I think I might have to officially change this to my yoga blog, because yoga is about to consume my life very quickly. (Harr, harr, I hear ya...it already has!) I've been assisting Tuesday night aerial classes since May. I help do adjustments, massages, and all around assistance to students in class, while the yoga studio owner teaches. It's given me a really good idea that I LOVE it. I've been wrestling with a long time now on if I wanted to try to teach yoga. This gave me the lightening bolt that I needed.
Last Friday, I signed up for a yoga teacher training certification, starting in September. I go for a week in September, and then I go for long weekends once a month until February. At the end of February, I'll be certified with my 200 hours of yoga teacher training. Around March, I'll take a week of aerial yoga teacher training, and then I'll be good to go!
I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. I suppose it's something that was weighing heavily on my mind. I'm scared to freaking death about jumping out of my comfort zone. I'm the wallflower who sits at the back of the class - not teaches it! Going away for a week, staying at a yoga place, eating almost-vegan meals all week, starting the day at 6 am by meditating for almost 2 hours, ending at 8 pm...I kid you not, this is the schedule and information I got from my registration confirmation emails. I keep thinking about that part in Eat Pray Love where Elizabeth Gilbert tries to meditate at the ashram, and what seems like an hour ends up only being one minute.
I'm relieved that a fellow yogi from the aerial yoga studio has signed up and will be going through this journey with me. It will be so much easier to have a friend!
The yoga studio owner had me end last night's class, by leading the three ohm's at the end of class. She gave me about 30 seconds prior notice (which I think is a really good thing). It took me about 7 - 10 seconds too long to find my voice and get the words going. But, for my first time doing it, it wasn't too painful.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Beautiful
The hopeless romantic in me absolutely loves this picture, and the story that goes with it.
Exclusive new photos of Vancouver's 'riot couple' show what happened before the kiss
Exclusive new photos of Vancouver's 'riot couple' show what happened before the kiss
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Aerial Photo Shoot
Well, the only people that follow my blog are also on Facebook. So you all have seen this already. But I thought I'd post anyways, for the future. Last Sunday, June 12, I took part in a photo shoot for The Yoga Studio in Campbell. It was normal yoga & aerial yoga postures. These pictures will be used for The Yoga Studio's website, marketing materials, and a mural.
It took a lot of branching out for me...I had to crawl out of my-super-shy-in-large-situations and I-hate-pictures-of-me shell. I ended up having a blast and enjoyed everyone that I met. Here are some highlights from the shoot. These pictures are raw/unedited.
I've started assisting the teacher with adjustments and massages on Tuesday nights at 7:30. It's giving me a good idea that I think I may want to get my teaching certification. Who wants to come play?
It took a lot of branching out for me...I had to crawl out of my-super-shy-in-large-situations and I-hate-pictures-of-me shell. I ended up having a blast and enjoyed everyone that I met. Here are some highlights from the shoot. These pictures are raw/unedited.
I've started assisting the teacher with adjustments and massages on Tuesday nights at 7:30. It's giving me a good idea that I think I may want to get my teaching certification. Who wants to come play?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Two Adorable Kiddie Videos
Both make my heart smile in different ways. The Star Wars one had me at "the shiny guy always worries" and "Obi Kanobi." The French one had me at "crocodille."
Star Wars according to a 3 year old:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBM854BTGL0&feature=share
Babe Hippo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17tRz8XDmKM&feature=player_embedded
Star Wars according to a 3 year old:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBM854BTGL0&feature=share
Babe Hippo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17tRz8XDmKM&feature=player_embedded
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Epilating
Wowee. My leg hair lately has been ca-raz-y. I don't know what it is, but it is driving.me.nuts. Waxing works really well, but waxing my legs is pretty much out of the question - there is absolutely no way I can let my leg hair grow out that long for that length of time. I probably would get an eye twitch and an ulcer from it. My 5-blade razor isn't up to snuff and I'm left wondering when I turned into an ape. And then I learned about epilating.
My friend Wikipedia describes epilating as follows: An epilator is an electrical device used to remove hair by mechanically grasping multiple hairs simultaneously and pulling them out [at the roots]. The way in which epilators pull out hair is similar to waxing, although unlike waxing, they do not remove cells from the epithelium of the epidermis.
What had me sold in my research was multiple reviews stating that it would work even if your leg hair was only a day long. Fast forward to last Thursday, when my epilator came in the mail (by the way, I LOVE YOU Amazon.com...40% off, no taxes and free shipping). Hearing that the first time is painful, especially if you have coarse hair (me = Italian), I took 2 shots of limoncello before trying it out. Just enough to feel a little warm inside. I found that it didn't hurt that much, but it sure as hell didn't feel good either. Ultimately, completely bearable.
Round 2 was tonight (your hair apparently goes in 3 cycles, so the first few times you have to do it every few days, which eventually turns into weeks). I decided that since it wasn't that bad, I'd brave it stone cold sober. Arg. 2/3 of a leg later, and I was at the freezer pulling the limoncello out. And let me tell you, it made a difference.
Hopefully, over the next few months, I can de-hair my legs without needing alcohol involved. (For those of you that choose not to resort to alcohol to get rid of the hair on your legs, I read that taking two Advil also works nicely). All that being said, my legs look so much better.
My friend Wikipedia describes epilating as follows: An epilator is an electrical device used to remove hair by mechanically grasping multiple hairs simultaneously and pulling them out [at the roots]. The way in which epilators pull out hair is similar to waxing, although unlike waxing, they do not remove cells from the epithelium of the epidermis.
What had me sold in my research was multiple reviews stating that it would work even if your leg hair was only a day long. Fast forward to last Thursday, when my epilator came in the mail (by the way, I LOVE YOU Amazon.com...40% off, no taxes and free shipping). Hearing that the first time is painful, especially if you have coarse hair (me = Italian), I took 2 shots of limoncello before trying it out. Just enough to feel a little warm inside. I found that it didn't hurt that much, but it sure as hell didn't feel good either. Ultimately, completely bearable.
Round 2 was tonight (your hair apparently goes in 3 cycles, so the first few times you have to do it every few days, which eventually turns into weeks). I decided that since it wasn't that bad, I'd brave it stone cold sober. Arg. 2/3 of a leg later, and I was at the freezer pulling the limoncello out. And let me tell you, it made a difference.
Hopefully, over the next few months, I can de-hair my legs without needing alcohol involved. (For those of you that choose not to resort to alcohol to get rid of the hair on your legs, I read that taking two Advil also works nicely). All that being said, my legs look so much better.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Crazies
I saw this article on People.com yesterday. All I can say is that she wasn't scared because Kasey is CRAZY?!?! At least she knows that he will guard and protect her heart. Not that I am a fan of hers...I really think she is a piece of work (not in a good way). They should be together. I hope they stay happy - just pleeeeease don't procreate.
Vienna Girardi is head over heels for her new beau Kasey Kahl, but admits she was nervous to be dating again after her highly publicized split from ex-fiancé Jake Pavelka.
The former Bachelor winner, 24, still has reservations about getting close to anyone, based on what she calls a "train-wreck" experience with her former love.
"Even opening up to Kasey, like, we were dating for a few months, but I didn't want it to go public because I wanted to make sure it was real," Girardi told PEOPLE this weekend at Reality Rocks Expo in L.A. "I am absolutely scared of the possibility of getting engaged again. It scares me 100 percent."
Luckily, Kahl is putting her at ease. "Kasey is genuinely a nice, caring, loving person, even when the cameras are off," Girardi says. "That's what makes the difference. When we're at home eating dinner or watching a movie, he's still that sweet charming guy that he is when we're out in public. I want someone who is going to love me unconditionally, all day every day – not just when other people are seeing it."
Kahl was equally hesitant at first about dating Girardi.
"I told myself I'd never date someone from the Bachelor franchise, but I met her, and everything went out the window," he says. "She's amazing. No matter what we've gone through, and no matter what she's gone through, I'm here now, and I will make sure she's the happiest girl ever."
Vienna Girardi 'Absolutely Scared' of Dating Kasey After Jake
Vienna Girardi and Kasey Kahl
Fame
Vienna Girardi is head over heels for her new beau Kasey Kahl, but admits she was nervous to be dating again after her highly publicized split from ex-fiancé Jake Pavelka.
The former Bachelor winner, 24, still has reservations about getting close to anyone, based on what she calls a "train-wreck" experience with her former love.
"Even opening up to Kasey, like, we were dating for a few months, but I didn't want it to go public because I wanted to make sure it was real," Girardi told PEOPLE this weekend at Reality Rocks Expo in L.A. "I am absolutely scared of the possibility of getting engaged again. It scares me 100 percent."
Luckily, Kahl is putting her at ease. "Kasey is genuinely a nice, caring, loving person, even when the cameras are off," Girardi says. "That's what makes the difference. When we're at home eating dinner or watching a movie, he's still that sweet charming guy that he is when we're out in public. I want someone who is going to love me unconditionally, all day every day – not just when other people are seeing it."
Kahl was equally hesitant at first about dating Girardi.
"I told myself I'd never date someone from the Bachelor franchise, but I met her, and everything went out the window," he says. "She's amazing. No matter what we've gone through, and no matter what she's gone through, I'm here now, and I will make sure she's the happiest girl ever."
Monday, April 11, 2011
Betty Crocker Rainbow Chip Frosting
I'm pretty sure the undocumented ingredient that Betty Crocker put in her Rainbow Chip Frosting is CRACK. I'm so addicted to the stuff. I keep it in the fridge and I will eat spoonfuls of it. Tonight I resolved to just throw the rest out. I took the container from the fridge and walked over to the trash. Instead of opening the cabinet door under the sink, my right hand involuntarily shot out to the right and took a spoon out of the drawer. Sigh. The Rainbow Chip Frosting is now back in the fridge...about 2 spoon scoops lighter.
In completely unrelated news, the doctor's last week showed that I have gained a couple pounds.
In completely unrelated news, the doctor's last week showed that I have gained a couple pounds.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Happy Birthday, Dad
You would have been 61 today. We're at your favorite spot, Avila Beach (which you affectionately used to call Avalon because you loved it so much), to spread some of your ashes. We'll make sure to eat some hash browns are your beloved Custom House. I think we're all having a hard time being here without you...there is a gaping hole.
I miss you so much. And I'm still pretty pissed at the universe that you had to die so young. Know that we're this weekend, this trip, is all about you. And you're still the best dad in the whole world. I'm still so proud of you.
I love you, from here to the moon and back.
I miss you so much. And I'm still pretty pissed at the universe that you had to die so young. Know that we're this weekend, this trip, is all about you. And you're still the best dad in the whole world. I'm still so proud of you.
I love you, from here to the moon and back.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Some Important Lessons
A couple notions have sunk into my brain today.
1) You can't get to where you need to be without knowing where you need to go.
My counselor asked me what would help me feel better. It dawned on me...how can I begin to get over all my complicated feelings when I don't even know what would make me feel better?
2) Sometimes you need to break open to heal or let love in.
A story told by my yoga teacher on her experience turning 30 in India. Related to my feelings of being "broken" for the last several months. Maybe I can take these feelings of being broken and give them a purpose.
Perhaps navigating through these gems will give me the ability to start healing.
1) You can't get to where you need to be without knowing where you need to go.
My counselor asked me what would help me feel better. It dawned on me...how can I begin to get over all my complicated feelings when I don't even know what would make me feel better?
2) Sometimes you need to break open to heal or let love in.
A story told by my yoga teacher on her experience turning 30 in India. Related to my feelings of being "broken" for the last several months. Maybe I can take these feelings of being broken and give them a purpose.
Perhaps navigating through these gems will give me the ability to start healing.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
gross.
Every once in a while, I think we as humans experience "movie moments." You know, one of those moments where you could swear you're in a scene of a movie. Or maybe even a chick lit novel. Such experience happened to me on Saturday night.
Ryan and I took a much needed quick weekend trip down to San Luis Obispo. We ate at our favorite Japanese restaurant down there on Saturday night. I'll give a disclaimer...I'm going to talk about some not-so-lady-like things in this post.
We waited for about 35 minutes (an eternity in SLO time for waiting for a table) - I checked with the front desk, and we still had 2 parties ahead of us. So, I decided to run to the bathroom (had to pee) - two single bathrooms upstairs (the only rooms upstairs) - one men's and one women's. I reached the top step and my cell phone started ringing - Ryan calling, to tell me our table was ready. I decided that hunger > needing to go potty, so I ran back down the steps and took a seat next to Ry at the sushi bar.
Fast forward past a delicious meal --> paying our bill. I could finally go to the bathroom. Bliss. Ryan decided he needed to, as well, and followed me upstairs. I tried the door handle - locked. A drunk girl on the other side said something to the effect of "Sorry! Hold on! I'm coming!" I can't really remember the correct words she used, but I'll tell you one thing. I HOPE I got it wrong. Here's why.
Wait a couple minutes, and the women's bathroom door opens (Ryan is still in line waiting for the men's). I have to PEE by now. The girl walks out of the bathroom...followed by a guy. OMFG. I think my eyes were the sizes of quarters. I'm standing in the doorway, and I'm mouthing to Ryan "what the f--- do I do?!?!" while waving my hands in the air. "What the f--- do I do Ryan?!?!" I hear the girl trip up on the second stair down, and I think the guy helps her (I can't see them around the corner). Well, crud. I close the door and look at the toilet seat. It's down. What the hell does that mean? Was she drunk and was he helping her? Or nookie? I can feel the cooties in the air.
Ok, I decided to go for it, albeit camping style. Wash my hands, get the hell out of dodge, and see Ryan still waiting for the men's bathroom. Don't know what homeboy in the men's bathroom was doing...is this booty call central? Ryan decides to give up. We get downstairs, and Ryan proceeds to tell me the conversation on the second step that I didn't hear:
Girl (loud whisper and giggle): "OH.MY.GOD. I didn't wash my hands!"
Guy: "Shh...don't worry about it. Just play it cool."
The icing on the cake? They turned in the direction of the dining room...to dine.
I'm super happy I carry hand sanitizer with me. I considered taking a scorching shower 30 minutes later. I told Ryan that if I get pregnant and have a completely white baby (not "hapa") (the guy was white) - it's from the toilet seat and I didn't cheat on him (yes, yes, I know that's not possible...)
Gross. Gross. Gross!
Ryan and I took a much needed quick weekend trip down to San Luis Obispo. We ate at our favorite Japanese restaurant down there on Saturday night. I'll give a disclaimer...I'm going to talk about some not-so-lady-like things in this post.
We waited for about 35 minutes (an eternity in SLO time for waiting for a table) - I checked with the front desk, and we still had 2 parties ahead of us. So, I decided to run to the bathroom (had to pee) - two single bathrooms upstairs (the only rooms upstairs) - one men's and one women's. I reached the top step and my cell phone started ringing - Ryan calling, to tell me our table was ready. I decided that hunger > needing to go potty, so I ran back down the steps and took a seat next to Ry at the sushi bar.
Fast forward past a delicious meal --> paying our bill. I could finally go to the bathroom. Bliss. Ryan decided he needed to, as well, and followed me upstairs. I tried the door handle - locked. A drunk girl on the other side said something to the effect of "Sorry! Hold on! I'm coming!" I can't really remember the correct words she used, but I'll tell you one thing. I HOPE I got it wrong. Here's why.
Wait a couple minutes, and the women's bathroom door opens (Ryan is still in line waiting for the men's). I have to PEE by now. The girl walks out of the bathroom...followed by a guy. OMFG. I think my eyes were the sizes of quarters. I'm standing in the doorway, and I'm mouthing to Ryan "what the f--- do I do?!?!" while waving my hands in the air. "What the f--- do I do Ryan?!?!" I hear the girl trip up on the second stair down, and I think the guy helps her (I can't see them around the corner). Well, crud. I close the door and look at the toilet seat. It's down. What the hell does that mean? Was she drunk and was he helping her? Or nookie? I can feel the cooties in the air.
Ok, I decided to go for it, albeit camping style. Wash my hands, get the hell out of dodge, and see Ryan still waiting for the men's bathroom. Don't know what homeboy in the men's bathroom was doing...is this booty call central? Ryan decides to give up. We get downstairs, and Ryan proceeds to tell me the conversation on the second step that I didn't hear:
Girl (loud whisper and giggle): "OH.MY.GOD. I didn't wash my hands!"
Guy: "Shh...don't worry about it. Just play it cool."
The icing on the cake? They turned in the direction of the dining room...to dine.
I'm super happy I carry hand sanitizer with me. I considered taking a scorching shower 30 minutes later. I told Ryan that if I get pregnant and have a completely white baby (not "hapa") (the guy was white) - it's from the toilet seat and I didn't cheat on him (yes, yes, I know that's not possible...)
Gross. Gross. Gross!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Maybe I Should Rename This "My Yoga Blog"
I've been incredibly horrible at blogging lately...on purpose. I'm still sassy and moody and all around grumpy. Anyone want to hang out with me? I'm super fun. Actually, I'm trying to not be such a downer inperson.
I've turned January into Yoga Gluttony Month, in which I've now been going to 3 yoga studios 5 - 6 times per week. Yesterday, I did a 4 hour aerial yoga workshop - and it was incredible. I am SORE today. Seriously SORE. I'll post pics when I get them.
A mini-dream come true happened when I got home from work tonight. I have a few yoga inspirations. My personal yoga teachers that have taught me so much and touched me so profoundly. And also a few "celebrity" ones, who I've never met but still make me want to aspire to become a better yogi. Once of which is Kathryn Budig. She's an amazing yogi who is phenomenal at arm balances (y'all know that those are my obsession). Just last night, I was trying to get Ryan to take a Santa Monica trip with me, so that I could attend one of her classes at YogaWorks down there.
SO. I get home from work today and I see that Kathryn's Facebook page has posted that she'll be teaching 3 classes at (one of) MY YOGA STUDIO(s) in February! You've got to be kidding me! I feel so excited and so lucky to have this opportunity. I'm signing up for those classes as soon as I can!
I've turned January into Yoga Gluttony Month, in which I've now been going to 3 yoga studios 5 - 6 times per week. Yesterday, I did a 4 hour aerial yoga workshop - and it was incredible. I am SORE today. Seriously SORE. I'll post pics when I get them.
A mini-dream come true happened when I got home from work tonight. I have a few yoga inspirations. My personal yoga teachers that have taught me so much and touched me so profoundly. And also a few "celebrity" ones, who I've never met but still make me want to aspire to become a better yogi. Once of which is Kathryn Budig. She's an amazing yogi who is phenomenal at arm balances (y'all know that those are my obsession). Just last night, I was trying to get Ryan to take a Santa Monica trip with me, so that I could attend one of her classes at YogaWorks down there.
SO. I get home from work today and I see that Kathryn's Facebook page has posted that she'll be teaching 3 classes at (one of) MY YOGA STUDIO(s) in February! You've got to be kidding me! I feel so excited and so lucky to have this opportunity. I'm signing up for those classes as soon as I can!
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