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!

Friday Wrap-up

What a week!

I worked four days this week and put in overtime every.single.night. Anywhere from an hour to 4.25. Sheesh! I'm a little tired and bleary eyed.

Good news, my cousin is driving to the family picnic tomorrow, so instead of being up and on a bus by 0830h, I don't have to get up until then. He's picking me up at 0930h and we'll hit the road. We've been playing phone tag--I haven't actually seen him since we went skiing for his birthday on April Fool's Day. Where has this year gone already?!

With that, I'd better hit the hay. I only got one run in this week, so if I wake up early, I'd like to go for a quick one before we leave. If not, I'm taking my ball glove, a fast ball, a soft ball, a football and a volleyball. There will be activity to be had!

Before work this afternoon, I had a quick yoga practice (obviously, these are not photos of me!):

Salamba sarvangasana (shoulder stand, Mother of all asanas)


Halasana (plow pose)

Source

Sirsasana II (tripod headstand, king of all asanas)

Source

Anantasana

Source

I felt great afterwards!

Easter Sunday Reflections

As a kid, we spent every Easter at our friend's place in Eastern Alberta. Our cows were calving and spring was (usually) in the air.

The Easter Bunny always hid jelly beans and eggs (always check your shoes before putting them on) and brought us a chocolate bunny.

The rest of the day was spent like this:



It's a tradition I miss, but that's being carried on. My niece and nephew get a new kite from the Easter bunny, just like we did. Hmmm...how come I bought their kites and forgot mine?

Not a very exciting weekend. I'm still fighting with a cough and congestion, but I'm quite sure I'll live. I'm trying to convince my co-worker that we should go skiing tomorrow as the last day of the season (the mountain doesn't actually close till May long weekend, though!). Went to a house party yesterday (cleverly disguised as a wedding shower) were there was good wine, good food, and good company. I have to work this afternoon so I should go and enjoy the sunshine while I can!

Just Another Manic Monday

Oy.

Went to bed late, woke up waaaaay too early (3:30), trudged to work in snow and nearly wiped out on the ice. Hoped work wouldn't be too busy--my cold from the weekend reared its ugly head again--but alas, it was not to be. Didn't make it to yoga (hacking up a lung and sneezing all over one's yoga students is not ideal) but lounged on the couch with Nerm watching a movie (Zoolander).

Like Derek Zoolander, I struggle with turning left (only while skiing, not on a catwalk). My friends thought I needed to see it so that I'd know I'm not the only one. I will never get those 89 minutes of my life back.

Now I'm going to soak in the tub with a book and hope Tuesday arrives at the more civilized hour of 6:00.

Oh, the yoga retreat was AMAZING. Did lots of really bendy stuff with plenty of introspection on the goddess Saraswati. I'm also registered for the next one at the end of April. =)

New Year!

Happy birthday to me! The last week has been pretty crazy, there's been lots going on. Most of it good, which is even better!

Celebrated my birthday by spending the day with my mom, having my annual doctor's appointment, shopping at Costco, knitting (on the bus to & from Red Deer) and then spending the evening with my cousin and her hubby.

Had a bit of a damper by the ex who felt my birthday was a great day to tell me his mom had died and here's the funeral details. Yeeesh. I responded with a polite, condolence filled email message. And I'm not going to the funeral. I struggled with that one, but what can you do. I don't want him in my life, even as a friend. I do feel incredibly sad that he had no one to tell about his mom, other than me.

Anyway, since then I've been working like mad (people are sick, machines are broken and that means overtime!). Last night we had our book club (clever disguise for eat, drink and be merry) and I got home around 4 this morning. My head hurts, but man, we had fun and some tasty wine!

Better get moving, I have to work in a few hours and I'm in no shape to do anything of the sort yet!

Wedding Showers

Are typically not my thing. Toilet paper dresses, silly games and that ribbon hat just don't work for me. Thankfully, they also don't work for my co-worker, Holly, either! What did we do instead?

A few of us gathered early this afternoon (after I ran 9K to mitigate some of the damage I knew would ensue) to make her thank you cards. We drank some wine, had some snacks, listened to some great tunes and made the most amazing cards. Of course, my camera is still on the fritz and I've yet to take it to a professional to look at, so Holly and Nik have the only photographic evidence of our labours. Lemme just say, we're pretty crafty! And wine makes us even better!

Around 5:30, the rest of the work gang arrived with their potluck goodies in hand. The spread was amazing! We ate some more, drank some more, laughed, cried, and laughed again.

Now that's my kind of wedding shower!

Knackered

That's me.

I had a pretty good day skiing on Wednesday, but the visibility sucked. It snowed all day and you couldn't see anything above the tree line. I went up the Angel chair 'cause I heard the snow was pretty good up there. When you have no depth perception, you also have no speed perception! Before I knew it, I was almost hurtling down a black run I knew I didn't want to go down, but I could have sworn I was hardly moving. Verrrrry disconcerting!

But I had a blast in the trees! I wasn't brave enough to tackle the bumps on Standish without my friends, but I made it all day without a wipe out. I also didn't head over to Goat's Eye because the visibility was so bad, which made me kind of sad. I really wanted to play in the great powder!!

Worked Thursday. Boo. I wanted to be skiing (did I mention it snowed all day on Wednesday?!)!

Yesterday was one of those days!
1. Co-worker calls in sick. I cover their bench. No biggie, since we anticipated they'd be sick since they left early on Thursday.

2. Different co-worker has meltdown for seemingly no reason. Turns out she's completely misconstrued comments made about planning workflow (see #1, above) and seethes for an hour before melting down.

3. Ready for beer/wings/wine/nachos & cheese by 0830h.

4. Do work left from evening shift (again, no biggie, I had the time, but somewhat annoying, nonetheless).

5. Two co-workers call in sick for evening shift. I offer to stay late if I'm needed. Start testing early to help ease workload.

6. Discrepancy in previous results and current results. This is a BIG deal where I work. All kinds of conference calls get made by the big-wigs (not just my bosses, but their bosses and their bosses' bosses). I'm trained to do the investigative side of this kind of thing, so I'm now staying late to do that...

Anyhoo...yesterday was a long day! 0700-2040h. Did I mention that most of my work is standing? (well, it's either that or sitting at really ergonomically not good work stations--either way, it's not kind to your body). Yeah, physically, mentally and emotionally drained. And I got to go back this morning for more...

But today ROCKED! No big plans for tonight other than Corrie, yoga, knitting, and a soak in the tub. I haven't decided what to make for dinner though...I should get on that since lunch was awhile ago.

Tomorrow I'm going for a run then to work. And I'd love to sleep in....like maybe till 7!

Happy weekend!

What I've Been Up To...

Jan. 27: Went for a run, went to work

Jan. 28: Yoga, coffee with yoga friends, went to work, then Brewsters for a few (and hot wings and nachos) after work

Jan. 29: Slept in (see Jan. 28, above. I'm too old to stay out past 1 a.m.!), went to yoga, went to Farmer's Market, went bowling

Today (Jan. 30): SKIING! I went with a co-worker, her boyfriend, and my yogi friend, Carole. It was cold, but no wind (until you got to the very top). There was LOTS of snow which made the day fabulous. Because it was cold, the snow was kind of slow and sticky (you know it's bad when I say it's too slow. Yes, me, the one who needs to embrace speed more!). But I shredded slopes I've never done before and many of them were labeled with a black diamond instead of the safe, blue square. I only bit it once (unless you count the wipeout on the slippery bathroom floor, then it was twice) but the powder softens the landing. I found myself in the trees more than once (not always on purpose, either) but managed to swoosh my way down to the bottom. Skiing with these guys pushed me past my comfort zone and I liked it!!

I'm also now on Day 7 of my meditation challenge. I love it!!

Must go soak this tired body now and hit the hay. I have to work in the morning, then teach yoga tomorrow night.

Happy Weekend!

Not Much Going on Here...

I work this weekend. Boo.

But I am going to a soiree this evening where I will only know the guest of honour...which means a fabulous opportunity to meet new people!

And tomorrow, Farmer's Market (more soup!), then work. Maybe a run, depends on how early I get up.

And Monday: SNOW DAY!! Again.

=)

Whoo hoo!

I heart Fridays! Why, you ask? Let me count the ways!

1. Yoga with Judy, followed by coffee at Starbucks. Is there any better way to start a weekend?

2. Scale was down 3.8 from last week!

3. Coffee with my cousin that I haven't seen for over a year, but we catch up on Facebook every once in awhile. It's just good to reconnect in person, ya know?

4. Knitting! I'm almost done the scarf I started in October (I worked on it last night) and I'm almost ready to tackle the next project: a matching toque. I need to learn some new skills though, namely knitting in the round. I foresee a visit to my local yarn store!

5. I don't have to be back at work till 0700h next Thursday! There will be skiing. There will be yoga. There will be coffee. There will be knitting. There will be Farmer's Market. There will be other things that aren't quite as fun, but still need to be done (taxes, thank you cards, a funeral, Belated Happy Holiday cards, laundry, you know the drill).

Happy Friday!

Flyin' by!

Time, that is! I had a lovely jammie day with Nerm on Sunday, worked then taught yoga yesterday and worked, then went to my Course in Miracles group tonight. Did I mention that I've been up since 4? Oh, and there was a yoga practice in there each day, too!

Must get some zzzzz's soon, though!

2011--The Year of Awesomeness

This post was totally inspired by my yoga class this morning with Brian and last week's series with Judy. Today we spent an hour and a half celebrating our awesomeness (and focusing on our foundations and level one syllabus poses (except powerful pose, that's the only level two pose we did). It was an AMAZING class!!

Resolutions imply that we're not good enough (or thin enough or fast enough or whatever). This year, I'm focusing on the fact that I. AM. AWESOME. JUST. THE. WAY. I. AM.

Last week in Judy's week long series, we talked about making changes (you know, "be the change you want to see in the world" ~Gandhi). First, there was gratitude for what we already have in our lives. Then we set the foundations for change so that we could navigate the twists and turns life throws at us. We got perspective (things look different when you're upside down!). We reinforced our own personal strength. Then there was faith, hope and all that jazz. We ended the week with a celebration of us.

So why not carry this theme through the rest of the year? After Brian's class this morning, I knew I wouldn't be making any resolutions.

How am I going to celebrate my awesomeness this year? Well, here's a list:

*Continue my yoga practice. I've practiced every day since Sunday, December 26, 2010. My personal practice helps inspire my teaching and I'll continue to teach with the Eating Disorders program. Karma is a good thing.

*Study with more teachers. I'm taking classes on Fridays with Judy and Saturdays with Caroline. I'm going to attend workshops with Patrick Creelman, Noah Maze and Desiree Rumbaugh. I'm attending a retreat in March with Judy and Nora. Sonya and I will have yoga play dates. My kula rocks!!

*Run! I'm registered for Around the Bay in March and I'm aiming for a fall marathon. Location TBA.

*Nurture my spirituality. I love my Course in Miracles group that I've found on Tuesday nights! I'm also attending a seminar in Vancouver that features Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson and Geneen Roth. I'm also enrolled in the Chopra Centre's Winter Mediation Challenge.

*Gain financial freedom. I'm changing my work schedule to work more evenings and weekends. The additional shift differential adds up to 2 extra shifts...without actually working 2 extra days! I'll pay off my debts and save for awesomeness celebrations (and a new house for me and Nerm!).

*Celebrate nature. Skiing, hiking, and just drinking in the beauty that Mother Nature surrounds me with daily. I live in an amazing part of this country and I will enjoy it as much as I can.

*Celebrate with my friends! To start, Michelle is graduating from Medical school in May and I get to go with her to the big par-tay. It's formal attire and I forsee a new party dress in my future!

This year is off to an amazing start already! I can't wait to see what else unfolds in the next 358 days!

Shanti om.

Happy New Year!

May this year be filled with love, happiness, joy, grace and adventure. I'll be back later--all sweaty from a fan-FREAKING-tastic yoga class with Judy (celebrating Shiva) and have to leave for work in a half hour.

2011 is off to a great start and I can't wait to see what it has in store for me!

=)

Cookin' Fool!

My kitchen smells yummy!

I've been a busy girl tonight:
-planned my *first* yoga class for the Eating Disorders Program for tomorrow night
-made tomato fennel fish stew
-made veggie pizza
-crock pot is cooking a chicken taco soup

Into the pot went (in this order):
-onion
-celery (2 stalks)
-garlic (2 cloves)
-orange pepper
-Epicure taco seasoning (~3 tsp)
-chili powder (~2 tsp)
-can of niblet corn, drained
-can of white navy beans, drained and rinsed well
-two bone-in chili pepper chicken breasts from Costco
-can of diced tomatoes (not drained)

The lid is on and it's turned on low. By morning, I'll have a yummy chicken taco soup! I'll just have to take the bird out, shred it, give the rest a good mix, add the bird back in and VOILA!

I'll let you know how it all tastes.

I'm working straight through till Friday (thank goodness for days off) and then the weekend, too. I know that I will need to have healthy, hearty food to get me through the week.

This week is going to be great, though! How come?
-Teaching tomorrow night.
-A Course in Miracles group meets tomorrow. So excited that I came across this--I went to a vision board workshop yesterday (OMIGOD, so AMAZING!!) and the facilitator mentioned it.
-Anusara 'All you need is love' class on Wednesday and tea with my yogi friends beforehand
-Sparkly bits covered on Thursday
-Off on Friday but am going to another yoga class and fulfilling my commitment that I made in yesterday's workshop
-Work Saturday, Christmas party Saturday night
-Work Sunday.
-Rest Monday.
-Work Tuesday evening.
-Leave for Hawaii on THURSDAY!!

Hmmm....guess I'll have to fit some running in there somewhere. I wasn't able to fit in my 20 miler (32K) but I can certainly get some solid running in during the week.

Whew! I'm going to bed.

TGIF!

Why does short shifting always seem like a good idea, but when it actually happens, it isn't so much fun? Good thing is this time around, I short shift before rather than after. I had to work evenings on Wednesday then days on Thursday so that I can have next Friday off. While I'm enjoying a peaceful, quiet day in a sleepy mountain town (in a kick-ass condo) I shall remember that this was worth it!

Had a spur of the moment dinner with Michelle and came home to jammies and Nerm. I picked up my knitting and am happy to report that I am now officially over half done the baby afghan!! Which is good because I've found some other projects that I want to work on: meditation shawls for my yogi girls and the new pattern I'm learning at the end of October--I'm thinking a cape or toque or both!

My grandparents got word last week: they move the first weekend of October!

I'm off to drink one last cup of tea and knit a few more rows before bed. Oh, and guess who won free tickets to see Sarah Harmer on Sunday night?!

Four for Friday

In Laura style:

1. Thank God (or whatever higher being you believe in) it's Friday!! One more evening shift and I'm done for a bit (Sept. 15, but who's counting?).

2. Alli is bringing the baby over for a visit this morning. Yaaay! I like babies, just not kids. It's weird, I know.

3. Gathering all my gear for my first trail run tomorrow! I'm a little freaked out, but excited at the same time. Laundry is in and now I just need to pack three different ensembles in preparation for whatever weather Mother Nature decides to throw at us. Bragg Creek weather can be very different than Calgary's, even though it's only a short drive away. That's what happens the closer you get to the mountains: the weather gets more erratic!

4. I saved the best for last! Down FOUR (count 'em, FOUR) pounds this week! It's amazing what happens when you really apply yourself versus half-assing it. I've been in Maintenance Mode for quite awhile, so I'm thrilled by this. Now I just need to take this momentum into next week, when I see my doctor. My main motivator is the marathon--running 42.2K even five pounds lighter will be easier (and hopefully faster), so each pound counts!

Friday, Sweet Friday, How I Love Thee!

TGIF has never been so sweet. Why, you ask? Well, lemme tell ya:

- I slept all of two hours last night. Yep. Two. From 1100 - 0113h. I think the dream about my dad wigged me out so I couldn't go back to sleep. It wasn't the nightmare one, it was all good, I think it was just seeing him that did it (if that makes any sense whatsoever).

- I checked the forecast on the Weather Network literally right before I walked out the door. No rain till thundershowers in the afternoon. I got two blocks from home (S'bucks in sight now) and the sky opened up, thunder boomed and lightening crashed. Lovely. And all at 0540h. Did I mention that I had neither a coat nor brellie? Yeah, figures! Have I mentioned I'm seriously considering a career change? Yep. Meteorologist. Apparently it's the only job that you can always be wrong at and still keep your job! =P

- Two people called in sick at work. They weren't going to call anyone in, either. Yeah, that went over like a proverbial lead balloon. By 11 (a mere 5 hours into my 8 hour shift), we had replaced the two sickos.

OY. Alas, I'm home now. I stopped at Shoppers and picked up my winning lottery tickets for both tonight and tomorrow. I also got two free plays from a few weeks ago. My banker frowns on my retirement savings plan, but I'm told they won't give you the money unless you buy a ticket. Also stopped and got some groceries and bought only healthy stuff! Big feat on two hours of sleep! It was yummy veggie pita pizzas for dinner tonight chez moi.

I also just had a lovely soak in my claw foot tub. *sigh*

Happy Friday! 'Night!