Wednesday, November 6, 2019

1.5 Hours

This morning I got to take the 90 minute class at Hot Yoga 101. Wancy was our leader. I have never had her before. She is an awesome teacher. She walked around and gave many corrections. There was not cheating in this class. There were 31 students... 32 with me... in the class. It was HOT. I was happy to see a lot of familiar faces from my past. I like going back through my memories of the yogis that I recognized. There was the lady who rides her bike and talked to me about warts once, Lori's mom look-a-like who is a fierce yogi - her hair is a pony tail now. There is the bendy girl who always dyes her hair blonde and complains if it is not hot enough - who I said good morning to - but she didn't respond - nothing has changed there. I had an awesome old guy beside me. He killed it. I also got a smile from my new favourite yogi with the shoulder injury - she was way across the room - but smiled before we started. I am trying to spread the love - but this is a tough crowd. I will keep being me and trying to smile, say good morning, and be a positive connection in this morning community. That reminds me, I saw one of my Pure Barre friends in the park this weekend. She has one of those huge dogs - the kind that ... Emma's friend has - the one she used to meet in Mexico - the dog's name was Archie. (Emma's friend's one...) Ummmm.... then I got in the car all sweaty to drive to work... (showered but still sweating...) and I sat in traffic. It took me 90 minutes to get to work. Sad. Time to find a new place to work. I would love to work at the Arts Umbrella - I could just walk to Granville Island... or the Dance Centre... I could walk across the park... or??? Change is coming - enjoy today - I can move, I am healthy, I have an awesome mini-family.

Peace and Love!

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

I am NOT LOYAL

I am back at my original Bikram studio. Well, almost, the original studio was by Yuk Yuk's on Cambie and this studio is in City Square mall. I have been to it before but it was called Bikram Yoga Vancouver. Anyways, I felt disloyal leaving Bikram for a studio closer to my home. (Westcoast Hot Yoga in Yaletown) When that studio started changing all its classes to one hours, I got frustrated and went back to Bikram. When I went back to work after having Christian, I didn't have as much time. I had to get my workouts in the morning I had to leave Bikram 15 minutes early to get to work. I hated interrupting the class by leaving. Another new studio opened up by me (One Hour Hot) and I went there for a few years. They only had one hours. Ironic. I came back from Florida and that studio closed (with my membership...). I decided to try Bikram Yoga Delta, on the way to school. I just had to get up really early to get there for 6am. I also got some class passes for YYoga. There are two of them within walking distance of my home. They just don't have 6ams I can attend. I do love the space, variety, and walkability.

When I first left Bikram, I felt bad. I have come back and see and recognize some of the same students. I see how they have improved over the years. I feel like I am at home. At the same time, I am ok being not loyal. I have learned a lot from visiting other studios and teachers. I shouldn't feel bad for trying to make my practice and my journey fit into my work life and budget. We are all here for the same reason - to practice together and share our energy.

It is good to be back and I feel like I will always come back to this studio. This is my home base.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Pure Barre Yaletown

https://www.purebarre.com/location/vancouver-yaletown-bc

Pure Barre is like Yoga. Let me explain myself, because it is probably only like yoga to me. Back in the day, before I did my first Bikram yoga class in 2005, I thought that yoga was for hippies. What I am saying is, I am a hippie and I am proud. No really, I am saying that I had a preconceived notion of what yoga was and who it was for. It wasn't until I had a boyfriend who was a Bikram yogi that I had the motivation to try a class. He went to a class by himself, came back, and told me about it. I got stuck on the idea of him being surrounded by hot, half naked, sweaty chicks, and decided that this was something he needed to be escorted to. Eventually, the boy was gone but hot yoga was still mine. I love hot yoga.

Yoga is like Pure Barre in the way that I had a preconceived notion about who practices Pure Barre and what it is. I feel bad that I thought that all yogis were hippies, just like I feel bad that I thought that Pure Barre students were all people who wanted to be ballet dancers but never really went for it. Oh that sounds so bad. Anyone can dance, just like those who never really went for it are still dancers. I am embarrassed by my thoughts because that is not what I promote. I don't think that I am better than anyone else, in fact it is the opposite. As for the workout, I thought it would be more like ballet, but it is ALL workout.

I am a real dancer. If I want a ballet workout I will just to go Harbour and take class. These were some of the thoughts in my head. My mind started to change when Jonathon sent me a link to an article about the creators of barre workouts. I don't have the article anymore. The important part is that it was originally created by an injured dancer as part of her recovery. Again, it is a partner that is motivating me to try this type of workout. Jonathon always informs me when another studio appears near our home. He then tells me that one day I will teach that. We will have our studio and I will get to teach all the classes I like. (And have choreographic workshops... super excited about the future. The present is not bad either.)

Here is my experience. I started off with a one week pass. $20 for one week. That is good. I went everyday. I had a couple of weeks off and got school started and then I had a $79 month pass. Somehow, I was able to attend 38 classes over the last few months. At first, I was put off by the students in the class. No one smiled. I smiled. I tried. I sweat. I said good morning to everyone, even if they didn't acknowledge me. I gave them the benefit of the doubt - it is 6am... maybe you don't have your hearing aides in? Eventually, people greeted me back and there was more of a happy feeling in my heart. Now that I am not there, I miss them.

All of the teachers are lovely. I did mostly 6am's, so I am seeing these instructors first thing in the morning. I know not all of them are morning people and that some of them probably wished they were still in bed. Regardless of the time, they were all very awesome. I did have a favourite, I won't name names, but once there were only two of us at the 6am class and she taught super fast so the student that always leaves early to get to work, could get both sides done. Then, she gave me a really good stretch. Who doesn't love that?

The studio is great. It has everything you need and it is right across the street from me. I love getting up and walking to my workout. I like to see my city in the morning, as opposed to just driving straight to work and working out there.

I guess the thing I am missing here is, did it work? I am not much for weighing and measuring, but I feel stronger and leaner. There are old muscles that I haven't worked or stretched in a while. However, there isn't that much cardio. I think Pure Barre is a good addition to your workout repertoire. I did enjoy going everyday, to learn how it works, I would suggest that for anyone just starting. As you learn the exercises and technique, I think you should also branch out and get a hot yoga, a run, or spin class in there. OH... and go and visit Harbour and dance, dance, dance!






Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Tues. Aug. 6, 2019: GMB Day 2: Skill Combination

I had a few days off when Biggy and I went and met G and J up at the shabin. I noticed there that my back had stopped hurting. Was it the awesome stretches from the active recovery day? I am not sure but I am going to keep going with this program. It is the thing for me for sure.



Maybe I like the way this program is laid out because it falls in line with the way that I teach my dance classes. I introduce movements, teach some combos, and allow time for exploration and play. 

I really enjoy the prepare section - my old back really needs that stretching in the morning. I felt great and ready to play because of the proper preparation. 



Thursday, August 1, 2019

Thursday, August 1, 2019: GMB Trial






My right hip flexor was hurting and then it moved to my right lower back spot. I thought I would try something new. I got this free trial for five days of GMB Fitness. I wasn't going to start till after camping - but hopefully it will last until I resume upon our return. I thought it would be good to try and add some of these moves into my class warm-up this year. I also read good reviews about it being a good workout to prevent injuries and since I am always moving from one injury to another... well, you know, I thought this might be a good new one for me.

Today's workout was fairly easy for me. I did the Banzai Frogger and the Bear Twists. The workout took 29 minutes. I like how it is laid out. I used my watch to time the 30 and 60 second sets.


Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Wednesday, July 24, 2019: Skate & 21 Day Fix Extreme: Plyo Fix Extreme

I love my morning family skates. I am trying to enjoy them because just as fast as Biggy has picked up his skating and gotten into it, I know he will not want to skate with his mom and dad one day. He will be a nighty and we will be too old to keep up anyways. So, I may be missing ballet at Harbour, but ballet at Harbour will always be there (I hope). Morning family skates won't.

I did nose bonks trying to slide, shuv-its, and rode 30 times off the Terry before I slammed. Biggy tried manuals. Cakes is not doing too good. His dogs are barking. His shoes were discontinued and he is having a hard time finding ones that make his feet happy. 

As my right hip flexor was ailing from the kicks and leg lifts in Insanity Max 30, I decided to try 21 Day Fix Extreme for a bit. I know it is day one of the real times, but it seems way easier than Shaun T. I am enjoying the "rest." It is nice to see Autumn again too - although, I am not too fond of bearded pointing dude. It is also nice to see Donald there in the back. We will see how it goes. I am enjoying my non-commitment summer.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Tuesday, July 23, 2019: Skate & Insanity Max 30: Pulse & Ab Attack 10

This morning I am going to complain about my right hip flexor. This is the second time this summer it has been bumming me out. I need to rest it and let it get better... but I don't want to do nothing. SO, I just modify and do what I can. I look forward to the Pulse 20 minute workout - it is a nice break from all the jumping. The Ab Attack 10 has a lot of hip flexor stuff in it. Maybe I will take a break from Insanity Max and do a couple of weeks of 21 Day Fix - those live ones. Then, when the hip is better and we are on vacation - I will go back to Insanity Max 30... no equipment needed.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Thurs. July 18, 2019: Insanity Max 30

I have finished week one and just started week two of Insanity Max 30. I am going to keep going with this program for now. I am not sure if I will do two whole months but I do like the shorter workouts and no equipment. It is something I can do anywhere and easily everyday. I do miss the weights a little bit - but I will add some Autumn or maybe even try one of the other weight programs when I get back to school.

I miss my Harbour 1:30 Hip Hops. I am looking forward to summer school being over.

I haven't done my yoga or filmed it yet. Maybe I need to force myself to do it - set a goal for having it done by the end of July.

I also haven't run in a while. I need to do one of those. I have to find out what happens to Lopez.




Thursday, July 11, 2019

Thurs. July 11, 2019: Harrison Yoga Chill

This is the second day in a row that I have done my yoga class that I made for Harrison. My goal is still to have it completely memorized and film it somewhere beautiful. Once that is done, I would like to make a new one and do the same for that. I wonder if I will make a variation of this same class - nah - I think I will make a new playlist - and just make something similar. It is a little bit of a challenge for balance and strength and a good stretch. It is only 37 minutes long - 40 minutes if I really added in the savasana at the end - but I am never good at laying at the end.


Thursday, July 11, 2019: Insanity Max: 30 Cardio Challenge


Today, I thought I was getting up to run with Lopez, but it was kind of grey out... so I thought maybe I would do the Cardio Flow... then I decided to try out what Wanyae was doing. I can do 30 minutes right? Well - it was tough. After the half way mark I started not making it to every count down - ending a little early. It is a sweaty one - but I kind of liked it. It is fun to do something different. I might try this a little longer - see how it goes... I think. This is my summer of indecision and trying not to force myself to do anything... so I am not making myself any promises other than I will keep moving and dancing in some sort of way each day - but 30 minutes goes quick and no equipment is nice too... anywho - that is what I did today. Today I was Wanyae.

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Sat. July 6, 2019: 80 Day Obsession: Day 68: Booty & Family Skate at Terry Fox

This morning, I got up and ready to do my Booty workout. However, Biggy woke up ready to skate - so we headed out to our E spot at the stadium. All the security gates were out and blocking the spot, so we decided to roll around to Terry Fox at the front. There is a huge manual pad there. I want to be able to ollie up and off of it. I am scared though. BUT... Biggy rode up and off of it today - it was amazing. I love this kid. Jonny had to go off to the studio - but Biggy and I skated for an hour and a half. He wanted to skate all day but the rains came.

When I got home, I made us a snack and then I did my workout. I didn't want to do my workout - but I did it and now it is in the books.

Friday, July 5, 2019

Fri, July 5, 2019: Modern w/ Kevin Bergsma

When: Friday, July 5, 2019 10-11:30
Where: Harbour Dance Centre
What: Modern (yoga, qi gong, focus on the breath, movement that tells a story/use of imagery)
Level: Open - accessible to all - this would be a great class for my students to take if they were interested in trying something new. I left the class feeling grounded, calm, and peaceful.

Link to website
First part of class was walking, breathing, yoga.
Second part was feet and tendus.
Next we went across the floor and then connected all the parts to make one long ATF.
Short combo with a story line.
One final cool down ATF: 5 mannequins, 3 flamingos, and the beach.

It was a pleasant class. I was going to take ballet but decided to take Modern - then when I got there and saw there was only one other person in Modern - I thought maybe I would take ballet - but decided to stick to my plan and I am glad I did. I will take ballet next week when I can drop in during summer school.

Fri. July 5, 2019: 6:15 - 6:45am Run

Run with Lopez part two. I like listening to the story and just running. I ran farther than I did on Sunday. (Same 30 minute time.) My hip is not hurting... as much. It is almost better. It is a cloudy day today. I was smiling when Lopez had his essay chosen and when he got adopted by a family. I was smiling and I think people on the c wall (not that many because it is early,) thought I was crazy. I am a red faced, white girl, with a crazy grin, running around the ocean.

It feels good to run. I am looking forward to part three. I wonder how many of these runs there are and what I will try next. I think I want to try a speed training one again - I liked that last one I did.

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Thurs. July 4, 2019: Hip Hop w/ Victor

I had learned this choreo before... what's the song again... I was just looking for it... I can't remember... da da da da dada da... crack... da da da dada da mmmm... step together hands to face elbow elbow ooof... one... you know?

Anyways - felt good - love it when it soaks in. I felt good... but didn't get chosen to dance in the end... but that is ok.. next time! Still, when I watch the kids dancing at the end.. there is no way I was dancing like they were... how do they do it? I think they are just born like that.

Anywho - Jonny has a sandwich and a show for me. Peace out!

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Wed. July 3, 2019: Hip Hop w/ Stu

Biggy's first attempt at sitting at Harbour. He did it. I got him a new game on his Ipad and he was sadly glued to the screen for the entire hour. He had grapes and water and I only noticed him move when a grape rolled onto the floor.

Stu is such an amazing teacher. Why? He took a simple choreo and taught the moves in sections always referring to shapes. He goes over the connections between chunks. He gives corrections and pointers to everyone - I really think everyone got a one-on-one pointer to make their movements cleaner. He gave  level options - how to smooth the shapes together and add your own style. He broke down the three main points he was trying to address and he demonstrated. It was the fullest chill class you could have. You know? So much but so laid back and smooth. I hope I get to take his class again this summer.


Tues. July 2 & Wed. July 3: 80 Day Obsession Day 65 & 66

Yesterday and this morning, I got up and did 80 Day Obsession workouts on my patio. Yesterday, I headed straight out and finished right as the workers were arriving. (When I say workers, I mean two workers who didn't actually do any work all day... who came in through the side scaffolding from the alley smoking, continuing to smoke right in front of me, and extinguishing it in the garbage can. Thank-you for that oh so lovely final workout smokey air... sarcasm... ughh... just finish the patio and leave... it has been over a year now. This is my space and I want it back.) Today, I had my breakfast first and only made it through half my workout as they arrived. This morning, there were were three of them and Dave said, "Good morning!" I could not return his joyous good morning, because I don't see anything good about you dicking around on my patio and not getting shit done. It makes me feel sad. I moved inside to finish my workout and closed the curtains.

Whoa... I am mad eh? Anyways, this was meant to be a post about me doing my workouts and it has turned into a rant about the super slow construction workers.

I have taken the cardio workouts out of 80DO and replaced them with running. Although - I might bust out a cardio flow if we are ever pool or beach side. I still like that one - I just want to run now that I can run again and thought slotting it in during the cardio times would be best. I was thinking I might do one of my 80 days after my last run - but I am all sweaty and don't feel like working out then. It was a good idea but didn't happen. Maybe if I did the 80 day and then ran? Nah...

When 80DO is done, I am going to do A Little More Obsessed and then the new 21 Day Fix Lives. They are shorter - so maybe I can add the runs in with them then. That should take me through the summer.

Monday, July 1, 2019

Monday, July 1, 2019: Run with Lopez 1


I felt like running for the last week but have been busy with the 72D7, and walking down to the Inukshuk at different times of the day, to dance and also the last week of school. But now, school is over and I am FREE! YAY!! However, two days ago, I was trying a Nike training workout and it had dynamic hip stretches at the start and I thought it was going to buzz me to change to the next exercise and it didn't. I saw the number twelve and thought it was weird to do this same thing for twelve minutes of a twenty minute workout but... I wasn't really thinking... so I did... and I am pretty sure I overstretched my right hip flexor. ALSO that day, I sat in the park in a double pigeon while Biggy played... that may have also overstretched it... anyways... I woke up with a limpy right hip Sunday morning. This morning, it was there but not as bad, I still wanted to run.. so I ran... I just ran slow and easy pace. I noticed by right ankle had a crick in it too and I had to stop and rotate it a few times... but I kept going. 

As I was leaving my building, connecting the Bluetooth for my headphones, and putting on my run playlist - I realized my run playlist wasn't on my watch. All that was available was the 72D7 tracks. I went to Spotify and was going to try that but remember that the last time I did that it played through my phone and woke up the whole house... because my phone is at home... and the boys were asleep.  I had also downloaded and was planning on running with the Coached Run with Nike Run Club: Run with Lopez Part 1. This would be my second coached run. The first one I played music and there was some talking... this one was more of a story and what an enthralling story. I didn't even notice I was running. But, I had to try and control my emotions, because I was imagining my son, age six being stolen by rebel soldiers in Somolia. It was a beautiful sunny day, I ran an easy pace, and just tried not to cry on the c wall as I went. No music is necessary for this coached run and I can't wait to run again tomorrow to hear the next part of the story. If you felt like running longer than thirty minutes, you can just press the next run and it tells you how to do that at the end of part one. (Just make sure you have it downloaded before you leave the house.) 

Happy Canada Day! 

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

End of June Update... what a semester! Let' go SUMMER!

Hi everyone... I have been SUPER BUSY this semester. I really feel like I went from one big event to the next... and I did. I am surprised how I was able to handle this semester of life. I think I have gotten a lot more chill over things, now that I am forty-five. I plan, I do my best, and I try not lose sleep over anything. (That last part doesn't always work.)

So here is my workout calendar from the last... when was the last time I really posted? Here are snap shots from March to June. (Maybe I can go back to writing more often this summer! I like after workout/class/run/skate reflection time.)

Let me see if I can go back in my memory and talk about what I have been up to and why....

March 2019 I had ten class to pass to YYoga and I had I think, a 20 class pass for Bikram Delta. I was still doing 80 Day Obsession workouts at school. I also visited Harbour for Ballet, Hip Hop, PBT, Lyrical, and Contemporary. March was a great month.
 In April, I was called in to have surgery. SO, I raced to try and use as many of my Bikram Delta classes as I could. (They had a three month expiry) I also wanted to move and do as much as I could... because I knew I wouldn't be able to do anything for a while. They said it would take me 1-2 weeks before I went back to work and 6 weeks for full recovery. In my mind, I thought, I am fit, I will recover quick and be back to everything faster than the average person. BLAHH HAA HAAA!! Was I wrong. Recovery was a B****. I couldn't sleep because the CO2 was trapped in my body and made my back ache if I didn't get up and expel gas every few hours. I had to walk circles around my apartment farting. Seems funny now... but I was a blubbering, tired, hunched, old feeling person. Just when I thought I would never dance or move normally again.. I was back... phew! I started with just yoga as I wasn't supposed to lift anything over ten pounds for 6 weeks. This is when I created my Harrison Yoga Chill class. I imagined teaching it to the kids around the pool in Harrison Hot Springs. That didn't happen. But - I love the class and I plan on filming it this week and sharing it online. I also want to do it around the city - pop up yogas! Everyone welcome.
 In May, I got back to Bikram and Hip Hop. I was gifted the Nike Apple Watch for graduation and started playing around with workouts on that app and I started running again. I love running! I hadn't run since this time last year because I got the plantar faciitis. I loved getting out on the C wall again and just making up dances in my head as I meet one, greet one, pass them... I love to race around. Thursday's were my favourite day this semester. I had my afternoon free and I was able to go to Victor's class at 1:30. Finally, I had a regular hip hop class to take. I also got to pick up Christian from school that day... mind you... all sweaty... and weirdly practicing the dance moves I just learned... but super small... so no parents noticed?? Hard to run from dance class and just stop dancing... gotta remember the moves and hum the beats... and keep getting it.... can't fight the weird. I am what I am. 

My Bikram Delta classes expired the 24th. I didn't get them all in. I was a little disappointed that I went in and had the recording being played instead of a live teacher. That happened on my birthday too - it put me in a grumpy mood. Who gets up at 5:07am to drive to Delta on their birthday to take a yoga class with a recording? LAME! If I teach at FH again next year, I will get some classes there and visit once or twice a week - it is convenient... but I will voice my opinion about the "bend like hell" Bikram recording. I can do that at school... and I don't have to get up that early. 
This month, June, I did Hip Hop, ran, 80 Day, and yoga. I don't have any yoga studio passes right now. I was going to get the ten class pack from Y again and I was also considering joining their mentorship program... but I think I am going to rent space at the Dance Centre once a week and start building my own dance company/crew; #downed. (stay tuned!) I didn't get to ballet yet - but I have classes planned for the first week of July. My achilles tendon doesn't hurt anymore - I don't know what that was about... back in March... but I haven't been to ballet since then. I miss it.

I tried a coached run through the Nike app that I liked: Level Up, Level Down. It was speed training. It pooped me right out. I plan on trying more of those this summer. I will try to write about each of those after I do them, so I have a record of which ones I liked.
As for summer, I want to keep doing it all. I will bring home my weights, sliders, and bands from school and do 80 Day on my patio. I will do yoga on my patio and around the city with friends. I will dance at Harbour as much as I can. I will run around the C wall and through Stanley Park. I will still film my Dance365 and make my videos... almost everyday.... I want to meet with dance friends at the Dance Centre once a week and collaborate... into creation of something new. Life is good! The goal: to stay fit, happy, and healthy so that when I retire at my surfing beach... I can still have the strength to surf! ONE DAY.. the dream will be real.

Have an awesome summer everyone - happy everythinging!

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Sunday 6:30 - 7:00am English Bay Run

I woke up this morning, I can see the sun peaking through the curtain, I tried to close my eyes and go back to sleep, but I wanted to run. So, I got up and ran. I haven't run since I had plantar fasciitis, last year. I had my new Apple Watch I wanted to test out - I am sure that was some of my motivation to get up and go. (I got it for graduation from my parents - thank-you! I am planning to write about it after I have tested it out a little bit more.... wait for that blog... it won't get written until after Frank Hurt events slow down.)

I went down to the alley and tried to play Spotify but it wasn't coming out my headphones. (I later found out, it was coming out my phone and I had woken up Jonny... ooops!) I played my Harrison Chill Yoga class and set the Nike Run Club to 5km. I ran down my alley and to English Bay and back. I forgot how much I love just getting up and running out the door. I love to be out by the ocean and just thinking and moving.

I was surprised that I wasn't winded. I kept a quick pace and wasn't out of breath. I felt good. I am going to book some more runs into my schedule for this week.

Things I thought about:
  • Since I just finished reading Barbarian Days, I was thinking, why do I live here? The ocean is so flat. I almost escaped when I lived in Indo and almost stayed there... but came home for my mom. I need to live somewhere where I can get up and surf in the morning. Although, it is too late for me now... I am old. There is no hope. I wasted my time. That is depressing. 
  • There are two boats still on the shore from that wind storm we had a month ago. Were they drug running boats? How come the owner or the city hasn't cleaned them up? 
  • I should get a boat. 
  • Can I live in Squamish? I would miss this run. I can always move back. I am not selling, just renting. I guess I would find some new runs there, I just hope I don't run into any bears. 
  • There is a cool dancing spot. 
  • I could do my yoga on the kids park - no one is there this early in the morning. I am too tired today... or lazy.. but maybe the next time. Maybe Carrie will come and meet me. 

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Thursday 6 - 7:30 Bikram Yoga Delta - Lisa 

Thursday 1:30 - 2:30 Hip Hop - Victor 

Friday 6 - 7:30 Bikram Yoga Delta - Ahn 

Saturday 10 - 11:30 Lyrical - Jessie 

Was going to write... but Biggy wants to type.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Tuesday 9:30 - 11am Bikram Yoga Delta with Lisa. ME: Let's DELETE and try that again

Yesterday morning I took the 9:30am class at Bikram Yoga Delta. I usually get up and take the 6am class but today, I have two spares in the morning and thought I would spend the morning with my son. My son ending up being bad for dad after I left and I ended up having a not so awesome class. I was so excited to go too. I had just got my 200 Hour Yoga Teacher certificate the day before so maybe that was making me excited. There are so many things that can make a class go wrong. There will always be something. The trick is to try and keep going and not let it stop you. I try to stop thinking about what is going wrong and bring the focus back to the breath.

Too hot. Tried to hard too fast. This is a half marathon not an 800 meter dash.
breathe.
Blood test yesterday. Haven't taken class in a month. Not enough water?
breathe slowly 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...
I didn't get enough sleep, I am worried about the surgery, they are going to fill me up with CO2 like a balloon... and then make me fart on the table???
Inhale, exhale
I stayed up reading my book too late.
Breathe.
It is too hot.
Breathe.

What I really think happened, was a combination of elements. What I did was bring my focus back to my breath. I knelt down when I got dizzy and tried to at least do each side of everything, but maybe not both sets. When I would get back up, breathe, and try again... when I got dizzy and thought I would fall, I knelt again and focused on my breathing. I kept trying to get back up until I realized that I couldn't. Then, I laid on my back and breathed. Once everyone met me on the floor, where I couldn't fall, I kept going. I didn't try as hard as I wanted to. I saved some energy and focused on breathing. I finished, I staid in the class. I smiled. I kept trying.

The first thought in my mind was: I have to come back tomorrow and try again. I have to delete this class. I will let you know how that goes.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Sunday 9 - 10:30am YYoga - Power with Duncan

This was my first class with Duncan. He looks like a surfer dude and he has a good sense of humor. He makes you work hard but he reminds you not to take it too seriously. I am trying to write everything about this class but Christian won't leave me... there he goes... go play Biggio... love you. Ok where was I? This class was hard. It was the first time I didn't bring my full mat towel and I needed it. No one else had one but I am a sweaty chica. I like learning these new styles of yoga. I regret staying and giving Bikram so much dedication. I should have expanded sooner. However, I am excited for this new journey and I am grateful for the strength I have from everything that I have done and do.

My mind wandered at the end of class. I started thinking about Jonny and his mom. It scares me sometimes, the similarities I see between them. They both feel like they deserve more - feel like the world has wronged them. This reminds me of Gord. I am sure Jonny is scared about how much I am like my dad... and mom too... anyways - it was a weird thought pattern brought on by Jonny's sadness almost clinical depressive type state of stuckness he has been in. I feel like throwing him in the truck and driving somewhere - running away - but he is going to meet Nathan and we are broke. Always broke lately. I just need to travel and get away. I need to run away more often and have trips booked to look forward to... and there is nothing to look forward to right now. My only hope is that I get a job somewhere new and get out of this rut. I am happy that school is ending and that my yoga certificate is almost complete - life if going well. I just know it will be better if we have a fresh start somewhere new. New adventure time - even if it is just for a year or two and come back... or up to Squamish and traveling on every break... something needs to change for change to happen.

Oh - and I loved the wrist stretches at the start of class. I have to remember those for Break class. One hand up and one down, switch. Both together and hands down with wrists forward. Then palms down and wrists forward as you lean back on your knees and peel the hands up.

Focus: Transitions - slowly moving through. Focus on one thing you do that makes you happy - send out positive vibes. Surfing, ballet, skating... beach... sun!!! Family. 

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Saturday Lyrical with Jessie

Wow, I have not been to this class in a long time. It is always a feel good class. The dancer from  Newfoundland was in this class. He talked to me in the hall after ballet yesterday... definitely not from here because he was so nice. He was how it should be up there. So, that was nice. But, I shouldn't say that, some classes are nice and have a good feel - like Lyrical today and Ballet yesterday. ANYWAYS... I am going to try and go next week again because I am out of dance shape. So, dance as much as I can before the surgery... recover.. and dance some more. Fun. What is life? Do what you love, injury, recovery, do what you love, injury recovery... I shouldn't complain, soon it will be do what you love injury, recovery, injury, injury, recovery, do what you love. I need to love injuries and recovery - then it would be game on.


Friday, March 22, 2019

Thursday Hip Hop with Victor and Friday Ballet with Beverly

Spring Break!

Yesterday I took Victor's Hip Hop at 1:30. There were lots of cool kids in the class and some amazing dancers. I just don't think I will ever move the way they do. They take in the choreo and they churn it out with flavour. I am happy to take in the choreo and get the moves to the right beat. How do these little kids ooze all this amazingness? I'd like to say I am just a bun head doing hip hop - but I have been doing hip hop longer than some of these kids have been alive. I don't know what I am anymore. I am good at everything but awesome at nothing. I left feeling happier than I went in, proud that I forced myself to go when I didn't really want to, but still meh.

Today, I went to Progressing Ballet Technique and Ballet with Beverly. Now I feel better. I love ballet. That's my jam. It has always been my jam. I feel happy now.

My back isn't hurting at all. My leg doesn't like to be held up in attitude at the back or arabesque. Those muscles are messed up still or weak or something. So, I didn't push it. I listened and brought my leg down.

I am really hungry now... time to shower and eat. Where are the boys? 

Saturday, January 12, 2019

8 Yoga Class Observations - Just the Quick Notes


Observation Class One: Bikram Yoga Delta


Quick notes: Vivien has a smooth flow and steady pace to her class. He voice is vibrant and changes in tone and level to encourage strength and length. She has a kind smile but is still firm. I wear hearing aides, but not in the hot classes because of the amount of sweat, but I can still hear her cues clearly. This 6am class is full of regulars and she is familiar with everyone in the class. She knows your weaknesses and when to give each person extra attention or motivation. She also gives praise to students that have achieved a new level in their own yoga practice. 

Observation Class Two: Y Yoga Downtown Flow studio: Restorative


Quick notes: This is the first time that I have taken Mark's class. When I came into the class, he welcomed me. I found a spot and collected some props. I said hi to one of my neighbours and then I laid on my back and brought my knees in and gave my low back a stretch. There was calm music playing. A never ending type song with piano plinks in it. Sometimes reminiscent of a familiar melody, but then pulled away into a nothingness background calm. We took a lot of time at the beginning of the class breathing focusing on three part breathing. Mark used an awesome analogy of sitting in a movie theatre twenty seats back to introduce his themes of mindfulness, breath, and shape. I wonder if having a yoga class where you can see the movie theatre played into his use of this analogy or the discovery of it? Unfortunately, at the end of class I had to rush to drive my husband somewhere. I would have liked to remain in my calm state the entire day. However, during the a frustrating six year old not wanting to put on his shoes, I was able to remain calm and change his mood…. Eventually. I drew energy from the serenity achieved in that class. I will try my best to return next week. My back is feeling a lot better.



Observation Class Three: Bikram Yoga Delta


Quick notes: My spine is feeling stronger and more flexible today than last week. Something went right in that restorative yoga class on Sunday. I was able to lay flat on my back and on my stomach without pain. I was still mindful of forward bends and focused on my breathing. My focus on my breathing was better than usual. I give credit to the focus on the breath on Sunday, it has seeped into my hot yoga practice. I was trying to flow in and out of postures with the breath. Vivien gave my spine some love during half tortoise pose. She asked me first, and then pressed down on my hips all the way to the top of my head - then brought her hands back to my hips so I could get up without using my hands. That felt lovely and I tried to retain that feeling and length during the second set. 

Observation Class Four: Y Yoga Yaletown Studio: Power


Quick Notes: This was my first time taking Katherine's class in at least 7 years. She didn't recognize me and I didn't find the right time to say hi. The class was dark and there was no music when I walked in. It was my first time in this studio of this location. I have taken her Hot class in the other studio after a running workshop at the Running Room. Anyways, watching her teach and listening to her cues made me question if I could ever be as smooth and knowledgeable as her. She is at ease in her teaching, calm and with a good sense of humor. She gave different options for different levels. She encouraged us to look at our fingers in DD to make sure they were all spread out evenly to protect our wrists. Towards the end I stopped doing the last few forward folds as my back did not want to do anymore. I did child's pose and squat instead.  

Observation Class Five: Y Yoga Downtown Flow studio: Restorative


Quick notes: This is the second class I have taken with Mark. I have the end of a sinus cold and a bit of a cough. I forgot that this might cause a problem while trying to breathe and be calm. I had to excuse myself at the very start of class as I felt a tickle in my throat. I got some water and coughed outside and snuck back in. I was able to hold in any big coughs for the rest of the class. I did have a problem when we laid on our bolsters under our armpits on our stomachs with our heads hanging forward, my nose became very congested and it was hard to breathe through it. When I came up from that position, tissues had magically appeared beside me. That was thoughtful. He knew I was struggling. I felt very calm by the end of the class and I chatted with a nice older woman in the change room. Downtown people aren't the friendliest but older people usually are. I think I will get a membership at Y Yoga or at least more classes when these ones are done. (My old yoga studio closed with my year membership - so I have ten class cards at a couple of places while I find my new home. I also practice at my dance studio where I teach… I am kind of lucky.. I can do yoga at work!)


Observation Class Six: Y Yoga Yaletown Studio: Power


Quick Notes: I am really enjoying Y Yoga. It was raining a little bit this morning as I walked across the street - but that is ok - because it is right across the street. I am really going to make this my new studio when these classes are up. The only thing I would change, is the way I am interacting with the other yogis. I am trying to be polite and kind and say good - morning to people but no one is talking. I do say good bye and have a nice day as I leave the change room because that has always been my thing. I want to try and create a supportive community like I have in my classes where I teach. I teach the kids to say hi to everyone and make sure everyone is supported and feeling part of the community - I want to practice what I preach. I just happen to live in an area where people think they are better than everyone else… or rather have been trained to act that way because everyone else is acting that way. It just takes one person to start sharing kind words each morning to spread the love. This is my mission - and you never know - it might spread to outside the studio one day and my whole neighbourhood could improve??!!! 

 

Observation Class Seven: Bikram Yoga Delta


Quick Notes: Lisa is a teacher's teacher. She doesn't let anyone get away with anything. When she isn't teaching class, she is taking it. She leads by example and is a strong and motivating, no guff taking, master leader.



Observation Class Seven: Y Yoga Downtown


Quick notes: I love MARI! She has been one of my teachers for many years and at various studios. This is the first time I have taken a flow class with her. Every time I take her class I leave a little better. There is never a class that I don't take away a tidbit that makes my practice stronger. It could be a word, an idea, an alignment correction… but there is always something. I know she mentors new teachers, and today in class I thought, I should find a time when I can make that happen. I need to spend more time with this amazing teacher.











Saturday, January 5, 2019

"BACK" to the Doc

My last entry was looking a little more positive. I thought I was getting back to Harbour and normality but I have taken a turn back down the back pain road. This winter break, where I had imagined myself... and had filled in my calendar with dance classes at Harbour... turned into some basic stretching and yoga at home with my Beach Body on Demand membership. Trying to stay positive, I also studied and have almost completed a 200 hour yoga course... adding to my bag of tricks. Now, if I could only move freely.  

But what really kept me happy this winter, was my son and getting to hang out with him everyday. Today he made me a sandwich and delivered it to me with a knife and spoon rolled up in a face cloth. Not that I needed to be served, he just really wanted to play waiter and he just learned to make his own sandwich. The other thing that has kept me happy, are people that have joined my research task to help me bring my project to reality. I was really worried that I was not going to have anyone participate and now I have four art works plus my own and I have had others that have said they would give it a go. All participants have until the end of January to contribute - so anyone else who wants to be part of this piece, still has time. I am hoping that I can move more freely in February when I pull all the pieces together.


Let's look at this calendar again, without all the pink. Even though I have been injured I have kept mobile. I have modified and I haven't given up. I have made a new friend at school, Erin, and we have been working on our fitness with Autumn in the mornings before school. I look forward to getting back to your morning workouts next week. We are going to be starting 80 Day Obsession Phase 2. I also plan to keep going to Bikram once a week to stretch out my body and back and also do the yoga workouts on Beach Body on Demand. I just started the Three Week Yoga Retreat and plan to keep that up on breaks at school and weekends. So far, stretching, yoga, and rolling have been the only things that have brought me relief from back pain.

I am lucky to get in for a CT scan on Monday morning and I have a follow up with my doctor in two weeks. From there, I will make a plan to recover or manage or deal with whatever is going on with my back. Just knowing that I will have a plan to overcome this latest challenge - soon - is also keeping me positive. Harbour will be there when I am better and I will dance up a storm. Now, I must keep my mind on recovery, teaching, and completing my masters. (and applying for new jobs so I can escape the rain winters and add some adventure to my(our) life (lives).)

I don't know what I weigh today, but before the Winter Break I weighed myself and I was 148. I have been sticking to Autumn's 80 Day Obsession timed nutrition during the week at school and then a little less strict on the weekends, with weekends where we are away - not stressing about food - just enjoying and getting back to my plan. I hadn't been doing the workouts for phase one on the weekends - or even everyday - just moving them to fit my schedule and I still got results. (even modifying.) Nutrition really is the key. It is much easier to eat healthy at school when I don't have the boys around. So, I am looking forward to getting back to school. But, I will never forget that cute little sandwich with apple slices my son just made me. He is growing up so fast.