Holidays

 Holidays are here.

I thought I had a grand plan. I had been assigned the task of bringing dessert to the friendsgiving.  I mentioned that I had little interest in traditional pumpkin or apple pie.  The hostess responded that she wasn't making turkey!  😂

At that point, I decided I could definitely go the unconventional route.  I considered my options.  There is a coffee shop with the best cookies in Denver (in my opinion) or Whole Foods was opening at 6 a.m.  Honestly, that sounded cruel and unusual. Yet, I still considered driving to Cherry Creek after my sunrise yoga class. With further thought, I knew there was a smaller market or greek restaurant.  Both of which offer great carrot cake.

So, I was leisurely this morning.  Taught a few classes and then showered.  I drove to Park Hill to pick up carrot cake. Apparently, I wasn't the only person with this thought.  I walked in, assessed the 30 people in line, and did an about face.  I just couldn't do it.  I couldn't stand in line for 25 minutes for one item. I could feel myself getting claustrophic. 

Instead, I drove to the coffee shop and looked over their baked goods.  Cookies, carrot cake and a few other options.  One person in line in front of me.  Then I could pick and choose what spoke to  me.  Carrot cake, three cookies and waldorf astoria cake (in honor my niece, Emma. I have a picture from her first birthday where she attacks a waldorf astoria cupcake.  That girl loved cake, lol).  Done! No more parking or interacting with people on the hunt for food.

I treated myself to lunch.  I had considered meeting up with one friend.  We had communicated in the morning and than she went radio silent.  Instead of fixating on that, I went to a nearby wine bar and treated myself to a salad.  She and her husband are hosting thanksgiving tomorrow and so I know she has an abundance of stuff to sort through.  However, she could have easily sent a text back.  Regardless.

It was still fairly early.  A good time to pop in and not be too distracted. Ample parking (thankfully) and plenty of seating at the bar.  Within an hour, it started to fill up.  They have a staging area where you can sit or wait for your table.  A group of 8 sat down.  Two ladies in arm chairs and six people across from them.  I watched as each of the six, grabbed their phones and started scrolling.  It was ridiculous.  And it continued.  They, individually, kept staring at their phones.  I watched for, at least, twenty minutes.  Nonstop phone distraction.

Please do yourself a favor--if you are spending time with friends or family during the next few days--be present.  Put your phone away.  Make eye contact. Have a conversation.  Have we learned nothing from the last year?  

We always want what we can't have...a year ago, people were upset about being locked down, isolated and unable to socialize.  This year, we can socialize.  So what is stopping you from being present with your loved ones?  It was interesting to watch.  The gentleman next to me had the same sentiment as I did after I made a point to say something about it.

Take time and enjoy your people!  On a side note--my godparents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the 26th.  My dad brought it up on eight different occasions.  Don't worry. I sent a card.  It totally made me chuckle.

I suppose I am ranting about being present because we can never retrieve time.  So hold your people close, love your life and enjoy good food.

Urban living

 I have been semi-consistent with walking City Park.  It gives me the opportunity to listen to a podcast,get movement and vitamin D.  Multi-tasking at its best.

Today, I opted to walk to Argonaut instead of driving.  I thought I was smart in leaving my house early to head to the market.  It was not early enough!  Already, crowded parking lot and people unable to walk at a fast pace with their shopping carts.  I was a little claustrophobic.  I could not get out of the store fast enough.

To avoid another stressful situation, I chose to walk to Argonaut.  Beautiful day and I had ample choices in my podcasts listening enjoyment.  The way there was uneventful. I encountered a few people walking around the city.  

At Argonaut, I selected a bottle of tequila and a bottle of wine.  I am attending a Friendsgiving tomorrow night and wanted to bring a bottle of tequila to the meet up.  I had told my friend that I would pick out an unconventional dessert and her response was--good, I am not making turkey for the meal.  Tequila seemed like it should be in order.

At any rate, I began my return home.  I walked out of the liquor store and headed east along Colfax.  Immediately, I sensed my mistake.  There were people just hanging out on the street.  I tried to assess my best route--where to cut up to 14th.  Multiple side streets had groups of people hanging out.  I kept heading East with my head up and tried to avoid any conflict.  As I approached Downing, I saw a guy under an awning standing near a tree. His bag was up against the building.  I figured it would be better to walk outside of him instead of against the building.  I walked around the outside and realized that I had narrowly missed him urinating on the tree.  Urban living at its finest!

After that encounter, I veered up a side street and didn't care if I ran into a group of men or not.  I returned to 14th St and felt safer and more at ease.  Not to say that anyone approached me or made me feel endangered.  It just felt like there was an odd vibe on Colfax that I wanted to avoid.

The next day and half could be chaotic.  Be kind.  Try to avoid falling into road rage, grocery cart rage or unpleasantness of any kind.  Maybe bag your own groceries.  I have a new items to pick up in the next day.  Overall, I am ready to just enjoy being around friends and drinking good wine.

I am thankful I did not see the man peeing on the tree.  It did make me smile, still....urban living, lol

Therapy for the mind and body

Happy Monday!  What a glorious day.  I saw something yesterday and it resonated.

Exercising is therapy for the body

Writing is therapy for the mind.

Loving is therapy for the soul.

I agree with all of these sentiments.  Especially the therapy of the mind.  I have felt better getting some thoughts down on this blog and igniting my creativity.  Or I am trying to light that flame.  Focusing on being consistent is definitely helping!

And I am a huge proponent of movement and exercise. Yesterday, I woke up, sluggish.  I did not have coffee creamer in my house and I was too lazy to go buy some.  Or, at least, that is what I told myself in the a.m.  Eventually, I realized how foolish I was being.  The sun was shining and the weather looked amazing.  Why was I hibernating inside when I could enjoy some time outside?

I grabbed my phone and chose a podcast that I was interested in listening to.  I alternate between the Successful Mind, Millionaire Mindcast, Entrepeneurs on Fire and the Side Hustle Show.  All of them are thoughtful, inspiring and empowering.  Sometimes they get a little preachy and their politics creep in.  When I feel that that is the focus of the conversation I tend to skip the podcast for a while.  I enjoy listening to the podcasts but when politics filter in, I lose interest.  

Immediately, my mood improved.  It was like a rush of endorphins and happiness.  I forget how much I enjoy being outside or how it can reset my mood.  No longer did I feel sluggish or stagnant.  I received great news from a client and an invitation to a friendsgiving.  My first response was a resounding yes!  I am excited to celebrate with friends.  I considered canceling due to our association but then thought better of it.  I know them through a friend of mine.  I am focusing on gratitude, kindness and making new memories.

Keep moving forward and forging new collaborations.  Happy Monday!  Spread some kindness and joy.

Yoga indoors and other news

Happy Sunday!  Here is to another absolutely gorgeous day in Denver/ It's remarkable, truly.  How the weather has held up, inspiring me to get outside and enjoy it.

I taught yoga indoors at a local bar yesterday for the first time.  I had arranged this opportunity by chatting with one of the bartenders about the fact that I teach yoga.  Ironically,. he is not the bartender who hosts the sessions. That duty fell on another guy who is gracious, kind and does yoga.  

We planned on a 9 a.m. class.  I arrived fifteen minutes early with no sign of Jordan.  I was a little skeptical.  I don't really know him that well and I didn't want to hassle him.  I sent him a text then called.  I considered my options and realized that we could go back to the park if need be.  Seriously, the weather is that good.  No wind yesterday and the sun was out sharing its brilliance.  Thankfully, he answered and problem solved itself.  

All of my clients moved the tables out of the way to make space and we waited while Jordan set up the space.  He offered to play music and so we listened to 80's music.  He knew that I listened to Prince earlier in the week and was being respectful of my music choices.  

Three men and one woman attended the class.  I loved it!  The music was sort of all over the place but it worked and we created this fantastic energy and heat.  One of my clients commented that it felt like he was taking a heated class and that he wasn't sure he signed up for that.  Opening the front door alleviated stress of that.  I believe we will develop a following and eventually, I will need to find a new space.  Fun times and all because I finally acknowledged my dream.  Of course, there are challenges and hiccups.  I am committed to working through them.

Outside of that, my weekend has been chill.  I had no plans for Thanksgiving except working.  That is the default way of how to spend the holiday.  Seriously, holidays only exist for me after working at whatever restaurant I am working at.  It is fine and I am thankful for work.  I will be fed which is a benefit.  Less need for me to shop and prep.  I made the mistake of going to a market earlier and it has started.  Already people are scrambling to get the goods for Thanksgiving.  I was a little claustrophobic and annoyed.  Quick trip for me!

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your Sunday!  Mine was great.  Unexpected news, gifts and invitations.  I will be heading to a Friendsgiving on Wednesday.  I cannot wait!  Some of my other friends are hosting on Thursday.  I will figure out something to make for Thursday lunch and then head in to work.  I am hoping for good weather and kindness.

Enjoy your Sunday.  Cheers!

Friday, movement and ramblings

Happy Friday!  It is a beautiful day in Denver!  Sun is shining and there is so much possibility in the air.  I love seeing the sun shining bright.

I have a few classes today before getting outside and incorporating movement into my day.  My mood improves and I feel better when I get movement.  I know that I am my own biggest enemy.  The overthinking, constant inner monologue and doubt.  Wouldn't it be easier to return to what I know?  

Baby steps and remembering that each day is a new opportunity to be better.  Today is truly gorgeous outside.  I am trying to met my sandwich digest before heading out to City Park.  I am trying to cook more instead of ordering take out.  Take out is super convenient but I struggle with the portion sizes and ingredients.  I am trying to eat cleaner and dining out defeats that purpose.

I had been pretty consistent during the Pandemic.  I had a walking partner where we walked three to five times a week.  It was fantastic.  We would talk politics, current events and other occurrences in our lives.  I really appreciated those walks with Christine.  Sometimes we would conclude to her patio and enjoy some wine.  I suppose the pandemic enabled more focus on quality time and conversation.  During that time, I think, I saw maybe five people consistently.  And that could be a stretch.  I did have zoom yoga classes but the in person meet ups were confined to maybe five people.  And mostly geared at being outdoors.  Seemed safer to meet people and get movement.

I have kept up the habit, somewhat.  I always feel better when I am consistent with movement.  There is so much transformation going on right now.  I keep telling myself to continue on this path and not fall back into learned habits.  I know it is the right thing for me.  

Maybe I should be meditating more.  Could that help?  At least twice a week, I have restless nights.  Nights where my mind refuses to shut off.  I have listened to a few podcasts where people speak of being able to shut down the brain and enjoy pure sleep.  Like 9 hours of sleep.  I could use that!

Topics swing from finances, work stress, relationships.  All seems to create anxiety for me as of right now.  The work stress outweighs the others but each day, I wake up, and believe it's going to be a great day.  And I have had some fantastic opportunities and new clients in the last month.  I think the holidays are off putting me.  People's schedules are all over the place.  It can be challenging.

I do believe in what I am trying to achieve.  Working for myself and bringing yoga to people.  I hope you have a wonderful day. I am finally ready to get outside and enjoy the day!

gratitude and other reflections

 Gratitude....focus of this month.  

I think I am most thankful for my body scrub this afternoon.  It enabled me two hours of bliss and self-care.  When I arrived, there was one other woman in the facility.  We alternated between the dry sauna and cold splash.  Somehow we managed to avoid the other before my number was called for the body scrub.

I had a moderately productive day before letting it go. This evening was a loss. I dropped flyers off to the bar regarding yoga and then headed to pick up food at one of my favorite italian spots.  I showed up, early, to ensure that I would be able to get a seat at their bar.  Ironically, there were no spots.  The manager offered me a seat and I watched him carry a bar stool across the restaurant with a child in his arms.  The things we do, lol.

I ordered take out and went out fairly early.  I set up my activities to achieve and fell asleep.  I hope it doesn't interfere with my night of sleep.  The last week has been crazy.  Waking up, hourly, or every hour and a half. It is messing with my routine.  I think I am overthinking which is normal.  Typically, I can shut this off but the last few days it has run wild.  I need a switch or way to regulate this.  

Tomorrow there are a few classes and then work.  I am thankful for both.  The classes allow me to express my creativity and build on my dream. I want to share movement with people.  I was working, steadily, until the last month.  The holidays are proving to be a challenge.  Still there is opportunity out there as I am finding.

Working enables supplemental income.  I have struggled to make it work due to my own issues.  I want to work but I want it under ideal circumstances.  That is on me.  I will continue to work on myself as I navigate working.

Blogging is helping me be consistent and thoughtful.  I need both right now.  I am continuing on this path wherever it leads.  As noted, it is easier to fail.  I refuse to do that this time.  Gratitude for life, people, food and water.  I am hoping that yoga this Saturday will be a success!

Double up

 Two posts today.  I was doing well.  Then, yesterday I got a little sidetracked.  Lunch with Roxie, followed by a meet up with Jordan to coordinate Saturday yoga which derailed me.   Originally, Jordan and I texted about meeting at a coffee shop in the morning.  I walked over to the coffee shop at said time and waited.  

Eventually, I reached out to see if he remembered about our meet up. I didn't want to suffocate him but I had cleared my morning to be able to meet with him.  He called me and seemed discombobulated.  He said that he had been covering shifts and so his sleep schedule was off.  I can respect that.  I remember working at bars and getting off at 3 a.m..  You aren't quite ready for sleep and so you stay up.  Maybe have a beverage or two and wake up the next day at noon.  I cannot live like that anymore.  It is way too hard on my body!

He called me after I had arranged a meet up with Roxanne.  We were planning on walking in her neighborhood with their foster dog.  We could day drink at Postino and get Teddy more exposure.  I texted Roxanne that I needed to postpone for an hour or so. Jordan offered to come to my apartment with wine to chat about the Saturday sessions.  I told him I could meet him in 20 minutes and not to worry--I had wine.  I went downstairs to my front porch and waited.  I had my calendar, my phone and a book. Thirty minutes pass and he has not shown up.  I figure he fell back asleep.

I text him to suggest meeting later that I needed to run some errands and get stuff done.  He calls me to see where I am and when we can meet.  Seriously, I believe he was sleep walking.  I do get it.  Sleep deprivation is a real thing.

Eventually, we meet but it threw off my day.  It threw off my desire to write.  Instead, I met him, we ended up bar hopping in my hood (which was fantastic by the way).  We stopped by the Middleman and To the Wind.  I miss the impulsiveness of going to a random bar or restaurant.  I am conditioned to make reservations, post pandemic.  It ensures getting a seat, lol.  

Last night was fantastic!  We stopped into To the Wind and tried to get a seat at their bar.  They told us we had 10 minutes but to sit down and they would take care of us.  I miss that!  I love the spontanaeity!

I have some things to attend to.  I did manage to make my new flyers for Saturday yoga events.  I will drop them off and figure out the rest of my day.  I feel blissful and free.