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18 November 2011 / life, pictures, Uncategorized, yoga

I hadn’t planned on blogging today, but I’m sitting here and decided why the heck not? What else is there to do?

Oh yeah. CLEAN THE LIVING ROOM. Again. Because Adam and I clearly cannot keep this place clean for more than a couple weeks at a time. BUT. I will leave that until Sunday because Sunday is already going to be a super duper cleantastic day. Aidan will be here IN FOUR DAYS and his room is still a fall down mess. Sunday is do or die, man.

This is what I’ve been up to since Monday.

Two yoga classes. Tuesday’s class was more challenging because I hadn’t eaten anything before class (I woke up 12 minutes before class was to start! Good thing I live very close to my studio), and also because she had us do this pose I HATE, when you’re in plank but you pull your leg in toward your elbow and basically just hold it. Until I get stronger, I will hate that pose. Hate. Ironically, doing that pose will make me stronger. So guess what I get to do when I am done posting this?

Because quite frankly, I used to not be a big fan of Chaturanga Dandasana (think about being stuck halfway in a pushup) or Trikonasana (triangle) but I like them now because I am stronger. Although I almost changed my mind about triangle on Tuesday. Mia (my teacher) kept coming over and adjusting me, so I thought that I’d been doing it wrong. But then she said that she was picking on me; that I looked great but she wanted to push me to the next level. 😀

Finished my bathroom makeover. I actually didn’t realize I was making over the bathroom, but I did. New shower curtain liner, new hooks (instead of those annoying rings), new rug, and new trash can. It looks pretty spiffy in there!

More Christmas shopping. Yup. Amazon.com, Big Lots, Anderson’s Bookshop, Disney Store, and Meijer, I salute you for your fine selections. AND I got to visit my favorite hippie shop as well. Lots of new incense to try! Oh, and I finally got a plush tree skirt. I’d been wanting one for years, but they’re always too expensive. NOT IF YOU GO TO BIG LOTS. I got one for $10. I mean, it might fall apart after a couple years, but still. I have a plush tree skirt!!

Read two new books. One was called Giving Up the V. The book was OK and everything (the first chapter rocked my socks off, for realz, yo), but I could not get past the HUGE continuity errors in one of the chapters. The errors were within pages of each other, so it was a big miss. I know books go out with typos all the time–there’s just too much to catch and not enough time to catch it all. But these errors were BAD.

Visited the library. Checked out ten books. Think I can have them all read by December 7? I’ve already finished two and I’ve already dug into the third.

I’m really glad I look young. (I knew I’d be happy about that someday!) When I visit the teen space at the library, I don’t get a lot of crazy looks because I like YA novels. I still hate that the books are locked down at this particular library but they get the newest ones the fastest and they have the biggest selection in the city, I believe.

Attended the 90 Second Newbury Film Festival. This would have been easier to sit through if the person behind me had washed sometime in the past week. Strong sense of smell + a stranger’s B.O. = very unhappy Ronni.

Got my coat! It’s 80% down and so pretty! YAY!

Saw my friend Jen. I have a few friends named Jen. This particular Jen, I hadn’t seen in probably a year if not more. It’s a shame. We all live in this city, but busy schedules and traffic and long commutes make it hard for my friends and me to get together. Sad.

Officially broke out the Christmas music! Oh yeah, baby! And it was Adam’s idea! Considering he views Christmas with a *very* cynical eye (which kinda breaks my heart b/c Christmas is my favorite, man), I was really shocked. We listened to it in the car on the way to hit the ‘burbs for shopping today. I was happy. I don’t think he was.

Wondered why the fresh hell my neighbor wants to blast music with a lot of fast, angry sounding guitars at 9:00am. I understand it’s his “getting ready” music, but does it have to play over my head when I’m trying to sleep in? At least it only plays for 15 minutes or so. I should probably be getting out of bed then anyway, regardless of if I stayed up til 2am or later (which I most likely did).

Wondered what to do about my cat’s halitosis. I already got a solution to his stinky fur, and that was dump baking soda on him while he was sleeping and rub it in (pretending to pet him). So his body doesn’t stink, but his breath is kickin’. And seeing as he washes his body with that breath, it’s a matter of time before he stinks again. And I can always tell when he’s bathing because I can smell it.

He’s such a handsome bugger, too. He doesn’t look like he should stink so much, does he?

Smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat, it’s not your fault.

Started putting together my own yoga practice. I know right? What, you thought I was doing that all along? Pshaw. I should have been doing it all along–but I always liked guided practices with a teacher and sage and adjustments. Or a DVD at the very least. Heck, even a YouTube video–something to help a sister out. But now I finally feel comfortable enough to put together my own practice! And Suzanne Sterling’s music (along with some other lovely musicians) will help me do so. Now If I could just get the cat to stop sitting under me when I’m in Adho Mukha Svanasana (that’s downward facing dog for you non yoginis)….

So there you have it. A quick recap. It looks like I haven’t done all that much, but IT FEELS LIKE IT.

This weekend, well, you already know one of the things that needs to get done.

Clean Aidan’s room. God help us all.

Clean the living room. Cause, as I said, Adam and I can’t keep it straight for anything. And I want it to look nice. At least for a few hours. Or minutes. Whatever.

Christmas shopping. We’re celebrating “Thanksmas” with Adam’s family next Friday. Thanksmas is a combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adam’s mom does that when we can ALL be there for Thanksgiving, which isn’t often (plus Aidan will be with us–a first–and my first time having/seeing Aidan on Thanksgiving in five years) and we need to finish shopping for them STAT. Got most of it done today, will finish up tomorrow. YAY shopping. Maybe I’ll try to finish all my shopping tomorrow. And anything extra I get for people? That’ll just be extras/stocking stuffers. Yay.
I know what you’re thinking. Stop that laughing!

My iProcrastinate also tells me that I need to make my Christmas 2011 playlist (I listened to my 2010 playlist today), use two of my Groupons, and submit a time sheet by Sunday. Let’s see how many of those things get done. :p

Have a good weekend!

Linking up with:

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Miscellany Monday (1)

14 November 2011 / meme, miscellany monday, pictures

It’s a random day, so time for a random entry. Cause random is fun!

one.
I attended a The Rosie Show taping today. A real one. It airs tonight! In fact, it airs very shortly and will already be in progress by the time this post is published–unless I type SUPER fast! If you have OWN, tune in NOW! 🙂

I sat next to two people who ended up on the air–but away from me. So, if I show up, it’ll be fleeting and a miracle. Talk about being so close. So very close!

Here’s the funny thing. Adam and I don’t have cable. SO I CAN’T EVEN WATCH THE EPISODE AIR.

Oh well. At least I got a free Snuggie out of it. 🙂

If you look closely, you’ll see Rosie and also Rachael Ray!

two.
Cranberry juice–the 100% real deal that costs $6.99 on sale at Dominick’s? It’s extremely, extremely tart and very hard to drink. But I plan to somehow get it down because hello. $6.99 a jar.

three.
Friday, I picked up my Blu-ray copy of Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part II. I’ve already watched it twice.

four.
Last night, I went to an appreciation party thrown by some people at Moksha. As you know, I’m part of the marketing work study team, and Rachel (the person in charge) wanted everyone to meet. She cooked for us all day, and they gave us really nice beads. Honestly, I am spoiled by them. The work I do for them doesn’t feel like work because I love it so much, so when they throw parties like this, it makes me feel SO good. I mean, I’m *already* getting unlimited yoga, but they express so much gratitude. It’s amazing and makes me want to do even more for them.

five.
I was going to get a The North Face coat for this (and the next several) winters, but the one I want? $300! Eeek. The coat I have currently is a Land’s End coat, and I love it. It’s warm and pretty–unfortunately, it’s several years old and wearing out. I knew it was time for a new coat, hence my planning to purchase a The North Face coat. Well, Land’s End is having a sale, plus friends and family, and free shipping. Combining all that with some Shop Your Way Rewards credits, 6% cash back from ebates, well, it was a no brainer. A new coat will be arriving for me soon!

And that’s all for now. GO WATCH THE ROSIE SHOW!

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I Sang Myself Awake! (Pictures)

7 November 2011 / life, living in chicago, pictures, ronni, weekend, yoga

About 18 months ago, I decided to visit the website of yoga master teacher Seane Corn[1. I got the chance to study with Seane Corn in October of 2010. I only took one class that particular weekend, but when she comes back next year, I plan to take the entire workshop, even the hard class! I mean, there is always child’s pose if it gets to be too much–but maybe by then it won’t be!]. I normally don’t like it when a site plays music (I’m usually listening to music on my own and the interruption is jarring!), but the song playing in the background was beautiful. I had to find out who it was and where to get it!

In the bottom right corner of Seane’s website, there is a link that says Music by Suzanne Sterling. The song was called Om Mane Padme Hum. I couldn’t buy the exact version she was singing on the site[2. I later found out why, and it has to do with rights and all sorts of legalese, but Suzanne told me that she has the rights again and that I’ll be able to purchase it next year! YAY!], but I found another version and immediately purchased and downloaded it. Om Mane Padme Hum. The first time I ever sang this chant with was that mp3 that I purchased from emusic.com so many months ago. With Suzanne Sterling.

This past weekend, I got to attend a workshop led by Suzanne Sterling! It was called Sing Yourself Awake! and it was life changing. I haven’t sang so much in… ever.

Me and Suzanne

Suzanne taught in three sessions, each one comprised of a lecture, movement and singing, and a yoga practice that incorporated sound.

Here are some of the key points I took away from her workshop:

– The natural order of things is harmony.
– Every living thing vibrates, and those vibrations all give off sound (that we may or may not be able to hear). Those sounds impact us and can cause stress.
– We can use sound and singing to reduce stress and to release energy that is stuck.
– Every sound we make, every sound that has been made, is all out there in the universe. It will be out there forever.

Whoa.

Sit back and think about that for a minute. Pretty intense, huh?

It’s out there, and always will be.

Really makes me think twice about the things I say out loud, and what effect it’s having on the environment and living things around me.

source

Ever since I started my yoga journey, I’ve noticed that I’m a bit more outspoken, I don’t hold back if something’s endangering me, my way of life, my family, or my friends. I used to be that girl who kept quiet so as not to stir up trouble (well, most of the time), but not anymore. But I’m still inhibited. This workshop is still working, bringing out more of that inner me, the one that hid to keep people from disliking her or being mad at her. ‘Cause you know what? Just because someone told me, when I was 13, that I shouldn’t be in choir or chorus because I couldn’t sing doesn’t mean it’s true. I’m not Beyonce or anything, but I have a voice, an instrument, and I can use it to keep me healthy. I can shut that inner critic (and those old voices) up enough to belt out songs even when I find myself faltering because holy crap I was sitting right next to Suzanne Sterling and singing with her. I’m no longer hiding to please someone else. (You keep compromising yourself–it’ll never be enough for those asking it of you. And then when there is nothing left of you, they typically leave you behind. Sad.) Will I be trying out for American Idol anytime soon? Heck to the no. But I’m not afraid to belt it out, at least, when I’m home alone and there is a cat purring on my lap. And thanks to this workshop, I know how to belt it out safely.

I also got to learn a lot about an organization called Off The Mat and Into The World (OTM for short). Suzanne Sterling and Seane Corn are co-creators. The yoga community going into the world and doing good. It’s grassroots, it’s inspiring, it’s change. My yoga studio, Moksha Yoga, is having a November special. If you purchase a class package, 10% of the proceeds goes to Off The Mat, Into The World. I won’t be purchasing a package because I get free yoga in exchange for the work I do for them[3. If you go to the site and sign up for the newsletter, you can get my handiwork delivered right to your email inbox!]. I want to get involved with this organization and I’m trying to figure out a way to do so that’s more than just sending a donation.

I’ve been thinking about how yoga is so much more than doing poses and bending yourself into crazy shapes. It’s a lot more than just getting into shape and it’s definitely a lot more than stretching. There is so much to learn and I’m ready to do more. Is it something as simple as stepping up practice to four or five days a week instead of two or three? Am I ready to move on to a higher level class (1-3 or 2-3, rather than the 1-2 level that I feel so safe in?) What about teacher training? Hmm. Something else to meditate about.

I’m not really sure where I meant to go with this entry. Have you ever had an experience that hit you so hard, but you just can’t put into words how much it impacted you? That’s how I’m feeling right now. I just don’t know the right words to say to fairly describe how incredible this past weekend was.

I do know this, though. Three times during the workshop, I got to sing Om Mane Padme Hum with the actual Suzanne Sterling. How awesome is that? 🙂

What yoga has done in my life has been nothing short of incredible. I’m excited about what’s next.

.:Love:.

Wheel/Upward Facing Bow Pose: Urdhva Dhanurasana

4 Comments

A Glimpse Into My Life (Pictures)

30 October 2011 / life, living in chicago, pictures, Uncategorized

Snyder’s Honey BBQ chips

I can’t get these chips in Chicago,
but Snyder is nice enough to allow people to order them online.
I ordered a case of 72 bags.

Cursive Writing

Aidan is learning cursive.
As a Zaner-Bloser certified handwriting instructor,
this does my heart good.

Super Mario Aidan

Aidan is obsessed with Super Mario.
This costume suits him well.

My Desk

Not gonna lie, most of the time I chill out on the couch with my laptop,
but this week, I decided to work at my desk.
It’s nice to change it up every once in a while.

Spectra Vondergeist

Spectra is one of the newer Monster High dolls.
She is the daughter of ghosts.
I love her style.

Frankie Stein

Frankie Stein is my favorite Monster High doll.
I have every one ever made of her so far.

Incense

I burn incense constantly.
My favorite is Nag Champa.

Life is good.

11 Comments

Fall Follower Fest!

28 October 2011 / pictures, yay

WhooHooo! Fall Follower Fest!

I mean, what’s the point of blogging if no one reads it, right? So, I’m looking for new followers and new friends. Thank you for visiting. Grab a warm drink and a blanket and get comfortable. I’d love for you to stick around a bit.

The hosts (Casey, Much Love-illy, Jess, and Danielle) of this massive blog hop asked that we post something about autumn. I thought I’d post a combo autumn/intro post by listing some of my favorite things about fall.

one.
The brilliant colors, especially the reds.