Goddess Vortex

Most of you may already be familiar with this if you live in Southern California.  For those of you who don’t, here’s a quick description: gloomy weather in June.  No sun.  Just gloom.  Thus, doom.  So how do you get around it?  Whether you prefer to stay in or get some fresh air, or maybe want a creative writing assignment, here’s my take on it from A-Z. 

A. Avoid.  Avoid using the term and people who bring the gloom! I use the same approach when I’m starting to feel the symptoms of a cold, flu, or anything that might keep me indoors. 

B. Break…me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar.  I have to keep you entertained, so please keep reading.

C. Caffeine.  When is it not a good idea to have caffeine? Water is always my drink of choice, but my day doesn’t begin until I’ve had a pipin’ hot cup of coffee.  And for days like these in June, a cup at a quiet café helps bring a little sunshine.

D. Deny.  Like “A” (above) I don’t let what I see or hear affect how I feel.  Deny.  Deny.  Deny!  It IS a beautiful day in Southern California. 

E. Exercise.  Science has proven it and I live by it.  Nothing cures the blues better than a good workout.  And when the weather is the least inviting is when exercise is most needed.  So throw on your running or walking shoes and hit the road.

Exercise to get rid of the gloom

F. Food.  Why?  ‘cause it makes me happy.

G. Gwenisms.  I create my own language, desserts, likes and dislikes.  So this is just more creative thinking time.

H. Hibernate.  I love the outdoors, but sometimes a day in to just recharge is necessary.  Since there doesn’tseem to be anything new on t.v., I’ve gone through my bookshelves to find unread books and rediscover new appreciation for others.  My dvd collection is once again appreciated and I finally have time to revisit the final cylon revealed! (BSG fans raise your hands!)

I. Invite.  Invite a friend, physically, the human way, not the Facebook way.  Misery may love company, but I prefer laughter; someone who brings the positivity and kicks misery’s arse (after I do).  My choice is usually the goddess vortex founder herself, on our traditional Starbucks pow-wow when she’s in town to bring the fabulosity. (What up, San!)

J. Jello.  Sugarfree Cherry Jell-o is my latest addiction.  It’s easy to make, cheap and more importantly de-(wait for it)-lightful.  In case you missed it that was my Barney Stinson tribute.  Presentation is everything, so I use a tall parfait glass and add fruits (peaches or bananas for me). 

K. Krav Maga.  I’ve been wanting to try this for the past 2 years, and finally found a place nearby, but it’s easier watching it in action thanks to the badassery (another Gwenism) of Maggie Q in Nikita.  (The only reason to watch the CW). 

L. Learn.  Learn something new or learn more of something you already know.  I recently read a great article about how the Japanese are the masters of perfecting an art.  This is so true.  It’s not enough to know how to make something better, but instead to perfect it.  So I decided to learn how to use a sewing machine.  It’s been over 20 years since my High School clothing class where I ambitiously put together an outfit, and then must’ve suffered a brain injury because I then decided to wear it, so it was a re-learning of sorts.  I’m still trying to figure out the hem.

M. Meditate.  It doesn’t require a yoga mat, candles, sounds of a sitar, or even hot yogi Cameron to do this.  However you define and practice this, do it.  Find a quiet place or create it by allowing yourself to just breathe. 

Meditate out the gloom

N. Nectarines.  The anti-peach.  No fuss or fuzz.  They seem to be in season because I’ve seen them everywhere.  I’m sure there are many health benefits, but the most important reason for eating anything is that it tastes good.  And they do. 

O. Online shopping.  These days, I think it’s online window shopping.

P. Peruse.  What better place than a bookstore?  Unfortunately, as I experienced earlier this week, this may not be the most relaxing activity since it’s summer break and every child is on the loose.  But normally, it’s a Noble place to hang out.

Q. Quickwrite.  This was one of my favorite activities in my High School Creative Writing class.  Spending 5-10 minutes writing about something in your journal can also be therapeutic if you can’t afford to sit on a $2000 couch and tell someone who is charging you $200 per hour what you just wrote in your moleskin.

R. Run.  More exercise, more eating, more living.  This should be my motto.

S. See.  Check out your local neighborhood to see what you’ve been missing.  I recently discovered a great pita shop that’s been in the area for 3 years!  To think that I would’ve seen this had I taken just ten more steps past the apparel shop. 

T. Tunes.  Since I already used “M” for something other than music, this is where it ended up.  I don’t think anything else evokes emotion (for me) more than music.  Music has never been easier to carry, so most of us are rarely without it.  So if you need a quick upper, this is the healthiest

U. USTA.  The United States Tennis Association.  I need to hit the courts again and redefine my tan lines.  Also, the pros are back in Southern California at two major tournaments: Carlsbad and Los Angeles.  Roger still has the best backhand and wardrobe – on and off the court. 

V. Vacation.  Whether it’s local or foreign, weekend or extended, a vacation is always a good idea.  And if you can’t afford it, then travel magazines are the next best thing.  (I’m liking AFAR at the moment) 

Vacation away from the gloom

W. Women’s World Cup.  It kicks off this month in Germany.  I’ve always been a fan of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team since the days of Mia Hamm and my favorite Kate Sobrero Markgraff, and I’m hoping this next generation will continue the tradition. C’mon you yanks! (The men’s team is currently in the Gold Cup, fyi).

X. Xuxa, Xylophone, Xanadu,  Xerox.  Think of as many words that begin with the letter “X” and you’ll forget what you were doing before.

Y. Yawn…because it’s the prelude to…

Z. Zzz.   We all could catch up on some.

Sleep off the gloom