Day 29: I Had A Bad Day - Breath & Let it Go

Pose # 20: Supta - Vajrasana - Fixed Firm Pose

picture from worldyogafoundation.com

Yesterday started out great. Sun was shining, the weather was nice and I was all set for doing a double session (I have two classes to make up). I went to the 9:30 am class and felt good; felt like I was getting my groove back. I had to race back home to meet the plumber Ron had called because he thought the sump pump was acting funny. The cloud started forming, moving in from the east and hovering over my head. Bummer.

Turns out it wasn't the sump pump at all, but actually the sewage injector pump. Okay. Now for the bad news. Amer.ic.an Ho.me Shi.eld covers almost every damn appliance, filter, pump, heater in the house, but it doesn't cover the sewage injector pump. Covers almost everything except shyat. Okay...sooooooo, ummmm, what does that mean to me, I ask? Well, it means that the repairs are gonna go from the standard $60 under A.H.S warrenty fee to $1500 not covered under plan fee. That'll drop you to your knees pretty fast. Hmmm, that's gonna make a small dent in the severage package.

Breath & Let it Go!

Pose #21: Ardha - Kurmasana - Half Tortise Pose

I start helping the guy clear away some of the carpet in the storage room were the pump is housed, got him the shop vac (he did the vac'ing), and opened up every window I could in the basement. Turns out that my shyat mixed with the rest of the occupants here at True Blessings is not as rosey and I like to think - NOT SO MUCH AT ALL. Shayt stinks. PERIOD.

Breath & Let it Go!

Pose # 22: Ustrasana - Camel

**As a side note...Camel is one of my favorite poses. I haven't mastered it like the picture above, but I can get all the way over backwards with my hands on my heels. It is an unbelievable sensation when you come out of it. I can't describe it, so you'll have to either take my word for it or come on over for a try.***

Anyway, Jason the Plumber (with a license) had to come back because he didn't have a pump on his truck. He'd be back in the morning to install....(he came 30 min after he said he would, I was impressed). I went on with the rest of the afternoon, waiting for a call with a job offer I was expecting. I nailed the interview (I've been at this game, both sides of the table, long enough to know when buying signals are given), cleared the background check and was just waiting for the offer. I got dressed for the 4:30pm Yoga class.

Class was great! I was feeling good. Walked out to my car, checked my phone - AHA! A call from California...this is it. I checked the message. I wish I had a picture of the look on my face as I listened to the message. It was if someone had just punched me in the stomach and knocked all the wind outta my sails. "Lisa, I just want to let you know that the hiring manager decided at the last minute to go in a totally different direction." WTF. What the hell does that mean? I called back to HR asking for more feedback that that simple azz ish and he said he couldn't give me anything more since that was all he was given and he was no longer the HR person on this position. Okay. I guess it wasn't meant to be after all.

I have to tell you...I was soooooooo effing disappointed. I am so tired of this whole effing process. I was so sure, so confident and now I have to start the hunt again at the beginning. I came home, ran to the safe arms of my personal Fire Marshall and had a short pity party.

Breath & Let it Go!

I've got great friends (Lots of Hugs) and an awesome Mom (who sat and watched a TV show with me that I know that she didn't want to watch - no platitudes, no words of wisdom from a woman who teaches bible study - just a "Get it out, it's okay and then we move on & by the way, it's happy hour somewhere." Just the plain comfort of your mommie - you're never too old.)

Breath & Let it Go!

God's Delays are NOT His Denials. The best is yet to come.

Namaste

Happy 81st Birthday Grandma Willie!

Grandma Willie's 81st Birthday on November 5th. The day after the historic election (which she is still crying over, bless her heart). We took her out for dinner on Sunday to celebrate. Looks like she had a great time.

Happy 81st Birthday, Grandma!

Day 28: Happy Anniversary Bikram Yoga Columbia

Happy Anniversary - Bikram Yoga Columbia!

Pose #17: Salabhasana - Locust Pose

Here is an excerpt from YogaKat's Newsletter announcing the 1 Year Anniversary of the Studio:

We are so pleased and proud to be honoring our one year anniversary this weekend! To celebrate the occasion from November 7 to 10 you can earn a free class if you bring a friend and sign them up for the $25 intro. All memberships that weekend will be 10% off (excluding the intro, single and auto-debit). All Yogabela and Be Present clothing is 20% off right now. It's been an exciting year and a lot has happened... anything can happen!

We are living in a transformational, monumental and pivotal point in history. Whether or not you voted for Obama, his election is evidence that all things are possible. The yoga holds the same for each individual. When you look into your eyes the next time you practice know that anything can happen and it's all in your power and within your reach.

It's a new year for us at BYC! You know things would not be complete without a party. Mark your calanders for a pot-luck party at the studio December 6th at 6p.m. There will be a sign up sheet at the studio. If you can make it please come! We will also be celebrating the end of the Full Moon Challenge as well as welcoming back our new teachers. Again, many thanks to all of you, and we wish you the best as you continue your practice.

No yoga, no peace. Know yoga,know peace!

Namaste,

Kat Kelley-ChungBikram Yoga Columbia

Pose #18: Poorna - Salabhasana - Full Locust Pose

So, I'm into the home stretch of the 31 Day Challenge. 3 more days/5 more classes (yeah, I have two doubles left to do) and then I am off to St. Lucia for some R&R and Lord knows what else I might get into with FireMarshall Ron - now that I'm all super flexible and ish. I'll leave it to you to use your imagination.

And no, I am nowhere close to the picutre below of Pose 19...how bout it's enough to get my thights off the mat, but that is still a break through.

Pose #19: Dhanurasana - Bow Pose

IN MY WILDEST DREAMS!

Happy Birthday Pattey!

It's my Sorority Big Sister & BFF's birthday today! Happy Birthday!!!! I love you bunches and hope you had a great day.

Don't Get Played

I know everyone is excited about Inagural events and coming into DC to view the parade and swearing in...but don't get it twisted...don't get played.... THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO GET TICKETS to the good seats for these events:

This from the official inagural site: http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/tickets.cfm

Tickets to the 56th Inaugural Ceremonies will be provided free of charge and distributed through Members of the 111th Congress. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies does not provide tickets to the public. Members of the public interested in attending the Inaugural Ceremonies should contact their Member of Congress or U.S. Senators to request tickets.

The public should also be aware that no website or other ticket outlet actually has inaugural swearing-in tickets to sell, regardless of what they may claim. Tickets will not be distributed to Congressional offices until the week before the inauguration and will require in-person pick-up.

“Any website or ticket broker claiming that they have inaugural tickets is simply not telling the truth,” said Howard Gantman, Staff Director for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. “Tickets for the swearing-in of President-elect are all provided through members of Congress, and the President-elect and Vice President-elect through the Presidential Inaugural Committee. We urge the public to view any offers of tickets for sale with great skepticism.”

Seriously, come if you like. If you don't have a place to stay (I gotta know you, ya know), you know how to reach me. I got plenty of space, but you might need to bring your air mattress as individual rooms are going fast. Those of you who are already aware of "The Retreat" - TAKEN. Just don't get played on ebay or any other ticket site about getting tickets. I really don't want to see you on the news as they drag you away under the guise of home.lan.d se.cur.ity cause you insist that your tickets are valid. I'm not bailing you out...if we can even find you.

USUAL SUSPECTS: Post Election Celebration Luncheon

The Usual Suspects got together for a Post Election Luncheon (no matter what happened)...turns out it was a celebration. We even had some of the Usual Suspect Menfolk with us to make it even more special...even though the menfolk hunkered down at one end of the table and talked "business" - male bonding stuff.

From the Usual Suspect Crew we had me, CreoleInDC, Becca, onefromphilly, Shawn, Honest, TDJ, Tsiporah, Kayla, Mr. Shawn, my better half, The Robinator, and Mike. We had wonderful food at Lauriol Plaza, drank pitchers of Margaritas & Sangria and talked politics and told wonderful (and some shocking) stories.

My mister had to go all ignant on the parking attendant on the way out. See, parking was free we were told, just tip the guy on the way out. So Ron pulls out a couple of bucks to tip the guy and he tries to pull a bait and switch. Attendant says that it is only free for up to 3 hours, after that it is $10. Ron goes well we got here at 2:15 and it is now 4:50. We are under the 3 hours. Attendant start trying to argue with Ron about our time of arrival. NAW PLAYER! Don't even go there. Thanks to OneFromPhilly who schooled em & confirmed our arrival time.

Ron was like..."you're greedy azz is now getting NOTHING! Get in the car, Lisa." Oh, man. Ron was pissed. He ranted about it for at least 5 miles. Rest assured homeboy attendant got NADA.

Despite this little incident, we had a wonderful time. I hope you all are celebrating (or at least trying) this historic event.

Day 25: Setting Your Intention

Pose # Pavanamuktasana - Wind Removing Pose

I'm down to the home strech. Seven more days of the 31 day challenge left. Today I did a double to start catching up on the classes I've missed. I have to be honest...I am exhausted...I really want to bag this but I've come this far and just can't bring myself to quit with only 7 days left (actually 10 total classes for me).

At the start of each class that Kat teaches, she tells us to look at ourselves in the mirror, focus on our best teacher and SET OUR INTENTION for our practice. All I could think of as my intention was a motivational quote that a friend of mine sent me entitled - JUST ENOUGH.

The short version:

"Everything we do to build and become stronger helps us JUST ENOUGH for the time we are in."

My intention for each and every of these last bunch of classes is to do all I can in each practice to build on what I've learned & become stronger...and pray that it we be JUST ENOUGH for the moment that I am in.

Pose #15: Sit up

Here is the long version (I highlighted below the part that stood out to me the most in relation to this challenge):

When compared to our ambitions and our dreams minor accomplishments may
sometimes leave us feeling like failures. When we dare to compare our feats to the triumphs of others it sometimes becomes cause for giving up.

No matter how miniscule our achievements may appear every single completion brings us closer to the place we envision ourselves. There is no shame in wanting more but none of us can afford to sabotage our hopes in a pity fit simply because we are not at the place we desire. Learning to embrace early victories is what fuels the vision of further greatness. A marathoner is at best a jogger first. It is through
continued effort and determination that he or she finds the strength to run
distances that were once beyond their ability and imagination.

Expectation must always be at the forefront of our every effort. When we see ourselves performing at levels beyond where we are today, we are literally calling into being every possibility. There is nothing more joyous than when we step toward what was once a barrier and before long find ourselves crashing through its formidable walls. Everything we do to build and become stronger helps us just enough for the time we are in.

Pose # Bhujangasana - Cobra Pose

My body is telling me...Lisa, enough already. My mind tends to wander down that same path, but my mind & my expectations are stronger than the fleeting temptation of quitting. Perhaps it is just as simple as doing the harder right over the easier wrong. If I quit now, I might never get to see the formidable walls that I'm sure I will break through. I'm willing to stick it out and call into being possibilities that I just can't see yet.

Day 23: YES WE DID & Playing Catch-up

Pose #11: Tadasana - Tree Pose

I hosted a Election Night Results Watch Party last night to share this historic moment with some of my friends and family. We had 2 McCain/Palin supporters (my mother and one other brother). I have to give my mother her props and respect her decision and conviction. Moms had her reasons; she could articulate them and have an educated, reasonable discussion with you on her point of view and why she was voting the way she was. Moms stood her ground; was gracious and funny in the midst of a house full of Obama/Biden supporters. I love and respect her for that.

The "One Other Brother" that showed up is a good friend and we have known him for years. However, I could not for the life of me understand why he was voting for McCain. When we questioned him about it, he said that he was not really a supporter of McCain, that his vote for McCain was a vote against Obama. WTF! WHY against Obama we asked? Not real particular reason that I heard, no serious policy reason, nothing that I could grasp like I could with my mother. It was just insane. I am wondering what it is like to be on the wrong side of history? What do you tell your children when you couldn't even give adults a reasonable explanation. Sad for you, friend, sad for you.

I met another one of my "axe murderer friends" last night - Profunksticated - who was just as real, candid and just plain good people as he is on his blog. It was an absolute pleasure to make the acquaintance of another blogland friend.

Pose # 12: Padangustasana - Toe Stand Pose

It was so fun to have Erin and her posse of friends (YOUNG VOTERS) over, talking politics, having made an informed decision, and making their own choices. They were a blast. They sure can scream loud too!

Pose #13: Savasana - Dead Body Pose

So now that I have survived one of the most exciting days of my life and slept the peaceful sleep of someone in the Savasana pose above, I have to return to my challenge. I have missed 4 classes as a result of going to job interviews, 25th HS Reunion and a fierce hangover from the event the next morning. Humph! Guess what that means...I gotta do a bunch of double classes to finish up the entire series. UGGGAAAHHH!

Duty, Honor, Bikram Yoga.....those three words reverently dictate...AWWW HELL. It's just gonna suck BIG TIME.

From GregH: From There to Here: 389 Years

"On Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 Barack Obama became the President-Elect of the United States of America. 389 years earlier, the first slaves arrived on these shores. Congratulations Mr. Obama, and America for reaching this historic moment.

This event marks a milestone that many thought would never come. The implications of which many others will ignore, or deny even exist. But just because you say it isn't so, doesn't mean it isn't so. We are moving into a new era... An era of equality. Equality not just concerning race, but concerning gender, and monitory status as well. History will remember this day as the beginning of our journey towards creating a world without hate, and without war. A world united against hunger, and poverty. A world committed to standing together to save this planet from ourselves. This is the day that we, America, stops saying to the rest of the world, "Respect us because we say so, because we are better than you.", but instead declare, "Respect us because we are a part of you. You are a part of us. Because we are, once again, leading the way in the quest for what is best in all of us. Respect us, because we respect you."

This is a moment in time that demands that we take pause, and ponder it's meaning. We must seize this moment, and proudly forge onward, together, into a future filled with freedom, and hope for all people."

YES WE DID!

Election Night Results Watch Party - YES WE DID!!!!!

From Jerrold: We Baracked The Vote

I, Jerrold Thomas Johnson, made history today as my daughter Sydney
Silva Johnson watched me vote for Barack Obama then looked at the
crowds. This picture was taken by my 7 year old son Jerrold Dias
Johnson, 2041 presidental candidate.

YES WE CAN!

Maia 1st Road Trip

Manny & Val are in town for our (Val & I) 25th HS Reunion tonight. They arrived last night and we all played "pass the baby". Maia was having a wonderful time, but really thought Ron was the cat's meow. Naw player, we be done. It's now time for us to be the doting Aunti & Uncle. She is just a cutie patootie.

Happy Halloween

Day 18: Hitting the Wall

Pose #9: Trikanasana - Triangle Pose
picture from the www.worldyogafoundation

Day 18 and today I felt like I was training for a marathon and had hit mile 15 of a 20 mile run. I hit the wall. There wasn't anything I could do in class today. My balance was off, my focus was off, I couldn't hold a pose. I had nothing.

If it wasn't for the instructor today, riding me hard and pushing me, I probably would have just layed there on my mat the whole class. I was drained, but I made it through. In the end all I could think was dedication & committment...cause what I really wanted to do was run screaming from the room.

I've got nothing earth shattering for you today. All I can say is that everyone who is doing some serious training eventually hits the wall. You just have to push through and persevere.

Also, don't take with you a Dora the Explora towel. Dora & Boots staring at you the entire time doesn't help. I can't help but think that the idea of looking for a backpack and asking the map how to get through the next 20+ poses was not helping AT ALL. Just a thought.

Pose #10: Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Janushirasana - Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee

Election Night Watch Party

The TravelDiva household has decided at the last minute to host an Election Night Watch Party. Yes, there will be food, libations and I'm sure a fight or two will break out. My mother already punched me into the fridge tonight (I had to let her...I'm still skerred of her ya know...she hits hard). We are a house divided...will make for a good party..especially with the eclectic group of misfits that I have coming over.

If you are in the DC/Maryland area and have not already made plan, come on by. Fun Fun Fun. Cheering. Yelling. Perhaps a Fight. Lots of wine & martini's...a perfect combo for a party.
Didn't get your Evite? Drop me a line or comment and I'll send you one.

Sissy Cracks Me Up!

The Vet that Did Not Vet....

The Bubble Making Machine

Cara has discovered my mother's jacuzzi bathtub that, when the jets are turned on, make fantastic bubbles. Now Cara comes home and announces she is "stinky" and needs to take a bath at "gram-ma's" in the "bubble maker." Mini-Diva is just too cute.

You Can Vote However You Like

These kids are just too cute...

Day 15: Yoga Etiquette & Why I Need New Friends

Pose #8: Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Paschimottanasana
Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose
Picture from www.worldyogafoundation.com

Half way through this 31 day challenge - give or take a day - and all I could think about today was how to control the giggles and not violate some of the Yoga Etiquette rules. I was very unsuccessful today, no thanks to CreoleInDC.

Rule 1: Try not to be late as they lock the doors once class begins. I was late but managed to squeeze in before the doors were locked. Why was I late? Reading some craziness on CreoleInDc's site.


Rule 2: If entering class late, enter in between poses so as to not distract others. Yeah, well, I tried. I got in there right before she started but it took me a minute to get my stuff (mat, towel, water) situated. Sorry.


Rule 3: If you come out of a pose early, go directly into Sabasana or stand still - once again, so to not distract others from their focus. Every time I tried, my mind wandered to things like "worser" and why transvestites needed to take off their clothes to comense with a beat down. Giggling was bubbling up and I would fidget trying to stifle my laugh and be quiet. No so much.


Rule 4: Be still in between poses. Don't adjust your clothes, don't wipe, blink...just regain your breathing and relax. Focus & Be Still. Nope, just was not happening today. I couldn't help but wonder about the Mc.Don.ald manager and wonder about the seriousness of his injuries from getting hit by a "Wet Floor" Sign.


Here is the most important rule of all. DO NOT READ CREOLEINDC'S SITE BEFORE GOING TO ANYTHING THAT REQUIRES CONCENTRATION & FOCUS. You will fail.


Now that you know the rules...here is what I read this morning prior to going to class.

Warning! Before You Read This...

You have to watch the video and read her transcript of the event. I think I need another kidney transplant from laughing so hard. I hate her. D.E.A.D


I not only need new family, I also need new friends.

I Wish I Could Get New Family

My daughter is D.E.A.D!

Pumpkin Decorating Party

Homecoming

The first major event of my son's senior year was Saturday. River Hill Homecoming! Jordan and two of his friends, Tyler & Kevin came over with their dates to take pictures, go to dinner and then to the dance. CUTE. After the dance, Jordan had a little "get-together" at the house in the basement. About 15 teenagers decended on our house. He had 3 Tv's hooked up with a Wii, Xbox360 and DVD player going. These kids killed every soda, a whole plate of brownies, two giant pizza's from Costco's, a platter of sandwich rolls, all of my energy drinks, a super size bag of chips and God knows what else.

What was really impressive was all the boys how stayed over, got up in the morning, pulled out the shop vac and cleaned the basement and took out the trash. Perhaps it was to cover any evidence of foul play. Who will know. I was happy with a clean basement.

And so Senior Year kicks-off.

Day 13: Focus through Distractions

Pose #6: Dandayamana Dhanurasana - Standing Bow Pulling Pose

picture from www.worldyogafoundation.com

Since I have been a SAHM/W these past couple of months, I seem to have a lot of time to my self and my own thoughts. Never really realized how much white noise there is rambling around in my head till I had a lot of time to actually listen to it. When I was working outside of the home, I had so much going on (sales calls, contracts to write, teams to manage, dinner to cook, laundry to do, children to raise, husband to love....etc.) and rarely heard or even listened to the voices in my head. So, when the voices get loud in the day and your mind travels wide and far conjuring up all kinds of wild, fantastic, interesting, troubling thoughts & ideas...what do you do to focus/re-focus on the here & now? What do you do to be present in the moment?

At the start of every practice, the instructor tells you to become present in the moment...to commit to your practice, look yourself in the eyes and focus on yourself and your body. Somtimes (most times) this is hard to do. There are other people in the class, I can see them in the mirror - in my periphery. That ta-do list is being checked off or added to. And then there is always that one person who just thinks they know oh, so much more than the instructor and wants to march to their own beat. That one person who SIMPLY WILL NOT BE STILL in between poses, that one person who always does the poses the way THEY feel like doing them, that one person who ALWAYS does all of this in my line of sight...

That one person/thing/thought that distracts you from focusing on the task/moment at hand.

What do I do? BREATH.

Breath...look into your eyes or a central focal point and....breath. No matter how fast your heart and mind are racing...BREATH...clear your mind, relax and....BREATH. It sounds very simplistic, like it wouldn't work, but it does. DistractaGirl...ignored. I stopped even glancing at her, looked into my eyes on every pose (never took my eyes off myself) and BREATHED. The last couple of practices - I have been able to focus through the distractions of other people and my own mind and they have been the best sessions ever.

To focus through or in the midst of distractions...just BREATH and find your focal point.

Pose#7: Tuladandasana - Balancing Stick Pose

Happy Hair

Cara love's putting on this wig which she affectionately calls "Happy Hair"

From VFly: We Are The Ones...OBAMA!

From CashSavy: Have You Changed or Are You The Same?

Day 9: Duty, Honor, Country

Pose #5: Dandayamana JanuShirasana - Standing Head to Knee Pose

picture from www.worldyogafoundation.com

The past 2 days, the only thing that has been running through my mind constantly is something I had to memorize while a cadet at West Point. It is something that we had to memorize, but over time at the academy, it goes from memorization to internalization...to a point of view of life, work, and character that sustains me. In the a little under 24 hours, I have done 4 1/2 hours of Bikram. Why, you ask? Well, I committed to 31 days/classes. If you miss one day, you have to make it up by doing a double. Yeah Baby! 2x in one day. Yup.

I missed class last Friday, so I scheduled to do a double on Tuesday (630am & 430pm). When the clock went off Tuesday morning, the first thing that entered my mind was:

Duty, Honor Country....

Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to
be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.

...They build your basic character...they make you strong enough to know when you are weak, and brave enough to face yourself when you are afraid. They teach you to be proud and unbending in honest failure, but humble and gentle in success; not to substitute words for actions, not to seek the path of comfort, but to face the stress and spur of difficulty and challenge;...

Gen. Douglas MacArthur

When I was a cadet at West Point, I had a good portion of Gen MacArthur's speech memorized, but on Tuesday morning, knowing what was ahead of me, the only part I keep saying to myself was Duty, Honor, Country....get your butt outta the bed....Duty, Honor, Country....you made a commitment....Duty, Honor,Country...soldiers never quit....Duty, Honor, Country...those three words reverently dictate....Duty, Honor, Country.

At day 7/8, I was doubting whether I could actually do a full 30+ days - non-stop. But just when those whispers of doubt entered my head; just when I was ready to come up with some kind of excuse to stop, the words of Gen. MacArthur reverberated in my mind....Duty, Honor, Country...and what those words meant to me. Quiting would have reflected on my character and that just isn't me.

Duty, Honor, Country...(those words) create in your heart the sense of wonder, the unfailing hope of what next, and the joy and inspiration of life.

And that is just what I am getting out of my Bikram Yoga Challenge Experience.