Tomorrow is a full moon and tomorrow we fly to Michigan to visit my Dad in Canada. And unfortunately, my Living Saddhana took a nose dive and is in desperate need of resuscitation if it's going to survive.
Currently I have a black eye from having a MOH's surgery two days ago to remove a basal cell carcinoma. That's not really an issue for me, though it did prevent me from practicing yoga for two days because it hurt to hang my head. But the week earlier I had to take Doxycycline for a different procedure last week. In the past I have never been able to swallow pills that big. But I discovered that if I ate a couple of pringles potato chips before attempting to swallow these large pills I could get them down without choking. Of course, eating pringles was not part of my plan of eating well. And to top it off, we hosted a party at our house over the weekend for John's retiring running coach. So, on several fronts my plans for eating well were sidelined and took a detour. I'm worried how well I'll eat while visiting my carnivorous father in Canada...
However, the other part of my Living Saddhana has been going spectacularly well! I LOVE this translation/edition of the Bagavad Gita! It is readable, accessible, and a pleasure to read.
I'm enjoying the sensations in my mind this book elicits that I can only describe as the feeling of synapses popping open and re-circuit-ing neural networks as I try to wrap my brain around some of the concepts presented in this phenomenal book.
Unfortanely, I have to drive back to the other house now and pack. Otherwise I would fill you in on the book's details in more depth. But that will have to wait for another day.
Enjoy the full moon and Happy Memorial Day!
Infinite blessings to you,
Poodle
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Living Saddhana - take one!
In case you missed it this past Friday, May 14th, was the first day of the new moon in May. In Hindu traditions the new moon is considered an auspicious time (~2 weeks). As part of the yoga teacher training program I recently enrolled in, I am supposed to design a 30 day practice ("saddhana") based on a theme and begin the 30 days on a new moon. The reason we start this on a new moon is in order to enhance the success of our saddhanas. This 30 day practice or "saddhana" is designed around a theme with goals and daily projects, written out and planned for far in advance. I haven't been that organized, but I didn't want to waste this opportune time to begin an inspiring project. Loosely organized my first living saddhana is a combination of Healthy Eating and Reading the Baghavad Gita.
The first thing I did to jump start my 30 days of healthy eating was buy a Champion Juicer. And that same day (Friday May 14th) I went to Costco and bought a 10 pound bag of organic carrots and a 13 pound (22 count) box of California oranges. Afterall, it takes about 8 medium-large carrot sticks and 1-2 stalks of celery to make one glass of carrot juice. And it takes about 7 large (depends on juiciness) oranges to make one glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, using the juicer.
I LOVE this juicer! Very easy to use, super easy to assemble and clean, and it makes delicious juice! And I can make banana whips (a custard-like dessert made of 100% frozen banana -- oh so good!)with this juicer.
As it happened while I was at Costco there was a demonstration booth on the Vitamix mixer. I already own a Vitamix, but have mostly used it to make fruit smoothies and some hummus and soups. It was so much fun watching their demonstrations on all the things you can make with this super easy to use and clean machine! If you like fruit smoothies and delicious, easy to make home-made soups you should check this out!
As you might have guessed, so far my 30 days of healthy eating is off to a roaring start! I will update you on the Bhagavad Gita once I've read enough to report back to you (written sheepishly).
Infinite blessings to you,
Poodle
The first thing I did to jump start my 30 days of healthy eating was buy a Champion Juicer. And that same day (Friday May 14th) I went to Costco and bought a 10 pound bag of organic carrots and a 13 pound (22 count) box of California oranges. Afterall, it takes about 8 medium-large carrot sticks and 1-2 stalks of celery to make one glass of carrot juice. And it takes about 7 large (depends on juiciness) oranges to make one glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, using the juicer.
I LOVE this juicer! Very easy to use, super easy to assemble and clean, and it makes delicious juice! And I can make banana whips (a custard-like dessert made of 100% frozen banana -- oh so good!)with this juicer.
As it happened while I was at Costco there was a demonstration booth on the Vitamix mixer. I already own a Vitamix, but have mostly used it to make fruit smoothies and some hummus and soups. It was so much fun watching their demonstrations on all the things you can make with this super easy to use and clean machine! If you like fruit smoothies and delicious, easy to make home-made soups you should check this out!
As you might have guessed, so far my 30 days of healthy eating is off to a roaring start! I will update you on the Bhagavad Gita once I've read enough to report back to you (written sheepishly).
Infinite blessings to you,
Poodle
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Time to Transition
Greetings from the Delaware Valley! (Yes, this is Poodle's Blog, just a new look!)
It is time to update this blog, don't you think? You'll quickly notice I've edited the layout and added some features - moon phases, search bar option for this blog, and my music playlist. There's no time like the present to transition from the old to the new.
The new involves yoga teacher training and healthy living (and hopefully some Spanish, too). A big part of the yoga teacher training project I've just enrolled in
(Shiva Rea's Samudra Yoga) involves tracking the phases of the moon and tapping into the ebb and flow of life. Let the journey begin.
(Yes, I know I need to somehow edit this so 1. the playlist box fits, and 2. so that it doesn't automatically play when you open this blog, but I ran out of time for today. Something to work on...in the meantime, let me know what you think!)
Infinite blessings to you,
Poodle
It is time to update this blog, don't you think? You'll quickly notice I've edited the layout and added some features - moon phases, search bar option for this blog, and my music playlist. There's no time like the present to transition from the old to the new.
The new involves yoga teacher training and healthy living (and hopefully some Spanish, too). A big part of the yoga teacher training project I've just enrolled in
(Shiva Rea's Samudra Yoga) involves tracking the phases of the moon and tapping into the ebb and flow of life. Let the journey begin.
(Yes, I know I need to somehow edit this so 1. the playlist box fits, and 2. so that it doesn't automatically play when you open this blog, but I ran out of time for today. Something to work on...in the meantime, let me know what you think!)
Infinite blessings to you,
Poodle
Thursday, April 22, 2010
on track - sort of
hello,
my goal was to keep this blog active for a year. once a month counts I guess!
First the news!
Poopers ran in his first race since his surgery, and not only did he run - he placed! Congrats Poopers!
I've been living vicariously through my Spanish travelling friends. Lots of people went to Spain in April and by all accounts - it's lovely. But, one of my friends is there now, and I'm curious to hear how she coped with the volcano plume's interuptions of her European travel plans. Maybe someday I'll get there...
Some sad news from Poopers side of the family. His Uncle, who volunteers three days a week on house-building projects for Habitat for Humanity, fell while working on the roof. He suffered a spinal cord injury. He had to have emergency surgery and is currently paralyzed from the waist down. He's starting a month of rehabilitation and hopefully will show signs of ragaining feeling and motion in his lower body.
We're still not moved in / out yet, but one of these days...hopefully.
But the tulips i planted last fall all bloomed this spring. The peonies and echinacea are coming up too. The azaleas are in full bloom right now and it is lovely!
Happy Spring.
Until next time,
Poodle
my goal was to keep this blog active for a year. once a month counts I guess!
First the news!
Poopers ran in his first race since his surgery, and not only did he run - he placed! Congrats Poopers!
I've been living vicariously through my Spanish travelling friends. Lots of people went to Spain in April and by all accounts - it's lovely. But, one of my friends is there now, and I'm curious to hear how she coped with the volcano plume's interuptions of her European travel plans. Maybe someday I'll get there...
Some sad news from Poopers side of the family. His Uncle, who volunteers three days a week on house-building projects for Habitat for Humanity, fell while working on the roof. He suffered a spinal cord injury. He had to have emergency surgery and is currently paralyzed from the waist down. He's starting a month of rehabilitation and hopefully will show signs of ragaining feeling and motion in his lower body.
We're still not moved in / out yet, but one of these days...hopefully.
But the tulips i planted last fall all bloomed this spring. The peonies and echinacea are coming up too. The azaleas are in full bloom right now and it is lovely!
Happy Spring.
Until next time,
Poodle
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Spring has Sprung
Happy Spring!
Yes, Spring has sprung, the weather is warming up, the birds are chirping, the days are lighter longer into the evening. Feels so good to be on this side of a rough winter, doesn't it? I don't think it matters where you are in the country reading this, we all agree, good riddance winter!
There's nothing like spring to get you in the mood for starting over. After a long hiatus from exercise it feels good to be running and yoga-ing again! Good, except for the initial sore muscles protesting after 4 months of rest! Luckily muscles protest only briefly.
Is it just me, or do you find it extremely hard to stay motivated and exercise during the winter, too? I very clearly need sunshine and warming temps to get my tush in gear and get going. I started slowly - walking. It's sad to admit, but, yes, I was sore from walking (head hanging sheepishly). That's how out of shape I had become after 4 months of no exercise. The first day I walked for 40 minutes - over a hilly route mind you - but I was surprised by just how sore I was from merely walking. The next day I walked for 50 minutes over the same hilly course and I was less sore the following day. Thank God! But I was smart and wore my running shoes. Not that I had any intention of feeling compelled to run, but rather wore them instead of those "barefoot running shoes" that lamed me up for over a month last summer/fall.
And then I started running again. That's it, two days of walking and then running. Yes, slowly and occasionally walking, but more running than walking. And I started doing the yoga classes that I teach. Which is not very strenuous seeing as how they are either beginner/gentle yoga or a "silver sneakers" yoga class for the elderly. But hey, when you're coming from the empty set of ZERO, even gentle stretching can be positively, uh, what's the word? Painful. But again, luckily for only a little while.
And two weeks ago I signed Poopers and myself up in a running club. And I've been twice. The first week I ran/walked 3 miles and last week, I ran the entire 4.75 miles. We go again tonight - after 3 days of cold rain mixed with huge snowflakes and strong winds - to today which is sunny and perfect temps for running - about 58 degrees.
The house is done - as you know, but we haven't moved in yet. Soon I suspect, but it's like a friend said recently after finishing her kitchen remodel - we don't wanna mess it up. They were using a make-shift kitchenette on their front porch for weeks after their renovated kitchen was completed, before they made the plunge and started using their new kitchen. They didn't want to use their sparkling new kitchen for fear of ruining it's perfection. I can relate!
Happy spring. Enjoy the flowers, the warmth, the sunshine.
Until next time,
Poodle
Yes, Spring has sprung, the weather is warming up, the birds are chirping, the days are lighter longer into the evening. Feels so good to be on this side of a rough winter, doesn't it? I don't think it matters where you are in the country reading this, we all agree, good riddance winter!
There's nothing like spring to get you in the mood for starting over. After a long hiatus from exercise it feels good to be running and yoga-ing again! Good, except for the initial sore muscles protesting after 4 months of rest! Luckily muscles protest only briefly.
Is it just me, or do you find it extremely hard to stay motivated and exercise during the winter, too? I very clearly need sunshine and warming temps to get my tush in gear and get going. I started slowly - walking. It's sad to admit, but, yes, I was sore from walking (head hanging sheepishly). That's how out of shape I had become after 4 months of no exercise. The first day I walked for 40 minutes - over a hilly route mind you - but I was surprised by just how sore I was from merely walking. The next day I walked for 50 minutes over the same hilly course and I was less sore the following day. Thank God! But I was smart and wore my running shoes. Not that I had any intention of feeling compelled to run, but rather wore them instead of those "barefoot running shoes" that lamed me up for over a month last summer/fall.
And then I started running again. That's it, two days of walking and then running. Yes, slowly and occasionally walking, but more running than walking. And I started doing the yoga classes that I teach. Which is not very strenuous seeing as how they are either beginner/gentle yoga or a "silver sneakers" yoga class for the elderly. But hey, when you're coming from the empty set of ZERO, even gentle stretching can be positively, uh, what's the word? Painful. But again, luckily for only a little while.
And two weeks ago I signed Poopers and myself up in a running club. And I've been twice. The first week I ran/walked 3 miles and last week, I ran the entire 4.75 miles. We go again tonight - after 3 days of cold rain mixed with huge snowflakes and strong winds - to today which is sunny and perfect temps for running - about 58 degrees.
The house is done - as you know, but we haven't moved in yet. Soon I suspect, but it's like a friend said recently after finishing her kitchen remodel - we don't wanna mess it up. They were using a make-shift kitchenette on their front porch for weeks after their renovated kitchen was completed, before they made the plunge and started using their new kitchen. They didn't want to use their sparkling new kitchen for fear of ruining it's perfection. I can relate!
Happy spring. Enjoy the flowers, the warmth, the sunshine.
Until next time,
Poodle
Friday, February 5, 2010
Ta-Da!!!
It's Done!
Hello Blog Followers - I know you're out there, even if you don't post comments, so hello there!
Yes, the House Project is done. Alleluja! (or however you spell it - the feeling is one of rejoicing). The FiOS is installed. We have internet, we have cable TV (as in CNN, A&E, Animal Planet, etc) and long distance phone service and wireless printing on the printer in my new office, aka the Den.
Thought I should post pix from the very beginning. And then show the finished product immediately following so you can appreciate the differences of before and after. Here we go.
First the attic - before and after:
And now the basement before and after:
Next, the living room before and after:
Now the Kitchen/Dining area before and after:
And so there you have it. I tried to post a before picture taken from the same general position in the house as the next "after" picture. Hopefully, this successfully conveys the improved flow and features of the renovated house. Looking forward to seeing you all soon for dinner, hopefully!
Hello Blog Followers - I know you're out there, even if you don't post comments, so hello there!
Yes, the House Project is done. Alleluja! (or however you spell it - the feeling is one of rejoicing). The FiOS is installed. We have internet, we have cable TV (as in CNN, A&E, Animal Planet, etc) and long distance phone service and wireless printing on the printer in my new office, aka the Den.
Thought I should post pix from the very beginning. And then show the finished product immediately following so you can appreciate the differences of before and after. Here we go.
First the attic - before and after:
And now the basement before and after:
Next, the living room before and after:
Now the Kitchen/Dining area before and after:
And so there you have it. I tried to post a before picture taken from the same general position in the house as the next "after" picture. Hopefully, this successfully conveys the improved flow and features of the renovated house. Looking forward to seeing you all soon for dinner, hopefully!
Until next time,
Poodles
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