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!

Winter Solstice

Last night's winter solstice session was fantastic.  Beautiful energy created and community built.  I feel incredibly blessed to have the friends/clients that I have.  This is the third year that I have offered a solstice driven class.

We placed candles around the room to soften the lighting and create ambiance.  Initially, we held down dog for five breaths and eventually whittled it down to one.  The flow felt right, and everyone kept up.  There were no grimaces or hesitations.

Afterwards we enjoyed a chickpea and farro stew.  It was the perfect dish to renourish and fuel the body.  Two years ago, I made kitchari--an ayurvedic dish composed of rice and mung beans (or lentils).  I added mustard seeds, curry spice, coriander seeds, garlic, ginger and turmeric.  It is a complete protein and wholesome.  The chickpea stew was a fantastic alternative.  Isaac made it vegan and brought cheese to add if you were interested.  I doctored up some store-bought hummus, cut up vegetables and threw together a pineapple cucumber salad.  I thought it would be important to replenish with lighter fare.  

2024 will bring new energy and focus.  I must do more with building my yoga business.  I see the potential and have experienced it.  Then I become stagnant in some of my efforts.  I am reminded of how fortunate I am when I host evening classes.  I was gifted a much-needed portable speaker from several of my clients last night.  It was thoughtful.  Very thoughtful.  When Dominique misses the City Park sessions, I use a plastic container to put my phone in to amplify the sound.  It works.  And I am not embarrassed to use that hack.  The quality is decent and gets it done.  Provides music while practicing yoga outside.  

The portable speaker is a game changer.  I can use it in my car for road trips.  I drive to Santa Fe frequently.  Freya has a factory installed radio with a CD player that is broken.  No tape access or blue tooth enabled technology.  There are stretches along 1-25 where one station is available.  I manage to make it through, but I am excited to have access to the speaker.  I can listen to podcasts!  Finally.  

I think motivational podcasts are what I should listen to.  The political podcasts hurt my mind after a while.  I try to stay somewhat informed on the world around me.  It is challenging to not dive into the rabbit hole of darkness keeping up with some of the propaganda.  It makes no sense to hear women say that they would like to return to the era of the 1950's--like it was a better time for women.  How was it better?  Not having access to education, finances, or control of your body sounds delightful???  More like delusional.  

I am thankful for the relationships that I have had in my life.  And that they have recognized that I am independent and need time for myself.  There hasn't been an attempt to control or define me.  They let me navigate my life.  

During the solstice session, last night, it was unconventional.  We had tequila to kick start the sun salutations, listened to music, did not set an intention and had another shot of tequila.  This makes sense to me and my path.  Never taking the road that is expected.

Release old energy and focus on what motivates you for 2024.  

Upcoming Saturday classes

Join me for classes on Saturdays this month.  I moved yoga indoors to escape the weather.  The space is lovely, welcoming and open to all.

I am open to suggestions as I navigate this journey.  In person group classes.  They are the best.  I never thought I would enjoy them as much as I do.  I think fear and uncertainty limited my desire to host group classes.  Now, I know, how amazing they are.  Never knowing what to expect.

Think about.  There are three more opportunities to practice on Saturday mornings.  It will be grand!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for the time to do more of what I enjoy doing.  Walking to the market, listening to podcasts or music, teaching yoga, meeting friends, drinking wine, reading.  So many things to be thankful for.  My intention is to create more.  Be it, writing here, teach more or put myself out there more.  I tend to hold myself accountable for five to seven days before slipping back into old patterns.  Less creativity, writing, content creation.  I realized Tuesday how little I had posted on this platform this year.  Forty-two entries.  Pathetic.

Where did 2023 go?  

I managed to go to one place that I have never been to before--Tulsa.  And Tom and I spent a few days in Wichita Falls and Amarillo.   Both trips were family oriented and fun.  I wish we had had more time to check out Tulsa.  We had one afternoon to explore the downtown area.  Holidays and weddings tend to demand your full attention and we experienced no different.  Next year, I hope to go abroad.  It has been too long since my last passport stamp.  2020 of March.  Barcelona.  It was a wonderful trip prior to the pandemic.  Looking back, I remember being aware of my surroundings and what I was forced to touch on the train.  I was not carrying hand sanitizer, but I washed my hands frequently.  What a time of the uncertainty.

Maybe Hawaii.  Or Mexico.  I know I will be spending my holiday in February in Tucson and maybe Rocky Point.  Shari and I are undecided if we have time to cross into Mexico.  There are many things to do in Tucson and the surrounding areas.  Sonoita, Bisbee, Tucson (itself).  Not to mention it will fall at the end of the college basketball season. I would love to watch the Wildcats play in their arena.  Like KU, they have a solid basketball program.  An amazing place to catch a game.

I am thankful for today and my health.  I picked up some kinesiology tape.  I need a little more rehab on my ankle.  It has improved, immensely since September, but I want to continue to strengthen it.  Regular checkups with the chiropractor is something I am thankful for as well.  The realignment of my spine was spectacular today.  I think he popped every vertebra, lol.  

What are you thankful for?  How do you plan on concluding your year?  Are you considering goals for 2024?  Maybe making small changes to create new habits?  

Take some time to contemplate it.  Think about making 2024 your best year yet!

Yoga at the Jazzercise Studio

Saturdays in December.  Join me!  Of course, I prefer park yoga.  The people watching, grounding/earth energy and basking in the sunlight is like no other.  

Still, it is December in Denver.  Practicing inside makes the most sense.  The Jazzercise Studio is a beautiful space.  Ample parking, welcoming vibe and my current home base.  Check out a class with me or expand your workout regime.  Try out a jazzercise class.  There are multiple available daily.

Continue to evolve your health and wellness.  I have been adding more core to my yoga classes.  Mixing it up with some cardio bursts and strength training.  It is essential to challenge yourself and boundaries.  Conclude this year in the best possible way.