Wednesday, August 6
It has been an overwhelming work week. I have been trying to juggle many projects with deadlines while jamming things into a shortened business week, as I leave tomorrow evening for Montana – for a business trip. I go through phases of excitement – like it’s on to a new adventure. And then I return to my homebody mood of wanting to just stay put. I am often on the fence when it comes to business travel – sometimes you just have to leap over to the ‘it’s a new adventure’ side and know you’ll return back to the ‘homebody’ side soon enough.
I got up this morning and went to the gym. I ran for 25 minutes and then jumped into an invigorating shower. I felt great. I thought - might be a good idea to try to get up and get my workouts in during the morning. It’s an energy booster that certainly beats caffeine.
I drove to Beaverton to do a label press check, and then stopped by a Starbucks because I forgot my gluten-free blueberry muffin in the microwave this morning. I was starving. I got a mango smoothie, a cup of mixed fruit and a tall cinnamon dolce latte with soy milk and a touch of whipped cream. And then I was on my way.
It was already getting really hot out. It would be in the high 90′s again, today.
I had just a few hours to power work through a pile of projects. I was stressed. I put together a great new press kit. I made myself a lunch two gluten-free tamales wrapped in corn husks and then a mixed greens salad with sweet red and orange peppers, an heirloom green tomato, pumpkin seeds and a soy based creamy dill dressing.
I had to leave in the afternoon to return for a second round of label press checks. And a bee got in my car and when I swat at it, it stung me on the line of my upper lip. While in Beaverton, I stopped by a Kinko’s-Fed Ex to send off the press kit I worked on. I had to wait for almost two hours for the press checks. It was pretty annoying, as I was to meet Claudia and Jessica for dinner at Sinju at Bridgeport Village. I was starting to get stressed. Finally, someone came out at 6:05 to show me a press check. I ran out and drove on my way toward Bridgeport Village. I even ran my first red light!
I got a grip and started to breathe. Not worth getting into another accident! It was hard to breathe meditatively when it was so damn hot out. I was beginning to feel a little nauseous.
I parked and met the girls thirty minutes late. My lip was a little swollen on one side. The girls teased if I got stung on the other side I’d look just like Angelina Jolie.
I went to the restroom to wash my hands then returned more refreshed, relaxed. I was already breathing better. I ordered a Maker’s Manhattan with a swirl of orange peel and a glass of water. We ate some sushi. And then I ordered a plate of soy-sauce free stir fried vegetables and seafood sprinkled with pepper. It was really good. And my swollen lip was shrinking! Claudia was very generous to pick up the tab.
Next, we walked about 10 yards to Splitz wine bar. Our other friend, Leigh, met us. I had a glass of the Barbera D’Alba cooled down to about 58 degrees. It was fun to chit chat. I knew I had to pack, and yet, I still lingered.
I got home and ate the blueberry muffin that I had left in the microwave this morning. I made a cup of Yogi Bedtime tea with some local honey. The very last episode of Friends was on – and, of course, it made me cry. God, now that was an era.My cats dutifully curled up next to me as I put off packing. I had an idea of what I needed to pack. It could wait until the morning.
