We're All Just Dirty Hippies After All...no? maybe just me

Living in LA has completely changed my relationship with nature, and I know that's a cliche thing to say, but I'm seriously always doing outdoorsy activities. I go hiking at least once a week, yesterday I played tennis for the first time in over a year (and my forearm is wondering why I tortured it now), and I try to get to the beach whenever I can. Those of you who know me know that being outside has always been my "jam". When I lived in London I used to sit in a bathing suit on our rooftop in March (seriously...I know), I had to force myself to sit on the dock by the lake in college year-round (even though it was sometimes almost always snowy and -10º), and running along the East River last winter saved me from insanity. But this is different. It's socially acceptable and no one calls me crazy, because its warm enough (sometimes. I mean I'm wearing wool socks and a cashmere sweater on top of my regular sweater to sit on the porch right now, but you know.).

Last week, like I mentioned, I was in Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez Valley and went on quite the hike. We were the only people on the trail and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was talking very loudly after I saw the mountain lion/rattlesnake warning signs, but it was worth it. The top of the mountain (not very high, but right at sea level, so majestic nonetheless) was covered in caves (they are called the Gaviota Wind Caves, in case you want to Google) and you could climb in them and sit or, whatever you want, really, since there's no one else around except the lizards. We sat in the top cave where you could see the surrounding hills and the Pacific and it was one of the coolest things I've seen in awhile (and I've seen some cool things). I have better pictures, but the camera cord for that camera is MIA, so in the meantime:

In addition to all of the nature, life has been pretty full. I spend entirely too much time and energy worrying about this never-ending diet. Today I mostly just wondered how I could convince myself that it'd be okay to eat a croissant for breakfast (I didn't) or a bowl of cereal (I've gone two months without cereal, again, for those of you who know me, that's INSANE) or a bagel, or maybe just a gigantic slice of pizza. I had my first real, important audition yesterday, and I'm sure I won't get it, not because I'm negative, but because I'm realistic, but it's a great stepping stone. Other than that, it's just a lot of work trying to figure out what my life should be shaped like right now, and how to catch up on all of my moving expenses (yes, still).

I've noticed that there's a lot more of you reading than in the past, follow and show some real love, or give me some comments so I know who's out there! Show yourselves, folks! Let's be friends!

A