Go West, Young Lady

Scrubs Bookends

2012-02-12T23:06:00.000-08:00

As I was leaving Atlanta, I started watching Scrubs on DVD. I was completely addicted. I knew that when I moved to California I would find Zach Braff and we would fall madly in love.

Yeah, I am not sure what I was thinking.

Needless to say, I never "ran in" to Mr. Braff, nor did I stalk the set even though Tony grew up right around where they filmed.

With all of the craziness of grad school I missed the last 2 seasons. I have been catching up the last few weeks and finally saw the final 2 episodes of Season 8 this evening. I find it so interesting that Scrubs played such a role in my Atlanta departure and that I found it again after 4 1/2 years. In the 2 episodes I saw tonight, they touched on Braff's character JD leaving Sacred Heart and all of the emotions around expectations, the future and good-byes. It was a little surreal. One, because I am going through many of those feelings right now and secondly because it's pretty weird that this Western adventure is bookended by my Scrubs viewing.

I cannot force myself to watch Season 9, but now that I'm caught up on all my current TV viewing I can get down to prepping for the move. In earnest.

Oh wait, I would love to be able to see some of the Grammy's tomorrow...

How 'bout some gratitudes before slumber?
1. an easy catering job today
2. hanging with Ayla after said job
3. back up parking for the general suck in the current parking situation in my neighborhood
4. coffee
5. TV shows on the internet - I was going to say interweb, but jokes and inflection don't really read here. right?

Motivation Needed

2012-02-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

Since I have been back at the restaurant, it's been difficult to get stuff done. Well, I don't know if I can blame that, but getting rid of my belongings is where I am completely dragging my feet. As usual I would like the easy route, but now that I will have more time, I need to be more vigilant about selling what I don't need to bring with me.

While I have not been going out of my way to tell people that I'm leaving, word is starting to spread within the catering set. Both Ayla and Lindsay mentioned going away parties and honestly I really don't want one. I would rather just step out of the picture and vanish. I am trying to process why that is and I think the reasons are many. First, since I really don't have a good support/friend circle, I truly don't think that anyone really cares that I am going. I know that's not true, but I wonder why people didn't make an effort while I was here. I know people are busy and are really into themselves, but it makes me wonder if people just take me for granted. They think I'll be around, so they'll contact me when they get around to it. This is all conjecture since I really don't know. But I have spent time pondering and mulling over some difficult ideas.

Secondly, I feel that I failed here in the Bay Area. I actually mentioned it to Roz during our catering job today. It's amazing how easily it came off my tongue. I was thinking my Facebook departure post would be Hope Mirlis: 0, San Francisco 1, but I don't think I need to be so public with it. The failure reason for leaving is certainly a hard one. I came out of the UC Davis gates with gun blaring and then I got injured. I'm curious to know what may have happened if I never lost that momentum. I cannot say it was a complete wash since I have done some amazing things and got to teach at some theatres and studios. However, it's been a struggle. Hell, you can read all about it right here from the last 2 years of posts.

I work tomorrow and have all of Monday off. I really need to find some motivation and get shit done. Will it happen? I hope so. Either way, I'm sure I will get a phone call from my parents for their daily "update." Gosh, I hope I have something to tell them. Or perhaps I wish they would stop calling every day.

Sigh.

Some gratitudes for the last sip of wine:
1. the music of Whitney Houston - she was found dead this evening
2. my neighborhood (and the characters within)
3. lovely catering co-workers
4. clean floors - in the bathroom and kitchen
5. complimentary catering clients

Draggin'

2012-02-09T22:24:00.000-08:00

I have been getting home from Phil's and have just been beat. This evening I did 2 loads of laundry, had some dinner and just fell into bed. I had a lovely phone conversation with my brother and watched the most recent Top Chef episode. I did wind up playing a little ukulele, but nothing truly dedicated.

Looking at this list, I did a lot. Oh yeah, I also scrubbed the bathroom floor - on my hands and knees with a scrub brush.Hugh called with a heads up that he decided to take a large party in the restaurant on top of a huge to go order. He's bringing in extra staff to get everything out in time, but that also means I will be working a 9 hour day before going to Amy's bowling birthday party tomorrow night. I am not sure I am so excited about all of this. It's 10:15PM and I am ready to go to sleep. The past 2 nights I don't think I shut my eyes until after 1AM, so hopefully this will refresh and renew.

Hopefully.

On the hopeful front, I put a deposit down and filled out an application for a studio apartment in Inwood. While it's a little out of the way, it's close to nature, a great Farmers Market, and lots of good restaurants and bars. I am excited to get settled and start etching out a new routine. I'm excited to see where that may go in terms of work, but I do think I will cobble something together.

In the effort to keep this optimism flowing, here are my gratitudes:
1. s'mores bars
2. coffee
3. a freshly laundered warm bath mat under my feet
4. parents who care
5. the possibility of a deeper connection with my brother

Today's image is by the artist Yoshika

Back to Gratitudes

2012-02-08T00:42:00.001-08:00

It's way too late, but needed some coming down time after my Phil's shift this evening. My feet are killing me and I have a long day tomorrow. Things are moving forward, but I really need to sell my furniture. And car. And bicycle.

I also need to plan my kids yoga class for tomorrow. I know I will use the yoga pretzel cards, but I would love to teach them something else. A concept, a new pose, a new awareness.

So, let me get these gratitudes in and go to sleep. Perhaps I will meditate on some questions and have answers when I wake!

Won't that be nice?

Here I go:
1. yoga
2. cold beer
3. easy public transit
4. my friend Maria who is looking at an apartment on my behalf
5. hand cream in my purse

Change of Plans

2012-02-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

When I woke up this morning the sun was shining and I was super excited to take an early yoga class, continue prepping for the move, head to free day at the Oakland Museum before taking BART to Berkeley to see Ghost Light with Michael Gaffney tonight.

I had a great quiet walk to class and Leonora always teaches a lovely sequence. However, 2/3 of the way through the class I felt a twinge in my left psoas. It may be closer to a pull, but I'd like to stay optimistic. I immediately went into balasana and then checked the range of motion. It certainly does not feel right, but it doesn't hurt and I was able to finish the class taking things very easy. No full lunges with my left leg extended back, no pigeon on that side either. No jumping up to uttanasana, no jumping back to plank.

I did feel a little tug on the muscle on my walk home. And during a yummy breakfast I decided to take it easy today. I hope that I am not using this as an excuse to be lazy. I looked for apartments, watched some hulu, made a soup and just had lunch. Oh, I also did my dishes. I have just over 2 hours before I need to head to Berkeley, so I will continue cleaning, change my sheets & perhaps post my couch for sale on craigslist and take a shower.

I hope that my muscle will heal quickly. My monthly membership at Barefoot Movement expires on Tuesday, so I just may not renew. I'll have to see how I feel. I do want to take a few classes before I go.

1. Allen Frias' hip hop class
2. Stacey Rosenberg's yoga class
3. a glass blowing class
4. and one last round of Sarah and Chauncey

I just checked at the Oakland Museum is free the first Sunday of every month. So, I will go next month. March 4 - 2 days before I ship out and head back East.

Baby Steps

2012-02-03T23:15:00.000-08:00

I really should be sleeping. My Daily Inspiration on Twitter and Facebook centered around getting extra sleep, but I am certainly not following that advice. At least for the end of my day. I worked a long day at Phil's and had 2 glasses of wine. I also started my online application for a position in the Education department of the American Museum of Natural History. I am fried.

And I cannot believe that I have not written in 5 days.

There's not a ton to report. I did post some furniture on Craigslist, but have not gotten any bites. I did give my notice to all of my employers and my apartment managers. I also sent my tax forms to Sallie, my accountant in Atlanta. And I have secured movers to come and grab my stuff on the 27th of this month.

Baby steps.

Therefore I still need income in NY. And have a shit ton to sell before I go. I also need to keep the money flowing here in CA until I leave. And then there's that whole issue about where I'm actually moving. Mama's gotta find an apartment.

It's amazing how much yoga has helped me release. I notice tension creeping up all the time and once the awareness hits I just let go. It's kinda great. I think that's one of the major positives on my CA adventure. It was a big issue in grad school once one of my professors realized that I clenched my glutes. I know I've mentioned it before, but usually I try so hard and want something badly that my whole body grips. The release certainly helps with the stress levels.

I have also tried to play my ukulele often, but working 5 days a week makes it a bit more difficult. The money sure is nice and without a steady gig or money coming in, I can certainly dedicate lots of time to my ukulele playing in my super small apartment in NY.

Wherever that may be.

Gratitudezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2012-01-30T21:21:00.000-08:00

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

The Return of Blogthing!

2012-01-27T23:03:00.000-08:00

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.

Your International Spy Name is Diva Deathbird

Your Code Name: The Bamboo

You Reside in: Geneva

Why You're a Good Spy: You're a good lover

What's Your International Spy Name?

Gosh, I Needed That

2012-01-26T23:17:00.000-08:00

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

Glorious to Start

2012-01-25T00:38:00.000-08:00

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

Monday Gratitudes

2012-01-23T23:11:00.000-08:00

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

Trying Not to FREAK OUT!

2012-01-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

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.

Office Space and a PBR

2012-01-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

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

No Rain Yet!

2012-01-18T23:39:00.000-08:00

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

Falling by the Wayside

2012-01-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

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.

Sunday Gratitudes

2012-01-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

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

Battling the Laziness

2012-01-12T16:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Beginning of the End

2012-01-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

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!

Untitled #1

2012-01-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

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

Really Listening

2012-01-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

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

Ready to Launch!

2011-12-29T11:17:00.000-08:00

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

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

2011-12-27T22:08:00.000-08:00

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:

Hope Mirlis

Should I stay or should I go?

Day After Update

2011-12-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Merry and a Happy!

2011-12-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

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

A Little Lucky!

2011-12-22T20:49:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-21T22:26:00.000-08:00

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

Goofy Tuesday

2011-12-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

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!

Back on Track

2011-12-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

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

Puzzling Analytics

2011-12-14T18:02:00.000-08:00

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?

Feel the Love

2011-12-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

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?

Ass Kicked!

2011-12-11T21:34:00.001-08:00

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

Luminosity update

2011-12-07T20:32:00.001-08:00

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:

Bright or shining, esp. in the dark.
(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 Gratitudes!

2011-12-05T20:23:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-04T21:49:00.001-08:00

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.

Biding my Time

2011-11-30T20:29:00.001-08:00

I skimmed a great article in LearnVest yesterday about time.

I skimmed. I did not read.

Reading comprehension has never been my strongest suit. I am a creative individual, but did better on my math SATs - which surprises many. Perhaps it's the smaller problems - but that's not the point.

The point is that I skim. I don't jump in wholeheartedly, I float on the surface.

And I want to know why I don't feel settled and my Muladhara is under-active?

I have been reading half-heartedly a book recommended to guide my Life Coach practice, but the truth is that I probably need one myself. A motivator for the motivator?

Tomorrow I will rise early, take a yoga class and start at the beginning of the book. Re-reading, if necessary and taking action.

Laying Low

2011-11-29T18:25:00.001-08:00

I said I was going to start to get going and well, I haven't.

I have been teaching yoga and my after school drama class. And while I gave notice with my personal assistant client, I have been doing a bit of work there, too.

And heck, it's only Tuesday.

I have also been catching up on The Walking Dead and playing Bejeweled Blitz and Words with Friends as if the world as we know it was ending and the place was being overrun by zombies.

But it isn't.

The biggest thing is I have to get well. Now that I am reunited with my neti pot and my body clock is restored allowing me to sleep - I do feel better.

I did start my Unlimited Monthly pass at Barefoot Yoga down the street and have the rest of the week full of catering excitement. My aim is to take a yoga class each day, but we'll see how I do.

I do need to focus, but I think this week that means keeping my white shirts clean and lifting from my legs.

Because Daily Challenge Told Me To

2011-11-26T18:02:00.001-08:00

As if gratitudes were not already a part of my daily routine, Daily Challenge asked that we announce 3 things that we are grateful for.

I'll give you 5.

1. great food

2. being with my family

3. my nephew

4. public transportation

5. yoga

Today I met with my old friend Blair. And after breakfast in downtown Manhattan we took a walk on the lower west side and then grabbed a good yoga class. I have not been very physical since I've been in NY and it was great to connect with my body and my breath. I need to take more yoga classes and I will certainly activate my monthly pass with Barefoot Yoga on Monday when I get back to town.

Now to get rid of my sore throat for some ease in my traveling and all will be well.

Lack of Gratitude

2011-11-25T06:41:00.001-08:00

For someone that counts her blessing many days - I had a hard time posting my gratitudes on Facebook yesterday. I saw the long lists of what people where thankful for and I just could not say the same. I don't have a great job, a great love, I do not feel settled in my life and I certainly do not have a strong support system.

But when we went around the table last night at Allison and Scott's house, I could certainly say that it was great being back with my family.

And even though I got "stuck" playing with the small children, I ate good food, drank good wine and had a laugh or two. I have a roof over my head, food when I need it, money trickling in and people who do care about me.

I do sense change a-coming. And it may be in two weeks or 2 months but it will come. I just think I need to figure out what will give me the most happiness and the biggest amount of gratitude and just do it.

New York State of Mind

2011-11-21T21:02:00.001-08:00

My internet connection is spotty at my folks house, so it's not until late in the evening when I can get a strong enough WIFI connection from one of the neighbors. My parents have WIFI, but they don't know the password or their server name and I certainly cannot figure it out.

It's nice being in NY but I do miss my routine and my little furry nubbins.

But there are things I am grateful for:
1. seeing an old friend and catching up
2. a good job interview
3. beautiful weather
4. good food with the family
5. podcasts

Too tired for much else, as I am also nursing a cold and a cough. Hope to write soon.

Thursday night Gratitudes

2011-11-10T21:30:00.001-08:00

Reciting 'Namaste' is the traditional end of a yoga class and my class is no different. As it means "to bow to you" in Sanskrit, some find the physical action of bowing a little redundant, but I really don't mind. While I rarely fully prostrate in a seated position, I tend to begin in anjali mudra

then bring my hands up to my third eye, to my throat and then return to my heart with a little bow. There's something about the combination of a strong mind, voice and heart that I feel best express the gratitude of my students' joining me in practice. I have been chanting 'om' more regularly since I find the joint sound and vibration incredibly powerful and somehow brings the group together. Perhaps I will add more chanting - but that means I will have to learn more than the Gayatri mantra.

Here are some other things for which I am grateful:
1. Bakesale Betty's chicken sandwich eaten outside in the sunshine
2. a great visit with my good buddy Tony Shayne
3. ticking items off my to-do list
4. an almost empty kitchen sink
5. continued job opportunities

My Vishuddha feels threatened by Svadisthana.

2011-11-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

One of my students last week was curious about the chakras. She said something about the masculine and feminine sides of certain centers and that was completely new to me. I adore the chakras. It allows us to think of something so spiritual in a very physical way. And even though that student didn't come to class as we played with the first 3 chakras - muladhara, svadhisthana and manipura, it was well needed by those that did show.

I tend to get bored with my teaching practice, so I change it up lots. I noticed a few weeks ago that Yoga Today did a podcast on chakras so I downloaded it yesterday and practiced a bit in my tiny kitchen. The kundalini component of the class got me all light headed. So in class today, I gave the option with some poses to go slower with ujayii breath rather than full steam with the Kundalini breath of fire.

But after class one of my regular students said that her throat bothered her. Gosh, we worked with the root, sacral center and solar plexus. We didn't get close to the upper body. But I realized that during the practice, my voice was weak. It cracked in places and I lacked air when speaking. Both my student and I were probably dealing with similar things.

I took one of those online tests around the chakras. And here are the crazy results:

Root:	under-active	(-38%)
Sacral:	under-active	(-6%)
Navel:	open	(31%)
Heart:	open	(19%)
Throat:	over-active	(81%)
Third Eye:	open	(38%)
Crown:	open	(25%)

So, as we spent so much time working on our root and sacral, my throat - or center for communication - felt threatened. I do find that I either talk lots or not at all. I have not found that happy medium. But either way, I did feel a huge opening in my first 2 centers. When I mentioned my theory to my student, it felt like it hit home.

I have been very aware of my breathing and internal energy today and I need to continue to do so. There's a lot of great movement - and I believe very necessary movement.

I am going to shut up and let it take it's course.

Saturday evening chill

2011-11-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

A long day of catering and I sit in bed listening to the rain - and the pull from the kitchen blinds hitting my water bottle. That will drive me crazy.

Better.

So my week of eating healthy was marginally successful. While I didn't make my yummy chicken and veggie stew until yesterday (and only ate a cup of it) I didn't eat sweets all week. I did find it rather easy to abstain. I don't necessarily feel better, so in order to do that I think I need to change my diet in a more significant way and do a bit more exercise.

And yes, I still need to start meditating on a more regular basis.

But how 'bout some gratitudes

1. big tippers
2. a good job interview with a request for a second
3. time to do laundry - and remembering to buy quarters
4. catering leftovers
5. living in a beautiful part of the country

Weekly food challenge - Monday

2011-10-31T21:39:00.000-07:00

So I have not been feeling so hot lately. Lots of processed foods and sugar have made me more tired and just generally yucky. So, I decided to start watching what I eat today. Yesterday I worked a catering gig for the restaurant I used to work. I figured that I'd just pig out on sliders, tots and s'mores bars. However the free event attracted more people than expected and we got nothing to nibble on.

I did have dessert - a shake and a few bites of butterscotch parfait - at the restaurant when we stopped by at the end of the evening to return extra ingredients and supplies. But it was enough.

So today I did 2 catering deliveries and taught 2 yoga classes. And here's what I ate:

MONDAY
coffee with skim milk
1 corn tortilla with leftover turkey bolognese topped with an egg (a little butter, no cheese)
3/4 cup veggie stew (with beans and potatoes)
a mini veggie sandwich
spinach salad with avocado, jicama, radishes and oranges - with a homemade ginger vinaigrette
8 pieces of California roll with brown rice

And I am still hungry, so think I'll have some almonds and 1/2 banana

Here's to feeling better!

Weight Lifted!

2011-10-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I marched my bum to the court to drop off my last 2 time sheets for the community service hours I've worked to pay off the 2 traffic tickets I got in February. A huge weight was lifted from me. On top of that I cleaned my apartment, had friends over for dinner and wrote a new quote on my bathroom mirror.

If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it. - Somerset Maughn

Yesterday, I also subbed a great yoga class where 2 of 4 people took business cards and 1 signed my mailing list. I negotiated salary for work with a new catering company and after sending what feels like a bajillion job applications into the ether, today I got a request for an interview.

Funny how timing and karma work, non?

This week in Yoga

2011-10-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

When I started teaching yoga regularly I picked a theme each week and taught my classes based on the theme. While I may not have had strict sequences set, it gave me a good idea of where I was going or structure if I got lost along the way. I stopped doing it a few months ago because it takes time and I honestly don't think my students care one way or the other.

However today I taught a class based on what I learned over the weekend. To regard the journey more than the destination and to focus on balance.

Since I cannot foresee living on the West Coast forever, I want to make sure that I see all the sites in CA that are worth seeing. So when I saw a backpacking and camping trip to Big Sur on one of the discount websites I jumped. It took me almost a full year to use it, but I went with a group of strangers camping overnight. I really do enjoy camping and would love to do it more.

But back to my lesson.

As we began our 3 mile hike in, our guide Chris said that we will go at a slow pace. For him it was more important for us to see the surroundings than to get to our campsite. Because really, there was little to do once we got there. But his instruction forced me not to race. To take my time with my steps to find balance and footing. There were a number of felled trees that we either had to climb over or duck under. This may not have been difficult, but when you add a 20 pound pack, your center gets all wonky and balance is more difficult. I did try and "stop and smell the roses" occasionally, but it was a balance between staying with the others and not falling on my ass. I'm sure that can be applied to life - but I decided to bring it into yoga today. Making sure we slowed down and were aware of how we flowed from pose to pose. Since standing balances in my classes are difficult - or at least I find the tension and frustration levels high when we do standing balances, I found a sequence online that we followed for the most part. My goal is to be able to flow this on Friday

Utkattasana (Chair)

Garudasana (Eagle)

Vrksana (Tree)

Natarajasana (King Dancer)

Virabridrasana III (Warrior 3)

Arda Chandrasana (Half Moon)

I found when we got to King Dancer that my standing leg was tired so I decided to take a break. We got to Half Moon through Warrior 2, Triangle and then Half Moon and passed on Warrior 3. We rarely do arm balances, so after Headstand, we did Bekasana and then ended with Plow and Shoulderstand.

When we got the end of the class, I felt more satisfied. While I am proud that I can teach a class based on instinct without prep, I find the practice is deeper when I have some structure. We will continue playing with the journey and balance the rest of the week. I am curious to know the destination we will reach at the end.

Atonement

2011-10-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I've done lots of shit wrong this year - I mean, just remember my car karma cluster &^#$ from February that I am still dealing with since my car insurance premium jumped over 100%. I'm sure I've offended people and just done plain wrong. I do try my hardest to be present, aware and nurturing to those around me. But sometimes I fail. We all do.

As we reach another Yom Kippur, I have tried to stay quiet. But as my life is full of literal and mental clutter, I am taking the rest of the day to clean. I do have to work a little tomorrow, but I will be fasting. As the hunger pangs hit tomorrow late morning, I will continue to reflect on this life and making the most of it. Of giving wholeheartedly, but not so much that I feel I'm being used. Of choosing what I want and not only sending it out to the universe but actually making it happen.

If I have done you wrong, please let me know. Or if it works for you, I am so sorry for any misdeeds, misspeaking or mistakes that have hurt you in any way. Please accept this apology.

Have a safe and easy fast.

Tons of updates!

2011-10-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I had a good performance at The Marsh on the 19th, had an identity crisis and officiated a wedding in Atlanta, had a great audition at Berkeley Rep and the sun is shining!

Okay, not now - because it's 11:30 at night, but in general blue skies, baby!

I am not sure why I have not shared. Perhaps I just have not had time to process quite yet.

I also have not had a chance to count my blessings and list some gratitudes. Here we go!

1. people to watch the kitties while I'm away
2. my love of physical theatre and my ability to perform it
3. steady catering work
4. finding Weeds Season 7 on the internet
5. my volunteer experience with the American Cancer Society

Return to the Funny

2011-09-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

In an effort to stay away from the procrastination monster, I decided not to cancel performing an excerpt of my one-woman show, 'When You Hit Your Funny Bone' this Monday at The Marsh in SF. I have been so down on the project since I cannot seem to engage collaborators, but as a little kick in the pants, I have kept my two slots. And I am all set to play on Monday and if I fail, I fail.

Okay, fail is a bit harsh. I don't think that's possible, but it may not be as strong as I'd like it. But attendance on these evenings is pretty low, so if I suck, there's a good chance it won't be in front of anyone I know and it won't be many people.

I decided to play with what worked well in the original. The Laugh Score, One for the Ladies, the Humor Test and I am playing with the definitions of Laughter, Comedy and Humor. I'm also introducing the Scientist character and the Shot Girl in greater detail.

Luckily my weekend is rather light in the schedule department so I will have time to play. It's a prop heavy show, so I will need to figure out how to quickly pre-set and strike. I also burned the pants I usually wear, so I'll have to figure out costuming, too.

Dude, funny is hard work.

Wish me luck. Or broken funny bones.

Ankle update

2011-09-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

When I was in 7th grade I ran down these big wide riser stairs in our school chorus room for some reason and tripped as I ran out the door. I twisted my ankle, was carried to the nurse and didn't return to class. I am not sure if my classmates noticed me gone with my books and purse still in the room, but who the heck remembers those little details.

And thus begins the problems with my left ankle.

At that time I danced 3 days a week and going to class just to watch was utterly painful. I'm sure I jumped back on it too early and since then I have sprained my ankle at least 5 times and broke my left foot twice - in the mid 90s while working at Coca-Cola and again in 2009 while teaching at UC Davis.

Now, my ligaments are shot and I am faced with the possibility of surgery to give me more stability in the ankle.

I have been in physical therapy for just over a month and my legs are certainly stronger. I feel a difference in my balance and use my glutes and obliques instead of the muscles of the lower leg to support me. There has been lots of bruising as my therapist opens up my shins through deep massage. Unfortunately I am on my feet lots lately and currently they are throbbing.

The dogs are barking, shall we say.

My orthopedic doctor thinks we can avoid surgery and my physical therapist feels that surgically opening up my ankle to clean out scar tissue will just create new scar tissue. My big problem is that if I have surgery I must remain off my feet for at least a month and I will not be back to "normal" for 6-9 months.

Too long, I think.

So, as I get some shut eye, I will massage my feet a bit and count my gratitudes:

1. yummy catering leftovers
2. 2 decent sized yoga classes
3. finding a dress for Chris and Angela's wedding
4. coming up with a plan for my solo performance next week
5. clean floors in my apartment
6. steady work

Monday regroup

2011-09-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

I JUST FOUND THIS ENTRY IN MY DRAFT FOLDER FROM 9/10/10, just about a year ago. I WONDER WHY I DID NOT POST IT THEN.

After I finished teaching up in Davis, I returned to Berkeley just in time to finish up celebrating Rosh Hashana. And celebrate is a bit of an overstatement. I did cook a lovely meal with Victoria and Nita on Wednesday night, but I didn't attend synagogue or really take any time out to reflect on the year past or upcoming. In fact I ran straight into teaching workshops with Epiphany and prepped to teach at MTC and then headed up to Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival with Christine & Genia. I got back early yesterday morning and have reflected little.

Well, that's kinda what this blog has been, but it would be nice to think of it in terms of the year mark. And it's helpful that I moved to the Bay just about this time last year. To say that the past year was a hard one is a bit of an understatement. It truly kicked my ass. And while I am doing well right now, I am not quite kicking ass and taking names quite yet. I do not have a good support circle or financial stability. I am not satisfying my creative needs. But it's not to say that it's all bad. I am teaching a ton and I know my strengths lie there. I have a good bit of admin work in the non-profit sector however getting paid hourly requires lots of organization and administration. Time, paperwork and diligence. It's a lot of work.

I am still not sure that the San Francisco Bay area is the best place for me. I don't really have other ideas here, so I will certainly hang on through the Spring and perhaps the summer. Maybe I'll look at Faculty positions or full time admin work in the arts. Or perhaps my solo piece will be so successful that I will tour it around the world.

I certainly have not thrown in the towel, but I do remain to be realistic.

Gratitudes:
1. lemon curd
2. good wine and sunshine
3. outdoor theatre
4. living close to the water
5. having work

Cabaret redux

2011-09-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

My first solo cabaret in San Francisco was just over 2 weeks ago and I am still excited to watch the videos and remember the thrill of that night. I do think the videos do not do the evening justice. I try to watch the recordings with a critical eye and ask if it's any good. I know it was, but I think the magic is lost a bit in the shaky videos shot on peoples phones.

Next time I will certainly plan for better sound and video recording. And while I just about broke even on the evening, and people have asked for a second cabaret, I am not sure I have the energy. Nor do I want to think about losing money on the endeavour. I have to admit that the format and journey of the show as a whole was pretty great. It makes me think I can do that show again as it is at another venue. Perhaps I should try that route before building another show. The song requests have started to come in for the second cabaret and it's all songs I do not know. The thought of learning 16 new songs and meeting with a musical director to create charts is a little daunting right about now. We'll see what transpires in the next few weeks.

Since I have been doing so much production work and teaching, it was certainly nice to jump into something artistic. I should be working on Funny Bone since I am scheduled to perform an excerpt at The Marsh in 3 weeks, but the desire is not there. I don't want to just throw something out there - especially if there's no one in the audience and it's not going to help me in the future. So, if I cannot get my act together in the next few days, I think I will cancel.

I am thinking of ways to expand Namaste Gourmet and all of the work I do around yoga, personal cheffing, coaching and officiating. But maybe I should take my energies and try and find a Sugar Daddy! Then I can sit at home and read, or perhaps take trips around the world! Now, that sounds like Sun and the Moon.

Hmmm, perhaps for the next cabaret...

Big fat liar!

2011-08-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

So in my post 10 DAYS AGO I promised more "tomorrow." Well, that didn't happen. I got busy working and prepping for my cabaret and hosting my parents and then Tony and Chloe and I just ran out of steam - and time.

But there is lots to say. Or at least lots going on in my head. I just don't think I need to say it, nor believe anyone is listening or needs to hear it.

So what I need is listing my gratitude. To make me thankful of each and every day - whether I share it with the world or not.

1. my itouch podcasts
2. a friendly, effective staff at the restaurant tonight
3. physical therapy
4. good friends and good dim sum
5. walking in the sunshine
6. my yoga practice through teaching

Just three things

2011-08-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

So I really hate that I have not been able to blog a post longer than mentioning my what I'm grateful for today, but that's what it is. I have been working hard at Phil's, teaching classes for Berkeley Rep and Marin Theatre Co., getting my cabaret ready and looking for other work. I can barely keep my eyes open. I am ready to watch a movie, but since the Daily Challenge (which I have not been doing on a daily basis) is sharing three gratitudes today, I thought heck I can totally do that one.

So, here I go:
1. people who appreciate my humor
2. BART and its clear schedule
3. Phil's milkshakes

I promise more tomorrow.

Quick appreciation!

2011-08-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

Working at Phil's Sliders, there are 3 great workers who are in town for the summer from Ireland. One of them, Ashling has grown accustomed to the American way of thanking everyone and telling us how she appreciates us. All the time.

It's gotten to be a little joke, but it is interesting how we in American feel the need to thank others. I know that we are trained as young'uns to say your pleases and thank you, but it's a little much. At least I notice that I say it all the time.

I am certainly thankful for many things and certainly need to recognize those that assist, but it loses it's meaning when over used.

That being said, here are my 5 meaningful gratitudes:
1. my regular yoga students who come most of the week
2. kitties who keep me warm - this overshadowed by my cats who are either pooping or vomiting. It's not pretty, y'all
3. milkshakes!
4. a great assistant at BRT Summer Intensive
5. a clean bathroom and soon to be clean kitchen

Return of the Gratitudes!

2011-08-06T23:41:00.000-07:00

Well, there goes my plan to beat the number of posts from 2008. I mean, I guess I could still make it if I posted every day. Now that I'm done with the Artists Way, I guess I could bring the daily blog posts back. I am super tired these days and I am far behind on a ton of personal things. Largely cleaning and laundry.

But I still need to be thankful for the kindness around me.

Here's what I'm thankful for:
1. people who take a moment to look me in the eye and smile
2. the woman at the crosswalk to gave me a thumbs up after seeing the flower in my hair
3. spending time at the Ferry Building this morning staring at the Bay Bridge
4. fresh oysters
5. wine!

Why thank you!

2011-07-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is the last of 12 weeks doing the Artists Way. I did the exercise about 12 years ago and honestly, I do not remember the last few weeks. It makes me think I did not do them. There is a lot of positive energy in the sense of completion. And there are subtle shifts. I am in the process of making big changes, but fear paralyzes me and the changes are slow. Due to the fact that one of my two cohorts is not able to make our last sacred circle, we pushed it back a week. I challenged the group keep up the exercise for one more week. Another artists date, 7 days of writing pages and another 10 tasks. I'm hoping this extra week will give me the boost I need to stop procrastinating and just do shit already.

Wish me luck.

In the meantime, here's what I'm thankful for right now, today:
1. lots of work
2. regular yoga students
3. the setting of protocol and operations at the restaurant
4. time to do my laundry afterwork tonight (and accessibility to a machine)
5. friends to share drinks and stories.

Saturday night and feeling...okay.

2011-07-09T21:18:00.001-07:00

I wish I could say 'all right,' but it's just not happening. I had a head ache all day, but lucky when I got home from work, it went away as I watched the So You Think You Can Dance result show. I think I will take a bath, and get into bed and write my Artists Way pages.

I hope if I go to sleep early, I can get up refreshed around 8AM, write my MORNING pages and head to Berkeley for a little breakfast before work at Phil's.

Tomorrow starts my week of nurturing myself EACH day. What I've challenged myself to do is:

Sunday: reflexology
Monday: go to the movies
Tuesday: treat myself to breakfast
Wednesday: take a yoga class
Thursday: have a fun cocktail
Friday: Go to a museum
Saturday: horseback riding!

I am super excited.

In fact, here's what I'm grateful for:
1. understanding Phil's customers
2. sunny days
3. podcasts on my itouch
4. grateful hip hop students at Berkeley Rep
5. a confirmed new cabaret date

Tuesday Gratitudes!

2011-07-05T21:54:00.001-07:00

Wow, the previous post makes me look like a total lush. I guess that's what you get when you blog tipsy! Here are a few things I learned over the weekend followed by a bit of gratitude.

1. Most drivers in traffic school think they were framed and that they are better than average drivers
2. Mrs. Winchester (of rifle fame) was utterly crazy
3. I really missed swimming
4. Sometimes is not fun or advantageous to be teachers pet
5. Marisco's really does have the best seafood

And what I'm thankful for:

1. Fresh lemons
2. Close proximity of Phil's to Berkeley Rep - super easy to run (literally!) from one to the other today
3. Nice and understanding restaurant customers
4. Easy public transport
5. Time to nap!

Lemons to lemonade

2011-07-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

So I am currently down in San Jose doing traffic school. Yes, I am in the process of dealing with some bad karma - or 3 parking tickets. For 2 I am doing community service and the third, I have opted for second level traffic school. I have not slept very much, so I am exhausted and after a drink by the Moorpark Hotel pool, followed by a sake at the sushi place across the street, I am wiped. Yeah, that and sitting for 6 hours at traffic school. There is so much I have to say, but with a belly full of sushi and a candy bar to boot, I'm done.

I hoped to hit the hot tub before bed, but I don't think so. Now, if only the ladies at the pool bar would shut the hell up. I may have to close the window and turn on the air.

But not to be a complete negative nelly...

Here are some gratitudes:
1. kind fellow diners at the sushi place who shared a yummy roll with me
2. dining with a fellow traffic schooler for lunch
3. the fact that I am not homeless - San Jose (like the rest of the Bay Area) is a haven for the homeless
4. easy drives with no traffic - in this case down to San Jose from Oakland
5. Happy Hour at the hotel!

Treading, treading, treading...

2011-06-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am just able to keep my head above water these days. Busy with work and I do not have a handle on the weekly routine. I do love leaving my car and taking BART most days and the sunshine is rare these past few days which makes everything a little harder. But I have not stopped being grateful. I just have not touted the gratitude horn outloud. So toot, toot, toot, toot...

GRATITUDE!

Things I am currently grateful for:

1. coffee

2. leftovers to cobble a meal together

3. the enthusiasm of my hip hop students

4. the warmth of my morning yoga ladies

5. my new sneakers!

6. an energetic staff at Phil's

7. the current sunshine and blue, blue skies in downtown Berkeley.

8. kind (& cute, but way too young) coffee jerks who lend pens - with a smile.

Thursday evening wind down

2011-06-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a week or so. Lots of catering work, the opening of Phil's Slider and the beginning of my hip hop class at Berkeley Rep. I must go to bed and I cannot tell you how excited I am that I already did my morning pages - this morning! I have not taken the time to focus on gratitudes, so here we go.

1. easy public transportation

2. generous and heartfelt compliments

3. warm days

4. smart and enthusiastic students

5. a cabaret date!

A quick thank you

2011-06-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

I am supa tired. I slept until 8 or so and even took a nap today, but I am beat. Volunteering, dance class, beer and not too much else. I have my notebook opened to do my morning pages, but I think I am too tired to complete them.

At least I'm getting my gratitudes in.

1. living in a bikeable city

2. beer and ribs

3. Sarah's dance class

4. a hot shower

5. leftover from the dinner parties

Thursday Grats!

2011-06-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

Had a good, but quick Artists Way check-in today. It did make me see the progress event though we didn't really talk about it.

Here's where I stand in terms of being grateful.

1. a nice sunny day

2. easy volunteer work

3. a plethora of paid gigs

4. movement on the artistic front

5. the quieting of my censor

Live the Life You Want

2011-06-07T17:08:00.001-07:00

So today has been a bit of a splurge. Early rising to clean my apartment and then some oatmeal with dried cranberries, fresh banana and real maple syrup. I am an egg gal and never make hot cereal. Or at least it's rare. It was such a welcome change - that and I'm out of eggs...

I rode my bike up the get Tony a parking pass for his 2-week stay and then hopped on BART to meet and handle the Goin' Gaga load-out.

Then the fun began.

I hopped back on BART when we were done and went down to Montgomery and treated myself to lunch at Tadich Grill. The sand dabs were on my 7x7 list. They were expensive, and to be honest, not all that exciting. I do think I need to reconsider this list. I should probably check and see if they are on the current list - I bet not. Well, I was wrong. They are indeed there. Either way, it was nice to sit and treat myself. I certainly cannot do it on a daily basis, but I am tired of saying no. The gentleman next to me dropped $75 for lunch (including 3 glasses of wine) which I think is excessive, but if that's his splurge then good for him! For me it's about getting closer to living the life I want to live. Treating myself well. For the last few days I have taken the time to put make-up on, choose an outfit and don some simple jewelry. While I have gotten some compliments, it's not about that. I really do feel better.

After lunch wandered to the post office and to buy sunglasses in the Walgreen's. And after stopping in the Apple Store to use their wifi to check my email, I stopped for coffee and a Cannele at La Boulange. It was also on my original list, but is not on the new one. The flavor of the pastry was nice, but it didn't taste fresh. The environment was not welcoming so I decided to head on out to Benefit in the Union Square Macy's.

I was approached right away upon entry and got a nice little makeover. I decided to purchase a few of the items - and $100 later I was out the door. My eyes are super dramatic right now. Since then I have been bouncing from hotel lobby to hotel lobby looking for wifi. I don't need anymore coffee and needed a warm, stylish environment. I started at the Hotel Nikko and by chance stumbled on the Rrazz Room - the top cabaret space/nightclub in town. Since there was no free wifi, I read Week 7 of the Artists Way and then asked one of the bartenders if I could peek in the Rrazz. It was a fairly small room. Not intimidating at all. I wonder if I'll be in town long enough to play there.

So instead of stopping and getting a manicure (I mean a lady of leisure can only spend so much money...), I walked around the corner to the Clift - a smaller boutique hotel - where I am currently sitting in the lounge.

Tony should be on his way in soon and we are going to see Tales of the City tonight at ACT. I'm sensing after a cocktail, it will be the perfect end to my splurgified artists date!

Release of the Daily

2011-06-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

So I still have not mastered the daily flossing, and as you can see I missed two days from my gratitude journaling. And you know what?

I feel okay about it.

Very few people read this blog anyway, and if you are suddenly judgmental...you can suck it.

There I said it.

I've been teaching yoga regularly and Anne's company has a show running this weekend and I am also trying to finish my Artists Way tasks and keep a whole mess of plates in the air - mostly for other people. So I've relaxed my rules and if I get to it, I get to it. I mean it is for me. So am I letting myself down? No, not really.

Today is the final presentation of my MTC after school drama class and I am so happy it's over. I have no idea who will show up and hate to say it, but I hope none of them do. We have nothing to present and I have a feeling we will play their favorite game with the theme of the class - Madeline. I then need to print and copy some more programs for tonight's show and head to the theatre by 4PM.

In the meantime, there are things for which I am grateful:
1. the ability to sleep in
2. forums for my thoughts
3. living in an inclusive area - of all peoples, not necessarily of individuals
4. leftover oatmeal cookies
5. the sliver of lake I see from my windows

Check, check and check!

2011-06-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

Finishing up my dailies. Now that I did my Daily Challenge and my morning pages, I will head to the bathroom to brush and floss before bed. But first some gratitudes.

1. A hot shower
2. fresh macaroons
3. Appreciative dancers
4. A ride home
5. Lots of yoga near by

Look another daily habit!

2011-06-01T22:14:00.001-07:00

So, if I could just get this daily flossing thing down I would be golden. I think that's what I need to tackle next. But these other tasks I do every day work just fine. I actually get an email EVERY DAY from the website 43 Things reminding me to drink more water and floss. And nope, nothing. But Daily Challenge, Morning Pages and this gratitude journal work just fine.

Go figure.

I do still need to do my morning pages, so I'll make this brief. It's been a long day and tomorrow will not be any different.

FIVE REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL
1. Happy Hour with the gals
2. Friends who tell the truth
3. Teaching a kick ass yoga class this morning
4. Rain while on the train, sunshine upon reaching my destination
5. Ease in taking public transportation most of the day

another quickie

2011-05-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

I kinda wimped out tonight. I expected to go and take Sarah's dance class tonight, but I got hungry and ate dinner and did my laundry instead. It's only 9:30PM, but I think I will just go to sleep.

Here's why I'm grateful:
1. Podcasts
2. Easy public transportation
3. it didn't pour down rain today
4. nice, helpful people
5. lots of work this week.

Memorial Monday

2011-05-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

I did not realize today was Memorial Day at the end of yoga on Friday. So, when I said farewell to my students I said a hearty, 'see you on Monday.' Autumn told me yesterday that the teachers who have taught this class before me cancel the class on holidays.

Yeah, it would have been nice to know that.

But instead I hauled my ass up at 5 and got down to the studio at 5:45AM to wait for no one. I didn't even unpack my mat. I did put music on and danced around a bit, but I knew that I would leave at 6:05AM.

Which I did.

So instead of feeling centered and stretched when I came home, I just felt disappointed and tired. I fell back into bed with my jacket on and called my parents. I mean heck it was 6:30AM and I was still on Evening and Weekend minutes. My mother was surprised when I called her. But we spoke for a bit and then I got up, heated my coffee, made some breakfast and wrote my morning pages. IN THE MORNING!

I guess I was disappointed because I really wanted to play with dedicating my practice to someone else. Someone that could not practice yoga for any reason. I was not sure who I would have selected, but it would have been an interesting practice. For our Artist Dates this week I challenged my sacred circlers to pick a date for another. Jenny was great and picked either an event with these people or do a dance audition. The former takes time and you have to speak to advisor before you register. Too much hassle. The latter I could not find. Since I am no longer a member of Dancers Group, I cannot access the local auditions. I tried to see using Anne's user ID, but I couldn't find any. So, Jenny gave me a different challenge - take a cooking class. I looked at various classes in the East Bay and SF and there are none this week. Okay, there was one tomorrow, but I emailed the head of it and have not heard back. And gosh, they are expensive. So, as a last resort she challenged me to take a yoga class in a style that I don't normally take.

Enter the Monkeys.

By Grand Lake there is a studio called Monkey Yoga Shala. It's a mix of yoga, dance, and martial arts. And yes, it's hot. Or at least warm. It's kind of a cult or at least most everyone there knew the routine and while we were encouraged not to measure ourselves against anyone else, there definitely felt like a bit of posturing was going on.

While I teach that using your breath fully and deeply will keep you from getting sore, Tim encouraged the sore. Saying that some of it was good for a few days. I am not sure I believe that, but after an ass whoopin' I will certainly feel sore tomorrow. I gua-ran-tee. And I didn't even think to dedicate my practice to anyone. I just needed to keep up.

The best deal was $20 for unlimited classes for the next 2 weeks. So, I will be back. Crusin' for a brusin' they say.

Thursday morning.

Why yes, I'm grateful!
1. looking good at 40!
2. living in a nice neighborhood
3. shrimp on sale at Safeway!
4. chilled pinot grigio
5. an almost completed set list for my cabaret.

Quickie Thanks

2011-05-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

1. amaranth from the farmers market
2. volunteer ops to see dance for free
3. sunshine
4. fresh pie - or truly tart from Mission Pie
5. kind people - at yoga and at CounterPULSE

A Week and a Day

2011-05-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

So I have kept up this crazy daily gratitude thing for a full week. I like the routine now. I know it's something I need to be aware of and have to get done. Along with Morning Pages and my Daily Challenge, it's part of the ritual. And I don't mind it. Now if I could just get my oral hygiene under control, we will be all set. I failed to have students for my yoga class at Happy Hour this morning and didn't meet with Nita right after as we'd hoped. But I did do some stuff for ABD and worked a house party this evening. I am going to brush and floss my teeth and then hit the hay since I have to teach yoga again in the morning. But there are things to be grateful for.

1. being told that someone wants to be me when she grows up (she's 68)
2. being highly, highly complimented by the host at the house party tonight
3. a beautiful sky in SF this evening
4. musical theatre
5. wine & cheese!

Drinkin' on a Friday!

2011-05-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

I had a fairly easy day, but was very productive. Okay, maybe not 'very' but I got a lot of shit done. A 6AM yoga class, my 8:30AM Artists Way check-in with WAY too many technical difficulties and then a glorious yoga class outside! My buddy Emily watched my little furballs a month ago when I was in NY. As a thank you I offered her a private yoga class. So she finally cashed in on it today. And since my apartment is so small we had to venture outside. The weather fortunately cooperated with us and while we started with overcast skies we ended in the sunshine with puffy clouds in bright blue. Just lovely.

After a jaunt in the city for a meeting with Kim and Kelley at Epiphany, I ventured home for food and wine. And after wine and TV show catch up, I am still on the couch and there's still (or perhaps more?) wine in my glass.

Thursdays gratitude list:
1. great leftovers
2. yoga in the sunshine
3. a clean apartment!! - with clean dishes!
4. a responsive apartment manager that handled my broken toilet lickity split
5. close proximity to the city

2011-05-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

I had a good day and did my morning pages in the morning! So after a hot shower I am going to climb into bed and tackle my Artists Way tasks. I really should not have waited until the last minute, but heck, that's a theme these days, no? I do have a hard time with the artists way in the fact that many of the answers to the questions posed are the same as when I did it SIXTEEN YEARS AGO. That means, I am not moving ahead. Or I am back to square one. Either way, it depresses me.

But we had another beautiful sunny day in the Bay and a number of things to be grateful for.

1. a pantry and freezer with ingredients to make a stellar meal. in this case, roasted chicken, potatoes and broccoli with lentils.
2. an easy catering delivery
3. success in a surprise task for ABD
4. the completion of a promo video and upload to Facebook
5. time to get a mani/pedi - and I guess for someone rubbing my feet and making them look presentable again!

Hump de hump Day

2011-05-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

Wednesday has come and is just about gone. I was very productive today, just finished my morning pages and even though I'm tired, I am still coming down from seeing Blue Man Group with Michael Gaffney tonight. I got freebies from TBA for seeing the call to action on Twitter yesterday. Go me! Anyway, we shook our booties and had a jolly old time. I saw the show 20 years ago and it's amazing that it's still going strong. Clever humor, gross effects and drumming! How can you go wrong?

Must go to sleep. But first a little bit of thanks -

1. Parents who know how hard it is to teach their kids
2. My parents for checking in about my ankle
3. A good chinese food lunch
4. Michael Gaffney, a delightful theatre partner in crime
5. The price of gas going down - for now.

Tuesday is for Thanks!

2011-05-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

I just watched an episode of Chopped and should be hitting the hay, but don't believe I've done my morning pages. These daily duties are starting to run together. Um, not good. I was extremely productive today and didn't get out of my jammies until 5:30PM. I ate all meals at home and didn't drive much. Lots to be grateful for...

1. one hit in my media follow up for ABD
2. being able to take Sarah's dance class this evening
3. fresh food
4. the constant challenge of Word Twist on FB even though my competitors are SO much better than me
5. continued compliments on my haircut - over a month later!

Beginnings and Endings

2011-05-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

Today was a doozy. 6AM yoga class followed by the Theatre Bay Area Annual Conference and then teaching my final Cal Shakes sessions. Even though I was dragging my feet and I headed through the Webster Tunnel into Alameda to Forbidden Island for crazy cocktails and Shat Fest. A strange gathering of people in a TIKI BAR to watch William Shatner movies. And each one was a thriller. And bad. Needless to say I am beat. I did do my morning pages this MORNING, so now I can just go to sleep. But first I must share my gratitudes. I seem to remember someone mentioning being grateful today, but it's gone. So, here goes:

1. fruity drinks
2. supportive parents - in this case those belonging to my drama students
3. a gradually welcoming theatre community
4. mini candy bars
5. riders who contribute to casual carpool.

An odd little list. And I believe nothing above has every been mentioned before. Here's to new things!

Day 3 of the G!

2011-05-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

It's only 8:30PM and I am exhausted. 5 hours outside working as a greeter for an event, taking a challenging yoga class, doing laundry, cooking dinner and I still have do my Morning Pages, tackle some dishes and put my clean clothes away.

Wah, wah, wah.

Enough whining and complaining and bring on the gratitudes!

1. a sunny day outside with no one around - so I could catch up on podcasts and sing Violent Femmes songs out loud.
2. yoga teachers that know more than me and who teach lovingly and clearly
3. the ability to whip up a healthy and yummy meal - in this case turkey meatballs in a yummy sauce with some leftover pasta and roasted broccoli.
4. reliable transportation
5. wine!

Who put the G in Saturday?

2011-05-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of Gratitudes and I almost forgot. Just like I am almost forgetting to do one more page of my so called Morning Pages. During my Artists Date earlier this evening I wrote 2 pages while sipping on eating and eating cookies. Such a treat. But that does leave one more page. I am starting to fade, so let's bust this out...

1. Sunshine in the city
2. volunteer ops
3. an interesting outfit combo - compliments of the fact I need to do laundry
4. good parking karma
5. seeing Doug Varone & Dancers tonight - that got me to bring my one woman show from off the back burner!

A week of Gratitudes

2011-05-20T23:33:00.000-07:00

I have started posting daily tips and challenges on my Namaste Gourmet Twitter account. I was going to post a challenge about doing daily gratitude lists, but since I have not kept up with them, I didn't want to be hypocritical.

So, here we go:
1. the movement in my life through The Artist's Way. Second time's a charm!
2. yoga. a blessing for my body and soul
3. possibilities. while not fully apparent I know they are there and I need to be patient in finding my path.
4. living in a pretty area - regardless of my car break-in
5. sunny days
6. fresh strawberries

And here's to a solid week of listing them. Who's with me?

Taking Responsibility

2011-05-16T22:24:00.001-07:00

So I have had trouble with the law in the past few months. I am not talking about a little brush. I am talking about a full on run in. While still working for Gravity I got a moving violation for making an illegal right hand turn. I got lost while driving Tony's truck and even though I made sure that other cars were going my way, apparently I was not allowed to do that. About a month later I got two tickets for failing to make a complete stop at a red light while making a right hand turn. Yes, 2 within THREE days of each other.

Needless to say I am screwed. After going to court numerous times - well I went to San Mateo's Court 3 times since the first time it was closed for Cesar Chavez Day and the second was in error since I didn't understand how to sign up for the walk-in court. I went to Oakland's court once to deal with both right on red tickets and after paying $281 and having to satisfy 96 hours of community service I am completely humble.

Except for the fact that last week I was stopped yet again, I have been a model driver. I failed to stop behind the line at a stop sign. I did come to a complete stop, but didn't do it behind the limit line. For the first time I saw the lights and I didn't have a knot in my stomach. It was like old hat. However, as the officer approached my car reality set in. I already have two points on my license and am volunteering a huge number of hours. I could not afford any more time or money. And then I realized that I did not print out my current insurance card. Since I got my new computer, I didn't set it up to print with my old printer. Dread set in when the officer asked for my license, registration and insurance. I just looked at him and said, "please."

He was super kind and gave me a warning for my failure to stop at the stop sign and a $25 fix-it ticket for the insurance. I got very lucky. But it did make me think that while I have been very unlucky and that there are certainly worse drivers than me on the road, that I still need to take responsibility for my own actions. I guess it's a way of the universe telling me to slow down and be more aware. And maybe wear my glasses while driving. So while there have been issues I am still saying it loud and proud:

I am a good and safe driver.

And even though the letter from the DMV tells me otherwise, I know that doesn't go against my deeper knowledge. Did I break the law? Yes. Are their worse crimes and more dangerous drivers? Sure. But that does not excuse my actions. I just got caught.

So I have decided to drive less and bike and walk more. As my mother says, perhaps I cannot afford to have a car in California. So, I parked my car, attached the Club to the steering wheel and let it rest. However yesterday my car was broken into, my driver's side window smashed and the contents of my glove compartment strewn all over the front seat mixed with tons of glass. And as far as I can tell, they didn't take anything.

So, what is the universe telling me now? Who takes responsibility?

Too Much Daily

2011-05-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

So every day I do the Daily Challenge and I am currently in my second week of the Artists Way. Therefore we are talking about writing daily morning pages. They have yet to be consistent and more often than not, they are painful to write. I struggle to keep focused and get them done. I struggle to get the done in the morning. But still I do them daily.

That means that I fail to write as often here. I am also a little slack on drinking water and flossing. I am very tired from a long and strenuous catering gig today. My feet hurt like you wouldn't believe and I have wanted to go to sleep for the last hour or so. While it's not even 10:30PM it's time the share a little gratitude and go to bed.

1. The removal of Osama bin Laden
2. sunny days
3. no kitty vomit today
4. a city full of cultural events
5. Happy Hours with gin cocktail specials.

Gratitude Short and Sweet

2011-04-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Not too much to add today. I taught yoga super early this morning and after a busy day and the start of Passover I'm beat. I have kept up with Daily Challenge and have started flossing again. I gave out 4 business cards to potential clients and have scheduled my time in traffic court. Am I happy all the time? Not a chance. Did I really spend over $50 to fill up my gas tank? Um, yeah. But it's not all bad and I need to make sure to celebrate all of the smiling I did today and all of the things for which I'm grateful.

Here we go.

1. the ability to cook and enjoy a kick ass holiday meal
2. the kindness of all of the staff of my neighbor grocery store. Seriously y'all, the folks at the Lakeshore Lucky are amazing!
3. awesome students
4. steady work
5. good parking karma.

Here's to Regularity.

2011-04-12T22:07:00.001-07:00

It should not be a surprise, but I am a creature of habit. I really like having a schedule, a routine, a plan. It doesn't have to be the same every day - actually it's better if it's not, but still, I flounder a bit if I am left to my own devices.

For just over the past month I have been doing the Daily Challenge. Every morning at 7AM I get an email with a health and wellness challenge in it. It's something that's regular and when I wake up at 6:30 to feed the cats and then grab my computer in bed with me, it's a welcome 'ding' when it comes in my inbox. It truly forces me to think about me every day. I am a little obsessed with it (because there are points attached) but still I enjoy completing the task.

In an effort to push Namaste Gourmet off to a good start I have given a little more time and effort to my Twitter account. I changed my handle from @HopeMirlis to @NamasteGourmet a few months ago, but 4 days ago I decided to write daily updates that either include a CHALLENGE or a TIP. I have hoped for one reply and today I got it from Jennifer Levison. It was a welcome surprise and I know that if I keep it up, I will get more activity. I know that I can make a difference and would love for people to be excited for my tips and challenges in their feed on a daily basis.

The one thing I have failed to do regularly is floss and blog. As I head to the dentist tomorrow, I am curious to see how my teeth are doing. It's been a long time since I've flossed, but I do use my super duper electric toothbrush, so hopefully I will be okay. And to be honest I am on the fence about blogging. As there are few readers, I wonder how it may serve me. I have been doing lots of venting lately, so I am not sure it's helpful to share that. Maybe I need to get some crap off my chest, or perhaps it's good for me to keep the gratitudes up.

As I build my schedule - and it may be more regular soon - I can still be grateful, daily.

1. a little cocoon of an apartment
2. good tunes
3. cooking shows
4. sunshine
5. a new computer

Playing Catch-up

2011-04-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a glorious day. Nice and warm with the sun shining. I caught up on sleep and saw Ruined at Berkeley Rep in the afternoon. After the ABD tour to NY last week I am currently playing catch-up. There are things that I have avoided for a while - like car insurance and dealing with tickets - and have some organizing in the apartment to do. I am so close to being done. And that scares me.

Will my life be crazily efficient if I do? Or will I be more easily saddened by the lack of work, friendship and financial reward.

Uh oh, big questions. Well, that and it's overcast today. This kind of weather doesn't get let's get up and get shit done. So, I work from bed.

I have decided to do a push with Namaste Gourmet using social media and I think I will take a restaurant job that's been offered. The stability will be a welcome change and I hope to get at least 5 clients in the next month. I may be turning down yet another acting gig or audition due to money, but I need to be realistic. Mama's got bills to pay.

We will see.

But in the meantime, let's hear it for gratitude:
1. sunny days
2. seeing my family
3. a generous kitty sitter
4. good theatre
5. cookies!

News from the Hobbit Hole!

2011-03-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

So I have come to really love my studio apartment. It is a nice change in a lovely location and I smile every time I walk out and see the lake close by. Today was such a glorious day and to see the sunshine on the lake as I went to teach yoga this morning just creates a lovely start to the day.

I am fitting the puzzle pieces together for the next few months and hope to share those soon. More teaching, more managing of people and I believe there will in fact be some performing.

Studio living while a little sad at first is forcing me to be super organized. I have certainly not tackled it fully yet, but I am certainly on my way. As Emily will be kitty sitting while I'm in NY I need to leave it in a presentable state. I hope to do that on Saturday. But needless to say, I have started calling my apartment by the loving name of "The Hobbit Hole." One of these days I may open it up for a little entertaining.

In the meantime, I am grateful for:
1. people who appreciate my time and expertise
2. work that I enjoy and that pays
3. fresh food
4. sunny days
5. ways to watch my TV shows online

As I have a full day tomorrow of yoga, a cabaret rehearsal, an audition and dinner with a friend I need to get my beauty sleep. Or at least a shower and chance to read more Wicked. I'm enjoying it more than the musical.

I know, shoot me. Or cast a spell on me. Either way, you know what I mean.

Rainy Friday!

2011-03-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how a rainy, gray day will just stomp all over your level of productivity. I woke up at 8AM from a phone call from my mother and got up, cooked breakfast and set up shop at the little table in my kitchen. Just about 90 minutes it started pouring and I have just been a lazy bum ever since.

Boo.

It's not like I have nothing to do, or can afford to waste a little time. Nope. Mama's got a full list of tasks for just about every client. Updating travel for one, starting thank you notes for another, prepping my expenses for my taxes once and for all, And not to mention I really need to clean my kitchen...again.

I just had a lunch of leftover mushroom risotto and steamed broccoli. And rather than getting me going, I just want to take a nap. I am in the process of downloading some Top Chef episodes, so I may need to satisfy my inner slug and watch one episode and then get moving.

Or I could treat it as a treat and bust out some work until I hear the downloader *ding.* ooh, there was the first ding and there's about 4 minutes until the second one.

I am going with option 2. Let me find some good tunes and see how much I can get done.

Go!

It's a Mental Thing

2011-03-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

So I have made personal strides this week about just feeling better. I think it has lots to do with my surroundings, as well as the Daily Challenge. But I have been out of it lately and just feel like I'm coming back to myself. The residual pity party is coming to a close and I'm finding my stride. Best yet, my apartment is just about settled. I have had a good bit of help, but I am purging papers and organizing everything. I want to make sure that EVERYTHING has a place. There are still a few pieces of furniture that I am trying to sell, but other than that I should be able to have all papers filed or recycled within the week.

It's amazing what living in a small apartment forces you to do. One in such a lovely area, so close to Lake Merritt. Now I just need to figure out who the heck is making all of the music noise that's rattling the walls. I feel like I'm back in my Berkeley apartment. Sheesh. Before I get the earplugs and jump into bed - oooh, and set my clock ahead - here are some gratitudes:

1. Christine for inviting me to the Daily Challenge
2. Tony for hanging my shelves and folding kitchen table
3. good parking karma
4. sunny days
5. fresh food

Productivity!

2011-03-07T23:18:00.000-08:00

So today's daily challenge was to come up with one word that expresses how you'd like your day to go. I immediately selected "productive" and made it my cell phone greeting. So every time I open the phone I see that little reminder staring me in the face. And I have to say it worked. Here's the breakdown:

10AM yoga teaching
(a bit of Wolfe/Gunderson work)
12PM MTC faculty meeting
1:15PM lunch with Christine
(a bit of ABD work)
3PM MTC Story to Stage class
5:30PM phone meeting with Anne
2.5 hours of ABD work
1 hour break to watch Grey's Anatomy on Hulu & heat/eat leftovers
2.5 hours paper clean up (including recycling 2 moving boxes and storing 1 archival file box)

Whew I am beat just reviewing. So it's now 11:26PM and I am wiped. It feels good to get things done. And even nicer to begin to see the floor of my apartment. I have a feeling that my cats will be glad to see the stacks of papers and files currently on the floor go away. But that will just have to happen tomorrow.

Another day, another challenge!

Daily Challenges

2011-03-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my buddy from grad school, Christine, invited me to join her and her kids in the Daily Challenge. It's a website that supports health and well being and sends a daily task. So, the first one is:

Write down 5 activities that make you happy.

Um, okay.

1. seeing a movie in the theatre
2. walking in the sunshine
3. dipping my feet in the ocean (or other water source)
4. eating with friends
5. rolling around on one of those exercise balls

Now the challenge is to actually do one of these this week. As an overachiever I am going to all of them. I mean, one can never have too much happiness.

52 Card Pick-up!

2011-02-18T18:13:00.000-08:00

Remember that card game 52 Card Pick Up? Yeah, the one where your annoying brother pulled status and after asking if you want to play a game proceeded to throw all of the cards in the air?

Perhaps you didn't have an annoying brother, or perhaps he wasn't all that annoying or maybe that was me.

Anyhoo, I moved to Oakland on Sunday and I feel like all of the pieces of my apartment were thrown in the air and now that they've landed I have to pick them all up.

Did I ever say that I DO NOT LIKE THIS GAME??!

As we all know moving sucks. As a Taurean, I am not a fan of change. I really like my routine and ritual. I like to know where I'm going and how to get there. Sure I can be spontaneous at times. But like to know where I stand. Or sleep or put my shit.

I have too much furniture for my little studio, so I put a few things on craigslist and a few things on freecycle. The free stuff all went - my old area rug, my moving boxes. However the stuff that involves people giving me money, well, that's another story. The cat tree was supposed to be picked up on Tuesday and the guy did not confirm and failed to show up. The dining set and 4 chairs were supposed to be picked up today and also the girl who has been flaky has not shown up. So, as my friend Amy freaks out as she plans to travel to Africa for 2 weeks, I will let go of my anxiety and join Amy for a Friday cocktail – or two.

I am not super familiar with my new 'hood yet, so I don’t have lots to add in terms of suggestions of places to go. I’m hoping Amy has some thoughts or I guess we can head up to Broadway. With a partner in crime I am certainly up for an adventure.

I am excited about exploring my new environs, but it has been cold and rainy and I would rather hole myself up in my cramped apartment where at least it's warm.

I mean just as we do when we toss the cards in the air – I will certainly pick up the pieces, organize them and build a new routine.

Let’s drink to that!

Speed of Light

2011-02-07T23:36:00.000-08:00

So things are moving very fast. I have been busy with projects since the year began and I have another 2 weeks to go. Unfortunately there's a move stuck right in the middle and looking at my week, I am really not sure when I will be able to pack.

It's great that I am so busy and I am able to bill hours, but the dance card is rather empty as of March. I have some things pending but the pickins are slim.

I am trying not to freak out. In the meantime, I am grateful:

1. sunny days
2. generous hosts
3. being close to the water
4.leftovers
5. snuggly kitties

Winding down

2011-01-09T23:33:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's going to be a long day, so I have no idea while I'm still up. I am in bed, but with my computer on my belly I am still working and my brain is still moving rather quickly. We are starting the SF happenings with Jess' company and a grant is due with Anne's company, plus I have some catering pick ups tomorrow and teach a yoga class.

Needless to say, mama needs some balance. My house is a mess and I don't have any time to socialize. In fact, I am teaching a class on balance tomorrow. It's not my strong suit, so it will be a nice challenge.

In the meantime, how 'bout a little gratitude and then SLEEP!

I am thankful for:
1. a nice car
2. catering left overs
3. kind people
4. a warm coat and hat
5. the hot water bottle that Christine gave me 2 years ago

Blogthings denial

2011-01-03T22:56:00.000-08:00

So I thought it would be fun to both end and begin the year with a Blogthings post. But I have been sitting here for a good 10 minutes taking this ridiculous test and closing out of each of them because they are not accurate. Well, mostly I am categorized as a loud lush who is super sexy. All of those things that currently feel further from the truth. So, I just exited from the website saying, "well, that's stupid" and moved on.

But honestly I have not really expressed my inner party girl in quite a long time. A year of yoga and reflection, of finding my next steps, building community and saving money don't really lend to taking off my bra and dancing on the bar. Well, not like I've ever done those - well, together at one time...

So as we enter 2011 it may be time for me to actually leave the house. To be more bold and adventurous. Heck, I jumped out of a plane and planned a skinny dipping party after a wedding. I'm wild and spontaneous, right?

I think this year I will answer that question with a resounding, YES!

At least the thought makes me smile.

Gratitudes:
1. Overdue conversations with old friends
2. Steady work
3. The ability to be in the moment
4. My proximity to water
5. A comfortable couch

New Year's Thoughts

2010-12-31T13:13:00.000-08:00

You Appreciate Thoughtfulness

You are both talented and giving. You are always going out of your way to make things pleasant for others.

You are traditional and balanced. You like to let loose, but you never go overboard.

Right now, you value your family most. No matter what, family comes first!

You are bright and curious about the world. You feel like you're in a bit of a rut, and you're looking for a little something more out of life.

What Does Your New Year's Eve Say About You?

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

Slogging through the Blogs

2010-12-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

So you may have noticed that the Lady has changed the list of approved links. I removed those that I no longer read or have become less active and added some suggested by Time Magazine writers. I have always felt a little out of it in the political department. In this time of bad economy and war overseas that we don't really SEE (thank god!) I have been out of it. I think as Americans we really should know what's going on in our country and how it's being run. Heck, I mean I pay taxes. Where is that money going?

In any case, in an effort to stay connected to all things I am taking those suggestions and sharing. Here's hoping that we will all be a little more informed, connected and share a laugh or two.

Happy Reading!

Kicking a little Yoga Ass

2010-12-28T20:17:00.000-08:00

This week I taught two good yoga classes. I have started branching out and teaching different poses and using different sequences. Best yet I got a lovely compliment today about truly teaching according to the needs of the students in the room. I had wanted to play with shoulder and heart openers, but the two I taught were not ready for dolphin or anything close to headstand. Yesterday the brains were vibrating like crazy so it took me a while just to calm them down. At the end one of the women said "that was lovely" and commented on the deep stretching.

Yay me!

And yay for teaching the people in front of me.

I also met with Danny, my new Funny Bone musician. We played with some musical accompaniment for the definition of Laughter an started on Comedy. It went slowly, but we are just learning how each other work. I seem to ask lots of questions and really listen. I need to plug away on residencies, grants and venues. It would be nice to arrange some performance dates for May and June.

Wahoo!

How the list is Made

2010-12-19T22:10:00.000-08:00

On Facebook there are numerous games and tests. However at the end of the year, one of the little applications is called "My Top Words."

Here's what we've got:

Here are top words from my Facebook status messages!
1: Yoga - used 29 times
2: Class - used 22 times
3: Berkeley - used 14 times
4: Bay - used 11 times
5: SF - used 11 times
6: Tonight - used 9 times
7: Night - used 9 times
8: Teaching - used 8 times
9: Looking - used 8 times
10: Show - used 8 times

I found it rather fascinating what I posted in my status. It's like a little slice of what my year has been. I am finally subbing regularly due to Noga going on maternity leave, but I don't think it's a lucrative way to go. I need to figure out what I'm getting from this crazy thing called yoga and really embrace that. Namaste Gourmet still has not launched, and I am certainly not as excited about it. I really don't think it's going to be worth the trouble.

I am moving forward on Funny Bone and the cabaret, so I feel really good about both of those. I am also moving full steam with the dance company/choreographers so I should be working steadily through the end of February. I am still looking at job applications and need to finish some of the faculty ones. I had a nice conversation about the future with Randy two nights ago and I am still dragging my feet on what I want and what I need to do to get there. I am still worried about disappointing others and not concentrating on what's best for me.

I sense the start of a Life Coach fund. And perhaps the adherence of my New Year's Resolution of flossing, drinking more water and staying in shape.

Here's to the end of a good year.

Life is a Cabaret

2010-12-13T23:13:00.001-08:00

In my procrastination for finishing my solo piece - When You Hit Your Funny Bone - I decided that I want to throw a cabaret together. I have always wanted to do one, so today I met with musical director Kelly Park and we chatted for a bit and sang a bit and laughed a lot. So I am putting together a list of songs that I either like to sing or have sung in the past. However, I requested my Facebook friends to suggest some tunes and they are all good, but don't fit together in any way. So, I am adding them to the list to see what sticks. I am very excited.

I really do need to keep moving on Funny Bone and in fact I almost got a chance for perform 10 minutes of it this evening. The Marsh in SF does 10 Minute Mondays for works in progress. And while my proposal was not accepted, I got an email today that someone was ill and they needed someone to fill in tonight! So, I thought what the hell. If I needed a kick in the pants, here we go. Patti responded that they found someone, but at least it got me thinking about it. So, here we are at the end of 2010. I vow that I will have performed BOTH the cabaret AND When You Hit Your Funny Bone in 2011.

No really. It will happen.

I cannot say the same for my daily flossing or drinking water, but the two shows will happen.

Best for Me

2010-12-08T23:04:00.000-08:00

The best yoga classes I teach stem from truly listening to what I need at the moment. Tomorrow I am teaching a demo class for a studio on Solano in order to sub for Noga. It's gotten to be a bigger deal with changing her class time and day, but I am going in with my sense of practice. I know they want a flow class, so while the last class I did focused more on holding poses, I will return to what I am more familiar with - which is the graceful and mindful sequence of flowing from one asana to another. Since it's a demo I don't want to go crazy, so I will stick with my tried and true and maybe throw in some poses that I don't do very often. I am sure that I will really listen to my body and to the students in the room. Or at least I hope so.

I am still coughing a bit and am a bit low energy. When I got back from NY I jumped back into work, but got plenty of rest. My sore throat was gone, but a day later the cold started in earnest. Completely stuffed nose that moved back down into my throat. I certainly feel and sound better, but it's lingering a bit. I really should be asleep now, but I am dragging my feet and continue to play on the computer. I really need to be better about time management.

Anyway, as I play with a sequence for class tomorrow I continue to ponder my path and what's truly best for me. In the greater sense. There will be some big changes in the next few months and I am curious to know how things will fall out. Until then, how 'bout a little gratitude...

1. umbrellas
2. hot soup
3. fresh bread
4. compliments
5. ice cream and conversation

Sick and tired

2010-11-29T19:15:00.000-08:00

So when I arrived in NY everyone was sick. Coughing and sneezing and me with my good health and no-pill popping knocked on wood. As if that was going to stop things.

It was right warm in those first few days, but now 2 weeks later New York is back to to it's usual winter chill. I have not followed my regular routine, have not exercised or eaten when I normally eat. My body is a little out of whack.

BAM! Cold and sore throat.

I really need to get some sleep but for some reason I am playing on Facebook and reading blogs. I did take a nap today but it was a little wacky playing with David much of the day.

No more sleepless night for me this evening. I'm sensing a turn over and out cold.

I do need to write about all of my adventures over the past 2 weeks, but that's going to have to wait.

Gratitudes:
1. a smiley nephew
2. sunny days
3. theatre in NY
4. the means to see expensive shows and dine out
5. two friends for taking care of my little felines while I'm away.