I'm with you on the bright nail polish, I usually go for the toes though because I do not have the skillz to paint my own fingernails. Also giving myself a facial, going for a walk with the doggy, and finding some household chore that will make me sweat (like some hardcore mopping or gardening). Hope everything averages out soon. Congrats on the new rental home :)

Lately, it's been going to the park and learning how to properly catch a ball. It's such a small thing but this Sunday I learned how to catch a pop-up. I felt so invincible. I can't wait to go back and pretending that it's the bottom of the 9th, 2 outs and the ball is going right towards me.

homemade pizza accompanied by a Victory Golden Monkey after a ruthlessly challenging bike ride on really technical, rocky trails.

Kim - I'm actually making dough today to enjoy some homemade pizza tomorrow!

I open up every single curtain and blind in our little apartment and force myself to soak up the sunlight (which is hard when all I want to do is crawl under the covers).

That, and well, getting a cupcake always helps too. :)

Reading. Lots of reading.

And ice cream.

Cleaning the house and being able to cross something off of the "to do" are my go-to's. Getting out for a long, loooooooong walk with the dogs on a new trail or in a new park is great, too.

And go for the kayaking! Hubs and I got in to it about 6 weeks ago and it is a blast. The rivers are getting a bit low now, so praying for rain and scouting out possible lake locations.....

Because I am a teacher AND a full time grad student, I usually get in a funk because I haven't had any creative outlets. So to get back to my natural rhythm, I crochet, journal, collage, put music mixes together, or go to a place that inspires me like a bookstore, craft store, or boutique. Sometimes I will even search for images that inspire me.

Amanda - I'm kind of the opposite! Because being creative is my job sometimes I want to zone out with a glass of wine and a season of Arrested Development (or some other show). OR I want to get into my body and go rock climbing, hiking, etc. It's why trekking Nepal was so good for my soul.

If you go kayaking you HAVE to bring me. That is all.

Mix up my workout a little bit and treat myself to some time with my girlies!

Ashley - Better yet! You organize it and I'll come along. :)

minimizing the load as best as possible, because i truly can't relax until it feels manageable. then dancing. not ballroom or jitterbug or a dance class. just putting on iTunes and dancing like a maniac non-stop. only rule is limbs must be flailing at all times. that works the funk out.

I generally know that when I get to a similar spot I need to focus on someone else. That includes baking for other people, mostly. I just get in my kitchen, get busy and get out.

Being outside/gardening also feed my crazy.

And when it's really tough and demanding - the deadlines or what others are asking of me or the pressure I put on myself, I run. Hard. And outside.

Feels like I have wings - always helps :)

I kayak on Lake O and I LOVE it! I totally recommend it, you can rent kayaks from the Route 66 boathouse easy peasy.

kayaking! Reason 200 I wish you and I lived closer! We can't wait to get our vessels out on the creek!

Working out is helping me a TON with stress and my over all mood. I want to add a make out session with the boyf, good call!

Running/spending timme at the gym are my best way to stay out of a funk, but when things get dark it calls for extra time at the gym.
Cleaning the house/doing laundry usually helps me feel more in control if that is the problem.
In case of the general blues, may not be very PC, but nothing beats lying in the tanning bed with my I-pod turned up loud, for just a brief moment I can pretend I am on a beach somewhere and let the ocean wash all my troubles away.

Running/spending timme at the gym are my best way to stay out of a funk, but when things get dark it calls for extra time at the gym.
Cleaning the house/doing laundry usually helps me feel more in control if that is the problem.
In case of the general blues, may not be very PC, but nothing beats lying in the tanning bed with my I-pod turned up loud, for just a brief moment I can pretend I am on a beach somewhere and let the ocean wash all my troubles away.

OKC Kayak (Western and NW 2nd) has social paddles about once a week on Lake Hefner. The guy who owns the place is a little nutty, but as his sister, I'm allowed to say things like that!

No. 8 - Is your brother named Dave?! I was just talking to a gym buddy last night about wanting to kayak and he told me to go to OKC Kayak and talk to Dave. He told me they're great people and lots of fun. I'm so intimidated though!

Yep, that's him! His wife's name is Casey, who coordinates the ladies' night "Ya Ya Something or Other Paddle." She's a total sweetheart.

Oh, and you'll probably be greeted by Henry, the rescued shop dog.

There's no need to be intimidated--they save the rapids for the type of people who like to go trekking through the Himalayas. Wait a minute...

No. 8 - I just realized you're my buddy from Bittersweet Design! Okay, I'm totally going to swing by OKC Kayak and say hi to Dave, Casey and Henry. :)

: D

Kayaking north up the river from Overholser is the best. Hefner can be difficult with the wake from boats. There are lots of muscats!

or muskrats...

I totally Googled muscats and thought we might be getting some grapes out of this kayak trip. ;)

i'm sorry you're in a funk but i just have to tell you how much i love these pictures. they remind me of taking long, thoughtful walks at my childhood home in the country.

Thanks, Vanessa! These were actually taken last weekend while on a short hike at my childhood stomping grounds.

When I'm in a funk, taking a long run through the neighborhood with my boxer and my pittie is the best therapy. The dogs are so joyful and the exercise feels so good.

However, if the weather is bad, sometimes I just drink a few glasses of wine and go to bed early! Healthy, I know.