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November 8, 2009 In Uncategorized

Baby Steps

Sitting in the sun today, having a conversation with my Mom, I realized truly for the first time ever that I have been trying to change the world. I realized it’s simply impossible to do alone. I guess I thought that if I put my heart into everything 110% that somehow bagillions of people would believe and practice right along with me that everything is possible and the world could be perfect.

Clearly I’ve been biting off way more than I can chew.
Reality Bites. 
Although it bites, allowing this reality hit me today, it felt like a thousand-pound weight lifted off me that I have been carrying around for my lifetime. Whew. It feels pretty amazing to allow myself to finally believe that simply doing the best I can is good enough. Understanding the world is never going to be perfect and while it’s great- it sometimes just sucks is actually a relief somehow to me. Moving forward I will take mini bites. Maybe then I’ll actually start making that difference I’ve always wanted, while actually taking care of myself too.
Thanks Mom.
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November 2, 2009 In Uncategorized

Run Forrest Run

I was talking about running this weekend and injuries that come with along with it. It only took me about 13 years of pounding the pavement for fun and occasional race to discover that it’s true; the shoes really are the thing that damage your legs. I have researched and read articles, been advised by coaches, followed programs, bought insanely priced running shoes, learned about my arches, pronation, done hundred of dollars worth of gait training, changed my stride, heard opinions from x-professional runners and I think I even tried to run sideways once. (Kidding.)

I haven’t been able to run more than 4 miles in 6 years because the pain I have in so intense, I cannot walk after. Even when I only do 4 miles I have major swelling and unbearable pain. Every single run. For someone who likes to beat feet like me- this is a total bummer and has ben a hard pill to swallow. So imagine my thrill last week when I randomly decided to go to my first barefoot long run on the beach ever, because where I live it’s been 80 plus degrees. I had been told NOT to do this because “It’s uneven and will hurt your knees, etc more.” Well- guess what? Not only did I get to run on the beach, on a gorgeous and warm October night- but I had absolutely zero pain or swelling.
What?!
After all this time that’s all it took?
So in honor of the NYC Marathon yesterday, I thought I’d share this. If you have to/are going to wear shoes, I would recommend nothing but Newtons. I tried them on a couple months ago. They were pretty incredible and are essentially designed to make your body think you’re running barefoot. I don’t know about you, but if I can have one of my 2 favorite sports back in my life and all I have to deal with are a few blisters, sore calves (because yes, running barefoot kills your calves at first) or some pricey running shoes- I’ll do it.
As for the NYC marathon? Male and female winner both Ethiopian. I’m moving there before my next race to train- clearly they are the pros. Congrats Meb and Derartu!
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November 2, 2009 In Uncategorized

You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth

I think the founders of AFAR Magazine, Greg and Joe were dropped out of the sky from the same stork as I was. Or we were hatched from the same egg. I am not kidding. I need to work with these guys. Holy moly.

I ran across this magazine while on a typical night of perusing Barnes & Noble. Those nights are ones for me that I want and need to feel inspired and that all things are possible. Book stores are my favorite for that. The night I spotted AFAR was typical visit for me. I intend on walking in and picking up the latest business book or novel but then my body instinctually turns; The magazine or book travel section. I’m not sure why I try to deny my biggest passion or why in my head I say to myself “Dammnit Diane- can’t you be normal and just go get some other book?!” Perhaps it’s because I always end up finding myself standing there with a magazine open like AFAR and feeling completely alive and excited in a way that nothing else feels to me and then a bit peeved at myself for not yet figuring out a way to make a living in the travel world. Hmmm. Guess it’s time to put it all out there and stop denying myself.
Watch this video. Every single word these guys say I agree with, have thought about and preached a million times over. Yes, I have just contacted them asking them if I can scrub their toilets, or be their coffee runner. Anything I can do to get my foot in that door. I’m not afraid to do whatever it takes.
Dear Greg and Joe,
Someone once told me that a perfect way to find out what you’re really passionate about or would be great at for work is to listen to conversations around you at a cocktail party or outing. When you overhear someone talking about a certain subject from clear across the room that makes you not only want to leave the conversation you’re in, but knock over the hors d’ oeuvres table or an old lady, just to get in that conversation- perhaps that’s your “thing.” For me? Yep- my thing is travel. I literally got up from a business meeting (maybe this is a bad thing to tell you? Hey- I’m being honest) I was in last week that was completely boring me and lasting too long, because I heard the owners of the little coffee shop we were in- talking about their home country I spent a month in this year; Argentina. I couldn’t help myself. I just couldn’t wait to talk to them (Mom, Dad, grown daughter and her husband all working together) about chimichuri and Iguazu Falls among other incredible things I was lucky enough to experience in their country. 30 minutes later I had to force myself out the door to go back to my “real” work day. I could’ve stayed there and talked for hours with them, but promised a return visit soon. I can’t wait.
Since my return from the first big trip I took 16 years ago, my mother has always said; “You never came back the same.” She was right. How could I have? I haven’t stopped traveling since. 
So guys- I’m for hire and I get it like you do. That “place” where travel takes you and that everyone should be lucky enough to experience. I love promoting and spreading that message. How about giving someone just like you a chance? 
Thanks. Congrats on the magazine and your amazing company. I look forward to hearing from you 🙂
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November 1, 2009 In Uncategorized

From A Confederate

Below is an email sent to me by a perfect stranger who became a follower here. Someone I met via email with work I do and then happened to be lucky enough to meet in person about a week ago. I wanted to share this with you because of those times we all have when we think our words or actions don’t matter or that they might go unnoticed- we couldn’t be more wrong. Someone, somewhere is watching. 

Thanks B. Having someone like you who has lived and experienced many more years than me write this- certainly means a lot. It’s especially great to know that we all can relate to each other because we all have our own rocky roads. Life is oh so good- isn’t it? Don’t you worry. I will never stop believing it’s all possible. Glad you’re a fellow walker down the Blue Lollipop Road.
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Damn girl, you are good! No matter how hard we try, no matter how caring we are, no matter the depth of our acquired knowledge and skills as we learn about this rather bizarre planet, sometimes it just seems to rain ferrets.
For days on end, f’ing ferrets. 
After reading portions of BLR over the past couple of weeks, I flashed back to times and people I have known – good people with fire in their eyes and that desire to see and do it all – who have been caught in multiple ferret storms. (A few they conjured up themselves:) Some went down. Many changed to a safer course. After the clouds lifted a few emerged stronger, more than just survivors, still on course. They became hope for us all. I decided then you were one of those.
Nothing I saw Friday night of you doing-what-needed-to-be-done changed my mind. But I worried. You all worked your asses off to make a great Wilmington evening that would not have otherwise happened. I hoped then that the lack of a sell-out would not dishearten. I was already concerned for my Richmond transplant (and honorary Virginian) when I thought of her sitting in a furniture-less apartment, broke, with a mouthful of gummy mac ‘n cheese. The halfway through “Bring It” I cringed; “holy shit,” I thought, “what next?” Then Diane reappeared, laughing. Then, “Chillin,” she demonstrated the considerable power that comes from whatever is the inverse of “kick, scream, cry and fight.” No, the externals still may not be “absolutely perfect,” but the internals are close. I really admire those internals.
So happy Tuesday Diane. Things will be better. Probably uneven, but still better. You have confederates along the Blue Lollipop Road, some you barely know.

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October 28, 2009 In Uncategorized

National Chocolate Day

Declared by the National Confectioners Association; today is National Chocolate Day. A holiday for chocolate?! Love that. Twist my arm- I’ll have some please. How could I, the everyday eating, can’t shut up about chocolate-loving girl have not known about this until now? I would’ve had a sweet soiree planned if I did. There’s always tomorrow. Every day is a chocolate celebration for me.

Here’s some information on the health benefits chocolate- (You know I had to throw some good reasons to eat my favorite stuff in here) so make sure your well-balanced diet of fruits and veggies include something chocolate. That and a glass of red one and BAM! You’re the pillar of health.
Do you think there’s some irony in me deciding to call South n’ France out of nowhere yesterday and just happened to set up a meeting with them for today? I can’t wait. What serendipitous timing.
Off to eat a bon bon or twelve…
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