Maybe It Was...

I’m home after 6 weeks in India. What an experience. A wonderful, yet sometimes challenging experience. 28 days of the unknown where there were plenty of moments I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it through. Maybe it was the was the quiet, serene feel. Maybe it was my mantra to Just Be. Maybe it was the curiosity of the locals/kids walking by. Maybe it was playing with the dr’s kids. Maybe it was the daily singing practices. Maybe it was the young staff boys making me laugh daily. Maybe it was the lotus pond (the frog jumping, the butterfly flying carefree). Maybe it was a saying that a friend of mine said a while back “Sometimes you have to step deeper into darkness to find the lasting light.” Whatever it was, I came out of it stronger in so many ways. I got and will continue to reap from the benefits of my time in the Ayurvedic hospital. As my friend wrote when he and his wife went to the same place last year “Ayurveda is very effective to heal but not a quick fix.” What a great way to explain it!

Every morning I would sit by the lotus pond and listen to music. I would pick a song a day which I will share with you later on in this post.

First, I would like to have my friends to share their favorite quote from a song with me. You can leave a comment here or on my facebook page. Please provide the name of the song and the artist.

28 days of song quotes:

Song Lyrics

Day 1 – “I don’t know for certain how I’ll live my life.” Natalie Merchant – Beloved Wife

Day 2 – “If wishes were changes I’d dry all these tears.” Nanci Griffith – If Wishes Were Changes

Day 3 – “If one truth leads to another then isn’t there one I can’t uncover. Well, there is a one I will not discover…my time, my turn to discover.” Beth Orton – Feel To Believe

Day 4 – “Friends to mourn me none…bound to leave this dark behind.” Guy Clark – Rex’s Blues

Day 5 – “It’s all relative even if you don’t understand. Well, it’s all understood especially when you don’t understand and it’s all just because even if we don’t understand and it’s all just believed.” Jack Johnson – It’s All Understood

Day 6 – “It’s the chemical weapon for the war that’s raging on inside.” John Mayer – Belief

Day 7 – “I have chose the long road that leads to God knows. I can’t get an ocean that’s deep enough for my day.” The Frames – Fitzcaraldo

Day 8 – “Learning to love yourself…wind up finding for yourself all the strengths you have inside of you.” Jason Mraz – Song For A Friend

Day 9 – “Feel like you’ve been here before cause you’ve been here before.” Andrew Bird – Sovay

Day 10 – "Well, I left my happy home to see what I could find out. I left my folk and friends with the aim to clear my mind out. Well I hit the rowdy road and many kinds I met there, many stories told me of the way to get there, ooh. So on and on I go, the seconds tick the time out, there's so much left to know, and I'm on the road to find out, ooh. Well in the end I'll know, but on the way I wonder through descending snow, and through the frost and thunder, I listen to the wind come howl, telling me I have to hurry. I listen to the robin's song saying not to worry, ooh. So on and on I go, the seconds tick the time out, there's so much left to know, and I'm on the road to findout, ooh. Then I found myself alone, hoping someone would miss me. Thinking about my home, and the last woman to kiss me, kiss me. But some times you have to moan when nothing seems to suit yer, but nevertheless you know you've locked the door towards the future, ooh. So on and on you go, the seconds tick the time out. There's so much left to know, and I'm on the road to findout, ooh. Then I found my head one day when I wasn't even trying, and here I have to say, 'cause there is no case in lying, lying. Yes the answer lies within, so why not take a look now, kick out the devil's sin, pick up, pick up a good book now, ooh. Yes the answer lies within, so why not take a look now kick out the devil's sin, and pick up, pick up a good book now, ooh." Cat Stevens – On The Road To Find Out

Day 11 – “Try imagining a place where it’s always safe and warm. Come in she said I give you Shelter From The Strom.” Bob Dylan – Shelter From The Strom

Day 12 – “How I wish I could surrender my soul…run far, far away, find comfort in pain, all pleasures the same…hides my true shape.” James Blunt – Tears & Rain

Day 13 – “When the shit falls all you want to do is run away and hide all by yourself.” The Swell Season – When You’re Minds Made Up

Day 14 – “On the line boys, on the line boys, drill your holes and stand in line. Feels like I’m dying when Mining For Gold.” Cowboy Junkies – Mining For Gold

Day 15 – “He runs wishing he could fly only to trip at the sound of goodbye.” Crosby, Stills & Nash – Helplessly Hoping

Day 16 – “A natural beauty should be preserved like a monument to nature. Don’t judge yourself too harsh my love for someday you might find you’re soul in danger.” Neil Young – Natural Beauty

Day 17 – “Hold me closer tiny dancer…you had a busy day today.” Elton John – Tiny Dancer

Day 18 – “Hold on hold onto to yourself for this is gonna hurt like hell. Hold on hold onto to yourself you know that only time will tell. What is it in me that refuses to believe this isn’t easier then the real thing.” Sarah Mclachlan – Hold On

Day 19 – “Let go, so let go what are you waiting for…it’s alright cause there’s beauty in the breakdown.” Frou Frou – Let Go

Day 20 – “Faith has been broken, tears must be cried…wild horses couldn’t drag me away, wild, wild horses, we’ll ride them someday.” Rolling Stones – Wild Horses

Day 21 – “Have you no pity this thing I do I do not deny it…oh if I had the strength to I would leave you up to your own devices.” Dave Matthews Band—The Dreaming Tree

Day 22 – “Stuck in a hard place on a rock I can’t face it.” Blue Foundation – Stuck In A Hard Place

Day 23 – “So what happens when the heart just stops and you stop believing. When the heart gives up but the body goes on living, a hollow in my chest, answer in the dust and noone out there to trust.” The Frames – What Happens When The Heart Just Stops

Day 24 – “Let there be songs to fill the air…ripple in still water…if I knew the way I would take you home.” Grateful Dead – Ripple

Day 25 – “Just give me one thing that I can hold onto to believe in this living is just a hard way to go.” Bonnie Raitt/John Prine – Angels From Montgomery

Day 26 – “In this world there’s a whole lot of pain…it’s hard enough life to be living…why walk when you can fly…a soul for a compass and a heart for a pair of wings.” Mary Chapin Carpenter – Why Walk When You Can Fly

Day 27 -- "Kicking me down I got to get up...I’ve got to get stronger And I won’t give up the fight...Make me wanna scream." Michael Jackson -- Scream
Day 28 -- "I'm counting my sheep and each one that passes is another dream to ashes and they all fall down. And as I lay me down tonight, I close my eyes, what a beautiful sight." Jason Mraz -- Sleeping To Dream

"And in the end The love you take Is equal to the love you make." The Beatles -- The End

Until the next adventure.

at home

You know when you meet someone for the first time and it can be uncomfortable for the first few moments? Then after those few moments, things are surprisingly comfortable. That is how I feel here. I arrived in a foreign country, with new faces, feeling quite alone. Three weeks later, I feel right at home. Comfortable to the point of not wanting to go out and face the real world. Face reality. Face being responsible. Why would I want to leave when my meals are prepared for me, I get treatments daily, and I get to relax in the sun. No worries in the world except for the pain (emotinal and/or physical) I may be experiencing at any given moment. I know what you all must be thinking. Has something happened to Shannon? We didn't think the word relax was in her vocabulary ;) Don't worry, I am still the same crazy (slightly a little more boring) Shannon!!
I recommend that everyone take 10 minutes out of their day to sit or lay in the sun listening to the sounds of around you. Believe me, it will feel great.
I am glad I brought origami supplies to occupy some time. Plus, the dr's children (esp. the boy) love learning how to make different things with paper.
I will be back in Good Ol' Salt Lake in a little over a week.

Song Quote: "I feel home, and that's just what I feel." I Feel Home -- O.A.R.

My New Mantra

Photos to come

It was sad having to part with my sister last Thursday. As I sat in the taxi as it weaved through traffic, it came to me that I am now on my own in the middle of nowhere India about to put my life/health into the hands of complete strangers (only a few email exchanges). What a slightly nerveracking feeling. Part of me wanted to just stay in the taxi have it go anywhere but the clinic.
Upon arrival at the Ayurvedic clinic, I was greeted by Dr. Sathya and other friendly faces. That put me at ease.
Once I was in my room, I was left with no real instruction. I looked around at my smallish room, small twin bed, desk, not knowing what I should do be doing. Should I wait for them to come tell me my next course of action?, Should I go explore?, Should I, Should I, Should I...maybe I should just be.
It is nice to be in a place away from the hustle and bustle of crowded India. No horns, no traffic, no people (or very few). Where the comfort of the birds chirping is somehow soothing and comforting. I take for granted the benefits of just being. As I was sitting the other day thinking to myself and worrying if this is where I should be and what I should be doing, I came to the conclusion that I needed not worry about that and learn to just be. So my new mantra is: just be
It is amazing how you can sit or be in the same place day after day and yet see different things. Like one of the attendees climbing a coconut tree and picking coconuts, one attendee mowing the lawn, a new bug, a lizard crawling around.
The other night I sitting outside about to go in when I looked up at the clear sky and saw the moon. I decided to stop, look up and take it in. I had nowhere to be so why not.

Song Quote: "What might have been lost - Don't bother me" Bon Iver -- The Wolves (Act I And II)

Bobble Heads

Photos To Come

Day 7

After our 15 hour sojourn on the train, we arrived survived in Ernakulum. We jumped right on a ferry to the historical town of Fort Cochi and were lucky enough to book a room for 3 nights at the first place we tried.

After a well deserved shower, we went to eat our best meal to date or maybe it was the fact that we were so hungry that anything would of tasted good.

We spent the afternoon walking around, exploring Fort Cochi. A couple of highlights were walking along the pier watching the locals enjoy the beach, and the cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets. These enormous, spiderlike contraptions require at least 4 people to operate. Modern fishing techniques are making these less profitable.

One thing we noticed about the people down south is that they have a sort of head bobble (like those bobble head dolls) when they talk. Check out what Wikipedia has to say about the head bobble: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_bobble

Day 8

Today was a tour through the Kerala Backwaters. Got to see fisherman, men collecting mud for construction, women making rope for rugs, and see colorful homes of those that live in the backwaters. Part of the tour was seeing an old factory that used to make vitamins. We also learned about some plants that are good for curing all sorts of ailments. While being paddled in a small canoe through the narrow canals, it reminded me of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me.

Day 9

A short ferry ride, a longer bus ride, ending with a short walk took us to Cherai Beach. Not the nicest beach but a beach nonetheless where we enjoyed a couple of hours of relaxing.

That night we came to find out that our dinner spot for the past 2 night, Dal Roti (Mighty Mite haven) was closed on Tuesdays. Disappointed at first with having to branch out, we ended up enjoying a very delicious seafood meal for about $12 for both of us.

Day 10

One last short train journey to the next to last destination in India for me. Today I take one last taxi ride to where I will be for the next 28 days. 28 days of the unknown, 28 days of self reflection, 28 days to sit, 28 days to heal, 28 day to find my voice.

Song Quote:"Fantasy Man you are always one step ahead of me. Well I never heard the warning. I haven't got things right. Yet the sun came out this morning and filled my room with light." Fantasy Man -- The Swell Season

Goaga Yoga

Cathedral in Old Goa
Spice and Teas at Friday Market in Mapusa
Entrance to Brahmani Yoga in Anjuna
My feet, the pool

Day 5

A good friend of a friend of my sister’s runs the yoga studio that is located right next door to our hotel. She was teaching a class this morning and always nice to start the morning with a good morning practice. I love how she started the class with having everyone pick a word out of a basket and that was your word to focus on during your practice…words such as patience, trust, core, etc. My word was playful. The teacher made that easy by making the class playful in a way. However, it is always nice not take yourself too seriously when it comes to yoga.

That afternoon, we took a rickshaw to Mapusa to the Friday Market. Vegetables in piles making rainbows of colors…red tomatoes, red chilies, green beans, purple onions, potatoes, etc., etc. Spices and teas were also a big thing. Piled high and smelling good.

The minute we walked in there was an Indian woman who started talking to us. Where are you from, what are you names?, are you married? Come see my shop. She followed us around for at least a half hour wanting us to come and see her shop. After unsuccessfully getting rid of her by ignoring her, we decided to take a walk to see her “shop.” It was a blanket with jewelry on it. Oh, the efforts she went to get us there and all for nothing. Now she can move onto to her next mighty mite victim.

After the market we took a bus to Old Goa which from the 16^th to 18^th centuries was the ‘Rome Of The East.’ Old Goa and many other parts of India have a lot of Catholic churches which is kind of a contradiction if you think about it.

Our first night upon arrival in Anjuna we ate at a place by a natural smoothie shop. The next morning we enjoyed a yummy smoothie. After Old Goa we went back to the smoothie shop. The owner was there and started talking to us and telling us his story. Turns out he is an ex pat/fugitive. He is from Virginia and kidnapped his son and came to India. Together they opened the smoothie shop. His ex found him and took the boy. This guy was in India jail for a month and a half.

Day 6

One more open self yoga practice. Starting to like this self-practice or maybe it is just being in India that is making me feel that way. It could be a combination of starting to enjoy and being in a foreign country.

After 4 crowded bus transfers, we had made our way south to where we wanted to try to get a train to Ernakulum in South Kerala. They have this system where you get on a waiting list and check back in a few hours. With time to spare, we headed to the beach to enjoy a couple of hours lounging with a nice, cool, refreshing lassi (more or less a fruit smoothie but more milkly).

Once arriving back at the train station we checked on our waiting list status only to find we had moved down the waiting list but not enough to secure ourselves a seat. Being the rough tough woman that we are, we decided to get on the train without a seat and hope to find a couple of empty one’s for the long journey. We were lucky enough to sit in an empty spot and have the gentlemen whose sleeper was above tell us we could have the sleeper. Not the most ideal situation but at least we had a spot to kind of lay our heads.

Song: "Standing on a darkened stage, stumbling through the lines. Others have excuses, but I have my reasons why." Reasons Why -- Nickel Creek

Chai Chai Chai

Self portrait on the train






Day 3
Early morning wake up call to catch 6:55 am train to Goa. Long day on the train with some pretty scenery once we got out of the Mumbai area. Amazing how much trash and how dirty it was there and around the area even as we were traveling away from Mumbai.
The trains are not any cleaner then the streets of the city. The worker boys on the train were cute and would walk up and down the train cars yelling Chai Chai Chai, Coffee and some inaudible stuff in Hindi. Every once in a while, we would go through a tunnel and hear in the darkness helpless cries, taunting, or hopes of scaring the passengers on the train.
Met a couple of Mighty Mites (as my sister likes to call them)/Westerners within minutes of boarding the train. One was from New York and one was from England.
Loved Goa upon exiting the train. Seems a tad less hectic then Mumbai. Once we found a place to stay, we took a peaceful walk to the rocky beach with an outlook to the water. We walked by a bar that was playing music. Hippies doing a little dancing and drinking.
Day 4
Early morning yoga practice at a local studio. It was open self guided which is something I usually have a hard time doing. However, this morning I decided to focus on my breath and see where my practice took me. Besides loosing my breath halfway through practice (not from overexerting but from not paying as much attention to it as I intended) it turned out to be a very nice practice. We moved hotels since last night we ended up in one more a hostel type place in a house. Our taxi driver recommended it and we had nowhere else to stay we thought it's only for one night.
Spent the afternoon lounging around the pool at our hotel…Hotel Bougainvillea –Grandpa’s Inn. Great place with very friendly staff. Highly recommend.

Song Quote: "Mustang horses, champagne glasses, anything frail anything wild. It’s the price of living motion, what's beautiful is broken and grace is just the measure of a fall." Northbound 35 -- Jeffrey Foucault

Hallo Mam…Please Mam…Mam Mam Mam

Gateway of India
One of the carvings in the cave on Elephanta Island
Boats on the harbour
Fruit Sculptures
Post Office

My first impression of Mumbai was that it was pretty clean, quiet, and peaceful with the traditional Indian music. Then I left the airport.

In all seriousness, the smell was the first thing I noticed which was a sort of good familiar smell. Like I had just arrived in Peru. The slightly crazy taxi ride (the taxis here are small and cute) to our (my sister Jessy and I are traveling together for 2 weeks) hotel while watching the city turn from night to day was a warm welcoming to India.

Once settled and rested, out we went to the bazaars. Little did we know that once this city wakes it turns into a zoo. Car horns honking, crazy drivers, rickshaws, bicycles, a mass of people playing leap frog with the cars. One thing I loved was the fact that they honk there horns but don’t really slow down. You have to be quick or else you will become a smashed frog (like in the game leapfrog).

Some highlights of the bazaars…electronics galore, fruit sculptures, spices being harassed in a sense at every opportunity with Hallo Mam, Please Mam…t-shirts, handbags, jeans, trinkets that you just have to have!

We spent the evening watching the sunset and walking along Chowpatty Beach. The beach was filled with kids, a miniature amusement park that had a man powered tidal wave, food booths where we enjoyed a dosa (YUMMY) that cost about $2 for both of us, lights, balloons. Forget about swimming, the water is toxic which is evident by the amount of trash washed upon on shore.

Day 2

The Taj Mahal of India

Thank goodness for a bed (not the most comfortable) in order to get a good night’s sleep. I love the feeling of waking up feeling refreshed after 3 days of very little sleep.

Today was Taj Mahal day or so we thought. When in actuality, the Taj Mahal of Mumbai is just a hotel facing the harbour. Oops for thinking otherwise. I thought it odd that there was only a small blurb on it in the guidebook. Somewhere in the back of my mind I didn’t think that it was located in Mumbai.

Still enjoyed our day by taking a boat ride to Elephanta Island. This island home to a labyrinth of cave temples carved in the basalt rock of the island. The main temple cave is dedicated to Shiva and depicts a three faced Shiva as the destroyer, creator and preserver of the universe. Elephanta Island is also home to monkeys who can be a little aggressive especially if they are tainted. The only encounter I had was one that grabbed at a bag I was carrying and then growled at me.

Before we took the boat ride to Elephanta Island, we people watched at The Gateway of India which sits at the tip of Apollo Bunder in Mumbai and was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V.

That evening we enjoyed our most expensive meal. It cost us more then all our meals combined in the past 2 days.

Tomorrow we take a 12-hour train ride to the beach town of Goa.

It’s time to leave this crazy town!!

Song Quote: “Hey, what a beautiful mess this is, it’s like picking up trash…here we are, here we are, we’re still here.” Beautiful Mess – Jason Mraz

First Stop on the Way to My Next Adventure – New York, New York

I guess you could say that I am embarking on some sort of healing, soul finding/searching journey.

No better place than India to accomplish such a thing especially when 4 out of the 6 weeks will be spent at an Ayurvedic hospital. Ayurveda is a traditional medicine. In Sanskrit, the word ayurveda consists of the words āyus, meaning "longevity", and veda, meaning "related to knowledge" or "science".

Before leaving the US for that amount of time, I decided since I have a 10 hour layover (which ended up turning into 14 hours) at JFK that I would take the subway into the city for a few hours.

With no agenda in mind, I decided to just wander and stumble upon whatever. A few of my highlights included Times Square, The David Letterman Studio, Rockefeller Plaza, Greenwich Village, and Washington Square.

Besides being ultra cold, it was fun to see walk the streets feeling the cool, crisp city air, hearing the sounds, and smelling the city.

After an unexpected 4 extra hours in the JFK airport and a quick stop in the Amsterdam airport, I was on my way to Mumbai, India.

Song: “Leave, Leave…free yourself.” Leave—Swell Season

Skittles Have Never Tasted So Good

My awesome medal that I got for completing the R.O.T.T.
Still smiling after 10 miles.
One of the many awesome views while on the trail.
Our sweet ride back to the "pig farm"
Breathtaking view from the "pig farm" where we enjoyed a celebration party after the R.O.T.T.

On Saturday, September 4, 2010, I participated in a Run Over the Tetons with 14 truly amazing women. 26.2 Miles, 4,000 Vertical, No Food, No Water, No Potties

Things I learned while running over the beautiful, awe inspiring Tetons:
1)getting up at 4 am is worth if for a few reasons: the stars are still out, getting the rare chance of seeing a meteorite, and watching the sunrise over the Jenny Lake and the Tetons;
2)the optional three extra miles at the beginning is worth the pain in the end;
3)falling 6 miles in is a good sign that things might not go so well for the next 20;
4)gatorade, skittles, avocado, and lays potato chips taste much better at 10,000 feet and your muscles ache like hell;
5)you can always count on old and new friends to get you through your toughest times;
6)a dive in a cold, cold pond not once but twice at the end feels amazing!!!! Follow that by an epsom salt bath and a shower ;)

In the end, a party and a kick ass medal is all worth it. Sign me up for next year!!



As I was climbing up the last hill to Hurricane Pass I was listening to a song on my ipod that rang so true for the last push up the hill:
"With Every Step, You Climb Another Mountain, Every Breath, It's Harder To Believe You'll Make It Through The Pain, Weather The Hurricanes To Get To That One Thing." No Boundaries --Kris Allen

As I was coming down the other side, at one point I heard another song that rang true for that particular moment:
"In this world there's a whole lot of cold, in this world there's a whole lot of blame, in this world you've a soul for a compass, and a heart for a pair of wings" Why Walk When You Can Fly -- Mary Chapin Carpenter

Secret Awesome

Picture (when I used to be cute) from my very first time in Kauai.








June 2-June 10, I went on a yoga retreat to Kauai. Great yoga, wonderful food, fantastic yoga, and amazing scenery. Two of my favorite yoga instructors (Scott Moore and Kim Lynn) in Salt Lake were the one's that set up this retreat.
I arrived on June 1. On my way over, I was having some doubts about arriving a day early. I was flying over all by my lonesome and not really knowing if there would be someone there to meet me. After gathering my baggage from the bag claim, I walked out to the curb and waited patiently for my welcoming group. After only a few moments, I spotted Celeste (one of my yoga teacher's wife). How refreshing to see a familiar face in a unfamiliar place. With Celeste was Scott, Kim, and Molly. I was greeted with hugs and a beautiful lieu.

This is a picture from the top of the Sleeping Giant hike. Beautiful if you ask me.








On June 2, I woke up and went for a run/walk along the beach boardwalk w/Kim, Molly & Wendy (Kim's Stepmom). That afternoon, I went for a hike up Sleeping Giant. Steep, short climb but amazing views from the top. I love to hike on my own (occasionally with company isn't so bad). Something about being out in the silence except for the sounds of nature is therapeutic to me.
That evening all the other yogis arrived and we had dinner and got to know each other at Kim's parents house.
We were lucky enough to have a musician friend of Scott and Kim's come to play music. That night she played the guitar and sang. When she started singing, it was incredible. Wow. She has an amazing voice.

Song quote for the day: "So Close, No Matter How Far, Couldn't Be Much More From The Heart,
Forever Trusting Who We Are, And Nothing Else Matters." Nothing Else Matters by Metallica

This is one of the many incredible views at the Monastery.

On June 3, we had the unique opportunity to go and get a tour of the Kauai Hindu Monastery. At the entrance is the Lord Ganesha (elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom, literature and worldly success) called "Nepali Ganesha" and the "Tiruneri" (Holy Pathway) up to the Kadavul Nataraja temple.
The picture above is a view of the flag of the San Marga Iraivan Temple where hand carved stones shipped from India are being assembled. The main sanctum rises majestically in a tropical paradise setting. It's an awesome sight for pilgrims. We were lucky enough to see the last stone set in place on the temple floor.
On our way to the temple, the main monk walked by on his iphone, stops and asks says to our tour guide "Did you get my email?" We were privileged enough to have him visit with us. You can read more in the article below.
We became famous by getting an entry on their daily blog. Go to the following link:
http://himalayanacademy.com/blog/taka/2010/06/03/salt-lake-city-utah-hatha-yoga-seminar-participants-visit-kauaii-aadheenam/

View from the front of the beach house.

After the monastery, we went into the town of Ka'paa and ate at this yummy place called Mermaids. They serve fish tacos, wraps (yummy!), and lots of other yummy things.
That afternoon, we packed up and made our way to our beach house for the week on the North Shore of Kauai. It was a good hour and a half beautiful drive.
Upon arrival, we helped unload food, got settled, and did some yoga outside on the grass. Despite the mosquitoes, it felt nice to move around with the cool breeze and the sound of the ocean.

Song Quote for the day: "it's hard somehow to let go of my pain...Will I always feel this way so empty and estranged?" Empty by Ray LaMontagne
View of Na Pali Coast Trail. Ahh....breathtaking

This morning I woke early and took a little run/walk on the beach. It was tough because the beach in this area, is at a slope. Not the easiest to run on but beautiful setting to be in.
We would start each morning with a yoga practice. Some pranayama breathing exercised followed by some yoga movement.
After yoga, I went for a hike with Betsy, Amanda, Bill, Gwen, and Zach along the Na Pali Coast. Amazing views all along. The trail is steep in some spots with a cliff on one side most of the way. At one point, I fell and landed within inches of the edge. Dusted myself off as I was laughing, and continued on the trail and tripping (but not falling) a few more times.
After the hike, I went for a little swim. While in Kauai, I got in the water probably about 2 or 3 times. This says how much I like the water. Not very much at all. Love the sound of the waves crashing on the shore but not a huge fan of swimming in the ocean or in a pool.
Every afternoon, we would do another yoga practice. We would practice yoga for a total of about 4 to 4 1/2 hours a day.

Song Quote for the day: "I gotta get my body moving shake the stress away" Don't Stop The Music
Kayaks loaded up and ready for the drive back to the north shore

One of the amazing parts of Kauai is the Na Pali Coast. I was lucky enough to Kayak the coast. Breathtaking views around every corner. 17 miles and 12 hours later, we got back to the beach house for some much needed food and rest. As much as I loved the kayaking, it was definitely a long day. Would I do it again....probably not.

Impromptu dancing during a kirtan circle

Favorite day of the trip!!

After morning yoga practice and breakfast, quite a few of us headed to one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai. Lomahai Beach (Gwen and Zach, who were on the trip, got married on this beach). I walked/ran there with Gwen, Betsy aka Mrs. Ball of Firey Energy, Zach, and Patty (my roomie). It was a little over three miles along the road where dodging cars was the name of the game. The sand on the beach was unbearable hot. I would compare it to walking on burning coals except I have never experienced walking on burning coals so....
After the beach, I was treated (it was included in the price of the retreat) to a Lomi Lomi Massage by Mr. Thomas/Gorgeous Massage Goddess. Just what I needed before I went and undid the benefit of the massage.
We started our afternoon yoga practice with a Kirtan Circle led by Leraine. One of the highlights of the trip for me was having the magnificent musician Leraine to entertain, play during savasana, after dinner and during impromptu dancing sessions. To end our Kirtan/chanting circle, we did a little dancing as you can see from the picture above.
Kim and Scott thought that it would be fun to do an "add on" flow for our yoga practice. What followed was a fun, sweaty flow. Add on is when you do one pose and add on another and then do the sequence while adding a pose on every time until you have one crazy flow. At the end, Scott got an idea to finish the practice with running out into the ocean to cool off. Seriously the best way to end a hard yoga practice.
That night after eating, we ended up having an impromptu dance party. What fun! I love to dance even though I can't dance to save my life :)
Proof I actually did yoga. Penguin Pose.

Kim with Scott's feet as her base. Partner Yoga. Super fun.

Today we started our morning with some partner yoga. I highly recommend partner yoga. Extremely fun. Great way to get into poses that you can't on your own. Kim and Scott, of course, make it look very easy.

Partner savasana: front to back: Betsy, Amanda, Patty, Brian, Meredith, Kathleen, Maya, Shannon, Jocelyn, Gwen, Zach, and Bill

For our afternoon practice, we went to Hanelai (a little town about 10 miles from where we were staying) to a yoga studio. We were lucky to try something new to most of us...strap yoga. We use straps that are connected to the wall to get us to stretch deeper and hang upside down.
That night, we took a beautiful silent, sunset walk along the beach to watch the sunset on the Na Pali Coast. So peaceful and beautiful.
During sharing time. Warren (Kim's father), Molly and Wendy (Kim's Stepmom)

Today instead of going on a hike, I listened to what my body needed (imagine that) and hang out at the beach house reading, napping, relaxing with a afternoon walk/run on the beach. It was so nice to just hang out and relax.
That night, we did a sharing thing or as Scott put it our "Secret Awesome" for our last night. We had music, poems read, dancing and more music by Kim's amazing family.
At the Botanical Gardens. Left to right: Bill, Amanda, Shannon, and Maya

For dinner the last night, Brittany and Bobbie had met some local boys earlier in the week and they caught some fish and fixed it for us. Incredible yummy! Great way to finish an amazing trip.
This is a picture of half the group by the lighthouse on our last day in Kauai. From left to right: Gwen, me, Zach (Gwen's husband), Brittany, Amanda, Bill, Kim, Scott, Maya, Leraine, and Bobbye

After visiting the lighthouse, we went and spent a few hours by the Marriott Resort which is on Kalapaki Beach. Crowded with all the tourists and their children. Pretty to see but wouldn't want to spend a full week there.

Thanks to everyone on the trip. They are what made the trip awesome for me. I feel like a have a new set of friends/family. They made it so comfortable to be around. Hard to find a group of 20 individuals that you can say that about.

If you are interested in seeing other pictures, go to my facebook page or I can send them to you if we are not friends on facebook.

Song Quote of the trip: "It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof" Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

All Roads Lead Back To The Mile

*This will be a very short post partly because I just realized I never finished writing it until now. Oops!!

Welcome to Chicago, where the pedestrians do not have the right of way, all roads lead back to that "Magnificent Mile", and the wind blows. However, that is not why they call it the windy city. It is called the windy city because back when the politicians were boasting about the city and trying to get the World's Fair to come here (which it did). Other cities saw this boasting and called us the "windy city" because of all the hot air the politicians were spewing.

Last October/first of November, my sister, my mom and I took a trip to Chicago for five days. None of us had ever been there. We stayed in a little apartment (and by little, I mean, more like a studio w/one tiny bathroom). It was cheap and we didn't spend much time there so it was just fine.

The first night we were there, we went to a live recording of the NPR game show "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me." I was introduced to this very funny game show by my sister. If you have not heard it, I highly suggest you check it out.

One afternoon, we got to enjoy the musical "Jersey Boys" thanks to a family friend. Very entertaining.

Our last night, we took an architectural boat tour. It was interesting to learn about the buildings in Chicago.

A couple of other things we enjoyed were: Millenium Park, top of the John Hancock Building, and of course, spending quite a bit of time walking/shopping along the Magnificent Mile.

Looking For A Photographer...

My good friend, Amelia Thelin, is a wonderful photographer. She takes engagement, wedding, family, and portrait. Please check out the link below to see some of her work. If you, or if you know of anyone that needs photos taken for that next occasion, please consider using Amelia. Her email can be found on her site.

http://likenessofyou.blogspot.com/

To keep with my blog tradition, the song of the blog is:
"Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue.
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true."

Song: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

I saw this on my friend, Amelia's blog, and thought I would take the time to entertain.

Where is your phone? Not sure, on the kitchen counter, I think.

Your hair color? reddish blonde

Your mother? In the next room

Your father? Running in Heaven ;)

Your favorite thing? that's hard to narrow it to one thing....at the moment music

Your dream last night? I don't remember

Your dream/goal? to qualify and run in the Boston Marathon,

hobby? running, biking, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, anything outdoors, traveling, reading (I guess that is a list of multiple hobbies and nor just one hobby :)

room you're in? dining room/family room

Your fear? snakes, fire, falling in love/having my heart broken

Where do you want to be in six years? finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up, married, settled wherever that may be

Where were you last night? Jazz Basketball game

One of your wish list items? a date, I apparently have a sign on my forehead that says "Stay Away...Don't Waste Your Time...You'll Only End Up Friends;)

What you're not? tired...I should be since it is 11:30 at night

The last thing you did? went grocery shopping

Your TV? off so that I can listen to my inner voice :)
Your pets? don't have any

Your computer? is the best thing ever

Your mood? content

Missing someone? not really

Your car? parked in a garage

Something you're not wearing? makeup....wait, I never wear makeup....my cartier watch;)
Your summer? was spent working with a little trip to Alaska and a river trip down south

Love someone? yes, lots of people

Your favorite color? red

When was the last time you laughed? today sometime
Last time you cried? hmmm....a couple of weeks ago

This Holiday Season Listen to Your Inner Voice

The other day I was reading an online journal of one of my favorite musician's, Jason Mraz. Below is from his most current posting. I found it insightful and inspiring so I thought I would share it with everyone.

"If you're interested in developing your own awareness skills this generous holiday season, start by turning off your tv. You will never be alone to hear your inner voice if the TV is constantly talking to you, teasing, or tempting you.
Then, try writing in a journal when you wake up, 5 to 10 minutes writing any and everything; dreams, goals, frustrations, even write about not knowing what to write if you have to. Then, turn the page. Don't read it and immediately judge yourself because most of that journal is meant for getting the garbage out. After a few days you'll feel your thoughts are becoming nicely sorted as your dreams find order again, becoming reachable and practical, AND you'll be leading with your heart instead of an insecure mind. I guarantee it.
For further practice, try waking up with the 5 Tibetan rituals, or any of the thousand available Yoga and meditation methods. These teach patience and peace as well as allow your inner voice to sing! Or for the more energetic, go for a run or a ride. You make it as hard or as soft as you want. It's your day, It's your experience. How will you remember it?"

Time for me to take his advice and start listening to my inner voice....tomorrow seems like the perfect time to start;)

Song quote: "And thought all these things will change, the memories will remain, as green to gold, and gold to brown, the leaves will fall to feed the ground, and in their falling, make no sound, oh my lady, lady I am loving you now"
Winter Birds by Ray LaMontagne

Early Christmas

My cool brother and his "mad" skateboarding skills!
View from the beach house
Younger bro, myself, my sis and older bro's dog hanging out in Capitola on the broadwalk
The house my mom grew up in in Bakersfield, California




I have really, really been slacking on my blog updates. My life really isn't all that exciting since I only travel occasionally ;)

For Christmas this year, our family decided to do an early Christmas road trip. We went to California. Our first stop was Bakersfield (where my mom grew up). We visited family. It was Halloween so my cousins kids came over all dressed up in their costumes. My aunt, ever since I was little, dressed up in costume. One of my favorite memories of my aunt, when visiting for the summer, is playing bingo for "valuable" prizes.

From Bakersfield we headed to Capitola (the scenic route that was an extremely curvy, narrow road that my mom drove at high speed) to see my older brother. He was not able to get work off to join us on the great road trip. After spending a couple of days hanging out, shopping, and eating our hearts out, we headed down the coast to Shell Beach. My mom's brother has a beach house that he let us use for a few days. The beach house is actually more like a regular house in a regular neighborhood. It is located about a mile away from the beach. Not really my idea of a beach house.

The trip was relaxing. No better Christmas present then to spend some quality time with your family.

ToNar Cruc (Short For Totally Narly Crucial)

Kayaking on the Chilkoot River
Look at that view. Amazing!
Sunrise the morning of our first summit climb
At the top of Flower Mtn. My first mountaineering summit!


It has been far too long since I posted last.

At the beginning of August, I went on a trip to Alaska. I decided that I wanted to learn how mountaineer. I found out about this great guiding company that spends half their year in Haines, Alaska and the other half in Alta, Utah. They provide a variety of outdoor activities all year round.

Haines is located on the shores of the Lynn Canal, Haines is home to the first permanent army post in Alaska, Fort William H. Seward and a central point in the Golden Circle, a unique driving route with eye-feasting scenery.

Before heading out on my 5-day mountaineering course, I went sea kayaking for half a day. It decided to stop raining and the sun came out for an absolutely beautiful sea kayaking experience in Alaska. I did see a bear crossing the road after succeeding in retrieving a salmon from the river.

My guides for the mountaineering course were Wes (who liked to shorten his words and use a more slang like style which is where ToNar Cruc came from)(from Salt Lake City) and Jim (from Tennesse with the greatest accent), the guests included myself and 3 other guys. That just shows what an incredible tough woman I am.

Day 1 Mountaineering:
Drive up narly a-- jeep road to home for the next 5 days, set up camp, hike to snow to learn to self-arrest, weather was beautiful...you could see all the way into Canada

Day 2 Mountaineering:
learn to rope team and anchor

Day 3 Mountaineering (the night the weather turned):
Flower Summit attempt and succeed, quite remarkable to summit after only two days of skill learning, some amazing yet scary moments for me on the climb, after climb a little rest before learning how to tie knots

Day 4 Mountaineering:
It rained all night, actually, poured is a better way to put it. That, however, didn't stop us from getting out and learning a thing or two. Let's see today we did a little snow climbing before we began to freezeeeeeeeeeeee. Our guides decided that we should spend the afternoon getting warm in our tents.

Day 5 Mountaineering:
Since the rain wouldn't give up, my guides decided to not go ahead with our plan to try another climb. Instead, we learned another important thing about mountaineering...how to crevasse rescue.
That afternoon I was picked up for the very muddy, slightly scary ride back to Haines. Even though everything that I had on the trip was wet including me, I still would have liked to stay a few more days to learn more and possible attempt another climb. I guess I might just have to take advantage of some of the things the company offers at Alta.

A week after my Alaska trip, I went on a river trip with a group of women. Some of them I worked with at the law firm and others were affliated with the law firm somehow. Fun trip with a great group of women.

Let's see...what else have I been up to since my last post...bought a MacBook which I LOVE...am taking an American Sign Language class that I am really enjoying...turned 30 (WTF)... and finally bought a new road bike (Specialized Carbon Tarmac) thanks to a guy that I work with. I will post pictures in the very near future.

I apologize for taking so long to update my blog. I will try update more often. However, my life isn't all that exciting right now.

Song Quote of the Blog:
"Hang on, Help is on the way, Stay strong, And everything, everything will be fine
Everything" Details In The Fabric -- Jason Mraz/James Morrison

A Few Answers (or is it questions)?

I got these questions off of a friend's website.  I am sure she doesn't mind me copying her idea:)

1) Name something you have in common with all your siblings? hmmm....we all have the same parents other then that we are all pretty different so nothing comes to mind that all 4 of us have in common.

2) Do you fold your underwear? Yes

3) Do you like to drink the juice out of otter pops? I haven't had an otter pop since I was a kid.

4) Who was the last person you wrote a letter to on paper? don't remember

5) What was your first job? O.C. Tanner, seasonal gift wrapper....wait, I work there now ;)

6) Aside from driver's ed, who really taught you how to drive? my mom and grandma.  I almost hit a car once when I was driving with my mom and it scared me to the point of almost not wanting to get in the driver's seat again.

7) What's the one thing you love/miss about your grandma's cooking? nothing really

8) What color is your favorite hoodie? red w/white polka dots and it zips up

9) Name a sound that disturbs you? vacuum cleaner, I know weird

10) What's your typical ice cream order at dairy queen? haven't been to dairy queen in ages...i used to get blizzards

11) What do you think of when you hear the word cabbage? it is good ruffuge

12) What did you do today? slept in, read, went for a hike

13) What did you do last night? took Julius (the dog I am dogsitting) on a walk, read and watched Ocean's Twelve

14) Do you have a cell phone? yes but didn't get one until I was at least 25 or so

15) Are you emotional? yes but at least the littlest thing doesn't set me off now

16) Have you ever had the same dream more then once? yes.  when I was little I slept on the top bunk and would have a nightmare that someone was climbing up the ladder and would try to choke me.  Scary!

17) Name a song that makes you happy. 

18) Do you use chap stick? not as much as I should

19) What was the most recent thing you bought? groceries

20) What is on your refrigerator door? I don't have a refrigerator;)

21) Name something you have to do tomorrow? work, blah

22) What was the last movie you watched? Ocean's Twelve

23) Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? neither, both gross

24) When was the last time you had Starbucks? I don't drink coffee but I prefer the Coffee Garden over Starbucks

25) Can you whistle? no

26) Do you have a trampoline at your house? no

27) What movie do you know every line to? not sure that there is one movie that I know every line to.  I have a few that I know a majority of the lines to...jerry maguire, grease

28) Do you maintain any friendships originating from elementary school? yes, Melissa and Wendy

29) What are you wearing? does it really matter 

30) What was the last thing you ate? an apple

31) Do you take pills daily of any sort? Yes. 

32) When was the last time you did the dishes? this morning

33) How much sleep did you get last night? enough

34) Do you own any band t-shirts? yes, a few (Jonny Lang, Dave Matthews Band, The High Violets)

35) Last song you sang out loud? a song by James Blunt (not sure of the name)

36) When was the last time you slept on the floor? don't remember

37) Would you chew gum that has already been chewed? hello...never

38) Who have you talked to today? Amy, my mom

39) What comes to mind when I say pumpkins? boo

40) Color of your shirt? gray

41) How old are you? 29 and counting the days left in my twenties

42) What is your background on your computer? I don't have a computer

43) Do you wish on 11:11 pm? no

44) Good advice if you go camping? don't get eaten by a bear

45) Favorite color? red

Guess What?

Not that this is necessarily worth posting, but I have a new phone and it's pink.  Now, if any of you know me, I have had  an old school cell phone forever and also, I am not a pink kind of girl. 

I am glad I forked out the extra money for an updated phone because I am really liking it.  It is way better then my old one and the pink isn't bothering me that much.  However, it kind of screws up my image;)

Memories

One of my friends had the following on her blog so...

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together.  It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.  If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave a memory about you.  If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.  Have fun.  I can't wait to read the memories.