Best thing someone
did for me in 2014: James took me to Africa. We went on an almost three
week trip to Botswana and Mozambique. While in Botswana, I was able to watch
the sun rise and set over the African landscape for the first time and it was a
life-changing experience. The sun is so central to life in that part of the
world and without Wifi, buildings to obstruct the landscape, and lots of time
spent outdoors, I started to grasp how inconsequential humans are. I hope to go
back to share a short part of time again with the majestic creatures that live
there: lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, impalas, leopards, and the list
goes on.
Best thing I did for
someone else in 2014: Upped my annual contribution to public radio
(WUOT-FM) and volunteered to help with a new charity event for Friends of
Literacy. These are two of my favorite entities to help out. Both have a strong
educational element and it makes me feel worthwhile to know that because of my
small contribution adults in Knoxville might earn their GED and others are
learning about events in the world through public radio. Please consider
finding one charity in your community to contribute to in 2015. Even if you
don’t have extra funds, please volunteer.
Best thing I did for
myself in 2014: Embracing and exploring my love of camping. I have always
loved the outdoors. This year I purchased a vintage travel trailer and worked
on it a few hours a day until it was renovated. While I worked on it, I dreamed
of camping in national parks in the United States. I didn’t have an opportunity
to camp in the travel trailer before I sold it but I began booking spots in
state and national parks where I would pitch a tent, observe nature, and enjoy
falling asleep to a stream flowing or leaves rustling. I’m upgrading some of my
camping gear this winter and can’t wait to explore more of the protected
outdoors in our beautiful country.
Best non-fiction books
of 2014: Wild, Tracks, and Lean In. I’ve previously blogged about Wild and Tracks (just
click on the titles for the reviews) but I started reading Lean In at the end of this year. In this easy-read book, Facebook
CEO, Sheryl Sandberg confronts gender bias head on. I call this an “easy-read
book” because it is designed so that the reader can take in one subject in one
chapter, hit the high points, and put the book down as needed until the next
opportunity. I was most impressed with the amount of research presented that
supports the theory that sexism is alive and well in the work force. My biggest
take away: men are more confident than women when it comes to their careers and
we have to work on this. Rather than thinking, “I’m just not ready to take on
this new opportunity. I don’t have enough experience,” we should be thinking,
“I am smart, educated, and capable of doing an excellent job in this
opportunity even while learning new things.” All women should read this book.
Best meal of 2014:
I’ve written about Mario Batali’s Babbo in NYC before so I’ll pick another
favorite: Three course lunch at Elephant Hill winery in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
Oh wow! I’m the type of person who appreciates the creative presentation of a
dish especially if it is delicious and the chef here certainly gets that right.
Elephant Hill Restaurant earned the distinction of 2014 “Best Winery
Restaurant” by Cuisine Good Food Guide and I feel it is very deserving. They
use locally sourced, seasonal, fresh food from growers and suppliers who are
passionate about their products. I ordered the dish of cauliflower parfait,
chilled prawns, pickles, smoked tomato crème to start, paired with 2013
Elephant Hill Sauvignon Blanc. My second course (just as wonderful as the
first) was the entrée of smoked ricotta, duck tortellini, road beans, mint,
confit onion dressing, paired with 2013 Elephant Hill Chardonnay. Elephant
Hill’s website says the staff wishes to leave a lasting impression of fine
food. Success!
Best thing to look
forward to in 2015: Building a stronger body. James religiously goes to the
gym and works out with a trainer. Like clockwork, he’s up and out the door at
least three times a week. He has inspired me to get fit! I’m going to need a
strong body in the New Year if I want to hike, kayak, and explore this great
earth. He purchased a gym membership for me (don’t worry it was my idea) and
we’ve been going together. We don’t work out together; we just ride together.
I’ve been doing 35 minutes of cardio and stretching for 10 minutes on each
visit. Now that my endurance is up slightly, I’m going to add core exercises
such as abdominal work and yoga poses. It feels good to recognize the flow of
adrenaline that comes from pushing oneself physically. I’m also paying
particular attention again to regularly drinking green tea, eating probiotics
such as Greek yogurt, and adding super foods like spinach, parsley, and kale to
most dishes.
No comments
Post a comment