Happy Anniversary

He still brings me roses

 21 years....where does the time go? Building a life together has been such satisfying labor.....a labor of love....challenging and inspirational.....tough and easy.....a daily comfort of relying on a partner who considers the effects of their actions on the others in the nest.....the little chickadees we are raising who are learning how to fly that nest.....and of course, the nest itself....building it with much care for each other.

Dinner for two at Taylor's Kitchen....the best restaurant in Sacramento....IMHO....I had the Lamb with the white bean ragout, asparagus and roasted tomatoes with Olive Salsa Verde....Heaven on Earth.

 A dinner out together.....

Tim had Pasta Dave's Artichoke and Marscarpone Agnolotti, Fricassee  of Spring Vegetables....four stars.
Dessert? Strawberry Shortcake with Tarragon Ice Cream.....sigh...perfection.

 Just us two....how we started....where we will be soon enough....a reconnection.

We do still look into each other's eyes.....the crow's feet telling the story of our life together.

A Happy Anniversary

Now is Not the Time

It seems throughout the course of a day, I get to experience utter and complete randomness. Thank goodness I have a sense of humour which allows me to laugh at some of the most unbelievable experiences I'll have. I'm not sure if it is because I am 6'3 1/2 or because I am sociable, or because I have something stamped across my forehead. Whatever it is, I thought I'd reflect this passing week of events and share with you a typical week of randomness in my life. Specifically, comments and questions made to me at really inappropriate times... Now is not the time for such questions!

‎​1. Interrupting my practice to proclaim you are the Messiah Coach of Track & Field.

2. Asking me how tall I am as I am hobbling into the Emergency Room.

‎​3. Asking me about my body, while I'm lathering up in a communal shower.

4. You are a complete stranger, walking up to me and asking for a hug because you think I am tall & elegant.

5. Stopping in the middle of traffic to ask me for my phone number.

6. Proclaiming the word of God, standing on my doorstep, while asking me if I play basketball. That is not the way to convert me to a Jehova Witness!

7. Asking me if I'd like your left over spaghetti as I wait for a friend.

Life is too funny! You have to love it!,
Nicole

A Stitch In Time...

One of the Bedrooms at the new lofts by Stitch Development in Sacramento

 Last Saturday was the second Saturday of the month, which, in Sacramento, means midtown transforms itself into a carnival of events and Art Gallery openings. In short, it is a street party which encompasses about 100 city blocks.

Cool furnishings provided by Fringe, and lots of art throughout. Check out the artist list HERE

Living Room in Stitch Loft. Portraits by Carmen Salazar

This time, Tim and I made a point of visiting the Open House of a new loft development put together by Stitch Development. Heading up Stitch is Jeremy Drucker, whose idea to put loft projects on unused lots along Sacramento's many midtown alleys has struck a chord with many local buyers. Jeremy's mantra has been:

"If an alley is a tear in the urban fabric, we are stitching it back together again with these projects" 

Bedroom at Stitch Lofts

Cool stuff from Fringe brought in for the Spring Opening

 Jeremy enlisted architect Ron Vrilakas, a "go to" architect in midtown Sacramento known for his strong participation in historical preservation and for his ability to weave inspiring and appropriate infill projects into existing urban neighborhoods. Ron dug in and has come up with yet another great project.

One of the bathrooms at Stitch Lofts

This particular location serves as a "model" for the many other loft locations on the books slated to begin construction as they sell. There were three models decked out with accents loaned by Fringe especially for the occasion. You may remember my blog post about Fringe HERE. I have to say...Fringe has more fun stuff than you could shake a Stitch  stick at. 

The units sported clean modern kitchens and bathrooms with Caesarstone or Granite counters and lots of glass tile...there were dark concrete floors and lots of light..... all said and done very livable spaces. There were many options for buyers as well and the prices are right. Make sure to hop on over to Stitch HERE for all of the details and for lots more pictures!

Jeremy Drucker of Stitch Development. 

The Spring Opening Party was a hit with lots to see.....(the lofts, art, Tatoo Artists).....and hear.... (Live Music by the Midnight Moonshiners and the Pinestreet Ramblers)....and eat.....(Vegan sweets by  Sugar Plum, BBQ by Downtown's Kitchen, and Mama Kim's Gourmet Food Truck).... we had the tri-tip tacos....they were OMG Good!!!

Stitch Lofts and the Pinestreet Ramblers

Mama Kim's Gourmet Food Truck was on hand at the Stitch Lofts in the refurbished alley right across from Old Soul Coffee House

In the loft garages was a very cool fashion boutique put together by the gals of MobShop. MobShop is a sort of Fashion Rave started by Lauren Bingham of SF and Romy Itzigsohn of LA. These fashionista gypsies specialize in vintage finds as well as the latest styles all at very affordable price points. They search for temporary digs all over California....but only the coolest spots will do. It was so much fun perusing the treasures before I had to catch up with an impatient crew who had already departed for the next Sacramento hot spot......sigh....I could have stayed much longer.

MobShop Window Display at Stitch Lofts

More MobShop

But it was time to go...... good times all around...

RELATIONSHIP CORNER: How to Date Someone "Out of Your League"

 I recently blogged about the value of beauty held in society.  For better or worse, people in general appreciate and desire that which is beautiful.

*WATCH VIDEO ON Science of Sex Appeal - Out of Your League? *


The problem with beauty is that sometimes people may only admire from afar, presuming that that person is WAY out of their league.  When it comes to dating, is there an unspoken hierarchical nature, whereby someone may be out of your league?

I don’t think so, but certainly, I’ve been guilty of feeling this way in the past.  When you think about it, it is kind of silly and sad.  And thankfully, I’ve learned how to confront this phenomenon.

At the end of the day, I’m not sure anyone is out of anyone’s league.   I believe the barriers in place are only those created in the mind.  Here are 5 steps to date that certain someone who “is out of your league.”

STEP 1. Humanize Them – As much as you might revere them and can easily list their strengths, you must remember at the end of the day they are a person.  And they have flaws/weaknesses too.  It’s not a good idea to put anyone on a pedestal, for they certainly will disappoint you at some point.  Therefore, with your “chosen one,” draw to mind their humanistic qualities (or weaknesses).  Yes, they may be great… maybe even perfect in your eyes, but you need to be cognizant of the qualities which make them human.

STEP 2. Take a Refresher Course on YOU 

Comparatively, spend some time remembering your strengths. Often when you are in the headspace of someone so amazing it is easy to compare yourself and point out all the reasons why you may be inadequate.  You need to STOP these thoughts and list your AMAZING qualities.  You’ve got them and they should be appreciated, adored and maybe even revered (without being arrogant) by yourself.  As, I’ve said many times now, if you don’t know how great you are, how can you ever expect anyone else to?.

STEP 3.  Be Confident
Having completed your refresher course, practice self-love.  Confidence is not arrogance and should never be based upon your achievements or possessions; these are superficial and transient.  Confidence needs to be deep rooted, the belief in yourself to be able to meet whatever challenge is placed before you.  Indeed you are amazing and a good person.  Know this, believe it and own it!

STEP 4. Ask Them Out
Now that you’ve come to realize how amazing you are and deserving of someone also amazing, buck up and ask that special person out.  The worst thing that could happen is he or she will say no.  You may feel let down, but it’s not going to kill you.  And the best thing he or she can say is yes!  And that’s a risk I believe worth gambling for.

STEP 5. Be Yourself

It is easy to act a certain way because you may presume this may make you more attractive or interesting to that special person.  But, if you are going off of a presumption, that’s not a very reliable source.  Most importantly, you must want someone who is going to value you as you value them.  And the only way anyone can get to know you is by you being yourself.  Chances are if they agree to go out with you, it’s because of “who you are.”

Nonbeliever in "Out of Your League,"
Nicole

Afternoon

The view from the boats onto the port of Sami.

And the Winner is.........

First, let me say 

THANK YOU

 to everyone who participated in this latest 

GIVE AWAY

of Rizzoli's Kelly Hoppen Interiors!

Now....down to brass tacks......

Congratulations to the winner:

Mommycamille

I will be having another Give Away soon, so keep an eye out!

THE MESSIAH COACH: "Know It All" AND Answer To Every Athlete's Prayer

This past weekend I had a near death experience… Well, maybe not exactly but I did think I was going to break my teeth and possibly my leg; all because a pseudo coach interrupted my workout.

As much as I love Track & Field, the one thing I do not like about it, are the opinions everybody has about everybody’s training and technique.  The field events are especially prone to vulture coaches who seem to “Know It All”! 

I’m an experienced world-class athlete.  I like to believe I’ve been somewhat successful thus far.  I’m just 1cm away from the Canadian record, banging on the door of one of our oldest records (27 years old!) and still people feel they have the answer as to how I should train and jump. 

I can remember talking with Dick Fosbury (the originator of the current style of high jumping) about how he decided to jump the way he did.  He explained that the other method simply didn’t work for him, so he found a method that did.  And sometimes, that’s what it’s about. Not necessarily a cookie cutter technique, but being flexible as a coach to understand what works best for an athlete.

I’ve been training with my coach, James Henry, for ten years and he gets this.  At this point in my career I am reluctant to change my style.  I’ve wasted a greater portion of my career unsuccessfully trying to do this.  I have been most successful, embracing my technique.  Clearly, it works for me and it has gotten me this far. 

It’s like a Jenga puzzle, for any athlete.  By changing something, to make one’s technique perfect, you may unravel all the other strengths of an athlete and everything falls out of place. 

This past weekend, when I was training, a random man came and stood between me and the exercise I was doing, standing a foot away from my face.  He then proceeded to criticize my style and proclaim he was the Messiah of high jumping that he could make me jump 20cm higher.  REALLY?!?!?!?!?

When this happened I was doing something requiring my complete attention.  So, I shooed him away, but the damage had already been done.  I was so mad at what had just happened that when I returned to my activities I was still thinking about this man and his comments.  As I was jumping on a box, I missed the landing and fell…. I mean I fell HARD!  The hardest I have ever in training.  My day ended with me in the ER.  Fortunately, the bleeding stopped, I didn’t break anything and my injuries should only sideline me for a week.  It could have been serious and a lot worse! 

 What happened this weekend was an accident waiting to happen, particularly when I’m in Canada training at York University.  I’m constantly having people providing their unsolicited opinions AND I’m not the only elite athlete victim to this!  It’s like these pseudo coaches are desperate to hitch their wagon to a star. 

People may see a snap shot of an athlete’s training, but have no idea what was done previously, what will be done subsequently, what the athlete is working on, and where an athlete is in their cycle of training.  Commenting is pretty foolish, rude, ignorant, distracting and disrespectful.

As for me, I am not taking any unsolicited coaching advice.  Thanks for caring but, I’m not interested.

Recovering,

Nicole