Every Day

I think there is something in all of us that makes us want to push our bodies to the limit, if only for a few seconds. To make our heart beat. To feel our muscles working and to sweat. To just GO. Today I woke up with the sun streaming through my windows so I joyfully got out of bed and jumped out the door. As I walked to the dining hall, I came close to a group a deer who were out for their morning snack. I ate my breakfast in the sun, reading a book and listening to the birds. Then I took care of feeding all the animals. Some computer time was necessary but soon I became agitated and the sunlight called me! I decided to do some exploring on my bike, alone so I could go where I wanted and as fast as I wanted. Same as before, I had such a rush as I peddled and felt the warm air on my skin. Once I got onto the trail, I peddled hard. I felt my heart start to beat, I was breathing hard and I smiled. I was going fast. I just felt like pushing, going as fast as I could go. Hearing the t...

At 12:30pm, I stepped outside for the first time all day. I hadn't really even left my room until I realized that if I didnt go outside, I probably would bum it all afternoon. I put my running shoes on and bounced outside. I started walking and after I got myself settled, I started to run. After being cooped up, those first few steps of an outdoor run is so magical. The feeling of freedom, fresh air and adrenaline is fantastic. I always have a mad smile and excitement for being able to move so fast. After my first few minutes of running, thats when the exhaustion sets in. What keeps me going longer, is adventure. Do I like running? Not really. Do I enjoy exploring? Obviously. I decided to check out a new part of the power line trail that I have not seen before and ran up the hills, or on straight path, and walked down hills. I went to the beginning of the trail and back again, smiling at the other people who were also out for their afternoon walk/bike. The sun came out and it...

Despite the dirt under my nails. Despite the bleach headache that was continuing to pound (we use SO much bleach to clean enclosures). Despite the tiredness that was dwelling. Despite the freezing temperatures. And despite the snow, I was happily running from building to building to get waters filled and make sure everything was in order for the following day. The snow was coming down in big fluffy chunks and I can probably count on one hand the times Ive been excited for snow in my adult life. Today was one of those days. I finished the day at 5:02 pm and ran up to my room. Despite everything, I had decided to go for a run after work. I quickly took off my outer layer of snake poop, dirty mulch work clothes and put on some running clothes. Its always fun to exercise when you've got all the right gear.  Two layers of clothes, the inner layer was fleece lined (oh so warm) and I was ready for that fluffy snow. My roommate/coworker looked at me in disgust when I announced I was go...

Step one, be a mooch. Haha, just kidding, kind of... Because EVERYTHING is so damn expensive here, I've been looking into ways that I can save money while Im here. I really needed some face scrub and conditioner but have been putting them off because, what would be an 8 dollar face scrub in the states, is like 13 dollars here... no thank you. Today, I made my own face scrub. Ive never looked into doing that before because, well, Im lazy and I can buy good stuff for relatively cheap. I used coconut oil mixed with sugar and a little bit of cinnamon and honey. My face feels amazingly smooth and clean after using it! I may just be saving a ton of money for myself in the future! Also, a good body scrub? Just buy sea salt and take it in the shower with you. Ive been doing this for years and have noticed a positive change with my skin. Silky smooth softness. Having friends who live here is also a plus. Amber had a bunch of stuff that she inherited from friends who left the island ...