One of my oldest, dearest friends had her first baby today!!! Layla Flynn was born in Lexington, KY at 1:50 p.m. She weighs in at 7 lbs 10 oz!!
Both Mom and baby are doing well!!!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Vegan Thanksgiving
I had my first "Tofurkey" tonight and it was rather yummy actually! After working in the morning (which was quite fantastic) I came home and helped make a delicious all-vegan Thanksgiving meal with my two roommates. It was so good--tofurkey, sweet potato casserole (with toasted macadamia nuts on top), green beans, stuffing (that I made, believe it or not), cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and salad. To finish it all off, Jen had a piece of her own delicious vegan pumpkin pie, while Juan and I shared our berry pie--he and I are not pumpkin pie eaters. I know, I know...we're weird and strange and somehow un-American or something. But I guess that's okay for him since he's not American anyway!
Off to bed after a nice relaxing bath...this has been one of the best Thanksgivings ever. Not to sound cold-hearted or unappreciative, but no family, no stress, no drama....purely divine! And I felt for the first time in a long time that I was with people on this holiday who genuinely wanted to be with me. Is there a greater feeling? I think not.
Off to bed after a nice relaxing bath...this has been one of the best Thanksgivings ever. Not to sound cold-hearted or unappreciative, but no family, no stress, no drama....purely divine! And I felt for the first time in a long time that I was with people on this holiday who genuinely wanted to be with me. Is there a greater feeling? I think not.
Monday, October 13, 2008
PUNKINS!!
Crossing my fingers to have Saturday off so I can participate in the much-anticipated Pumpkin Festival!!
Two years ago, there were over 30,000 jack-o-lanterns displayed! I can't wait to see it. And Jen told me that if we go late enough in the evening, they give away the jack-o-lanterns! Yea for free jack-o-lanterns!!!
Two years ago, there were over 30,000 jack-o-lanterns displayed! I can't wait to see it. And Jen told me that if we go late enough in the evening, they give away the jack-o-lanterns! Yea for free jack-o-lanterns!!!
New Beginnings
I made an observation earlier today that this particular time of the year is always quite emotional and transforming for me. Last year was a perfect storm of incidents that changed the trajectory of my life by decisions I made, for better or worse. This year I'm not so much making decisions but rather having them made for me, so to speak. Well, I do have a small choice of whether or not to fight in this particular situation, but I can't see what good it would do. Why waste energy on something you know won't happen? It's not that I am simply being pessimistic--I'm finally being realistic. I am finally waking up to how things are and coming to the "decision" of letting go. In this surrender, I hope to find strength even though right now all I can see is my own weakness.
So despite my brokenness, I vow to move forward and find the happiness that surrounds me here. This can be a much needed nudge back onto my yoga mat or encourage me to get over my fears and attend the Theology on Tap meeting Thursday night. I must learn to let go of the past, be present now, and look with hope to the future.
So despite my brokenness, I vow to move forward and find the happiness that surrounds me here. This can be a much needed nudge back onto my yoga mat or encourage me to get over my fears and attend the Theology on Tap meeting Thursday night. I must learn to let go of the past, be present now, and look with hope to the future.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Work Hard Now to Play Hard Later
That's been my motto this week and the only thing keeping me going is an upcoming friend's visit on Thursday. I've barely slept but it is all worth it. Tonight I have a little bit of time and I was excited to watch Bizarre Foods on Travel Channel, but it appears Jen has DVR'ed Nova's presentation of "Arctic Dinosaurs." Guess I will be getting a lesson in paleontology instead of watching some guy eat something that looks a lot like snot. I suppose I should embrace the opportunity to learn about something that I know very little about. But damn I wanted to see him eat some nasty stuff!
Tomorrow is another very very long day: up before 6, meetings, treatment, work, more meetings! WOO HOO! BUT--once the end of the day hits, I am almost there...almost to the point of having FUN and not worrying too much about everything else going on. Oh I am so excited!!!
Ahh....I almost forgot! A few weeks ago, I went to the Museum of Science and watched an IMAX presentation of "The Alps." It was about one man's desire to climb the threatening North Face of the Eiger--the same face upon which his father climbed his last. I am rather intimidated by IMAX theatres in general--don't know why really. It might be the rather slanty, tiny steps going up or the dramatic pitch that one is seated upon. Whatever it is, it gave me some sense as to the real height and feeling that one might have while mountain climbing and it provided me the insight to make this decision: there is no mountain climbing for me! Kilimanjaro is one thing--but Everest or Annapurna--no thank you! Clinging from teeny tiny rocks that you pray don't detach suddenly from the mother rock--not really my cup of tea. I like to think of myself as adventurous, but not in that way. Maybe if I'd started at a young age...but for now, I think I will keep my feet on the ground.
Speaking of Kilimanjaro: An ex-CIA agent died only 20 feet from the summit of the great African mountain on Sept. 19. Nauru passed on this piece of information hoping to deter me from setting this as my "Turning 30" goal. Not sure if it's worked yet or not...probably not, because I just can't come up with anything else that really says "DAMN IT I'M 30!!"
On another sad note, it's been exactly one month since Jim died. I still have mixed feelings about it and have only had a few nightmares to accompany these intense unfamiliar emotions. Saturday would have been my mom and Jim's 11th wedding anniversary. Please continue to pray for my mom--she's still quite a mess.
Well, I guess that's the report from the getting-colder-by-the-day Northeast! Probably won't be around much since tomorrow will be crazy and then my little buddy arrives Thursday morning! Whoop whoop! I imagine there will be LOTS of eating, drinking, walking, talking and partying this weekend! It's also B's birthday, so it is totally party time...and I am ready!
Tomorrow is another very very long day: up before 6, meetings, treatment, work, more meetings! WOO HOO! BUT--once the end of the day hits, I am almost there...almost to the point of having FUN and not worrying too much about everything else going on. Oh I am so excited!!!
Ahh....I almost forgot! A few weeks ago, I went to the Museum of Science and watched an IMAX presentation of "The Alps." It was about one man's desire to climb the threatening North Face of the Eiger--the same face upon which his father climbed his last. I am rather intimidated by IMAX theatres in general--don't know why really. It might be the rather slanty, tiny steps going up or the dramatic pitch that one is seated upon. Whatever it is, it gave me some sense as to the real height and feeling that one might have while mountain climbing and it provided me the insight to make this decision: there is no mountain climbing for me! Kilimanjaro is one thing--but Everest or Annapurna--no thank you! Clinging from teeny tiny rocks that you pray don't detach suddenly from the mother rock--not really my cup of tea. I like to think of myself as adventurous, but not in that way. Maybe if I'd started at a young age...but for now, I think I will keep my feet on the ground.
Speaking of Kilimanjaro: An ex-CIA agent died only 20 feet from the summit of the great African mountain on Sept. 19. Nauru passed on this piece of information hoping to deter me from setting this as my "Turning 30" goal. Not sure if it's worked yet or not...probably not, because I just can't come up with anything else that really says "DAMN IT I'M 30!!"
On another sad note, it's been exactly one month since Jim died. I still have mixed feelings about it and have only had a few nightmares to accompany these intense unfamiliar emotions. Saturday would have been my mom and Jim's 11th wedding anniversary. Please continue to pray for my mom--she's still quite a mess.
Well, I guess that's the report from the getting-colder-by-the-day Northeast! Probably won't be around much since tomorrow will be crazy and then my little buddy arrives Thursday morning! Whoop whoop! I imagine there will be LOTS of eating, drinking, walking, talking and partying this weekend! It's also B's birthday, so it is totally party time...and I am ready!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Friday Fun
One more week finished...whew! It's been a ridiculously crazy and busy week and I am glad it's almost over. Just finished with my class for the morning and now I'm headed to treatment. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? I assure you, it is not. However, it IS Friday so that is a good thing. No more treatment until Monday--feels like a mini-vacation.
After treatment it's back to the j-o-b for (more) paperwork. They are well aware of my complete situation and assured me I wouldn't be there too long today. So we'll see how they are at keeping promises! I'm also hopeful they won't ask me to come in tomorrow so I can perhaps make a trip to get some necessities for the new bedroom. Things like a bed, a dresser, a nightstand...you know, important things.
If I do have the day free tomorrow, one of my new roomies and I are going to have breakfast/brunch at this tiiiiiiiiiiny little place just a block away, Mike and Patty's. It looks really cute and from what I've heard the food is quite fresh and delicious.
AND tomorrow there is a book sale at the Boston Public Library which I would LOVE to peruse. So much I want and need to do, and I am beyond annoyed that I can't make any solid plans yet because I don't know what the work situation is going to be. Patience, patience, patience. I keep reminding myself (and having others help remind me as well) that everything will work out...just be patient, damn it!! :-)
After treatment it's back to the j-o-b for (more) paperwork. They are well aware of my complete situation and assured me I wouldn't be there too long today. So we'll see how they are at keeping promises! I'm also hopeful they won't ask me to come in tomorrow so I can perhaps make a trip to get some necessities for the new bedroom. Things like a bed, a dresser, a nightstand...you know, important things.
If I do have the day free tomorrow, one of my new roomies and I are going to have breakfast/brunch at this tiiiiiiiiiiny little place just a block away, Mike and Patty's. It looks really cute and from what I've heard the food is quite fresh and delicious.
AND tomorrow there is a book sale at the Boston Public Library which I would LOVE to peruse. So much I want and need to do, and I am beyond annoyed that I can't make any solid plans yet because I don't know what the work situation is going to be. Patience, patience, patience. I keep reminding myself (and having others help remind me as well) that everything will work out...just be patient, damn it!! :-)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
First Night...
I'm in my new apartment!! It was really sad when L & B finished helping me move my fourteen boxes to my room and then turned to walk out the door! You would have thought we'd never see each other again the way we acted! :) It was so great staying with them and I know that having my own room and them regaining control of their living room are good things, but we had so much fun. I haven't laughed so continuously in a long time....the laughter felt good.
So tonight I barely did anything to make the room feel like "home." I have major purchases to make in the upcoming week (like a bed, a dresser, etc) and can't wait to search through the Scandanavian Designs (which are really smart solutions for small spaces!) next weekend. I have a lot to do, but don't feel the need to have it "perfect" by tomorrow.
I'm quite exhausted, so I think I am going to hit the hay. Tomorrow is a private yoga practice with Elizabeth which I am quite excited about. I'm anxious to enrich and deepen my practice in every way possible. I think it will be a good afternoon.
Well, I am off to bed!
So tonight I barely did anything to make the room feel like "home." I have major purchases to make in the upcoming week (like a bed, a dresser, etc) and can't wait to search through the Scandanavian Designs (which are really smart solutions for small spaces!) next weekend. I have a lot to do, but don't feel the need to have it "perfect" by tomorrow.
I'm quite exhausted, so I think I am going to hit the hay. Tomorrow is a private yoga practice with Elizabeth which I am quite excited about. I'm anxious to enrich and deepen my practice in every way possible. I think it will be a good afternoon.
Well, I am off to bed!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Can I Get a WHOOP WHOOP
So things are starting to turn for the better here in good ol' Beantown. Not that they were ever bad or that I once thought about leaving...but I am very happy to report that I found a job and also a fantastic, fabulous, awesome apartment! I will be working with a hotel chain that I hope will be a little more welcoming and a better fit than the last one--but I can't imagine to be any worse!
So I will be living with two people and they are both so awesome--one guy and one girl. (Don't worry, I've already had this "approved" by HD!) The apartment is in the Back Bay area of town and about four blocks away from the Public Gardens and Boston Common. It's an incredibly cute brownstone with a rooftop terrace boasting splendid views of downtown Boston. It's a three-block walk from work, three blocks from the T, and about a five minute walk from pubs and restaurants. On the train, it's about 25 minutes to Cambridge, not bad at all!
In addition to those two wonderful pieces of the puzzle, I am settling in quite nicely at a yoga studio in Cambridge, Karma, which offers an Anusara class seven times a week. The minute I stepped onto my mat I felt at home. And this is a TRUE Anusara class complete with chanting the invocation at the beginning! Simply incredible.
Not once did I feel this sort of peace in DC. Even in the few weeks I've been here, I've never felt alone in spite of knowing fewer people. Walking around this city I feel as if I am a part of it and this is where I am truly meant to be.
And I must say that is the BEST THING ON EARTH to be back with the best girlfriend a girl could ever ask for. Staying with her it's been like the summer after our sophomore year all over again, minus the South Americans, the too-strong margaritas and the Tuna Helper! While our time together hasn't been as ridiculous and crazy as before (or as detrimental to our waistlines), it's been better than I ever could have imagined. I am so grateful for her friendship, as well as that of her beau, and I love them both so very much. Being back in the same city is AWESOME!
Tomorrow is FRIII-DAAAY (thank you M!) and I'm ready for the weekend. I'm thinking it's going to be one helluva time.
(OH! AND the best part of my day was finding out that one of my favorite people on the planet is coming to visit in just three weeks!! YAY!!!!!)
So I will be living with two people and they are both so awesome--one guy and one girl. (Don't worry, I've already had this "approved" by HD!) The apartment is in the Back Bay area of town and about four blocks away from the Public Gardens and Boston Common. It's an incredibly cute brownstone with a rooftop terrace boasting splendid views of downtown Boston. It's a three-block walk from work, three blocks from the T, and about a five minute walk from pubs and restaurants. On the train, it's about 25 minutes to Cambridge, not bad at all!
In addition to those two wonderful pieces of the puzzle, I am settling in quite nicely at a yoga studio in Cambridge, Karma, which offers an Anusara class seven times a week. The minute I stepped onto my mat I felt at home. And this is a TRUE Anusara class complete with chanting the invocation at the beginning! Simply incredible.
Not once did I feel this sort of peace in DC. Even in the few weeks I've been here, I've never felt alone in spite of knowing fewer people. Walking around this city I feel as if I am a part of it and this is where I am truly meant to be.
And I must say that is the BEST THING ON EARTH to be back with the best girlfriend a girl could ever ask for. Staying with her it's been like the summer after our sophomore year all over again, minus the South Americans, the too-strong margaritas and the Tuna Helper! While our time together hasn't been as ridiculous and crazy as before (or as detrimental to our waistlines), it's been better than I ever could have imagined. I am so grateful for her friendship, as well as that of her beau, and I love them both so very much. Being back in the same city is AWESOME!
Tomorrow is FRIII-DAAAY (thank you M!) and I'm ready for the weekend. I'm thinking it's going to be one helluva time.
(OH! AND the best part of my day was finding out that one of my favorite people on the planet is coming to visit in just three weeks!! YAY!!!!!)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Yogis Unite!
This is a message from one of my new yoga instructors:
**
I am offering all the proceeds of ALL of my yoga classes for the rest of September to the Obama Campaign. As lovers of Peace in Action, and as workers for Social Justice, we must rock this vote and elect Obama. There is, simply, no time to waste. Please come to class, (see website address with schedule below) talk to your friends and neighbors, campaign in your communities and in other regions, go to Move On.org gatherings, make phone calls, spread the truth about Sarah Palin...we cannot be silent, thinking our words and actions don't matter. They do, more than ever.
In Peace, for Justice, for Obama,
Elizabeth
-- for Wisdom, the Earth, Peace & POSSIBILITY, vote OBAMA!
http://www.steepedingrace.com/
**
I am offering all the proceeds of ALL of my yoga classes for the rest of September to the Obama Campaign. As lovers of Peace in Action, and as workers for Social Justice, we must rock this vote and elect Obama. There is, simply, no time to waste. Please come to class, (see website address with schedule below) talk to your friends and neighbors, campaign in your communities and in other regions, go to Move On.org gatherings, make phone calls, spread the truth about Sarah Palin...we cannot be silent, thinking our words and actions don't matter. They do, more than ever.
In Peace, for Justice, for Obama,
Elizabeth
-- for Wisdom, the Earth, Peace & POSSIBILITY, vote OBAMA!
http://www.steepedingrace.com/
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Welcome to the North!
Got up this morning and it's 57 degrees...
That may not sound cold to you, but for me that is a wee bit chilly. I think it's safe to say once I find a place to live I can safely put away those shorts and t-shirts for quite awhile. Ugh...now to find an apartment! Wish me luck!!
That may not sound cold to you, but for me that is a wee bit chilly. I think it's safe to say once I find a place to live I can safely put away those shorts and t-shirts for quite awhile. Ugh...now to find an apartment! Wish me luck!!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
R.I.P
I came to Lexington, KY on Friday afternoon for a friend's wedding only to get a panicked phone call from my mom while I was waiting in the airport. My step-father has been ill for awhile and his condition worsened over the past week without him or my mom really knowing. Friday morning he was seriously ill and had to be taken to the hospital.
His heart failed and he slipped into a deep coma early Friday morning and he continued to rapidly deteriorate thereafter. My mom called me yesterday afternoon to tell me that Jim had passed at 2:15 p.m.
It's been one of the hardest weekends of my life--trying to balance the happiness of a friend's wedding and the pain of losing someone. Although Jim and I certainly had our differences, I never hated him as a person and it makes me sad to know that my mom is hurting so deeply. She's the strongest person I know and I have confidence she will get through all of this with so much grace. Right now she's okay--but what can you really expect?
So I ask for prayers of strength and peace for my mom, mainly. Thank God for my grandfather who has been here through it all and is the rock of the family. Without him, we'd all be a little more lost. We've made arrangements for a small service and gathering of friends and family for Tuesday night here in Lexington, which is what mom wanted--nothing fancy, nothing formal--just friends getting together to celebrate Jim's life.
I pray for the repose of Jim's soul and that he may be in heaven free from pain.
R.I.P. I love you.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Visting for a Bit
I'm back in Columbia for a short time visiting some friends and finalizing my moving arrangements. I'm happy to be spending time with friends and relaxing before things really take off and I hardly have time to sleep. I'm really excited about next week and am ready for a sense of putting roots down and feeling a bit more grounded. With my vata dosha, being so transitory isn't beneficial to my well-being. In attempt to reconcile my doshic imbalance, I am headed to yoga tomorrow morning with my wonderful, beautiful instructor who I cannot wait to see!
I thought I would have a larger sense of "home" when I arrived in town last night, but having no apartment and no job here really dispelled that feeling immediately. There are parts of this town that I do miss significantly, but I've woken up today to the fact that this is just not the place for me anymore. And the friendships that are the most precious to me will survive the distance and perhaps even flourish because of it--I've had it happen before, so who knows.
My soul is very conflicted, confused, restless now. All I can do is breathe and pray and utter that small but powerful mantra, "Jesus, I trust You."
I thought I would have a larger sense of "home" when I arrived in town last night, but having no apartment and no job here really dispelled that feeling immediately. There are parts of this town that I do miss significantly, but I've woken up today to the fact that this is just not the place for me anymore. And the friendships that are the most precious to me will survive the distance and perhaps even flourish because of it--I've had it happen before, so who knows.
My soul is very conflicted, confused, restless now. All I can do is breathe and pray and utter that small but powerful mantra, "Jesus, I trust You."
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Bukowski's and the Beach
I haven't posted for a bit because I had such a wonderful, fabulous AMAZING time in Boston that I didn't have too much extra time and not much else has really happened since then that's interesting.
Boston was incredible--from the sights, eats, and friends--I never wanted to leave. Luckily I will be back there in just about three weeks, so life is good (in that respect)! I am so anxious to leave DC and start a whole new life in a city that I really love. Although there are a few stressors involved (e.g. finding a place to live) I'm sure it will all work out...somehow. The week was so much fun and it was refreshing and uplifting to see two of the most wonderful people in the world. I needed that more than I can say! So thanks again for putting me up (or putting up with me), I had the greatest three days of my summer. We spent our time catching up, eating (try the chili dogs at Bukowskis), drinking a few (pink) pints and doing some of the touristy stuff. And just so you know, B, I had another pink pint while at the beach...this one is what they called a "Dirty Ho." It's a Hooegarden with a shot of the Lambic's Framboise...mmmm....tasty!!!!!! I highly recommend it despite its rather girlish pigmentation.
Back to DC on Friday night for dinner with Nauru at a wonderful Lebanese place just down the street. The lamb kabob was to die for! To bed early Friday evening in preparation for a long day at the beach with friends.
Having never been to a beach north of oh, Wilmington, NC, I was in for a big surprise. The water is FREEZING UP HERE! We drove four hours, sat in traffic for most of that, to get to an overcrowded, touristy beach in Delaware. The day was perfect though, not a cloud in the sky and the sometimes-a-blessing, sometimes-a-curse wind from the ocean blowing just enough. We found a spot and then ventured into the water. The waves were huge and a lot of fun and it was enjoyable to sit and relax on a beach and do a lot of nothing.
Now that I am back in DC for the next two weeks or so, I have to start making moving arrangements, travel plans and start that wonderful packing process once again. I can't believe how quickly the summer has passed! For many reasons, it will be bittersweet to leave here, but ultimately the best thing for me. I'm looking forward to starting anew and building something out of nothing. And believe me, right now I have nothing and I expect to have even less by the time I leave for Boston. Though the pain will be real, it is inevitable and ultimately for the best.
Alrighty, off to Mass!!
Boston was incredible--from the sights, eats, and friends--I never wanted to leave. Luckily I will be back there in just about three weeks, so life is good (in that respect)! I am so anxious to leave DC and start a whole new life in a city that I really love. Although there are a few stressors involved (e.g. finding a place to live) I'm sure it will all work out...somehow. The week was so much fun and it was refreshing and uplifting to see two of the most wonderful people in the world. I needed that more than I can say! So thanks again for putting me up (or putting up with me), I had the greatest three days of my summer. We spent our time catching up, eating (try the chili dogs at Bukowskis), drinking a few (pink) pints and doing some of the touristy stuff. And just so you know, B, I had another pink pint while at the beach...this one is what they called a "Dirty Ho." It's a Hooegarden with a shot of the Lambic's Framboise...mmmm....tasty!!!!!! I highly recommend it despite its rather girlish pigmentation.
Back to DC on Friday night for dinner with Nauru at a wonderful Lebanese place just down the street. The lamb kabob was to die for! To bed early Friday evening in preparation for a long day at the beach with friends.
Having never been to a beach north of oh, Wilmington, NC, I was in for a big surprise. The water is FREEZING UP HERE! We drove four hours, sat in traffic for most of that, to get to an overcrowded, touristy beach in Delaware. The day was perfect though, not a cloud in the sky and the sometimes-a-blessing, sometimes-a-curse wind from the ocean blowing just enough. We found a spot and then ventured into the water. The waves were huge and a lot of fun and it was enjoyable to sit and relax on a beach and do a lot of nothing.
Now that I am back in DC for the next two weeks or so, I have to start making moving arrangements, travel plans and start that wonderful packing process once again. I can't believe how quickly the summer has passed! For many reasons, it will be bittersweet to leave here, but ultimately the best thing for me. I'm looking forward to starting anew and building something out of nothing. And believe me, right now I have nothing and I expect to have even less by the time I leave for Boston. Though the pain will be real, it is inevitable and ultimately for the best.
Alrighty, off to Mass!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Beantown Bound!
Only 6 more hours of work (approximately) and then I have 5 glorious days off and a trip to Boston!!! I am so excited to be getting out of DC for a bit and spend time with one of my absolute best friends and favorite people on Earth!
After the escape to Cambridge/Boston, it's back to DC for Friday night then Nauru and some friends are taking me to the beautiful beaches of Delaware!! I've never been to a beach north of Wilmington, North Carolina, so this should be fantastic.
After the escape to Cambridge/Boston, it's back to DC for Friday night then Nauru and some friends are taking me to the beautiful beaches of Delaware!! I've never been to a beach north of Wilmington, North Carolina, so this should be fantastic.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Nada
Not much is going on in my world. Didn't go to Hershey Park last week due to some "miscommunication" between parties. So I spent the day at the National Gallery of Art and had a really wonderful time with Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and a few of my other favorites. I had never been and it was a good idea to do something different and expand my world a bit more. This week with a day off, I plan to kayak on the Potomac. Again, something I wouldn't normally do but I feel I should take advantage of this city as my days are dwindling.
Speaking of time winding down, I have about 27 days left here (well, if you count next week's trip to Beantown then I only have 24 days left). I have mixed feelings for leaving for various reasons, but for the most part I am ready. 24 days is nothing. I can do that standing on my head. I can't believe the summer is already almost over. Time flies when you're 27.
Speaking of time winding down, I have about 27 days left here (well, if you count next week's trip to Beantown then I only have 24 days left). I have mixed feelings for leaving for various reasons, but for the most part I am ready. 24 days is nothing. I can do that standing on my head. I can't believe the summer is already almost over. Time flies when you're 27.
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!!
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.
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.
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