Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. Okay, had to do that; it was on my mind all day. Also: VOTE! Mid-term elections were today.
A little disappointed since Andrew and I were going to spend time together this evening but he was called into work. Anyway, I get to relax this evening which is very nice. I was so tired this morning, I was not ready to wake up for work at 5:00 a.m. despite my alarm. I sat up in bed and meditated for 20 minutes before starting my day. Did not do my yoga asanas until after work in the evening. It was cold outside and I did not feel like driving to Lifetime for a class (we were supposed to get a snow storm; it hasn't started yet but it's wet and cold out there).
My body was very resistant during my home practice tonight. It could just be that I am in the cold/not a warm studio but I felt like despite my effort my body did not get warm/loosen up. I was working hard to breathe deeply. I did appreciate all of my forward folds in Sun Salutation A/B and standing/seated postures. My lower back was evidently tight from Sunday's practice (I did feel tight yesterday but today was more noticeable; yesterday I was more fixated on my shoulders/upper arms being sore). Not sure who I will get to practice/practice teaching with this week.
Yoga Meal Record: This morning for breakfast I diced an apple and put half of it in a bowl of instant oatmeal. I added 1/4 cup leftover quinoa to my oatmeal to make it more hearty. Yesterday's breakfast did not hold me long enough/I was hungry within two hours (I wanted to be sure to make it to my lunch break). I remember sitting in our dimly lit living room. It was nice to hold on to the warm bowl, as it was another chilly morning. The apples and quinoa gave me something extra to chew and consider (texture, flavor; number of bites before swallowing greatly increased). I started eating breakfast around 5:40 a.m. and finished by 5:55 a.m. then it was time to get ready/dressed for the day.
Gratitude: Grateful for Roger's guidance today and for Tina's sense of humor/willingness to work with me/let me steer (use the computer; we only have one set up in the office for the two of us so far). It isn't easy for me to sit... as an "Achiever" I like to be constantly accomplishing tasks, otherwise I feel like I am wasting my time/abilities. Thankful for Andrew's text regarding his change of availability so I could make other plans for my evening. Came home to Bryce and Pippa's and there was glorious fire in the fireplace. So happy I get to sit now and relax after my shower. I might read a book before going to sleep but I should be mindful of the time – last night I found myself still wide awake at 10:30 when the power suddenly went out; I think that was the universe's little reminder that I should keep my schedule ;)
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
Day 44: Nov. 4, 2013
First day at work. Woke up several times last night, I think I was just too excited and couldn't sleep. Finally got out of bed at 5:00 a.m. Sat silently until 5:30 a.m. in meditation. Went downstairs and ate some instant oatmeal with brown sugar. 5:45 a.m. I went back upstairs and put on dress pants and a sweater. By 6:00 a.m. I was in the bathroom fixing my hair and makeup. 6:15 a.m. I was ready to leave the house. I drove Pippa to Kopplin's to meet Bryce; I did order an apple cider as a treat to start my day. I drove down to Cretin then to 94 E. Traffic was light (due to the early nature of the day) and I arrived outside my work at 6:45 a.m, fifteen minutes early. I went inside and saw Sam and Al right away. I was shown where I could hang up my coat, then Al gave me a tour around the space. It is actually quite a large space; there is a training facility attached, that is for the four-year apprenticeship program (the "school" year is Saturdays Sept–Feb).
I learned about timecards today (union members have to send them in each week in order to track/get credit for their pensions). Tina and I spent several hours working on the newsletter, folding and compiling stacks of letters, then preparing them to be mailed. Evidently this happens at the beginning of every month. A newsletter goes out with important notices, assessment letters are sent out requesting mortuary payments if the member is a participant in the fund... If time cards are missing/overdue, reminders are sent. If members fail to submit their information after a length of time, they are assessed fines. Everyone in the office is pleasant and hard working, even a bit playful. I did encounter one member who was a little rough on the phone, but I was forewarned that their members do not have the best etiquette.
At 3:30 p.m. it was time to go home. Tina and I have the option of working four 10 hour days or five 8 hour days. This week it will be five 8s. We will see how this works out and make adjustments as we deem necessary. I learned that they ARE looking to hire us on after the probationary period; they are using the temp. agency to conduct the background checks, etc. because their last office person evidently made some very poor choices that were caught "just in time." Not exactly sure to what this alludes, but they said "if the department of labor comes in to check on things, we would be fine because we were hired after-the-fact."
Daily Practice: Did 5 Sun As and 5 Sun Bs, very sore today after yesterday's practice, especially in my neck, upper arms, shoulders and abs.
Daily Yoga Meal: Made Quinoa Chili with Pippa. It was VERY spicy (but like she said, eat spicy food, keep sickness at bay)! We did watch an episode of Big Bang Theory, which was fun since I hadn't seen that show in a while. I know we are not supposed to engage in distractions during yoga meals but on the plus side at work I ate alone and focused just on my meal during my lunch break (no distractions; one bite at a time). I'm just trying to expand my yoga meal practice into more than one meal a day. It is nice to eat with others and it is fun to take the time to watch occasional entertainment, we don't do it every day, or even every week for that matter. During dinner I had a decent portion, at most 2/3 cup of chili (it had diced tomatoes from our garden), garlic, green chilies, yellow onion, coriander, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, ground pepper, quinoa, black beans, kidney beans, a hint of lime juice, canned corn. If anything, I would have enjoyed some milk, cheese or sour cream with this dish (as I stated earlier it was just a bit too spicy for me).
Gratitude: Very pleased to have gone to work today. I enjoyed every aspect of it; waking up early in this quiet world when the traffic is hushed, neighbors aren't yet moving around... Cradling a bowl of hot oatmeal in the chill of morning. I feel like I was able to create a little sacred space for myself today. I enjoyed my commute and arriving early at the office. It was nice to not be rushed and to watch the sun rise. I am grateful for the cup of coffee I had at work, Al was nice enough to offer it to me, so I enjoyed it mid-day and it was very flavorful. I enjoyed sorting letters and greeting members. I am thankful for the group being so welcoming and understanding that I am new (I must remind myself/remember I can only accomplish so much in a day and I should be proud of my accomplishments–their measurability will surely be different than at Juut). I am thankful for the time I have had this evening. Already it is 9:15 p.m. and I need to be thinking about sleep/preparing for tomorrow.
I learned about timecards today (union members have to send them in each week in order to track/get credit for their pensions). Tina and I spent several hours working on the newsletter, folding and compiling stacks of letters, then preparing them to be mailed. Evidently this happens at the beginning of every month. A newsletter goes out with important notices, assessment letters are sent out requesting mortuary payments if the member is a participant in the fund... If time cards are missing/overdue, reminders are sent. If members fail to submit their information after a length of time, they are assessed fines. Everyone in the office is pleasant and hard working, even a bit playful. I did encounter one member who was a little rough on the phone, but I was forewarned that their members do not have the best etiquette.
At 3:30 p.m. it was time to go home. Tina and I have the option of working four 10 hour days or five 8 hour days. This week it will be five 8s. We will see how this works out and make adjustments as we deem necessary. I learned that they ARE looking to hire us on after the probationary period; they are using the temp. agency to conduct the background checks, etc. because their last office person evidently made some very poor choices that were caught "just in time." Not exactly sure to what this alludes, but they said "if the department of labor comes in to check on things, we would be fine because we were hired after-the-fact."
Daily Practice: Did 5 Sun As and 5 Sun Bs, very sore today after yesterday's practice, especially in my neck, upper arms, shoulders and abs.
Daily Yoga Meal: Made Quinoa Chili with Pippa. It was VERY spicy (but like she said, eat spicy food, keep sickness at bay)! We did watch an episode of Big Bang Theory, which was fun since I hadn't seen that show in a while. I know we are not supposed to engage in distractions during yoga meals but on the plus side at work I ate alone and focused just on my meal during my lunch break (no distractions; one bite at a time). I'm just trying to expand my yoga meal practice into more than one meal a day. It is nice to eat with others and it is fun to take the time to watch occasional entertainment, we don't do it every day, or even every week for that matter. During dinner I had a decent portion, at most 2/3 cup of chili (it had diced tomatoes from our garden), garlic, green chilies, yellow onion, coriander, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, ground pepper, quinoa, black beans, kidney beans, a hint of lime juice, canned corn. If anything, I would have enjoyed some milk, cheese or sour cream with this dish (as I stated earlier it was just a bit too spicy for me).
Gratitude: Very pleased to have gone to work today. I enjoyed every aspect of it; waking up early in this quiet world when the traffic is hushed, neighbors aren't yet moving around... Cradling a bowl of hot oatmeal in the chill of morning. I feel like I was able to create a little sacred space for myself today. I enjoyed my commute and arriving early at the office. It was nice to not be rushed and to watch the sun rise. I am grateful for the cup of coffee I had at work, Al was nice enough to offer it to me, so I enjoyed it mid-day and it was very flavorful. I enjoyed sorting letters and greeting members. I am thankful for the group being so welcoming and understanding that I am new (I must remind myself/remember I can only accomplish so much in a day and I should be proud of my accomplishments–their measurability will surely be different than at Juut). I am thankful for the time I have had this evening. Already it is 9:15 p.m. and I need to be thinking about sleep/preparing for tomorrow.
Day 43: Nov. 3, 2013
Had a busy day with YTT; started at 9 a.m. instead of 11:00. Had a vinyasa flow class, led by Jason (assisted by Jan). It was a 90 minute class and I definitely broke a sweat. At one point (about 75 minutes into the class) I felt dizzy and nauseous; I think I was just dehydrated, so I took a drink of water and then went into child's pose for a break and continued to focus on my breathing.
We did not take time as a group to meditate but after lunch we had another class together, a 60 minute Yin yoga class. Not much time today was focused on teaching but we observed/practiced: providing guidance (step by step instructions), giving reminders (breath/movement pattern discussed but not specific instructions) and allowing students to flow on their own (listing benefits of sequence).
My neck and upper back is stiff, I think from dolphin pose; it might also have been from sphinx/seal pose. Will be sleeping well tonight though as my body is exhausted. Will journal more tomorrow after my first shift at the new job.
Yoga Meal: Ate a cup of soup from Byerly's (it was almost like a pot roast with roast beef, potatoes, carrots, onions) and some fruit/vegetables from the salad bar (beets, raspberries, blueberries, pomegranate and two pieces of fresh mozzarella). I was still hungry but did not want to go back and do Yin yoga on a full stomach, so stopped there. I ate dinner at home about 5 hours later (had leftover curry for dinner, so was satiated then).
Gratitude: Very thankful for all the time Jason and Jan gave to us today. I loved our discussion as a group on the seven axioms of Life Power Yoga:
We did not take time as a group to meditate but after lunch we had another class together, a 60 minute Yin yoga class. Not much time today was focused on teaching but we observed/practiced: providing guidance (step by step instructions), giving reminders (breath/movement pattern discussed but not specific instructions) and allowing students to flow on their own (listing benefits of sequence).
My neck and upper back is stiff, I think from dolphin pose; it might also have been from sphinx/seal pose. Will be sleeping well tonight though as my body is exhausted. Will journal more tomorrow after my first shift at the new job.
Yoga Meal: Ate a cup of soup from Byerly's (it was almost like a pot roast with roast beef, potatoes, carrots, onions) and some fruit/vegetables from the salad bar (beets, raspberries, blueberries, pomegranate and two pieces of fresh mozzarella). I was still hungry but did not want to go back and do Yin yoga on a full stomach, so stopped there. I ate dinner at home about 5 hours later (had leftover curry for dinner, so was satiated then).
Gratitude: Very thankful for all the time Jason and Jan gave to us today. I loved our discussion as a group on the seven axioms of Life Power Yoga:
- You're exactly where you're supposed to be. Law of Karma.
- Everything/everyone is connected.
- Exercise and rest are essential for health/vibrant living.
- Laugher and play are nature's fountain of youth.
- Fear and pain are some of life's greatest teachers.
- Touch and intimacy are deep human needs.
- All things are impermanent/all things change.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Day 42: Nov. 2, 2013
Had lunch today with my Mom, we ate at India Palace (the last time we ate there together was the Saturday before I was let go of Juut; Sept. 28). It is one of our favorite places to dine. She had a lamb dish and I had a chicken korma. We went out so I could find a new pair of shoes to go with my work pants; I haven't purchased new work shoes in a few years so although it felt like a big gulp, it will be good to have them and they should last a while.
Got to hang out with Pippa tonight, watched a bit of a 1960s film A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. I was going to go over to Laura's for a game night, but I don't think that will work out after all with my need for sleep/relaxation before yoga tomorrow.
Today I did not complete my daily minimum (did not practice of sun salutations or meditation - yet, I still might meditate before sleeping). My body told me I needed to take a break today from the physical activity and I took it.
Daily Meal: Lunch with Mom around 3:30 p.m. Delightfully well-rounded and tasted delicious. We did not have any distractions, nor did either of us talk while we were eating. We remained seated and I can say for my part that I did not have more than two handfuls of food (the rest is in my fridge right now, waiting to be eaten tomorrow).
Daily Gratitude: I woke up well rested, the first time in weeks (I did not have any anxiety in my third chakra either)! I woke up initially at 6 a.m. I should have gotten up then but I talked myself into going back to sleep, then I stayed in bed until 9 a.m. Despite my sloth, I was happy to have a slow morning at home, sipping herbal tea while finishing Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. I feel like today will be a productive day. Although I don't have the inclination to participate in the day-long master class (I had considered it earlier) I will be happy to be out in the sunlight today, taking it all in and not worrying about my weekend/month long unemployment/vacation coming to an end. I have been very blessed this month in connecting with others and being able to share my story. I hope that I have enriched the lives of others as much as they have touched mine. I am trying to share my gratitude as much as possible by increasing the amount of effort I put into meaningful connection, saying thank you and sending notes of thanks in the mail.
Got to hang out with Pippa tonight, watched a bit of a 1960s film A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. I was going to go over to Laura's for a game night, but I don't think that will work out after all with my need for sleep/relaxation before yoga tomorrow.
Today I did not complete my daily minimum (did not practice of sun salutations or meditation - yet, I still might meditate before sleeping). My body told me I needed to take a break today from the physical activity and I took it.
Daily Meal: Lunch with Mom around 3:30 p.m. Delightfully well-rounded and tasted delicious. We did not have any distractions, nor did either of us talk while we were eating. We remained seated and I can say for my part that I did not have more than two handfuls of food (the rest is in my fridge right now, waiting to be eaten tomorrow).
Daily Gratitude: I woke up well rested, the first time in weeks (I did not have any anxiety in my third chakra either)! I woke up initially at 6 a.m. I should have gotten up then but I talked myself into going back to sleep, then I stayed in bed until 9 a.m. Despite my sloth, I was happy to have a slow morning at home, sipping herbal tea while finishing Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. I feel like today will be a productive day. Although I don't have the inclination to participate in the day-long master class (I had considered it earlier) I will be happy to be out in the sunlight today, taking it all in and not worrying about my weekend/month long unemployment/vacation coming to an end. I have been very blessed this month in connecting with others and being able to share my story. I hope that I have enriched the lives of others as much as they have touched mine. I am trying to share my gratitude as much as possible by increasing the amount of effort I put into meaningful connection, saying thank you and sending notes of thanks in the mail.
Day 41: Nov. 1, 2013
Well that was a weird meditation; I thought I would do it right away in the morning today and I ended up drifting off. I was not sleeping but I caught myself with random thoughts that were different from other days when all my brain wants to think of is "what to do next." I reeled myself in three or four times. Not bad by any means but not focused on my breath as I should have been. I did feel a lightness in my head though which was really nice in comparison to all of my other meditations which have been just so dense, full of demands.
I will be meeting Wynnie later on today for lunch and then Kara this evening to practice teaching. This morning I will spend some time reading and then maybe work on some flash cards. I decided to go out and buy some index cards and pens so that I can put these sequences down on cards and them put them in order. It will be similar to our manual but personalizing it with my verbiage I think will be helpful :)
Daily Practice: Met with Kara about 7 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. We took turns teaching the standing and balancing postures; did not practice the seated today. We found it helpful to compare notes/questions about inhales/exhales, twisting/pivoting feet and arms up to T.
Daily Meal: Had lunch with Wynnie. Enjoyed a walleye sandwich with sweet potato fries. It was good to catch up with her (she was one of my favorite guests at Juut and misses my presence there). We have a special connection; she feels that we have a past-life connection and that we are meant to help one another in this life. I don't disagree with her assertion, but I don't have any experience with past life regression. We enjoy talking about energy work and chakras. She is a great teacher and channels poetry. She is struggling with a potential move back to Oregon (not sure when to cut ties with friends/ how she will maintain relationships in MN).
Daily Meditation: In the morning, right away, mentioned above.^
Daily Gratitude: So thankful that I found a few pairs of work pants at The Limited; I had help from an associate named Patricia. She helped me find the right sizes and offered to pin my pants so I could have them hemmed. I brought these pants to a tailor in the mall, Barb, who did an excellent job. She was very efficient and made me try on each pair to ensure that they fit well. It's amazing how these new pants help me feel like I'm "ready to go" to work on Monday.
I will be meeting Wynnie later on today for lunch and then Kara this evening to practice teaching. This morning I will spend some time reading and then maybe work on some flash cards. I decided to go out and buy some index cards and pens so that I can put these sequences down on cards and them put them in order. It will be similar to our manual but personalizing it with my verbiage I think will be helpful :)
Daily Practice: Met with Kara about 7 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. We took turns teaching the standing and balancing postures; did not practice the seated today. We found it helpful to compare notes/questions about inhales/exhales, twisting/pivoting feet and arms up to T.
Daily Meal: Had lunch with Wynnie. Enjoyed a walleye sandwich with sweet potato fries. It was good to catch up with her (she was one of my favorite guests at Juut and misses my presence there). We have a special connection; she feels that we have a past-life connection and that we are meant to help one another in this life. I don't disagree with her assertion, but I don't have any experience with past life regression. We enjoy talking about energy work and chakras. She is a great teacher and channels poetry. She is struggling with a potential move back to Oregon (not sure when to cut ties with friends/ how she will maintain relationships in MN).
Daily Meditation: In the morning, right away, mentioned above.^
Daily Gratitude: So thankful that I found a few pairs of work pants at The Limited; I had help from an associate named Patricia. She helped me find the right sizes and offered to pin my pants so I could have them hemmed. I brought these pants to a tailor in the mall, Barb, who did an excellent job. She was very efficient and made me try on each pair to ensure that they fit well. It's amazing how these new pants help me feel like I'm "ready to go" to work on Monday.
Day 40: Oct. 31, 2013
Daily Practice: In the living room this morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Did 5 Sun As, 5 Sun Bs, then went through all the standing, balancing and seated postures through Marichyasana. I did a couple of other stretches at the end and gave myself a short 2 minute savasana.
Daily Mediation: I sat for about 10 minutes this morning. Was interrupted in my meditation by a phone call and did not get back to it afterwards (I know I should have but I wanted to get on with my day). I usually use my cell phone's timer as my alert to come out of meditation but I forgot to put it on Airplane mode. Note to self to disable calls/texts so the only noise that emanates is the timer...
Daily Yoga Meal Record: I had a bowl of acorn squash soup and a serving of risotto with sweet potatoes, apples and kale from Good Earth. It was Andrew's day off of work and he texted me saying he would like to go out. It was around 3:30, so a late lunch. We had good conversation. Talked about cognizance/our first awareness of ourselves as children; not really sure what brought that up. We enjoyed a green tea together (Clouds and Mist blend) – he had a burger for lunch that had avocado, sprouts, tomato, an aioli sauce, lettuce and he nixed the gruyere cheese (dairy allergy). We took our time, did not over eat – I took home a large amount of risotto, it was a plentiful serving. There were no distractions and we did not talk while eating. I think it can be easier sometimes to enjoy a good meal with another person because when you're not rushed, you can take time to enjoy the beauty of the food and the conversation and not sacrifice/compromise one for the other.
Daily Gratitude: I am SO SO SO grateful today that I was issued an unemployment benefit check, I can be sure to pay my rent on time! I have been waiting about a month for approval and I am so grateful because this check will help me get by until I receive my first paycheck from my new job.
Daily Mediation: I sat for about 10 minutes this morning. Was interrupted in my meditation by a phone call and did not get back to it afterwards (I know I should have but I wanted to get on with my day). I usually use my cell phone's timer as my alert to come out of meditation but I forgot to put it on Airplane mode. Note to self to disable calls/texts so the only noise that emanates is the timer...
Daily Yoga Meal Record: I had a bowl of acorn squash soup and a serving of risotto with sweet potatoes, apples and kale from Good Earth. It was Andrew's day off of work and he texted me saying he would like to go out. It was around 3:30, so a late lunch. We had good conversation. Talked about cognizance/our first awareness of ourselves as children; not really sure what brought that up. We enjoyed a green tea together (Clouds and Mist blend) – he had a burger for lunch that had avocado, sprouts, tomato, an aioli sauce, lettuce and he nixed the gruyere cheese (dairy allergy). We took our time, did not over eat – I took home a large amount of risotto, it was a plentiful serving. There were no distractions and we did not talk while eating. I think it can be easier sometimes to enjoy a good meal with another person because when you're not rushed, you can take time to enjoy the beauty of the food and the conversation and not sacrifice/compromise one for the other.
Daily Gratitude: I am SO SO SO grateful today that I was issued an unemployment benefit check, I can be sure to pay my rent on time! I have been waiting about a month for approval and I am so grateful because this check will help me get by until I receive my first paycheck from my new job.
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