Nah, I'm ah stay.

Despite a bit of a bumpy start to my morning, I found my way downtown to Dottie's Cafe for breakfast. I have previously avoided ordering pancakes at breakfast because well let's be real, pancakes always sound good at the beginning, but by the end you are flippin' sick of them. When I saw that the special  was Rice Flour Banana Pancakes they had me sold. I was in  GF breakfast heaven. When and where was I ever going to get GF banana pancakes from again?

They were delicious and the texture was no different than the normal ones.

Banana Pancakes (GF)

Enjoying the best spot in the house.

After breakfast, I had a slow morning and took my time tending to things in the house that have been overlooked, namely the cleanliness of our home. Hey, don't get me wrong its tidy, but it need a good once over. 

The focus of my afternoon was to slow down and remember to care for myself. Today's exercise in self-care was to go to hot yoga called Body Temp in the Marina. My sister, Lindsay, told me about it and encouraged me to check it out. I had been to Bikram in Florida and honestly it seemed like the worst way to exercise, ever. 

But I've recognized that the more that I allow my body to endure pain or even mild discomfort the more strength I have in keeping calm and happy. I used to miss class in college just because it was too cold out. So, yes, subjecting myself to 90 minutes of nauseating yoga is a big deal. 

Tonight, after my yoga session I feel calmer, more present, and at peace. And despite moments where I thought I was surely going to throw up, I really did enjoy the class.

I ended the night a fruit and nut recovery smoothie, sushi take out, and a fun film called the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. All in all it was a good day. I hope your Sunday is restful, I know mine will be!

p.s. don't forget that we spring forward tomorrow morning.

Shoot!

Welp, now I feel really guilty. I haven't updated this blog since December?! Shoot!

So much has happened since then! A trip home for Christmas to be with family and friends, watching NYE fireworks from the rooftop of new friend's apartments, Skyler's first project launch, a visit from Lindsay and Denny, a trip to Indiana/Michigan to be with Grandma Kay, a fire on our block, learning how to curl, a hike to the Tourist Club, and an impromptu Geographer show at the Gap.

I know I've missed significant and relevant moments, but these are the ones that come to my mind. My journey, one that I've recently recognized is actually happening, has been so full of downs and ups. Despite this there are the sweet and redeeming moments, little whispers of love, that remind me that life is surprising, unpredictable, and wonderful. It reinforces the lesson that sometimes all you need is the smallest shade to cover your head in order to keep going. There have been many days and sometimes weeks that have felt like that's all that I've had. Fortunately, that's all that I've needed.

One of those moments was this evening. Skyler is at SXSW in Austin, Texas for the week and that left me wondering "What should I do with myself?" and feeling pretty vulnerable. I was out looking for a new pair of jeans tonight and walked passed the Gap at Market and Powell. I noticed something out of the ordinary was happening inside the store so I stared for a second. A guy outside, said "You look confused. Geographer is playing a free show tonight. There's still room and free drinks if you want to go?"

It took all of one second to say YES!, get a band, and head into the Gap (of all places) to drink delicious drinks and listen to rad music. They were even passing out the cutest appetizers, mini grilled cheese sandwiches and mini hamburgers. Everyone was in a great mood and the vibe was super friendly. And so, the night that had been giving me so much concern turned out to be one of the most precious nights I've had in months. I am so thankful for this gift.

I give you my earnest and sincere word to update this blog more frequently.

Thanks for being patient with me,

 allie x--->