Productive day

Happy Sunday!  Happy return to some sense of normal.  No more political ads, asks, or texts.  

When did it become all financial?  Nonstop requests for donations?  Even if you block numbers, you still get texts requesting money or polling.  I am over it.  

To me, I would never run for office.  I would be tired of asking my "circle" for money.

At any rate, I am exhausted and ready for moving forward.  So ready.  

And I feel the pull of new energy.  New adventures and release of fear.  I cannot tell you how long I have struggled to let go of things and just let energy let my life.  In many ways, I know I am blessed.  I know that things will be okay, and that money will always be there.  

I say that.  And, then my subconscious takes over.  What a ride that is and can be.  It is time to release all of the fear of the unknown and embrace what is coming next.  More creating, curating and leaning into what makes me passionate about life.  Writing, yoga, traveling, eating.  I love experiencing new food and am so thankful that I expanded my palette outside of chicken tenders.  (I grew up in the Midwest.  That is something that is available on every menu.  With Ranch dressing).  There is nothing wrong with chicken tenders.  Only that I have expanded my palette to discover new foods.  I love sampling new fare.  When I was in Southeast Asia, I chose to eat pho for breakfast as opposed to bacon and eggs.  I wanted to venture off of what I knew and try new flavors.  So thankful.

Time to make time for what I am passionate about.  No more coasting.  Let's get serious about what we want to achieve in life.

Remain positive and know that you attract what you want.

vote

Please invest in yourself and vote.  If you have not already.  

Actually, just vote.  If you feel so compelled to vote republican, do it.  I cannot understand why you would want to do this, but I will respect the amount of people who get the vote out.  At least, I know you are vested in your rights.

On the other hand, of course, I am supporting women's rights.  I want control over my body, my healthcare decisions, my finances.  I have worked (my entire life) to enable what I want in my life.  My parents divorced when I was 12.  My dad was supposed to pay for 2/3 medical of myself and my three sisters.  I had glasses at a young age.  When I wanted contacts *at age 13* my mom wouldn't pay her third of acquiring that purchase.

I babysat, cleaned Schwan's trucks and ironed for neighbors to secure the portion of the contacts.  I wanted contacts so I could participate in basketball, volleyball and softball.  Since then, I have taken care of myself.  Paying for my first car at 16.  A junker and automatic but I managed to do it myself.  

I paid for insurance.  I figured out how to pay for college, housing, insurance.  Always taking care of myself and not relying on my dad or men. 

Do not feel guilty for voting for your interests.  

I saw this insane clip from a dipshit (I refuse to mention his name.  IYKYK...and YK).   Think small-minded podcaster.  Thinks he is smart.  Overqualified man.  

This idiot felt betrayed that a woman would vote for her healthcare, her body, her finances.  He felt betrayed that she would allow her husband to believe otherwise

There are so many women that have died after the Dobbs decision due to lack of healthcare.  Due to physicians being scared of treating women.  The ramifications they would receive if they helped a woman move forward with taking care of herself.  

Do not be afraid.  Vote for yourself, your interests, your rights.  Refuse to believe that we should return to the 1890's.  The Patriarchy refuses to acknowledge how much women have added to the workforce.  They want you to think you don't deserve equality or rights.

STOP BELIEVING THEIR NONSENSE.

vote for you.  Vote for your interests.  Vote for autonomy.  

Class tonight

There is time left.  Join me for a wonderful evening.  Detox to Retox Happy Hour Yoga Session.  

Consider joining tonight.  Or look for updates on the next two sessions.  Make it a great day~

 My dad just told me it wasn't normal for a 48 year old woman to have a period.

What?

Why? 

How does he know anything about this?

He doesn't.

He doesn't know how uncomfortable I feel.  Or I how I figure out how to adapt to this annoyance.  

I wish, men understood how challenging bleeding out is.  It sucks.  

You feel bloated, uncomfortable, heavy.  Let's be honest.  That is what happens.  You choose fat pants or an outfit that feels comfortable.  Every month.  Maybe, every few weeks as menopause enters your orbit.  

Then you have someone that doesn't have to encounter this on any level, tell you how you should feel.  PLEASE, FUCK OFF.

Every woman should be voting for her individual interest.  No one else is doing this for you.  Not your father.  Not your brother.  Not your husband.  In 1974, women were able to apply for their own credit cards.  Why is this even a thing?  Why would we think a man knows our best interest?  I have paid for vehicles, college, rent.  Never once, have I asked my dad to take care of me.  And guess what?  He never has offered to help me out!  He doesn't want to.  He cannot tell me how to live my life.

Vote for your interests.  For your fellow citizen, daughter, niece, friend.  Do not think anyone else is out her advocating for female rights.  Do not think this okay to not understand menopause or perimeneopause.  It sucks. 

But it where I am at currently.  Navigating this new world.  Bleeding out, feeling heavy, trying to feel good about myself.  

It feels like a luxury to be a man.  

let's do more

Let's get better.  Do better.  Every day.

I refuse to become complacent.  I look at myself and am shocked at how I have become comfortable.  Comfortable with how I look, how I feel, how I am.  Gross.

I turned a year older and have options.  I can continue on the complacent path or challenge myself to do more.  

I want to do more.  

That is my intention.  I am tired of being uninspired and unmotivated.

Class tonight

Join me, Denver!  The ultimate alternative happy hour.  I offer this class every month at the Jazzercise Studio in Skyland.  The studio space is welcoming.  I love this studio!  Clearly, Traci and her staff have created a lovely community of people.  I feel fortunate to be part of it.

Consider sixty minutes of yoga.  It is a mixed level class.  I offer modifications to make the session good for you.  The music is always a mash up of what I am currently listening to on my spotify.  Sometimes, 90's hip hop, Prince, JT or Chappel Roan (a current favorite).

Afterwards we nosh.  Monthly, I change up the menu which keeps me learning and honing that craft.  In addition, we connect with each other and build community.  I never know who will attend or what topics will come up.  Sometimes, health.  Sometimes, travel.  Sometimes, conflict.  But always with an open mind.  I am so thankful for the tribe I am part of.

Join me tonight!  Email me if you have questions--tastelifeyoga@gmail.com.  Check out my Detox to Retox Yoga class.

Keep Going

 I watched part of the DNC tonight.  First speech, HRC.  

Then, Jasmine Crockett.  Watched Raphael Warnock, Andy Brashear, and AOC.  Then rewatched HRC.  I loved Jasmine Crockett.  She is a fire brand.  Knows how to ignite the other side with facts and can back it up.  AOC also speaks to people and makes sense.  She is inspiring people to vote for this ticket.

They spoke of how powerful Warnock was....he was.  However, I wasn't that inspired personally.  I rewatched HRC and was blown away.  The idea that women couldn't vote 104 years ago.  That we are crushing the glass ceiling.  That we will make a difference.  It is time.

Get off of your ass and tune in.  If you want to support project 2025, tell me why.  How does it benefit you?  

If you are a woman, specifically.  Please explain why this is the vote you choose.  The limiting voice.  Minimizing.  Putting you back in the kitchen or in the fields (understand my reference to the Handmaid's Tale).  

Please remind me of how we benefit when we are unable to read, speak, voice our opinions.  Where we are similar to cattle.  Why are you considering this path?

I have worked for every dollar I have earned.  My parents sheltered me, fed me and clothed me until I was thirteen.  At which point, I was told that I would be responsible for additional clothing, vehicles, college. 

I do not blame my parents for these actions.  They were catholic.  No birth control allowed.

I only point this out to say that I have earned my money as a female.  Knowing that the proponents of Project 2025 would give my dad my earnings to handle my finances since clearly, I am unable to (in their opinion.  Women are mouthy).  And I am unmarried (what sin).  

However, it is okay when men choose to divorce their wives that are unfit.  Or women have chosen to leave unhappy unions.  

I choose my own happiness.

Think about what makes you inspired.  If you have a daughter, think about her rights that are being taken away.  Think about the goodness of making choices that reflect what makes sense to you.  Do not remain silent.

I observe people.  I see relationships of older folks *at times, specifically**

Where the man dictates the decisions.  His wife is mute.  Looks miserable. 

She reminds me how thankful I am that I can be MOUTHY AF.  Keep Going.  I am Rosie the Riveter

Detox

We all have choices of how we want to live our lives.  Surviving or thriving.  I vacillate between the two.  Currently, surviving with hopes of thriving and succeeding on my own path.  

Breaking up with what is known and making a meaningful path.  It is frustrating.  I am frustrated.  I know that I am right, but the ups and downs associated with the uncertainty is challenging.  Having a steady paycheck feels normal.  And customary.  

Challenging that stereotype and truth is hard.  Yet, I am determined to that as I have since 2020.  I have been creating space in my life.  Time to focus on that passion.  And having the security blanket of the service industry at hand.  Always relying on familiarity and comfort.  

Navigating this path is challenging.  I am overwhelmed with positivism and doubt.  I wake up, knowledgeable and comfortable.  I wake up to nightmares of doubt, fear, guilt.  Sounds incredible, right?  Then, add into the mix, health issues and apartment things.  Also known as things out of my control.  Mostly the apartment stuff.  I do not have confirmed dates as to when they want to begin work or how long it will entail.  I am confused by my part in this.  The leak originated in the ceiling.  I commented on it, years ago, to no avail.  Now, work will be done but it is unclear when it will start.  It is confusing and conflicting.

Time to release it to the universe and see what occurs.  Prosperity and abundance.  Or fear and doubt.  I feel aligned with the uncertainty of where this road leads to abundance.  I release having to know how.  I know that it will. In all of my history, I have always had enough resources, assistance and health.  

I agreed to decrease my wine intake in solidarity with Tom.  He is aligning with his health and purpose.  He must detox his life and be open to adjusting his health.  More breathwork.  More activity and health.  I am here to help and support.  I want him to succeed on this new path.  

Comfortable

Your mouth was so dirty....

Our love was comfortable.  and, so broken in.....she's perfect.  So flawless.  Or so they sayyyyyyyy...what a song.  I know there are people who do not like John Mayer.  I have always been a fan girl.  Even during his ridiculous, asshole rants.

And this song, is the best.  

I love music.  I do.  But, seeing people in person is a challenge.  The parking.  Crowds.  Dealing with maneuvering the experience.  yet, after seeing the Foo Fighters, I would totally see John Mayer.  I love his music. I would make it work.  Whatever it took.  

I am jamming out to his music currently.

Holding out for a home life.  Sitting in traffic on a highway.  I refuse to believe that my life is going to be....We said eternity.  I will go to my grave with the love that I gave....

Happy to be healthy and able to make choices that benefit me.  I listen to podcasts and try not to default into the crazy.  It isn't easy.  I am unwilling to willingly walk into the Handmaid's Tale that republicans are proposing.  And they are.  The extremism of project 2025 is that.  The Handmaid's Tale.  The openingly disgusting ode to the nationalist right.

It is that disgusting and disturbing.  You are willingly giving your votes away,  Know this.  

Midweek class

Tomorrow night, I am offering a yoga class at City Park.  6:30 pm.  Meet for sixty minutes of yoga and an opportunity to network afterwards.  Check out a session if you are in Denver.

Make the most of your day.  I encourage movement, breathwork and connection.  Yoga enables all three.  I am more of an a.m. exercise person.  But I do love the happy hour classes.  The sun is winding down and the energy at the park is off the chart.  Typically, there are people walking, people playing volleyball or kickball and enjoying being outside.  The last few weeks in Denver have been HOT!  To the point where I prefer hibernating indoors from 10:30-5 pm.  I do not want to be outside under the intense sun.  After five it starts to cool down and enable a return to nature.

Join me for a class this week!

Clear headed and accountable

New month.  New focus.  New energy.  I woke up and meditated for eight minutes.  I hope to build momentum and work up to thirty minutes daily.  Still trying to find the best guided meditation where I am able to focus and truly benefit from meditation.  

Afterwards, I juiced, drank lemon water, made coffee and an egg scramble.  Utilizing items found in my fridge in an attempt to improve multi-purposing food.  I despise food waste.  There are small things I have been testing out.  Blanching yukon potatoes and asparagus to add to egg tortillas or a nicoise salad.  Seems to be helping me be more domestic and minimize the convenience of dining out.  I am improving (somewhat).  

I realize that I juice every morning.  I decided to start juicing two and a half years ago after talking to my friend, Brie.  At that point, my blender was my favorite appliance.  Creating new smoothies in an attempt to be healthy.  I didn't have a juicer, nor did I have any interest in purchasing one.  They tend to be difficult to clean up and expensive.

Brie lent me her juicier when I drove to Florida in 2022 for the annual trip.  That year, Shari and I met in St. Petersburg to visit Sara Jo, Shari's sisters, Melody from Santa Fe & Brie.  I drove cross country to stop in Dallas and New Orleans.  It was an epic trip.  Regardless, after spending five days with the ladies and using the juicer each morning, I considered purchasing one.  Unbeknownst to me, my friend, Roxie had an unused juicer sitting in her pantry.  She felt that it was taking up space and offered to give it to me.  How could I refuse that offer?

I used that juicer for over a year (until I killed it.  Literally, it was smoking on the final day of use).  Devastated, I lamented to Tom how I was really sad by the loss of Juno (my juicer.  I tend to name cars and other items of importance after Greek Goddesses).

Tom bought Juno 2.0 which was an inexpensive juicer.  So far, Juno 2.0 has been fantastic.  Quicker than Juno and an easier clean up.  I use a mix of fruits, vegetables, citrus, ginger and turmeric.  Sometimes, it is hard to find turmeric, so it is an infrequent item.  But I always have a mix.  Rarely is it ever vegetables only and never just fruit.  I think the sweetness would be too much.

In an attempt to drink more water, I have been doing infused waters.  Strawberries, cucumbers and ginger.  Or pineapple, ginger and lime.  It has been awesome to change up the water and benefit from the hydration.  

As noted, new month, new focus, new energy.  Accountability is the underlying theme and embracing new energy.  Be it, cooking more at home, decreasing happy hours and focusing on building my business and brand.  No more talking.  It is time to act.

Make it a great month.  What are you focusing on?  Gratitude?  Health?  Having more fun?  Releasing anger?  Think about it and make it your best month of 2024.

Accountability

Small print on the newsletter.  I apologize.  Testing out new things and wanting to be more consistent with creating new habits.  And sticking with the habit.  

More and more I am seeing signs that I am on the right track.  In the past, I have refused to embrace the open doors that I am presented.  I stick with the familiar, known road.  It is no longer working for me to adhere to the comfort zone.  Money can always be made but time cannot be recovered.  I know that I am not the first person to identify this or lament the loss of time.  

Who wants to end life with regret?  Why do we subscribe to the this is how you are supposed to be successful life that works for everyone?  You know the one.... college, get married, buy a home, have kids, work 40 plus years, retire and enjoy maybe ten years of your life.  Sounds dreadful to me.  Especially the work for forty plus years in a job you probably don't like or feel inspired by.

As such, I have opted to embrace the unconventional path with gratitude.  I love all of the travel I have managed to do.  Some of my favorites would be Vietnam, South Africa, and Colombia.  I have been fortunate to create time and finance the trips.  Now I am embarking on being my own boss.  It is hard.  No one to hold me accountable for my lack of progress.  I tend to excel at the social interactions and less so with the administration.  I am improving and want to be in a more stable position by the end of the year.  

I do not regret at all, choosing to travel and experience life.  Who knows where I would be had I not moved to Denver.  I believe it would be somewhere in the western part of the U.S.  I have always been attracted to the vibe of the west and southwest.  Although, I do enjoy New Orleans in the south.  For a brief moment, I flirted with the idea of relocating there.  Working in the Marigny or in the Garden District.  Soaking up all of the culture and food.  I do love the food factor in NOLA.

Or perhaps abroad.  There has always been a part of me yearning to live abroad.  Spain, Italy, Costa Rica or South Africa.  I had lovely experiences in each of those places.  Maybe I could have created my own type of eat, pray, love....

I digress.  Accountability and habits increase the changes I am wanting to make.  Here is to that commitment.

newsletter

 

Productive afternoon

Productive afternoon.  Creating fliers and showcasing upcoming yoga in August.  Join me on Saturdays.  For the time being, I will offer a class at 9 am.  ***unless the heat becomes unbearable, and we move it to 8 am***

This year it has been lovely.  One Saturday, no one attended.  I was sad but I am realistic.  People have lives and other priorities.  Some people have injuries or illness.  I can only be consistent and believe in what I am offering.  Offering a class every Saturday.

I have a retreat that I am composing in October.  I will release more details and information in the next few weeks.  October 17-20th in Santa Fe.  Be there or be square.  (wowzah, I sound like a kid of the 80's.  Huey Lewis, anyone?)

Be your best self and make it a great day~

New Energy

What a week.  I choose to focus on the positives and the energy that I am living in currently.  This hopeful, positive, evolving energy.  I will return to that in a bit.

Yoga has been growing.  More group classes, virtual classes and perhaps, a yoga retreat.  Truly, I believe, I can make this happen.  Start out small in a familiar setting to work out kinks and build on it.  Santa Fe.  Seems the most approaching.  Especially, if I make it more of a customer appreciation retreat.  Rely on friends to see how I can make improvements and provide a great service.  I want people to join the retreat and benefit from it.  Offering one mandatory class with an optional class or two daily.  I think that makes sense with suggested activities or restaurants.  Of course, I would provide adult beverages for the house to thank my clients.  I think that is a no-brainer.  

Still figuring out pricing, dates and housing.  Tom has no idea what he has signed up for, lol.  He will be involved with the food factor.  I will provide breakfast and lunch.  Possibly one dinner.  I am still figuring it all out.

Energy wise...I am in a positive head space.  Coalescing behind a movement for change.  I am grateful and hopeful.  I feel the shift and desire to do something new and different. 

I remember sitting in an uber about six years ago.  My driver reflected that we needed more light keepers in the world.  Less discourse.  Less division.  Less quote unquote, successful people.  Light keepers.  

Then he looked at me and said--you are a light keeper.  Embrace it.

I feel that this is a different time.  We know what is being offered to us.  We know how we missed the chance in 2016 to make a change then.  Some were too ignorant to get past the hatred for Hillary.  I wasn't.  I voted for Hillary, proudly.  I remember sitting in a counseling office the following day.  Sitting by a woman that was so scared of what we elected in in 2016.  I won't go into why I was sitting in a counselor's office.  Only that the woman had been harassed by multiple men during the election night where they were joyful in the knowledge that Trump had won.  That they could continue to harass and abuse women.  (what a resounding endorsement....so gross)

The chance to move forward to regress to the 1850's where no one had rights.  With the exception of white men.  Why would we want to return to that?  In my entire lifetime, I have been able to make financial decisions.  I have credit cards in my name.  I signed up for them and were able to secure them.  It is mind boggling to me that anyone would vote against their own best interest.  Wake up and do what is best for you.  Educate yourself and understand what is being offered by both parties.  If you endorse returning to the feudal systems of the Renaissance--get on board with the Republicans.  Be prepared to lose all of your rights and be inferior to the affluent.  Work more, make less.  I believe they want to alter the 40 hour work week to a 160 work month.  No more over time.  Sounds good, right?

If you want to evolve and protect your rights, vote Blue.  Don't sit by and watch this craziness happen.

Determined to get involved and not sit by and wake up to the Handmaid's Tale.  

Sweaty yoga in Santa Fe

I love yoga.  Teaching classes, practicing for myself and being part of the community.  It has been awhile since I have attended an in-person class.  I think four plus years.  Partially due to Covid and then once the world re-opened, some of the studios I frequented severely limited their classes.  Or they had instructors that I didn't like.  I know that sounds counterproductive--yoga is spiritual, healing and focused on breathwork.  

Some instructors do not jive with me.  There are a few that stand out in my mind.  Specifically at the local studio I would go to in Denver.  One woman was uninspired and had no sense of sequencing.  The other woman was aggressive in her delivery.  I found her obnoxious (again.  I know this is not normal and I shouldn't be talking about it probably.  Yet, I want to be honest.  I want to reflect on why I have not attended an in-person class in Denver since 2019) Or Santa Fe either.  I have been to a barre studio and made space in my days to check out TRX classes in Santa Fe.  I have not been inspired to attend a studio since pre-covid.  The studios are great, but I have not found an instructor that I really like or would create space within my visit to go to a class.

Until today.  I went to Vinaigrette for lunch and ran into a friend who is a fellow yogi.  I met Allison while helping out at Thrive Studio.  She attended classes regularly and after a while, you ask where else they practice.  Anyways, I knew that I trusted her opinion on the fitness scene in Santa Fe.  So, I inquired where she was currently attending classes.  Surprisingly she mentioned a studio that I was unfamiliar with--Dirty Laundry Yoga Studio.  She raved about the place.  The heat was legit, and the humidity also factored in to creating the experience.  

Curious, I checked out the website and saw that I could attend a class this evening.  Heated, vinyasa flow and right up with what I was looking for.  I signed up for the class and made my way to the studio.  Set up my mat in the corner of the room.  I am weird.  I like being on the perimeters where I can control how many people surround me.  I started in child's pose and waited for the instructor to begin.  It was hot.  Not going to lie.  

He cued child's pose, then cat/cow, down dog.  I was familiar with the start and waited for what came next.  Several sun salutations with additional arm stretches.  Eventually, we moved into a combo sun B/sun C.  I wasn't in love with this guy's vision of a flow, but the heat was incredible.  I leaned into that and tried to make it through the 60-minute session.  It was hot!

I hope to return and experience another class.  It was nice to know that I cue well and explain poses in a way that I think translates better (in my head at least).  I am thankful for the experience and knowledge that there are options in Santa Fe.  Make it a great day!

Thankful Thursday

It is Thursday and I decided to bring back a gratitude post (at least today).  I am thankful for many things in my life.  Mostly, my health.  I am reminded of how much I value my health on a daily basis.  Working caterings or in the service industry reinforces the need to be healthy.  Healthy to lift things, move quickly and focus on hydration.  Not kidding, at all.  You must fuel your body to make it through the day.  If I didn't have access to clean water, I would probably wither and die.  

I worked an event where it was implied that we would run out of water about midway through the day.  I was shocked that the company did not plan for that for the staff.  I had brought a few large water bottles to alleviate some of that need for myself, personally.  There were many others who did not bring water or even containers to hold water.  I started panicking.  Realizing that we had another eight to nine hours to work outside in the heat.  Thankfully, we discovered a water source that we could utilize to replenish the coolers that the company had supplied.  

My water bottle is my binkie.  I always travel with water to avoid heat stroke or dehydration.  It truly freaks me out to encounter either of those risks.  I would have left the event to make sure I had water and not felt guilty about it one bit.  I have experienced dehydration.  The first time, I fainted and had heat stroke.  It wasn't horrible but it scared me.

The next time I was dehydrated and not taking care of myself, I fainted, smashed my face and laptop.  And no, no alcohol was involved.  I had worked a twelve-hour shift in Phoenix where it is incredibly hot.  I worked in a restaurant that had an indoor and outdoor bar.  I rotated between the two--stocking, supplying and working.  The next day, I woke up to do laundry.  I was a little off but thought I would power through it.  Instead, I fainted, did a face plant and broke my laptop.  It was a wonderful way to celebrate easter Sunday.  It required me to have plastic surgery.  So, yes, I take access to water seriously.  

I am thankful for my health.

Each day, we choose how we want to approach it.  I hope to make it a habit of looking at my life daily as a choice to do better.  To improve.  I am thankful for listening to this man speak of his volition and determination to pursue his dreams.  (Another benefit of caterings is listening to the guest speakers that are hired to inspire and motivate the conference).  

In addition, I have participated in a few zoom conferences of motivational speakers in the last few years.  If you sign up for their conference, they remind you of upcoming events. I try to glean information that is relevant and release some of that that does not resonate with me.  Today, there is a three-day event that I plan on showing up for.  I need the reminder that I am on the right path.

There are many other things I am grateful for--friendship, family, travel, love and food.  As Tom reminds me frequently, I do enjoy the food factor in my life.  I am thankful to share those experiences with others.  

Be thankful today and celeberate you~

Yoga happy hours and events

Last week I offered three different happy hour yoga sessions.  One was more of a private session at a woman's home and the other two were at the park and the Jazzercise studio (respectively) I had no idea what to expect.  Only that I was determined to stay the course.  

It is crazy how powerful the subconscious mind is, creating doubt, fear, insecurities.  Nonstop.  I wake up, frequently, with those doubts swirling around my brain.  Am I doing the right thing?  Will I be able to attract more clients?  How do I stay relevant?  How am I competing with other activities?  Should I return to my comfortable job of working for others?

It is easy to get in that rut.  Then, I consider what are my priorities.  Mostly, I love having a flexible schedule where I am able to travel and see loved ones or arrange meet ups with friends. I value time over everything else in my life.  Creating experiences.  And I know that money will always be there.  I can always find a job (if necessary).  I hesitate to take a more traditional job due to conflicts with yoga clients.  I want to be able to offer classes throughout the day--early, midday, happy hour sessions.  The priority is to share yoga and expand my community of people.  I walked into a coffee shop near Park Hill last week.  I wanted them to post a flier for me and the kid behind the counter recognized my flier and mentioned that he hoped to join soon.  It affirmed that this is working.  My message is getting across.  

Choosing the unconventional path continues to suit me.  I would not want it any other way.  Sure, I would enjoy more stability.  I have my health.  I have my shelter and I have a lovely support network.  I am beyond blessed.  I need that mantra to play in my head when I am sleeping.  I hope to quash the crazy fears and doubts that plague me at night.  

On that note, I will update you on the outdoor sessions this week that I am offering.  Thursday night, 6 pm, join me at City Park.  Park near 17th & Fillmore and head towards the park.  I like to set up in a shaded area.  New flow, music and light snacks.  This is a donation based class.

Or join Saturday mornings.  Same location of the park--17th & Fillmore.  Moving up the time to 9 am instead of 10 am. This is the class that helped define what I wanted to offer in a yoga session.  Open to everyone and creating community.  I have offered this class for the last four years.  I never know who will attend or what we will discuss during the session.  It is fantastic.

Bottom line--do what you love and where you shine brightest.  Turn off the inner thoughts of doubt and thrive!

Fitness, foundation and being Fierce

All things, 2024.  Fitness.  Foundation.  Fierce.

How to achieve this?  Put it forth in what you want to accomplish.  It is awesome to focus on these things that go hand in hand.  An idea and emotion.  A goal to produce a foundation.  An opportunity to excel.

I am incredibly thankful for my health.  I have always been athletic, but I was not a gym rat in high school.  Looking back, I wish I had signed up for conditioning or sought out the additional opportunities to lift weights that were offered by coaches.  Instead, I focused on work opportunities and relied on my natural capabilities.  I didn't want to stay longer to spend time in the gym.  In hindsight, that probably would have helped me navigate my 20's and 30's.  It is intimidating to enter that environment and not feel confident about using the equipment.  Sure, free weights are self-explanatory or user friendly.  Some of the fitness machines require more knowledge.  

About seven years ago, I decided to hire a personal trainer.  My metabolism was slowing down and I was freaking out.  I could not explain why I was feeling heavy or unfit.  I tried to manage it by myself until my friend, Melody, noted how fantastic having a trainer was.  I would be held accountable and there would be an attention to detail that I would not have if I worked out by myself.  

It was a fantastic decision for me.  I wanted someone to guide me on the body resistance path.  Specifically, I wanted to utilize TRX.  Ultimately using my body weight as resistance.  TRX is awesome.  There are so many ways to utilize the straps and incorporate your body weight.  Sometimes, I get irritated with my trainer because I can tell she is dialing in our sessions.  Then, out of nowhere, she puts together a killer session where I feel worked and aggravated (or sore the next few days).  Like anything in my life, I prefer feeling challenged.  I, sometimes, dial in yoga sessions and feel awful about it.  I want to be present and have my clients focus on the situation.  

My activities have ebbed and flowed.  Ultimately, I am capable of physical labor which is helping me with this current job.  I do caterings on the side to supplement my yoga practice.  I enjoy showing up and increasing my steps for all of the running that is required.  In addition, I do not mind the physical aspect of the job.  It reminds me that I am youthful, capable and strong.

It all leads to me being thankful for my health.  Incredibly thankful.  My intention is to build on the foundation and continue.  I must be intentional 2024.

sugar

Lately I have been craving sugar, sweets, dessert.  Possibly since I am practicing dry January and am missing that sugar from wine.  That would be my guess.  And my salt intake has decreased.  I crave sugar.

Takeaways of dry January.  First and foremost, better sleep.  I go to bed and immediately fall to sleep.  There is no negotiating or talking myself into slumber.  It happens when my head hits the pillow.  And it sustains throughout the night.  With one exception.  Last night, I experienced the stress loop which I loathe.  I woke up and had the same conversation of anxiety in my head.  I would fall back asleep and reawaken to the same conversation.  

Water.  I always drink water and my water bottle serves as my binky.  I always have a water bottle with me to ensure that I have access to water at all times.  In the past, I have experienced dehydration and heat stroke.  As much as I thought I learned my lesson, the face plant of 2012 would suggest otherwise.   (And, no, alcohol was not involved.  I was severely dehydrated and did a face plant at a laundromat.  Busted my lower lip/bridge of nose and my laptop was crushed).  I felt like I drank an adequate amount of water, daily, until this month.  Making an effort to truly drink a gallon of water is illustrating how dehydrated I have been.  And that I pee frequently, lol. That is the most annoying part.  The need to urinate all day.  

I am eating on a schedule.  I wake up.  Make coffee, drink lemon water, take my vitamins and juice.  Typically--apple, ginger, beet, carrot and lemon.  Sometimes, I add cucumber, bell pepper and another fruit.  Currently, cantaloupe.  I make eggs, eat a protein bar or oatmeal for breakfast.  Lunch has been a variety of things--tuna wraps, eggs, lentil soup, pasta.  Mostly, anything that I can create at home.  

I stopped by Sprout's yesterday and found some manager specials that were handy.  50 cents for a package of spinach and kale.  99 cents for a stir-fry dinner.  99 cents for cauliflower rice.  Affordable items that need to be utilized within the next three to five days.   On that point, I am cooking at home.  Yes, I have ordered take-out a few times but that has decreased.  When I dine out, my bill is a fraction of what it normally is which I also enjoy.  Being moderate is helping me consider how I want to continue with the rest of the year.  I would like to eliminate sugar from my diet as much as I can.  That will be difficult with my love of wine.  I could minimize sugar.  No sweets or desserts with the exception of special occasions.  I will have carrot cake for my birthday as it is tradition.  

I am over the halfway point of my thirty-one days.  And I am considering extending it til my visit to Santa Fe in February.  Noncommittal but considering it.  There are many things that I am considering doing differently this year.  Choosing to stay in the unconventional lane.  Cheers!

cold weather

The last few days have been frigid in Colorado.  Motivating me to remain indoors, cooped up and attempting to occupy my time.  I have tasks that I am actively avoiding.  (I seem to be a great procrastinator when I choose to be).  Eventually I will handle them.

I watched Saltburn and will return to what I thought of it in a bit.  Read a few books, prepped yoga classes and appetizers for the happy hour tonight and tried to walk outdoors.  That idea fizzled quickly.  I was unable to protect my face.  I wore yoga pants, jeans, knee high socks, a long sleeve shirt, hoodie, winter coat and hat/gloves.  Walking three blocks convinced me that it was too cold, and I should enter a coffee shop instead of walking to the market.  My daily steps have been affected by the cold.  I am unable to stay true to this habit which is frustrating.  I prefer getting movement daily.

Since Saturday, I have been reclusive.  Managed to drive to Trader Joe's before my check engine light came on.  No idea why and it freaked me out.  My car was driving well.  I observed the temperature gage and watched for black smoke to indicate some sort of issue.  I turned my car off and, on a few times, to see if it would reset and the engine light would turn off.  Thankfully it did, earlier today.   Instead of calling my mechanics in a frantic state (which I have done in the past), I decided to reach out to my neighbor who is a wrencher.  Lee has offered a couple of times to change my oil and I trust him.  After driving around this morning, my check engine light, cleared and I felt more confident in my car.  I no longer felt vulnerable.  Still, I wanted the reassurance.  I met with Lee who assessed that my car was fine.  

Lately I continue to hear people talking about the movie Saltburn and how disturbing it is.  This one girl was bothered by it.  Told her friends that they shouldn't watch it because it was really fucked up.  Some of the scenes were very disturbing.  She was really upset about it.  Her boyfriend asked me what my favorite movie was and without hesitation, I remarked, American Beauty.  I have always enjoyed this movie, immensely.  Well-acted, thought provoking and something I can watch and find something that I had not noticed before.  In 1999, I watched it five times at the theater.  Yes, five times.

Regarding Saltburn, I didn't think it was that bad.  Yes, there were a few cringeworthy moments (really cringeworthy) but overall, I was not that bothered by the movie.  It was easy to follow and predictable. Reminded me a little of Parasite, but that was more graphically disturbing from my perspective and surprising.  

Tom lent me a book about Vietnam.  So far it is dry and difficult.  Not as enthralling as reading fiction.  I am struggling to read it.  I will continue to plow through it as I am interested in the content.  I was not taught about the war while in school.  I would like to know more about it.  And I am committed to increasing my reading this year which will include nonfiction books.  I tend to gravitate towards fiction and can breeze through them.  I read the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo yesterday.  It was an easy read and although I wasn't in love with it, I did finish it.  Somewhat enjoyable as the story continued.  I suppose it is interesting to explain the desire to marry seven times.  They were all different and served a purpose.

Cold weather dictates indoor activities.  Maybe I should learn a new card game?  Solitaire occupies my time when I am alone.  Rummy when I see Tom and perhaps, crazy eight's.  I wish I had learned how to play spades, cribbage or bridge.  A forgotten way to pass time with friends.

Stay warm and healthy!

Decreasing waste

In an attempt to stay committed to dry January, I have decreased my reliance on ordering take out.  Don't get me wrong.  It is convenient and preferable when you live alone.  Cooking for one can be challenging.  The shopping, prep work, cooking, clean up, leftovers.... isn't it more desirable to order take out?  

Resoundingly, yes.  Favorable, desirable, convenient.  As well as wasteful, expensive and lazy.  Yes, lazy.  If I wanted to cook more at home, believe me, I could make it happen.  Either way, I am not in love with eating leftovers, but growing up in the Midwest, reinforced the belief that you minimize waste.  Either eat the meal, completely.  Or utilize leftovers until they are finished.  Not always appetizing or sexy when describing your life and livelihood.  Yes, I make food and eat the leftovers throughout the week.  Please come dine with me on reheated food.  

And I tend to order a glass of wine while waiting for my takeout order.  Rarely do I use a third party to have food delivered to my house.  The fees and other unnecessary fees take a $15 meal to about $28 which seems wasteful to me.  I can walk to pick up the desired goods or cook at home.  

So, I tend to order food, walk to pick it up and enjoy a beverage while waiting for the order to be composed.  Dry January does not allow for this, and I am committed to making this work.  I am on day #8 and feel fantastic.  Sleeping better and feel productive.  Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and replay a loop in your head.  You try to turn off the loop, finally fall back asleep and reawaken to that loop of stress, anxiety, fear.  For me, it tends to deal with work or finances.  A vicious loop.  My sleep has improved, and I am thankful for the rest.

After the yoga session this morning, we sat around and chatted about a variety of topics.  Movies, music, books, vegetables.  One of my clients piped up with the--did you know that you are not supposed to put cucumbers in your fridge?  I knew that because I follow a guy on instagram that has many reels with suggestions of how to store fruits and vegetables.  I will admit, I used to buy cucumbers and put them directly into the bin in the fridge.  I did notice that often the cucumbers would go bad before I used them.  I juice daily and always have an array of fresh fruits and vegetables in my apartment.  I despise wasting products that I buy.  It is such a waste of money, and it irritates me.  

I knew the cucumber hack of placing them in a plastic bag, cutting holes in the bag, and leaving the cucumbers in a cool, dark place.  Basically, out of direct sunlight.  It is the best way to store cucumbers and avoid mold.  I buy citrus and store them differently now, too, to avoid mold or waste.  I wash them before placing them in a container filled with water and store them in the refrigerator.  Since I started storing lemons and limes in this manner, I have not thrown out any citrus.

In addition, I store celery and carrots in quarts of water.  These, too, hold up better.  I had no idea that there were ways to maximize the length of fruits and vegetables.  I realize that I am not the only person that has no clue that there are hacks to help eliminate waste.  Did you know that you should keep apples and pears separate from the rest of your fruit?  They tend to speed up the process of ripening other fruits.  Currently, I have a three lb. container of mini apples to juice.  I feel fortunate!  

Do you have any hacks to share?  This is my year of opportunity.  Opportunity to evolve some of my beliefs, habits and practices.  Today has been a lovely day.  Full of different practices.  Yoga (typical Saturday morning habit), then made lunch.  I tend to order sushi on Saturdays for some reason.  Today, I utilized some leftovers before creating a pasta dish.  Afterwards, intended to walk to the grocery store to pick up some vitamins but it is 1 degree.  I could not make myself walk seven blocks.   My body was insulated but my face was exposed which motivated me to stop into a coffee shop to warm up and focus on reading a book.  I can always walk to the market tomorrow.  

I have been listening to a bunch of music today which is great.  I feel lighter and inspired to dance around my apartment.  I want to try to read a book a week, minimum.  I am way too reliant on streaming to occupy my time.  Time to challenge, engage and continue to learn.  All in an attempt to decrease waste of produce, time and energy.

Any other strategies to eliminate or decrease waste?  I am open to suggestions and creating new habits.  New year.  New focus and opportunity.  Cheers to the weekend!

Saturday morning yoga

Yoga at the Jazzercise Studio.  Saturday mornings at 10:45. All month long.  I love this studio space.  It is welcoming and has a lovely vibe.  I found this opportunity through my trainer, Courtney.  The owner of the studio, Traci, and I both train with Courtney.  

Mainly they offer jazzercise classes and I have been offering yoga classes throughout the month.  For the last three months, Saturday mornings and twice a month on Tuesday morning.  Tuesday mornings have been infrequent due to my schedule.  I try to travel to Santa Fe frequently.  I go when it is convenient for me which does not always line up with offering classes, consistently, on Tuesdays.  This year I intend to make more of an effort to be consistent and travel to Santa Fe as well.  

Saturday mornings are a staple in my schedule.  I have been offering a class for the last three years at City Park when the weather is nice.  During the winter, I have utilized a bar on Colfax in the past and now the jazzercise studio.  It is something that I am proud of to offer and be a part of.  I never know who will attend or what we will discuss afterwards.  I only know that it continues to be a highlight of my week.  I try to keep that slot available to my clients instead of traveling.  There are exceptions, of course.  Travel and holidays tend to disrupt my calendar.  

This month there are no exceptions.  Yoga on Saturday mornings at 10:45.  Check it out!

Cheers to 2024

I am so thankful for 2024!  New energy.  Opportunity and my willingness to be done with 2023.  What a meh year.  It was not terrible.  Only not very inspirational.  

A reminder to continue the path that I embarked on in 2019.  I suppose I need reminders to keep me on the unconventional path.  It is much easier to return to what is familiar and comfortable.  There is that comfort of doing what you have always done.  Even if you know, you want more.  The pull back to the familiar path is no joke.

I embarked on this path in 2015. Getting certified for yoga and dreaming of a different life.  I didn't know how it would play out and I was terrified of actually teaching friends.  Friends that like me.  How would I teach people I didn't actually know?

One day at a time.  You build confidence, knowledge and an understanding of how to craft the class.  I know that my style speaks to many people but not to others.  I prefer a power-driven class.  I thought that is what my class would always be like.  Then, I began teaching yoga to people.  Each class offers a unique experience to cater to the people attending the class.  For example, I know that if I host a group session and it turns into a private, I think of what best inspires the client.  Perhaps, slow and stretchy with a touch of power.  Or maybe an astanga type of flow if I have a client that likes strength.  I try to make it work, each session.  

It is that way in every area of life.  I would be lying if I said that I enjoyed every yoga class that I have taken.  It can be frustrating to carve time out of your day to attend a subpar class.  And I tend to stay in my head and overanalyze why I am frustrated.  It is not a winning combination.  

For the past ten days, I have managed to build new habits.  On day six, I stopped drinking wine for the time being.  I want to participate in dry January for the remainder of the month.  Actually, I hope to practice multiple damp months this year as a way to reset and reflect.  Already my sleep has improved.  I am making better food choices and feel better in my body.  

Reading more and minimizing my takeout tendencies.  It is easier to order take out.  More convenient and accessible especially where I live.  There is sushi, Thai, multiple Mexican options, Italian restaurants and a ramen spot.  I can walk to a mediterranean restaurant if I crave gyro or Greek salads.  I love that aspect but believe I can do better.  I can make healthier choices and see how it affects me.  

2024 is about opportunity and thriving.  I truly believe it.  Last year I was in survival mode.  Not exciting or adventurous.  Just there.  I refuse to have a repeat of that this year.  

Cheers to opportunity, abundance and gratitude!