Thursday, December 29, 2011

Ready to Launch!

I have been a mix of super productive and super lazy. As I prepare to launch Namaste Gourmet I am writing all of the copy for the website and my coaching welcome packets, and also coaching myself through Mastering Life's Energies. I also picked up Becoming a Professional Life Coach as well as a book on how to get clients to come to me rather than the other way around. It's a lot to take on.

While I do feel like I'm a natural coach based on my personality and past experiences, this book is super helpful. It also freaks me out a bit since it's helpful to have lots of knowledge in the tool box. I have a feeling I will be reading it again as soon as I complete it. And I will use it as a reference with clients on a regular basis.

The book on getting clients to come to me is truly scary. I actually put it down during the introduction because it asked about doing too much. Not having a true focus for your practice whatever it is. And since I'm launching Namaste Gourmet with yoga, coaching AND officiating I felt like I was called out and ducked my head so I would not be seen by the teacher.

When I read that I did immediately decide to let the personal cheffing go. I don't completely love it and I rarely get satisfaction from cooking for clients. I prefer to keep my cooking to myself and a small number of friends and family. However, I will keep the others, but think I will need marketing campaigns for EACH.

I think I will contact all of the local event planners for all things wedding. Hopefully I can get a few of them interested in my wedding yoga and counseling first and then my officiating. I should also be able to do one of the Groupon or similar companies to promote the private yoga. And lastly, networking organizations will be perfect for Life Coaching. I did register the domain namastegourmetny.com yesterday so hopefully the site will be live soon and I can just spread the word far and wide.

I am really looking forward to the business growing and hope will it bring me happiness and prosperity in 2012.

Gratitudes:
1. Not being needed for jury duty so I can play today
2. wine
3. getting better at the ukulele
4. coffee
5. good parking karma

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

That is the question I posed to my Facebook friends as I pondered if I should get out of my pajamas at 5:30PM and go to yoga. I waited for a brief moment and upon the thought that I have been in my PJs ALL DAY I got dressed, grabbed my yoga mat and walked up 17th Street to the studio. As I had the studio in view I realized that the instructor tonight usually teaches at a Level 1. When I took her class the other day, I was bored out of my skull until I just shut it off and enjoyed the zen of YET ANOTHER child's pose.

Tonight there was a full class and she fessed up to the fact that she usually teaches a beginner class and encouraged us to find our own way if we needed to challenge ourselves more. That takes guts to say. I did my best to shut off my teacher brain, but it gave me some gentle reminders for my own teaching practice.

1. When you mess up, correct it and move on. No need to comment.
2. It really helps to MIRROR the students, if you face them. Otherwise they get confused.
3. When giving adjustments, SLOW DOWN. The student needs a moment to take in the touch.
4. Don't assume everyone feels the same as you. Just because you are hot that doesn't mean EVERYONE needs to go to CHILD'S POSE to cool down.

I stopped on my way home for soup at the Take It Easy Thai - for real, that's the name. I also whipped up some collards and spicy tofu - since that's how I roll.

I also came back to these responses to my question. Here they are:

Should I stay or should I go?
 ·  · 4 hours ago

Monday, December 26, 2011

Day After Update

So, yesterday went by without a hitch - well, a few little hiccups, but largely successful. I quickly skadoodled after breakfast to make it to the 11:40AM showing of We Bought a Zoo and stayed to see Hugo in the theatre next door. I was going to give the theatre a little extra revenue by buying a soda pop but the line was so long, I just had time to run to the loo before heading back in the theatre.

The theatre was super small so I got a single seat between parties. As I shimmied in the row, I apparently knocked the guy on the aisles chair in the row in front of me. He gave me a look as I sat down. The theatre was super dark so no reading. However as the woman next to me was munching on something in tin foil that she brought with her I saw something puzzling.

3D GLASSES!

Uh oh! I bet they only give those out at the ticket booth. And since I was sneaking in to movie #2 that was not going to happen. So, I stealthily exited my row and walked out of the theatre to see the box where you return your glasses at the end of the film. Luckily no one was around, so I opened the top and grabbed a pair before heading back inside and back to my seat.

Both movies were good. Boys coming of age stories. Feel good movies that made me cry just a bit. And since it's been a while since I've seen a 3D movie, that was a pleasure.

The movie got out just after 4, so I headed to the Chinese restaurant around the corner - CLOSED!

Closed!

So, I did see the not recommended Chinese place open, but decided to walk down the street for other options. The only place open was a Thai restaurant. So I walked back there and had a delicious Salmon curry with Brown Rice.

The walk back home down Grand was nice. A few more restaurants had opened and I caught up on a Sex Nerd Sandra podcast. Once home I did wash a "load" of dishes, pour myself a Cosmo and sit on the couch with the ukulele. I am teaching myself Can't Help Falling in Love with You on top of You Are My Sunshine, When the Saints Coming Marching In and Hallelujah already assigned by Dan. Hopefully I am not annoying my neighbors too much.

Not too much to report from the moving front. No new jobs posted yet today. I think it's still too early for housing but I do need to select a mover and sell (or give away) whatever I don't want to take with.

But with overcast skies, I don't think there will be any progress on that today. I will keep up with my Personal Coaching book and do the next task in Mastering Life's Energies, and continue with the dishes before teaching my second yoga class this evening.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry and a Happy!

It's an overcast, but wanting to be sunny day in Oakland, CA. My day is wide open with possibility and I am excited about reducing my carbon footprint and hoofing it to the movies later at Grand Lake and then heading to the Chinese restaurant around the corner from the theater.

It's amazing how messy my apartment gets so fast. I will take a bit of time to clean some dishes before I go. I aim to have a clean house by the end of the day and put my feet up with a Cosmo and practice my ukulele by the glow of the Menorah!

But for now, I'm trying a new breakfast recipe. Brooke at the catering kitchen told me that she would be making her mom's egg dish this morning. Bread in a muffin tin with an egg - baked to perfection. My bread was a little thick and my eggs were a little large so they are baking for more like 20 minutes, rather than the 12 that she mentioned. I put a little tapenade on the bottom and I have a feeling that these will be super yummy. A little refresher on my coffee and I believe the morning is turning out quite well.

Some gratitudes:
1. holiday catering with lovely clients
2. my new website just about ready to launch
3. fresh honey (and a donation in my honor) from lovely friends
4. sunshine
5. yoga

Thursday, December 22, 2011

A Little Lucky!

I completely forgot what day it was. In fact, I think I parked on my block on an evening that's not allowed with parking restrictions and I didn't get a ticket. Either I got completely lucky or the gods were with me. I am completely thankful.

Maxie let me sleep until 7:15AM and I stayed in bed piddling on the computer for an hour until I got up. I was prepped to bike to Farley's East for breakfast, but something was up with my back tire. So, I threw by bike back in the basement of my building and hoofed it to Grand Ave. I brought Mastering Life's Energies with a notebook and got a handle on my fog and my biggest obstacles. I also had a nice exchange with the dude sitting next to me as I ate my breakfast sandwich and drank my yummy coffee. He got an automated phone call and even though I was deep in concentration in my book, once off the phone he needed to share the current tactics of those who scam based on financial details and credit cards. Apparently this guy applied for a credit card and started getting spam messages right afterwards. He was not sure why, but it was a little disconcerting. Not because he would fall for it, but for others who may not be as wise.

It got me thinking that if I am not working, I am usually at home. I live in a hobbit hole, but I am super comfortable there. I do need that human connection and interaction. And it's completely normal. So why I try and save money by eating at home and certainly brewing coffee there, it does make sense for the social aspect to get out.

As I read Mastering Life's Energies, I am starting to get to the working part. Where I start to apply the theory and concepts to my situation and complete some exercises. It's pretty scary because I am beginning to call myself out. Obstacles and censors are starting to ring true and while I hold on to the familiar, I know that I need to venture out. Trust what is not working and move onto a new adventure.

I have time tomorrow do continue to do that. But for the moment, how 'bout a little gratitude?
1. the idea for a great product to supplement Namaste Gourmet
2. yoga
3. laundry in the building
4. sunshine
5. benevolent parking gods (I think)

Making it Real

In the car on the way to the airport coming back to San Francisco after Thanksgiving, my parents asked me yet again what I want for Chanukah. As per the usual, I say 'nothing.' There's nothing that I really need or want. So, finally I asked my mom in return and she said she wanted me back in NY. So after lots of thought about timing and jobs, I decided to make my way back to the right coast even if I don't have everything secure.

And I told my parents yesterday - on the eve of Chanukah.

My mom is a planning machine. So she's already called numerous times about dates and flights. I also got information on apartments from each of my parents. They are super excited, and I really appreciate their assistance. However, they do not tend to ASK the help I need and just assume and TELL me what I should do. It drives me a little crazy. But nevertheless, it's now real. Well, it looks like the actual flight will be on Monday or Tuesday, March 5 or 6. I aim to ship my stuff the week prior and order whatever I need to be delivered before I arrive.

So, I went back and started looking at the beginnings of this blog and have a feeling that I will discontinue once I'm settled back in the East.

There are a number of things that I would like to do before I head out. Since I don't have the same support circle nor the roots in the area as I did in Atlanta, I am not sure how much I will share the news of my departure before I go. I certainly don't want a hoopla or anything. But that's something I need to figure out.

Keeping the Gratitudes coming:
1. my yoga students for understanding my extreme lateness to class today due to my alarm failing to wake me up
2. holiday tunes at the sushi restaurant
3. having left over Chanukah candles from last year!
4. my parents
5. time to get my car serviced today

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Goofy Tuesday

I just got a series of photos from a wedding I officiated in Atlanta a few months ago. Since the couple is dear friends of mine, I left the seriousness of the ritual go after the ceremony and let my hair down with some good friends. Happy Tuesday!


Sunday, December 18, 2011

Back on Track

I am pretty sure I have used this title before, but the new version of blogger doesn't auto type in that field anymore. I have been super tired lately. I'm hoping that it's just catching up on well needed sleep, but here's to not being sick without health insurance.

The next two weeks - well, next 2 months are pretty light work wise, so I do have plenty of time to prep for my exodus back to the East Coast. I have laid those plans, I just need to come to terms with the fact that I am leaving and actually plan the move. I'm hoping that someone would want to fly with me and take one of my cats, but I have a feeling that my mom will fly in from Florida and take Lincoln while I take Mr. Max, crazy cat. But we'll see where all of this lands, since I didn't tell my parents yet.

I should probably start selling my furniture and truly letting go of all I don't need and prep re-entry on the other side. Lots to do, but lots of time to do it. And fingers crossed that I job comes through in the meantime.

Gratitudes:
1. a bit of work lately
2. nice compliments on my toes yesterday from 2 strangers (??!!)
3. a lovely walk around Lake Merritt today
4. catering leftovers
5. the air of possibility

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Puzzling Analytics

I am not sure when blogger got a facelift, but it's been a little while that I've been able to track how many people visit my blog each day, which entries they look at and what country they're from.

I got a little bump about a month ago. I noticed that 18 people visited my blog that day. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but as I've written in the past, my blog is just not that active. As I was leaving Atlanta, my blog was a place for people to get the skinny on what was new and to let people know my parting activities and a way to join in. However, since I moved readership has been fairly light and I am doing it for me. To note where I've been and to see subtle changes from day to day and greater ones (or the same questions) from year to year.

However, lately I have seen larger numbers of people reviewing the blog. Mostly from Russia, Germany, China, Latvia and the US. And this is the entry that's viewed each day more than all of the others. Most of my entries have less than 5 viewers - if they've been viewed at all. However, the post on documentation - as I leave Davis and move to Berkeley has been viewed 83 times as of today. Eighty-three!! It may be a class or a recommended blog post. I really don't know.

Anybody want to give me a clue?

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Feel the Love

Today was my last day teaching two after school drama classes. This whole session felt a little funky - with kids signing up late, not showing up on a regular basis - I just could not get any consistency. So with the final session there usually is a little presentation with the parents watching, but that just didn't happen today. Most of the kids didn't know today was the last class and only one parent showed up (late) in the older group and I believe a grandmother and a younger sister showed up in the younger group.

The older girls did well. They have tons of potential and I would love to continue to work with them. But since I really don't have the expertise to tame the younger ones and I will most likely be gone by the middle of February, I will not be teaching them again. I have to say that once a week is hard. You get on a groove and then you need to wait 7 days to pick it up again.

The younger ones were all touchy feely but they have such problems with attention and focus that there's very little I can get done. I do like their hugs, but it's so frustrating when they all talk at once.

I am torn between arts administration and teaching. I really like both. I sent in 2 job applications today - for part-time work, which would allow me to work on Namaste Gourmet.

Fingers crossed that one of them comes through, that I start picking up some clients and that the transition is smooth.

Gratitudes:
1. Cosmopolitans
2. yoga
3. garlic and leftovers
4. warm clothing
5. snuggly kitties - can you tell it's getting colder?

Monday, December 12, 2011

Ass Kicked!

I worked a 14 hour day yesterday as the culmination of working the past 4 days on catering jobs. The money is good, but today was a big waste. I got home at 3:30AM this morning and even my cats let me sleep until 8:30AM. I got up to feed them and then went right back to sleep. I eventually got up at 11:30AM, but didn't get out of my PJs until I took a shower around 6PM and moved my car to a place that I would not get a ticket in the wee hours today.

I did hope to be more productive today, but my body could not handle it. I did feel myself getting a little sick last night, so I needed a full day to recoup. My first thought on this is - man, I'm old. It takes a lot for me to bounce back now, and that stinks. So, no yoga, only minimal reading and therefore lots of streaming on my computer.

Tomorrow is my last day teaching at All Saints and this week is fairly light. I need to make plans with Namaste Gourmet so I actually have money coming in. I am trying not to freak out.

Some things to be grateful for:
1. catering leftovers
2. kind yoga students
3. my personal practice - and a yoga studio close by
4. lots of movies and TV streaming options
5. snuggly kitties

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Luminosity update

I really enjoy using Maria Nemeth's book to guide my yoga practice - and teaching practice this week. I find people are enjoying the word LUMINOUS. It's such a wonderful word.

Webster defines it this way:

lu·mi·nous/ˈlo͞omənəs/

Adjective:
  1. Bright or shining, esp. in the dark.
  2. (of a person's complexion or eyes) Glowing with health, vigor, or a particular emotion: "her eyes were luminous with joy"

Dr. Nemeth breaks it down into 4 categories: Grace, Ease, Focus and Clarity.

So in my class on Monday and my two classes today we played with these ideas as we practiced our asana. And it's been wonderful.

I really enjoy teaching and it will be sad to let my 6AM class go. As I write my business plan and work to make Namaste Gourmet sustainable, I look forward to sharing my practice with more people in a complete way.

I have started to make space for what's next, but I hope I don't dig into my savings in the process. I hope that I didn't make a huge mistake by throwing caution to the wind and letting go before I had all ducks in a row and lots of security.

But for the time being let's release security and take on LUMINOSITY!

What am I grateful for you ask?

1. Living by myself without someone to judge how I live
2. yoga
3. Catering gigs the rest of the week
4. sunshine
5. Warmth - in the form of clothing and my apartment

Monday, December 5, 2011

Monday Gratitudes!

Yoga teaching, finishing up my personal assistant duties, after school teaching, yoga taking and now WINE!

My apartment is a mess, but it's still been a productive day. I got through my after school residency without completely losing my voice and the youngers were largely engaged during most of the class. In general they are so attention deprived, that they all want to talk and DO everything. They never want to sit and watch each other EVER. I need to build the class around that and not fight it.

I'm fighting it.

I am also fighting some of the older kids wanting to help their peers. I have some super smart girls in the class who "get it" before the others. And they they side coach them. It drives me crazy, but I think I need to take the smarties aside and let them know that I know they've got it, but ask them to allow the others the time to figure it out on their own.

It's been a bit since I've acknowledged my gratitudes, so here we go, again!

1. sunny days
2. snuggly kitties
3. catering leftovers - like Humboldt Fog cheese!
4. yoga
5. the start of something new

Moving and a Shaking

I did start reading Maria Nemeth's Mastering Life's Energies on Thursday morning. And even though I'm still in Chapter 1, I am reading fully. I've also made some big changes and will continue to do so until I'm satisfied.

I let go of my personal assistant job, gave notice on my poorly attended 6AM yoga classes and let go my after school drama class residency starting in January. 

Yeah, big changes.

I am removing things that do not serve me and making room for finding what I'm meant and WANT to do.

Angela is reworking my Namaste Gourmet website to reflect my expanded business and I really think that's my path right now. I just need a business plan and an avenue to find clients.

In fact, I am using the book to guide my yoga classes this week. Hopefully that will give me the reinforcement I need.