the grand grand canyon

I had my first hot toddy tonight. This cold weather cocktail (originating in Northern England) is traditionally prepared with a mixture of whiskey, boiling water, and sugar or honey. Mine at the Cover Club was made with cloves and a lemon slice too. It was delicious... and needed in the way drinks sometimes are.

Even with all I learned in 2011, apparently no amount of wisdom could ever rid me of my worries. And I'm assumedly not the only one. Last November, Joanna Goddard admitted to being plagued by her own and how, at 27, it lead her to a therapist for a few months. How did the therapist respond? With this:

 "Picture that the Grand Canyon is your life--your past, present, and future. Start envisioning the various parts of your life within the canyon: Over there is the day you were born, your third-grade choir performance, your job as a babysitter. Picture your present: There's your apartment, your friends, your mom, the book you're reading right now. Picture your future: There's your next vacation, the love of your life, your future children, the Top Chef finale :)."

"Now, my therapist told me, picture the enormous Grand Canyon and drop your worry into it. Whatever you're worrying about--your cranky boss, your dating life, a salty comment from a friend--will be barely visible. 'See how tiny it looks?' she says. Suddenly your problem will seem much, much smaller in comparison to the grand course of your huge, rich, long life."

I don't know about you, but I'd agree that it's brilliant. It really helps put each worry into perspective. 


That, and gives me a reason to reminisce about my 2005 visit to the Grand Canyon. I was 17 and had applied to the 10-day program that brought myself and a dozen other high-schoolers to study the Earth sciences in Arizona. It was fun, educational, and absolutely spectacular. On our first night, we took the inns towels out to the edge of the canyon to stargaze. I saw more shooting stars in the those twenty minutes than I had in my entire life. Similar to how good everything has turned out to be in the past seven years since then, that memory continues to amaze me.


P.S. Turns out, Wednesday is Hot Toddy Day :) enjoy!

desert driving (phoenix - los angeles)

surrounded by sun devils (phoenix, az)

'ello doves. Long time no type! I really miss being able to truly explain everything but that's what the vlogs are for... right? I hope you've been enjoying the pairings :). This time around in Arizona, I didn't do many outdoor activities since I had been able to do so much in my last visit. To look back, check out these posts. Either way, please enjoy the following:

[Friday's breakfast: yogurt with strawberries, ground flax, and sliced almonds alongside buttered toast, tea, and a local magazine]

[The view from my great aunt's backyard]

 [The view from within my great aunt's house. Many of her furniture pieces and accents are from Japan, where she lived for a period of time]

[Day activity #1 to avoid the heat: the Phoenix Art Museum]

[Countless permanent exhibits with special ones of Cezanne and Tatianna Sorokko's wardrobe]

[A late lunch (salmon niçoise salad) with my brother (!) at the Nordstrom Café]

 [Day activity #2 to avoid the heat: four hours of my brother's birthday shopping spree. I swiped.]

[His birthday dinner at 5th and Wine with my great aunt and uncle]

[Appetizer: fried calamari]

[His dinner: filet mignon, roasted potatoes, and haricots verts. His words: REAL food, finally!]

[My dinner: tomato and mozzarella panini with a side salad]

[His "Happy Birthday to you!" dessert]

 

 [My night of debauchery with 18-year-olds. If that ain't sisterly love, I don't know what is ;)]

[Saturday breakfast: same food, different angle]

[Day activity #3 to avoid the heat: the Heard Museum]

 

[A look at American Indian art & culture]

 [My fabulous great aunt (Debbie) and I]

[Late lunch/early dinner for her and I at Z'Tejas]

 [My entrée: Grilled Ruby Trout Salad]

[the ASU-Oregon game with my little brother]

[GO SUN DEVILS!]

I can't even explain how much I'd missed my brother. So much so though, that I don't think I realized until I saw him again. And now... I miss him once more.

a college experience

No more monkeys, jumping on the bed. Oh, good morning my sweets ;) Happy Saturday! Not gonna lie, last night was fun: we had a circus-themed party with a fraternity on campus, and my friends and I were brass monkeys. With only about $4 per costume, we had the yellow vest, monkey ears, red hats (with tassels, of course), and gold cymbals. I will be sharing pictures very very soon! Trouble is, today I'm off again for the 'Nova game. Or shall I say, the Beat 'Nova game? :) I'm not sure how closely you follow college basketball, but it's going to be a big and exciting one for SU, and my day is filled with countless festivities to prepare for it all.

In the mean time, how 'bout we take a trip back to Arizona State University, the very probable southwestern college that my brother will attend next fall.

It was "Sun Devil Day" which meant information sessions and campus tours for prospective/accepted students and their four-membered families. Yes, they specified four ;).

I was expecting, and planning, on leaving half-way through to catch my flight back to Syracuse, but once it was cancelled, I was really able to get a feel for the university and it's campus.

It was absolutely beautiful, as I'm sure you can see. And if my brother does decide to go there, for this fact and many others, I will no be upset... I will simply make sure I visit often.

The remainder of our day was spent in the sun and by the pool. We had been so non-stop up until this point, we certainly deserved the hotel break.

Finally, later that evening, we went out to dinner for the best Arizonian meal of our entire lives. The swankified location? Wildfish Seafood Grill at the waterfront.

We ordered quite a few small plates since we were nearly sitting at the bar and everything sounded so beyond amazing. Not one of us were disappointed with what we got.

My main squeeze was that gorgeous seafood salad below, and with avocado, no less. Oh my gosh, even re-living it is so painfully wonderful :).

We wrapped things up in our usual vacationing fashion, with a treat and strong cup o' joe. But not just any old thing would do for my last night in Scottsdale, we went all out with a warm double chocolate Godiva cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. I could have died happy right then and there; it was, out of this world! Of course, life did and does go on :) so early the next morning I hopped on my flight back, and now must continue to fulfill my college life duties. GO 'CUSE! Oh, and tomorrow, I'll be officially welcoming a new addition into my sorority fam. She is precious. Ah, what a life... be young and have fun this weekend!

P.S. Please keep Chile in your thoughts and prayers today. A terrible tornado struck the central area of the country early this morning, and although my host-family is more than fine (thank God), there are still many people who are not. Thank you.