I have had a hell of a time restarting my yoga practice since moving to Capitol Hill. My old studio, Ashtanga Yoga Center, is simply too inconvenient. I know that I would be able to maintain a faithful studio practice with AYC - traveling one hour each way for a 90 minute class just won't happen.
The one yoga studio in my neighborhood gives me a weird vibe. They advertise their abs class as "celebrating the belly" - yuck! Touchy feely yogi I am not - nevermind that I don't even really believe in such a thing as an abs class. So... I've been stuck without yoga for several months now, unable to get a good home practice going and becoming stiffer and stiffer every day.
Enough is enough! I decided to go back to basics - the yoga DVDs I used before I started a studio practice. I favor Yoga Zone and loved the six-CD set I had, but after beginning a studio practice I slowly gave the DVDs away to my yoga-curious friends. I've re-ordered it through Amazon and can't wait to slowly start opening my body again.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
People Suck
This morning on my way to work: I had just gotten on the train. I have about five stops to go from my transfer point to the stop I use to get to the office. I sit down and start paging through the Express paper.
Suddenly I hear a woman say "Stop!" and smack skin of some kind. Then I hear a baby crying. It sounded like a pretty young child, the cry was still tinny if that makes sense? I try not to turn around but the child cries for two stops so finally I turn and see a woman/girl sitting a few rows behind me and facing the other direction. She's wearing a backpack and I can't see the kid but I can still hear him/her crying. The woman/girl looks like she's struggling with the kid to take something away and she keeps saying, "Stop! I'm not doing that. I ain't playing. Stop! Stop!" and her voice is getting more and more high pitched. She smacks the kid again and he/she starts crying again.
I'm feeling sick by this point and my stop is coming up so I stand and move over toward the doors. I look back and see the child peering over the seat at me, so I smiled but then I started to cry.
What a way to start the morning. Now I am crying at work. Sigh...
Suddenly I hear a woman say "Stop!" and smack skin of some kind. Then I hear a baby crying. It sounded like a pretty young child, the cry was still tinny if that makes sense? I try not to turn around but the child cries for two stops so finally I turn and see a woman/girl sitting a few rows behind me and facing the other direction. She's wearing a backpack and I can't see the kid but I can still hear him/her crying. The woman/girl looks like she's struggling with the kid to take something away and she keeps saying, "Stop! I'm not doing that. I ain't playing. Stop! Stop!" and her voice is getting more and more high pitched. She smacks the kid again and he/she starts crying again.
I'm feeling sick by this point and my stop is coming up so I stand and move over toward the doors. I look back and see the child peering over the seat at me, so I smiled but then I started to cry.
What a way to start the morning. Now I am crying at work. Sigh...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Light and Dark
Now that we are back in Eastern Standard Time the sun is up by the time I get off the metro to go to work! I love it. Yes, it's still dark when I leave the house, but having daylight upon resurfacing is priceless for my morning mood.
It is, however, getting dark much earlier in the evenings. This has the curious (or maybe not so curious!) effect of making me feel like I want to go to bed at 7:30pm. Now, to be fair, by 7:30pm I have been home from work for five and a half hours and it's been dark for two hours. I think most people are winding down after five and a half hours, it's just that for normal people that means 11pm!
In fact, I've gone to bed before Congress several times in the past couple weeks!
The upside of the evening darkness is that the atmosphere lends itself to study and contemplation. I have a long reading list that I'll be working through over the cold months, I'm learning French via Rosetta Stone and want to spend at least 30 minutes every day studying my lessons, and I have a brand-new book of crosswords to work on as well. My rule for crosswords is to work on one puzzle for at least three days before moving on to the next.
Between those things, my winter workout schedule (adding length to my runs and continuing alternate-day strength workouts), long walks in my awesome new neighborhood, and continuing to see a certain someone when I can, I feel good about the upcoming season.
Winter is a time of settling in. I'm ready.
It is, however, getting dark much earlier in the evenings. This has the curious (or maybe not so curious!) effect of making me feel like I want to go to bed at 7:30pm. Now, to be fair, by 7:30pm I have been home from work for five and a half hours and it's been dark for two hours. I think most people are winding down after five and a half hours, it's just that for normal people that means 11pm!
In fact, I've gone to bed before Congress several times in the past couple weeks!
The upside of the evening darkness is that the atmosphere lends itself to study and contemplation. I have a long reading list that I'll be working through over the cold months, I'm learning French via Rosetta Stone and want to spend at least 30 minutes every day studying my lessons, and I have a brand-new book of crosswords to work on as well. My rule for crosswords is to work on one puzzle for at least three days before moving on to the next.
Between those things, my winter workout schedule (adding length to my runs and continuing alternate-day strength workouts), long walks in my awesome new neighborhood, and continuing to see a certain someone when I can, I feel good about the upcoming season.
Winter is a time of settling in. I'm ready.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Ma Francais
As much as there is to complain about my workplace, I have to admit they've been doing some cool things for employees lately. Recently they have arranged for employees to have free and unlimited access to Rosetta Stone language software! How cool is that? The software is pretty expensive and not a cost I could justify, but since it's free I will gladly partake!
I'm all signed up and about to start brushing up on and improving my French. I took French all through high school and college and am planning a trip to Montreal in the spring... so... better get crackin'!
I'm all signed up and about to start brushing up on and improving my French. I took French all through high school and college and am planning a trip to Montreal in the spring... so... better get crackin'!
Morning Walk
This is what I saw on my walk to work this morning, cutting directly in front of the Capitol under a full moon. That's the Washington Monument in the background.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Corn Maze
Went to a corn maze in upper Maryland today. It was hard! We lost our way pretty much immediately and managed (miraculously!) to figure out where we were a few minutes later. We found two of the checkpoints but eventually gave up. When we finally exited, we came out of a different maze than we went in... heh... 
My lovely corn maze partner... who was absolutely no help... but we still had fun getting muddy!
My lovely corn maze partner... who was absolutely no help... but we still had fun getting muddy!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
New Routine
I'm trying to get back into shape. Much of that means adding length to my runs. Yesterday I had an epiphany - why not get organized the night before, bring running clothes to work, and run home a couple times per week? This would accomplish the following:
*Save time! The most direct route from my office home is 3.6 miles or about 30-35 minutes running. My commute on the metro is about 30 minutes. So if I run home I essentially save my commute time and add 30 minutes to my afternoon! And there are plenty of ways to add length to the route if I want to.
*Save weight! If I know I'm going to be running home in the afternoons I will be more likely to eat lightly at lunch.
*Save money! Okay, this isn't really part of the reason why I want to run home from work. I'd save about $1.35 a couple times a week. If I do this twice per week I save about $11/month. I mean, I'll take it, but it's certainly not going to make or break my bank account.
*Stay accountable! I can't tell you how often I look forward to my afternoon run only to get home and eat, fall asleep, or otherwise get distracted. This way, I don't have time to let anything else get in the way of my run.
I started today. Brought running clothes and shoes to work this morning, changed clothes at the office and ran home a long-ish way (route below). It took about 45 minutes and I felt great. Tomorrow I'll bring home the clothes I left at work.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Jihad for Love
I just watched this documentary on Netflix. It chronicles the difficulties of gay men and women living in Middle Eastern countries. Many of these countries follow Shari'a law which criminalizes homosexuality. Most of the men featured in this film have been forced to flee to other countries after trials, imprisonments, and one case a sentence of 100 lashes for living homosexual lives.
What strikes me the most about what I saw is the completely unwavering faith that these people maintain even in the face of their persecution. They all firmly believe that Islam must have a place for them, despite their sexual orientation. They believe that they were born in the image of God and don't understand why being gay and having faith must be mutually exclusive. Instead of abandoning their faith, they endure great trials to live freely with the ones they love.
Only in secular Turkey do we find a couple, female, who are able to live together and go about their lives openly in their relationship. The rest have fled to other countries and filed for political asylum. They live in fear that their families will be tortured by authorities wanting to learn their whereabouts.
This film really made me think about the freedoms we as Americans take for granted every day. We can love who we want. Openly and in public. We don't fear political or legal recourse for our choice in relationship. Most of us never give this fact a second thought. Especially the heterosexual among us don't really think it's a big deal.
But just as a thought experiment, wonder for a second what it would be like if the roles were reversed. If homosexuality was the norm and heterosexuality was judged, if straight people were targeted for hate crimes, if straight people weren't allowed to get married. What would that feel like? Would you be able to "turn off" your straightness and "be gay"? What if you had to get married to someone of the same sex and live your life that way, completely unnaturally to you, never finding a true romantic connection with someone, never sexually fulfilled? People thinking you're deviant and disgusting for your attraction to the opposite sex?
Doesn't quite make sense when you think of it that way, but millions worldwide feel the same bewilderment and frustration at the obstacles facing them as homosexuals.
It just breaks my heart that gay people would think that their faith has no place for them, that for something as intrinsic as the color of their eyes they would be targeted as criminals.
Jihad for Love, a film by Parvez Sharma. Available on Netflix "Watch Instantly." Watch it.
What strikes me the most about what I saw is the completely unwavering faith that these people maintain even in the face of their persecution. They all firmly believe that Islam must have a place for them, despite their sexual orientation. They believe that they were born in the image of God and don't understand why being gay and having faith must be mutually exclusive. Instead of abandoning their faith, they endure great trials to live freely with the ones they love.
Only in secular Turkey do we find a couple, female, who are able to live together and go about their lives openly in their relationship. The rest have fled to other countries and filed for political asylum. They live in fear that their families will be tortured by authorities wanting to learn their whereabouts.
This film really made me think about the freedoms we as Americans take for granted every day. We can love who we want. Openly and in public. We don't fear political or legal recourse for our choice in relationship. Most of us never give this fact a second thought. Especially the heterosexual among us don't really think it's a big deal.
But just as a thought experiment, wonder for a second what it would be like if the roles were reversed. If homosexuality was the norm and heterosexuality was judged, if straight people were targeted for hate crimes, if straight people weren't allowed to get married. What would that feel like? Would you be able to "turn off" your straightness and "be gay"? What if you had to get married to someone of the same sex and live your life that way, completely unnaturally to you, never finding a true romantic connection with someone, never sexually fulfilled? People thinking you're deviant and disgusting for your attraction to the opposite sex?
Doesn't quite make sense when you think of it that way, but millions worldwide feel the same bewilderment and frustration at the obstacles facing them as homosexuals.
It just breaks my heart that gay people would think that their faith has no place for them, that for something as intrinsic as the color of their eyes they would be targeted as criminals.
Jihad for Love, a film by Parvez Sharma. Available on Netflix "Watch Instantly." Watch it.
Monday, October 19, 2009
A good life
Sometimes I look around and can't believe my luck. I'm sitting here in my gloriously quiet condo with two snoozing cats on the couch drinking a glass of wine, alternately reading and working on a crossword, employed, healthy, with plans for the future and things to look forward to.
Sorry about the magnificat! I was just overwhelmed there for a minute.
My table is only two days old and it's amazing how it's been encouraging me to read! I have a hard time reading in bed - I fall asleep no matter the time. And reading on the couch for some reason doesn't feel right, I don't know. But reading at a table feels good, it feels studious. I feel more focused. My wine is convenient (but so is my laptop, grr).
It's amazing how long the evenings feel when I'm not parked in front of the TV.
Which reminds me - as winter approaches I need to put together my reading list. I always read a lot more in the winter than I do in the summer. For some reason I read better when it's dark outside, and in the summer by the time it gets dark, I need to be asleep to catch my insanely early alarm.
So, hmm. Reading list will be forthcoming. A mix of classics and new novels with some contemplative works sprinkled throughout, I'm sure.
Sorry about the magnificat! I was just overwhelmed there for a minute.
My table is only two days old and it's amazing how it's been encouraging me to read! I have a hard time reading in bed - I fall asleep no matter the time. And reading on the couch for some reason doesn't feel right, I don't know. But reading at a table feels good, it feels studious. I feel more focused. My wine is convenient (but so is my laptop, grr).
It's amazing how long the evenings feel when I'm not parked in front of the TV.
Which reminds me - as winter approaches I need to put together my reading list. I always read a lot more in the winter than I do in the summer. For some reason I read better when it's dark outside, and in the summer by the time it gets dark, I need to be asleep to catch my insanely early alarm.
So, hmm. Reading list will be forthcoming. A mix of classics and new novels with some contemplative works sprinkled throughout, I'm sure.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
I feel so civilized!
For the first time in my life I have a little breakfast table! I'm sitting at it right now, blogging, drinking tea, looking out the window at the lovely construction zone and Capitol dome beyond. I feel like a real person! I had lunch here a while ago - for the first time in my adult life I ate a meal in my own home NOT at the coffee table!
I've arrived at adulthood.
I've arrived at adulthood.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Running in the Rain
Well after feeling like absolute crap all day yesterday on account of the energy-sucking weather, I managed to, after four cups of tea in bed with 30 Rock and kittens on my feet, find my inspiration and go for a run.
My tummy didn't feel too good (too much tea!) but my lungs felt great and I was fast, in the tradition of winter running.
Isn't it funny how sometimes when you feel terrible you can get out there and run great - and when it's sunny and you have all day and have been looking forward to a run you can feel like crap? There doesn't seem to be any way to predict how well a run will go.
And the lesson here is: get out there! Even if you're SURE the run will go badly, you lose nothing by lacing up those shoes and giving it a shot. You might surprise yourself, and you'll always feel better having given it a shot than having stayed in.
My tummy didn't feel too good (too much tea!) but my lungs felt great and I was fast, in the tradition of winter running.
Isn't it funny how sometimes when you feel terrible you can get out there and run great - and when it's sunny and you have all day and have been looking forward to a run you can feel like crap? There doesn't seem to be any way to predict how well a run will go.
And the lesson here is: get out there! Even if you're SURE the run will go badly, you lose nothing by lacing up those shoes and giving it a shot. You might surprise yourself, and you'll always feel better having given it a shot than having stayed in.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Yuck Yuck
This has been the worst week, weather-wise. Cold rain, alternating between driving and misting. Cold, damp mornings, wet pavement. No sun. Energy sapping.
I am due for a run but I just don't think I can muster it today. It sounds much nicer to get in bed with my cats, a pot of tea on the nightstand, and 30-Rock (Season Three!) on the laptop.
I'll run tomorrow. Promise.
I am due for a run but I just don't think I can muster it today. It sounds much nicer to get in bed with my cats, a pot of tea on the nightstand, and 30-Rock (Season Three!) on the laptop.
I'll run tomorrow. Promise.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tight
I'm tight. I have slowly, over the course of the summer, lost all of my hard, yoga-earned flexibility. I have been rocking my strength workouts and running well but I don't feel long and loose.
Unfortunately there is not currently a viable yoga option for me on Capitol Hill so I'll need to start a home practice which has it's... complications... considering I can barely sit through a 3o-minute sit-com without checking my freaking email.
Something, however, has to change. I miss the gazelle-like feeling of completing a long, sweaty week of yoga practices. I need to work something out, and soon.
Unfortunately there is not currently a viable yoga option for me on Capitol Hill so I'll need to start a home practice which has it's... complications... considering I can barely sit through a 3o-minute sit-com without checking my freaking email.
Something, however, has to change. I miss the gazelle-like feeling of completing a long, sweaty week of yoga practices. I need to work something out, and soon.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, October 09, 2009
My baby!
This is what mine and Nik Lidstrom's baby would look like, via morphthing.com
I'm thinking of naming him Thor.
(Creepy, I know.)
I'm thinking of naming him Thor.(Creepy, I know.)
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Starting to Feel Like Home
I finally got my artwork hung on the walls!! My black and white photographs above the couch, five shots from my travels around the world in the entryway, the Greek icon of Diana the Huntress in the entrance to the kitchen, and my nude in the bathroom. It's amazing what that's done to really make the place feel like home.
Don't get me wrong, I still have TONS of wall space, and over the years hope to accumulate more artwork. I have 15-foot ceilings and would love to hang art high up! But all with time.
It seems like all I've wanted to eat in the week and a half since being in the UK is eat vegetables! Roasted vegetables with greens or pasta, raw vegetables with hummus. My body has been CRAVING vegetables and I'm giving in for all it's worth! I feel good though - lean and strong, and the weather has been perfect for running.
I think I've hung up my racing shoes, though. People have been encouraging me to register for a couple of upcoming races and I just can't get excited. I don't NEED the race to improve - I like running for the heck of it, so the motivation excuse doesn't apply to me. I don't feel competitive. I don't even crave the race atmosphere which is actually a really exciting and fun one. I just don't have the racing jones anymore.
Overall, I'm looking forward to a nice autumn in the city. I'm not traveling for the holidays and am trying to keep a (relatively) clear social schedule. I do have a girlfriend coming down to visit from Baltimore this weekend which should be very fun - my first houseguest! But aside from that and a couple of day trips, I just want to get lots of exercise, read lots of books, explore my new neighborhood, and continue doing well at work.
Don't get me wrong, I still have TONS of wall space, and over the years hope to accumulate more artwork. I have 15-foot ceilings and would love to hang art high up! But all with time.
It seems like all I've wanted to eat in the week and a half since being in the UK is eat vegetables! Roasted vegetables with greens or pasta, raw vegetables with hummus. My body has been CRAVING vegetables and I'm giving in for all it's worth! I feel good though - lean and strong, and the weather has been perfect for running.
I think I've hung up my racing shoes, though. People have been encouraging me to register for a couple of upcoming races and I just can't get excited. I don't NEED the race to improve - I like running for the heck of it, so the motivation excuse doesn't apply to me. I don't feel competitive. I don't even crave the race atmosphere which is actually a really exciting and fun one. I just don't have the racing jones anymore.
Overall, I'm looking forward to a nice autumn in the city. I'm not traveling for the holidays and am trying to keep a (relatively) clear social schedule. I do have a girlfriend coming down to visit from Baltimore this weekend which should be very fun - my first houseguest! But aside from that and a couple of day trips, I just want to get lots of exercise, read lots of books, explore my new neighborhood, and continue doing well at work.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Sick to Death
The hockey season doesn't even start for 20 more minutes and I am already sick to death of hearing about "Ovie." God damn it shut UP about him! Just because he's the best player YOU have doesn't mean he's the goddamn savior of the world!
Go send him to Russia for a few years and he'll figure out that a) he's not the second coming of Christ and b) he isn't half as good as he could be with a little mentoring.
Anyway, I signed up for NHL Game Center on nhl.com which lets me watch every single game online via streaming video. I can watch up to four games at once by simply dragging and dropping from the score counter banner down to the video area! Awesome! Each game has full DVR properies so I can pause, rewind, etc.
This is great because even if I did have cable I wouldn't be able to see any Wings games unless I got some extra fancy cable package for $150/month. This is $150 for the whole season, forty games per week including playoffs.
Let the season begin...
Go send him to Russia for a few years and he'll figure out that a) he's not the second coming of Christ and b) he isn't half as good as he could be with a little mentoring.
Anyway, I signed up for NHL Game Center on nhl.com which lets me watch every single game online via streaming video. I can watch up to four games at once by simply dragging and dropping from the score counter banner down to the video area! Awesome! Each game has full DVR properies so I can pause, rewind, etc.
This is great because even if I did have cable I wouldn't be able to see any Wings games unless I got some extra fancy cable package for $150/month. This is $150 for the whole season, forty games per week including playoffs.
Let the season begin...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
