I am beat. I drove back last night from LA and then worked a full day at Phil's today. I did take a yoga class after work, but once I got home, cooked dinner and practiced my ukulele I cannot keep my eyes open.
Here are some gratitudes before my slumber:
1. beautiful countrysides
2. nice rideshare passengers
3. podcasts
4. sunny days
5. a great yoga class
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
The Return of Blogthing!
As I go back and read old posts, I realize how much more interesting these entries USED to be. I feel like I've gotten into a rut. Don't you?
Anyway, when I got bored I used to post these crazy quizzes. Here's one.
Anyway, when I got bored I used to post these crazy quizzes. Here's one.
| Your International Spy Name is Diva Deathbird |
 You Reside in: Geneva Why You're a Good Spy: You're a good lover |
Friday, January 27, 2012
Gosh, I Needed That
Even though I was completely beat this morning from a long day yesterday, I hauled myself up early this morning, moved my car into a spot I could stay all day, packed for the DAY and hoofed it to yoga. It was so well needed. I have been a bit scattered and tired and the freak outs are set to begin, so it was a smart choice to send some breath into my mind and my body. Afterwards I felt amazing.
I was not successful quieting my mind, however. My brain was all over the place. I was thinking mostly about my connection with yoga. The fact that I had such a great teaching practice with Daniel the other day. And yesterday at Phil's, one of the new staffers, Khaleshia said something to the affect of 'all people who do yoga are happier.' I am not sure that's true, but it certainly centers me. This made me think about the larger picture - mostly the fact that I left New York 20 years ago because I had no friends. And here I am leaving the Bay Area for mostly the same reason and heading back to the place that started it all. It also made me ponder the fact that I applied to Cornell University's Industrial Psychology department and got in Sophomore Guarantee which I felt was failing. Therefore I passed on it and took the more creative route. And here I am 20 years later heading into Life Coaching.
So the hard question is 'was it worth it?' I made this HUGE detour just to come back to the same place. I while I was unsure yesterday, by the end of yoga class I know that I made the right decision. I think the person I was 20 years ago would not have been happy doing Industrial Psychology then. But I had adventures and experiences that opened me up to listen and counsel. To inspire and expand. To respect and motivate.
Pretty powerful, non?
After class, I grabbed some coffee and breakfast before jumping on BART to head to Downtown Berkeley and work a busy Phil's shift. There were a number of things that I didn't complete last night, so I arrived early to do those before other staff showed up. It was a busy day and I stayed late and arrived at The Ashby Stage with 15 minutes to spare before the start of God's Plot. Luckily I had a chance to grab a banana across the street and check in with my parents before the show.
The show was really wonderful. I have seen a few clunkers at Shotgun, so it's super exciting when you see a show that works well. It also seemed that the entire cast really and truly enjoyed each other. Well created, well presented. Just good. And it felt very Bay Area. I am glad that I went and got a little creative recharge.
My tiredness is setting in, so I will list my gratitudes and call it a night.
1. good theatre
2. beer
3. good parking karma
4. yoga and breath
5. a usable and easy transportation system
I was not successful quieting my mind, however. My brain was all over the place. I was thinking mostly about my connection with yoga. The fact that I had such a great teaching practice with Daniel the other day. And yesterday at Phil's, one of the new staffers, Khaleshia said something to the affect of 'all people who do yoga are happier.' I am not sure that's true, but it certainly centers me. This made me think about the larger picture - mostly the fact that I left New York 20 years ago because I had no friends. And here I am leaving the Bay Area for mostly the same reason and heading back to the place that started it all. It also made me ponder the fact that I applied to Cornell University's Industrial Psychology department and got in Sophomore Guarantee which I felt was failing. Therefore I passed on it and took the more creative route. And here I am 20 years later heading into Life Coaching.
So the hard question is 'was it worth it?' I made this HUGE detour just to come back to the same place. I while I was unsure yesterday, by the end of yoga class I know that I made the right decision. I think the person I was 20 years ago would not have been happy doing Industrial Psychology then. But I had adventures and experiences that opened me up to listen and counsel. To inspire and expand. To respect and motivate.
Pretty powerful, non?
After class, I grabbed some coffee and breakfast before jumping on BART to head to Downtown Berkeley and work a busy Phil's shift. There were a number of things that I didn't complete last night, so I arrived early to do those before other staff showed up. It was a busy day and I stayed late and arrived at The Ashby Stage with 15 minutes to spare before the start of God's Plot. Luckily I had a chance to grab a banana across the street and check in with my parents before the show.
The show was really wonderful. I have seen a few clunkers at Shotgun, so it's super exciting when you see a show that works well. It also seemed that the entire cast really and truly enjoyed each other. Well created, well presented. Just good. And it felt very Bay Area. I am glad that I went and got a little creative recharge.
My tiredness is setting in, so I will list my gratitudes and call it a night.
1. good theatre
2. beer
3. good parking karma
4. yoga and breath
5. a usable and easy transportation system
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Glorious to Start
I passed on taking a yoga class this morning to sleep a little longer and man have I had some vivid dreams lately. I know that there was an infestation of bugs in whatever apartment I lived in and it took a bit of effort to wake myself up from that one. I headed into the city around 9 and picked up the most lovely casual carpool passengers from the Grand Lake pick-up.
We had a spirited conversations and shared recommendations - actually I really just listened here - about things in the neighbor. It was like a rah rah fest for Oakland. I will certainly miss casual carpool and I did feel a little sad to be leaving Oakland. The ride over the Bay Bridge was so pretty and I need to take all of that in. Be truly present.
My lesson with Daniel was great. He keeps challenging me and encouraging me. I am starting to finger pick so that will be my little challenge that I hope to tackle tomorrow. I taught him a great yoga class. In fact, while I was teaching I realized that I really do love it. Teaching and teaching yoga are part of my Life's Purpose. It just comes with such ease and there is an intuition about sequence and flow. I just feel like I need some more training with alignment and adjustments.
And this is where my glorious day came to an end.
My shift at Phil's was just okay. I am really biding my time yet again with it. I excel at my interactions with the customers, but it's hard getting back to the ease since I've been away for so long.
I am beat and I need to go to sleep. I will post my furniture for sale on Craigslist tomorrow before I teach the kids yoga class and head to Phil's for another exciting night.
Let's whip out these gratitudes:
1. podcasts on my itouch
2. Words with Friends
3. Bartering
4. good parking karma
5. strong staff to pull me out of a hole at Phil's
We had a spirited conversations and shared recommendations - actually I really just listened here - about things in the neighbor. It was like a rah rah fest for Oakland. I will certainly miss casual carpool and I did feel a little sad to be leaving Oakland. The ride over the Bay Bridge was so pretty and I need to take all of that in. Be truly present.
My lesson with Daniel was great. He keeps challenging me and encouraging me. I am starting to finger pick so that will be my little challenge that I hope to tackle tomorrow. I taught him a great yoga class. In fact, while I was teaching I realized that I really do love it. Teaching and teaching yoga are part of my Life's Purpose. It just comes with such ease and there is an intuition about sequence and flow. I just feel like I need some more training with alignment and adjustments.
And this is where my glorious day came to an end.
My shift at Phil's was just okay. I am really biding my time yet again with it. I excel at my interactions with the customers, but it's hard getting back to the ease since I've been away for so long.
I am beat and I need to go to sleep. I will post my furniture for sale on Craigslist tomorrow before I teach the kids yoga class and head to Phil's for another exciting night.
Let's whip out these gratitudes:
1. podcasts on my itouch
2. Words with Friends
3. Bartering
4. good parking karma
5. strong staff to pull me out of a hole at Phil's
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday Gratitudes
I worked a shift a Phil's today and it's amazing how much things changed since we opened last June. This one guy even asked where the little order forms were. Too funny. I did like those super simple forms since I am not the best at the POS system. For a restaurant with a supposedly simple menu, it's really complex. Luckily we were slow and I didn't have to apologize too much.
I did have to stay a little later than I hoped, so I missed the yoga class I wanted to take. When I arrived home I started to get hungry, so I knew I was not going back out and opened a bottle of wine and began cooking a mishmash dinner. Veggie potstickers, leftover lamb tomato sauce, defrosted ground turkey that had some veggies and ginger in it and a little salad. Oh, and I threw some beets in, too.
I need to remember that I ate beets before I freak out and go to the doctor complaining that there's blood in my stool.
Did I tell you about that one?
Anyway, since I have a ukulele lesson with Daniel in the morning I thought it wise to rehearse a bit. I have not been practicing so it's not a surprise that I am not further along. However, I am doing pretty well. Transitions between some of the chords are funky, but certainly getting better.
There has been a bit of movement on the move front. I heard back from one of the movers. He's not all that eager or proactive, so may need a Plan B. I have been speaking regularly with real estate brokers and do feel confident that something will come through that I like. In fact one of the Inwood agents said this,
Things generally last about 9 days on the market before they're rented. Feel free to get in touch with me sooner to your moving date. I'm sure I'll have something perfect for you!
It made me feel a whole lot better. I also decided that we should not stay in Oakland my last night. Since all my stuff will be packed and gone, my mom booked a hotel close to the airport and we will grab dinner after she arrives on the 5th and stay over with the cats at the hotel. That way we can shuttle it in the morning and not have to worry about borrowing towels and sheets, air mattresses and the like. It will be so much easier. Hopefully it's not too expensive.
I am trying to stay optimistic about work and income, but again just as I've seen with apartments employers want people now. I should concentrate on things that I can do now. Selling my belongings that I won't be taking. That needs to happen ASAP.
I also need to keep the money flowing here. I am working solely for the caterer or in the restaurant. I also have a little money coming from Jenny and the cookbook and final check's from Anne, Nita and Jess. I guess I need to tell the latter 2 that I am out of their service...!
I have yet to freak out and while I continue to breathe, I must continue to reflect on where I'm grateful.
1. wine
2. a staff member who indulges me with rubbing the Laughing Buddha belly and setting intentions for service before we open the restaurant
3. my mother
4. snuggly kitties
5. sunshine on my BART ride home
I did have to stay a little later than I hoped, so I missed the yoga class I wanted to take. When I arrived home I started to get hungry, so I knew I was not going back out and opened a bottle of wine and began cooking a mishmash dinner. Veggie potstickers, leftover lamb tomato sauce, defrosted ground turkey that had some veggies and ginger in it and a little salad. Oh, and I threw some beets in, too.
I need to remember that I ate beets before I freak out and go to the doctor complaining that there's blood in my stool.
Did I tell you about that one?
Anyway, since I have a ukulele lesson with Daniel in the morning I thought it wise to rehearse a bit. I have not been practicing so it's not a surprise that I am not further along. However, I am doing pretty well. Transitions between some of the chords are funky, but certainly getting better.
There has been a bit of movement on the move front. I heard back from one of the movers. He's not all that eager or proactive, so may need a Plan B. I have been speaking regularly with real estate brokers and do feel confident that something will come through that I like. In fact one of the Inwood agents said this,
Things generally last about 9 days on the market before they're rented. Feel free to get in touch with me sooner to your moving date. I'm sure I'll have something perfect for you!
It made me feel a whole lot better. I also decided that we should not stay in Oakland my last night. Since all my stuff will be packed and gone, my mom booked a hotel close to the airport and we will grab dinner after she arrives on the 5th and stay over with the cats at the hotel. That way we can shuttle it in the morning and not have to worry about borrowing towels and sheets, air mattresses and the like. It will be so much easier. Hopefully it's not too expensive.
I am trying to stay optimistic about work and income, but again just as I've seen with apartments employers want people now. I should concentrate on things that I can do now. Selling my belongings that I won't be taking. That needs to happen ASAP.
I also need to keep the money flowing here. I am working solely for the caterer or in the restaurant. I also have a little money coming from Jenny and the cookbook and final check's from Anne, Nita and Jess. I guess I need to tell the latter 2 that I am out of their service...!
I have yet to freak out and while I continue to breathe, I must continue to reflect on where I'm grateful.
1. wine
2. a staff member who indulges me with rubbing the Laughing Buddha belly and setting intentions for service before we open the restaurant
3. my mother
4. snuggly kitties
5. sunshine on my BART ride home
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Trying Not to FREAK OUT!
So my move is just over a month away and there is so much to do. I am finding ways to promote Namaste Gourmet in New York, I keep applying for jobs and I continue to look for housing in my price range. Unfortunately there is not a lot going on in any of these areas.
I have a feeling that most employers see my out of town address and just toss my application. And most health, wellness and event resources I have are best contacted when I am in the area. The whole apartment thing is just crazy. All apartments require a guaranteed income and want to see financial data to back it up. Pay stubs or tax forms. Unfortunately as a new business owner and an independent contractor I cannot prove income large enough. It should not be a surprise to anyone when I say that NY is Expensive. My heart begins to hurt as I continue to question the move. Heck I left 20 years ago because it was not a good fit. What's to say that it will be better now. Especially when I don't make a ton and the standard of living is high.
There are things I need to do to prep on this end. Sell my furniture and car. Find movers and figure out the last few days. Living in an apartment without most of my stuff. I started cleaning my apartment yesterday and will finish today. I hope to take photos of everything that's got to go and post to Craigslist. I am more than happy to let go of my couch, coffee table and media center now. The bookcase and armoire will have to wait, and I plan to put my mattress set on Freecycle. It's an old set and Maxie has done a number on it. The good thing is that Macy's is having a mattress sale, so I plan to buy something now and have it delivered on the 5th of March.
I went back to my early blog posts to see how things were handled on the Atlanta outbound. By this time everything was settled. I think with knowledge of school and the known issues of living in a college town things were certainly different.
I use my yogic breathing to keep myself calm. I'm just curious to know when it won't be strong enough to keep me from completely freaking out.
Wish me calming breaths and lots of luck.
I have a feeling that most employers see my out of town address and just toss my application. And most health, wellness and event resources I have are best contacted when I am in the area. The whole apartment thing is just crazy. All apartments require a guaranteed income and want to see financial data to back it up. Pay stubs or tax forms. Unfortunately as a new business owner and an independent contractor I cannot prove income large enough. It should not be a surprise to anyone when I say that NY is Expensive. My heart begins to hurt as I continue to question the move. Heck I left 20 years ago because it was not a good fit. What's to say that it will be better now. Especially when I don't make a ton and the standard of living is high.
There are things I need to do to prep on this end. Sell my furniture and car. Find movers and figure out the last few days. Living in an apartment without most of my stuff. I started cleaning my apartment yesterday and will finish today. I hope to take photos of everything that's got to go and post to Craigslist. I am more than happy to let go of my couch, coffee table and media center now. The bookcase and armoire will have to wait, and I plan to put my mattress set on Freecycle. It's an old set and Maxie has done a number on it. The good thing is that Macy's is having a mattress sale, so I plan to buy something now and have it delivered on the 5th of March.
I went back to my early blog posts to see how things were handled on the Atlanta outbound. By this time everything was settled. I think with knowledge of school and the known issues of living in a college town things were certainly different.
I use my yogic breathing to keep myself calm. I'm just curious to know when it won't be strong enough to keep me from completely freaking out.
Wish me calming breaths and lots of luck.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Office Space and a PBR
After my catering delivery in the rain I got home and opened my can beer as I walked into my building. Yeah, I know, classy. I put my jammies on and checked Netflix and Office Space came up on my possibles list. I'm guessing that watching numerous episodes of Scrubs lately skewed the algorithms towards that silly movie. A number of people have mentioned it over the years and I never saw it. Until tonight. And I don't think my life has changed in any significant way. It is a silly 90s movie, but at its core contemplates what makes us happy. And it's usually not in our work world. All right, maybe I will think about this one a little longer.
The rain started yesterday and while it has been cloudy we have had moments of relief. My walk to yoga and home were rain-free, for instance, even though I wore my super cool rain boots. And while it was pouring during my evening delivery, I got to park in the underground parking deck and steered clear of precipitation.
I did clean all of the dishes in the sink today, as well as the stove top. I really need to go hog wild and deep clean the entire apartment tomorrow.
Yes, I know I live a super exciting existence!
I start back at Phil's next week and working 5 shifts a week will certainly limit my free time. I do look forward to being more productive all the way around.
But in the meantime some gratitudes:
1. a few good friends
2. chocolate chip cookies with nuts
3. the return to uke playing
4. responsive real estate brokers
5. hot showers
The rain started yesterday and while it has been cloudy we have had moments of relief. My walk to yoga and home were rain-free, for instance, even though I wore my super cool rain boots. And while it was pouring during my evening delivery, I got to park in the underground parking deck and steered clear of precipitation.
I did clean all of the dishes in the sink today, as well as the stove top. I really need to go hog wild and deep clean the entire apartment tomorrow.
Yes, I know I live a super exciting existence!
I start back at Phil's next week and working 5 shifts a week will certainly limit my free time. I do look forward to being more productive all the way around.
But in the meantime some gratitudes:
1. a few good friends
2. chocolate chip cookies with nuts
3. the return to uke playing
4. responsive real estate brokers
5. hot showers
Thursday, January 19, 2012
No Rain Yet!
The rain is set to start tomorrow and I don't see an end in sight. I did a catering event today which is always better with no rain. I am not looking forward to the delivery I'm set to do on Friday since my guess is that I will be a tad wet. I find it fascinating that our rainy season hits now. Hopefully it won't be too cold, but I am not sure how optimistic I can be.
Last night's class was pretty good. I got caught in traffic on the way so missed the first 10 minutes and the minimal warm-up that Sarah does. So I never really got warm for the whole class. Since I have not taken the class since July or August I was very much out of my element. I started to feel good, but I videoed class for Sarah and when I watched this morning I really looked bad. It's amazing how I disengage. I certainly stand back and watch before jumping in. More than others and more than I'd like.
Something to keep in mind.
Since I have not thought about my gratitudes in a few days...
1. hot showers
2. leftovers
3. cold beer
4. a great catch up and website admin tour with Chris Aquino
5. yoga
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Falling by the Wayside
As I prepare to move my life back to the East Coast, I am trying to clean the clutter. Getting rid of old email addresses for companies I no longer work with, creating a bag of clothes for donation and stopping myself from buying anything I don't need right now. It's much easier to pick up new things than move them.
I did contact a moving company to get an estimate. It may be the holiday weekend, but I have yet to hear from them. Finding a moving company may be a little more difficult than I thought. That and selling my car. I guess those are the two things I could secure now, but have yet to devote time and energy. The job thing may not happen until I arrive in NY and the housing thing is starting to look promising. I am starting to see things for February 1 start dates, so it's only a matter of time until we hit the March time frame.
I am continuing to do things in the Bay before I go. I took a segway tour wih Randy yesterday and met my friend Michael for lunch at the Ferry Building. So, I was able to knock off 2 things from the 7x7 list. Irish Coffee at Buena Vista with Randy and a warm egg salad sandwich at Il Cane Rosso with Michael. I did plan to go into the city today for a walking tour, but with trying to clean out my emails and log some hours, as well as jump on the Yoga Entrepreneur's web conference, I decided to stay home. I passed on yoga today and will take Sarah's Urban Contemporary class tonight. I am way out of practice, so I am curious how that will go.
It's gotten cold in the East Bay and starting tomorrow the rains come. I may start getting crabby.
I did contact a moving company to get an estimate. It may be the holiday weekend, but I have yet to hear from them. Finding a moving company may be a little more difficult than I thought. That and selling my car. I guess those are the two things I could secure now, but have yet to devote time and energy. The job thing may not happen until I arrive in NY and the housing thing is starting to look promising. I am starting to see things for February 1 start dates, so it's only a matter of time until we hit the March time frame.
I am continuing to do things in the Bay before I go. I took a segway tour wih Randy yesterday and met my friend Michael for lunch at the Ferry Building. So, I was able to knock off 2 things from the 7x7 list. Irish Coffee at Buena Vista with Randy and a warm egg salad sandwich at Il Cane Rosso with Michael. I did plan to go into the city today for a walking tour, but with trying to clean out my emails and log some hours, as well as jump on the Yoga Entrepreneur's web conference, I decided to stay home. I passed on yoga today and will take Sarah's Urban Contemporary class tonight. I am way out of practice, so I am curious how that will go.
It's gotten cold in the East Bay and starting tomorrow the rains come. I may start getting crabby.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sunday Gratitudes
Taught a funky yoga class today and then went to the holiday party for the catering company. I had 2 hours to kill in between and went to Cafe Leila in Berkeley, had a coffee and a cookie and read from my Life Coaching book. I got super excited when I realized that much of life coaching is what I already do with teaching acting. Getting specific with the character's objectives and then fighting for them. However in this case, instead of the character, it's you, the individual. I took a moment jotting notes about some ideas before I went into the party. I really do need to take some time tomorrow to go over these ideas. But for now a little gratitude.
1. vodka
2. hanging with lovely people the last couple of nights
3. saving more than I spend at the grocery store
4. hair color
5. yoga
1. vodka
2. hanging with lovely people the last couple of nights
3. saving more than I spend at the grocery store
4. hair color
5. yoga
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Battling the Laziness
So with work slow I'm finding myself quiet and quite a little hermit. In fact yesterday I did not get out of my pajamas until the afternoon. I am just about caught up on Downton Abbey and picked up the ukulele, but I was for the most part sedentary. I did however, force myself up for a yoga class.
I am so glad I went, but the class was disappointing. I have met the teacher before and I envy the ease and skill in her practice. I just did not like her teaching. She constantly said "that" leg or "that" arm without being specific. I know now what my teacher, Shy meant when he corrected me doing the same thing. It makes it seem like the leg and arm are over there, not YOURS. I have switched to "the" or mostly I just say "right" or "left." However, yesterday, the teacher even had trouble mirroring us.
I almost blurted out "we're already on our right," as we returned to down dog from side plank, but I knew what she meant. What did I have to prove? I was very proud of myself for keeping silent. What would the outburst do? Make me feel superior? Somewhat better? Or even, right?
And if I may say so, my yoga practice doesn't need any of that. I continued to work with Apana in class and while it's still a new concept, I was mindful for the whole class.
This is all to say thank-whatever higher power I believe in-for yoga. It's in fact opened my mind, lengthened my body.
And forced me out of the house.
I am so glad I went, but the class was disappointing. I have met the teacher before and I envy the ease and skill in her practice. I just did not like her teaching. She constantly said "that" leg or "that" arm without being specific. I know now what my teacher, Shy meant when he corrected me doing the same thing. It makes it seem like the leg and arm are over there, not YOURS. I have switched to "the" or mostly I just say "right" or "left." However, yesterday, the teacher even had trouble mirroring us.
I almost blurted out "we're already on our right," as we returned to down dog from side plank, but I knew what she meant. What did I have to prove? I was very proud of myself for keeping silent. What would the outburst do? Make me feel superior? Somewhat better? Or even, right?
And if I may say so, my yoga practice doesn't need any of that. I continued to work with Apana in class and while it's still a new concept, I was mindful for the whole class.
This is all to say thank-whatever higher power I believe in-for yoga. It's in fact opened my mind, lengthened my body.
And forced me out of the house.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Beginning of the End
While I'm not really making lists of things I need to do before I head back East, I am making more of an effort of exploring part of the Bay and getting out. I am reaching out to others, but I have a feeling that I will be doing most of it solo.
Today I did an artsy fartsy foodie day. And while a few people were interested either they were busy or didn't want to spend money.
I started the day at Zazie in Cole Valley. A cute little brunch spot right off the N-Judah. There was a good crowd of people and I signed it at a clipboard on the window of the restaurants and since my itouch was low in the battery department I decided to stop catching up on my podcasts and be present to the sights and sounds around me. From the 7x7 list, I came here to eat Eggs Benedict on the patio. A table came open inside, but I declined. The nice host offered me a cup of coffee while I waited the additional 5 minutes. It was really nice and I felt as a solo diner completely cared for.
There were 5 or 6 different benedict options on the menu and I really couldn't decide which. It was also super smart that offered a choice of either 1, 2 or 3 eggs. I decided on 2 Florentine with mushrooms and didn't even ask for Hollandaise on the side. I paired it with a salad instead of the potatoes and with the strong coffee, it was a great breakfast.
I took the N back to Civic Center and went to the free day at the Asian Art Museum. I splurged and spent $5 on the special exhibit - Maharaja - and as usual got the audio tour. While the exhibit didn't blow me away, it was certainly a population and a culture I knew little about. I did take the time to wander through the rest of the permanent collection and enjoyed the Indonesian puppets, the various buddha sculptures and the Korean pottery.
Around 2:30PM I walked up Larkin into Little Saigon and saw yet another line outside of my second restaurant destination - Turtle Tower. According to 7x7 I was supposed to have their Pho Ga - Vietnamese Chicken soup. I usually have my pho with beef, so it was a welcome change. And this pho was served with lemon and jalapenos - no bean sprouts or basil or lime as I've had before. Apparently that's the Hanoi way. I looked around at the largely Asian population and tried to eat with my chopsticks in one hand and my spoon in the other. But with the return of pink eye, starting to cough at the jalapeno and the minor sadness of eating alone, I decided to bring less attention to myself and just get the food in my mouth.
Lots of gratitudes:
1. a great Skype check in with Angela and Chris
2. walking in the sunshine & Pho Ga leftovers
3. exploring the great arts and culture in SF
4. catching up on Scrubs
5. pigtails!
Today I did an artsy fartsy foodie day. And while a few people were interested either they were busy or didn't want to spend money.
I started the day at Zazie in Cole Valley. A cute little brunch spot right off the N-Judah. There was a good crowd of people and I signed it at a clipboard on the window of the restaurants and since my itouch was low in the battery department I decided to stop catching up on my podcasts and be present to the sights and sounds around me. From the 7x7 list, I came here to eat Eggs Benedict on the patio. A table came open inside, but I declined. The nice host offered me a cup of coffee while I waited the additional 5 minutes. It was really nice and I felt as a solo diner completely cared for.
There were 5 or 6 different benedict options on the menu and I really couldn't decide which. It was also super smart that offered a choice of either 1, 2 or 3 eggs. I decided on 2 Florentine with mushrooms and didn't even ask for Hollandaise on the side. I paired it with a salad instead of the potatoes and with the strong coffee, it was a great breakfast.
I took the N back to Civic Center and went to the free day at the Asian Art Museum. I splurged and spent $5 on the special exhibit - Maharaja - and as usual got the audio tour. While the exhibit didn't blow me away, it was certainly a population and a culture I knew little about. I did take the time to wander through the rest of the permanent collection and enjoyed the Indonesian puppets, the various buddha sculptures and the Korean pottery.
Around 2:30PM I walked up Larkin into Little Saigon and saw yet another line outside of my second restaurant destination - Turtle Tower. According to 7x7 I was supposed to have their Pho Ga - Vietnamese Chicken soup. I usually have my pho with beef, so it was a welcome change. And this pho was served with lemon and jalapenos - no bean sprouts or basil or lime as I've had before. Apparently that's the Hanoi way. I looked around at the largely Asian population and tried to eat with my chopsticks in one hand and my spoon in the other. But with the return of pink eye, starting to cough at the jalapeno and the minor sadness of eating alone, I decided to bring less attention to myself and just get the food in my mouth.
Lots of gratitudes:
1. a great Skype check in with Angela and Chris
2. walking in the sunshine & Pho Ga leftovers
3. exploring the great arts and culture in SF
4. catching up on Scrubs
5. pigtails!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Untitled #1
Not too much to report. Well, actually scratch that. Yesterday I launched my new Namaste Gourmet website and received much fanfare from my friends on Facebook. It was a great outpouring of warm wishes and congratulations and for the first time in a while I knew I was on the right path. I need to keep the momentum going, so I just connected with more people on LinkedIn and after a great conversation with my friend Julia last night, she will begin connecting me with folks who may be able to help me secure some yoga work.
About a month ago, a fellow Emory alum, Pete Salomon asked me to answer a few questions for his blog. The entry posted today and it was great to hear my wisdom. Now I just need to follow it.
I did a catering delivery and 2 pick ups, renewed my parking permit and did a bit of cooking. I would like to get sucked into watching the last season of Scrubs - um, how did I miss that - but I'd feel completely unproductive if I do that. So, I will play ukulele for 30 minutes and do as much reading of my Life Coaching book as possible before my eyes begin to close.
Gratitudes you ask?
You betcha!
1. a sunny day in Northern CA
2. a great talk with my Dad
3. an overwhelming sense of possibility
4. a nice walk to the parking office
5. bananas, egg nog ice cream & Chambord - a strangely good combo
About a month ago, a fellow Emory alum, Pete Salomon asked me to answer a few questions for his blog. The entry posted today and it was great to hear my wisdom. Now I just need to follow it.
I did a catering delivery and 2 pick ups, renewed my parking permit and did a bit of cooking. I would like to get sucked into watching the last season of Scrubs - um, how did I miss that - but I'd feel completely unproductive if I do that. So, I will play ukulele for 30 minutes and do as much reading of my Life Coaching book as possible before my eyes begin to close.
Gratitudes you ask?
You betcha!
1. a sunny day in Northern CA
2. a great talk with my Dad
3. an overwhelming sense of possibility
4. a nice walk to the parking office
5. bananas, egg nog ice cream & Chambord - a strangely good combo
Monday, January 2, 2012
Really Listening
I taught my last class at Vara Healing Arts in Albany this evening. I subbed 3 classes for a teacher who was out of town for the holidays. The first one was magical, the second was a mother and daughter practicing together and today was a rag tag mix of beginners, plus 2 more seasoned older women. However, the joy happened after class. This one student wanted to talk to me about something. But honestly, she just wanted to me to listen. I did feel obligated to give her a response, but it was mostly affirming what she already thought -- about fear taking up hold in her belly and manifesting itself in her poses.
This got us on to a bigger conversation about comfort in our bodies and as it turns out this 60 year old woman who is obviously a dancer is just getting settled and content in her body. I had to hug her. I was so proud of her for coming out and mentioning her fears, recognizing her success and applauding myself for both fully listening and empowering her.
As I study more about Life Coaching, I am equally scared and quite ready to take on clients. The conversation after class really affirmed that I can really listen. I can give people the space and freedom to say what they need. Truly.
Yea, me!
Gratitudes:
1. a well deserved glass of wine
2. time to nap today
3. more work
4. a website that's just about ready to launch
5. free parking in Berkeley today
This got us on to a bigger conversation about comfort in our bodies and as it turns out this 60 year old woman who is obviously a dancer is just getting settled and content in her body. I had to hug her. I was so proud of her for coming out and mentioning her fears, recognizing her success and applauding myself for both fully listening and empowering her.
As I study more about Life Coaching, I am equally scared and quite ready to take on clients. The conversation after class really affirmed that I can really listen. I can give people the space and freedom to say what they need. Truly.
Yea, me!
Gratitudes:
1. a well deserved glass of wine
2. time to nap today
3. more work
4. a website that's just about ready to launch
5. free parking in Berkeley today
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