Egad!

It's August 29. Which means my cousin turns 40 today. And in 3 short months, so does my brother. How can that be?! I'm not old enough to have a big brother who's 40!

It's been a crazy last few weeks: busy working, playing, meeting friends (new and old), teaching and spending time with Nermal. She continually amazes me. And demonstrates just how much love can change someone. In four short years, she's gone from a scared-y cat to uber cuddler. Still chatty and is always game to play. And really good at knowing when to just sit and be. I've learned a lot from her.

And summer just wooshed by! I have a good feeling about fall, though. And I'm fully equipped with a new pack that will serve double duty: day pack in summer and avalanche gear pack in winter. This weekend is going to be awesome: I'm heading out to hike in the meadows that hide under the snow in my winter wonderland.

And that's what I know today.

Oh Friday, How I Love Thee!

I've worked some crazy overtime in the past two days. Good news is that my overtime bank is now full (for extra days off later this fall) and even though I have to get the rest paid out, it will just about pay for one of my Anusara Immersions! If the tax man doesn't take it all, that is.

I didn't get to bed till 3 last night, but I set an alarm for 7:30...can't miss my Friday yoga class (followed by coffee and chit-chat)! I woke up feeling really great at 7, so I got up and am just starting to feel the lack of sleep now.

Today's class was great--we worked on shoulder and skull loop and tried some neat things with headstand and forearm balance (ooh, my shoulders are tight!!). I'm stoked about the workshop next weekend with Desiree and am loving my practice lately. Immersing myself in yoga studies, asana practice and kula (community) has enriched my life in so many ways that I have a difficult time articulating it. All I know for sure is that the path I'm on is true and I treasure each moment along the way.

When I got home this afternoon (yes, class is from 9:30-11 but I didn't get home till 2), I made plans to hike with C. and some of her peeps tomorrow. This meant I had to plan a "summit sammie". Now, I realize that we're hiking to a lake (Rawson), not climbing a peak, but still. I hike better when I know there's good food at the end! Enter the muffaletta! It's HUGE, but is going to be oh, so good! There's the olive spread (with fresh oregano from my patio), ham and capicola (spicy!), provolone & mozza, roasted red, orange & yellow peppers, and roasted zuke & aubergine (sounds so much better than eggplant, dontchya think?). I hollowed out a loaf of sourdough (my Safeway didn't have any other crusty, round loaves) and loaded 'er up! It's now squishing (that's a technical term, by the way) in the fridge.

I had some leftover veggies and remembered the tasty salad I made for Julie's potluck in the spring. Of course, I had no green onions or cilantro, so I had to go back to Safeway. The end product was definitely worth it, though!

Black bean vinagrette + roasted veg + black beans = Deliciousness!

Now, I must finish this cup of herbal tea (cranberry apple zinger, if you're wondering) and get to bed. It's gonna be an early morning!

Healy Pass

18.7 km
1192 cal (I don't believe this at all--I had to adjust my hrm half way up (I know my heart rate was greater than 72 on the way up!) so it's probably more like 1800 cal)
4:41
9.36 km/h

620 m elevation gain

This photo doesn't even begin to do it justice! Iris took most of the photos, so once I get more I'll post them. The wildflowers in the meadows were in full bloom. The sun was shining. There was still snow up on the ridge...it was truly a sight to behold. It reminded me that I am a part of something much, much bigger.