Try new things

Trying new things can be terrific. I've traditionally been a stickler for doing what's familiar and comfortable. But I've gotten in touch a more adventurous side and am starting to broaden my horizons so to speak. I tried a few Philippine dishes and have rediscovered an old favorite, pancit...I'm on the search now for some great lumpias...and discovered I really like chicken adobo. I will be attempting to mimic the dish very soon. I am finding new recipes on line to dabble in. Pinterest, I love you! I am trying new flowers and vegetables in my garden. I recently planted a lilac sapling, which is doing great. I cannot wait to have enough flowering branches to cut and enjoy in the house. I also planted some gerbera daisies...not so great. This season I am going to try some new varieties of tomatoes and mayhaps some different strawberry varieties. I am on the hunt for white strawberries...they are white fleshed with red seeds and have a pineapple flavor. I've got my eye on some raspberry and blackberry saplings to add to my collection. I am trying new approaches to meeting new people, on and off line. Being a little more open and less shy. It has been an adventure to say the least, but I have been fortunate to meet more nice guys than the weirdoes this time around. The continued encouragement of friends has been great. Just today, a dear friend said, "I give you credit for putting yourself out there. If it were me, I'd just say 'Fuck it all.' You're brave. You go girl." And I am trying new things in my physical life...I started hiking again and walking the canine kids, which has brought me both inner and outer strength. My legs feel stronger and I have more energy during the day, not to mention very happy doggies. I am continuing to go to the gym with mom, but instead of marching in place on the recovery boards (Curves terminology) I have been running in place. I feel the burn by the end of my 30 minute workout and I actually sweat. I have a wonderful friend who is teaching me to deal with trust issues and I am learning how to find deep relaxation and inner peace. Sounds silly, but sometimes we need physical reminders to get in the right mind frame to truly relax and let go. Sort of like acupuncture...the physical discomfort results in endorphins that surpass the initial "pain". Endorphins are awesome! My next new thing I want to try is a tattoo...I know, I've been saying it for so long. But I really do want to get one. The type I'm interested apparently is not legal in the US (glow in the dark), so I'll have to wait on that...but something colorful, unique and me--that's what I want to do. My latest obsession is Dexter...but that is coming to an end. Next up is House of Cards :) Of course, there are some things on the bucket list I would still like to cross off...Ones I can mention would be a hot air balloon ride, sleeping under the stars, staying at the Madonna Inn (I know, super cheesy but something I have to do), singing in public and having a themed wedding. Yeah, some are far fetched, but hey...gotta put it out there. AND I'm determined to find more time to write. Someone has highly suggested I put together a collection of my short stories...my "special" short stories. We shall see if that comes to fruition. He told me I'd make Anais Nin proud ;)