16 days till Cali

It really is hard to imagine that it's only 16 days.  It seems so far away and obscure, yet right here (and I feel I am so ill prepared!)

Although I am most peeved at this cold I have been battling this cold (I blame the cold-hot-col weather swings we had last week) it has served 2 good purposes.  One is to remind me I can survive yoga when I feel like a truck hit me (yesterday it felt like the truck backed up for another go at me).  Good thing to be reminded of, we could all bear that in mind (rumor has it that every TT session has its bout of flu that runs rampant through the vulnerable yogis)  I have had my fair share of yoga classes with the flu and although it may knock you on your bee-hind it will help you work through the snot if nothing else ;) The second thing it reminded me was to pack some of the items one cannot wait for (Mucinex, Abreva, and other medications that "tomorrow" is not soon enough for)

Preparation thoughts 19 days b4 i leave

There is only so much one can fly with (unless one wants to (a) have to deal with more items of baggage than appendages and/or (b) weight issues that cost money and might rip limbs off).  I have therefore realized I should compile a shopping list of easily procurable items so that I do not need to pack and fly with such.  Cotton balls, tins of tuna, body lotion, nail polish remover, mouthwash, razors, . Items that are brand specific and may not be available I will take with.  Examples of this would be my favorite shampoo, the only brand of protein powder I like (or whatever it is that the individual simply must have a specific item for).   Just a thought...

TT minus 21 and counting

It is hard to believe it is only three weeks away.  Until a couple of days ago it was "at the end of April," now it is more a case of "in 3 weeks... oh sh-t I'd better get my stuff sorted!"  The emotions change by the day for me and the others i have spoken to.  One day one can be filled with overwhelming excitement and the very next panic.  Many are panicked about learning the dialogue, and it is hard not to be.  However, the truth is thousands have learnt it at  TT and survived.  Being immersed help, as does being surrounded by 300 other souls learning (or relearning) the same.

4 weeks to go till TT

Actually less than 4 weeks if truth be told.  I guess I should book my flight :)  I should also run a mental checklist to see if there is anything I need to still procure prior to my departure.  Then all that is left is... yoga, yoga, more yoga... oh yes and trying to learn the stinkin' dialogue ;)

Now a note about dedicating your practice. A while back a teacher suggested doing this sometimes.  Last week and thus week Thursday I dedicated my class to a gorgeous lady at the Ann Arbor studio who is battling breast cancer.  It makes a difference, it really does.  You feel like you want to give nothing but your very best for the person, and at the same time you feel like you have no right to complain about feeling tired, or sore, or whatever you head says is up. It is no longer about you... your practice evolves into a testament for the other person.  I think this was something great that was passed on :)

Storm in my head

I have no idea what's going on in my head.  I'm having some sort of freak out about going to TT, heck and life in general.  I'm going to put it down to today's medical procedure and hope it blows over in a day or two.  For now though I feel like I have no right to go to TT.  That hardly sounds normal... or like me!

roommate

I spent the last 2 days doing research into apartments.  Now I am seriously considering finding a roommate to share a 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom apartment 2.5 miles away from the TT resort (in another golf resort).  The accommodation cast would be HALF if shared, not to mention the whole washer/dryer/kitchen allure... alternatively I could go with ye olde 1 bedroom all to myself.  

So, if anyone if reading this before the end of March 2009 and knows of someone wanting to rent a room, email me and they can share an apartment instead!

Yoga changed my life

I have been asked by many folks of late why I want to do teacher training (or even just why I'm into yoga).  Being the fat girl I also got my fair share of "I didn't know you did yoga." Just because I have double the body mass of the stereotypical yogi is no reason to pick on this Amazon ;)

Back to the topic at hand.  Rewind a second.  Back in 2004 I was trying to get into better shape.  I tried working out, but spent more time on the bench due to my back issues.  I decided to try Bikram, hoping that the heat would be the key.  As I put it, since my back was interfering with me working out I decided to find a workout that interfered with my back. I hated my first class.  You know that rare newbie who can't even get their elbows level on the inhale for pranayama, or well... do much of anything in class?  That was me.  I only went back because I didn't want to quit on myself.  After a few classes I was addicted to how it made me feel.  I still have pain most days, but it's way livable (everything is relative right?).  Two of my slipped discs have recovered!  I no longer use vicodin, percocet or oxycodene. I see my chiropractor a lot less than before.  Even now writing this it fills me with emotion.  If ever I forget what this yoga has done for me, someone can remind me that I have not woken up in searing agony in years and had to go to another room to cry so I don't wake my husband.  Unless you have been through that you can never understand the immense impact. 

Do I need more than that!? =D  For those of you already into yoga you know that it improves everything.  Moods, skin, digestion... I could go on for DAYS... but needless to say I love Bikram yoga because it changed my life and helped me become a better me!

7 weeks and counting...

My paperwork has been completed and is ready to be mailed (I had to wait till my medical on Thursday).  I have some preparations to do now I guess.  My friend Heather may not be going to Spring TT, which is sad.  I was excited for her to be going, as well as having a familiar face.  I am sure things will work out for her though :)  When it's time to go it will always work out, no? =D

I have been doing yoga almost every day (less than my 8 or 9 times a week I did during my 60day challenge)  Soon I will be trying to memorize the dialog.  Oh joy...