Xavierism

My Personal Review of 2011

Alana Davis - 32 Flavors

I learned so much about myself throughout this year. I've always wanted to be a Runner.  If running around the block or two every now and then qualifies me as a runner then that was me. Although I wanted to be a runner that actually entered running events and actually stuck to goals and program. I'm not a great runner but I get out there and run. Early in the year, I felt a great ease while running. It wasn't till I ran a trail 10K run in April that slowed me down. For most of the Summer I felt a bit sluggish. I also realized that with anything in life, one must have a plan. I allowed myself to veer off that path and take the easy road. That was definitely a wrong turn. I'm now doing my best to get back on track and get ready for a New Year of great running. I want to see results and improve my Personal Records.

Without one's health, you're nothing! Thanks to running I'm in better shape than I've ever been in my life. If only I didn't wait till I turned 46 to understand all of this. Now that I am 47, I want to feel at my best. Two major surgeries and another Cancer scare during the Summer didn't stop me. Moral of this chapter? If you're not feeling well or something doesn't feel quite right, have it checked out by your Doctors. Don't wait! Better to correct the problem than to face the consequences head on.

Like any other year, I learned a great deal about friends and acquaintances. Funny how one can feel so connected to certain people and minor events happen that allow their true colors to show. Miki Howard wrote a very powerful quote: "Everyone who says they're a friend doesn't mean they're your friend." Thanks to running I have gained so many wonderful and supportive friends. Running connects us so again I am thankful that I am able to get out there and put one foor in front of the other. Overall I am thankful for the true friends in my life.

Rodan and I have added another year. We will soon celebrate 12 years together. It hasn't always been easy but it's definitely been worth it. 

Omar, Kylie & Baby Ella continue to be the Feathered Angels of our house. Each bird has a personality of their own...just like children. I will have to post most clips of our babies throughout 2012.

Praise God, my Patron Saints and Angels for allowing my Faith & Sense of Humor to get me through the rough patches. My good friends are like tiny treasure...priceless. So I thank those that have been there for Rodan and myself.

To those that read my blog or stumble upon this blog post, I do Wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to sharing in 2012!

*****CHEERS & LOVE!*****

Current Music: Alana Davis' 32 Flavors

Current Mood: Simply Blessed

Not Giving Up On Love

Armin van Buuren & Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Not Giving Up On Love

The Dance mix version of this song has become one of my fave running songs. I've enjoyed the last two rainy days here in Phoenix. It's such a sweet change of pace. Will update soon - I am currently writing the next post in my head.

*****CHEERS!*****

Fave Music While Running!

 Nia Peeples' Trouble - What a kick ass song!

I was on a great running roll - a great stride and within my 'zone'. I slightly injured my right hamstring the week before last. It wasn't anything serious but I've never had an injury that affected my regular training. On the advice of Bri at Road Runner Sports in Tempe, I purchased The Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller. This is a great tool for pre and post workouts. If ever I feel a bit tight from my legs and calves, I just 'stretch & roll'.

My leg is feeling so much better now. Problem is that since I wasn't running as much while I was healing, I have had the 'Forrest Gump blues'. I just don't want to run. I know I need to but I just can't get in the mood to run. I've been running a few miles each day just to say that I ran and to test my leg. Anyway, I ordered a few items from Nike.com and my order arrived last night. Most of the items I ordered were for winter wear and on major discount. That's okay. I tried on the tops and pants and felt great. I pictured myself running in the cooler months and fell back in the mood to run and run. I'm looking forward to my run this evening. It's amazing how the little things can change one's outlook.

I ran 3.34 miles last night. I knew I needed my best jams during this run so I whipped out the Big Kahuna faves:

* Nia Peeples: Trouble -Dance mix

*Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Remix

*Rey Ruiz: Creo En El Amor

*Madame X: Just That Type of Girl -Extended Dance Version

*In Grid: Vive Le Swing - Gavin Brassy Remix

*Joey Youngman: Bless My Soul

Felt as though I need this pick me up mix. I'll be shure to use this on my long run this afternoon. Yep, I'm looking forward to my run this evening. My running life is fabulous once again. To each of you: Please go out and do something for yourself. Enjoy the weekend!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Nia Peeples' Trouble

Current Mood: Jammin' jammin' Happy!

Friday Love!

***Random Play

*Jennifer Knapp: Letting Go

*Matt York: Mine

*Jamie Drake: When I Was Yours

*Laura Marie: Last Of The Ones

*Aaron Beaumont: Nothing's Forever (Not Even Goodbye)

*Diana Winter: Escapizm

The above Random Play is by far one of my favorites ever! Jennifer Knapp's latest CD, Letting Go, is exactly what I would expect from her...pure magic. Jamie Drake's first full length CD is one of the best things I've heard from an indie singer/songwriter. Jamie's vocals are raw with emotion and depth. Love! Matt York and Aaron Beaumont? Fine ass male singer/ songwriters. Laura Marie's Last of The Ones? This Chica is one of my all time favorites. Diana Winter? I've had her CD for almost two years and I never tire of listening to her voice and songs. Amazing voices & songs! This is the Random Play that I will use during tonight's dinner party.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my close friends. Yesterday, I thought about the wonderful friends in my life..each are a true blessings. Good friends will always get you through...always. It's so true. House is cleaned. Rodan is preparing his dishes. I'll be preparing mine in just a bit. Red Velvet cake for dessert. Wines are chilling. Life is good. Wait, I take that back...Life is great!

*****Cheers!*****

Current Mood: Thrilled & Hungry!

Current Music: Jamie Drake's Enough

Phoenix May

***Random Play

*Laura Marie: Last of The Ones EP

*Aaron Beaumont: Nothing's Forever (Not Even Goodbye)

*Ayo: Self Titled CD, Ayo

*The Script: Self Titled CD, The Script

    *Diana Winter: Escapizm

 *Matt York: Mine

I can't believe we're now into the month of May! Time goes on and on...and my ass gets lower and lower. Time...it can be such a harsh enemy.

I've been working on a few projects and collaborating with incredible and creative partners on a few others. I love doing what I do. I'm inspired by the talented individuals I surround myself day in and day out.

I've gained three pounds. Yikes! Can't take the weight loss for granted...no, no, no! Ready to get back on track. I was hoping to run early this morning but that didn't happen. I slept in...and it felt great. Ready to get back on track. I've written out my goals for this coming week. 

I wanted to share Laura Marie's first single, Love You Like Me, from her Last of The Ones EP. This is currently one of my favorite songs. I love that Laura Marie is one of my fave singer/songwriters and a dear friend. Please check her out!

Time to enjoy a lazy Sunday. Wishin' all of you an abundance of blessings.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Laura Marie's Love You Like Me

Current Mood: Happy & Lazy

Quick Post

For Jude: Here's one of our Sunflowers from our garden!

***Random Play
*Aaron Beaumont: Nothing's Forever (Not Even Goodbye)
*Laura Marie: Last Of The Ones
*The Script: Self titled CD, The Script
*Toby Lightman: Bird On A Wire
*Gary Go: Self titled CD, Gary Go
*A Fine Frenzy: Bomb In A Birdcage

+Enjoyed my early morning 3 mile run.
+Happy that I finally rearranged my home office.
+After attending a few parties/social mixers this weekend, I'm so happy I don't run in certain social circles.
+I've kept the weight off.
+I'm enjoying this ride called Life!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Aaron Beaumont's The Time Will Come

Current Mood: Chilled & Relaxed

Crazy

I'm crazy for Eliza and I love her cover of Crazy. Just had to share...

Stuff Like That There...

Aly and Doug at Hobb Knobs in Phoenix from RODAN on Vimeo.

***Random Play

*Aly Tadros: Things Worth Keeping
*Sheila Kirsten Hughes: Perspectives
*Erin McCarley: Love, Save The Empty
*Ingrid Michaelson: Everybody
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Jennifer Knapp: The Way I Am

One can always feel added Hope at the beginning of each year. This year is no different. During the last few days of each December, I tell myself that I the beginning of January will lead me to a year of minimalist living. Okay, it's actually my version of minimalist living but it's a start, right? My goal during the early January clean up was to eliminate things that have no personal attachment and items will never be used again.

Local Phoenix blogger, Matthew Petro, wrote a great blog entry, Stuff Sucks. Title pretty much sums it up...but it is a great read. It had me thinking about certain things I've been holding on to but have no real valid reason for doing so. I decided it was time to get rid of much of that stuff this year. Holy cow...I've done just that! Yeppers, Xavier is junk free. Those that know me well and have been over to our house know that our place is very much organized. I'll admit that it's very much so thanks to me than Rodan.

I've never been one to hoard things but after watching a few episodes of A&E's Hoarders, it did light a fire under my fat butt to do something about the various items that needed to leave from this house. I'm convinced that a few of my friends are hoarders. You never really know how a person is until you've been to their apartment/condo/house. A person can appear to be all together but keep a messy and dirty home. I never understood that combination but thankful I'm not part of that mix and match batch.

All in all, I'm happy that our house is slowly coming together. We have a few house projects set for this Spring. We count our blessings and go forward. Advice: Get rid of your junk & stuff. There's no reason to hang on to things you'll never use again. Just do it!

Go Cowboys & Cardinals!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Aly Tadros' Paper Mache

Current Mood: Content & Hungry!

Last Night...

Last night during the rain storm, I hurried home so I could enjoy the thunder & rain. Once home, I found myself in the mood for Carole King's Tapestry CD. After the storm, I cleaned the pool and enjoyed a quiet evening in the pool. So Far Away is still stuck in my head.

Thanks for following along and sharing with me. I'm blessed to have such fabulous friends & readers in my corner. Enjoy the weekend!

*****CHEERS!*****

Fab Friday Night

I enjoyed another fabulous Friday evening with real friends. Fabulous food, great conversation, and awesome music at a friend's gig. Overall, it's been a great Friday.

All day, I've had Diana Winter's September Song playing in my head. I love this Italian Musical Diva. Give her a listen & enjoy. Cheers!

Current Music: Diana Winter's September Song
Current Mood: Happy & Content