It's Ok Thursday & Asheville Part 3: Recap

This is the final recap of my vacation in Asheville last week. I wrote a little more below, but here's what I learned:

It's okay...

• To ditch the alarm and sleep in.
• To workout less. I still rocked the workouts I did and my body felt great.
• To trust myself with eating. I ate good food, moderate amounts of it, and only when I was hungry.
• To drink and get tipsy drunk... as long as there's lots of water too.
• To share your feelings.
• To go back to a place.
• To love. That sounds crazy, but I dislike hurt. Who doesn't?

Sunday
Thanks to lots of water the night before, I felt great on Sunday. Sure, we slept in till 1 P.M. but had a nice, leisurely rainy day. I had Tupelo Honey for lunch and visited our friends and their 1-year-old son.

Chicken Havarti sandwich with sweet potato fries and a biscuit*

*I ate the sandwich with 1/4 of the bread and 1/2 biscuit because biscuits are glorious.

Monday
Monday was another rest day. I wrote out sweet and cheesy Christmas cards, left them on the tree, and we headed to Early Girl Eatery once again. Early Girl is my favorite and I got the same meal.

We enjoyed downtown and ended my trip with a trip to Dobra Tea, one of my favorite places ever. For a Monday, there were tons of people so we had to sit on the floor with our teas and biscuits. :)

A few of the souvenirs I brought home... except the Lusty Monk mustard because it was too big for the carry-on.

(Faerie Made, French Broad Chocolate, Escazu Chocolate, Raw Shakti Chocolate, Black Mountain Chocolate, Imladris Farm, Jack's Nut Butters) 

Recap
I had an awesome trip. I worked out the first 3 days but didn't sweat not working out on the other days. We ate when we were hungry or not at all. For the most part, I wasn't hungry much which was good since our meals were all consumed out. I didn't even calorie counting. Since I've been home, I haven't calorie-counted or planned out much food, and it's okay.

I missed Asheville more than I know. I missed the food but surprisingly, I missed the people. Everyone welcomed me back with open arms.

In my roommate's card, I wrote a sappy little note. Yancey has been the most impactful and important person I've encountered, and it likely won't ever change. Even if I get married but not if I have kids.

I also thought about whether or not I've ever been in love. Not with Yancey. The answer is, maybe. I have the greatest fondness is more of what I would call it. Though he is a great person overall, there are quite a few negatives that prevent me from dating him or well, any of my guy friends.

If it wasn't for my job and my mom, mostly my mom, I would move back. It's not so much about the place but the people and because of that, I'm going to find a job, get a house, and make them all live with me!

Weirdest picture ever. Creepers... even after you get to know them!

Roomies for life.

 

Gonzo, happy birthday!

 

We've never hugged this much. I think before this trip, we hugged twice.

 

This is real and they have local products. 

 

P.S. One of the best things about Asheville is their choices of sugars and milks. There's always soy and almond milk and stevia. 

Downtown

  

How do you show others you love them? I'm not good at showing love. I would even go as far as to say I'll buy your love if I could. Okay, that's not entirely true, I totally go out of my way for the people I love.

WIAW & Asheville Part 2: Birthdays & Graduations

This is part 2 of my 5-6 day vacation to Asheville, North Carolina where I lived for 6 years prior to living in SoCal for the last year and a half.
 
Friday
Without much water, I had a massive hangover till 1 P.M. I learned though and after feeling better and some laughs from "Ted," I went to TurboKick, drank lots of water, and ate lunch at Early Girl Eatery.

Local sausage and sweet potato scramble is my favorite thing ever!

Best facility ever!

Real and local kombucha from Buchi!

We celebrated Gonzo's 25th birthday dinner at El Que Pasa. I chose a warm fajita salad and was super full afterwards.

Honest to goodness, these are my favorite people ever! He wanted to get me too but they didn't get the message!

While the guys went home to clean up and drop off cars, I went downtown to meet up with one of my history buddies, Conor and his roommate Asian Josh. We met up at Green Man, a small brewery with the best beer/drink I've had all weekend, and then headed to the downtown location of Asheville Brewing to meet up with a friend of ours, Bron, who also came into town from Florida.

Bron, Conor, Asian Josh, and I

On my way to meet up with the birthday crew, I stopped by the LAB to celebrate a friend's graduation from nursing school. Congrats Anna!

I met up with the birthday crew afterwards though most of them were done for. A few of us ditched the big group and went back to the LAB where we got a flight of their beers to try. Not a fan, especially since I ended up getting an IPA.

Saturday was an early day for us. We were late but headed out to Johnson City, Tennessee for Kyle's graduation.

We met his family and had lunch at a Thai restaurant. I just got the chicken satay skewers. Then they asked Yancey if we were married... that's a big jump. No.

We thought about a nap when we got home but instead, went shopping for some graduation gifts for Weston. We were unable to make it to his graduation so we surprised him with a sign, balloons, cupcakes from Short Street Cakes, and champagne.

Lots of criminal justice degrees...

Since none of our friends make it, we all secretly agreed to buy him gifts and took him out for dinner.

We went to TGI Friday's for the guys to eat and then downtown. Since it was the first night I've seen Kris, we went drink-for-drink before a round of tequila and car bombs at Scully's. Thanks Yancey for making me popcorn at 4 A.M.

Kris, who I've known for 7 years!

Gonzo

Jordan is no longer a beardy weirdy

 

We ended our night at 4 A.M. after heading to some random party. I talked a lot, forgot what I said, and played beer pong poorly.

What's your favorite breakfast? Apparently I love eggs scrambled with sausage and sweet potatoes and herbs. I'll have to give it a shot at home.

MIMM: Asheville Part 1: Days 1 & 2

There was no point in bringing my laptop on vacation. I didn't use it and it was the most glorious thing ever. I didn't wonder what everyone was up to. Okay, so I had my phone but it was mostly to connect with people rather than browse endlessly.

Here's a quick snippet of my trip, part 1.

Wednesday
I slept so little on my flight from L.A. to Charlotte. There were two gypsies on the plane. Maybe they weren't gypsies but they changed on the flight, rummaged through their belongings often, and fought. Yep, no sleep there. I slept the whole 30+ minute flight to Asheville in my own row.

Yancey picked me up and took me to his new home, which he shares with our friend Weston.

This is a familiar spot. The living room layout is practically the same.

Lunch was at Green Sage. I've only been to Green Sage once but love their coffee. Apparently, my friends like it too.

I forced Yancey to take me grocery shopping and watch "Wreck It Ralph" before my friend John came to pick me up for his Zumba class.

 

(source) 

We topped off the night with our friend Andrew, his girlfriend, and some Christmas at Biltmore Rose. Not a fan of the wine.

More friends came over to visit too including Luis!

Thursday
I woke up when Weston started pitter-pattering around the house. We did P90X yoga - totally rocked it, and then went holiday shopping.

What to get the guys? Toilet paper and paper towels. Necessities.

We stopped by Nine Mile for lunch. I went too spicy and had to stop in the middle of sentences.

That night, we went wine tasting at the Biltmore Estate thanks to Justin.

I confirmed that I hate wine after trying each and every one. I was completely wine drunk though.

We headed to the Grove Park Inn to see the gingerbread houses but seeing as I was done-for, we just headed to Elaine's Piano Bar for expensive but good drinks (rum and diet Coke for me) and some music. I was extremely excited even though they never played the song we requested, "The Thong Song." Yes, that old one by Sisqo. It's our anthem.

Finally, I met up with my former students who just turned 21 at the Asheville Brewing Company. We shared a pitcher and I talked a lot.

I was done by the end of the night and fell asleep when we got home around midnight!

Well the weather out here is frightful...

Its been rainy for the past few days. 

I've slept at random times during the day, usually an hour or so between 4-6. Of course I then stay up late and then sleep in.

And it's not like I'm reading like I hoped. Instead, I've watched movies and mulled over what I will do on my vacation.

This was good. Seth Rogen is the marriageable type?

The bottom half is a list of all the places I want to get my eating on.

With holiday shopping and my upcoming trip, I've got to save up. I want a pair of boots only if I find a pair I really like. I found a brown suede scrunchy pair but prefer gray or black to match more of my clothes.

Budgeting week #? *Its been awhile.
 
Groceries - $39.60

• Silk PureAlmond milk - $2.24
• Frosting Creations cinnamon roll - $0.89 *to mix in with Greek yogurt, but this was a fail
• Almonds - $0.99
• Kombucha - $2.55
• Sale Halo bars (2) - $1.00
• Sale Luna Fiber bars (2) - $1.00
• Stevia soda - $0.91
• Blackberries - $1.25
• Blueberries - $2.00
• Hansen's sodas (2) - $1.12 *for my cousin
• Chile spiced mango - $3.98 *for my cousin
• Power to the Greens (2) - $3.98
• Sardines (2) - $2.58
• Cinnamon apple sticks - $2.49
• Z Clif Kids bar - $0.69
• Eggs - $1.79
• Luna bar (for Chris' birthday) - $1.00
• Clif bar (for Chris' birthday) - $1.00
• Hansen's soda (for Chris' birthday) - $0.62
• Grapefruit-ginger yerba mate (for Chris' birthday) - $1.74
• Tofu shirataki noodles - $1.49
• Mini cake (for Chris' birthday) - $2.50
• Whole wheat flatbread - $2.29

Other - $20.28

• Cash - $10
• Yoga - $5
• Soy cheddar - $2.99 *for L.A.
• Whole wheat flatbread - $2.29 *for L.A.
  

Gas - $40.00

Total - $99.88

 

Breakfasts

egg white oats with blackberries or blueberries

Entrees
MTWRF lunch: chicken salad
MRF dinner: chicken nori rolls with cauliflower
TW dinner: flatbread sandwich or pizza (2)

Snacks
popcorn
Luna Fiber bars (2)
string cheese *thanks to my cousin Chris for supplying!
sweet potatoes
Jamie Eason cinnamon swirl protein bread

Workouts

• Monday - Zumba
• Tuesday - Athletic training
• Wednesday - Yoga
• Thursday - Core, Cardio, & More
• Friday - Yoga for Charity
• Saturday - Boot camp/TurboKick
• Sunday - Rest?

How do you eat healthy on vacation? I don't want to be crazy and pack a ton of stuff.

Where you live/where your heart is

Last night, I could hardly sleep. After a long day, I laid in bed until 2 A.M., thinking. My heart was aching for a place and its people.

I ended up texting my former roommate and talking to him for a total of 3 hours, called and talked to a few friends out there, and... bought a ticket to Asheville, North Carolina. HIGH FIVE!



I thought I left on bad terms. The last year of living in Asheville was a struggle for me. I battled anorexia, exercise bulimia, and a shitty job. Well, as I'm in the process of recovering and have the best job ever, I'm ready to make a positive splash.

Source: thefancy.com via Julie on Pinterest

This is the best time to go too. The holidays in Asheville are gorgeous. I didn't want to go during since my roommate, who will forever and ever be my roommate, will be gone. If I go later, I'll still have to take time off.

Other reasons I'm excited to go:

• #1: See Yancey!
• See Drew :) *If I could draw hearts around him, I would.
• See Kris!
• Gonzo's 25th birthday
• Kyle's college graduation
• Eat real BBQ
• Visit my alma mater
• Best Zumba classes ever!
• TurboKick with one of my favorites
• Gingerbread houses at the Grove Park Inn
• Beer

A more definitive list to come!

I already made a list of what to pack since this is a big deal trip.

Next up, lists of what to bring to Asheville and what to bring home.

Can you tell I'm extremely nervous? Lists calm me down.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun, be positive, and just live.

Where's Asheville you ask? Check out going home to roost who just moved back to the mountains of Western North Carolina!

Did you move away for college? I moved across the country and live there for 6 years. The best times I've ever had were there. Often, I miss the area but there was a lack of jobs.
Why are you living where you are? fThe biggest sell for moving back home to California is my job... and to get my finances in order.
Do you keep in touch more with your high school or college friends? I definitely hold my college friends more dear though there is one friend, Peter, whom I've known for a gazillion years.

Day 4: Leaves

When I think of leaves, I immediately recall living in Asheville. It was gorgeous and I had an amazing from the porch. However, the image that comes to mind is actually of my freshman year in college and seeing the beauty for the first time. I encountered waterfalls, piles of leaves, and real winter coats.

(source)

Craftsman homes with character

(source)


(source)

While looking at pictures, I totally miss the mountains. But I'm lucky, I get the beach now. So it's a toss up.

No longer a tab now that I've moved

New York Times did their 36 Hours in Asheville, and Asheville has been on numerous lists recognizing its food, its beer, and the Biltmore Estate.

I came to Asheville without ever visiting and I've lived here for 6 years! That's a quarter of my life. I like it even though I'm moving very soon.

I adapted my sections from the Mountain Xpress, the best local newspaper and it's free!

Eats

• Chocolate Fetish
• Chai moon is my favorite
• French Broad Chocolate Lounge
  
• Creme brulee
• Modesto Bakery
  
• Best new bakery with amazing sticky buns
• Flaky French pastries!
• West End Bakery
  
• Very local coffee (Bean Werks)
• Huge chewy cinnamon roll
• 12 Bones Smokehouse
  
• Any and all BBQ and sides especially corn puddin'
• Luella's BBQ
• Turkey sandwich
• Mac and cheese
• Early Girl Eatery
  
• Sweet potato scramble
• Green Sage
  
• Breakfast burrito
• Over Easy Cafe
  
• Breakfast Monte Cristo
• Posana
  
• Gluten-free biscuits and jam
• Standard Pizza Company
• Tingles Cafe - CLOSED
  
• Banana fosters French toast
• Boca
  
• Dinner burger
• Limones
  
• Large, unique margarita selection (blood orange margarita)
• Specialty items, but I haven't had enough to tell you
• Lucky Otter
  
• Taco salad
• Pretty strong margaritas
• Neo Cantina
  
• Yucatan goat cheese and shrimp quesadilla
• The Hop Ice Cream
• Nine Mile
  
• Lunch with a zucchini instead of pasta choice
• Rosetta's Kitchen
  
• Chili cheese fries
  

Drinks

• Dobra Tea
  
• Memories of Prague
• Mate Verano
• Gluten-free goodies from local bakers
• Thirsty Monk
• Usual Suspects, now Avenue M
  

Arts & Entertainment

• Shakespeare in the Park
  

Outdoors

• Bent Creek
• Craggy Gardens
• Green River
• UNCA campus
  

Personal Services

• Asheville Community Yoga
• Bikram Yoga
• The Cosmic Groove Massage
• The Rush Fitness Complex (Patton Ave)
  
• Turbo Kick with Julie or Ashley
  

Hunting & Gathering

• The Big Crafty
• Big Love Fest
  
• Robin Plemmons
• Bake it Pretty
  
• Baking supplies
• Malaprops
• Earth Fare
  
• Bobby stocks products and he's very friendly. They're friendlier than those at Greenlife.
• Greenlife
  
• Sometimes cheaper than Greenlife. They have a Sunday tailgate market from 11-3.
• L.O.F.T.
  
• Unique and quirky gifts
• Secondhand, retro furniture
• North Asheville Tailgate Market
  
• Night & Day Bakery
  
• Gluten-free goodies including my favorite, pistachio olive oil cake!
• Three Graces Dairy
  
• Honey and walnut goat cheese
• City Market (Saturdays)
  
• Pies in Disguise
• Take the Cake
• West Asheville Tailgate (Tuesdays)
  
• Sweet Monkey Bakery
  
• Jalapeno cheddar bagel

(Last) week in food

I’ve been trying to eat more.

4th of July eats:

Empanda pizza from Digable Pizza


Then a burger patty on top of spinach


Tuesday's eats:
For lunch: huevos rancheros, the infamous breakfast from Sunny Point Café though I only ate the eggs, sauce, and mom’s biscuit


I had to drop by the West Asheville Tailgate. No Take the Cake again… oh well. Instead, I tried out a new vendor who sells gluten-free baked goods and flour. They had so many samples, but I was good or somewhat good and got their delicious granola with maple spiced pecans! Yum yum.

Eliza played “California Gurls” just for me. Though I don’t really like the tricep workout with the track, I rocked it. Actually, I rocked all the tracks tonight – I added more weight on each track except biceps and shoulders. Yeah, my back definitely is sore now.

I ran into Alex the Afrikan, who I haven’t seen in a year at the store. He was buying ginger beer so I bought an extra gingery beer to test out too.


Aww, it was sad. We used to hang out. We used to play kickball together too. He has an accent sometimes… being from South Africa and all…

I stopped by Ultimate Ice Cream after the gym for a sampling of their Moon Pie ice cream and gave mom the rest.


For dinner though, I had ½ cup of Greek yogurt with a mix of Fiber One and my new granola and part of a banana… so full now. How odd.

Wednesday, the last meal: Nine Mile Jamaican Me Thirsty medium with zucchini instead of pasta

Goodbye Asheville: Fit together

I started to get in shape, and these people really helped me do it. When I wrote these, I found out how different my gym favorites are... in writing at least.

Julie is my favorite for cardio and if she did more of it, weights. She is hands-down the best. I admire her for her talents as an instructor, as a singer, as a mother of 3, and a person.

Sarah has muscles. So much so that she tried out for the Lingerie Football League. She's my favorite for strength workouts. For some reason, even if it's a pre-choreographed class, I feel myself working more when she teaches.


Eliza bakes pies for a living as well as runs group exercise classes. She's worldly, she's laid back. I wish I was like that too.


I can't forget to mention the smiley staff at the gym, including the fitness manager Katie.

...and my all-time favorite, Cody! And Renee! Aww, aren't they adorable?



Renee drew me this "gato" and gave me an apricot scone.