Saturday Senses

21 Jan

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via}

tasting :: zen tea with my most favorite neighbor while my kid chased hers around the kitchen.

hearing ::  science friday on wednesday. podcasts keep a new solo mama company.

smelling :: rain at the deserted playground.

seeing :: the gym three out of five days this week.

feeling ::  delicate. we’re in a land of transition where it could all go horribly wrong in a moment. {see?}

wishing/hoping :: to find a place of peace and comfort in the transition.

A quote that really resonated this week:

The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves. –  Pema Chodron – When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Hard Life Lessons From a Cowboy

15 Jan

“It’s not really about the horses, is it?”

No, no it’s not.

That’s the thing about this documentary about a boy horribly abused by his father who grows up to embody compassion, kindness and generosity of spirit. It’s not really about the horses. It’s about the resiliency of this man.

I sobbed my eyes out watching the documentary Buck.

Like some serious ugly-cry crying. Thank goodness for Netflix Watch Instantly – boy, this would have been much uglier in public.

What can I say? Kindness of this degree brings me to my knees.

We have a lot in common, me and this guy. Childhood harms that could have turned us into monsters {or at the very least really damaged people continuing the abuse} and yet we both have sought a path to change how the harsh world operates.

At one point, Buck says, “Horses are the mirrors to our souls.”

Not being a horse girl {though my eight year old self would have loved to have been} I would argue so are children. They hold up a mirror to all of our ugly places and unflattering traits, the ones the other adults in our lives rarely see because they are too caught up in hiding their own.

Children (and horses) just keep giving us lesson after lesson about kindness, compassion, generosity and living in the moment. In other words, the lessons we need to keep practicing until they become second nature.

So while on the surface this seems to be a horse movie, it really is about making a life worth living.

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Saturday Senses

14 Jan

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{photo credit: v3}

tasting :: biscotti from vanessa and a new freedom in the form of ruby sleeping in the car.

hearing ::  the amazing classic rock play list in the weight room: wings, bon jovi, styx…

smelling :: magpie at lunchtime.

seeing :: ruby’s teeth breaking through and her amazing squinchy face {see above}.

feeling ::  supported. thanks for all the comments on the co-sleeping post.

wishing/hoping :: to enjoy the last few days of jed’s parental leave.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Finding My Voice As A Parent: Also See STFU

11 Jan

Alternate post title: Quit effing telling me what I should and shouldn’t be doing with my kid.

Three months in and I’m already over people’s “helpful advice”.

Some advice for advice givers, just don’t.

Commiserating about being tired is welcome, but telling me things that start with “you should” or “you shouldn’t” or “don’t ever” isn’t welcome or helpful. What works for you and your family works for you. All kids, parents and families are different.

Including mine.

Recently someone asked me how I was and when I replied that I was exhausted because Ruby had been kicking me, hitting me and or bumping into me all night {while she was sound asleep}, the woman replied, ”You shouldn’t be sleeping with your baby!”

My eyes stung with tears (from exhaustion and let’s be honest, being admonished). I said through clenched teeth – “Well, we are. It is our decision to continue bonding with our newly adopted baby throughout the night. We have made our decision about what works for our family right now and when you are parenting an adopted kid please let me know.”

In case you are wondering, I’m still pissed.

This comment implies I haven’t thought carefully about this (and every other) decision we’ve been making in regard to parenting Ruby. I have been weighing my loss of sleep and the rage that accompanies it (which is a whole other issue unrelated to Ruby) and wanting to make up for those nine and a half months she wasn’t with us {also see: the dark ages}.

I’ve agonized over the “cry it out” people telling me I could train her to self-soothe by letting her sob alone in her crib. Dude, I’m not going to do it.  So stop telling me how well it worked for your kid.

Friends, I’m new at this parenting thing and Ruby is a special girl with lots of people interested in her well-being. In other words, we’re doing this thing kind of more publicly than I’m comfortable with. Usually I like having at least a basic handle on things before I share them with the world. That doesn’t work in parenting. It changes by the moment and so does what works for your family.

It’s a lot like yoga in that way. What works for your body in this moment is what is right for you. Who am I to tell you are wrong because it looks different than what I would do?

I’m working on finding my own voice as a parent. As a natural worrier and as someone prone to deep feelings of shame over being “wrong”, please be kind and thoughtful in your comments about what I “should” and “shouldn’t” be doing.

Nobody likes when you do that.

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So tell me, how do you handle unsolicited advice?

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Saturday Senses

7 Jan

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via} – this is definitely *not* a picture of mine.

tasting :: pasta with roasted vegetables and green monster smoothies. {what is it about january that actually makes me eat fruit and veggies?}

hearing ::  waves crashing on the beach.

smelling :: the ocean.

seeing :: grandma for lunch in the bay area and grandpa for lunch in sacramento.

feeling ::  sleepy. girlfriend is teething and so we’re all a little bit cranky.

wishing/hoping :: for the patience to get through teething without too much damage.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Yeah So, 2011

3 Jan

{via}

Friends, December is over and I’m feeling all lovey toward the new year so decided to reflect a bit on 2011. Plus I saw these questions answered on Nothing But Bonfires and felt inspired.

What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

I became a mama.

 Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?


I did not. I think I am over resolutions at this point and have decided to try to add new habits as needed rather than trying (and failing again) to do a bunch of new things in January. Most years I am so well-behaved in January that I completely give up in February. The good news is I finally saw this pattern and can knock it off already.

 Did anyone close to you give birth?


Yes and we’ve been so busy learning how to be parents we haven’t met him yet.

Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

What countries did you visit?

Taiwan! In the US we spent a bunch of time in the Bay Area this summer and we were lucky to spend some vacation time in Jenner on the coast.

What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

My ability to concentrate diminished at an alarming rate, so if someone could share a bit of that I’d truly appreciate it.

What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

May 9th – we met Ruby on paper.

July 11th – we got first decree.

October 3rd – we met The Ru for the first time.

What was your biggest failure?

Managing my stress about the unknown.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

A minor cold or two – a minor miracle! Plus there was that time I ate a whole box of Joe Joe’s and had to stay in bed for a day because I poisoned myself with all that sugar.

What was the best thing you bought?

A tie between our Ergo baby carrier and the sound machine we use to help Ruby sleep.

 Where did most of your money go?

Adoption. Oh my goodness. Expensive.

What did you get really excited about?

Besides, Ruby?

Old 97′s playing in Sacramento.

Twice!

What song will always remind you of 2011?

Why is this so hard? How about what did I listen to a lot in 2011?

Answer: Big Star

Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter?Richer or poorer?

Happier.

Thinner. Only just.

Financially poorer. Although not nearly as much as I thought I would be thanks to the kindness of friends, family and even strangers.

Life richer.

What do you wish you’d done more of?


Chilled out. Trusted the process. Yoga. Slept soundly.

What do you wish you’d done less of?


Worry. Good god, the anxiety about becoming a parent almost killed me.

How did you spend Christmas?

Christmas Eve we went to the zoo with the rest of Sacramento, took naps and ate pork chops with stuffing.

Christmas Day we chilled at home and then walked to Tari’s for a cocktail. We capped the day off with a speaker phone chat with Grandma and Grandpa in Minnesota.

What was your favorite TV program?

We started watching Modern Family season 1 – a sitcom that is actually funny!

Dexter – have I ever mentioned how I wish I would have thought of this?

I love any kind of home staging show. Watching people pack up their stuff and clean until it sparkles almost inspires me to do the same.

What were your favorite books of the year?

Not going to lie: What to Expect The First Year, Good Night Gorilla, and Happiest Baby on the Block.

What was your favorite music from this year?


Try not to be surprised – Old 97′s Grand Theater Volume 1 and 2.

What were your favorite films of the year?

Midnight In Paris

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Went to dinner with friends at Magpie and I turned 41.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Feeling more confident in becoming a parent.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Are jeans and t-shirts a personal fashion concept?

What kept you sane?

Yoga and my wonderful friends.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.


Babies are only babies for a little while so chill out about moving at their pace for a while.

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Want to play along? Either answer here in the comments or do a post of your own and link back here. I can’t wait to hear about your 2011.

Saturday Senses

31 Dec

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via}

tasting :: pork fat sausage from lao kitchen and homemade marion berry smoothies.

hearing ::  ruby chatter up a storm.

smelling :: clean laundry.

seeing :: baby’s dinner all over the front of me. twice in 30 minutes.

feeling ::  like jenna was able to articulate some of my many complicated feelings about christmas.

wishing/hoping :: for a safe and fun new year’s eve.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Saturday Senses – Birthday Week Edition

24 Dec

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{super ruby!}

tasting :: bbq’d pork sandwiches.

hearing ::  baby laughing.

smelling :: new radio flyer wagon tires.

seeing :: our baby turn 1.

feeling ::  all kinds! happy she’s home, sad we missed the first 9 months, glad we’ve decided to hold off on christmas until after her birthday. december babies get the short end of the stick. and so many more…

wishing/hoping :: everyone has a merry christmas.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Baby Has A Birthday

22 Dec

This past week, our new little one celebrated her first birthday. We kept it really tiny, both in number of guests and duration.

Here are a couple of snaps from the day.

Ruby’s super hero cape is from Ruby’s Garden in Oakland.

{Thanks, Jeannie, David and Eli!}

Contemplating the power of the cape.

Bead Maze!

Tiny hero rests.

How did our favorite girl finish her big day? With a nap followed by a giant book.

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Thanks to all those who celebrated with us and all the well wishers. We’re so happy we were able to celebrate her first birthday as a family!

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My Favorite Things! {Like Oprah and Sarah Von}

13 Dec

Sarah Von from Yes and Yes published her Favorite Things à la Oprah and I was inspired. Not a gift guide, but rather a list of products that make her life better.

While you’re checking out Sarah’s list be sure to hop over to Jezebel’s Worth It feature and see more about products that work for them.

TGBTS’s Favorite Things

Dawn simulating alarm clock completely changed my relationship with morning. At $120 it is not cheap, but my first one lasted more than 10 years and made me a better person. Totally worth it if you ask me.

Hugger Mugger Standard Bolster – in Golden Leaf.  Perfect for restorative yoga. This baby sits on my bed and gets used almost daily. Sometimes I use it to sit, sometimes to sleep, sometimes for a 30 minute Savasana. Another product that has changed my life. Again, a bit pricey at $82, but totally worth it.

Book light has become one of my use it everyday items. I’m not sure I can remember life without it. I got mine in the book section of my local Target for less than $8. No wonder why I am getting so much reading done while Ruby sleeps.

Aroma therapy rice bag I made by tossing in a pound of long grain rice, whole cloves, cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon sticks into a pillow case and tying the end {I don’t sew and I’m fancy that way}. I microwave it for 3-5 minutes and use it as a bed warmer, sore back soother and all around comfort delivery system.

What are your can’t live without items?

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Saturday Senses

10 Dec

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via}

tasting :: hot water, lemon and honey.

hearing ::  baby coughing.

smelling :: not much – too congested.

seeing :: our social worker for a post placement visit.

feeling ::  so much better today – thank goodness for hot baths, long naps and cold medicine!

wishing/hoping :: we all continue to get better and avoid any other viruses.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Saturday Senses

3 Dec

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

tasting :: acorn squash bread from stinky buddha.

hearing ::  rhett miller play some of my favorites – new and old.

smelling :: burt’s bees baby shampoo.

seeing :: so many friends - i can really get used to this.

feeling ::  thankful for the opportunity to create a holiday season of my choosing - thanks madeleine!

wishing/hoping :: i keep following my wellness prescription.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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43 Books – Battle Hymn of A Tiger Mother

2 Dec

As part of my 43 Things Before 43, I am reading 43 books.

Here is the list as it stands now.

1. Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother {finished November 2011} – I read this book in 3 days with a baby. Needless to say, I found it hard to put down.

I’m surprised because I didn’t think I would like it based on some of the talk on Twitter and book reviews. A lot of people clearly didn’t read the book and relied on pull quotes, when taken out of context, make the author sound like a crazy ogre.

What did I like about it?

Amy Chua is funny and quite direct in her approach both in parenting and in writing. I found her writing style to be engaging  and easy to read. Plus she’s pretty self-reflective and sees her ways as extreme. At least she’s not fooling herself. Plus, she’s not asking you to raise your kids the Chinese way.

Would I want to be friends with her if I met her?

Maybe. She’s a bit intense, but I can be too. She is funny and self-reflective and truly only wants what is best for her kids. Although she may be a bit harsh for my taste. I probably would end up telling her that “thoughts are for inside” – rough translation: dude, stop being so harsh.

Do I agree with all of her methods?

Absolutely not. In some cases she just sounds cruel.

On the other hand, I do agree a lot of parents take the easy way out. Nothing is more frustrating as a teacher than to be the only one seemingly invested in a student’s success. Somethings take practice and practice isn’t always fun.

Truth be told, I may have been a bit of a “tiger teacher” my first few years. While my actions didn’t measure up to Chua’s, these were my students, not my own children. We both shared high expectations for our young people and in the process aren’t very popular.

This book is definitely NOT a parenting or child care book, but a memoir.

I definitely recommend reading this book. Please skip the reviews (except mine, of course) and read it for yourself.

Have you read Hymn of A Tiger Mother? What did you think?

Do you have any books you loved and think I should read?

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A Challenge: Claim Your Care and A Wellness Prescription

1 Dec

I’ve always had trouble with the holidays. Even as a child, I wasn’t that enthusiastic about them. Yes, I liked the presents part and some of the traditions and routines, but given I am such a creature of comfort and regularity, they tended to take their toll on me.

The rich food made it hard to sleep.

All the people made it hard to sleep.

Are you noticing a theme here?

Generally the loss of routine care got lost in the excitement.

As an adult, I’ve tended to be quite ill during the holidays. Colds, flu, respiratory infections.

Too much stress?

Too much food?

Not enough self-care?

I’m not quite sure of the answer, but I’ve made changes the last couple years to make the month of December more enjoyable {or at least more tolerable}.

This year, I will live with intention to truly take care of myself.

Starting in December, I’m following Rosie’s lead and making myself a wellness prescription and claiming my care.

Specifically I will:

  • First thing in the morning, a walk with Ruby – at least 30 minutes
  • Using Madeleine’s Manuel as a guide, I’ll consult my book of me when I’m out of sorts and try to solve my problem.
  • Back to the weight room twice a week – 20 minutes is all I need.
  • Soak, steam, sauna at least once a week – the Church of Quiet awaits.
  • Water, Emergen-C, multivitamin and vitamin D daily.
  • Listen to music – such a pleasure in my life and yet I need a reminder to do this.
  • Connect with my spouse – even if for just a 5 minute hug {Do you do this? If not, try it}.
  • A fruit and a veggie at every meal – remembering if I’m not hungry enough for an apple, I’m not really that hungry.
  • Minimize processed foods.
  • Keeping dairy out of my body – that means no cookies, no cake, no desserts unless they are vegan. {ps – I’m not saying you, dear reader, must say dairy-free, I must}.
  • Reading for pleasure – from a book or magazine – every day.
  • Schedule a massage {or two} before the end of the year.
  • Sleeping at least 7 hours at night – even if that means missing a turn or two in Words With Friends and going to sleep before 10.
  • Being with friends – in person, if possible – seriously, if we don’t have a date already let’s get something scheduled STAT.

What would be on your prescription for wellness? How would you claim your care?

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Attitude of Gratitude Re-Cap

30 Nov

Day 1 – thankful for Ruby and adoption for making us a family.

Day 2 – thankful for Jed – best husband and father.

Day 3 – thankful for sometimes waking up before the baby.

Day 4 – thankful for books. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t read and watching Ruby play with hers is the best gift.

Day 5 – thankful for healthcare coverage for my entire family and a clean bill of health for all.

Day 6 – thankful for sweater dresses and boot socks.

Day 7 – so thankful for my It’s All Yoga family.

Day 8 – thankful for generous friends.

Day 9 – thankful for a union job and parental leave so we can be at home to bond with our baby without worrying about our jobs.

Day 10 – thankful for massage.

Day 11 – thankful for the people in the armed services and their dedicated service to this country.

Day 12 – thankful for social media because it keeps me in touch with the outside world.

Day 13 – thankful for year round farmer’s markets.

Day 14 – thankful for long, hot baths after the baby goes to sleep.

Day 15 – thankful for music that inspires me to sing out loud.

Day 16 – thankful for the restorative powers of showers.

Day 17 - thankful for uninterrupted sleep in a way I never dreamed possible.

Day 18 - thankful for daily account summaries from my bank which remind me I’m not completely broke.

Day 19 -  thankful for warm cozy blankets for naps on cool days.

Day 20 - thankful for central heat (and air).

Day 21 - thankful for early morning walks with lovely friends.

Day 22 - thankful for all the blogs I read and the Google Reader to keep them organized.

Day 23 - thankful for my yoga props: bolster, eye bag, strap, blankets, mat.

Day 24 - thankful for Ruby’s birth family. Our family wouldn’t be complete without their generosity.

Day 25 - thankful for the middle path.

Day 26 – thankful for whole days with nothing planned.

Day 27 – thankful for free shipping.

Day 28 – thankful for our house cleaning fairies.

Day 29 – thankful for YOU, my readers.

Day 30 – thankful for It’s All Yoga for the Attitude of Gratitude inspiration.

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A special thank you to Amy Shearn over at The Oprah Life Life blog for the Attitude of Gratitude post.

Want to see where it all started?

What are you thankful for?

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Talk Free Tuesday

29 Nov

The trees!

Picture Books I Love: I Am A Bunny

28 Nov

November is National Picture Book Month.

This bit of information just came my way, however I’ve been celebrating all month by reading to Ruby.

My new favorite picture book is one we got as a shower gift.

I Am A Bunny

Written by Ole Risom with pictures by Richard Scarry. It was first published in 1963. I’m not sure how I missed this gem in my childhood, so I’m thrilled to read it {several times} daily.

Nicolas is the bunny in this sweet adventure through the seasons. The text is simple, yet lovely. The illustrations are what makes this book such a treasure. Each season is pictured perfectly and have provided us  many an opportunity to talk about the changing seasons while we’re out on our daily walks.

If you are in need of a baby shower or toddler birthday gift, I highly recommend this book.

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If you could only bring one picture book on your desert island {oh, the horror!} – what book would you bring?

Want more information on National Picture Book Month?

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43 Before 43: Actually Make Something I’ve Pinned From Pinterest

27 Nov

In the spirit of not being such a holiday Scrooge for Ruby’s sake, I’ve decided we’re going to decorate our house for the winter holidays.

This is a huge step for us. The first year we were in our house we cut down and decorated Christmas tree with lights and bows and then never did it again because we always spend it with family out-of-town. Plus the whole undecorating part was so not fun.

This year is different – the Ru is home and since I’ve always felt the holidays were for kids, we’ve finally got a reason to decorate.

Enter the Life/Birthday List and I found the inspiration from my favorite hobby obsession Pinterest:

For tutorials on making this and other alternative “trees” – click the photo.

Here is my actual “tree” – I’m looking forward to seeing it lit up at night.

I’m so excited I am able to already cross something off my list.  If you are interested in other ideas I have found for the home – check out my list on Pinterest.

Are you all inspiration (like me) or do you make time to be creative and actually make things?

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Saturday Senses

26 Nov

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

tasting :: dairy-free gravy! {thanks to jeddy’s mom for making my favorite part of thanksgiving edible}.

hearing ::  ruby gibber – i do believe my girl is saying something like thank you. and it might be the cutest sound ever {well, since she starting saying mama}.

smelling :: honeysuckle and bitter orange candles.

seeing :: my oldest friends – so much love.

feeling ::  at peace – good lord, daily exercise is a good thing. {please keep reminding me of this},

wishing/hoping :: i remember to keep paying attention {and taking pictures of} all the little tiny details of our life with ruby.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

Black Friday or Buy Nothing Day?

25 Nov

That is the question.

Are you someone who is so thrilled by the hunt of a bargain you are willing to face the crowds on the busiest shopping day of the year?

Or are you someone who beleives the world is driven into ruin by overconsumption and would rather not risk life and limb for a new electronic gadget?

I can’t help but wonder if there is a middle category of people. Like the ones who love a bargain {on stuff they really want/need} AND can not be bothered to shop pretty much ever?

If that third category exists I think I’m in it.

I’m pretty sure you’d have to put a gun to my head to shop on Black Friday.

Miss Minimalist offers some suggestions for a White Friday instead.

Parenthacks offers suggestions for Clutter-free Gifts and How To Shorten Your Holiday Gift List

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So tell me – how do you handle your holiday shopping?

 

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A Little Thanksgiving Advice

24 Nov

Just in case you needed to hear that.

Hope your day is full of good food and better company.

XO

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Me Vs. Sunday

23 Nov

I’ve always hated Sundays.

For me, Sunday marked the death of my freedom and were a weekly reminder of my responsibilities. Each week I’d dread the eventual coming of Sunday because it marked the end of doing what I wanted to do and began the obligatory chores: laundry, meal planning, food preparation and after a my career change, lesson planning.

I felt like my life was a series of Must-Dos instead of May-Dos.

Each week, I’d mourn the loss of my freedom.

Crazy as it sounds, some weeks I’d start feeling the loss on Friday night. You know, because the end of the weekend was right there, especially if I had a lot of things planned over a weekend. Even if they were fun plans, the cloud of dread hung over my head.  A feeling of dread was my constant weekend companion.

So what happened to change my feelings about Sunday?

First, I quit my former career. The perpetual stomach ache disappeared, my insomnia lessened and my stress level decreased dramatically. Nothing like dropping an ill-suited career to bring a person back to life!

Starting my career in teaching was exhilarating and for the first couple years I was running on 100% adrenaline – even on Sunday. Nothing to dread because I was too busy still working.  Nothing could stop my perpetual forward motion, except of course, for every single virus that walked into my classroom. Needless to say, I spend the first few years of teaching is  a constant state of frazzle or on my deathbed sick.

As my husband told me over and over again (in regards to teaching)- you can’t sprint a marathon.

Three years ago, I started attending the Church of Yoga class held on Sunday mornings at It’s All Yoga. {It’s not really called that, but that’s what it feels like to me}.

90 minutes of glorious yoga community connection: poetry, asana, meditation.

It is a beautiful thing.

Recently, I’ve been attending the Church of Quiet.

{Sometimes not even on Sunday.}

So what’s this Church of Quiet?

The tiny spa in the basement of my gym houses a steam room, dry sauna and whirlpool tub.

{Shhhhhhh, don’t tell anyone. Hardly any one ever uses it.}

Once a week (if I’m lucky) I sneak down into the basement wrapped in my blue sarong I bought in Thailand (I’m modest that way) without my glasses and I get myself a cup of cold water and step into the steam room.

The hot, wet heat rises from the floor and envelopes me into its quiet. And I breathe.

When I run out of water or can’t stand it any more, I open the door and feel the relief of the cool room.

Another cup of water and I go into the dry sauna. For some reason I can’t figure out, I love the smell of the sauna. Laying down on the dry warm wooden bench, I close my eyes and breathe.

When I run out of water or can’t stand it any more, I open the door and feel the relief of the cool room.

After filling my cup once again, I turn the dial on the wall around the corner from the whirlpool.

I kick off my flip-flops and step into the deep, hot water. Letting my head rest back on the tiles, I close my eyes and breathe.

I know it is time to get out and head to the shower when the bubbles come to a rest.

All told this little spa day takes less than an hour, but restores me to better than new.

What about you? What do you do to restore yourself?

When Teacher Met Baby

22 Nov

I know many of you have been with us during our entire journey to bring Ruby home, so bear with me here. I’ve answered these questions a lot lately so I thought I’d do a timeline post.

May 9th, 2011 – We got our referral – meaning we “met” Ruby through pictures. *

July 7th, 2011 – First Decree – a judge in Taiwan approved our adoption.

August 18th, 2011 – Travel approved – meaning we were ok to travel to pick her up.

October 1st, 2011 – Fly to Taipei

October 2nd, 2011 – Arrive in Taipei, try not to sleep all day, buy train tickets for the following day.

October 3rd, 2011 – Meet Ruby for the first time.

October 3rd, 2011 – Ruby comes “home” with us in a taxi, on a train and on foot.

October 4th, 2011 – Official business with baby – get travel visa, passport and do an interview.

October 5th, 2010 – get to know each other, nap, eat, site see.

October 6th, 2011 – Fly to San Francisco. Drive home to Sacramento.

October 7th, 2011 to present – Home.

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So there you have it.

The briefest adoption timeline.

Did I leave anything out? Any other questions you’ve wanted to ask?

* please move your mouse over the pictures for more story.

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Happy Haul-idays Giveaway from Chronicle Books

21 Nov

Dear TGBTS friends,

I love books.

You love books.

We love charities and they love books.

So let’s try to win this thing, shall we?

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Here’s how it works.

I post my my whole list favorite Chronicle Books here.

I tell you about the charity I’d like to donate to and why.

You comment, we tweet, we (hopefully) win.

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My charity is my favorite branch of the Sacramento Public Library – Ella K. McClatchy.

I choose this branch because it is my home away from home and could always use more new books. McClatchy truly serves as a community meeting place and I hope to help it grow its collection.

Is this a good time to tell you ONE LUCKY COMMENTER also wins my book list?

Say whaa?

Yep, one of YOU wins the whole lot.

Plus my charity wins $500 in books of their choice.

Sounds good, huh?

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A select few BOOKS!

The complete list is HERE.

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In order to be eligible to win my haul of books, please click on the whole list above and leave a comment about which book is your favorite and why.

Are you on Twitter? Please tweet about my our list using the hashtag #happyhaulidays and we get an extra entry per day. So be sure to tweet away every day!

Good luck to all of us!

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And the Winner Is….

20 Nov

Thank you to all of you who entered to win the beautiful silk scarf from Spirit House Designs and shopped at the presale yesterday.

The winner is…..

Jenna!

She writes This Is My Happiness - one of my favorite travel blogs.

We’ll be sending out your warm tone scarf.

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Still want a scarf to call your own?

Alicia will be selling her work at the Davis Art Center Holiday Sale this first weekend in December.

Be sure to “like” Spirit House Designs on Facebook to keep up with Alicia’s work.

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Saturday Senses

19 Nov

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

tasting :: roasted root vegetables. {god, i love fall food.}

hearing ::  rhett miller’s new record - for free.

smelling :: brand new library books.

seeing :: my sanity directly affected my the amount of uninterrupted sleep i’ve gotten the night before. thank goodness we don’t have a new-born or i’d need to go to the nervous hospital.

feeling ::  l.o.v.e.d. – today is my 11th wedding anniversary.

ps this is our only framed wedding picture.

i have my “i’m drunk and 30 face” on.

no, i wasn’t drunk.

just 30.

wishing/hoping :: wishing my sweetheart a very happy anniversary and hoping everyone and their grandma comes to alicia’s presale and completes their holiday shopping while helping a great cause.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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43 Things Before 43

18 Nov

{via}

For months I’ve been reading about other people’s Life Lists and wondering if I could ever make one without driving myself crazy with all the achieving and in-my-head competition.

Would my list be cool enough?

Would I really do everything I said I would?

What huge adventures await?

Inspired by Rosie’s birthday list, Sarah’s try new things before her birthday list and Amy’s Life List, I’ve decided to put together a list of things I would like to do before I turn 43.

Why 43 instead of 42?

My birthday is in 4 months and I don’t want to hurt myself getting it all done before then. My list is l-o-n-g, makes me think I needed to start this  thing in my 20s.

My intention with this list is to remind myself to have more fun, take care of myself and to do things out of the ordinary.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

The List:

1. Take my birthday (March 20th) off – no work, no obligations – just fun.

2. Take an anti-gravity yoga class.

3. Road trip to Portland with Ruby.

4. Take Ruby to see live music.

5. Read 43 books.

6. Put my feet in the ocean with Ruby.

7. Pick berries.

8. Go on retreat.

9. Teach an active yoga class.

10. Go to the movies by myself. {Yep, I’ve never done this. I have, however, gone to a rock show on my own so don’t feel too sorry for me.}

11. Attend a service at a Universal Unitarian church.

12. Explore the Taiwanese culture in Sacramento.

13. Learn 10 words/phrases in Mandarin.

14. Run a 5K.

15. Write a fan letter.

16. Rent a house at the coast or in the mountains.

17. Teach a class on social media and blogging to teachers.

18. Sleep outside.

19. Do a swim workout.

20. Watch my first students graduate from high school.

21. Spend a week away from the Internet.

22. See a play.

23. Go to a sing along at the Crest.

24. Take a photography class.

25. Take a cooking class.

26. Take a private yoga class.

27. Actually make something I’ve pinned on Pinterest.

28. Go to the ballet.

29. Have a family portrait taken.

30. Watch a movie outside in the backyard.

31. Take Ruby on a hike.

32. Help a friend start a blog.

33. Build an outdoor shower.

34. Make a wall of bookshelves in the dining room.

35. Redesign the entryway and make it pretty and useful.

36. Start a mom/play group in Midtown.

37. Teach a class at my gym.

38. Organize the pantry.

39. Get rid of all the shoes I don’t wear because they are uncomfortable.

40. Take a nap in a hammock.

41. Host a baby shower.

42. Take a photo every day.

43. Make the Book of Me into a book.

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Do you make yearly plans? A Life List? Would you like to?

I’d love to hear about yours.

And I’d love for you to join me in making my list a reality. Please let me know if you’d like to do any of my 43 with me.

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The Interpreter – Rhett Miller

17 Nov

A Thanksgiving treat?

An early Christmas gift?

On The Interpreter Rhett covers some of my all time favorite songs: American Girl, California Stars, Wave of Mutilation, Waterloo Sunset and a bunch of other songs that sound awesome.

Maybe he covered your favorites too.

To hear the whole album before it comes out on Tuesday, November 22nd – click here.

In other news, the best husband in the WHOLE WORLD said I may be able to go to see Rhett in San Francisco at the end of the month.

A Thanksgiving Miracle?

Those exist, don’t they?

Anyone want to join me?

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It’s My Lucky Day!

16 Nov

{via}

The other day Katy from the Non-Consumer Advocate wrote about a new program through the Portland Public Library called Lucky Day and I was feeling jealous.

Just walk into your neighborhood branch and pick a brand new popular title off the shelf and check it out without the endless hold list?  Of course those kinds of programs happen in Portland.

<imagine whiny voice here> I wish we had a cool program like this in Sacramento.

Well, imagine my surprise when I went to the McClatchy branch of the library today (to get myself out of library fine jail) when I looked up and saw a shelf with Lucky Day books.

I now have three weeks to read these two titles:

Extreme motherhood and a yoga book I’ve had my eye on for months.

Yay me!

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What new books have you read that I should keep my eye on? 

Have you had a lucky day recently?

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TGBTS Recipe Edition! Best Damn Granola – EVER {Guest Post!}

16 Nov
Our return from Taiwan was even sweeter because of how our dear friends took care of our food needs.  Vanessa was one of our many friends who kept us well-fed in those first few blurry, jet-lagged weeks.
Here’s Vanessa to share the recipe for the best damn granola ever.
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With the news that the newest member of the Hackbarth-Brewer household would soon be arriving, loved ones couldn’t wait to stock the family with all things baby:  clothes, toys, books, furniture, good wishes, advice.  And food.  Lots of it!  Every new family needs it, but in the first few weeks with a new baby, who has time to chop carrots when there are songs to be learned and long walks to be taken?

Tami’s fellow yogi, Madeleine, rallied friends to sign up on Mealtrain, a website that helps organize meal-making and delivery.  Safe home from Taiwan with Sacramento’s newest resident in tow, Tami and Jed began receiving deliveries of hot, nourishing meals from friends eager to feed them lentil soup, black bean soup, chicken soup, hearty chili– all foods to fuel the new parents through jet lag and diaper changes and a new life with the sweet babe.

I couldn’t wait to get in on the action, but living more than an hour away, I wasn’t going to be able to casually drop off a casserole.  So I looked toward less perishable options and immediately thought of one of my favorite recipes, a slightly tweaked version of the very best granola ever, which is handmade by Early Bird Foods in Brooklyn.  It’s a delicious play of sweet against salty, made luscious by a generous hit of olive oil.  There’s plenty of room to adjust the ingredients to your taste by, say, leaving out the sunflower seeds and adding in a cup of chopped almonds instead.  If you want to add in dried fruit like currants or chopped apricots, wait for the last 20 minutes of cooking so they don’t get too dried out.

You might look at the amount of olive oil, maple syrup, and brown sugar and think you can save a few calories or fat grams by using less, but don’t do that.  Their proportion (along with the salt) is what gives the granola its magical addictiveness.  Eat the granola with yogurt or milk or as an ice cream topping, or do what Tami does and use it to top cooked apples.  Usually I just eat it by the handful, pausing occasionally to lick the salt off my fingers.

Ruby (and Tami) helped me whip up another batch of granola this week.  From the looks of it, I’d say there’s a new cook in the family!

Bon appétit to Ruby and her mom and dad!

Welcome Home Granola

3 cups rolled oats (not baby oats or the quick-cooking kind)
1 cup raw, shelled sunflower seeds
1 cup raw, shelled pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas)
1 1/4 cups coconut flakes (the thick, wide ones, sometimes called coconut chips)
1 1/4 cups raw, chopped pecans
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (something bold and fruity is preferable)
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup pure maple syrup (any grade is fine so long as it’s real maple syrup)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup raw cocoa nibs

Preheat oven to 325ºF.

Combine all the ingredients except the cocoa nibs in a large bowl and mix them together to coat everything evenly.  Spread the granola out on a large, rimmed baking sheet.  Bake for 40-50 minutes, carefully stirring the granola every 10 minutes;  pay special attention to keep the edges from burning.  During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the cocoa nibs.

The granola should be uniformly light brown when it is done. Remove from oven and allow to cool thoroughly.  Taste and add a little more salt if you like.  Store in an airtight container.

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Questions? Comments? Love for V3 or me?

Do you have any recipes or favorite {dairy free} foods to share?

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Talk Free Tuesday

15 Nov

Mama’s Most Used Nap Time Apps and A Request for Your Favorites

14 Nov

{image: Google – I so hope to take a picture like this someday.}

In the last few weeks, I’ve found myself with LOTS of quiet time every day. Not the kind where you get things done, the kind where you are pinned under a tiny human who will nap twice as long, but only if you are with her. {And no, I’m not looking to change this. I may later, but now isn’t later}.

While I could use this time to sleep myself, I fear a 90 minute nap would interfere with my night-time sleep.

For the record, I am tired during the day. Everyday. But just the thought of messing up my night-time sleep makes me a little crazy. So I stay awake, one arm pinned under my tiny human and use my iPod Touch.

Also for the record, getting old sucks. I used to be able to sleep anywhere anytime.

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Netflix – Watch Instantly is my friend. I’m watching Twin Peaks (for the first time ) and Friday Night Lights. Do you have any recommendations?

Pinterest – Can. Not. Stop. Pinning. There, I said it. Believe me, I thought this was the singularly most idiotic idea {right after Facebook, of course} and now? See comment above.

Google Reader – I know, not an App, but I am keeping up on my blog reading. Commenting? Not so much.

Words With Friends – Want to play? I’m TGBTS.

NPR News + podcasts – Love me some Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me and Fresh Air and Culturetopia.

Twitter.

Facebook – although I hate it on my Touch. I feel like I am missing everything.

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So if you were in charge of my 90 minute nap time and my iPod Touch, what would you make sure I didn’t miss?

I’m looking for your favorite Apps, TV shows, movies, podcasts – whatever I shouldn’t miss and why you love it. 

Catching Up with Alicia Herrera of Spirit House Designs + a GIVEAWAY!

13 Nov

Last November I interviewed my fellow public school teacher, adoptive mom (to be), and owner of Spirit House Designs, Alicia Herrera, as part of my Featured Teacher Series.

Here’s a snap shot of our conversation recently.

What is happening in your adoption?

We are now 27 months into our adoption pregnancy.  After the initial flurry of paperwork, classes, and home study, we have been more or less waiting.  And, because all of the legal documents tent to be valid only for a year, we have renewed all of our paperwork once, too.

We are pretty much at the “top” of the list for getting an important phone call- the one where we are matched with our child.  After we are matched, it will be another 4-8 months while we go through the court system. We hope to have a toddler at home this time next year!

What’s changed since last year?

One big change has happened since this time last year.

The program that we were in (Thailand) basically slowed to a stop. International adoption is dicey in that the process can take so long that policy changes happen mid-process.  We were advised by our adoption agency to switch countries if we were wishing to complete an adoption in the next couple of years (yes!).

Adoptive parent requirements vary from country to country and, initially, we had not been married long enough to consider a few other options.  Those options were suddenly open to us, including a very good program with a small children’s home in Taiwan.

Having to change countries is a big fear for adoptive parents because of time and money lost. It can be heartbreaking to essentially “start over”.   We had to face that fear this year and it was hard for us.   More waiting, more money, still no guarantees.  We took a deep breath, crossed our fingers, and reapplied in Taiwan.

Are are you still raising money to fund your adoption through Spirit House Designs? 

 Reapplying meant redoing a lot of paperwork (again!) and repaying fees.  In addition, the program in Taiwan is also about $7,000 more, by design, than Thailand. We expect to spend about $35,000 by the time we are finished, which is roughly a teacher’s take-home salary for one year.  It is amazing to consider!

What’s new at Spirit House Designs?

Oooh. The thing that I am loving the most this year are the silk art scarves.  They have been individually painted, dyed, and then shaped by hand.  I added little specks of light and color to make each one unique.  They look great and feel luxurious.  I put up a tutorial on the blog that shows my favorite way to wear them as scarves, but they are versatile enough to be worn as a shawl, too.

They are such a pleasure to make. Working with silk is filled with meditative moments.  Mixing color, paying attention to the fiber’s response, moving slowly, being open to what each piece wants to become… all of these things are done with intention and love.  I believe that this attitude is what makes each item beautiful and what pleases the wearer. There is no substitution for heart.

I also have the next batch of nuno felted scarves, flowers, huipil cushions, as well as some gifty felted soap, all of which can be seen first at the open studio at the house on November 19th.

Where is your work available?

I will be showing at the Davis Art Center Holiday Sale and the Davis Gift Mart the first weekend in December.  This should be a fun holiday season of sharing both textiles and adoption excitement updates with everybody.

I will also be having a Spirit House studio presale on November 19th, for those who are unable to make the Davis Art Center Sale.  From 10 AM-2 PM, the studio will be open and items will be available for purchase.

The studio sale is by invitation only, but all are very welcome.

{For an invitation, simply submit a comment of interest}.

All of the profits from the presale go directly toward our adoption fund.

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Alicia has generously donated a silk scarf to the readers of Teacher Goes Back To School.

To enter to win – please leave a comment about what color palette interests you most: warm tones or cool tones.

 Options for Extra Entries:

Subscribe to Teacher Goes Back to School via Email & Confirm Subscription (upper right hand corner) and then leave a blog comment telling me you subscribed. If you already are a subscriber, leave a comment letting us know.

Subscribe to Spirit House Designs via Email & Confirm Subscription (upper right hand corner) and then leave a blog comment telling Alicia you subscribed. If you already are a subscriber, leave a comment letting us know.

“Like” Teacher Goes Back to School on Facebook and then leave a blog comment to confirm. If you already like TGBTS, leave a comment letting us know.

“Like” Spirit House Designs on Facebook and then leave a blog comment to confirm.If you already like Spirit House Designs, leave a comment letting us know.

Tweet this post or share it on Facebook and then leave a blog comment to confirm.

Who is eligible to win?

Anyone with a valid e-mail and a U.S. mailing address is eligible.

When do I find out if I am the winner?

The contest is open from November 13, 2011 until midnight PST on Friday, November 18, 2011. The winner will be announced on November 19th at the Presale. {Need not be present to win.}

You will have 2 weeks to e-mail us back with your home address so we can mail the prize.

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Thank you to all who entered.

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Saturday Senses

12 Nov

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

{via}

tasting :: eggplant appetizer from masullo’s. people, i don’t even like eggplant and this was delicious.

hearing ::  myself cry when i got headbutted at 4am by my little sweetheart.

smelling :: vanessa’s ridiculously delicious granola baking in my oven.

seeing :: my perspective change

feeling ::  discomfort in transition.

wishing/hoping :: for grace and kindness in this time of change.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Review 11 Things for 2011 on 11/11/11

11 Nov

{via}

Last December I wrote about 11 things I going to give up in 2011.

Seems it would be appropriate today to check in on the progress.

1. Cable TV – we still have it and we’re still talking about how we need to get rid of it. Not because we’re watching too much (thanks, Ruby), but because it is an added expense on our new one-income household.

The problem? We have bad internet and research is showing that good internet comes with cable.

Any advice?

2. My Yoga Journal subscription – gone. Haven’t thought about it once until now.

3. Paring down books and clothes.

I have definitely caught the clothes swapping bug. I went shopping in a store once this year. The rest were swaps or hand-me-downs from lovely friends.

Books have been traded, swapped, sold and donated.

Newest challenge? Keeping Ruby’s books corralled and her clothes sorted and passed on once she’s finished with them. Again, the generosity of friends and family with gifts and hand-me-downs and she has quite an extensive wardrobe.

4. Eliminate sugar, dairy and bread for a month.

I did it and NEVER felt better which inspired me to visit the allergists and lo and behold, I am really allergic to dairy. Not in the my-tummy-hurts-way, but in the why is my nose completely stuffed up way.

I have been dairy free since January (mistakes have been made and paid for) and I am happy to report I haven’t suffered the wrath of a respiratory infection, cold or much more than a mild case of the sniffles since.  Seasonable allergies (to every single plant in Sacramento) can finally be treated with regular allergy medicine.

While eating dairy free is a ridiculous pain the in butt, it has made my life world’s better.

5. Cutting out screen time at 8:30 pm.

I did it all during January and I never slept better or felt more refreshed. I kept track of my progress on a Gold Star Chart (like Gretchen Rubin). Simply amazing. I kept that screen time limit all month!

February rolled around and I promptly forgot the chart and the screen time crept right back to bed time. Clearly, this is a work in progress.

6. Clearing out the clutter.

Another work in progress. Jed and I got rid of countless bags of our stuff only to have it replaced with baby stuff. Again, a work in progress. If you know anyone needing baby girl stuff in Sacramento, please send them my way. I will have plenty to pass on.

7. Quit signing up for e-courses and finish 2010′s.

I am still working on 2010′s (a gentle nudge to do so) and only purchased two in 2010. I really liked one (and I still need to finish) and the other was only $12 (totally worth the price).

8. Consistently exercising – making friends with cardio.

2011 has been a good year for exercise. I found my perfect exercise partner and we hit the gym most weekdays during summer break and we’re both exercising (albeit way less) well into the fall.

Cardio is still mind-numbingly boring, however I am trying to make nice with it by walking with Ruby in the pouch and friends by my side.

Want to make a walking date? Leave a comment and let’s set up a date.

9. To stop taking things personally.

It is definitely less of a struggle to do this, but these days I have less opportunity to be criticised. I think. Or I am just too tired and involved with my new kid I stopped caring. Jury is still out.

10. Hire a housecleaning service.

Holy crap! BEST money I’ve ever spent. Plus it turns out the people I know with tidy houses have help keeping it that way. Need a referral? We love Angela, Sally and Elsa over at California Green Clean.

11. We finally became a family.

2011 saw the end of our adoption wait. Ruby is finally home and we couldn’t be happier.

Looking back at the year so far – were you able to let go of what no longer worked in your life? What can you give up going forward?

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Letting Go of What Used to Be and Embracing What Is

10 Nov

Today I have plagued with a touch of sadness of what used to be. I’d get up, get ready, go to work and come home and do whatever I felt like doing. Sometimes going to yoga, sometimes watching TV and sometimes talking for hours on the phone with girlfriends in other cities.

I’d also work on school projects and connect with other teachers about lessons for my class and respond to emails from families.

Connecting with others through blogging and social media online and in person were some of my favorite things to do. Who doesn’t love a long lunch or an extended happy hour?

The only thing controlling my time and how I spent it was me.

Even my husband didn’t make a lot of demands on my time. We somehow fell into a comfortable flow of me time, them time and our time over the course of our decade and a half long relationship.

Fast forward a month + into parenthood and it’s dawning on me that I’m not the one in charge anymore. In order for me to meet the needs of my family I need to simply be available to them when they need me. And for now, they need me most of the time.

While I am no longer able to be spontaneous and available to others, I am answering the call of a little dependent person. Something I’ve never done before.

I feel like I am disappointing others because things are not what they used to be and I’m sad to have to let go of my identity of always reliable go-to friend and feel a bit disappointed in myself for not being able to have things like they were.

And yet, really happy to have my new role as mama.

For now  - I am increasing my tolerance for other people’s disappointment. {The words of my lovely friend Michelle from Love Wasting Time}

So I am trying to let go of what used to be and embracing what is and trying not to contribute to my own suffering for wanting things to be any different than what they are.

I am hoping this isn’t sounding like a whiny rant or a plea for sympathy, I am just noticing a huge, yet subtle change in my life and thought I would share.

How do you embrace change in your life?

How did you transition into your role as a parent?

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A Pain In the Back

9 Nov

source: google images

Yep, that’s pretty much me today.

A couple weeks ago, the pain was between my shoulder blades.

I’m alternating ice and heat. I went to the steam, sauna, soak today.

Massage is scheduled for tomorrow, but man, this sucks.

Pretty sure I’ve got new-baby-back-pain-itis. Or something of the sort.

Have any back advice?

What is your favorite back pain remedy?

Fall Swap Asana!

8 Nov

Women of Sacramento – Swap Asana {It’s All Yoga’s twice yearly clothing swap} is THIS SATURDAY!

Who: You, me, other awesome women looking for new-to-us wardrobe pieces

Admission: $5 and 1 piece of clothing gets you in. Take home all you like. Donations and unclaimed items go to WEAVE.

What: Clothing swap – gently used women’s clothes, shoes, accessories

When: Saturday, November 12th 2-4pm

Where: It’s All Yoga – 21st and X Streets – Sacramento, CA

Will you be there? EVERY size will be represented, so come on out.

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Reflection: Our First Month With Ruby

7 Nov

Yesterday during my day long cryfest  yoga retreat, I had some time to reflect on my first month of parenthood.

The Good:

Ruby’s laugh – honestly I’ve never hear a sound that makes me happier.

Ruby’s smile.

Her lips.

Her cheeks.

The look on her face first thing when she wakes up – like she’s been waiting for this moment her whole life.

Baby babble: mommomomomomomomom

The clapping.

Licking books.

Giving me a book over and over to read again and again {current favorites: Good Night Gorilla, The Foot Book, I Am A Bunny, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear.}

Pounding the table at meal time for MORE. NOW. PLEASE.

Her high level of enthusiasm for baths.

Pulling herself up using your pant legs and hugging our knees.

Tiny baby feet.

Her Mongolian spot.

Constantly being reminded what needs attention in this moment – sweeping under the bird-cage, turning off the electronics, closing all the drawers – mostly a cuddle with mama.

The Bad:

Worry much? Friends, I am a worrier by nature and since we’ve invited our little nugget into our house I’ve turned the worry dial up to 11 on many a nights. Holy crap – nothing is too small or too big.

The disrupted sleep. The baby sleeps great, but between the worry and the moving, kicking, flopping etc I barely get a wink.

The lack of yoga class. People, yoga at home is awesome, but the community of others? underrated when you haven’t spoken to anyone higher than your knee in a long while.

My body hurts – between the worry, the contortionist sleeping, the picking up and walking around with 17 extra pounds – mama needs a massage STAT!

The Ugly:

One more than one occasion I asked if I needed to brush my hair before I left home. {the answer is always yes. I know, I know}.

The kitchen floor under her high chair.

The front of all her clothes by mid-day. Drool much?

Diapers are disgusting. That is all.

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Thank you for being there for us this first crazy month. We feel so loved and well taken care of. We’re starting to get out and about more and having visitors more regularly, so if you see us around or want to make a date – give us a shout out.

XO.

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Today We Rest

6 Nov

The Nap Taker

by Shel Silverstein

No – I did not take a nap -
The nap – took – me
off the bed and out the window
far beyond the sea,
to a land where sleepy heads
read only comic books
and lock their naps in iron safes
so that they can’t get took.

And soon as I came to that land,
I also came to grief.
The people pointed at me, shouting,
“Where’s the nap, you thief?”
They took me to the courthouse.
The judge put on his cap.
He said, “My child, you are on trial
for taking someone’s nap.

“Yes, all you selfish children,
you think just of yourselves
and don’t care if the nap you take
belongs to someone else.
It happens that the nap you took
without a thought or care
belongs to Bonnie Bowlingbrook,
who’s sittin’ cryin’ there.

“She hasn’t slept in quite some time -
just see her eyelids flap.
She’s tired drowsy – cranky too,
’cause guess who took her nap?”
The jury cried, “You’re guilty, yes,
you’re guilty as can be.
But just return the nap you took
And we might set you free.”

“I did not take that nap,” I cried,
“I give my solemn vow,
and if I took it by mistake
I do not have it now.”
“Oh fiddle-fudge,” cried out the judge,
your record looks quite sour.
Last night I see you stole a kiss,
Last week you took a shower,

“You beat your eggs, you’ve whipped your cream,
at work you punched the clock,
You’ve even killed an hour or two,
we’ve heard you darn your socks.
We know you shot a basketball,
you’ve stolen second base,
and we can see you’re guilty
from the sleep that’s on your face.

“Go lie down on your blanket now
and cry your guilty tears.
I sentence you to one long nap
for ninety million years.
And when the other children see
this nap that never ends,
no child will ever dare to take
somebody’s nap again.”

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Today we rest. I’ll be at It’s All Yoga, but feel free to join me in spirit while you are at home.

Also, if you’d like to come try a class during November, send me a message or leave me a comment and I’ll get you a card.

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How are you resting today?

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Saturday Senses

5 Nov

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

tasting :: burger and fries (!) from burgers and brew

hearing ::  baby sobbing because she got blood taken and the cat crying because he’s lonely. {boooooo}

smelling :: the doctor’s office

seeing :: ruby play with her baby cousins – imagine puppies only cuter.

feeling ::  more connected. we got out and saw friends and family this week.

wishing/hoping :: for some restoration at this weekend’s retreat.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Free Yoga In Sacramento During November

4 Nov

Interested?

All you have to do is ask me for a complimentary class card *** and promise to USE IT during November 2011. It is good for any class at It’s All Yoga, not just mine.

Why am I doing this?

A) Free yoga is good for everyone.

B) The teacher with the most new people coming in to the studio with their cards wins a massage with Kate Sullivan at Anatomy of Massage.

Win, win!

*** – cards are for new people only (or people who haven’t been to the studio in a year or more)

Sorry for those friends and students who already go to the studio. I’ll come up with some other giveaway or contest later.

Promise.

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Attitude of Gratitude

3 Nov

On Tuesday It’s All Yoga posted on Facebook:

For the month of November, we’re launching an Attitude of Gratitude campaign. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, you’re invited to dedicate one Facebook update per week to write what you’re thankful for.

We’ll go first: “We’re thankful for the beautiful ginkgo trees in front of the studio whose butterfly leaves will turn their signature golden yellow in just a couple of weeks. (It’s All Yoga Attitude of Gratitude)”

What do you say, will you join us in cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude? Be sure to tag It’s All Yoga in your posts so we can “hear” you. :)

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Well, I misread that as sharing what you are thankful for EVERY DAY. I guess the Twitter #30DaysofThankfulness hashtag seeped into my brain and now I’m in.

Ever since reading Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project {3 times!} I’ve kept a one sentence journal. While I don’t write in it every day, when I do go back and reread it I am once again filled with gratitude.

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At the end of the month I think I’ll compile my list and publish as one post. For now, I’m posting daily on Twitter and on Facebook.

Want to join me? Just post to Facebook or Twitter and be sure to tag me.

Happy November!

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At Home Yoga Retreat {and Mini Restorative Yoga Class}

2 Nov

This coming Sunday, November 6th, instead of teaching my regular Sunday Snooze restorative class at It’s All Yoga, I am lucky enough to be able to participate in the Emotional Rescue Retreat with Michelle from Love Wasting Time. {Don’t worry regular Snoozers, I’ll be back in the first Sunday of December}.

Check this out.

The purpose of the retreat is to:

• restore
• be pampered
• be in silence
• slow down, tune in, and align with your higher purpose
• reflect on the upcoming holiday season
• give yourself permission to take a day, just for you

A day of restorative postures, journaling, breath-work, discussion, meditation, an organic lunch and the support of a circle of women. Held in the sanctuary of the It’s All Yoga studio.

Sounds good, huh?

Want to join me in this day of retreating in the comfort of your own home?

What you’ll need:

45 to 90 minutes {or whatever you can do}

a quiet spot where you can be alone or with other retreaters

comfy, warm yoga clothes

yoga mat

pillows

blankets

eye pillow or dark scarf

ear plugs

blocks, bolster and straps if you have them {no biggie if you don’t}

quiet alarm

Or if you find this list to be too much, just yourself and a way to keep time.

To begin:

Turn off your phone, unplug your computer and shut off the TV.

Bring mat and all your props with you – including your quiet alarm.

Lie down in Constructive rest – flat on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor hip distance. Knees can be hip width or rest toward each other – whatever feels comfortable for your body. Hands can rest where they are comfortable.

Stay here and breathe normally 10 minutes.

When your alarm sounds, bring your knees to chest and gently rock side to side.

Find your favorite savasana (corpse) position using all the props you’d like. Some suggestions: knees over a bolster or pillow and covered up with a blanket, legs up the wall, a bolster running the length of your spine and soles of feet together with pillows/rolled blankets under the knees for support.

The idea is to make yourself as comfortable as possible so you can just relax. {For more information on restorative yoga}

Stay here and breathe normally for 30 minutes.

Yep, 30 minutes.

What if you fall asleep? You are probably tired.

What if your to-do list is suddenly in the fore front of your mind and you feel as if you must get up NOW? Let it go and know it will wait for you.

What if your mind jumps from topic to topic to topic? Just notice the breath coming in and out of your body and try to watch your mind instead of hanging on to each story.

When will the 30 minutes be over? In 30 minutes.

When your alarm sounds, gently awaken your body. Wiggle fingers and toes, slowly roll ankles and wrists, stretch arms over head and catch a deeper breath and maybe a yawn.

Wake yourself as if you’re sleeping in a really nice hotel and you have absolutely nothing to do.

Roll to the side – and rest – before you use your arms to push yourself to a comfortable seat on the floor.

Write about your experience while drinking a warm cup of your favorite tea and enjoying a healthy lunch.

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Have you ever taken a day for restoration? How did it go? Please share your tips, fears and thoughts.

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The One In Which I Declare I Hate Halloween

1 Nov

Yesterday I woke up feeling a little out of sorts when I realized it was Halloween.

The beginning of the (dreaded holiday season).

I admitted out loud (on Facebook no less!) that I don’t like Halloween and was pleasantly surprised by the agreement from some friends. So happy to not be alone in this.

The scary costumes, the scary decorations, the way-too-old trick or treaters, the slutty costumes and the idiotic drunken behavior – bah humbug!

I don’t get it.

I never have.

Even when I was a kid, Halloween left me feeling uncreative, disappointed, generally let down. Every year I resolved to come up with a better costume, to not be a scaredy cat when the older kids played pranks and maybe finally make it through the haunted house without wanting to cry.

Not much has changed, I still don’t like Halloween.

But then someone kindly offered that I may find something new about Halloween since I’m now a mama and responsible for Ruby’s Halloweens.

Hmmmm.

So grabbed the borrowed lady bug costume and brought Ruby outside for a little photo shoot before the trick or treaters arrived.

Bah humbug begone!

What do you think of Halloween? Celebrate or hate?

Do you ever change your mind about something because someone you love sees it differently than you?

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Saturday Senses

29 Oct

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

tasting :: amanda’s fabulous black bean soup {have you heard about  meal train yet? brilliant.}

hearing ::  baby clap along to momma’s favorite music. {this week: hillbilly deluxe and grievous angel}.

smelling :: pumpkin bread baking.

seeing :: how one night of lost sleep really tears up my brain. i’m so glad i was too tired to post.

feeling ::  a bit lonely if i’m being honest. i absolutely love always being with my favorite girl, but i’ve been missing my friends lately.

wishing/hoping :: for more moments of adult time.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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At Home Yoga For New Mamas

24 Oct

In my pre-baby life I read somewhere that only doing yoga in a class setting was like exclusively going places by being driven around in a limousine. At some point, you are going to have to learn to drive if you want to get where you want to go.

Enter the home practice.

Friends, I’m not going to lie. Practicing yoga at home is hard, especially when you’ve been spoiled with excellent teachers like I have.

Where do I start?

What should I do?

What poses do I do?

How long do I do it for?

What does my body need right now?

What the hell does that even mean?

When practicing at home was first brought up in my yoga teacher training I may have actually guffawed. The joke is now on me.

I now have a home practice. I’m pretty sure it looks different from yours or his or hers, but I have one.

What changed?

I started teaching restorative yoga regularly (first Sunday of the month and needing to feel what I was teaching) and getting myself a baby thus limiting my time outside the house alone.

What does my home practice look like?

Depends on the day and what hurts or needs my attention.

Sometimes, like say when my brain is on overload or I’m so tired I can hardly stand it,  I simply lay in Savasana (corpse) with Ruby on my chest while she has a nap. Since I usually don’t fall asleep, I just rest and try to quiet my mind without obsessively checking my Google Reader.

Sometimes, if my back hurts from all the constant forward bending and lifting from chasing an active 10 month old around,  I will lay in Savasana with a bolster under my shoulder blades while she’s snoozing with Papa. If I don’t have a bolster around I use a rolled up blanket, towel or pillow. When my back is particularly sensitive, I’ll keep my knees bent and feet on the floor to have the stretch be a bit more gentle.

To come out of the heart roll, be sure to roll to one side off the support and rest for a minute or two before using your arms to help you up.

Other times, I’ll sneak in some gentle neck rolls, an easy twist or a puppy while playing on the floor with her

Every so often, I’ll let Ruby lead and we usually end up in Happy Baby.

What about you? How do/did you take care of yourself when your baby came home?

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Saturday Senses

22 Oct

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

tasting :: still so many homemade dinners courtesy of our wonderful friends. chicken noodle soup to die for from christine from stinky buddha and her family, sausage lentil soup from ryan from deephomework and his family and chili with quinoa from sarah. this meal train service and our friends are amazing.

hearing ::  the baby pointing at me and saying mama.

smelling :: grass and woodchips – ruby took her first trip to the park. the swings were a hit!

seeing :: ruby becoming more at home with us. she is playing independently longer between each cuddle.

feeling ::  loved. especially when she rests her little body on me during nap time and gently pats my face.

wishing/hoping :: for more moments of quiet for writing and reading.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Saturday Senses

15 Oct

A way to capture the spirit of each week…

tasting :: chili, tostadas, and a fridge filled to the brim when we returned home… so many homemade dinners courtesy of our wonderful friends. madeleine hooked us up on a meal train and people keep signing up to feed us.

hearing ::  the baby laughing at jed when he tells her ‘no’ in chinese.

smelling :: a clean baby right after her nightly bath.

seeing :: time slow down to a baby’s pace – 2 naps a day? a girl after my own heart.

feeling ::  like a mama.

wishing/hoping :: for more patience at bed time. while our girl seems to like to be asleep, she is no fan of the going to part.

What about you?

What are your senses this Saturday?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it. I’d seriously love to hear about your week. Now’s not the time to be shy.

This weekly tradition inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Don’t forget to click the links!

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Teacher Travels: Taiwan to Pick Up The Ru

12 Oct

Hi, Friends!

We’re really back this time. I missed you.

We have been spending the past week getting to know our girl, Ruby, both here and in Taiwan.

To be honest, we didn’t see much of Taiwan while we were there. We pretty much saw the inside of the hotel, taxis, and the plane. We’ll definitely be returning some day when The Girl is ready.

For now, here are a couple of the first photos (fresh out of the camera).  Apparently, she doesn’t need photo editing.

Ruby is quite the traveler – planes, trains and automobiles on this trip. Her favorite seems to be hanging in her Ergo Carrier with either Momma or Poppa and looking around.

Do you have kids? Do you travel with them?

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