Discomfort and other thoughts

Yoga has inspired, transformed and injured me...Yep, I admit it.  I got cocky and attempted a pose that I had done a week ago without effort.  Monday, I chose to tackle the balancing pose and when I went out of it, I immediately sensed something awry.  I tried to shake it off the remainder of the class.  I left, showered and when I went to dress myself, there was discomfort in lifting up my right leg.
My first thought was chiropractor.  I know one in the East Valley.  I had given his number to my friend, Kristina, a few months ago.  She is my mini (sometimes).  Her love of travel, yoga, meditation reminds me of myself at her age.  I texted her, hoping, that she had the chiro's number available.  She didn't.
While waiting for her response, I consulted my aunt Bryn.  Dr. Bryn as I like to refer to her as.  She is the person that I consult when I have a health issue.  She almost, always, leads me in the right direction to healing and recovery.
She advised me to ice, rest, and get a massage.  Skip the chiropractor and let her know how I felt the following day.  I called my massage place and requested their sports injury specialty.  Thankfully, he was available that night.  I drove over noting my discomfort in pressing the gas pedal.  I had tried to self-diagnose and believed I had a groin pull.  I didn't.
According to Brandon, massage therapist, I had tweaked my gracilis muscle.  It is a slender muscle in the inner thigh.  He ripped apart both of my legs and suggested that I use heat, not ice, and rest a couple of days.      I bought a heating pad and took his advice.  I have a half in three weeks and believe that will be a voluntary donation.  I forgot about my injury last night and ran to my car.  Right away, I could feel the discomfort in my leg.  I am stubborn and committed to my yoga practice.  As such, I am returning to the studio today to give it a go.  Sure, I will take it easy.  I must.  I just want to be using my unlimited pass and well, sweat.  I did a few postures in my house, yesterday, and know that I can go to class.  I feel confident and know that I will avoid the balancing pose that got me into this in the first place.
Regarding the half, I remain undecided.  We'll see how I feel next week and go from there.  Sara Jo is meeting me along with Agnese, Giacomo and Renatto.  The Goddess had considered meeting us, too, but she cannot break away from work.  Recently promoted and her son is almost 8 months old.  There will be other times to meet up for a half marathon as we all know.  Maybe Napa next year or there is always Willamette Valley.  I could meet my friends and see my sisters, all, in one trip.
Outside of slight injury and yoga, I am working to finance upcoming travel.  I would love to go abroad this year, again.  Maybe caribbean to see Shar or return to Europe to explore more of France, Italy or Spain.  I love the idea of wine, vineyards and more wine on a trip to Europe.  I have been inspired by Spanish wines over the last few months.  Who doesn't enjoy a delicious albarino, verdejo or tempranillo?
I will be gentle with the yoga for the time being.  I must baby my gracilis muscle for the time being.  Have a lovely Thursday!

Ahhhh......Denver...

This pretty much summed up my trip to Denver last week.  Drinking. Talking.  Sure, being intrusive on someone that I know.  Hanging out at a friendly place.  Yea, that is true.
However, it was more like this...

Lots of hugging, laughing, drinking.  Plenty of that.  I realize that I miss many aspects of my life in Colorado.  I had a solid base of friends and family.  I could call a number of friends and request to go dine at bistro's, cafes or numerous eateries.  Anything that was new could be checked out with a willing companion.

In Phoenix, these things are not as approachable.  However, I did return, last week, to recognizing that I do enjoy it here.  I have transplant friends (like me) that are willing to give it a go.  I met a female last week and we both remarked on the protocol of establishing a friendship, post 30.  She said, I wanted to give you my number but I didn't know if it was appropriate. Keep in mind...this was after two different conversations about our time spent in Denver. I knew that Janna was a cool chick when she said she lived in Denver and had recently relocated to AZ.  I wanted her to like it here and assimilate.  Hopefully, we will go hike soon or just drink wine.  She is a gruner veltliner fan.  

Recent Denver was delightful.  Huge success.  Reminded me of its many delights.  I returned to AZ with the question of why return.  Well, return for profession, passion and the fact that all of my belongings are here now.  

Outside of that...I do like it.  I am loving the weather.  The freedom.  The knowledge of knowing that it is a great city for me, too.  Or, maybe, it is knowing that I can fly from anywhere.  I am interested in yoga training, hiking and enjoying this beautiful city.  Maybe more wine?  

Kidding.  I feel positive outside of my lack of updating.....