The great thing about going to Guatemala was that I was totally disconnected from technology for 9 whole days. My phone didn't work, I didn't have my computer, the only piece of equipment I brought was my camera. I could focus on myself, the people I was with, the reason I was there - I was forced to let go and relax, live in the moment. And it was wonderful. I did better when I first got back to NY about not being online all the time, but that has slowly slipped away and I find I'm using every spare minute online, just browsing around wasting time. There is a list of things I've been needing to do for over a week - and instead of doing them when I have all this random free time, I don't feel like "working" and just sit around instead. Oh Julia, what has happened to you?
So, Monday night I was depressed, but Sarah had said she'd go to Ballet w/ me, so I put on my tights and leotard and went. I'm so very glad I did. It helped me re-focus. I feel God's put me in this "patient" phase, where I'm supposed to be doing all I can do learn and grow in my abilities. It's frustrating, but if that's why I'm here right now, I need to be studious in my efforts. I'm growing in leaps and bounds with my singing, but this past month I've truly let my dancing slip. I used to take 2-3, sometimes 4, classes a day! So, I will be getting my tush into ballet, theatre dance, and especially tap a lot more this month. I should work double hard so I can feel like I've earned a short break - in case I get the chance to go back home in Sept.
And I honestly do need to start tackling all the things I've been putting off. I brought some produce today - so now I have food to eat = always a good thing. Next up, clean the bathroom, put sheets on my bed, update my audition book, and figure out why my kitchen smells. Ok, I pride myself on my kitchen - I am constantly making delicious food that smells wonderful. However, the past few days every time I come home, I'm hit with a whiff of...something. I've taken the trash out several times (chicken always smells gross, esp. in this heat), I've cleaned the dishes, I know it's not the cat, but I still can't figure out where the smell is coming from or what it is. I suppose it's time to move everything around and clean EVERYTHING. I honestly hope that fixes the problem. Carolyn can't ever smell anything different, but I'm not crazy - there's something rank in my kitchen. I will find and eradicate the perpetrator!
Also, this month I'm swearing off swearing. My brother John and his girlfriend are not drinking during the month of August, so I figured I could not swear for the whole month. It's a terrible habit I've gotten into since moving to NY. I've slipped up a few times, but I always catch myself. Time to figure out some better exclamations.
Because it's so hot, I'm going to share with you, dear readers, a PFC wk 6 recipe - flavored ice cubes. On Pinterest, they are made with fruit, but I had some lime and basil laying around, and wanted to use them up. I just had a glass of water with one of them in - and it was delicious. But, while you read the recipe, you should listen to this song by Vitas (because he's amazing):
Lime
Basil
Water
(This is such a difficult recipe. Seriously, guys, only try this if you're up for a challenge).
1. Cut up the lime into little wedges, tear up the Basil, put in your ice tray, cover with water, and freeze.
*This can be made with any combination, and I see it most often with fruit - blueberries/raspberries/strawberries etc.