“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

2nd Mother's Day/26th Birthday/Life

Mother's day was spent at the national zoo - it was attempt number 2 of the weekend.  Saturday I got all the way to the metro station, only to realize I forgot my debit card and had no cash on me.  We turned around and went home, took a nap, walked to Trader Joe's and just relaxed.  Sunday, I decided we would take the bus to the metro station to get into DC, which would also involve changing trains, insert nervous face.  For some reason, since I had G, I was terrified of taking any public transportation, but at some point that fear needed to be put to rest.  The way into DC was great, Genevieve just sat quietly observing everything, the whole 2 hours it took to get there (there's the downside to public transportation).

Entrance to the Zoo.

Minature Donkey! 

Komodo Dragon - I overheard someone say it will eat people?

The Ape was so funny, right before I took the picture he covered himself with the blanket.

The infamous Panda

The metro ride home, very tired.

I now know why I was slightly terrified of using public transportation with a child, Genevieve screamed the whole entire bus ride to the station. I don't mean just whining, actually throwing a fit screaming. Clearly is was from absolute exhaustion, considering our trip may have been 1 hour shorter, if I hadn't got lost in the zoo (yes, I would get lost in a zoo).

The last couple of days have been spent being a "bag lady", a current favorite around here and celebrating my 26th, eek, birthday.  I didn't do anything big, just had lunch with Skyler.  I am learning how each year, another birthday isn't as exciting as the last.  The years are somewhat rolling together, as I am adapting to changes around me the need to celebrate a birthday extravagantly is slowly drifting away.  

I finish the book I had posted about last week, and it has changed my outlook on life, almost completely, more on that another day, since it will probably take a whole dedicated post.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

What we eat.

I have always been slightly obsessed with the things I allow Genevieve to eat.  She just recently had her first hot dog and cheeseburger from five guys, both of which were horrifying experiences for me by the way.  Growing up, I hardly ever ate at McDonald's or any fast food of the sort.  I grew up trying all different kinds of foods most kids wouldn't touch until their teens.  I wasn't forced to eat it, but I had to try it.  Instilling this on my child was very important.  I promised myself before she was born that I would always make a honest attempt in giving her as natural and healthy foods as possible. I'm not perfect with this by any means but the intention is there with every meal I make.  G's pediatrician is amazed that I am still practicing such healthy eating habits on her and trying different avenues to new foods.  So, I thought I would share some, plus who doesn't love to see fun easy things to make anyway.  This does not require any skill, if it did I would not be making it, considering my cooking abilities have always severely lacked substance.

Local farm fresh strawberries & Gluten Free blueberry waffle

Wild caught blacken salmon, butternut squash, and organic quinoa. 

For me:

Plain Greek yogurt, with organic muesli cereal from the bulk area at our local organic market.  Normally I add slices of banana to it, but I was hungry/lazy.

Radio Shangri-La

I am currently reading this book by Lisa Napoli, and it is ah-may-zing. Google it, since I'm such a book spoiler when I write a synopsis.
My attempt:
The book is a memoir of the authors trips to the small kingdom of Bhutan.  It is known to be the last country that has not scummed to western influence.   The author herself is in a state of self discovery when she first ventures to Bhutan, allowing the reader to really question this everyday American lifestyle a lot of us live.  Also it is very informative regarding the everyday life of this country that many have never even heard of.

Wordless Wednesday

A new look

Since life is ever changing around here, why not just chop off all my hair.

I never promised this would be easy...

"I never promised this would be easy." This fits most of what is going on around here lately.
We did make it back safe and sound to DC. The flight home consisted of this

One sleepy Gigi and one tired momma.

Things around here are changing drastically, my sense of direction is being pulled in 2 different ways, but all I can do is adapt to everything and hope I make the decision that is best for me and my daughter. (I know, very vague but until life is set in stone, no need to jinx myself)

Gigi has been spending her evenings walking around the house in Skyler's flip-flops.  A new favorite of hers. I can't wait until she finds my heels.