SOOOO much has changed in the past couple of weeks, it has been quite the roller coaster. But that is not what is important right now... what is important is that very (VERY) shortly I will be on a plane headed to Peru in search of the Lost City of the Incas. Okay, so it isn't exactly lost anymore, but it's all new to me.
Got to get to packing, to be honest.. making sure to have my copy of The Celestine Prophecy on hand. Gotta pay attention to all the 'coincidences' and follow my gut. Had a truly incredible experience today, and I am feeling n'sync with the universe. Perfect time to lace up the hiking boots and wander the dusty trail.
So the experience- I won't leave ya in the dark. It was simply this. A while back I made a list of personal intentions. I focused on them daily and to be honest, I was getting a little frustrated at their lack of fruition. I let them go by the wayside. All of a sudden, last week, I started a job which I initially met with extreme resitance and unwillingness. Today at that job, I had a gentleman come up to me and say the exact thing that I had intended on a few short months ago. I wanted to be an inspiring person. He told me, literally, "You inspire me everyday you are here, thank you for coming." I almost cried.
And so the job... it has kinda grown on me. Actually, I am going to miss it while I am vagabonding in Peru for the next 18 days. Today was the last time I will get to interact with the group that I have been with the past 2 weeks. They will have left the program by the time I return. I did not say goodbye, I could not bring myself to tell them I was not going to be back. I wish them well on their journey, and I will keep them close to my heart. Gee, it sure is funny how life pans out.
So, fam and friends, I will not say g'bye to you either. I will say adieu! Looking forward to catching up when I return.
Hasta Luego!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Surprise!
MY FIRST YOGA CLASS
Well, today was the day! Not the scheduled day, mind you, but the day nonetheless. I taught my first yoga class… at lululemon athletica. Found out the news yesterday and almost barfed. It was only 2 days earlier than when I thought my first yoga class would be, but it was not according to schedule, not as I envisioned, not as I planned. And neither was the class. But neither is life, and I am assuming that until I learn this lesson I will keep having reminders!
The short of it was that I was scheduled to teach the lululemon class on the 22nd- the day that I leave for Peru. Dawn informed me that she could not switch with me, leaving only Kyle to switch, and he, of course, was the first scheduled teacher for today- June 1st.
I called Jen immediately when I heard the news- 3 minutes to 4pm, Saturday May 31st- 3 minutes before the DJ Yoga Party was to begin at the Town Center. I was close to hyperventilation and near passing out. The anxiety struck like a freight train on the fast track to breakdown. I pulled it together when she promised to be there (thank goodness!) and I jumped into assisting, letting the inevitable go by the wayside for a few short hours before... ALL ABOARD! Back to jitter junction. Met with Marisa and Summer last night, and basically anyone I spoke to about the surprise yoga class told me that it was for the best, that it happened for a reason, that I would do great and that it would be no sweat.
No sweat? But we are supposed to be working out!
Lucky for me, there was sweat. Maybe even a little too much for a leisurely yoga class offered for free by lululemon. The general consensus, I believe, was that it was hard. There were 26 people there, and many beginners. A handful never having stepped onto a yoga mat before. My familiarity with giving modifications was less than honed, and I fumbled a few times. Lisa, from lululemon, even got off her mat once to help a woman who was struggling. Should have seen it, but missed it.
I said things I didn’t want to, that didn’t quite make sense even as they were spewing from my mouth. I missed opportunities to say things that I had planned oh, so eloquently. But I taught and I spoke, and I smiled. I enjoyed myself, and be they lies or not, a couple of other folks admitted to enjoying it as well. At the end, I addressed the fact that it was my first class teaching, and afterward, I had a woman come up to me and say that she never would have known it was my first class. I had a couple of people say that they had fun. I felt good.
At the end of the day, there will always be things that I will look back to and wished that I had done differently. I will wish that I resonated more with people, or that I was more present. I will wish that I was calmer and clearer. But I did it. And it was my first. And I am proud of myself, having left definite room for improvement! There’s no fun in perfection, right?
Other than Jen, there were a couple of other familiar faces- Sarah and Eddie were there, Frank came, but had to leave early. Lisa from lululemon was, obviously there, and then a couple from the studio. As for my other peeps, I knew they were there in spirit. As they always will be. I am so blessed to have this support, and I am eternally greatful. Marisa even came by early on her way to baking class to pep me up and shine her smile on my morning!
I spoke of community. I spoke of making history (being my first class). I spoke of the world being full of strangers, until you meet someone once, and then they are a friend. I played Brett Dennen’s “By and By” talking about friendship. I quipped in with some fun and tried to keep it real.
I can truly say that success is not measured by how good something is done, but the fact that you did something. In that light, today, I succeeded.
I am a yoga teacher, hear me roar.
Well, today was the day! Not the scheduled day, mind you, but the day nonetheless. I taught my first yoga class… at lululemon athletica. Found out the news yesterday and almost barfed. It was only 2 days earlier than when I thought my first yoga class would be, but it was not according to schedule, not as I envisioned, not as I planned. And neither was the class. But neither is life, and I am assuming that until I learn this lesson I will keep having reminders!
The short of it was that I was scheduled to teach the lululemon class on the 22nd- the day that I leave for Peru. Dawn informed me that she could not switch with me, leaving only Kyle to switch, and he, of course, was the first scheduled teacher for today- June 1st.
I called Jen immediately when I heard the news- 3 minutes to 4pm, Saturday May 31st- 3 minutes before the DJ Yoga Party was to begin at the Town Center. I was close to hyperventilation and near passing out. The anxiety struck like a freight train on the fast track to breakdown. I pulled it together when she promised to be there (thank goodness!) and I jumped into assisting, letting the inevitable go by the wayside for a few short hours before... ALL ABOARD! Back to jitter junction. Met with Marisa and Summer last night, and basically anyone I spoke to about the surprise yoga class told me that it was for the best, that it happened for a reason, that I would do great and that it would be no sweat.
No sweat? But we are supposed to be working out!
Lucky for me, there was sweat. Maybe even a little too much for a leisurely yoga class offered for free by lululemon. The general consensus, I believe, was that it was hard. There were 26 people there, and many beginners. A handful never having stepped onto a yoga mat before. My familiarity with giving modifications was less than honed, and I fumbled a few times. Lisa, from lululemon, even got off her mat once to help a woman who was struggling. Should have seen it, but missed it.
I said things I didn’t want to, that didn’t quite make sense even as they were spewing from my mouth. I missed opportunities to say things that I had planned oh, so eloquently. But I taught and I spoke, and I smiled. I enjoyed myself, and be they lies or not, a couple of other folks admitted to enjoying it as well. At the end, I addressed the fact that it was my first class teaching, and afterward, I had a woman come up to me and say that she never would have known it was my first class. I had a couple of people say that they had fun. I felt good.
At the end of the day, there will always be things that I will look back to and wished that I had done differently. I will wish that I resonated more with people, or that I was more present. I will wish that I was calmer and clearer. But I did it. And it was my first. And I am proud of myself, having left definite room for improvement! There’s no fun in perfection, right?
Other than Jen, there were a couple of other familiar faces- Sarah and Eddie were there, Frank came, but had to leave early. Lisa from lululemon was, obviously there, and then a couple from the studio. As for my other peeps, I knew they were there in spirit. As they always will be. I am so blessed to have this support, and I am eternally greatful. Marisa even came by early on her way to baking class to pep me up and shine her smile on my morning!
I spoke of community. I spoke of making history (being my first class). I spoke of the world being full of strangers, until you meet someone once, and then they are a friend. I played Brett Dennen’s “By and By” talking about friendship. I quipped in with some fun and tried to keep it real.
I can truly say that success is not measured by how good something is done, but the fact that you did something. In that light, today, I succeeded.
I am a yoga teacher, hear me roar.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Patagonia in Peril
Hey all, it's been a while, and unfortunately my first post back is a trying one. I found out over the weekend that the area that I spent New Years 2008 in, is being devastated by an erupting volcano. Chaiten has been dormant for 9,000 years and it blew its lid in the first couple days of May. Since then, large amounts of gaseous fumes have swept across the region as it is continually blanketed by volcanic ash. Families are being evacuated, livestock are perishing. It is absolutely devastating. The most pristine environment I have ever encountered is in catastrophic danger. The crystal clear rivers that bestowed adventure and spirit into each day of my trip have turned grey with pollution from the volcano. No one knows what will happen as mother nature keeps this area of Patagonia in her hands.
If there is any way you can help, be it a donation or a prayer, please do so. I am getting things ready to send, so let me know. Thank you for keeping these people, this land, in your heart. In peace and love, XOM
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Have to Dash...
Whoa- it has been a LONG time since my last post- that can only mean one thing- life's been busy! I thought of an idea for times of deadlines and homework and no time to breathe- I can copy "Tales from the diary" Basically, write exerpts from my travel journals or emails.
This first one, although neither wordy nor informative really, was a funny one. I can remember the situation quite well. I was in Sydney and just had gotten back from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge at night, wrote a quick email to the rents before bed. (They saved and printed all my emails from the times I was in Oz, how thoughtful!) Short but sweet, like my free time lately! Here we go! And this is exactly how it was emailed originally...
"i-am-exhausted-no-spacebar-option-on-comp,-will-write-again-tomorrow-will-try-to-call-too-its-a-madhouse-at-the-hostel-right-now-bridge-climb-was-blast.talk-soon-luv-mel"
Well, friends, gotta dash, check in later!
This first one, although neither wordy nor informative really, was a funny one. I can remember the situation quite well. I was in Sydney and just had gotten back from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge at night, wrote a quick email to the rents before bed. (They saved and printed all my emails from the times I was in Oz, how thoughtful!) Short but sweet, like my free time lately! Here we go! And this is exactly how it was emailed originally...
"i-am-exhausted-no-spacebar-option-on-comp,-will-write-again-tomorrow-will-try-to-call-too-its-a-madhouse-at-the-hostel-right-now-bridge-climb-was-blast.talk-soon-luv-mel"
Well, friends, gotta dash, check in later!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day!
HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!!!!!
The countdown is over, but not without one last Irish love (even though there are many more!)
Of all things Irish, I especially love ST. PATTY'S CELEBRATIONS! Parades, men in quilts with bagpipes, a sea of green, beads, music- there's nothing better! The past two years, I have spent St. Patrick's Day in Savannah with Marisa and Dana, the year before that I was in Boston for a Dropkick Murphy's show, and the year prior to that I was celebrating with my aunts on the streets of NYC. All equally fun and equally green- those cities put on a spectacular show for the day! I have yet to get to Chicago to see their tribute to St. Patrick, but one of these years it is bound to happen!
Don your best green attire, emblazen your shamrock pins and put on your jiggiest shoes. It's St. Patrick's Day and it's time to CELEBRATE! Slainte!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Happy *sorta* St. Patty's Day!
Guess the old separation of church and state doesn't really apply in Ireland, as today is the religious celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Speaking of religion, when I was in Ireland, in Dublin actually, I went to St. Patrick's Cathedral for mass. As it is quite a popular place, I was walking around trying to separate myself from tour groups to find where mass was actually to be held. I finally had to ask, and quickly found out that mass was the wrong word, CLEARLY. The woman looked at me in disgust and replied that "There ARE no masses here, if you are looking for SERVICE, then it is over there." I had been aware that there had been many years of fighting over religion on the island (Protestant and Catholic), and was especially cognisant having driven from Northern Ireland to Ireland. I thought with this seemingly innocent comment that I had just reignited something. Thankfully, that was all that was said and I slipped into service. (St. Patrick's in Dublin is actually Anglican- I mean tomaYto tomaHto, right?) Now for my completely unrelated love!
Of all things Irish, I especially love...
THE JIG! We're almost there, and that calls for a jig. So does the fact that it is Saturday and that the weather has been beautiful (if windy) and everything else is spectacular! The Irish jig is something that many try, few master, but all enjoy! It is always enhanced when attempted among a rowdy bunch! That way everyone can get involved! I've shared a jig or two in my day and I am bound to share more, as the music justs makes me want to dance. I've tried the Irish step dance (my cousins and aunts actually took lessons!) but normally I like to just get jiggy. Something about that fiddle, that gets 'me legs moving, know what I mean?
In honor of there being only 2 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S get your jig on tonight for practice! Surely you'll have an audience on Monday and you wouldn't want to look absolutely ridiculous, would you?!?!?!?! The jig just may even have to carry you over to the 17th, as tomorrow is YOGA ALL DAY, and after practicing my jig, I may not have the pep to post! XOM
Of all things Irish, I especially love...
THE JIG! We're almost there, and that calls for a jig. So does the fact that it is Saturday and that the weather has been beautiful (if windy) and everything else is spectacular! The Irish jig is something that many try, few master, but all enjoy! It is always enhanced when attempted among a rowdy bunch! That way everyone can get involved! I've shared a jig or two in my day and I am bound to share more, as the music justs makes me want to dance. I've tried the Irish step dance (my cousins and aunts actually took lessons!) but normally I like to just get jiggy. Something about that fiddle, that gets 'me legs moving, know what I mean?
In honor of there being only 2 DAYS TILL ST. PATTY'S get your jig on tonight for practice! Surely you'll have an audience on Monday and you wouldn't want to look absolutely ridiculous, would you?!?!?!?! The jig just may even have to carry you over to the 17th, as tomorrow is YOGA ALL DAY, and after practicing my jig, I may not have the pep to post! XOM
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Kiss Me I'm Irish!
Of all things Irish, I especially love...
My lineage! Whilst in Ireland, I traced what I could of my ancestors back to their homeland. My family is 3rd generation Canadian, but that 4th generation (or was it 5th) came over from Ireland. Apparently 'McCaffery' is an altered name, so while I was not able to find much out about that portion of my Irish heritage, I found some things out about my Nanny's side.
Nanny's maiden name was Moran. Interestingly, Moran means 'descendant of great one,' and I couldn't agree more, as Nanny was surely great! Until I reached Ireland, I had prounounced the surname 'More-Anne.' At the coat of arms store in Dublin, the owner told me that in fact it is pronounced 'More-in.' He was able to trace the name to an area that Lex and I had driven through, Sligo. While that was as deep as I got (I did not try to find any distant rellies!), just the experience of having spent time in my ancestral land was satiable to my lineage thirst. That and a pint of Harp, of course!
I love Ireland for many reasons, as you have been reading in the past couple of days, but my heritage is certainly a central reason. My Aunt continues the research of our descendants and keeps us updated. Apparently, she recently discovered that someone living in the US, whom no one in my direct family knows, has a picture of my great-grandfather. I had thought we were all in Canada. Makes the world a little smaller. Perhaps a grand ole' family reunion is in order, on greener pastures! Ireland- here we come!
4 DAYS TILL ST. PATTYS!
(Unless you are following the edict by the bishops of Ireland- they moved St. Patrick's Day this year- all religious celebrations of St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on the 15th, so as not to conflict with Holy Week. Don't believe me? Check out this link..
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=9917 I say we start celebrating on the 15 and continue through the 17th- who's with me?)
My lineage! Whilst in Ireland, I traced what I could of my ancestors back to their homeland. My family is 3rd generation Canadian, but that 4th generation (or was it 5th) came over from Ireland. Apparently 'McCaffery' is an altered name, so while I was not able to find much out about that portion of my Irish heritage, I found some things out about my Nanny's side.
Nanny's maiden name was Moran. Interestingly, Moran means 'descendant of great one,' and I couldn't agree more, as Nanny was surely great! Until I reached Ireland, I had prounounced the surname 'More-Anne.' At the coat of arms store in Dublin, the owner told me that in fact it is pronounced 'More-in.' He was able to trace the name to an area that Lex and I had driven through, Sligo. While that was as deep as I got (I did not try to find any distant rellies!), just the experience of having spent time in my ancestral land was satiable to my lineage thirst. That and a pint of Harp, of course!
I love Ireland for many reasons, as you have been reading in the past couple of days, but my heritage is certainly a central reason. My Aunt continues the research of our descendants and keeps us updated. Apparently, she recently discovered that someone living in the US, whom no one in my direct family knows, has a picture of my great-grandfather. I had thought we were all in Canada. Makes the world a little smaller. Perhaps a grand ole' family reunion is in order, on greener pastures! Ireland- here we come!
4 DAYS TILL ST. PATTYS!
(Unless you are following the edict by the bishops of Ireland- they moved St. Patrick's Day this year- all religious celebrations of St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on the 15th, so as not to conflict with Holy Week. Don't believe me? Check out this link..
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=9917 I say we start celebrating on the 15 and continue through the 17th- who's with me?)
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