HAPPY 64th BIRTHDAY MOMMIE!

It's my Mommie's Birthday today! We are going to dinner and to see Tina Turner in Concert.
Happy Birthday!!!!

Me & Mommie - Graduation Day, 1987

Me & Mommie - Florence, Italy - 2005

THE ART OF WAR - Usual Suspects Style

I met up with some of the Usual Suspects last night at a place called Co Co Salsa. Good thing the company was great cause this place, while cute 'n all, was way too froo froo for even me. Come on now...They put 3oz of wine in a 14oz glass and charge $12; they serve up "Co Co Bites" (see picture below) as appetizers, charge $8 and it is something my husband could pop in his mouth with one bite; specialty drinks - $13 and not so special.

Despite the disappointing drinks and cuisine, the company was no where close. It is always a freakin' scream when I get together with the gang. I got to meet Shelly & OneBlackMan and it was like a lightening bolt hit me when it finaly dawned on me that they were the two parties in one of the most infamous blog wars in history. What a treat.

Some of the funny moments:

• The Art of Re-Stalking
• How to keep the love/hate affair -blogwars - fire burning
• Making sure you hang out with friends crazier than you are so you have someone else to blame & you can live to tell the story.
• We need to add diversity to the group...We will be handing out applications to other cultures seeking people who would like to officially have a black friend.
  

One thing I know for sure...I love hanging with these women (and occassional guys). They are all funny, real, interesting women that are just a pure pleasure to be around. Like Monnie said last night...It is great to have some wonderful women friends at this point in our live. Yes, Lawd. I love it.

Video Slide Show: 31 Day Yoga Challenge

TravelDivaStories.com

I feel like a grown up blogger now with my own domain name!

www.traveldivastories.com

Update your links, but don't worry if you don't. You will still end up here using the old blogger link....salesdiva.blogspot.com

A Perfect Day in Paradise

I love my life & I love my husband - my personal Fire Marshall - who spoils me ROTTEN!!!!! Let's just say that today, our last day on St. Lucia, and I felt like a fairy princess. There have been a lot of down days recently, but it was if my Fire Marshall knew what I needed (rest, relaxation, pampering, love) and then he topped it off with strawberries & champagne.

Today started with a lazy day by the pool, where I promptly fell asleep with Ron giving me the appropriate tap to remind me to roll over so I wouldn't burn to a crisp. I was then sent off to the spa for an exfoiliating scrub and massage.

That evening we had a Candlelight Dinner on the beach and we were the only couple out that night (all the other nights, the beach was lined with tables & couples). It was so romantic. The evening was just perfect. The food was a little, ummm, not so great, but edible. The lobster bisque was really tomato soup with some sherry & lobster trown in. The salmon was dry. The dessert; however, was awesome! The food issues didn't really matter, we had each other and clowned on the beach we had to ourselves.

I was kinda kidding about the Fire Marshall running down to the jewelry store for an early Christmas present. Well, he went ahead and did it and said I could wear it now. I'm am estatic and the most blessed wife in the world.

Tomorrow..."Back to Life, Back to Reality"... but I think I can make it through.

Each day ends in a blaze of color to applaud the finish of another perfect day in paradise.

No Words

I don't even know what to say about any of it...especially the underware/diaper.

Soufries Day Tour - St Lucia

The Fire Marshall and I spent a beautiful day taking a catamaran sailing tour to Soufries. We got to see the Piton's (which were named a U.NES.CO World Heritage site in 2004), visit the center of a volcano that has active sulfur springs, visit the Botanical Gardens, have lunch at a wonderful restaurant with a great view of the Piton's, snorkle & swim off shore and just relax and enjoy the beauty of the island.

There were so many young, newly married couples on the day trip. We were like the "old married couple" to all these young kids. It was just cute to watch them all. There were guys who would come by on a kayak with "merchandise" to sell while we were anchored for swimming. Drive by selling. Just funny as hell.

There was a dance & drinking contest on the way back to the resort. I was robbed on the dance contest. You simply can't tell me that cheeeka out shook me. Humph! I took her on the beer (we only had to do one). That sucker was gone in a flash. Don't mess with a professional drinker. Step off. I won a bottle of rum.

Saw a rainbow today. Just another reminder and how beautiful the world is...it made me feel like God was smiling.

ManJellies

I simply don't have any words for what my eyes beheld below. Just no words.

A Day of Relaxing - St. Lucia

Adventures with a Fire Marshall

So...we are walking down the hallway to our room and the Fire Marshall hears "a sound".

Me: What sound?
Fire Marshall: Don't you hear that woman screaming?

He decided to investigate by trying to figure out which room the "sound" was coming from. Stops outside a door with a Do Not Disturb Sign on it.

Me: Fire Marshall! You prolly know what that sound is. Leave the door alone.
Fire Marshall: I just wanna make sure I don't have to kick in a door or something. Everyone has a right to be safe.
Me: *Running to our room*...I don't know you.
Fire Marshall: *Leaning in to get a closer listen*...Aaaaah, I know that sound. She's okay, he's bout finished.

I HATE HIM.

We Are In Paradise - St. Lucia

It was a long day of travel - 6am flight from Dulles, and the Fire Marshall has to be at the airport 2+ hours prior to departure. We arrived at the airport at 4am and the dang ticket counter was not even open. Ron did upgrade us to First Class for our leg from DC to Miami. I love me some First Class but didn't really get to enjoy it cause I was out like a freakin light. All snuggled up in my travel binkie, drooling on Ron's shoulder. When I heard the china clinking, I woke up long enough to have 3 sips of coffiee, a hot croissant, and the pineapple outta the fruit cup before I was back in a coma.

We rode coach from Miami to St. Lucia, but I still didn't have a clue that there was a difference cause I was out comatose (except when the woman sitting next to me started talking to herself - I don't know what that was about - it was a long conversation).

Now, mind ya. St. Lucia is the place where Ron and his partners are building a resort & spa. So, when he comes to visit on business, someone from the government always greets him and his party and they are whisked through customs. NOT THIS TIME. He wanted to be all incogNEEGrow, and see what it would be like to go through customes like everybody else. DA HELL? That line was so freakin long and I was looking all cute and ish. Imma tell you what playa, da next time, I wanna be whisked through too. Crackhead. It's gonna cost him big time for that one...there is a jeweler on premises and I'm thinking I need my Christmas present early. Yep buddy, bounce yourself on down there and get that solitaire to go with the band that you got me in St. John. I'm feeling so much better now.

N E WAY, we had a lovely (yet long) ride from the airport to the resort. Ron made the driver stop so he could show me the bay & land that the resort would be built on. BEAUTIFUL. We arrived at the resort (Sandals Grande St. Lucia) and were promptly greeted with champagne. My kinda place.

Our room is beautiful. I'll take pictures when the bed is made again. Beautiful 4 poster bed, kinda like ours at home, but I'm thinking I'm gonna change the canapoy on ours to the way they did it here. SEXY! One of Ron's business partners picked us up and we went out to dinner with him and his wife. They were wonderful and smart. Let me tell you, the St. Lucians are some very bright and intelligent people and they know politics (especially U.S. politics) better than we do. We talked about the election and Ron's friend was breakin down election night results by COUNTY in some states. DAMN, BRO. His analysis...insightful and dead on. I love them. After a wonderful dinner, we walked around Rodney Bay where the nightlife was hoppin'. Unfortunately, I was about to collapse from exhaustion. I had been on those heels and in that dag on bra since 2am...I just can't hang like I used to.

We got back to the room and I have never seen two people get undressed and into the bed so fast. So much for hot, mad, tropical love...I think both of us were asleep and snoring before either of us hit the pillow.

We both slept the sleep of the dead. We woke up to an awesome tropical breeze. Coffee on the balcony...off to the beach.

P.S. The second language here is English. Most of the islanders speak Antillean Creole or Patois.

Airport Antics

It never ceases to amaze me with the amount of mess, drama, and fashion horrors you can see while waiting to board your flight.

1. If you are morbidly obese, and shaped like beehive-it doesn't really help to wrap your head with a scarf in the shape of a beehive too. It just accentuates the...beehiveness.

2. I highly recommend that when you try on pants, that you really take a hard look in a three way mirror. Look at the front, the sides, and Lord, please, at the back. Your pants are too small if they gather between your legs and into the crack of your azz. That also makes the pants highwaters. TRUST ME. I can see your ankles - was I supposed to?

3. If your pants are now high waters and your ankles are swole over the rims of your shoes - at least wear socks and use lotion. Please. Maybe think about some compression hose. I'm just saying.

4. White eyeliner - who knew?

5. Getting the attitude slapped outta me in public worked when I was a kid and I turned out okay. WHY DA HELL ARE YOU NEGOTIATING with a kid having a tantrum and talking back. In two hot seconds, that brat aint gonna have no teeth...TRUST.

6. If you are over the age of, let's say 12, booty shorts with anything written across your azz is inappropriate. Also, I don't care where you are headed...you had to be freakin cold as ish, dressed like that.

7. If I see one more freakin muffin top - you know the look - jeans so damn tight that you create a muffin top oozing over - IMMA SCREAM.

8. I hate gum cracking. It just grates my nerves. It sound ghetto and like you,ve had no home training. You can dress it up, but the impression your leaving me is EWWWWW.

9. Why do so many women look like the just don't give a damn? All I can think about is what we talked about on Word on the Curb...We really outta be more vain..We must do better...Damn, we are killing ourselves. SIGH

10. I love traveling with the Fire Marshall. He carries all my stuff and let's me sleep on his shoulder.
The TravelDiva
Lisa Steptoe

Day 31: Namaste

Pose #26: Khapalbhati - Blowing In Firm Pose

It is done. Half Moon to Half Moon - 31 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge. Tonight was probably one of my best practices...prolly cause my Mom was there, taking pictures for a slide show I'm going to put together for the studio. I wanted to do my best for my closeup, ya know. I'll have pictures for you shortly.

The question I get the most about the challenge is "What did you get out of the challenge?" No free parking, no free classes, no free clothing. What I got out of it is hard to articulate. Since I'm packing for a tropical, bumpin' uglies with my own personal Fire Marshall sans kids trip to St. Lucia, (Don't hate the playa) I'll have to elaborate on that later. All I got for you right now, that keeps going through my mind is.....

NAMASTE

I respect that divinity within you that is also within me.

Simply put, namaste intimates the following:

'The God in me greets the God in you
The Spirit in me meets the same Spirit in you.'

In other words, it recognizes the equality of all, and pays honor to the sacredness of all and everyone, regardless of age, status or wealth.

So, I will leave you with this greeting...NAMASTE

Day 30: Looking Into The Eyes of Your Best Teacher

Pose #23: Sasangasana - Rabbit Pose

I always find it just a tad amusing, when the instructor (at least Kat) tells you at the very beginning of class to "come to focus, and look into the eyes of your best teacher." That may very well be true in Bikram Yoga, but I always chuckle a little to myself, that if I'm my best teacher - then no wonder my grades sucks. I wanna look up at the instructor and ask if she can just stand in my face and I'd look directly into her eyes - cause Kat is a damn good teacher. She is right, though. In the past 30 days, I have pushed, pulled, stretched, cajoled and coaxed my body to do things that I thought just were not possible. When I look at myself in the mirror, look at my "best teacher", I now know that I CAN! I DO have self-control. I DO have will power. I CAN make changes in my body. I CAN do anything that I put my mind to do and I can work through the ups & downs - the challenges & roadblocks that rear their ugly head to knock you off your path.

Pose #24: Janushirasana - Separate Head to Knee Streching

A long time ago, when I was in the military, I was given a plaque - an award for my service as an aerobics instructor on the military installation I was stationed at. I did it for free, after duty - because I loved it. At the end of an exhibition & workshop we (myself and some other instructors) conducted one Saturday, I was presented this plaque. It has been on the wall in my office for many years. I forgot it was there, until recently, and it made me think about the yoga challenge.

It says:

To Lisa Steptoe - On Being Relentless
You are Relentless - a firery, driving force that lets no obstacle, setback or challenge get in the way of a noteworthy goal.

Have you forgotten who you are? What you are made of? Sometimes it takes a "Challenge" to remind you of just how fabulous & strong you really are. I has for me.

Pose #25: Ardha - Matsyendrasana - Spine Twisting Pose

Tomorrow is the last day of the "Half Moon to Half Moon - 31 Day Yoga Challenge". I have to do two classes tomorrow to get in 31 classes and complete the challenge. No Problem...

I Am Relentless

From AngryBlackManVA: I Wanna Do This Soooo Bad

So many telemarketers call our house these days that I rarely EVER answer our home line. If you wanna reach us, you know the real deal. Otherwise, leave a message and we'll call you back when I get around to sorting through the messages left.

I would get a real kick outta doing this prank on a telemarketer or two. Just HEEEE...LAAAR...EEE....OUS!!!!!

Great Christmas Gift Idea

Go and check out Rebekah Jenkins website for her - CHANGE." R.Jenkins Signature Series - Official Barack Obama Merchandise‏‏‏‏‏. The framed poster is beautiful and priced very reasonable. I love the post cards too.

"CHANGE." - The art and design of this series is intended to promote growth, explore diversity, encourage success and visually present past and present change in an innovative manner.

Explore the depths of heritage, history, politics and the expansion of a new era that has begun. Past, present and future. Inspired by the recent President - Elect, Barack Obama and his success, the "CHANGE" series represents a historical moment that will forever be paramount.

Signature imagery that will depict all that has come to exist, the
change that is represented and the future of an entire nation.

From DennisW: Changed Personified

Sad Moment-----------Historical Moment

Change Gonna Come...And Did.

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."