Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Early night in

Finally, an early night in.  The last week has been decadent and a little unforgiving.  Plenty of wine, rich food and of course, there was that road trip to Santa Fe.  I skipped yoga which also produces a ton of guilt for me.  I must return to my routine lifestyle.  Yoga, walking to work and eating clean.  Today, I made an effort to do just that.  I walked to work and to lunch where I chose to return home, mid-afternoon.   Then, I walked back to work and was off early enough to walk back home.  All, in all, twelve miles, I believe.
Yesterday, I had planned on returning to a clean lifestyle before being invited to a bbq at my co-worker's house.  I have been wanting to see his garden for awhile and couldn't resist that opportunity.  I ended up drinking rose over there.  His house is gorgeous--beautiful colors, natural light and the garden is immense.  I felt very fortunate to be spending my Memorial Day in that manner.
So, yes, an early night in.  I peeled carrots and added some hummos and a tortilla.  I felt like not cooking or adding heat to my house.  It is still cool enough at night to sleep with the windows open.  I hope to not have to purchase an a/c as I do not want the forced air.  I prefer natural light and natural air flow.  However, sometimes, there is no way around this.  Living in Arizona demands having access to an a/c.
I slept better than Monday night.  I think the ongoing days of wine drinking created that.  I prefer taking a day or two off every week to rest, rejuvenate and rehydrate.  I need it to remain equalized.  A good night of sleep and some upcoming dreams of travel.  I did dream of making cocktails and almost breaking a shaker over a bin of ice.  I don't know why that seemed so relevant in my dream--the almost breaking over the ice but saving it.  I was insistent to my imaginary manager that I was super capable and responsible since I didn't break the glassware.  Seems comical now.
I dreamed of Santa Fe, too. How it draws you in and creates this idealistic sense of beauty and mysticism.  This is the best time of year to visit, too.  The start of their season when it is overflowing with people visiting and a lovely, intoxicating vibe.  I am thankful to have visited last week and know that the trip was too short.  I could have used one more day there to explore more and check out a yoga class.  They have this wonderful barre studio that I love to attend classes at.  This past trip we just didn't have time to find a class.  I know that I will return and in the next few months.  We did a little shopping at one of my favorite consignment stores and I insisted that we walk through the farmer's market before returning to Denver.  Of course, the vegetables that I am interested in are not in season yet.  Still, Sara Jo bought the most beautiful peonies and I picked up a lip balm and some local honey.  It was worthwhile.
Monday night, I finally, booked my lodgings in Washington D.C.  I met a hotel guy at the Red Rocks show last week and was hopeful that he would have some suggestions of places to stay with a possible discount.  I waited on my friend to contact me before deciding it would be preferable to handle it myself.  I don't want to be reliant on others to figure out my stay.  And, I like staying at airbnb's.  They feel a little more welcoming than hotels.  We are staying near Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan--I believe, a great area to be in.  I want to check out some new restaurants and maybe return to the Monuments.  This will be my 3rd trip to the Capitol City and I am excited to explore more of it.
I hope to reflect on life and converse with old friends today.  Life is grand~

Monday, May 28, 2018

early throwback

Happy birthday to this beauty!  Early throwback or late from last week.  This was taken in 2007 or 2008 in Santa Fe.  Melody is one of the kindest, most positive people that I know.  I met her in 2004 while visiting Santa Fe.  Sara Jo was supposed to join me on the trip and canceled, last minute.  Stubbornly, I still went.  Brian and I had been fighting and I wanted a break to take care of me.  A few days in the city different seemed like the perfect remedy.
I had made arrangements to stay at a hotel and decided to arrange for a massage.  She was my therapist and I asked for her card with the intention of arranging another treatment on my next visit.  Since then, we have shared multiple dinners together and trips to Ojo Caliente.  She is a blessed soul.
Last week, I drove down to Santa Fe with Sara Jo.  We had talked, briefly, about driving there and spending a few days.  Then, I didn't see her for a few weeks and I didn't know if she was serious about making the trip to Santa Fe.  I had lunch with her a few weeks ago and asked if she was serious about going to Ojo and she responded with, yes, I had already marked off the days.  I booked an airbnb and contacted Melody to remind her that we were interested in visiting.  Everything was in play for us to leave on a Thursday.
Sara Jo had to work on Thursday morning delaying our early departure.  Everything worked out in the end.  We ended up hauling a friend of mine whose flight was canceled out of Denver.  He was scrambling to find a way back down instead of the other flight option presented.  I told him if he could make it over to my apartment before 11 am, we would be more than happy to drive him down.  It was an entertaining trip south.
We dropped him off downtown and made our way to second street.  The airbnb was over in that area of town.  We were located next to Iconik coffee and Backdoor pizza.  I love the vibe of Iconik coffee and their coffee is quite delicious, too.  Friday morning, we drove to Ojo Caliente and soaked away our stresses and detoxed some of the b.s. I have been carrying around for some time.  Stress can be a silent killer.  I try to find ways to care for me and my personal health on a monthly basis.  Which reminds me, Sara Jo picked up some of the most beautiful peonies at the farmer's market in Santa Fe. She said that she has been religious about keeping fresh flowers in her house.  I want to do that, too.  I think a stop to a market might be in my plans today.
Ojo never disappoints and we arrived just in time to miss the craziness of the onslaught of people around 11 a.m.  Next stop, La Choza for silver coin lunch and eventually dinner with Melody at Joseph's. I am fortunate to have such great friends in my life.  Who enjoy traveling with me, dining and letting me choose wine.  I am blessed!
I will expand more on this later.  I have a yoga client in five...

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Being adult like.....

Feeling like an adult...why do it?  What qualifies as a responsible task?  For me?  It translates to making appointments with the eye doctor, lady doctor and dentist.  Typically, I avoid the dentist like the plague.  Always have.  My first indication that, genetically, I would have teeth issues was seeing my childhood dentist before moving to Phoenix.  I wanted to receive a clean bill of health and run west before I was kicked off my dad's insurance plan.  Back then, the minute you graduated from college, you were no longer a dependent on a plan.  I learned that fast.
My dentist opened my mouth up and picked around and discovered that I would need a root canal.  I was leaving the next day for Phoenix and so there wasn't time to set up an appointment.  Oh, and I was no longer on the insurance plan and so it would be a costly out of pocket expense.  I remember him slapping a temp over my tooth and his wishing me well.  I waited two years (almost) before having work done.  I can be stubborn and during this time, my wisdom teeth made their presence known and a few other must do teeth things.  I handled it as best as I could and relocated to Denver.  Routinely, I would see the eye doctor and lady doc with hesitation.  The dentist remained out of sight, out of mind.  I waited for almost ten years ( I know, this is despicable and lazy) before returning to the dentist.  Of course, I had cavities and other things to contend with.  I postponed it til I absolutely could no longer wait and my job offered health insurance which helped soften the blow, financially.  I returned to a new dentist last October and had to have my teeth scaled.  This is something that I never want to experience again.  It was uncomfortable and required multiple shots to numb my mouth.  Did I mention that I this required two visits to the dentist?   Insurance will only cover two quadrants at a time and so I had to make a follow up visit to have the other side scaled.  Mortifying.
From the scaling, it was suggested that I have cleanings every three months.  I have made an effort to be responsible (for once) and have faithfully completed the cleanings.   Last time, it took fifteen minutes and it was over.   Today, my second cleaning of the year, was more detailed.  Still with no x-rays and a reminder that I needed to have some work done.  Cavities, an infection and a mouth guard.  My favorite.  I have been told my entire life that I grind my teeth.  One boyfriend told me it was like sleeping next to a machine, lol.  I know that I do need to address the mouth guard situation and the receptionist told me I could acquire one for $325.  It seems ridiculous.  So, I am trying to modify my behavior to reduce stress and hopefully, decrease the grinding of my teeth.
In all honesty, I know that I have made improvements and that it is not all doom and gloom.  There are things I can do and I will.  There are natural things to ease the wear and tear on my teeth.
These are all adult like tasks.  They distract me from travel or arranging travel.  I'm not a fan.  I know that I should have some car maintenance done and purchase new glasses.  While in Minneapolis, I scored some designer frames and have an in with some lens people.  Then there is the lady doc--must do soon.  And then there is the dentist.  Can I give myself time to naturally heal?  The receptionist seemed fine giving me that out.  There was no pressure to set up a follow-up cleaning.  She even suggested pushing it to next year.
It does bother me that they did not take x-rays today especially after informing me that this was my second cleaning of the year.  The final one to be covered by insurance.  WTF?
I will continue to use charcoal toothpaste which is fluoride free and floss. Maybe even incorporate the oil pulling back into my regime.  I take it seriously even if I don't love it. I have been performing some jaw exercises which will hopefully help in that area, too.  I must do something!  I want to refocus on the fun factors in my life.  Travel, drinking wine and meeting friends.  Adulting is not always fun!

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

reflecting and dreaming

Wish I were back here....isn't it gorgeous.  Blue skies, palm trees and water.  This is what I imagine when I meditate.  Or, when people tell me to visualize a peaceful, tranquil place.  You know this happens sometimes in yoga classes.  To become present and slow down the breathing.  It is a useful technique to let go of whatever is going on outside of the four walls.  Think of a place that is calming.  For me, this is the illustration.  This is beauty.  This is relaxing and pureness.  This is where I would love to be today. 
I have a day off and am always planning travel.  I get caught up in what I should be doing or what I could be doing when in actuality, mostly, I dream of traveling.  

Rincon, Puerto Rico.  I had a lovely time celebrating my friend's wedding on the beach.  In mid March, I spent five days there.  The final day of my trip, I was able to walk on the beach and take some photos.  Of course, I had the opportunity to do this at any point on the trip.  My friend's were very gracious and organized.  I just didn't make time to explore the beach.  
I do miss the view.  I should have gotten up, earlier, and walked on the beach.  Literally, we stayed steps away from beach.  Maybe in the fall I will return to Rincon to see the beach and their wine shop.  Tiffany and Dan purchased a wine shop in March and are about to open.  Permits, choosing product and other details have been preoccupying their time.  I would love to return and support them.  Did I mention the beach?
Yes, back to the day....I have a day off today and have some things planned.  Laundry, cleaning my house, some yoga....maybe read later.  I need to incorporate more of that into my life.  My colleague has given me 75 books, I think, in the last month.  Might as well start decreasing the clutter.
The beach also makes me think of yoga.  Wouldn't it be great to attend a retreat on the beach?  I wonder if I could make that happen.  Spend 8-10 days in paradise while focusing on health and wellness.  Sounds incredible.  I should focus on adding to my clients and experience and make it happen.  Maybe that will be what I meditate on today.  Abundance, travel and combining dreams.  
I have a few other tasks to complete before turning myself loose on what remains to be seen.  I asked Roxie to meet me for lunch and hope that it will happen.  Until then, I will dream of blue skies and waves.  I know that I can return to a beach someday soon.  If not Rincon, maybe Greece.  I have yet to visit those epic islands and it is a must do for me.  
Until then, cheers!


Saturday, May 12, 2018

sore core and travel planning

I woke up and my core reminded me of my workouts yesterday.  I am sore!!!  I should not be surprised.  I saw my trainer and then taught back to back classes.  I made some adjustments to my people but mostly participated alongside them.  I do enjoy doing that.  I feel better about showing people that I would never ask them to do something that I am unwilling to do.  It was an active morning with a ton of emphasis on core, stability and strengthening.  My core is screaming at me, lol.
Afterwards, I met Sara Jo for lunch downtown.  I love seeing Sara.  She is one of my oldest friends and as a client it is too easy to teach and then go to lunch.  I am trying to avoid doing that on a regular basis.  Lunch is boozy and I want to establish a professional working relationship.  I don't want her to not to do yoga since she believes that a lunch is always mandatory.  It isn't.  Although, I will absolutely go whenever.  I do enjoy a wine lunch.
I have some upcoming trips that I needed to book.  I promised my friend, Jennifer, that I would meet her in D.C.  I started looking at flights last month and probably should have booked then.  Instead, I waited and then found unfavorable situations.  The best itinerary arrives in Baltimore.  Or, Dulles.  I prefer flying into National but most flights were not at ideal times. And I have a short amount of time in the city and so I want to be as close to D.C. as possible.  Baltimore is not an option.
Eventually, I decided to try the one way option and feel happy with the results.  I fly in to Dulles and out of National.  I funded one of the flights with miles and the other I hope to attain more miles. I am now inspired to find another city to explore in the fall.  Or late summer.  My aunt is flying to Denver and has a trip to Aspen planned in June.  She mentioned that she will be returning, again, and to Aspen. That is one city that I have not been to and I would love to check it out.  In the past, I had an opportunity to check out food and wine with friends and than it didn't pan out.  Aspen has always eluded me.  I remember being scouted to work in Snowmass when I first moved to Denver.  This couple were dining in an establishment where I was serving and they liked my vibe and hospitality.  Had I not been involved with Brian it might have happened.  Just another what if moment in my life.  I would love to drive there with my aunt and spend a few days.  The food scene is intense and I am certain I would encounter great yoga.  Thinking July or maybe August.
I had a yoga client arranged this morning but he was called in to work.  We are pushing our session to Monday evening.  I hope that it actually works out.  We seem to keep pushing the session due to his work schedule.
I am still arranging yoga for next week and confirming clients.  I have a friend visiting next weekend and so I will be unavailable to book clients.  I am about to attend a hip hop cardio class.  Should be interesting to see what this is all about.  I saw it and immediately wanted to check out the hip hop class. We shall see.

Friday, May 11, 2018

upcoming ideas and hopes

Good morning!  Beautiful day in Denver.  I taught yoga yesterday and my client referenced the heat factor.  That we would be experiencing record heat in Colorado which is true for us.  However, I had to chuckle.  83 is not that bad considering in Phoenix they have already hit and maintained 103.  Now that is hot and I would definitely need to purchase an air conditioner to be able to sleep.
Yesterday was a personal health day for me.  I taught yoga and then took a class.  Laundry, cleaning the house which is productive and an early night to bed.  I think I need to allow my body to rest and recover.  No wine to accompany dinner.  Yes, I take breaks to equalize my body and rehydrate.  Although, I do enjoy wine frequently.  I had a few conversations at work the other night about my love of wine.  I recommended a few different glasses to people who typically drink what they know.  I absolutely agree with that and yet, sometimes, it is okay to venture out and try something new.  In the past, I have considered taking the sommelier certification.  It is a commitment and challenging.  I allow myself to be distracted and not focus on that dream.  Maybe one day.  Until then, I will continue to sample and enjoy wine.
Today, I have a session with my trainer/coach.  I think in the course of almost a year, Courtney has become my personal coach as well.  She is encouraging, supportive and a resourceful person.  Not only does she come up with mind bending physical sessions, she asks me what I hope to do with my life.  She encourages me to think outside of the box and pursue my dreams of health, wellness and teaching.  I feel guilty, though, as I have fallen off of the wagon to a certain degree.  I could be eating cleaner and I know it.  Sometimes, it's easier and convenient to make poor choices.  I should have done a cleanse yesterday or taking multiple days off.  I knew I would be seeing her today and that I would not be able to hide my poor choices as they will be noted in our work out.  Still, today is a new day and a base to work from.  I cannot beat myself up.  Instead, I must look at how I can get it done and do it better.  I have been trying to express more gratitude and see the greatness in my life.  No more complaining about things I cannot control.
I have two clients today and then a late lunch for research and development.  I will be talking about my practice and how to attract more clients or opportunities to teach.  Wine will be involved.  Friday is typically my cheat day, lol.
I might meet with Jenn's friend, Christine, tonight to walk the park.  I figure it could be another opportunity to bounce my ideas and receive another perspective.  The more I talk about it, the more I am committed to make it a reality.  I want to be doing more yoga and sharing with others.
I am enjoying seeing what is out there.  I was super inspired after my trip to Minneapolis and would love to return if only for the yoga.  It was that good!  Spending time with my aunt was mindful, too.  We had not seen in each other in years and it is interesting to see how genetics work.  I know she is spending a lot of time reconnecting with my mom which is beneficial to both of them.  Due to a miscommunication and pure stubbornness, they did not speak or see each other for 27 plus years.  Seems ridiculous and insane.  I mean, I talk to one of my sisters almost daily.  I rely on her for talking me off of the ledge at times as well as comic relief.  I don't know what I would do without her in my life.
I cannot believe that 2018 is almost half over.  I need to start thinking about things I hope to accomplish.  Of course, that includes and is dominated by places I want to travel.  I will think on it and reflect on.  Time to get my work out on.
Cheers!

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

travel and reminders

Allergies consume me.  My nasal passage is congested and my eyes remain itchy.  It's been a challenging month.  I have taken Zyrtec, daily, and tried to purchase a neti pot.  They do not sell them at my local organic store which is surprising.  Instead, I settled on a nasal spray which seems to help.  I had hoped that traveling to Minneapolis would provide a reprieve.  I encountered pollen there too and within a day or so had to contend with issues there.  It was a lovely trip.  I experienced gorgeous weather and explored the city with my aunt.  She lives near Calhoun Lake which is a great location to check out Upper Minneapolis and the lakes.
I wanted to check out the yoga scene there.  I was not disappointed. I walked away inspired and wishing I had had more time to attend classes.  Not only challenging, but mindful and physical.  I enjoyed the music and walked away feeling rejuvenated.  The instructor mentioned that his friends were opening a place in Denver.  I think I want to meet his friends!  I would love to have access to crazy sequencing on a daily basis.  I ate more chips and salsa than I anticipated.  Goes with the territory of exploring a city and rehydrating.  My aunt was a lovely hostess.  We checked out a few local spots and she met some of my friends and family.  It was interesting to blend families, I suppose.  Or explain how they knew me and vice versa.  I didn't speak to or see my aunt for 27 years.  Then we meet and reconnect in Minneapolis where I have family of Brian's.  I see his mom, regularly, but have not seen two of his aunts in ten years, at least. Thankfully conversation flowed and we managed to enjoy a few great meals.  I forgot to mention that my aunt's refrigerator went out the day before I arrived.  She purchased a new one and asked them to deliver it on Friday.  We could make dinner for Shari and Tom and it would be a little more intimate this way.  The delivery guys arrive on Friday morning and are unwilling to take the doors off.  They say they could set it up in the living room and plug it in there.  Seemed inconsiderate and lazy!  So, our plans changed and we served cheese and crackers before finding a restaurant that would accommodate us.
I will return to discuss more of my trip and recap the beginning of May. I sort of took a mini break from blogging due to travel.  Packing for travel and relaxing on my return.  I want to focus on what will be happening soon.  I am very thankful for my current job as it allows me freedom, flexibility and unlimited networking.  Last night, I talked to a few ladies about taking yoga from me and I know that this occurred due to my job.  I love that.  And, I want to continue this trend.  I want to be doing more yoga teaching and helping others.  I should be sharing this gift and I want to take the time to make it happen.
I want to focus on expanding my circle of people and make time to teach.  I want to express gratitude for all of the opportunities that are presented.  I am one step closer to making some changes on my blog and figuring out a way to work smarter, not harder.  Isn't that what we all want?
I should post about a travel throwback as I missed last Thursday and I definitely have more to chat about on my trip to Minneapolis.  The yoga was epic and I am thankful that I found a fantastic studio in Uptown.  I plan on returning to attend more classes in the fall.  And, I think, my aunt might sign up for some yin classes.  She should.  Yoga is essential and re-centering.
I also saw a post about saying thank you instead of apologizing. It is projecting negativity as opposed to finding the gratitude in the experiences that are presented.  I liked that.  Today, I choose to be thankful instead of sorry!
Last night, I overindulged.  I was excited to be talking with some ladies that work at the hotel.  We were enjoying wine and I was excited to be chatting with them.  I woke up and instantly felt that I should be sorry for enjoying the time with them and had planned on seeking out someone to apologize.  Then, I thought, why not look at this from a different perspective?  I am thankful to have had the opportunity to chat with the ladies and share my ideas with them.  Moreover, we had the chance to connect on a different level.  Also, thankful for that!
So, yes, I am thankful today.  Not apologizing~