Another Beautiful Day in Paradise
Mood:  energetic
Now Playing: Oh, what a beautiful morning.....
Saturday, Dec. 6th

So every once in awhile, my batteries start to run down and I need a recharge. Beginning a new teaching assignment at a school where the kids are definitely "NOT SHY AND VERY LOUD" did me in this last week. I have a sore throat and am feeling really, really drained, so here's what works for me: I go to bed fairly early on a Friday night. Well, actually, last night I fixed myself a "medicinal brandy" (Mom's recipe - hot tea, honey, lemon juice and, oh yeah, brandy). Then I don't get out of bed until I just can't sleep anymore on Saturday. I do my daily 1/2 hour meditation and throw on my running clothes and go for a run. So this morning that's exactly what I did. Except I forgot to look outside first and, when I hit the pavement, it was pouring rain. Well, I didn't want to end up feeling worse so I went back upstairs, threw on my "Nanook of the North" cozy, comfy warm night gown and made myself buckwheat pancakes with home-made applesauce. Then I made a couple of phone calls to the states, that always makes me feel wonderful.

I felt so good that I went for a bike ride to a store and bought a few last minute Xmas presents and then the rain stopped. So, of course, I get back into my running clothes and out the door for an hour plus run. (I've been working my way up to an hour). I ran from my apartment to the Shukugawa River and followed it down to the ocean. This is the first time that I've made it all the way to the ocean and the sun was setting as I ran to the beach. Wow, what a view. By the time I got home it was dark and the full moon had come out so I ran under trees along the river by moonlight.

Ended the day all bundled up in my comforter with a cup of tea and the newest Harry Potter book.

Now that's the way to recharge!