Tuesday, February 3, 2009

space issues

I went to yoga yesterday. I arrived early so that I could choose my own space. I like being on the sides so that I won't become stuck between two people. I have noticed that since it is the beginning of the year, there is an increase in yoga students. As a result, many times, I have uncomfortable by the lack of space in class.
Yesterday, like I said, I arrived early. There were probably 6 people in the class. This girl, puts her mat almost on mine. I kinda laugh, thinking--really, you have to set up right here. She looks at me and continues to settle. I think about it and realize how it is going to drive me crazy to have her next to me the entire class. So, I moved.
I have thought about doing that several times. I didn't feel bad about what I did. I just wonder why you would feel it is okay to encroach on someone else's space. Yoga, to me, is about the spiritual aspect in addition to the mental. I abhor when people invade my space.

Monday, February 2, 2009

25 world renowned needs while traveling

First of all...you need a desire to travel. And then, I suppose a destination to go to or multiple destinations. I think everyone should travel. I support it and I wish I could do it more often.
I remember reading guide books with suggestions on what to bring. I think that you should make it work for you. I did.
I started out with 8 books that I was lugging around. Traveling gives you a lot of time to occupy. I embraced the thinking aspect, but also needed to be stimulated in terms of books. I refused to buy books since they were ridiculously expensive. I would trade out with fellow travelers or rummage through the hostel's collection. Sometimes, there were only German books or books that were in terrible condition or that I had no desire to read. I would still try to read them, though.
I am off point here. I guess my 25 of what you need or what you will encounter should begin now.
1. Money. Everyone needs it at some point and it is nice to have cash as opposed to just cards.
2. Travlers checks but not heavily invested in them. It can be difficult to find a good exchange rate in today's world, relying on these alone.
3. Debit/credit card--a must.
4. Bandaids. You would be surprised at how many you will go through if you are traveling for an extended amount of time. I traded in my nicks on my hands for scrapes on my feet. The beach is lovely, but not injury proof.
5. Books, not guidebooks. You can always consult the internet or other travelers for information/maps/etc. Books are a must though. I carried up to 6 while traveling. I didn't bring guide books outside of Fiji and Australia. I mooched off of others for pertinent info. I had to have my fiction, though.
6. Journal. You will write a lot.
7. Camera--very, very obvious reasons for wanting this.
8. charger for camera if digital. I considered a normal camera but what do you do with the film?
9. Trainers--or tennis shoes. I walked everywhere and engaged in running. It was time consuming and necessary.
10. first aid kit--I should have invested in a better one. I saw many with everything and it makes sense. You want to protect yourself and have what is comfortable from home.
11. Alleve, emergen-C, lotion.
12. SUNBLOCK
13. Hats or just one.
14. Combination locks which are more for your well-being or state of mind. My locks did not prevent the theft of my ipod or money, however.
15. IPOD. IPOD. IPOD. I love mine. I wanted it on all flights/bus rides.
16. Travel pillow for flying, bus rides, etc.
17. Rain coat
18. a photo of your life from home or something that will bring you happiness when sad and lonely.
19. a pair of pants. I didn't bring them and if you know me, this is understandable. I am a freak about wearing shorts, year round. I think I own two pairs of jeans and that is all. However, if I engage in another world wide tour, I am bringing pants.
20. a nice skirt or dress. It is nice to go to nice places in comfortable clothes.
21. travel towel that you will always use.
22. day pack for smaller items that you cannot lose and will always want to have with you.
23. detergent. I washed a lot of my clothes instead of paying someone else to do them.
24. bathing suits, plural. I almost wrecked mine in the mud baths in Fiji--first part of my trip.
25. an open mind and sense of adventure. Being okay with letting things be and not trying to force them into what you know. I had the worst curry of my life in Fiji while watching a Britney Spears A & E special. It was awful and full of bones. Plus, I was the only American in the joint. Why must I watch this crap?
Being positive helps. There are many things that I encountered that I could not control. I met some amazing people and felt truly free in life.
I could edit, reedit and make it better or just post it. I could expand it too. I think you should carry plastic bags and your passport of course that should be #1 on my list.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

January 31, 2009

Happy 33rd birthday, David Beemer.
I have no other way of contacting you to do my annual birthday wish. I lost your phone number and you haven't responded to my e-mail. I am hoping that you read my blog, but am not certain.
Nevertheless...happy birthday.
I tried.
I went to my aunt's this morning for another walk around Sloan's Lake. I don't know who is more motivating to the other--her or me. Of course, I am motivated to enjoy the sun and gorgeous weather. I love coffee, too, but wish she had a Peet's near her house. I like Starbuck's, but prefer the dark roasted, consistent coffees from Peet's.
I am listening to Juanes and mentally preparing for my yoga class. I have been determined in my practice and feel that I am reaping rewards from my attendance.
Have a lovely day. I am considering a 25 around the world, 25 random things about me, 25 about my family, or 25 places that I would like to go. It is all a work in progress.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

25 Things

On facebook, there is this list going around about 25 things about you. I know. I am on facebook, not addicted to it like some of my friends, but I have enjoyed seeing posted items. Some of my girlfriends are constantly on it. They don't respond to phone calls or e-mail, but they update their account daily with what they are doing, etc.
I was tagged, but while I am thinking about it, I don't know if I could list my 25. I mean, there is a lot about me that has happened in the last 3 years that could be under 100 things about me. I suppose I could do a sample of what I would say.
1. The worst phone call of my life happened on February 28, 2006. My life stopped, but then it had to restart so that I could make the other necessary phone calls. I think personally, that the phone call to Brian's parents was worse.
2. I work to travel. I want to go somewhere that I haven't been every year. I haven't decided if I should stay stateside this year or venture out.
3. I want to get paid to travel--I just haven't figured it out, yet. Any suggestions, please let me know.
4. I was named after a moment when my dad's band mates were harmonizing. The lead singer looked at my parents and said--you are so happy, you should name your next daughter, Harmony.
5. I want to work on a coffee plantation or vineyard at some point in the near future. I love coffee almost as much as wine.
6. I hate shopping. I get claustrophobic thinking about the mall or trying on outfits. I like knowing what I need and finding it quickly.
7. The same goes for my hair--I like showering and leaving. I am not interested primping or spending time with a dryer.
8. I embrace Eastern Medicine. I prefer it to western.
9. I am stubborn. I will self medicate or heal as opposed to going to the ER or doctor.
10. My simple spider bite evolved into 5 months of not being able to sit down because I am stubborn. I tried everything--tooth paste, epsom salt, tea tree oil, lavendar, alcohol, acupuncture, etc...
11. My doctor announced to his friends and one of mine that he had seen my ass. Quote, unquote...Nice, I know!
12. I prefer meeting natives as opposed to other tourists when I travel. I have no interest in a cruise for that reason.
13. You cannot outrun grief. It stays with you until you deal with it.
14. I love spending time with my sisters and enjoy that each of my relationships with them is unique and loving.
15. I have found that I enjoy writing as a tool to release my grief.
16. Taking a leave of absence for 5 months was the smartest thing I have ever done. I found my voice and my way back forward. Plus, I met interesting people and discovered 8 new countries. I love my passport!
17. I have consulted with 2 mediums in the past year. Both have been interesting and a tool to heal.
18. I think of Brian everyday and how my life is better because of him. I am so fortunate for Tom and Shari and their presence in my life now.
19. I look forward to the foundation we set up in his name and know we are giving back to the community.
20. I love meeting chefs. I have had several awesome meals from just talking to chefs.
21. I have realized that you have to let people make their own mistakes and be there to support them when they need you.
22. I love written communication and am sad that so many people prefer to text or e-mail thank you cards.
23. I believe in etiquette and am somewhat anal about it.
24. One of the best moments of my life was on a bus ride from Sydney to Melbourne. I met a fascinating lady who continues to be my friend.
25. I gotta say...I love red wine. I have been on the wagon this month and so I miss it, desparately. I cannot wait until the end of February for my adventure in Napa.
Thank to those of you that listen. I hope you enjoy my list. Again, I could keep going about things about me that you might not know.

Monday, January 26, 2009

snow...

I think the weather is terrible right now. I know that this is what it is supposed to be like in January, but I miss the sun. I have been spoiled this past winter. I miss the days of endless sun and no snow.
Today, I awoke to winter. It isn't too bad--the snow factor--but it is cold. I went to yoga instead of spending too much time outside. I returned and decided to walk to Safeway. I am trying to stay committed to being more green in my life. So far, 2009 has been promising in that regard.
I purchased a few items and and went to the Starbuck's satellite kiosk in the Safeway. It was cold and so I needed to warm up on my way out. The guy handed me my coffee and told me that his register was messed up and so he would get my coffee. I offered to tip him, but they cannot accept tips at this store and so I told him to stop into the Bull and I would buy him a drink. I suppose I will continue to pay it forward at this Safeway. Remember, another cashier bought me my onion. Gotta love it!
I went to the Nuggets/Jazz game last night with Jimmy. It was a great game. The Nuggets appeared in control and dominant. I was surprised that the game wasn't closer based upon the stats. I believe the Jazz had more rebounds and the same amount of blocked shots. I hope to go to another game and sit courtside. Plus, having a few drinks would be nice, too. My wagon is almost done and I feel fantastic. I have went to a few nice dinners and drank coffee as opposed to red wine. I will remember to not drink coffee at Elway's since it was lukewarm--both times. I do miss nice dinners and am excited to dine at Fruition soon and Elway's of course.
Be well...

Sunday, January 25, 2009

young jayhawks

I watched the second half of the KU/ISU game yesterday. I was optimistic when I saw the score and that the Jayhawks were up 13 points. I had the sound on and was organizing something and so not glued to the tv. I heard the announcers say the score and how one of the Cyclone's players had 38 points. I wondered how this would happen and blamed it on the Jayhawks youth. They are a young team, still trying to find their team rhythm.
I must say that it is frustrating to watch them come off such a high last year and return to lackluster play. I know. I know that they are young and I respect Bill Self as a coach. I wish they looked better.
In other news...the weather is no longer amazing in Denver. It is gloomy and quite cold. I stil am trying to walk or enjoy the outdoors. Yoga this afternoon was filled with people. I did enjoy the rare occasion of yoga on a Sunday afternoon. I enjoy having Sunday off. I wish there was someone that would be interested in taking my shift and giving me one of theirs. I know that Tiffany goes to Breckenrdige every Sunday and Jimmy refuses to work this shift this anymore. I suppose I am stuck for the time being. I will hopefully, enjoy more yoga on Sundays in the future. I have been able to switch shifts a few times in the last few months.
The wagon stops next Sunday. I am looking forward to it. I intend to keep my productivity up for 2009. I have slept wonderfully and accomplished a lot while on the wagon. I will miss the movies...

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Here comes the sun

The weather in Denver has been amazing. I love 70 degree weather. So much, in fact, that I walked to and from work today. I feel so energized.
I guess 2009 brings many opportunities for promise and growth. I met with Nick today and discussed the rebirth of the Brian Thompson Foundation. I stepped down in 2006 for emotional attachment issues. We had a fantastic fundraiser on the anniversary of Brian's passing. I traveled and wanted to distance myself from life for awhile.
Welcome 2009...new growth, rebirth and opportunity. We are restucturing, simplifying and making it work. We truly want to give back to the community and do it in a way that honors Brian. We are in the idea phase, but there is ample enthusiasm and passion for it. I see positive outcomes and am glad to be part of it. I suppose there is writing in my future or editing. I believe that there are many resources out there for us to utilize and benefit from.
I have been talking about it, making it real and trying to gauge people's reaction to it. My boss told me it was a cute idea. Cute, eh? Am I a teenager? It is infuriating to me. We have a wonderful proposal and that is your response. I think it is motivating me to make it the best possible thing it can be.
If I rant about this a lot, please be patient. Thank you for listening and enjoy the sun.