Rumi

"The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was."


“When you open yourself to the continually changing, impermanent, dynamic nature of your own being and of reality, you increase your capacity to love and care about other people and your capacity to not be afraid. You’re able to keep your eyes open, your heart open, and your mind open. And you notice when you get caught up in prejudice, bias, and aggression. You develop an enthusiasm for no longer watering those negative seeds, from now until the day you die. And, you begin to think of your life as offering endless opportunities to start to do things differently.”


“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek & find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”

New Animal Pics!

I've added a few new animal pics to my MEOW page!  Check em out!  :)

Little something...

"When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home." -Rumi

Doing It Wrong

When a good thing goes bad it's not the end of the world
It's just the end of a world, that you had with one girl
And she's the reason it happened, but she's overreacting
And it's all because she don't want things to change

So cry if you need to, but I can't stay to watch you
That's the wrong thing to do
Touch if you need to, but I can't stay to hold you
That's the wrong thing to do

Talk if you need to, but I can't stay to hear you
That's the wrong thing to do
Cause you'll say you love me, and I'll end up lying
And say I love you too

But I need someone different
You know it, oh oh, you know it
Oh oh, you know it, we both know it
I need someone different
You know it, oh oh, you know it
Oh oh, you know it, we both know it
Something's been missing

You know it, oh oh, she knows it
Oh oh, I know it, we all know it
I need someone different

We live in a generation of, not being in love, and not being together
But we sure make it feel like we're together
Cause we're scared to see each other with somebody else

So cry if you need to, but I can't stay to watch you
That's the wrong thing to do
Touch if you need to, but I can't stay to hold you
That's the wrong thing to do
Talk if you need to, but I can't stay to hear you
That's the wrong thing to do
Cause you'll say you love me, and I'll end up lying
And say I love you too

But I need someone different
You know it, oh oh, you know it
Oh oh, you know it, we both know it

I need someone different
You know it, oh oh, you know it
Oh oh, you know it, we both know it
Something's been missing
You know it, oh oh, she knows it
Oh oh, I know it, we all know it

I need someone different

-Drake

Interstellar - WOW

Tonight I went to see the movie Interstellar with my Dad.  Of course now I remember the trailer, but before the movie, I had no idea what I was about to get into....  My heart...My soul...My thoughts...My fears...My dreams...My emotions...all busted wide open.

This. Movie. Was............  Indescribable.  It hit me on SO many levels that I left the theater in tears. 

For those who have not seen the movie, I'll try not to spoil anything for you.  But do yourself a favor by NOT googling the trailer before watching it.  Just watch it.  Just press play. 

First off, mad props to the writers and producers.  This movie blew me away, almost literally.  Yes, this is a movie about "space."  But it's not your typical space/universe movie.  I don't want to give too much away, but there is somewhat of a love story, and that could mean partner love, family love, life love, human love, etc.  It's also based in the future which makes it very interesting.  A future that we could potentially face?  It bridges the relationships between friends, family, trust, purpose, and time.  It really made me think, about all those things.  So combine that with the universe, other galaxies, OMG.  Mind blown.

One of my all time favorite quotes is, "You can tell a man is clever by his answers, you can tell a man is wise by his questions."  For me, that sums up my life fairly accurately.  I've always asked questions.  I've always wanted to ask questions.  I like to understand how and why things work, that's just how I learn by understanding.  The problem is however, still to this day I have more questions than answers.  The more answers I find, the more questions I start to think of.  Sometimes it drives me crazy.  Sometimes it makes me feel like a misfit.  Do others ever wonder about some of the random things that I do?  How could no one care to discuss the universe, or other dimensions, planes, cloud formations, or why things are certain colors?  Deep down I want to know and understand these type of things.  My soul is like sponge, and I truly feel like my purpose is through this quest.  The quest I still fight at times, but sometimes marvel in wonder. 

So as a human that is not an astronaut, I already have many questions about life, purpose, space, time, etc.  But imagine an astronaut, someone who is not only educated but experienced in floating around in our atmosphere not only looking down on earth, but looking out into the endless bounds of our universe.  WHAT IN THE FUCK DO THEY THINK ABOUT!  I mean seriously!  Jesus Christ what do they believe about God, death, life, time?  Based on the research I've seen this movie was fairly accurate from a scietific standpoint.  The theory of relativity for crying out loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I mean.......!!!!!!!!!??

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"Gravitational time dilation is a real phenomenon that has been observed on Earth. It occurs because time is relative, meaning time runs at different rates for different reference frames. When you're in a strong gravitational environment time runs slower for you relative to people in a weak gravitational environment.

If you are near a black hole, like the one in the film, your gravitational reference frame, and therefore your perception of time, is different than someone standing on Earth. This is because the gravitational pull from the black hole is stronger the closer you are to it.

For you, a minute near a black hole will still last 60 seconds, but if you could look at a clock on Earth, a minute will appear to last less than 60 seconds. This means you will age more slowly than the people on Earth. And the stronger the gravitational field you're in, the more extreme the time dilation.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/crazy-physics-to-understand-interstellar-2014-11#ixzz3KQkGdFTc
----------

This movie not only moved me, but inspired me.  It allowed mountains to move within me that I had been detouring for a while now.  Please go watch it.  I hope it has as great of an impact on you as it did me.

Hip Hop Lyrics Give Me A Boost

There's just something about certain hip hop artists and lyrics that just exude power, passion, strength and confidence.  Those traits are pretty amazing, and when you not only recognize but FEEL all of those at the same time, it's a pretty moving experience, literally.

I know not everyone likes hip hop or cares for it, but that's not my problem!  I love it!  There are times when I need that boost, I just turn my playlist on shuffle and start dancing around my house!  That's what happened this morning and I thought it would be nice of me to share some of the songs that had me moving...

I never brag

I'm real I keep it

Cuz it's the best secret

I rock a vest

Prestigious

Cuban link flood Jesus

In a Lex watching Kathy Lee and Regis

My actions are one with the seasons 

-Nas, Take It In Blood

I don't stunt, I regulate

-Nas, Take It In Blood 

If a hater snatch ya chain I bet it still wont' free you

Ha

Cuz I be right back grindin till I cop another

I sit and think bout all the shit I coulda got my mother

My partna said that's just the game my nigga

Swear I heard my jeweler say here go ya chain my nigga

-J. Cole, Chaining Day

You know the sayin

Fake it till you make it

Me I did the opposite

Made it then I faked it

And acting like I gave a fuck

Money I was saving up

To buy a crib that's gated to that hundred racks

I gave it up

For what

-J. Cole, Chaining Day

Poetry

I love being lazy but it makes me sad

I hate being busy but it makes me glad

Long days and long nights got me feeling all mad

But I look in the mirror and it's all I've ever had 

Right ones and wrong ones at the same damn time

I realize I got some strong sunshine 

Numbness and the clouds give me a great pause 

Progression is what I want but I'm all wrapped up in gauze 

My speed was controllable

I could handle what I ate

Now I'm consumed

Cruise control on and I can't find the brakes

Toxicity in my veins

Sometimes it's a little too much on my brain

Is this what it's supposed to feel like

I'm drowning in my own pool of pain

Enjoying the fruits

Is nothing like the work it takes to make it through

Powerful

Tenacious

Clouded

Is it worth giving up all I know

And love

For the freedom my soul wants to choose to grow

Rainbows on the horizon set sparkle in my eyes 

movement in my hips make me realize

It's quite easy to make it change

And Dollars come quick 

How much will I sacrifice

How many grams of my soul am I losing in the meantime to make it in this race

It's so quick

Happiness and Success

I recently had a "vision and goals" session at work and I was extremely moved by this exercise. However I will admit, I've never been the type to set goals before. I've always been excited to see what life throws at me, and luckily thus far I feel I've been "successful" at life's pitches. What I've also learned over the years however is that "success" means a lot of different things to different people....

Growing up in the South of the good ole USA, life's progression has a certain path of achievements that must be had in order to be "normal" or "successful." You must go to college, graduate, land a great job, continue that into a great career, get married by mid to late 20's, have kids, get a house with a white picked fence and get a golden retriever, or something of that sort. I was on a roll with most of that, graduating college with honors, landing a great job and having a successful career in banking. However the latter part of the equation has yet to really fall in place for me. The whole marriage and kids thing. At times this has created havoc within me, with all of this ingrained in my DNA I felt as if I was doing something wrong, or not doing something right. As I thought I was somewhat not on the right path, I threw everything I was doing away to RESET, if you will. I resigned from my kush job at the bank, traveled the world and started opening my life and mind to different things, different patterns, and different paces, to see if I could spark change to get back on the "path" to finalize the rest of life's ray I've yet to fulfill.

Today - still no change. I almost feel more confused than ever before. However through this transient time in my life I'm feeling more, seeing more, and getting more in-tune with myself. I've learned a lot. I've learned you can't attach "happiness" or "success" to anything. Not to any time, event, achievement, thing, or person. Yes certain things can bring you happiness, but you shouldn't allow certain things NOT happening to break you of being happy. Happiness and success has to be a state of mind, a state of being. Once you feel at home and happy with yourself regardless of your circumstances, you cannot be shaken! Now I know some circumstances will require change. I'm not saying everyone should quit their job and go live under a bridge so they can finally scream I'M HAPPY! I'm saying we all need to learn to live with and love what we have, our circumstances, and know where you are in life is exactly where you should be. You should also be strong and tenacious to make the desired changes you want in your life, whatever they are! I know that I should no longer attach "happiness" and "success" with being married and having children. That is absurd! That is not the only way to be happy in this life! What was I thinking! I know some of you may think I'm crazy but I also know there are some of you who feel the same as I do, thus the reason I am writing this open and honest piece.

This "vision and goals" exercise had such a positive impact on me I wanted to share it with you. Try this, I promise it will reinvigorate you about life!! Trust yourself and trust the possibilities!

1. Write down everything you DO NOT WANT in life on a piece of paper. It could be feelings, things, people, desires, thoughts...

2. Once you are done, tear the above sheet of paper in pieces and throw it in the trash!!!! 

3. Now on another sheet of paper write down everything you DO WANT in your life. Again this could be feelings, thoughts, accomplishments, etc.....

The idea of this is, most of the time we our led by our fears rather than our dreams. Fear kills more ideas than attempts ever will. Allow yourself to be led by the possibilities of life. YOU are allowed to create anything you want in this life! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise! F the system and F the norm! 

Here are a few other questions that will help you identify what you're really passionate about, what really makes you happy and what you really value in this life. These questions are from Brian Tracy's Psychology of Achievement. These will help you get you in the mindset of the possibility of your life!

1. What would you do if you won a million dollars!?

2. What would you do if you only had six months left to live!?

3. In 30 seconds or less write down the three most important goals in your life right now.

4. What have you always wanted to do but have been afraid to attempt!?

5. In looking back at all the things you've done, what gives you your greatest feeling of importance!?

6. What one great thing would you dare to dream if you knew you could not fail!?

7. What are the eight things you value most in life!?


Once you've answered the above questions read over them carefully. Is what you are doing now in your life aligning you with your above answers? The above questions really help you realize what YOU really WANT, what YOU really LOVE, and what YOU really want out of this life. If the path you are currently on is not aligning you with anything you have mentioned above, there's a good chance you are not following your dreams!

Do not let society tell you what you should be doing with your life. Trust me, I know this is easier said than done. But mindfulness training, perseverance, and courage will lead you to your path of ultimate bliss. It will be tough, but I promise you it will be worth it!

Best Clothes For Backpacking?

What in the world do you pack if you're going on a backpacking adventure? Of course you have to think about toiletries, electronics, books, journals, money, identification, etc. But I'm here to talk about the basics - CLOTHING! So your mind starts analyzing...Is it going to be hot, cold, rainy, windy!? And how am I going to pack EVERYTHING in a backpack! How many pairs of shoes should I bring? Do I need a jacket, sweater, scarf, gloves?! AHHHH!

I actually have backpacking tips here based on my backpacking trip in Europe, and will be adding more tips soon from my backpacking experience in Asia. However, before you even start to think about travel tips, train, plane and bus tips, if you are just thinking of going backpacking and are curious to what type of clothes to bring, I have a great idea for you...lululemon!

Let me give you a little background. When I first knew I was going backpacking my first thought was OMG I HAVE TO GO TO REI!!! That place does rock and has all kinds of cool stuff! From canteens, to tents, to shoes, to water sterilizers, and batteries, they have a lot! And honestly I thought that was the best and ONLY place I should get things for "backpacking." I spent a lot of money at REI. I got lightweight/water resistant pants, shorts and a couple comfortable tops. I assumed REI was the best and only place to get stuff like this. Each item was between $50 and $100, and I paid it willingly because REI is the best travel store ever, right!

WELL, since I've returned from my travels I've started working at lululemon. You know, they sell yoga pants, right?! Well let me tell you that they have MANY other cool types of clothing, too. Most, if not all of their clothing is sweat wicking and breathable. That means when you are hot, and sweating, their clothes help you breathe and wick the sweat off of your body and clothes.  Hello Southeast Asia backpackers!!!!

They also have this "anti stink" technology in a line of their "swiftly" shirts that kill the bacteria on your skin that causes you to smell when you sweat! This particular line is AMAZING for traveling! It's very lightweight, and you can wear them multiple times before you should throw it in a wash. But because this line is lightweight, breathable and has four way stretch, these are great for travel and ease of care. You could easily dunk this in water or in a quick wash and it would dry overnight, if not before!

Since working here I no longer consider this a store just for yoga clothes. They have expanded their line to include menswear, and "and go" pieces that you can wear to and from the gym, AND out casually! If you know anyone who wears this brand, you know they wear their lululemon ALL THE TIME, not just to workout in.

  

   

If you've decided to go on a backpacking trip and are looking for an alternative place to buy some gear you should definitely check out lululemon!  A lot of their tanks, tops, jackets and pants are lightweight, great for layering and can easily fold up into a backpack!  The function of their clothes is perfect for a backpacker: thumb holes to keep you warm, removable hoods, hidden pockets, just to name a few!  You want your clothes to last, not smell and be durable, functional, and lightweight - lululemon has all that!  Check them out!

    

Barefoot Escape

My cousin started a very cool jewelry line called Barefoot Escape! Her pieces are so cool, so boho chic that I had to share with my readers! I love her jewelry and she will have a big order coming from me very soon! Check out some of her jewelry and how to order below!!! :)

Barefoot Escape is a handmade jewelry line inspired by boho fashion and a personal connection to the sea. Barefoot Escape is hoping to grow into a more widely known jewelry line for unique and original designs. Customs are available for those who truly appreciate individual tastes.

Any Free-Spirited person who wishes to take in a piece of Barefoot Escape for themselves can order directly by Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/barefootjewelry and pay through paypal. There are hopes of an Etsy account in the near future.

Tuesday Travel Tips

This is my first official "Tuesday Travel Tips" post! I thought it'd be nice to share some things I've learned first hand over my travels in Europe and Asia. I do have my Backpacking Tips page as well, so be sure to check that out, too!

My first tip, DO NOT BUY SOUVENIRS FROM CHILDREN!

I saw this child when I was visiting Sapa, Vietnam. It is very common in high tourist areas in South East Asia to use children as sympathy tokens to get money from tourists. This was a cool rainy night and as you see this child is tired, he is halfway asleep, hunched over sitting in a styrofoam box holding an umbrella sitting in front of his souvenirs. The moms are actually close by just watching, waiting to swoop in when tourists approach the child. This child should be sleeping comfortably, at home preparing himself for school the next day. The sad part is, he probably won't even go to school the next day, he'll be back in the street doing the same thing tomorrow. The only way to stop this is to stop buying souvenirs from children.

Poem

These words stitch up my wounds
This scar freshly reminds me of what I never want to get into

I'm thankful for the pain
So I can be sure history doesn't repeat itself
I'm in a different state
And frame

I'll always be the me you knew
But meeting you made me realize how much more I needed
We grew

Apart

It was a start
In another direction
Another chapter
I realized it wasn't me you were really after

Light in my face and wind at my back
I've finally realized where I was lack

It was you

I deserved more but was slack
Not sure you even realized how much I had your back

But I'm actually thankful for you
Even today I still smile when I think of you

You gave me growth and fine tuned my vision
Losing you has been the best gift of precision

Bikini Pictures = More Likes?

I had an interesting conversation with a man recently about my blog. I told him I wrote about life, love, travel, etc. I told him I averaged around 1,000 page views a month, which I'm quite proud of! Well, he told me he knew exactly what I could do to get more page views.........post bikini pictures! He said THAT is the way to get more likes, page views and ad sales! Wow. Really? SO - this post is just that - Bikini pics! I'm going to see how well this post does in comparison to others. If it does well, well he was right, and I may have to incorporate more posts like this more often! :)

If you like this post, please take a moment to click the "g+1" button on my blog homepage!  If this does well I'll be sure to make this a regular post!  We shall see! ;)

The Day Before Your Life Changes Feels Like Every Other Day

A couple months ago when I was in Chiang Mai, Thailand I met an American girl at our posh hostel. The day I arrived I went to check out the pool and I saw a "white girl" across on the deck. As soon as I heard her talking I knew she was from America! We said hello and shared where we were from. Turns out we both had connections back in my hometown! She was actually about to move there! We hung out a little the week I was there, hanging by the pool and at this awesome jazz bar down the street (like a 20 minute walk down the street). She was glowing from her recent yoga certification in Bali, and could not stop raving about it.

It was a fun week. We were actually staying in the same room, and with us both being named "Elizabeth" it made for some funny moments. She actually went by EB, thankfully, or "the first Elizabeth" because she was in the room before me. LOL. Soon enough we parted ways and kept in touch via FB, targeting to meet up in the coming months back home, too.

About a month ago EB was in a bad diving accident and she is paralyzed from the chest down. Even with insurance the cost of continuing care, rehab, and home modifications are expensive. I just wanted to share in case anyone wanted to help.  Click here to read about and donate to her cause.

https://m.helphopelive.org/campaign/5473?3.8.753


It's crazy that life can change in the blink of an eye. Love. Listen. Laugh. Clap. Travel. Love more. Love harder. Never let your passions die, let them take over your soul and body. LIVE OUT LOUD!

And SMILE, it's contagious.

Guys - ASK FOR HER NUMBER!

Man, I don't know if I'm more sad or mad at the dating scene these days. It seems most men want to skip over the courting and dating and go straight to your bedroom. Why the rush? Is the world about to end, did I miss the memo?!

I'm not posting this rant after a one time experience. Over the past few years that I've tried dating, even dating sites, I'm frustrated with the lack of old school chivalry skills I've encountered, if at all. I can understand asking a girl out in person may be nerve wracking and/or awkward for a man. But it's really not that difficult. All it really takes is five simple words - "Can I call you sometime?"

I know guys are just as weary of being turned down as we all are. I get it!  BUT - there are TONS of fish in the sea!  Like they say, men and women are like buses, if you miss one it's OK, another one is coming in 15 minutes!

Asking a girl out in person may be tough, but it's doable.  So, you would think over email, a guy wouldn't have a problem asking for your number, right? WRONG. In my experience 99.999% of the guys I've met on a dating site always drop THEIR number after a couple weeks of email exchanges. WHAT THE FUCK!!!!! What is the deal? You really want to drop YOUR number so the girl will text YOU?! WHY CAN'T A GUY ASK FOR A GIRLS NUMBER ANYMORE??????? What is the problem?! Why is that so difficult?

I'm so glad that I was raised on old school values, although they are hard to find these days. But in a way it is a gift and a curse. If I was OK with a guy texting me all day and not communicating to my face I would be in heaven in 2014. But unfortunately I feel like it's hell. A bunch of fast paced non investment cowardly men out there looking for some quick action. No wonder they aren't chivalrous because they probably don't have any chivalrous intentions!

Anyway, yes, I am venting. All I want is to meet someone that is tired of getting it wrong as much as I am. A guy that respects the journey, not the destination. Someone who enjoys the excitement and thrill of what could come next. The elated feeling of pondering the next level and depth we could reach together.  How exciting is that!

These are some official #FirstWorldProblems and #OldSchoolProblems but I'll be alright!  ;)

#venting 

Adjusting Back Home?

It's been almost a month that I've been home from my travel adventures in Asia. I was only gone two and a half months, but I'm amazed by how much my perspective has shifted, and continues to shift....

At first thought, two and a half months doesn't sound like a lot of time. Especially if you're staying in the same city doing what you do, day in and day out. But, two and a half months of traveling, leaving everything you knew and loved back home, being in multiple foreign countries, being stretched emotionally, physically, and spiritually, is A LOT to take on. From airlines to buses to trains to new curry dishes to new horizons, my world has exploded in color and new perspectives. I can feel the weight of this new vision on my shoulders ready to be digested. I'm processing it slowly, every moment of every day. I've had a few reflections where I find myself challenging some things I thought I knew and wanted. I'm finding some old things I dreamt of unattractive an undesirable and new things coming to the forefront of my interests that weren't there before. I've completely changed the direction of my life from just a few months ago, and I could not be more excited for what this unknown will turn into!

I thought I would be gone two years or more, not two months! It's crazy how life shifts you. But I feel I am right where I need to be. I came home early for a reason. There's a reason why I changed careers. And it's all starting to make more sense. I'm listening to myself and pushing my boundaries. I'm testing my limits, and I'm growing, further, deeper. You have to create space for change and growth, and we all have space for it, only some of us choose to see it and push our limits to receive it.

I'm excited to see how I feel as each week passes. Slowly letting my travel adventures unfold me into my new days. What's even more exciting is I feel even more excitement is on the horizon. Shaking your life up is actually fun. I feel more creative, more ballsy, more FREE. And that is just what I wanted!

HollerAtAPlayerWhenYouSeeMeInTheStreetz

✌️

Choosing to Stop Traveling (For Now)

This year I made a BIG decision. I decided to give up my successful 10 year career in banking to go travel the world. I was lucky, I found two other girls willing to do the same, willing to give up everything to go on this journey together. This type opportunity was once in a lifetime, and was one I could NOT refuse.

So off we go. Thailand for a month. Vietnam for three weeks. Cambodia for a few days. Bali for a month. My life is just SO awesome, right?! I just have it so good, right? I am just SOOOO lucky!!

Don't be so quick to judge. It's quite easy to assume other's situations are amazing, great, terrible, etc. But looking from the outside in, it's merely your illusion of how you assume their life is based on your reality. Just because someone is traveling the world doesn't mean they're the happiest person in the world and have it the best, and just because someone is poor and has dirty clothes doesn't mean they're unhappy or have it the worst, either.  I think studies have been done that have proven those with less are actually, happier.

Don't get me wrong, I am very blessed, and am very lucky to have traveled to all the places I have traveled to. But as of now, I think I'm over it. For the longest time I think I was searching. For what I didn't know exactly, but I just knew going to these exotic places would help round out, or fill in rather, all the gaps I was feeling inside, right?  That these places had the answer!  Little did I know these places helped ME find the answer.

The answer is not anywhere "out there."  I had to learn that I had the power, for everything.  For success, happiness, for love, strength, courage, all of this lies within me, within you, too.  Sometimes you have to get to a point of total confusion and delusion to realize that YOU are the only one who has the power to change your life.  

If you are unhappy about something, change it, or change your perspective on it. If something or someone stresses you out, stop doing it or stop hanging around them. If you hate your job, stop complaining about it and get anther one, or change your perspective on it.

Changing your perspective, challenging yourself, and stepping outside your box breaks down barriers allowing new energies to form and grow.  And that's what changes your life!  

We all have this capability within us, and the answer is not far, not in a far away land or in a new designer purse or new pair of boots.  The answer is not even a foot away, the answer is YOU.

Will I ever travel again?  Damn right!  But my intention will be different.  Sharing life with my family and friends is what I've learned brings value and happiness to me in my life.  And traveling with them will only be the icing on the cake!  :)

Bali

I'm sure everyone has heard of Bali, right? Oh it's the most luxurious, peaceful, beautiful, most zen place on the planet, right? Well, depends on who you ask....

My three weeks in Bali were cool. We rented a house, or "villa" as some like to say, in the Seminyak area of southwestern Bali. We had a private pool, a maid every other day, and a kitchen where we could cook our own food whenever we felt like it. Not too shabby!

We could walk to the grocery store and convenience store, and could run or walk a mile into town for shopping, restaurants, etc. But that mile walk, frequently, and once it turned dark, was just not going to work all the time. So taking cabs everywhere was the norm, and they were on our speed dial. Here's the view of our walk into town.

So, what did we do?! Some days we relaxed by our private pool. Oh the perks oh having a private pool. Correcting my tan lines was first on the priority list! :)

We actually had a few friends come and visit us often at the pool!!! Aren't they so cute!!!!

Other days we went out shopping in local Seminyak. It was such a cute little town with plenty of bars and restaurants to explore! There were actually a couple of large impressive venues, Potato Head and Ku De Ta. They reminded me of Vegas! They were modern, huge, busy and expensive! LOL. It was a great place to mingle and chill, and that is exactly what we did!

Other days we checked out different beaches. Honestly I don't remember which all ones we went to. I know one was Dreamland Beach. LOL.

The beaches were great, don't get me wrong. But I think my expectations were VERY high for Bali. Your whole life you hear about Bali, almost imagining it looking something like heaven. And to me, it looked like a normal exotic beach. We had a great time though! The one main difference I noticed in Bali were the waves. Never have I seen such large, strong and violent crashing waves!  Here are pictures from some other beaches we visited.

I did get to see my first black sand beach!

Being a yogi of course I HAD to get some yoga pictures on the beach! 

A couple of days we went to check out the town of Ubud. This town is known for its energy, cool shops, restaurants, etc.

We actually set up appointments to meet with a couple of energy healers there. Check out one of my interesting encounters here. It's so cool to meet other like minded folks who recognize the depth and energy of the nature that's all around us. Those experiences I will never forget.

Of course a night or two out on the town was a must!!!

One blissful moment I will NEVER forget dancing in the rain at a nigthclub.  Read about it here.

I actually ended up leaving Bali a week early, yes, for real. I am in no way "bashing" Bali, because it is a special place. Three weeks was just enough for me. :) I think staying at a resort on the beach will give you a different experience than I had. Don't get me wrong, I did not have a bad time, just was nothing like I had pictured it in my head. I was able to relax, lay out, beach it, shop, eat at cool restaurants, etc. It was fine! I'm glad that I can check Bali off my list. But I'm also glad that I realized I don't have to travel halfway across the world to find "paradise." It can be a lot closer than you think. ;)