new yoga class

Last night I went to yoga in the barn.  It was a lovely setting, literally in the barn, with the evening sunlight peeking through the gaps in the boards, the sounds of the birds and critters outside.  Beautiful.  It was a very gentle hatha class, and was very easy.  Which is probably a good thing after not nearly enough practice over the summer.  It was very different, not a downward dog or sun salutation in sight.  We each chose an intention on a slip of paper out of a little bag, mine was "understanding" which was fitting.  It was kind of weird not setting my own intention.  And way weird being treated as an absolute beginner.  Only at first, once we started, and it was apparent I had done this many times before Lucy relaxed a little with me.  And used me as an example of how you should look during hero pose (my least favourite pose!).  I think she was surprised by my automatic ujayi breathing, and flexibility.  Sarah my sweet, you have trained me well :)

While I enjoyed it and will definitely go back, I also need to find a more challenging class too.  I know hatha is likely not as intense as I need after vinyasa.  I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was just not a challenging.  And I'm used to being challenged.  And I need to get myself a lavender eye pillow for savasana.  I loved that, it helped me to deepen my savasana.  I think I can make some, I just need to get some lavendar.  Wouldn't that be a wonderful gift?  Delightful.  But back to needing a challenging.  I am crossing my fingers that Sarah will offer a session again in Shelburne.  Change is good, but I am craving a Sarah class.  Craving.  If she doesn't, I may need to head to Buddha Rider to check that out.  Maybe I'll check out a class on the weekend anyway.

Although it was more relaxed and not as challenging as I'm used to, it has done wonders.  Sore shoulder/collarbone (from the scary waterslide incident, lol) much looser, the nice twists are helping my body eliminate toxins, and I slept like a baby.  Which is lucky for my nightowl children.  Their life was in peril.  I need to pick up some of my supplements that I'm out of, and I'll be like a new woman.

Biggest compliment yesterday?  A girl who used to babysit for me when my kids were small (Seamus was only a toddler), and who told me about this yoga class, said to me that I'm in really great shape.  She was kind enough to leave "for your age" unsaid.  But it did me a world of good to hear that to others, whom I don't see very often, that I am in great shape.  Especially for my age.  As many of us know, it does take more work the older we get.  And although I tell myself it's because I want to be healthy, the reality is that it's about outward appearance too.  I don't want to be an old, saggy, out of shape lady.  And I think anyone who knows me, knows that I want to be thin.  Being fat is not something I want.  It's actually a bit of an obsession (I know, really???  Who would have guessed?!).  And because I`m my own biggest critic, it is nice to hear from young'uns (that don't want something from me) that I'm doing pretty well.  I'm ashamed to be so affected by that, but there it is.  I'm honest.

So looking forward to my massage today, so overdue.  I can't wait!

Namaste friends.

time to move on?

I have been perusing new yoga classes.  I'm going to try out a new one tonight.  This lady offers classes in her barn.  Which sounds awesome, but may be an allergic nightmare for me.  She sounds very nice on the phone, a friend told me about her, she's new to teaching.  So we'll see.  I've also found another class to try in September, by another local yogini.  Again, we'll see.  While both options are quite inexpensive, I would prefer to have class with Sarah.  But I'm not sure Sarah will be having a session in Shelburne, and I really don't want to drive more than 15 minutes for a class.  My life involves too much driving to activities for my kids, I don't want to undo all the good of yoga class by driving too far after a wonderful savasana.

I have to say, while I know I need to find some classes, I have some funny feelings about moving on.  I really like Sarah's gentle way, and considerable knowledge.  It's a trust thing.  It's difficult to build that trust with new people.  However, home practice is not working out how I would like (too many interruptions!), and I need yoga!!  These are both Hatha classes, which will likely be fairly slow compared to Vinyasa.  And that's ok, just a little different.  We'll see how it goes.

I went for a midday run today, it's my 2 minute interval day, so I took Chase the wonderdog along.  She had a great time at first, running and sniffing.  But it was kind of warm, and right before my last interval, she decided she was heading home.  Except that there's a busy road to cross to get to our street from the track.  So I ran after her, and she did wait on me before she got to the road, but she made it very clear she was done running, and we were heading home.  She's been vegging out all afternoon since.  Note to self--only take Chase when it's cool out so she doesn't get too hot and head home.  Poor girl.  I guess being all black and covered in fur really makes the heat intolerable!

On another note, I have a big surprise for Rick when he gets home from work!  Blue Rodeo is playing at the Molson Amphitheatre in TO, and I got us tickets as an early birthday gift!  So instead of hanging out at home watching a movie on Saturday evening, we will be at Ontario Place, singing along to Jim and the boys!  He's ALWAYS wanted to see Blue Rodeo, and I am scoring big time good wifey points by getting tickets.  I'd love to see them too, but he's a huge fan.  When we saw Jim Cuddy at the theatre in Orangeville a few years ago, Rick wanted to follow him to see where his Orangeville house is.  I persuaded him to let the man and his family have privacy, and avoid a stalking charge at the same time.  Some of the best concerts we've ever been to have been at the amphitheatre.  The Tragically Hip, James Taylor, and hopefully now Blue Rodeo.  I can't wait!

I am institituting an early bedtime for the kidlets tonight.  2 nights of disturbed sleep because my kids are night owls is enough.  We are all going to bed at a decent time, and no exceptions!  I'm hoping after a good yoga practice and savasana this evening I'll sleep like a proverbial baby.  If not, look out tomorrow!

Namaste  (and stay tuned for how the new class/instructor works out!)

summer is almost over

We've reached that time of summer, when it's waning, fall is approaching.  Rapidly.  It's the time of summer when I feel panicky, and think of all the things I intended to do before going back to school.  All of the undone projects, the messy corners that haven't been cleaned, the books that haven't been read.  Although to be fair on that last one, I've read ALOT of books, I just have a bunch more that I want to read.

I love teaching.  I love kids.  I just know that once summer is over and school begins my free time becomes almost negligible.  Life becomes a race, race to work, race to the kids sports, cram in laundry and housework (who am I kidding, not very much housework!), race to the next thing.  Weekends become a time of catching up the drudgery of life so that we can function with some efficiency during the week.  Dr appointments, dentist, ND, chiro, massage all become more difficult to fit in.  Running and working out become challenging to fit in.

It's so bittersweet.  I adore late summer, the beautiful days, the cooler nights, the bounty of the beginning harvest.  I am torn.  I look forward to school, yet reluctant at the same time.  Life becomes scheduled, which is good in some ways, and not good in other ways.  *sigh*

On another note:  when the heck did cupcakes become so fashionable?!  Cupcakes are no longer the homemade, slightly sloppy looking treats I made for my kidlets when they were little.  Cupcakes now look like something out of a Martha Stewart magazine.  Blogs about cupcakes!  TV shows about cupcakes!  Entire magazines devoted to cupcakes!  Does that not seem a little silly to anyone but me?  Cupcakes used to be a treat you could whip up quickly, when you didn't have time to make a cake because of the longer cooking time.  A treat just slightly more decadent than a muffin.  Not anymore.  I'm afraid to take cupcakes to anywhere someone else might see them, because my cupcakes are homemade, crooked, kind of messy little cakes.  And they're not decorated within an inch of their little sugary lives.

Ecoyogini blogged about body image and how women make themselves ill all in the name of making themselves thin(ner).  A serious topic that I think we need to delve into more deeply.  Just slightly more important than pretty cupcakes.  Certainly a topic that consistently plagues my life.  Thinking about taking a deeper look at how women (and some men) are affected by social "norms" and the body.  Just a little summer ending project?!

I need to get ready to go babysit my nephew, instead of rambling on anymore.  Wishing everyone who reads this a glorious, comfortable with themselves day....and even a cupcake, if that's what you're into.

I am my mother.

We went to my sister and brother-in-law's beautiful trailer for the weekend.  All 5 humans and Chase the wonderdog.  It was fabulous to spend time with my sister, her hubs and my fantastically cute nephew.  I worried about leaving my messy house, all of the critters (what if they ran out of food?!), I overpacked.  At my sister's I was a woman obsessed with tidying.  I washed dishes.  I probably drove them crazy, but I was just trying to help.  When you spend a weekend in close (yet fabulously beautiful) quarters, tidying up and doing dishes is really all you can do to help minimize the impact of having 2 adults and 3 teenagers in your space.  Plus one lovely, yet very hairy guest dog.  Chase is shedding.  Alot.  I did not want Brook or Ian to have to clean up after us, and regret inviting us for the weekend.  So I tried to pitch in.  And that's alot like our mother.

On the first day at the resort where they have their trailer, I was brave enough to go down the waterslides.  Now, I am not a ride kind of girl.  Motherhood took that urge right out of me.  But if my 3 year old nephew can do it, surely I can?!  So I went down once, it was fun and not too scary.  Tried another slide the next time.  Mistake.  I hurt my neck, the front of my shoulder and scraped my elbow.  And got a nose full of chlorinated water.  All while having my bathing suit crammed up my behind by friction.  Yeehaw.  Good times.  But I was a good sport, took some Advil and rubbed on some magic homeopathic cream.  And in a somewhat cruel fashion, had a belly-busting laugh at my husband's expense.  Uncle Rick was talked into trying the waterslide too, and it went about as well for him as it went for me.  When he got near the bottom (in our view), he had the most stricken, terrifed look on his face.  Poor man.  And his wife laughed her butt off at him.  

I still have a sore-ish neck and shoulder, but I keep rubbing the magic homeopathic cream on and it's much better!  Last night when I was getting ready to crawl into my own bed, I had the sharpest pain in the front of my shoulder, where I didn't realize I had a strain.  I kid you not, I rubbed Traumeel on it, and it's fine this morning.  I'm talking -couldn't even lift my left arm up to get my t-shirt off- last night, and this morning it's fine.  So really the whole reason for this post is to plug Traumeel homeopathic cream.  I carry to sports, I rub it on any kind of strain or inflammation and it works.  Better than any regular "pain" cream  that is full of chemicals.  It has arnica and other stuff in it, and it's made to reduce inflammation.  It is the best stuff in the world!

And  that is another reason I am my mother.  For one thing, she turned me onto Traumeel years ago.  But the biggest reason is because when we were kids, my mom discovered this wonderful salve at our local health food/deli/European gift shop (small town Ontario, most stores are multi-purpose).  It is a German salve made from horse chestnuts.  It's called Venostasin, but at our house we always called it "green salve".  It is made to help get rid of bruising.  And like Traumeel, it really works.  But my mom rubbed it on every little booboo we got.  She was a woman possessed.  It was like she was a  born-again green salver.   And like most teenagers, we made fun of her for it.  We laughed at her zeal to heal us with green salve.  But we did know it worked, we just took joy in winding her up.  Alot like my kids wind me up.  An awful lot.  You can't buy Venostasin here anymore, only in Europe (although I'm going to see if I can get it from the States).  I have the end of a tube that Mom passed on to me, she got a friend to buy it for her in Germany.  It is on my nighttable and I carefully hoard it.  It is green gold that stuff. 

I am a born-again green salver and Traumeel-er, just like my mom.  I recommend it to everyone I meet and who will listen.  I force my kids to rub it on their booboos (although, I dole out the green salve, that little bit I have has to go a long way!).  I take it to lacrosse and basketball when the boys are playing.  I carry it in my gym bag for sore muscles when I work out.  What's that?  You have a broken leg?  Rub on the green salve.  You have a sore neck?  Rub on the Traumeel.

Maybe some day I'll write a post about my love for probiotics.  You know they fix just about anything internally....

Yep, I am my mother.  As different as I am from my mom in personality, looks, life philosophy, in some ways I am just like her.  I'm sure if my siblings are reading this I have likely given them the best laugh of the day.  But if they dig down deep inside themselves, I'll bet they too are our mom.  I'd lay money on it.

In my best motherly fashion I am going to clean my messy house today.  And harangue my kids into cleaning their rooms.  And I'm sure I'll be rubbing Traumeel on my neck more than once today.

Have a wonderful Monday.  And if you get a booboo, get out the salve.

Namaste.

running free, or at least running

Running clinic yesterday morning.  I was a little concerned, I missed Wednesday's run because I felt like I was getting sick (achy joints, scratchy throat), and couldn't make it up on Thursday because sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day.  So I went to the clinic, prepared for it to be painful.  But to my happy surprise, it wasn't.  The very muggy, close, heavy air made it difficult for my breathing and I actually used my inhaler (I haven't needed it lately!), and the hills that Norm was "kind" enough to include on our route were a bit tough, but it went ok.  I'm still not very fast, but I'm also not in the slowest bunch.  And even better, I wasn't dragging behind everyone else, being the caboose of our small group yesterday.  Not that it should matter, but because I have an issue or two with competitiveness (really?!), it matters a little to me.  And best of all, we have run far enough now that the race on Labour Day should be fairly easy!  Cooler temperatures (at least not as much humidity) will make it feel great!

I'm looking at a couple other races too, to help keep the momentum going.  Left to my own devices, I'm afraid that life and school will take over, and I'll not keep up with running 3 or 4 times a week.  I'm plotting and planning ways to keep myself running after the Labour Day race.  I'm hoping that the Saugeen Tri Club that I've taken clinics with before will be looking for leaders, that's one way I will keep going.  I could definitely run with the absolute beginner group who do a run/walk combination.  In my experience, I'm faster and have more endurance even before this clinic, so it shouldn't be a problem.  And I've heard about a running group for intermediate aged girls, that works on building self-esteem, that some schools run.  There are bracelets, it's a real club kind of deal.  If I can remember the name or find it using Google, that would be a club I could start at school, and it would keep me running too.  And heaven knows, intermediate girls need all of the help with self-esteem possible!  I'm sure Ted will start his running "club" at school too, and he only manages to keep it going for a few weeks before he peters out, maybe I can be involved with that too.  Another way to keep running.  I realize I sound like a nut, but I know how easy it is to be derailed by life.  And I don't want to start from scratch again next spring!

I'm missing yoga class like crazy, it's time to get going to a class somewhere.  A friend told me about a lady who teaches from her home near here, but so far Thursday evenings haven't worked out so well.  I need to call and commit to one class, then I'll likely be able to keep going.  And I'd still like to get to Buddha Rider in Collingwood for a class.  It's Anusara yoga, I'd like to give it a try.  But I keep having all of these conflicts with time.  What I'd really like is to have class with the lovely Sarah, in the studio in Shelburne.  I emailed her to find out if there will be a session, it may not happen very soon.  Which is ok, I just miss her classes, and her calm self.  Once you totally trust someone, and they know you and what your body can do, it's hard to go somewhere else.   I trust her gentle corrections, and helping me deepen poses.  I know she's not going to push me to the point at which I could injure myself.  And I just really like her.  I have been practicing a bit at home, but to be honest, not nearly enough. 

I finally made an appointment with a chiropractor.  My neck is not getting any better, and I think that I must have some misalignment going on in there.  I had to cancel my last massage, and I haven't connected with my MT to get another appointment.  And my neck is feeling it.  But I don't think it's very normal to need massage every 2 weeks, or have pain.  So I'm going to combine massage with chiro and see if that gets things better.  When your neck is too stiff to be able to get into fairly easy asana?!  That's not a good sign.  And it will only get worse once school starts again.

We're off to my parents trailer today, and of course, it's raining.  Sitting in the trailer is not exactly how I want to spend the day.  Hopefully the rain clears up and we can enjoy sitting outside.  It doesn't even have to been super sunny, just not raining.  I'd like to swim in Lake Huron, and relax, not get so pissed off at my parents that my blood pressure skyrockets and I almost have a stroke.  And believe me, if we're stuck inside the trailer (even if it's the Taj Mahal of trailers!) that's very likely what will happen.

Wishing everyone a peaceful, relaxing, lazy August Sunday,

Namaste.

August days

I thought August was going to be slower.  What was I thinking??  It has been a very full week.  I can't even remember all of the stuff we've done!  

Tuesday was a glorious beach day.  Seamus and I went to the beach for the afternoon, he frolicked in the water for hours, and I had the chance to hangout on the beach, reading and watching him.  I even ventured into the water to cool off.  Georgian Bay is warm!  And if you live in this part of Ontario, you know how rare that is!   Enough days of heat, and not too cool at nights.   Gorgeous.

Wednesday was spent in Toronto with Jackson.  Visited the dr.  Did some shoe shopping--it's really hard to find just the right pair of Vans when you're 15!  But it's not too difficult to make fun of your mom for an unabashed obsession with funky Birkenstocks.  I didn't buy any, but boy, I coveted several pairs.

Yesterday was a fabulous day.  I babysat 2 of my nephews (for a sad reason, their parents were going to a funeral of a man taken too soon).  Jackson came with me, we took him to a ND appointment and the little boys were wonderful in the office!  Charmed all of the ladies, "helped" me get my B12 shot and made their auntie sooooo proud!  We had lunch and met their parents afterwards.  

After babysitting, there was a family get-together at my Mom's cousin's house.  My siblings all went, and I was lucky enough to go with my sister's family, since no one from my house would come with me (teenagers!), and Rick was still at work.  Sat in the backseat with my other nephew.  That child can spin a tale!  

While I admit I was a little reluctant to go--probably my mother's presentation/insistence got my heels dug in a bit--I had a great time!  My mom's cousins are really nice people, and there was a cousin visiting from BC that I'd never met.  My brother and his wife met them when they were living out west, so at least they knew some of the "younger" generation.  Eventually some cousins that are my age that I spent time with as a kid came, and it was nice visiting and catching up with them.  My cousin Arden hasn't changed since we were kids.  The only thing that would have made it better is if Arden's sisters could have been there.  Especially Chris.  Chris and I were buddies when we were kids, and through the wonders of facebook, we've been in touch the past couple of years.  Her mom says she's coming up at Thanksgiving, maybe we can all get together then.

My sisters and I had a great time giggling together, I got to enjoy all 3 nephews, and my brothers were there too.  Teasing each other, laughing together, good times.  I wish my family would have come, but honestly, it's not really their thing.  Rick doesn't enjoy large groups of people, and teenagers, well, you know.  I have to tell you, it makes your heart swell when next to mom or dad, you're the one little boys want.  My littlest nephew reaching out to be held--it doesn't get any better than that.  And having the other 2 lean on you, snuggle up, ask for help with things, *sigh*.  I miss having little kids, and these little guys pretty much have me wrapped around their little fingers.  I love being an aunt.  To all 3 little boys.  

Luckily today is a pretty quiet day.  Some time for some housework (gag), some laundry, and some yoga.  I still have a sore neck, and I did miss a run on Wednesday.  I think mostly I just needed a B12 shot, I really didn't feel myself or have enough energy for running.  Even yesterday morning, I just couldn't drag my butt out for a run.  I may pay for it tomorrow, it's a long run day at the running clinic.  But I think my B12 has kicked in (hello!  Up at 5:30 for the day for no reason?!  Arden would be proud of me), and I should be fine.

And food journaling, knowing the ND is going to read it.  It's amazing how much that helps you to clean up your diet!  Yesterday wasn't too great foodwise, but the rest of the week has been pretty good.  And yesterday, it was really only the desserts.  I cannot pass up my mom's chocolate cake.  But it has helped me get back on track, and stop just eating too much.  Too much, even of healthy isn't a good thing.

And today is Rick's last day before another week of holidays.  Of course I will be at a workshop for 3 days of it, but he will be a little more relaxed.

Relaxed....isn't that what summer is for?

Wishing everyone a relaxing last few weeks of summer. 

www.fitday.com & food and activity journaling

My naturopath has asked me to keep a detailed food journal.  I have to say, keeping a journal for her seriously makes me clean up my diet.  I am not going to send her a food journal that is full of crap food that no one should be eating, let alone someone with food allergies!  Summer has been a little hard on my diet.  I'm a stress eater, and it's been stressful.  As already blogged about!  But time to get serious.  Seriously.

Anyway, Lia suggested I use http://www.fitday.com/ to log my food.  I checked it out and it's awesome!  I am not only going to log my food, but also my activity.  It's a great tool to use if you are looking for lose a few.  And of course, as I have for my entire adult life, I am trying to lose a few.  Or maybe more than a few.  Whatever. 

Part of my personal happiness project is taking a look at what's keeping me from being happy.  If I spend 1/2 of my waking hours obsessing about my weight, how much weight I want to lose, how my clothes are fitting, whether outfits are making me look fat....anyone who knows me, knows the drill...how could I possibly be as happy as possible?  Right, I can't be as happy as possible with all of that going on in my head, all of the time.  I want to be happy.  And right now, the biggest impediment to my happiness is how I feel about myself, my weight, and my body image.  So time to get serious about changing it, not just for physical health, but for my mental/emotional health. 

I'm happy to say, that no matter what's been going on, I have maintained my running schedule.  While away over the weekend for lacrosse provinicials, Rick and I did our long run on the treadmills at the hotel.  And it felt great!  This morning's run, well, I did it, but it didn't feel all that great.  Actually I felt like crap, but I did it anyway.  It did feel good after I finished.  I didn't felt very good while I was stretching afterwards either.  No run tomorrow, so I'm going to take the dog for a long walk, followed up by a long yoga practice.  I need to get in more yoga, as well as the running.

Hoping all of my Canadian friends are enjoying the last day of the Civic holiday weekend.  It's a hot one, make sure to stay hydrated.  Words to live by.
Namaste.