I’ve found that in order to get anything done, I need to hold myself accountable for things. This goes for life and in work. If  I don’t track what I’m doing — I’m lost. And on top of that, nothing gets done. I’ve pulled up my list from a few moths ago and have tracked how I’m doing so far…. Here goes:

• Complete two Olympic distance Triathlons. I’ve signed up for one — June 30.
• Learn to sew (yes, I know this is quite lofty for me). Read an intro to sewing book and learned how to thread the machine. YES! I even made a nice little sunglass case for myself (which is actually cute, but not sewn straight at all).
• Get faster on my bike. Have not touched the bike since August – woops.
• Work on my core. Have started yoga again — which is totally helping with this.
• Do push ups (be able to do 30 without stopping). Need to get back on this horse…
• Do yoga regularly (once a week, at least). I have started yoga again and it’s amazing. I’m holding steady at every other week but joined a gym today so this should get easier from here on out!
• Start swimming again. I did a few great swims earlier this month and joined a gym today to try to keep it up! We’ll see — the Alcatraz swim is only two months away! EEK!
• Organize my random recipes. Not done at all. Just keep looking at them…
• Improve my Spanish. Yet another one I haven’t touched.
• Drink less coffee — one SMALLER cup per day (my usual cup is roughly 16 – 20 oz. Eek!). I have to admit that I am almost exclusively on DECAF now and I have noticed a big difference in the way I feel. Definitely excelling in this one!
• Organize my pictures on my computer. Will try to tackle this in Q2.
• Learn how to take better pictures. On my way… signed up for another photography class in the month of April. So excited to get started. I’ve also started taking pictures of our house projects, which has been… interesting.
• Read more and try to balance out one random girl fiction with something more “substantive” or educational.  :)  I’ve started to read Stumbling on Happiness, which is actually pretty interesting. It’s a slower read than my fiction but will hopefully be worth it!
• Read my Daily Om each morning (if you don’t have this book, I highly recommend it). I’ve combined this with daily quotes and sayings. Which has been fun. There are some great apps on the iPhone for this as well. 
• Take vitamins. Sort of…
• Journal again (at least three times per week). Yes, I’ve been doing this almost daily and it’s amazing. Such a release and great tool for my life.
• Give back to Purdue athletics – Boiler up! Nick and I are now proud members of the John Purdue Club! YES!
• Blog regularly (at least once per week) Sadly, this one is definitely lacking in commitment. I’m working on it but really need to do a better job here. I’m thinking I’ll focus here for the next few months to see if I can’t get into a better ‘pattern’ of things.

I’m actually surprised by this and am SO glad I checked in on this. I guess it’s been in the back of my mind, but I really wasn’t sure I was progressing at all. In a weird way, I think this may have even motivated me today.

Did you make any resolutions or goals this year? How are you tracking on yours?

Whew! I finally said (wrote it) out-loud!

Believe it or not, I have been extremely hesitant to share this tid bit with with the world.  I felt like I had to have a plan and become an expert before really telling anyone about it. I have finally realized, it’s all about the process in life (and that rarely are we experts at anything). I’ve also realized that I’m going to need people to support me through this wonderful new excursion in my life.

For a long time, I’ve been wanting to do something more with my life and career — really, I want to just do something that will help others. Over the course of the past few years, I’ve realized how much I love listening to people and love helping them solve their problems. For better or worse, I also like to share my candid advice and opinions on things — and that is something I think people can sometimes find helpful. I’ve also found that having a coach or another person in life to help guide you during times of transition or frustration — can be extremely powerful.

SO — After figuring all of that out. I’ve decided to go into professional coaching. I found a great program at UC Davis and for the past month or so, I’ve started taking classes to work toward a coaching certificate and to become a certified coach. 

And I LOVE it.

I’ll go more into details later about the classes and some of what we’re discovering as I figure it all out – but for now, let me answer a few questions that have already started to come up when I share this information with people.

You: “Erica, what is a coach and what does a coach do?”

Me: “In the simplest (and perhaps TOO simple) of terms, a coach is someone that helps a person identify what they want in life and helps them figure out how to achieve it. I’m still working on my definition, but that’s how I’m starting to think about it. There are also coaches that work with teams or groups within organizations that help them to be more efficient, improve communication, and help each individual on the team work together better to achieve a common goal.”

You: “So, is it sort of like therapy or counseling?”

Me: “I guess it SORT OF is in that you have someone listening to you, but it’s actually different. It’s not about looking into the past or getting ‘into your head,’ it’s about moving forward and finding your true potential in life. Discovering opportunities. And making it all happen.”

You: “Is that a scam?” (Very few people ask me this but, yes, I’ve been asked.)

Me: “No, it’s not. Most of us could use an uninvolved person in our life to help us out — whether it’s solving a problem, managing a career change or life transition, or just having an unbiased third-party in our lives to listen to us in great detail. That’s what I’m going to try to do. Also, please read this – I found it to be VERY informative.”

Now, here’s the fun part. As I am learning and practicing, I need some clients. Anyone interested?

Here’s the deal. We’re not committing to a long-term contract (unless you want to) and it’s all completely confidential. We can do it over the phone, Skype or in-person. Best of all — It’s FREE coaching for you. We can talk about whatever you want to and you can do it just once or a number of times — it’s all totally up to you!

If you’re interested – shoot me an email at erica dot cenci at gmail dot com. Or, you can text or Facebook/LinkedIn message me. Whatever works for you.

I’ll be sure to post updates on this regularly. I’m really excited about it and can’t wait to share it with you all!

Thanks for listening! More to come soon!

I’m pretty much overwhelmed when I think about all the wonderful people in my life. All of those that have been there through crazy times and the times when there really isn’t anything interesting going on at all.

I’m thankful for the people in my life.  I realized this weekend (definitely not for the first time) how truly amazing it is to have people support you in life. Regardless of what you are going through and if you aren’t going through anything at all. Having people in your life to laugh with, cry with, run with, shop with, watch TV with, eat with…it’s all so necessary. I’ve guess I’ve always known this, but it’s really nice to stop and think about it. And that’s what I’m doing today.

Here’s what I’ve got so far:

• Complete two Olympic distance Triathlons.
• Learn to sew (yes, I know this is quite lofty for me).
• Get faster on my bike.
• Work on my core.
• Do push ups (be able to do 30 without stopping).
• Do yoga regularly (once a week, at least).
• Start swimming again.
• Organize my random recipes.
• Improve my Spanish.
• Drink less coffee — one SMALLER cup per day (my usual cup is roughly 16 – 20 oz. Eek!).
• Organize my pictures on my computer.
• Learn how to take better pictures.
• Read more and try to balance out one random girl fiction with something more “substantive” or educational.  :)
• Read my Daily Om each morning (if you don’t have this book, I highly recommend it).
• Take vitamins.
• Journal again (at least three times per week).
• Give back to Purdue athletics – Boiler up!
• Blog regularly (at least once per week)

What do you think? I feel like it’s a bit long but decided that it’s a great place to start for the year!

Cheers to a happy, healthy 2013 for us all!

While this could just be another new year’s resolution (that I don’t keep), I’m hopeful it’s not and that I’m turing a new leaf with my resolutions in 2013. I miss blogging and I want to prioritize it this year (along with a hundred other things). It’s definitely one of my ‘outlets’ of expression.

Let’s recap 2012, shall we?!

2012 was a crazy one for us. We settled into our home in Vacaville,  CA only to relocate to a new (old-ish) home in Napa, CA — a city that we just LOVE now – and how could you not?!

Nick deployed for a few months and also completed some additional training in Alabama for two additional months.  I started coaching part-time for one of the local swim teams in Napa and I love it.  We also both completed our first-ever Olympic distance triathlon in Chicago together and also the Walnut Creek Half-Marathon. Nick was awesome at both and it was my very first time under 1 hour and 50 minutes for a half marathon — I was SO excited (1:45 to be exact – yes!). 

We also have had some great adventures in San Francisco and all over Northern California. From the coastal drives to Santa Cruz to Alcatraz and of course the finest wines in Napa and Sonoma Valley -it’s so nice to be back on the west coast again! I also must say that Penny just loves it here. There is just so much to explore and do!

With the move to our new home, also came the addition a number of little (and massive) projects. We’re going to start jointly blogging about these “homeowner projects” in the coming months. I think this will be a very fun couples activity – don’t you?!  We’re both also embarking on a few new adventures of our own this year, which I’ll also be blogging more about over the next few weeks. Sewing, photography and woodworking perhaps?!

It was a wonderful 2012 holiday season with friends and family and we were fortunate to ring in the New Year with two of San Francisco’s most wonderful people. I couldn’t have asked for anything more!

Now, we’re into 2013 and are ready explore what’s next for us.  Here’s to making 2013 the best yet!

Photo source: Food & Wine magazine/ foodandwine.com

Now that we’re back to cooking regular meals and have settled in to our new home, I thought it was about time to get back on top of my recipe posting. I noticed it’s been quite a while since my last recipe post.

Today’s recipe is a GOOD one. We’ve made it three times and every time it’s awesome.

The original recipe for Beer-Braised Tacos is from Food & Wine magazine. As usual, we altered it slightly to make it easier and to cater to two people. Other than that, we made very few changes as this recipe is simply great the way it is. The only minor down side is that the turkey has to ‘braise’ for about an hour – if you’re starving, this isn’t the recipe for you (or it can be you should just have some chips and salsa while you wait).

We made this with a side of black beans and a salad, which kept things pretty healthy. I think it would also be great with a fruit salsa, which we haven’t tried to make yet.

The ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Two 1-pound bone-in turkey thighs or drumsticks, skin and fat removed (We love the drumsticks, they work so well)
• Salt and pepper
• 4 large garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 onion, diced (you can also cut some for garnish as well)
• 1 oregano sprig
• 1 jalapeño—stemmed, seeded and sliced
• 1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
• 1 ancho chile—stemmed, seeded and chopped (we used the can of chipotle chile peppers in adobo sauce and used three since they are a lot smaller)
• One cinnamon stick
• One 12-ounce bottle Mexican dark beer (we used the Dos Equis Amber)
• 1 cup water
• Corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and cilantro sprigs, for serving (we also chopped tomatoes, onions and queso fresco cheese – So good!)

Decked for Fall.

I. Love. Fall.

And in northern California, this feeling is only enhanced.

It’s sunny here every day and this weekend…it’s going to be 80 degrees.

I can’t tell you how much this affects my outlook on a daily basis. I wake up each day thinking how wonderful the day is going to be. Which is weird, but good. Though, I will acknowledge that this might only be because we lived in one heck of a sucky place this last year.

Regardless of that, I’m happy. And I’m looking forward to the rest of fall. College football games. Pumpkin flavored everything (including seasonal Clif Bars). Harvest parties (someone in this area HAS to be having one). The leaves changing colors. Trick or Treaters. Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks (because we have one near us again). And of course Thanksgiving!

I’d also like to recommend that if you are feeling a bit blue (likely because the weather is just not as nice right now), decorate your house/apartment/room/bathroom/door/whatever in FALL decor. Leaves and fake pumpkins are all that you need (a really nice pumpkin candle will help too). It WILL make a difference.

And on that note… Happy Fall, Everyone!

I am one of those people that probably thinks about life a bit too much. I’m learning to deal with this fact because I realize it won’t be changing anytime soon.

Moving is tough. Establishing yourself in a new area is tough. Making new friends is tough. But it’s all a part of the lifestyle we live in the military.

I’m very happy to be starting this next chapter in our lives, but I’m also sad to have just left some great friends behind.

A good friend is hard to find. Throughout my life, I’ve met some wonderful people and have become great friends with a some strong, independent women. I learned that it takes a lot to recognize true companionship in another individual. And while there are tons of great people that surround you in your daily activities, there are few that IMPACT you in such a way that it will change you forever.

You know you’ve found one of these individuals when you can tell them virtually anything and know that they won’t judge you for who you truly are or when you accidentally put your foot in your mouth (among other things).

I’d like to say ‘THANK YOU’ to these women (and a few good men).

Whether you’re in Mississippi, Nebraska, Illinois, Washington, Kentucky, Indiana, California or some other place in the world. I’m fortunate to have you in my life–whether it’s in person or via Skype, postcard or phone.

I feel so lucky to have you all in my life and I hope you know that you’re the ones that help get me through all the crap and uncertainty that comes with it at times.

I kinda wish I could get you all in one big room together to give you each a hug (and have a few glasses of wine). I also hope you know that I’m here for you, always.

Now, enough with the mushiness–mom’s in town this week!! Time for some shopping and exploring!

We’ve been busy getting caught up on all the random crap that comes with moving. We’ve also started looking for houses. Something we can buy, live in and LOVE during our time here. I think we’ve narrowed down our locations to Napa, Benicia and Davis. They are all such cute towns and would be so much fun for us to live in. More to come on that later though.

A few things I’ve discovered and LIKE about California over the last few weeks?

• They recycle here. I love that. And, it’s nice to not have to pay a TON of money to do it!
• The weather is awesome everyday (at least so far!)
• The farmers market in Napa is just incredible. They also have an adorable year-round market called the Oxbow Public Market. Check out the link and if you come to town, I’ll take you there.
• There are Nugget Markets here. They are cute little grocery stores, similar to Whole Foods. I love shopping there. Everything is SO fresh and the wine selection is AMAZING!
• People use their blinkers while driving.
• There are little trails and bike lanes everywhere for running and biking. We’re actually about to purchase some road bikes too–I can’t wait.
• There are towns, wine bars, restaurants, shops, Starbucks and Red Robins everywhere! I LOVE THAT.

The last two weeks have been exhausting. I feel like I have been disconnected from the world entirely and that I also need a serious detox from fast food and sitting. While that was the easiest part of the move, it was tiring.

It was a very pretty drive across the country, though uneventful. I also must add that there is virtually nothing to look at in Nebraska or Wyoming.

Penny did well on the drive. She pretty much slept the entire time. And as you can imagine, she was waking up at all hours of the night while we were trying to sleep.

It was also fun to stop in St. Louis and Omaha to see friends and family! I’m so glad we did that!

Overall, it was a really nice trip.

Here are a few shots — the Great Salt Lake, a Morton’s Salt factory, Penny, Nick, Nebraska, Wyoming, a really sweet soda machine at Firehouse Subs, mountains, cotton fields and of course, a few other random shots.