

Apr 19

Keys to Unwinding

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The idea of vacation itself is enough to help us begin to unwind. The fact that you are leaving, detaching from your regular life and daily routines – delicious! Yes, the physicality of removing yourself can be enough at first, but actually, it’s how you spend your time on vacation that is critical to unwinding – I mean really unwinding and unloading your mind.

My mini-vacay to Florida this week served me well in unloading mental stress and refocusing on being mentally clear. I think I was pretty successful at achieving what I went there for.

Here are some keys to unwinding:

1. Go somewhere that forces you to relax. Choose carefully and think about the purpose of your trip (which is probably de-stressing, decompressing, de-elevating, unwinding, searching for mental clarity). Going somewhere that offers tons of activities will keep you too busy. Go to those places when you don’t need to de-stress. Many times people return from vacation saying they need a vacation from the vacation they were just on.

*Note: If you are not able to actually go away-away – by plane, train or car – then find a “redemption place” that is your mental clarity spot. A place you can visit daily if possible.

2. Choose the right amount of time to be away. If you are not away long enough, you will not allow yourself to truly relax.

3. Physically detach from people! Don’t talk to anyone. Seriously, unless you have to. Talking is a really exhausting exercise.

4. Read books unrelated to your job. And read books you’ve had on your shelf for a long time. Let your mind go. Escape into whatever you choose to read.

5. Have a glass or wine, beer, or cocktail a day. One or two – and really enjoy the taste. Enjoy the moments attached – sitting, sipping, not talking, not checking your phone – just being in the moment. Allow yourself to relax with your alcohol instead of getting drunk with it. No hangover this way!

6. Sit. Observe. Try not to judge, but instead, just enjoy watching people. Make up stories about them in your head. Make yourself laugh.

7. Realize when you are ready to participate in interaction again, and do so meaningfully. Say something nice to someone. Offer help. Give up your seat.

Pay attention. Marvel. Savor. This is why you left in the first place. To regain your clarity.