Monday, July 28, 2008

Fun in the Sun


I have Tuesday and Wednesday off from work and one of the (nice) people I work with invited me to go to Hershey Park on Wednesday in celebration of his birthday! I've not been to an amusement park in years, and I am a little unsure if my stomach will be able to handle the rides. This means a trip to the drug store to stock up on Dramamine before jumping in the car! I might fall asleep on one of the rides, but I think that's better than puking on someone I don't know all that well. Although, it would probably bring us closer! :)

Friday, July 25, 2008

Reunited!

Mr Mei and J came up last night and we met up today for lunch. Coming up the escalator at Union Station, anticipating the coo's and purr's from MM, I was wishing the people in front of me would just move! Atop the stairs, we ran toward one another in true humiliating fashion which was conveniently caught on video by J. Now I just have to figure out how to get my hands on that camera's delete button.

We enjoyed lunch at a nearby Irish pub joined by Nauru who is (always) inevitably late. We had a great time cooing, laughing and eating. Next we tromped over to MM's old stomping grounds of 8 years ago....awwww!

I had to get going to make it back to my metro stop and get changed for work. Boo! However, I have the whole day of tomorrow and will be venturing to the National Zoo with MM, J and Nauru followed by a BBQ. Should be a delightful day. I'm looking forward to actually spending time with Nauru--with conflicting schedules for the past two weeks it will be a luxury to have the entire day together!!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Disappointed in Down Dog

I've discovered that doing yoga truly makes me happy. A few people around here can attest to the fact that once I get home from a yoga class, I chatter on like a monkey in a tree. However, I am completely convinced that my happiness is directly related to the amount of yoga in which I participate. The past few days have been hard for me emotionally and I needed to do something positive to help remove me from the "samskara" I've run into. (A samskara is a Sanskrit term for "rut.")

I worked from 7-4 yesterday and then immediately left for Dupont Circle for the 5:15 Flow 1 class at Flow Yoga. This studio has received rave reviews from Yoga Journal, Washington City Paper, Body and Soul Magazine and various other sources. So I thought, "how can this be bad?" It was less than welcoming at the onset due to the door being locked and having to be buzzed in. Why would the door be locked at 5 pm? Whatever. Up the tiny purple staircase to the second floor where they have a small studio, registration desk, a few items for sale, and a waiting area. The space is cute and cramped but has won numerous awards and recognition for being green and sustainable.

Walking up the stairs one might be feel slightly clausterphobic but being up in the "public space" is so much worse. There was hardly room to turn around, let alone carry your yoga mat or remove your shoes in the appropriate location. The staff was friendly enough but not overly inviting or warm. I made my way to the Shiva studio which is on the same floor as the reception. There is a larger studio upstairs which I was anxious to see, but never made it up there.

Anyway, the class filled up with about 3 guys and 9 girls and then the instructor came in. I was disappointed from the start. She was less than friendly and brought in this aura of discontent and boredom. I understand that people have bad days and that perhaps that was her case, but if you're going to teach yoga, try to leave that stuff at the door. Try to remember why you're there and what your purpose really is. Class itself was fine. Nothing to really write home about, but it was good to be breathing intentionally and moving in a way that invigorates me. Class lasted only one hour and I was glad to be on my way to dinner.

One thing I have observed about the yoga community here in DC is the lack of community. I feel it's perceived as "the cool, trendy thing to do" and that's why most people are there. You're making a statement by walking down the street with your yoga mat casually strung across your shoulder or with the latest style of Be Present pants. And it's not the statement I am used to or the one I want to make! I think less and less of the participants here really care about the yoking of mind and body or the other positive side effects of this ancient practice.

Maybe I was spoiled beyond belief in SC (which I am learning that in many , many ways I was) by my yoga kula and other aspects of life. However, there was a real sense of community at City Yoga. I truly had the feeling that people genuinely cared about one another and the well-being of the entire cosmic oneness we share. Here it seems very isolated and impersonal, neglecting the power of unity. It is very DC. Everyone on their own path, not really caring or even considering how those paths might cross. It's very disappointing and unsettling to me. It's not what I believe yoga to be about.

So all that said, I am going to try yet ANOTHER yoga studio in DC. This one is closer to home, and I've read the testimonials so I have a smidgen of hope. By the time I find a yoga community I love, it will be time to leave DC. Oh well--I need to figure out something to keep me happy in the meantime.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Nada

Not much really going on, but thought I would just check in and say hello. I have been working a lot which is good, but at times I am rather sick of the place. I am working the early shift today (after being here until close to midnight last night) but luckily have the evening and tomorrow off. Tonight's festivities include mass at Holy Trinity in Georgetown and then it's off to the Uptown for a showing of The Dark Knight. Thrilling life I lead, n'est ce pas?

Although I must say I am rather excited about a certain visitor who is arriving on Friday!!! It will be so wonderful to have a familiar face around. Think I might try to convince my friend to go to the zoo with me on Saturday if he isn't too busy. :-) I haven't been to the National Zoo and the free admission and pandas are incentive enough for me. Hopefully it won't be in the upper 90s with 80% humidity. But who knows....

This is going to be one of those times where my readers ask "why in the world is she even writing anything? There is nothing interesting going on in her life." Well, there are a few things going on, but I probably shouldn't divulge all via the blog. Overall, things are going well despite a few pangs of homesickness here and there and feeling a little like a fish out of water at work occasionally.

I have learned a few things so far:
1) Australian accents are sexy.
2) DC is hot...Columbia hot.
3) I shouldn't make tofu anymore unless I am really sure it's fresh (bad food poisoning incident).
4) Savor each moment. The summer is passing far too quickly.
5) Don't check into a hotel and ask the front desk to babysit your cat. They just won't do it.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Great

So...this is my new neighborhood. Good thing I've got the mase handy at all times!

Daylight Shooting in Adams Morgan

Saturday, July 5, 2008

It's Time

It is a very dreary Saturday morning here in our nation's capital. I am debating whether or not to go over to work and workout for a bit and then do what I've been wanting to do since arriving in Washington: SHOP.

I think working out would be good however, my body is so sore from the previous five days of working out. Maybe I should take a break, let the muscles ease out of shock and just head for the mall.

I thought about going to Georgetown, but it's not nearly as wonderful to be shopping in Georgetown in the rain. So, in appreciation for Ma, I am heading to Pentagon City. Should be a good day.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

I Am Alive

So I have disappeared off the face of the blogger world, but my computer at home is acting extremely finicky and I'm really not supposed to be on here at work. Considering today has been the slowest day so far I've got some down time and just wanted to say hello.

Things are going quite well here for the most part. I have my good days and bad. Monday of this week was one of the worst days ever and I am happy to report that things have turned for the better since then. It's been a long week though and I am really looking forward to the weekend despite the rainy forecast. I will be working tomorrow, but I don't mind since I'll be getting holiday pay as well as a few hours overtime.

Weekend plans include shopping, cleaning, doing laundry, working out and maybe going to see Wall-E. Other than that, nothing much is going on but that's okay with me! Nauru comes back on Monday which is great too.

Sorry I don't have anything else really interesting to report. My friends at work are great and I've been out several times with them and had a really great time. It's been fun getting to know so many people from all over the world including Ethiopia, Kenya, China, Ireland and of course, the good ol' USA. I could listen to the two Irish people talk for ages--their accent is so incredible. And the one girl says "brilliant" about almost everything--I love it!!

Well, only a few more hours to go and then I am off to work out. One of the best perks of the job is access to the workout facility which is brand new and includes a sauna. I also found out the on-site massage therapist, Ingrid, only charges $45.00/hour. I'm definitely going to look into that!