livWhole Blog

GOOD MORNING! This week you have a chance to win my newest DVD, Flowetry! To enter is simple. Just read this little blog, try the recipe and give it a name. Here's the story:
Last week I had salad on the brain. (Very unusual given the Vata inducing weather here in NYC, but the heart wants what the heart wants!) I had all the goodies I needed, fresh mixed greens, good whole grains (wheatberries to be precise), hearts of palm, and of course, avocado. Then I went to grab one of my favorite dressings, Annie's  Natural Woodstock Dressing (if you've had it, you know why I'm kind of in love). I was looking forward to (lightly) pouring the tangy, zippy concoction on my greens. When mixed with the avocado, it creates a creamy dream. Of course, I had about two drops left. As a resourceful (and lazy) chick (who didn't want to go to the store), I said to myself, "Self. You are creative and the kitchen is your domain. Whip this up yourself."
And that's just what I did. I wanted to share it with you all immediately, I really did. However, I just didn't feel right sharing a recipe I called "Cheesy Tomato Dressing". First of all, it's cheesy. Second of all, how UNCREATIVE. That's terrible. It can't go out into the world like that. Especially when it's inspired by something as sassy as "Woodstock" dressing! It was unacceptable to me.
So I'm reaching out to you, my premier test kitchen! Please click here to download the recipe. Try it, taste it and then give it a name (please, something other than "Cheesy Tomato Dressing") by sending an email here. We'll select a winner at random to win a copy of my new DVD Flowetry and you'll also automatically be signed up for my monthly newsletter with more great recipes (hopefully ones with fun names!) and tips to stay healthy all year long.
Happy salads make happy people! Enjoy and good luck!

Note: This was originally written last week, while I was still traveling in Nicaragua. While I've settled back home, I am keeping this in its original tense. 

After a month of traveling - with the exception of a whopping 48 hours in NYC - I'm read to go home. I usually never say that. I'm usually the one that wants to stay somewhere anywhere other than 'home' (now NYC) and continue traveling. Just the thought of NYC and the cold would, typically, be enough to make me shudder. I never want to go back to the craziness, throwing my already imbalanced 'Vata' more out of balance. But something is different this week. I'm itching to get back and settle down for a while. To stay in one place. A shift has occurred.

I'm ready to stop running around. And start living my life and creating it. That's hard to do when much of your time is spend moving around just getting from one destination to the other. 
Don't get me wrong, I love to travel, have new adventures, see new things and meet new people (See photo. Who wouldn't love this?!?). I don't think that will change and I can't begin to imagine my life without these experiences. This past month alone I have been blessed to begin new friendships that have already supported and filled me up in countless ways (shout out to my ParaYoga peeps and Kate and Bill!)

But this week, I've been embracing change. Which may seem contradictory to everything I've just proclaimed. But it's not. Because, now, I'd prefer to embark on change that is more internally directed than externally. Rather than looking to external circumstances to alter my situation and life, I now understand the true transformational power of changing what counts - ME. I feel I can best accomplish my goals, at least for now, by staying put. Building relationships, creating new habits, patterns, and a whole different life for myself.

Traveling takes time. Heck, I can spend half my day on a subway just getting from here to there in this city, not to mention the time it takes to get to JFK, fly to a foreign country, hop on a bus, get in a car and lord knows what else I've done to chase the 'perfect place'. All of this to and fro diminishes my ability to invest and dedicate my time to the change that really matters and will create the most impact. I have a life and a purpose I need to embrace. I don't want to postpone any longer.

I know there will be challenges ahead. I will have to stay put when I want to run. This will require dedication to grow, learn and expand . . . and to be uncomfortable. It will take effort and, most importantly, patience.
But I feel ready. Ready to let go of the old habits, patterns and, yes, even people that no longer support my purpose and new goals. I've been preparing myself to do that for a few months now, though. I've been surrounding myself with more like minded people who understand my work and will love me unconditionally. It feels good to know that I am attracting more of that in my life. And it makes me want to stay where I am to cultivate and nurture those relationships, habits and actions that will propel me onward to success and wisdom. 
Which for me, is a change. And like the old adage says, the only thing constant, is change. 

Twas a few days before Christmas, sniffling all through the house
No one would come near me, not even a mouse. 
My bags were all packed, presents wrapped with much care
And hopes for warm FL weather when I arrived there.
Yet here I lay nestled all snug in my bed
While visions of flu season danced in my head.  
Oh no I prayed hard, this just can't be. 
Please please, dear Santa, keep the flu FAR from me. 
And in my stuffed head, there began a small clatter, 
The habits that keep me healthy, really do matter!
I sprang out of bed, covers thrown in a flash, 
And into my kitchen to raid my healing stash!
My neti pot filled, and ready to flow, 
Nasal passages clear with one final blow!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear, 
Vitamin C, D and probiotics were all here!
My homeopathic remedies always do the trick
With all of this, there's no way I'll get sick. 
More rapid than eagles, the solutions they came, 
I'll add teas with all sorts of herbs to my game.
On ginger, on lemon, on honey, lickety split!
Cinnamon and cumin will always do the trick. 
From the tip of my tongue, through the system it goes
I can feel the energy as it more readily flows!
And Triphala Oil, applied just after bath
You keep my VATA at bay so I stay on my path.  
My humidifier runs all through the night, 
To battle the dry and fight the good fight!
Warm home cooked foods will heal me inside, out 
And soon a huge smile will replace this poor pout. 
For this is the season to be merry and jolly. 
Spread lots of love and dance under the holly. 
And speaking of dance, I have to remember to move.
Just enough to get the juices flowing, to keep me in my groove. 
A walk in the park, by the lake, at the beach
Are good enough to keep health all within reach. 
I'll keep sipping water and the alcohol at bay. 
To ensure I'm not feeling groggy all the next day. 
I'll get plenty of sleep and take rest when I need, 
My body, my temple, is what I will heed. 
I'm back on my feet and ready to go
It's time to enjoy the holiday, and just take it slow. 
So I wish for you just before I take flight, 
LOVE PEACE AND JOY, and to all a GOOD NIGHT!

Don’t get any odd, kinky ideas. QUINOA is actually not a grain but a seed, rich in protein (and a complete protein, I might add, meaning it’s a wonderful alternative for vegans!) typically found in South American countries. The Incans referred to it as “Gold” and consider it a sacred food. (To learn more about it’s history and nutritional profileand benefits click here. It's good stuff.)

I’ll spare you all the nitty gritty details because you can google and read it. I am simply sharing how one of my most favorite foods in the world made it its way into every meal I ate today.

Today was probably the first really chilly morning I’ve felt this Fall. While I had some brown rice for breakfast yesterday, that stash was depleted during last night’s dinner, and I was craving something warm that could sustain me for the long morning and afternoon of teaching ahead. Too lazy to go to the store and get some oatmeal (and not wanting to take the time to cook steel cut oats!) I remembered I had some quinoa. 1 cup to be exact. PERFECT. Because quinoa takes less time to cook than most hearty grains (appx. 20 minutes) I could put it on the stove and it would be ready by the time I was through with my morning meditation. And by golly, that’s exactly what I did.
While I do enjoy the taste of quinoa on it’s own, it can tend toward bitter (it is actually a relative of leafy vegetables such as Swiss Chard and spinach, which would explain it.) And I like sweet in the morning. Hmmmm. How to jazz it up? Easy breezy. I took a small pat of REAL butter (no low fat, no vegan stuff, the REAL DEAL full fat butter . . . but just a tad) to add some richness. Dropped in some raisins while the quinoa was still piping hot, allowing the steam to soften the raisins. I would have liked some slivered almonds, but the cupboard was bare in the nut category so I sprinkled in some dried coconut shreds. Topped with a touch of REAL maple syrup (READ: NO Aunt Jemima) and a healthy dose of cinnamon. This, today, was heaven.

Cut to this afternoon. Depleted. Tired. And needing something between the afternoon snack of some hummus and carrot/celery sticks and an evening yoga class. I popped into one of my most favorite prepared food markets in the city, “Dishes” and picked up some simple grilled veggies. Yellow and green squash, grilled onions (which I’ve been having EVERY DAY for the past three days in abundance to fend off this cold. PS: It worked!) and some grilled carrots. I could eat these all day. Cue QUINOA! Heated a small portion in the microwave and topped it with the warmed grilled veggies and leftover hummus from the snack. Easy. Complete and satisfying.

Off to yoga.

Back from yoga. Hungry. Again. Had a few chips and salsa (courtesy of Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet. Really digging their Black Bean and Garlic variety. And they’re higher in fiber than most corn chips. Check em out.) while I whipped up the next easy concoction starring, you guessed it . . . QUINOA (this is the third way. In a DAY I may add.) Grilled up some onions (surprise, surprise) in olive oil and added the quinoa giving it a nice toasty crunchy quality. Threw on the leftover grilled veggies to warm them up and then added . . . an EGG! Salt and pepper. Now that I see all of these together, I guess it’s like a better version of stir-fried rice. Only with quinoa. Genius, if I do say so myself. Especially because this dinner can actually be a great breakfast too! Dinner, breakfast, lunch, snack. I’m an equal opportunity quinoa eater.

I’m a happy, full and very satisfied woman. With more left over for breakfast. . .

What’s your favorite way to enjoy this wonderful ‘seed’? Would love for you to share your ideas here!

Don’t get any odd, kinky ideas. This blog is not food porn. QUINOA is actually not a grain but a seed, rich in protein (and a complete protein, I might add, meaning it’s a wonderful alternative for vegans!) typically found in South American countries. The Incans referred to it as “Gold” and consider it a sacred food. (To learn more about it’s history and nutritional profileand benefits click here. It's good stuff.)
I’ll spare you all the nitty gritty details because you can Google and read it. I am simply sharing how one of my most favorite foods in the world made its way into every meal I ate today.

Today was probably the first really chilly morning I've felt this Fall. While I had some brown rice for breakfast yesterday, that stash was depleted during last night’s dinner, and I was craving something warm that could sustain me for the long morning and afternoon of teaching ahead. Too lazy to go to the store and get some oatmeal (and not wanting to take the time to cook steel cut oats!) I remembered I had some quinoa. 1 cup to be exact. PERFECT. Because quinoa takes less time to cook than most hearty grains (appx. 20 minutes) I could put it on the stove and it would be ready by the time I was through with my morning meditation. And by golly, that’s exactly what I did.

While I do enjoy the taste of quinoa on it’s own, it can tend toward bitter (it is actually a relative of leafy vegetables such as Swiss Chard and spinach, which would explain it.) And I like sweet in the morning. Hmmmm. How to jazz it up? Easy breezy. I took a small pat of REAL butter (no low fat, no vegan stuff, the REAL DEAL full fat butter . . . but just a tad) to add some richness. Dropped in some raisins while the quinoa was still piping hot, allowing the steam to soften the raisins. I would have liked some slivered almonds, but the cupboard was bare in the nut category so I sprinkled in some dried coconut shreds. Topped with a touch of REAL maple syrup (READ: NO Aunt Jemima), some flaxseed and a healthy dose of cinnamon. This, today, was heaven.

Cut to this afternoon. Depleted. Tired. And needing something between the afternoon snack of some hummus and carrot/celery sticks and an evening yoga class. I popped into one of my most favorite prepared food markets in the city, “Dishes” and picked up some simple grilled veggies. Yellow and green squash, grilled onions (which I’ve been having EVERY DAY for the past three days in abundance to fend off this cold. PS: It worked!) and some grilled carrots. I could eat these all day. Cue QUINOA! Heated a small portion in the microwave and topped it with the warmed grilled veggies and leftover hummus from the snack. Easy. Complete and satisfying.

Off to yoga.

Back from yoga. Hungry. Again. Had a few chips and salsa (courtesy of Laurie’s Buffalo Gourmet. Really  digging their Black Bean and Garlic variety. And they’re higher in fiber than most corn chips. Check em out.) while I whipped up the next easy concoction starring, you guessed it . . . QUINOA (this is the third way. In a DAY I may add.) Grilled up some onions (surprise, surprise) in olive oil and added the quinoa giving it a nice toasty crunchy quality. Threw on the leftover grilled veggies to warm them up and then added . . . an EGG! Salt and pepper. Now that I see all of these together, I guess it’s like a better version of stir-fried rice. Only with quinoa. Genius, if I do say so myself. Especially because this dinner can actually be a great breakfast too! Dinner, breakfast, lunch, snack. I’m an equal opportunity quinoa eater.  

I’m a happy, full and very satisfied woman. With more left over for breakfast. . .

What’s your favorite way to enjoy this wonderful ‘seed’? Would love for you to share your ideas here!

My phone isn't ringing. The emails aren't pouring in either. I've received minimal response from a number of marketing efforts I've made. I wasn't asked to return to a conference to teach. I'm not crazy busy yet everyone else around me seems to be working and finding the success that somehow, seems to be eluding me. Will I ever work again? I'm worried people are not going to show up to the very first fundraising event I'm organizing for my charity, karmaNICA. I'm not giving my body what I know it needs to feel its best and thus I feel, well, gross. Fat. Ugly. Pick your favorite word. Yes, you may say I'm having a bout with insecurity right now.
And it's been going on for a while.  I recognize it as a legitimate feeling, and probably a result of wrapping up a number of projects that have kept me going non-stop from May until the middle of August. However, in an attempt to not allow it to completely sabotage me, I asked myself this question: Can insecurity actually be a good thing? Can I utilize it to motivate and maybe even inspire me? Looking at my past accomplishments and achievements or reviewing how many friends and fans I have on Facebook wasn't going to cut it. I needed a new tool. 
I've always had this desire, maybe even a NEED to succeed (at least as it's traditionally defined.), which in and of itself is often born out of insecurity. Typically success breeds a positive self image. Others praise us, we are congratulated and probably even feel more loved. Failure leads us to negative thinking, self criticism and contempt. But does this have to be true? 
I thought about what would happen if no one showed up to my event. What would that mean? Well, for starters it would mean a lot less money to help the children of Nicaragua that I treasure so dearly. I would be disappointed and feel I let them down. Since I have no children of my own, these young ones, along with my nephews, are the nearest I get to that pure, unconditional love found in a child. They don't know about your 'failures' or judge you because you are fat, skinny, old, young or are having a bad hair day. They love. It's what they do. And it makes me want to give more. And do all that I can to make this event a 'success'. 
This in turn, pushed me to put aside my pride, and get to work. Follow up emails. Asking for help. Being open with my fears. Exposing my confident facade. I actually told a friend in an email, "I'm really worried no one will show up. Do you think you could rally the troops for me?" 
It also reinforced a concept I know in my head to be true. Your experience is a direct reflection of your own behavior and internal state. Attract what you seek by becoming that very thing. Like attracts like. If I need friends right now, I need to be a friend. 
And, still, the karmaNICA event may not be the 'success' for which I'm hoping. Then what? This thought is forcing me to analyze what it means to be successful. And now, yes. I will look to others for inspiration. Quotes from highly successful people who have seen down times. Reflection upon the times when I have been knocked down but always seem to get back up. And knowing that I'm not the only one feeling these feelings or the first person to face adversity. All of these things remind me that if I feel defeated and deflated, it's temporary. I'll get back up, brush it off, and try again. It's not the first time and it certainly won't be the last. A friend recently told me that she felt as if "Life handed her a big old can of whoop ass." I responded with: "I understand. But know the day will come when you will be the one delivering a big old can of whoop ass to life." Your can of whoop ass is always just around the corner. 
Let's look at the physical feelings I'm having. In one word. YUCK. Things are not flowing. I'm plagued with indecision. I have no idea what to do next. I'm one of those people that is more efficient when I have more to do. I use adrenaline to fuel the tank and bluntly, to get shit done. I can be a machine. Like the energizer bunny. It has been traditionally how I've done it, and it's worked. But I do know it's unsustainable. And not healthy. It's a challenge for me to operate out of 5th gear. Right now, I have to learn a different way. How can I be productive without a list of 30 tasks in my day and how do I operate in a nice and easy 2nd gear? Spirit is asking me to be a little more still and listen. Something is not working. Why? What can I do differently? Do I need to do anything? Can I sit and write? Who says that is not productive? (I'm actually feeling better already!) Typically I feel 'useful' when I'm getting in a workout or working on a project. If I want to stop feeling this way and start feeling worthy no matter what, then I need to do something about it. Learn a different way. Grow my experience. 
This type of insecurity also tests my faith in all I believe in my head and hope to experience in my heart. My faith in the universe and forces greater than myself and this limited human body. That no matter what, I will be taken care of, supported and loved. And it is in these moments when I realize I can only fight this insecurity with MORE faith, not less. 
What I'm learning is that insecurity can drive us to action (or in my case, maybe a little more in-action), alter our perceptions and beliefs, and spark positive growth and change. To be honest and to share our honesty. To act upon the Golden Rule, "Do onto others . . . " And lastly to have faith in all that you are experiencing. The good, the bad, the ugly... and yes. Even the insecure. 

I contemplated this question during a long run in Portland yesterday. Probably the best day of the year there, sunny, dry 85*, perfect. A far cry from the stifling heat and humidity of the east coast, which I left a several days prior. I have this uncanny knack for leaving town just when things get brutal – on either the cold or hot end – to head to much more pleasant climates. And Portland is probably the most pleasant of anywhere in the U.S. right now.
I tried to divert my attention away from the sharp pain that occasionally shoots up the left side of my back, trying to focus on my new running form and staying light on my feet. Less like an elephant, more like a gazelle. Following the breath in and out. Listening to it, getting lost in it, or driven by a particular song on my iPod. Slipping into a meditative, totally connected state.
Eventually nagging thoughts dissipate and other ‘deeper’ thoughts began to take their place.
Thoughts of gratitude to be in this beautiful city. Gratitude that I can even move my body. Gratitude for breathing fresh air. Gratitude for life. Just to name a few.
At some point, the question of my identity popped into my head. Maybe because, recently, I’ve been discussing business plans, goals, etc. with others, trying to map out where I want my career to go and ‘what’s next’. Of course, because who I am and how I live is so intimately connected to what I do for a living, that question inevitably prompts me to question who I am and who I want to be. Everyone wants me to ‘identify’ myself. I understand why. They are only trying to help me and my career.

Here’s what I came up with:
I am a yogi.
I am a spiritual being.
I will NEVER stop being a dancer.
I am a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter, an aunt and a niece.
I am a friend.
I am an athlete.
I am a teacher.
I am a student.
I am a natural foods chef and nutritionist.
I am leader.
I am a follower.
I am love.

So I’ll ask you? What would you do with all of these things? How do I wrap this up into a tiny little package for someone?
Yet, I realized, while I am all of these things, I could be none of these things and still be ‘something’.
This realization does not do much to help advance my career but what it does for my peace and happiness is immeasurable.

Ok. This entry was made to go here in April, a month ago. I can’t explain the mental block I’ve had with writing lately, but I am determined to get this to you. So here it is. A month later. Enjoy your workout.

Wow. Has it really been this long since I’ve written a blog here? Why, yes. Yes, it has. Suprising, because I’ve had so much to say lately. Discoveries, revelations, relationships, explorations . . . they’ve all been a part of my many adventures from the past 6 weeks have all from NYC to L.A. to Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Miami, various other stops in FL and now back to L.A. A few more days here until I finally land back where I began 6 weeks ago in NYC. I’ve missed writing. I’m trying to stay balanced through it all, but my meditations have been sporadic and distracted. Which doesn’t make me happy. On the flip side, seeing my nephews, visiting with some of the best friends a gal can ask for, making many new friends, finding a renewed sense of purpose and working on new, challenging and FUN projects has filled me up to the point where I’ve been moved to tears with gratitude and love. So all’s good. For all of this ‘deep’, insightful stuff I have to share, I’ve felt the need to simply tell you about my kick ass workout the other day. I know I typically post a recipe, but I’m going to skip that to outline this routine. First and foremost because I admittedly have been doing very little cooking lately with my crazy travel schedule (Unless, of course, you count the kick ass margaritas I made last weekend for my sis in law’s birthday, which I’m happy to post as well!) Although I’m not a huge runner, doing just that the past four days or so in the heat of southern Florida helped me sweat, detox, and just feel a little bit like me. And all you need is your sneakers, some open space, such as a park,
So here it is:
20 minute jog/run to park

Find two points you can gauge about 20 feet in distance.
Alternate between:
-- Crab crawls
-- High knees
-- Spider Man walks (on all fours, R hand front as L foot steps front. Switch)
-- Awkward Spider Man (same thing but do same hand and leg!)
Go up and back at least once for each exercise, then repeat they cycle again.

Take a breather and stretch.
Now find a stick.
Jump over the stick with two feet back and forth as quick as you can for 30 sec. Rest 30 sec. Repeat 6x. If it gets too challenging, hop over on one leg. 

Time for lunges. Same leg. Lunge front. Step together. Lunge back. Step together. Repeat 10x.
Hold back in a Crescent Pose and stretch.
Repeat other leg.

Move on to core. Do some boat poses, sit ups. Planks. Try this in plank: Bend your knees toward you chest, slightly tucking your hips underneath you, pulling navel back to spine. Re-extend to plank.
Do that 10x.
OOOO, or this one always gets me. Start in plank. Keeping your core engaged and hips up, drop down to one elbow, then the other. Then one arm at a time return to plank. 
Do that at least 10x. 

Now go on. Scram. Run (or walk) home. And don’t forget to stretch.
If you stretch, I’ll write more. Deal? Oh yeah. And drink lots of water, especially in the heat of the summer!

Inevitably, I knew it would happen again. The looks of surprise. The dubious eyes. The incredulous faces when I tell people that I'm traveling by myself. I was greeted with more of the same during last week's New Year's Eve trip to Jamaica. When the question arises--and it always does somewhere in the conversation--from cab drivers, to hotel staff, waiters and waitresses to the nice man or woman at customs (ALWAYS the man or woman at customs), I've now created a standard response in the form of a question to counter these assaults. "Who else is going to take my ass on vacation?"
It still surprises ME that everyone else is so surprised. Since when did being single become a restriction on travel and adventure? Did the TSA come up with some new crazy law that women can't travel by themselves? (Although, at this point, I wouldn't put it past them in the name of 'national security' Ha. I can see it now . . . "Studies show single women traveling internationally pose a high threat to national security!" HA!) 
All I know is that it was snowy, cold, shitty here in NYC and waiting around for Prince Charming to come along on his white horse to take me to the sun was not an option. (Especially with the unplowed streets here in the city, but that's a whole OTHER story. Prince Charming would need to have 'snow hoofs' on.)
So, much like my Asia trip, I booked the ticket, found a place to stay and am a better woman for it. This trip to Jamaica did not disappoint. I met the most amazing women, many from NYC whose sole purpose was the same as mine (get out of the cold), and experienced things I most likely would not have had I been with a companion. I wrote letters to people whose relationships no longer served me, and burned them. (That was powerful. And it worked, like you can't even imagine!) I wrote in my journal. A lot. I sat and watched the ocean, listened to the waves crashing on the shore. I realized I didn't need a gym or fancy equipment to be happy and keep my body active. I walked, I ate, I jumped off 30' cliffs (!), I watched some of the most gorgeous sunsets I've ever seen. I listened. To myself and the stories of others. And I learned about yet another culture, another way to live. My solo travels have been life changing. 
One thing I love about traveling is being exposed to new foods and how different cultures eat. I feel a bit like the healthy version of Anthony Bourdain (by the way, in case he's reading this, I'm a HUGE FAN!!!) For those of you who don't know me, know this: I LOVE FOOD! This trip was no exception. Do you all know what 'callaloo' is? No worries (mon)! I didn't until I went to Jamaica. It is similar to spinach and it's often sauteed (With lots of salt. The Jamaicans love them some salty stuff!) I was ordering it left and right to ensure my daily intake of greens! I had it with some scrambled eggs and it was DELISH. Speaking of eggs, have you ever tried 'ackee'? It is the strangest food. It's a FRUIT, but the way they serve it, I swear, it has the same consistency of scrambled eggs. Is it good for you? Well, it can't be bad, it's natural. And yes, it CAN be poisonous, but it's definitely tasty, and when in Rome . . .
When I travel by myself, I get to dictate where and when I eat. Like the lovely afternoon I spent at Ras Rody's vegetarian stand. Rody is a Rastafarian serving up some of Jamaica's finest foods from the bounty of the earth. According to the website Rody is not only a vegan chef, but also "a successful organic farmer and roadside philosopher." Sounds like a good life to me. Simple. Natural. Living. Trust me, it's crossed my mind on more than one occasion to abandon the typical 'get it done' stresses of the Western world for a lifestyle where peaceful and calm are not foreign words.
Would it be nice to share some of my travel experiences with someone special? Absolutely? Am I going to wait for someone to give me permission to have those experiences? Absolutely not. My life isn't an episode of the Bachelor (although how fun would THAT be for a week or so?!?) and I've got living to do. 

Inevitably, I knew it would happen again. The looks of surprise. The dubious eyes. The incredulous faces when I tell people that I'm traveling by myself. I was greeted with more of the same on my New Year's Eve trip to Jamaica last week. When the question arises, and it typically always does, somewhere in the conversation, from cab drivers, to hotel staff, waiters and waitresses to the nice man or woman at customs (ALWAYS the man or woman at customs), I've now created a standard response in the form of a counter question. "Who else is going to take my ass on vacation?"
It still surprises ME that everyone else is so surprised. Since when did being single become a restriction on travel and adventure? Did the TSA come up with some new crazy law that women can't travel by themselves? (Although, at this point, I wouldn't put it past them in the name of 'national security' Ha. I can see it now . . . "Studies show single women traveling internationally pose a high threat to national security!" HA!) 
All I know is that it was snowy, cold, shitty here in NYC and waiting around for Prince Charming to come along on his white horse to take me to the sun was not an option. (Especially with the unplowed streets here in the city, but that's a whole OTHER story. Prince Charming would need to have 'snow hoofs' on.)
So, much like my Asia trip, I booked the ticket found a place to stay and am a better woman for it. This trip to Jamaica did not disappoint. I met the most amazing women, many from NYC whose sole purpose was the same as mine (get out of the cold), and experienced things I most likely would not have had I been with a companion. I burned letters I wrote to people in my life with whom I had relationships which no longer served me. (That was powerful. And it worked, like you can't even imagine!) I wrote in my journal. A lot. I sat andwatched the ocean, listened to the waves crashing on the shore. Realized I didn't need a gym or fancy equipment to be happy and keep my body active. I walked, I ate, I watched some of the most gorgeous sunsets I've ever seen. I listened. To myself and the stories of others. And I learned about another culture, another way to live. My solo travels have been life changing. 
Would it be nice to share some of my travel experiences with someone special? Absolutely? Am I going to wait for someone to give me permission to have those experiences? Absolutely not. My life isn't an episode of the Bachelor (although how fun would THAT be for a week or so?!?) and I've got living to do.