Tuesday 6-7:30 Hot Yoges - Andrea K

Hahaha!

I am writing this the next morning. There was a lot I wanted to remember about this class. First off - there were only 30 people in class. I had space around me. There was a really tall, skinny dude behind me that was trying really hard. He is new to our studio. He does better than he looks like he could do. Made me think of Jonny doing yoga. hahaha... which reminds me of dad doing yoga.

I had an awesome class. My ankle is getting bendier. I liked looking at my fancy toes! And I took my anklet off and that was weird and freeing to have a naked ankle. I thought in my head it is kinda like a sign that my ankle is getting better - it doesn't need the fluorescent anklet to warn people to be careful.

Andrea K talked a lot. At first I was kinda turned off by it but some of it was kind of refreshing after having no corrections and no change in direction with Taryn. It was nice to have new perspectives. She also gave a lot of technical corrections which I love.

It was a good class and I am glad I went - last class before Mexico - and Jonny was waiting with the Mondo Burrito... yum!!! I am so lucky!

Wednesday 6-7:15 Flow - Katherine - Sophie!

I haven't hung out with Sophie in a couple of weeks. It was good to take class with her again. We had a good class. We got to do headstands tonight. We did two different kinds. I kinda asked to do the second ones because those are the ones I can do. The teddy bear starting ones. I don't get how to do the other ones. There is no where to rest your knees in the halfway point. You just have to curl them in and use your abdominals. I am going to try those ones at school tomorrow... in my spare... when I have a whole mat and studio to myself. There are so many people I could crash into in yoga if I really gaver a good go tonight. I want to learn it and then do it in class.

Katherine is going to New York and the Cayman Islands for two weeks. Cool!

Tuesday 6-7:30 Hot - Taryn

My ankle bent more than it ever has ... today.. yesterday. (It is Wednesday morning now) When I got to yoges I stretched it and stretched and worked it good. This is the first day that I have bent that much in awkward - still not normal and the first time that I was able to wrap my leg around in eagle - although not for the entire time - most of it!

Alternate fingers and sides getting up on the mat. Is it left over right on the stage? I think so - because of the right leading foot and the way that the audience would read the story. I thought of asking Ms. Cameron. I googled it the other day and didn't get the answer. I know I am right. That is the way I am remembering my fingers and arms too - left over right first - both ways are beginning to feel normal so I can't think the normal way and the awkward way anymore.

Saturday 11-12 Tap 1 - Jim Hibbard - Keli!!

YAY!! This was a fun class with lil'mama!!

6-7am Hot Yoges - Ashley

I am unsure about this teacher. I was trying hard not to like her for some reason. I think because she took class with us once and she had awful technique. She gave corrections though. She gave me one on my warrior three and it was legit. That made me like her a bit. Then she offered to assist me to push me down more and I declined. It is early in the morning and I am not so bendy. I don't want to force anything at 6am! But at least she is a teacher that does something. We didn't do any breathing at the beginning or namaste at the end and she gave a water break before eagle. I guess I could get used to her???

My friend was in class.. I can't remember names right now.. and I met her friend Linda who is a newbie from Newffie.

Thursday 6-7:30 Hot Yoges - Christine

Today I imagined my breathing going in like a knife and cutting away the thick feeling from my ankle then I would blow all that thickness out - breathe in and shave it down skinnier - breathe out all of the thickness. I also imagined Jonny not being able to sleep and making him do yoga breathing. Then I thought how creepy that is and maybe just a back rub and change the nightmares.

I worked with my ankle before and after class today. I think it is getting a little bendier. Not much. Slow and easy.

A lot of people were leaving the yoga class today. Once one goes everyone thinks it is ok to go. Christine asked them not to go during postures but between them for safety reasons but no one listened. It was getting out of hand and I was getting frustrated. She then spoke of focusing on ourselves and ignoring distractions. I needed that.

I smiled a lot in class today. I want to be the happy yogi. Everyone is so serious in class. Smiling makes it easier. You can still smile and try hard. I was the only one smiling.

I think I want to google how to do postures better. Maybe I can pick one a week and look up how advanced people do it and then work on it. I want corrections. I want improvement. I guess I will start now.. and at the beginning... I kind of want to start with camel though. So.. I will. I am sick of doing things in order.

Camel:

Type of pose: Backbend

Benefits: Stretches the front of the body including the chest, abdomen, and quadriceps. Improves spinal flexibility.
Instructions:
1. Come up onto your knees. Take padding under your knees if they are sensitive.
2. Draw your hands up the side of your body as you start to open your chest.
3. Reach your hands back one at a time to grasp your heels.
4. Bring your hips forward so that they are over your knees.
5. Let your head come back, opening your throat.
Beginners: Curl your toes under and come to the balls of your feet if you cannot reach your heels when the feet are flat, or use blocks on either side of your feet.

Advanced: Try taking hold of opposite ankles. 

 There is the ticket! I am going to try to hold opposite ankles! Why didn't I think of using the internet to try new things before???

Tuesday 6-7:30 Hot Yoges- Taryn

I thought I want going to make it. I wanted to get my laundry folded. But I di and I stood between the Asian lady and Leo! I had an awesome class cause Leo is fun. Jonny met me outside of yoga with sushi!!!!!!!! Yay!! Bedtime! Night :-)

Monday 6-7:30 Jazz - Moe - 20 8's!! (S&M Rihanna)

Whoa! Brain mush and body tired. Moe gave us 10 minutes to warm up on our own and then we took off putting together 20 8's!! It took us about and hour to learn all of the choreography. That isn't too bad. Some kids knew the dance from Saturday. I wish I would have come Saturday. I like it when I get to do dances twice. Then I can add style!

I kept watching the Jojo Dancer. He must have done it Saturday. He kept his gay character even when he messed up. It was awesome.

More relaxing and marking less stressing and tensing.

Thursday 6-7:30 Hot Yoges - Christine - SNOW!!!

YAY! We had a normal sized class today thanks to the snow! I had fun skating my feet down to class. It was nice and refreshing. I love snow! I put my mat in my normal place. One of the cute boys put his back behind me again. That is good. He works hard and isn't distracting. Then.. the little Asian dude came and went right beside me again. I got up and moved. I think the cute boy thought I moved because of him. I don't want to make anyone feel bad but I am not having a bad class because of one dude. I learned my lesson - just get up and move.

I noticed that my left ankle doesn't sit straight when I sit on my knees. I have to keep working on it.

The rest of my body felt really bendy today. This was my third 90 minute class this week. 
Shower time!
 

Tuesday 6-7:30 Hot Yoges - Taryn

It is COLD today!! It was nice to get in the hot studio and lay down on my mat. I saw that the two talking ladies were new and they were going beside me so I moved down a little further. I was not going to be distracted by newbies again! I was beside the nice Asian girl who is there everyday at 6. She was coughing. What a trooper. I hope I don't get sick! Behind me were the two hot boys that try hard and do well. And one of them had their annoying girl friend with them.. she was a little out of my view.. which was good cause my goal was to stay away from unfocused fidgeters. On the other side of me was a girl who said it was her first class but she was awesome. She must do other stuff. That annoying, little, Asian man was out of my view but he was there and he was the same ol'. I wish a teacher would talk about moving together and using the class energy. Taryn doesn't give any corrections or compliments. But, that is my only qualm with her. She has a nice clear voice and there is a good flow to her classes.

Monday 12-1:30 Hot Yoges - Bikram Yoga Delta - Field Trip!!

This was a great class. I tried to smile a my students as they became drained of their energy. I tried to revive them but it wouldn't last very long. It is a very hard class and I am proud of them for doing so well. I brought 17 students and most of them were grade 8's. I wonder if they will ever come back again? Felix gave me a spot beside her. She did amazing. Little Katelyn was next to her. She was so cute.. she kept melting and trying then melting again. Rica was in the back row behind me with Jazmine and Angela. Rica did awesome.. but I am glad she laid down towards the end. Angela and Jasmine could have tried harder.. they had the back row phenomenon going on where they think no one can see them.. where you feel as though you don't have to try as hard. Josh, Elaine and Cierra were in the center... they all seemed to be doing good. Cierra would catch my eye and smile. Arita and Navreet were in the opposite front corner from me so I couldn't see them that well - but they said they had a good class. Charissa, Jazmein, and Kayla were in the front row doing awesome.. I like this crew!! Great job.. awesome class. I look forward to next semester!!

Saturday 4:45 - 5:45 Street Jazz 1 - Jen O - Twigg!!!

This was great to have after that fast hard class. She did I chill song.. not sure what it was.. but it was very Motown chill. The piece was easy.. and it had a fun little floor part to figure out. If you got up in time it felt like you won! I like that! I made it.. yaaaaaa!!


I like Jen O... she is giggly and nice.. and SOOOOO PRETTY!! I hope she can teach at YA... We Dance in May!

Saturday 3:30- 4:30 Hip Hop 2/3 - Jerome - TWIGG!!!

This was a hard class to start. I got the choreo but with no style whatsoever... ok.. maybe some parts I added some style by channeling my inner BBGirl - but I was just trying to keep up for the most part. I had fun with the challenge. Jen and I will be back... with our inner hip hop people.

Friday 6-7am Hot - Tianne

Well, no one fainted in class today. I had a good class. It was a cold, chilly walk down to yoga and it was nice to lay down in the warm room. I smiled a lot more today. I had space around me. None of my regular morning people were there though.

I stretched my ankle during uktasana instead of doing it.. because I want that damn thing to bend and I am sick of doing it half ass. Akward and eagle are still my two problem areas.. and my goal is to fix that by January.. that gives me two more months with a total of 6months... which should be enough for a full recovery!

Thursday 6-7:30 Hot Yoges - Christine - MIKE! hahaha!

Well, this was an exciting class. Right after camel a girl diagonally to the left behind me was all fainty. Her friend signaled Christine and they helped her move to the couch outside. The paramedics were called and Mike (Mike and Jen) showed up with his crew. Funny! Well, not funny... but different.

Christine didn't finish the class. Most people left. Some people stayed and finished the last three postures on their own... of course I was one of them. And, I stretched out my ankle like I like too. I think it might be getting a little better. It has to be.

The class was packed. They are so fill now that they turn people away. Christine was telling us that you can sign into class online but if you aren't there 20 minutes before class your place will be given to someone else. That is getting a bit out of hand. I haven't had that problem yet but I have been coming a half hour early for the most part. Well.. to the 6pm classes anyways.

I was so tired by the time I got home from school today that I decided to keep moving.. get changed and go straight to yoga. I laid down in the studio beside one of the girls that goes all the time. When class started that damn little, fidgety, Asian dude was beside me. Then a girl moved in between myself and him. I was kinda grumpy and had no focus for the first part of class. Why doesn't Christine mention that we are trying to move all together at the same time. This dude just does things when he wants them and he never stops moving. I seriously considered leaving the class. I hate him that much. I imagined telling him after class that maybe his challenge could be to stand still and move only when you are told to move. But right, I am not that much of a nerd. But.. the teacher should say something about that.. so he knows... cause he is so annoying. It took me about halfway through class to finally ignore him and stop sending him evil vibes. It was too late for the energy around me though. I think infected the nice girl next to me. She was super grumpy, closed eyes, and not smiling at all. I changed my attitude to every time he annoys me ... to smile. I tried to smile at the girl behind me too.. everyone was grumpy. That class was off to a bad start from the start.. and it ended.. or didn't end.. badly too.. People should enjoy and smile.. I think it makes it harder when everyone is all so mean faced.

ANYWAYS.. it is over and I get to go back tomorrow morning.. and it won't be busy!! YAY!!

Wednesday 6-7:15 Flow - Katherine - Sophie!

I ohmed today without realizing or thinking about it. I ohmed by accident. We did this deep breathing thing - breathe in - hold it - breathe out - hold it... and I was so light headed I guess from it... that I just ohmed. I totally shocked myself and opened my eyes and looked around but everyone else was not paying any attention to my ohming with their eyes closed - they were all into theirs. Weird! I hope I don't ohm again by accident... creepy. I won't give in!

We had a good vinyasa warm up that went well with the music. I don't know what she was playing but the last song was Rhianna - hearing pop music in yoga is always a bit odd.. but I like it. She used to play this one that was the original from... passing me by? Maybe.. I can't remember..  an old hip hop song but the original song.. a real song... and you think it is going to be the song that you know then it is a gay old song. She also plays Feist - I Tried to do Handstands with You... and then we do handstands sometimes.. or donkey kicks up to them... that is always funny.

I want to try and do the plank that goes into the twisted one footed side plank in class. The kids will fall and laugh. It is hard.

She is also trying to teach us to float through to a sitting position from plank and reverse... but I don't want to land on my ankle in a crossed leg position from the air. haha! That isn't smart.. maybe one day.

Sophie was stuck in traffic from North Van. That would be a hellish drive sometimes. She is so close to work from the West End but that bridge is not always conducive to a happy mental state. She didn't get to park at my house.. but she made it! I haven't seen her in two weeks.. so it was good to catch up.

Tuesday 5:30-6:30 Street Jazz - Chris Dupre

I didn't get what song we were dancing to. It was a cover I think of a Keisha song??? Karen.. someone that he knew and was going to see in concert soon? Anyways, it was a girlie, girlie, dance.. and the boys in class did it way better than I could have. There were some sassy, gay dancers in class tonight and they worked it.

It was a really fun routine. I definitely need more time with this type of choreography to get it with good attitude and character.. I felt like I was just trying to get to the right place at the right time... I need about 20 more tries to make it good. I also feel like I got it when we are all doing it together.. but when we do it in smaller groups I freeze up! I hate that! Why can't I just pretend no one is there?

Joanne took class tonight and of course my eyes always drift to her because she is so awesome. Man.. I wish I could be more like her. I wish I wasn't such a bunhead. BUT.. I have to remind myself.. I can't move as fast with this foot.. I am protecting it... I am out of practice... and with more practice picking up choreo will be easier again.. .so.. the moral is.. Harbour twice a week at least!

Joanne

Chris Dupre notes:
He likes to stab when someone makes him angry... (air stabbing)
ummm... can't remember.. I will write more in if I think of it. He is going to FB the dance too..so I will try and get a copy. K.. time to work!

Monday 6-7:30 Jazz - Chris Dupre! (Still Here - Kina)

Well, this was a special treat. I didn't know that Chris Dupre was teaching tonight. No Moe! I have had this teacher before at GSP and at Harbour. He is an awesome teacher. Let's see if I can get some of the stuff out of my head before I lose it all.

First we did a warm up that started with sit ups. We did some down dogs and hip stretches. There were roll downs in different counts and up to releve and balance in one count. There were plies (which I can't do - so I looked funny at this point). We did tendus - he spoke of the lack of articulation in the limbs - using your full extension. He talked about the back and being connected with it. Arms in second.. just a little lower to feel connected... not too high up or too far back to throw off your center. We did six walks and pirouettes ATF - then four walks fast and four pirouettes. We didn't have any more time for ATF.

He was going to make a routine up on the spot but we had run out of time. He taught us one to the song Still Here by Kina. It starts laying on the floor. It was lyricaly and there was one super fast part. I spazzed at the end... in my mind... when we went in two small groups. I can't make myself go fast enough and protect the ankle.. and remember not to jump like everyone else. Holding back... oh well. I still had an awesome class.

Tuesday 6-7:30pm Hot Yoges - Tarynn

I love the full one and a half hour Bikram class. It is a challenge. I had an awesome class. I had to deal with two new people fidgeting around me - to my right and right behind me. I felt like I was easily getting frustrated today. I have to remember to smile and focus on myself and forget about the annoyances around me. I have to remember that ... when I leave dance team too. I get so annoyed when the ignorant kids take their time.. not thinking that they may make me miss my class.. and my life. I must smile and be more thankful.. I won't miss class.. just relax. Smile.. you really like these kids. Be nice to them. They are trying hard. I gave myself this lecture in class today.

I also thought about my grade 8s. I have one student going away on vacation and I called her the wrong name. But think about this class: Jasmine, Jasmine, Jasmein, Manpreet, Kamalpreet, Maneesha, Jessica, Jessica. There are a lot of names the same in this class and all of the students are new to me. Anywho - I hate messing up a name  - especially this late in the game. The one's I get messed up the most are Manpreet and Kamalpreet ... for some reason.. I think cause they are both cute and little too.. they look the same.. Anywho - I won't do it again. I got it now.

My right hammy was feeling better .. last week? The week before? It has been sore again this week but it is still flexible. I must be careful. The left hip flexor is doing good. The ankle still isn't bending but I stayed at the end of class today and did some extra stretches. I used my mat tie to pull on my foot in different directions. Then I did I lunge with my right knee down for support and I leaned into the left ankle forcing it to bend more.. breathing deeply.. not too much.. just enough to feel the pull. I liked this stretch. There is support from my other knee down and my hands on each side. It feels safe.

I thought about Emma and doing a yoga class with her this weekend. I thought about us smiling at each other and giving each other extra power to do awesome. Good vibes!

K.. bed time!!!

Monday 6-7:30 Jazz -MOE! - Womanizer (cover.. of course!)

YAY!! I can dance! I am going back every Monday. That was so much more fun than yoga. We did a disco cardio section of warm up. The new warm-up is cool. I like the stretching and bending. It is funky. We didn't do across the floor. (YAY.. that was the part I was worried about.. ) WE did choreo for an hour. It was awesome.. and a lot for our brains and there were lots of fast, intricate parts.. but it was fun. I will be back NEXT MONDAY!

Oh ya... and.. when I walked into Harbour - it had all changed. The reception and waiting area is totally different. I am not sure if I like it yet.. well, I like it.. I just need to get used to it. The sign in area has moved so there is less hallway congestion. They must have done this on the Thanksgiving Monday when the studio was closed. They have never been closed for the whole day before. BUT.. I am just guessing.

Friday 6-7am Hot - Tianne

I have named this combo of classes - a night hot then a morning hot - the Yoga Bomb! I don't know why... but I guess I am thinking of a water bomb explosion  - and nothing left in my body. This class was awful! hahaha! Last night I had leg cramps -


Leg cramps last night.. 4 of them... woke me up and wouldn't uncramp.. then another.. four in a row.. I was sweating and crying.. I called my dad cause he gets them.. and standing up worked.. once I got there.. I couldn't relax my foot.. and the bad ankle was killing in the position it was stuck... AWFUL!!!

Maybe I shouldn't have gone but I wanted to stretch it out. I ended up sitting on the floor a lot and massaging my calf and downward dogging and stretching it out. I was tired and felt sick.. I think I am just dehydrated and tired. AND... my dad on the phone last night says, "You do too much." That didn't help - it kept ringing through my head making me have a reason not to try harder. It gave me an excuse to give up for the class. Then, I would fight him with a no, I am normal - other people aren't! And.. I would try again. It was a constant battle in my head. But.. I am rolling with I am normal.. just thirsty and tired!!

Sushi FRIDAY!!

Thursday 6-7:30 Hot Yoges - Taryn - Crystal!!!

Crystal came to hot yoges today. It was a full, hot class. She made it through the standing series without laying down. She wants to go back Saturday. I am taking my weekends off lately.. I told her to text me. You never know!

I realized today that the hardest thing for me is to stop thinking. Well, I mean, I knew that... I just really think I will never have a focused mind. Maybe I could if I didn't have a life and a job..  maybe if I just sat around and did nothing all day. I might be able to not think. My mind is too busy. I think I should pick an easier goal. I don't know if this one will be rewarding enough for me since it is impossible! hahaha!

I love the evening full hot classes. I am sick of boring ohming flow. I love being bendy already from dancing all day. I had a great class. I am still bummed with my ankle not bending... but nothing I can do. I tried to do fouettes today - can't do them without bending at the ankle. I can do them to the left though. Still sucks! Anywho... there is my goal right there! I just hope that it will improve and that I am not stuck like this forever.

Wednesday 6-7:15pm Flow - Katherine - Sophie!!

Well, I haven't gone to the class yet. I don't know if I will have time to write right after class today so I thought I would try to set some goals for tonight's class and then follow up in the morning.

Goal #1: I will do every posture to the best of my ability. CHECK!
Goal #2: I will give a compliment. Check!
Goal #3: I will place my mat on the opposite side of the room. Check! - but I didn't like it!

I had a good class with my friend Sophie! She had an awesome Halloween costume. I will have to get the pic from facebook. Cool eh?

Monday 6-7:15pm Flow - Angela

The class tonight was packed. There was no room. Again I look forward to this coupon thing being over. Angela prefaced her class saying that she has a head cold but it didn't effect her teaching. If she hadn't have said anything at the beginning I would not have known that she was sick. Her class seemed to lack preparation today. She had us down and up and changing her mind about what she was going to next a couple of times. Whatever... it worked out. Not all classes can work out perfectly and sometimes the unplanned ones are the best ones in the end.

We did pigeon. bridge, wheel or assisted wheel, double pigeon - cradle. Not enough room to do headstands or anything like that. People were basically kissing during the sun salutations.

Sophie is sick.. and couldn't come tonight but she is coming Wednesday!

Friday 8-9:30am Hot Yoges - Sarah

OK! Today at the end of class I tried to make myself remember all the things that I wanted to write down. I took the day off from school today so I have time to write. It was awesome to sleep in a bit and to take a class that wasn't packed! First.. my injury report: Ankle - it is still not bending in awkward. At the end of class I used my mat strap to pull my ankle back and then I figured out a nice squat position that stretches out that stubborn part. I am going to do that squat thing as much as I can.. trying to bend that ankle back. Left hip flexor: This is not hurting as much. Triangle is also getting easier on the left side. Right hamstring: Amazingly this is feeling much better. I noticed a difference at the YA... We Dance! Convention last Friday. All week when I have done warm-ups with the kids my flexibility is noticeably improved.

Now here is my new goal for yoga classes: Try not to think. Try to go back to my breath. At the end of class I laid there and tried to remember all of my thoughts and there were more than 11. I will go through them now. My goal is to have five thoughts and soon just breathe. Bring the thoughts back to my breath every time they start to wander. I think way too much!

1. The guy next to me was coughing so I thought about a barrier around my body. I imagined the germs deflecting then disintegrating powerlessly. This thought popped back every time he coughed. I like that dude though. The little short balding guy that always wears a tank top. BUT.. he does make me feel like an ogre cause he is so little.

2. breath is healing. Each time I breathe I am healing my body and making it stronger.

3. I thought about chicken curry in the slow cooker. How I might go and get the stuff I need from the store today and make it today. I could freeze the stuff I don't eat for next week. Or.. .but I might just wait to cook on Monday. I am going to have a healthy eating week again next week. Back into the game plan. I was doing so well eating well balanced.. and now I am back to carbs and cheese. NOT good! BUt.. when you are sick.. .you just want what is comforting... and now I am better.. so back on track!

4. Towel hoodies - I should actually start sewing those today.

5. Shoppers Drug Mart - I need to get face wash, floss, and vitamins - I don't want to get a cold!!!

6. I thought about writing this blog way too much.

7. My Bali ring - how MOD surf is closed now. I wonder if they will reopen when the economy is better?

8. My new surf board. Surfing in Mexico with or without it. Having it in my room. The cold water surf weekend coming up with Emma... and wishing the surfing part was done.. cause it is cold.. but knowing that once I am out in the water I will be happy.

9. Ashley - the new teacher from White Rock behind me. No towel on her mat. Bad technique. Weird closed mouth breathing like the end of ghostbusters possessed breathing. Anorexic but boobs - White Rock look?

10. I thought of Emma in yoga ...

K.. bored of writing now.. as you can see.. so much pointless thought.. I need to just release my brain and tell myself to focus on my breathing. No planning my meals or my day.. or thinking about what I am going to remember to write in my blog. BREATHE.

Wednesday 6-7:15pm Flow - Katherine - Sophie!

This was a good class. It wasn't as busy as it was last week which is nice. It was still busy though! We did a lot of vinyasa flow cycles. It was like a dance and very relaxing. We did some donkey kicks and DP's. A new hard DP where you turn to the side but kick the opposite leg forward and up. I find it almost impossible right now cause it is new.. I need to work on that one and I think it will be a good one to use in random warm-ups at school. The kids will hate - love it! We did baby freezes and bridge and wheel. It was a nice class.

I was thinking about chicken curry and how to make that in my slow cooker. I was thinking about something else too.. and I wanted to remember to write it down.. what was it? I can't remember.

At the end she told us to think about someone that we are not getting along with and make a space in my heart. I tried for a long time and thought I couldn't think of anyone but then I thought of Gordon. So.. there is some space in my heart for him.

K!!! Time to eat old frozen soup. I will buy groceries and cook something new next week. ( I have bought groceries for school... don't worry.. just haven't done the slow cooker meal in about.. three weeks??? It is time!)

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1 inch strips or chunks
• 2 large onions, quartered and sliced thinly
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Tamari
• 1 teaspoon Madras curry powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
• hot cooked rice

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients, except rice, together in the slow cooker/Crock Pot. Cover and cook on low from 6 to 8 hours, or until chicken is tender. Serve over rice.
Crockpot chicken and rice recipe serves 4.

Monday 8-9pm Hot Yoges - Verena - Sophie!!

I like Verena but I don't like her teaching style. She basically sat down before class and told everyone how hard her job is. How when she was a yoga student she thought it would be easy but how now that she is teaching 17 classes a week she wants to kill people. WHAT? Who does that? Probably something my big mouth would do actually. hahaha.

Sophie came to class. She says that she is going to stay at my studio after her pass runs out. She also told me she got another coupon for the gun range. hahaha.. she is crazy! I said if she couldn't find anyone to go with I would lend her my dad. She didn't really like Verena either.

Verena had a tough go though. It is hard to teach yoga when you can't even move in the studio. There were way too many people in class last night. We were packed in like sardines where even staggering couldn't help you. I feel like this is a really raw deal for the students that have been here for a long time and are paying the big bucks for the pass every month. We can't change, we can't pee, we can't shower, we can't get a good class in. I love it that so many people are trying yoga and I hope that some of the committed ones stay but it is totally not cool.

Emma has recently started yoga. She asked me if I get annoyed with the people who lift their legs real high even though they are out of alignemnent and they get the smug looks on their face... do I hate that. I do. But I know their legs are out of alignment and they are doing it wrong. I try to situate myself around people that try hard and give off positive vibes. You start to get to know your yogis and know who is annoying or gives you competitive vibes and who smiles and helps you to do better. Who breathes on you.. who fidgets... who doesn't do the exercises properly and does them in ways that look like they might hurt themselves but don't care because they think that is the right way... who leave to get water... who talk with their neighbours before and after class... who sigh loudly... who make bedroom noises... ya.. there are a lot of annoying people in yoga and I am sure that some people find me annoying... but try to ignore and focus on self improvement.. don't care what others think and try not to think of others. I think that is a good yoga goal.

Friday 6am Hot Yoges - Kari Lynne? / Yeah... We Dance!

I didn't have time to write about class last Friday. But... I went!

Today was also YEAH.. WE DANCE! Convention at my school. Belle, Holly, Mom, and Carrie came. I was hurting the next day from JP's class. 

Wednesday 6-7:15 Flow - Katherine - Sophie!!!

Sophie came to flow class today. We just got back from sushi. I forgot to talk about ohming with her. We had to ohm. I half ohmed. It was an awesome class. We were so sweaty! The class was packed and it was hot but it wasn't too hot. We did side stands - like baby freezes. I want to try and get my legs out to the side.

The change rooms are too busy. They need more bathrooms. They need more space. If they want to keep that many people for class. I think it will thin out after this $30 unlimited gift certificate is over.

Tuesday 6-7:30pm Hot Yoges - Tarynn

I had an awesome class. I was in the front row on the door side. The class was full but not as  full and as hot as last Thursday. I didn't have to lay down or miss any poses. I even did toe stand which I haven't done since the ankle. I really want my ankle to bend more.

There was a girl beside me in a red top and black shorts. Every time she laid with her head towards me she would breathe on me. I thought you were supposed to be breathing through your nose.. but she would breathe all over me. It was gross. She also blew her nose and threw her dirty Kleenex in between us. Gross!

I went into today's class trying not to be grumpy or stressed. I was a bit snappy today. And it worked. I feel way better now that I am done and I had a good class. I am going to kick this busy week's ass.. and the next busy week!! Cha cha!!

Saturday 8-9:30 Hot Yoges - Christine

I had an awesome class this morning. The sun is shining. There were only 18 people in the class. I stood in a pyramid behind two of the normal older guys that are good and try really hard. We had a nice pyramid going on. Everyone trying their hardest and no one slacking ... so there were no breaks. BUt.. it was easy today because it wasn't as hot as during the week in the evening. ALthough, I miss the bendiness of the evening. I felt really stiff. I want my ankle to bend now. I got down to my lowest ever today and I am just going to keep on trying in that first awkward squat. I won't get stuck here.. I will go lower. I was thinking maybe I should take the ballet barre. That my help the bendiness... plies... tendus.. all that would be good for my ankle. Just the barre though. I will do that Tuesday maybe...

I chatted with Andrea on Skype before I went to yoges. She is exhausted. She is always doing too much. We were talking about the Australia year and then doing some time in Sumatra traveling and surfing. I am stoked!!! I can't wait! I should go visit Gerard and see how much I need to save to make it happen. I have to get on that.

I was also thinking about our new teacher dance. It is going to be awesome. We are going to start out doing oldschool hip hop and then they will pull down my pants and under will be a ballet outfit.. and I was thinking we should use the sailormoon transformation song to change .. then go into swan lake!!

I am going to look up some YouTubes and send them an email after breakfast.

K! BYE!

Friday 6-7am Hot Yoges - Tianne

She was here!! hahaha! She apologized for last week and left snacks by the door. I didn't realize that I wanted one till I was already out the door!

I stood beside Danielle today. She is so cute. It was a hard class. I felt really stiff and I kept thinking about gatorade! I have some at school. I have been saving it for a special day and I think this sushi Friday is the day.

I was also thinking about goals. I am floating right now without a goal. I can't remember what I was thinking about ... though. I guess I am not ready yet but I think one is coming to me. My goal should be do be more social and stop going to so many yoga classes!! hahaha!

Off to school. I have my spare now! YAY!! SUSHI FRIDAY!!

Thursday 6-7:30pm Hot Yoges - Christine - Sophie!!!

Finally, I had a good class. I was worried all day that this class was going to suck and be too hot. It was hot but it wasn't as hot as it was on Tuesday and Monday. There were also about 14 less people than Tuesday. The best part about today was that Sophie came. She did awesome. She did everything and she did it well. She is a strong person. I like that.

I had a hard time focussing today. I did my best but I had Wiggley McWiggleson in front of me. She fidgeted before, during and, after postures. She even checked her cell phone?!! BUT.. I should just try to ignore her.

I had a really great class. I feel good now. YAY! OK... dinner!!!

Wednesday 6:30-7:30 street jazz 2- Kelly Kono

First dance class back at Harbour. Melissa Medalla was there. There was one turn on the left and two hops on the left that I didn't do full out. It was fun and good for my brain. Dance is so much harder than yoga. I'm glad I didn't forget how to pick up choreography. I look forward to being able to dance full out but I'm happy to be back!

Tuesday 6-7:30pm Hot Yoges - Taryn - SO FULL AND HOT

This was another class that was way too full and way too hot. It was not enjoyable. It was gruelling. It made me wonder why I do this in my spare time. It wasn't fun. It was too hot and too full.

Monday 10-11:30 Hot Yoges - Kari-Lynn

Thanksgiving day - full class - SO HOT!

Class 40?

20 of us waited outside of yoga at 6am this morning. We had no teacher. Danielle and I chatted. She works as an account manager for a chlorine company. She also said she talked to Tianne this week and she said that she doesn't work this week. So, there is some mix up with the schedule. Rose sat in her car. I talked to her before I left. There is a $30 deal for the whole month! They are really trying to get new students.

Anywho - I went the teacher didn't show up - it still counts!!! hahaha!! I guess my prize for my 40 day challenge is some rest!

Thursday 8-9:15 Flow - Katherine - Class 39

I always say the dumbest things around Katherine cause I think she is so awesome. She was talking about some flying monkey with a funny name and I asked if it was a cartoon but it is some spiritual sanskrit monkey or something. haha.. of course I think flying monkey .. I see cartoons in my head.. or Sam!

She just got back from Toronto. She said T dot O dot. That was funny. She won first for women. Canada came first, Japan second, and England third.

I had an awesome sweaty class today. I felt strong and bendy. We did toe squat three times at the end and that is a great stretch for my arch of my foot. It really feels good awful. We did in Angela's class yesterday too.

When laying at the end my mind drifted to tap shoes and knee pads. I need to get those organized and cleaned. I also thought about my beer in the fridge!

Wednesday 8-9:15pm Flow - Angela - Day 38... woooooohooooo!!

Three things I keep forgetting to write about:
The old guy with the smile - I would see this guy walking to work on my way back from yoga and as  my ankle got better I would be farther ahead of him. I marked my recovery by the distance I could get before seeing him. I started smiling at him cause I would see him everyday. I ran into him yesterday at the corner of Nelson and Helmcken when I was on the way to 6pm yoga. He was on the way home and I was on the way to yoga. He asked me how the morning class was and I said I didn't have time to make it that morning. Nice old guy.

Pop Drop and Lock it. In the Yin class with Leo he went around to everyone when we were laying in Savasana and cupped our wings from underneath and popped them dropped them and locked our shoulders down. And I thought.. he just pop dropped and locked it. He told me no jokes this class so I kept it to myself. It is a sleepy class.

Bumpy yoga mat. The mat outside the yoga room door has huge round bumps on it. I am assuming to massage your feet. But, I find it uncomfortable and it is probably really dirty and gross. I didn't notice I didn't like it until I realized I have been stepping around it.

Angela taught really awesome again today. We dedicated this class to Erin who is doing a meditation retreat. No talking or ANYTHING for 10 days. That would be hard! This is supposed to be Katherine's class but she was running in the New York Marathon.... or something? BUt.. as I was walking home I saw her walking her dog.. not close enough to talk though. I wonder what happened and how well she did? She is such an awesome person. She is Erin's sister.. so I guess they are both pretty awesome.

Tuesday 6-7:30pm Hot Yoges - Taryn - Class 37!!!

I love evening classes. I am pooped now. I am SO bendy at night. Like.. way more bendy!!! Things felt easy. However, the classes are way busier and it was way hotter! There are people yelling outside? What is going on. Calm down.. it is Tuesday!

I have never had Taryn before. She is little like Boosie Allie. She was young and cute. Her voice was clear. She lost a lot of clients. People kept leaving because they gave up! Suckers! Can't you hang on? Can't you tell your brain to shut up? Accept the heat and move on.

K.. I am starving.

Monday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Kari- Lynn - Class 36!

I am in the last week of my challenge. The best thing about a challenge is finishing it. It makes normal life way more exciting becasue you basically deprived yourself of it for however many days. I can't wait for this challenge to be over but I have really enjoyed it and will probably do another one one day. My next yoga challenge I will move up to 60 days though. I have thought of keeping it going to get the 60 days now that I have already done 40 but... I think it is more of a challenge to start again at the beginning. My next challenge will be a dance challenge though. As soon as this ankle is better. The only problem with a dance challenge is money - they charge per class whereas at yoga you go as much as you want for a monthly fee. My dance challenge might have to be only two weeks! hahaha! That would be about $210.

This is the first time I have had Kari Lynn as a teacher. Her voice was too quiet. She has a perfect long, lean body with some cool tattoo that winds up her no tummy. She was younger.. maybe 22... and she taught well minus the fact that she was too quiet for my ears. She did go a bit fast too. I prefer to hold my postures a bit longer. Not just get in and get out. I wonder if she is from the White Rock studio?

The class was full. There were 20 yogis plus Kari Lynn. There were three newbies in the front row. They pushed me out of my spot and they were distracting. But.. whatever. I learned to ignore them and get my sound cues of when to move from the sisters beside me...

Sunday 4-5 Hot Yoges and 5:15-6:30 Yin - Leo - Day 34 & 35

I did two classes today. That yuckiest part .. or funniest, yuckiest - I had a blister from my walk today and my new shoes ... YAY!! (thanks mom!) and in hot yoga it FILLED with juice. (Leo's key word for class was juicy abs too.. weird) So, I tried to protect it and not pop it but I forgot about it during the yin class when we were stretching and it exploded!! ewwww!!

Hot class was good. There were a lot of people in class. Oh! Before class I saw the little Asian lady whose name I don't know. She had done the 90 min class. She said that Patricia and her were talking about me yesterday. I miss Patricia. She also told me that Danny got his own studio in Kerrisdale and that is why he hasn't been around either. She has all the gossip! She has moved to the other studio - Y yoga but still comes to 90 min classes at WHY yoga. Confused?

Yin class - was almost as sweaty as hot. I was nice and bendy. We did legs in second and over each leg then center. For the center Leo put me up on blocks like a kung fu fighter! COOL!


K.. time to get ready for school tomorrow. 5 more days and this challenge is over!

Saturday 8-9:30 Hot Yoges - Christine - Day 33!!

I had a spot in the front row. When the lights came on and we faced the front the skinny, little, brown woman was right diagonal beside me wearing the same outfit as me! OH GOD! hahahaa!! I kept telling myself to smile and forget it the best I could. I am a lot better today than I was when she last stood in front of me so I gave her a run for her money. I know this isn't yoga competition it is yoga practice. I get it... but I don't get it.

I had a good class. I am getting better everyday. My ankle is not swollen - last night it was! That scared me. I didn't do anything ... hardly yesterday either. I iced and kept it up when I got home. I woke up and it was normal... well.. normal for it.. phew!

There was chat after yoga. Two weeks from now on the schedule this 8am class switches to an hour clas. The regulars weren't happy about that. That means if you want to do the full 90 you wouldn't be done till 11:30 ... and then your day is half done! Hopefully, they will rethink this decision. Christine is going to put in a good word for us. I like 8am 90 min. Friday I am so tired from the week .. come home.. sleep.. then get up do yoga... then.. start your weekend. It is a nice routine. I am flexible though.. if they change it.. I am sure I will not die!

Friday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Tianne - Day 32

Explore your limits. Explore your edges? It was something like that. She kept saying that we didn't have to be still but to move with the breath and go to your edges then come back to center then try again to explore your limits and how far you can go.

I wore my fat shorts today - damn.. not so good in the front mirror. I should just chuck them... I will never look good in them!

When I was walking to yoga I noticed a dark girl in a cropped short sleeve olive coloured shirt and black leggings. She wasn't anyone I noticed from class and I thought it was weird that she didn't have a hoodie or a jacket. She walked right into yoga. By the time I got to yoga she was being escorted out of the building by a tall, strong, Tianne. Her smell lingered. Sad. She didn't have any malice or anything no expression - like no one lived in the body and she was just sleep walking through life.

Thursday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Angela - Day 31

Wow! It was good to be back starting my morning off right. I don't like missing a morning. Although, I will be missing mornings next week... and until May.

(Omar just walked into the studio and picked up his two picks. He is late! hahaha.. but he is a double pick afro man!)

I had an awesome class this morning. The class was packed. There were 15 yogis plus Angela. Tall Danielle, Rose, Annie and the two sisters were there.

At the end we did pigeon straight up, side and side - ouch. Then we did double pigeon. We also did bridge and two wheels. NTS: crown of head, adjust hands to shoulders and wider for wheel.

She let us out late. I followed Annie out before the Namaste. It just felt late and my rule is to follow Annie out.

Wednesday 6-7:15pm Flow - Leo - Day 30

I turned my alarm off somehow yesterday. I think it was because I was up before it and I was playing with my phone. I must have slid it off then. AND... I got home late from Belle's awesome party so I just collapsed into bed without checking. It is set automatic usually. I woke up at 6:30am in a foggy, confused, panic. Then I relaxed and took my time geting ready. For the rest of today I have felt like I had so much to do and wasn't getting anything done... except for making up dances. I made up dances pretty fast today. I attribute that to the nice weather. Sun power!

So, this was my first FLOW class since the ankle. I am glad I waited till now to go to one. There are a lot of things that would have been a challenge in my earlier days.

Leo taught an awesome class. It was the perfect balance of repetition and challenge. I got to do the bird of paradise. I couldn't balance in this one with my bad ankle. We got to do the splits.. and my sore hamstring wasn't sore! YAY! We also did head stands like the ones that Erin had in some of her pictures... on FB. I am going to try and find that picture. It is so cool.. I was thinking about it in class.

Tuesday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Sarah - Day 29 - Belle's 13th Birthday!!

I like being in the front row. Today we had - Danielle, Rose, Danielle, and Me!! Good front row. I had a great class. Awkward is still my worst posture but all the rest I am pretty much back to normal. Balancing is no longer hard! My hamstring is still hurting in the morning as is my hip flexor.

K.. gotta make up dances!!

Monday 6am Hot Yoges - Angela - Day 28

My hands smell like garlic and celery. I washed my hands. But when I went to prayer position of the hands - all I smelled were things I cut yesterday. Yucky! This food better turn out good!! Yesterday was the first time I have ever cut garlic... that I can remember. Do I need to wear gloves?

I like being back in the front row.

We have proD today - Keli is here somewhere.. I might write more later!!

Good class.

Sunday 8-9:30am Hot Yoges - Christine - Day 27

 

The top board is Semele's and the bottom was is Bruce's.. custom!! 

One more weekend!! All I could think about was my new surf board that I am going to get custom made just for me!!! WOO HOOOOO!!!!
Click Here

Ok.. yoga was awesome and super sweaty today. There was a river down my spine when I was laying on my tummy. I actually tipped over a bit to let it run off. How gross is that?

I moved myself back to the front row today :-) YAY! I am almost normal.

Problem areas: left ankle, left hip flexor, right hamstring. There will always be something so learn to work with what you got!

Saturday 8-9:30 Hot - Christine - Day 26

Picture day for Belle!! Grade 8!! 

I am going to go through the poses again today and write about my progress and my pains! OH! The tall, skinny, Spanishy looking girl has a name - Rose. She wasn't there today but yesterday she asked me if I played volleyball for UBC. She recognizes me from somewhere. Hmmm...

Pranayama breathing: I tried using the opposite grip on the second set.

Half moon pose with hands to feet pose: I don't go that deep in the sides early in the morning. It would be nice to take an afternoon class sometime and go full out. My back was stiff today so I didn't go far back that way either. My right hamstring is acting up again - along with my right groin from killer push-ups I have the kids do... I wonder how they are feeling? I am probably the only one that did them full out and I did them with two classes.. so I am probably the only one hurting. They are great though! I just let my hamstring relax in the forward part and didn't try to straighten my knees. Let it heal!

Awkward pose (in three parts): The first part I can notice that my knees are bending more. I am not close to getting down at all but I focus on breathing into my heal and letting it relax so I will be able to one day. The second part on my toes I was having a hard time balancing but I went down about half way. The third part I am pretty good at now and I can do it normal :-)

Eagle pose: I attempted to hook my right leg but was unable to this time. That is  my goal for tomorrow. My knee is bending more and pulling less at the heal.

Standing head to knee pose: I was having a hard time balancing on my left leg. I tried to grab my foot but couldn't balance there so I went back to holding my knee and just practicing balancing.

Standing bow pulling pose: I balanced really well in this one. I think this is because I focus on kicking and pulling in opposite directions. I did do bow on my left leg at the very end.

Balancing stick pose: I did this no problem.

Standing separate leg stretching pose: No problem... head touching the ground.

Triangle pose: I am weak here because I haven't been doing this one full out but I did do it today.. I just wasn't able to hold it the whole time. This one hurts my left hip flexor.

Standing separate leg head to knee pose: Now here is a new improvement... before I couldn't get my left leg right behind me and twist my hips to the front and now I can. I also was holding onto the ground for balance but today I had my hands back in prayer!!

Tree pose: I just practiced my balancing and I kept my foot on my calf on both sides.

Toe stand: I did not do this. I did another set of tree.

Corpse pose: Hahaha.. easy!

Wind Removing Pose: I kinda spaced out in this one. She had the lights down so low. I kinda came back to the world wondering when we had done the both knees to chest part and if I had done it or just laid there?

Cobra pose: No problem.

Locust pose: I held this better than I did before. I didn't cheat and come out early!!

Full locust pose:No problem

Floor bow pose: This one was harder. I came out early the first set. The second set I stayed in - but it was low - not as high as I used to get it.

Fixed firm pose: Breathe into the ankle. I go down normal.

Half tortoise pose:I focus on sitting on my ankles straight and letting them relax every time I breathe.

Camel pose: I kept my hands on my back instead of my ankles because my back isn't that bendy today.

Rabbit pose: I do this one normal now. My necklace went up my nose though.. hahaha and that made me silently laugh and come up and take it out of my nose!

Head to knee pose with intense stretching posture: No problem. My left is better than my right in this one because of the bad hammy. I really pull my left foot back and get a good stretch in my calf...

Spine twisting pose: I did this one normal although I don't think my hips are completely straight on the bad side.. working on it... trying to let my foot relax in that position.. and stretch back to normal.

Blowing in firm pose: I did this sitting on my knees again. I am getting better!! YAY!

Thursday and Friday 6-7am Hot Yoges - Tianne - Day 24 and 25!

I totally forgot to write my blog yesterday. I was so busy! We had dance team auditions after school...very exciting and full day.

Tianne is the Flow teacher that used to have the 7:15am classes. Yesterday was my first day having her. Danielle and I learned from her today to relax our shoulders and think about pulling the bottom of our wings together.

I got lots of work to do.. I may write more later.. but prob. now! BYE

Wednesday 6-7am Hot Yoges - Erin - Day 23 - Laya's third birthday!!

There was a poster with a nutrition challenge at yoga and I thought to myself... why do I love challenges? Don't look at it becasue I will just want to do it. I am a challenge nerd. Next I want to do a dance challenge and a surf challenge. I want to dance 30 days in a row... then I want to surf.. everyday in the water.. for 30 days... hahaha! That is awesome.

We had a smaller class today with 8 people. The white shirt boy is back and there were two older men in the front corner. One knew what he was doing but the other one was new and struggling. He was smiling and laughing though.. so.. I think he liked it. Or.. maybe he was just trying to get through it and planning on never coming back.

I went all the way down in the third akward again. YAY!

My left heel went all the way down in downward dog! YAY! Something is working!!

Tuesday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Angela - day 22

At the front desk I aske Angela how she was doing. She doesn't like getting up for 6am classes. She asked me how I do it. I said I go to bed early - in bed my 9:30 asleep by 10:00. I am also a morning person. I like getting up early and getting things done.

Both Danielle's were in class today and the Spanishy girl and her sister.

We had 10 girls and one man in class today.

I am getting a little better at awkward pose.

My leg was really stiff from those stupid IMS needles!

Monday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Angela - Day 21

(random last year school pic! I like these.. funny surprises!)

There were 11 girls in class today including the teacher. Where are our men at? Have they wimped out?

Danielle was there this morning. The other teacher.. is back to mornings.. because she is too busy in the afternoons. The tall, skinny, Spanishy looking girl in the Mercedes brought her older sister or friend today.

I had a hard time balancing today. Too sleepy? Maybe... but I was awake at 5:20 - 15 minutes before my alarm. Just not a good balance day!

I stretched out my calves really good. I am really trying to breathe into my ankle and relax it so it stretches out more. I have some more progress in awkward. I am getting lower in the first one, higher on my toes on the second and I went all the way down in the third one! YAY! I felt it in my left knee. I guess it isn't used to bending!

Just some walking!

I walked to DIPT - but it wasn't open till 12 and it was 11:30. So, I walked down Hornby to Hastings left down to Cordova and to Hits. It wasn't open either! I walked down to Gastown and sat on a step for a while and played on my phone. Then I walked down Water and up Carrol St. and back down Cordova to Hits. It was 12 and it still wasn't open. SO.. I walked back to DIPT at Hornby and Robson and got my new T-shirt for school tomorrow!! AND then.. I walked home.

Sunday 8-9:30am Hot yoges - Christine - DAY 20 - HALFWAY!

Good morning halfway through my yoga challenge! I met an old friend in yoga today. Daniel. I can't remember where I know him from but it is from back in the Cypress days I think.. and maybe before that. Anyways, he is a Vancouver firefighter now and he knows Sam's friend Mike. He had his girl with him, Jessica and it was her first time. He was helping her out. He has been at this studio for as long as I have been. He is pretty good for a boy!

Yesterday and today... when I would sit on my knees I would focus on breathing into my ankle and relaxing it. Then, at the end of class after I did my ROM exercises.. . I did downward dog and really tried to get my heel down on the ground. I am almost there! I am glad I am finally getting to see some more results. I can't wait until I can go all the way down in awkward again... but my knees are bent more than when I started. I didn't go all the way down in warrior two with my left foot forward.. and I am not sure if that was because of my ankle or.. if I am just using that as an excuse and being lazy. Hmmm.. that can be my goal for this week.

K... starving!

I am going to go shopping today. I am going to get some cute fluorescent cons for Laya and a Diamonds for Breakfast T-shirt for me. (Savage Rock's GF's Dance crew and DIPT collabo T-shirt! COOL!!!)

Saturday 8am-9:30 Hot Yoges - Christine - Day 19

 

Hahaha!! I think this is so funny!! 

I was thinking about progress today. Maybe I wished to see more evidence of progress and my wish came true - except for me allowing to progress past my already advanced level I got duped and regressed so I could see the progress from a new basal level back up to my normal self level. Hmmm.. be careful what you wish for folks. Those little leprechauns are tricky!

There was something else I was thinking about.. that I wanted to write. I really wish I could download my brain. I seem to wash all my thoughts out in the shower. My blog would be riveting if was actually all the stuff I planned to write while laying there in yoga.

I don't know. Progress is minimal today. I sweat a lot. I feel good. DONE DAY 19!

Friday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Angela

I was tired this morning. I went to sleep early and I woke up a couple of times but went right back to sleep. My alarm shocked me. Everyone seemed a bit sleepy today. Angela said that she had drank too much tea and had a bad sleep.

Insurance people just returned my call.. they will check upstairs but haven't received anything yet... did you make copies mom? I guess I should txt you! hahaha!

Back to yoga:
I had a hard time balancing today. By standing bow I was ok. I had some moments where I thought I looked ripped but the lights were dim and then when I sat down my little belly was still there - but I was wearing my low rider yoga shorts. Hmmmm.. I had so much to say.. but now that I am at school.. I just want to get my work done. I will write a good entry tomorrow when I can write right after yoges.

Sushi Friday!

Thursday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Leo - Day 17

(Kelowna 2010)

There is a yoga conference in Vancouver October 1-3rd. That would be a great thing to do.. if it was pre-ankle! Here is the info... I will check it out on the weekend when I have more time.

Leo had a new class orgnaized for us and it flowed quite nicely. It was fun to do something different. He was the only boy in class today. It has been girly classes the last two days in a row. Where did our boys go? Hmmm...

Good class. I am still stuck up in awkward pose but everyday my balancing is improving slowly.

K.. gotta go make up dances!

Wednesday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Sarah - Day 16

(another random school shot! HAHA! I think I will take the camera out at lunch and get some shots from this year)

We were all girls today in class. I learned another new name today: Wanda - a little Asian girl that doesn't go all the way down in awkward pose. (neither do I!) I have to learn the names of the two sisters. They have been coming every morning for about two weeks now. The blonde girl in the big mom truck... I need her name too. Danielle was there. There were others that I didn't know too.

Anywho - I woke up before my alarm today. I ran out of floss!! That is how good I am at flossing!! I will have to get some after school so I don't miss tomorrow's flossing!! I am such a nerd.

Anyways.. back to yoga. Hmmm... Awkward still sucks but I am getting better on the last two that go up on the toes. Balancing is still a work in progress. I feel bad for wiggling in the mirror. I know I make other people wobble when I do that. I am trying!!

On the way to yoga I encountered a singing bum going through the dumsters in front of Milestones. He seemed happy. I wondered... how does someone decide to be a bum? Does anyone ever decide? Where is that point where you decide.. the best thing for you would be to collect stuff out of dumsters? Industrious  bums make me wonder.. they are hard workers that are up early... they must have other options. But.. this guy seemed really happy. He is happy and doesn't give a F*** what anyone else thinks. It is kind of freeing.

WOW!! The bell went.. it is my spare and I am going to photocopy then.. make my warm-up.

BYE !!!!

Tuesday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Angela

(another random school picture! It is the twins!)

Angela told us about a new teacher that is teaching the 2pm class named Will. I asked if he was hot and she replied I wish - she is pretty sure he is gay. She loved his class though and said that he sang during class??? It brought a tear to her eye? I am intrigued but not enough to take a day off.. but maybe if I have my spare last block one day or he teaches a later time I will check it out.

Last night the physio released my hip flexor. It is so much better but I can still feel it. I think the laser will fix it up the rest of the way. The physio also pluged needles into my muscles and the one that is killing me is the calf one. It feels like it is going to cramp. It is awful. I need to be more relaxed next time I go to physio and just let him release the damn muscle!

I didn't balance as good this morning.. no wait.. I had some good balances.. but I was pretty tired. I didn't sleep well last night.. maybe because of physio! hahaha! I woke up all sweaty! YUCK! and bad dreams! Double yuck!

That's all.. I didn't use the wall at all. My ankle didn't click as much. I asked the physio about clicking.. and he said that is normal. No problem. He likes to throw things.

OH.. and both tall, tattoo girl, and my other friend who was in the accident.. they are both Danielles! (I came in after them and read their names on the paper!)

Monday 6am 1H Hot Yoges - Sarah - Day 14

(I just picked a random picture from school computer.. couldn't see who it was!! )

Whoa - Monday morning! I am always a bit sleepy walking down to this class. However, the tall, skinny... Spanishy girl woke me up with her shiny, black, Mercedes bumping Hip Hop. WOW! I like her!! hehehe! I was the first one to sign my name on the list today. I still like our new teacher Sarah. I have heard some complaints about how she does so many Bikram postures. How can I complain? I like those postures. It is nice that all teachers are not doing the same thing.

What did I do good today? Awkward pose - on my toes. I did Pigeon at the end... even the bad ankle. I balanced good. I wish I was balancing better - but I have seemed to plateau. (compared to my normal progress lately.) I did a nice standing bow. My upper back was really stiff. Sarah did miss the back bend in the first posture. The hip hop girl looked back at me and we both shrugged and didn't mention it.. just did what she said. Maybe she meant to miss it?

I have physio today. I am going to ask him about: clicking when balancing and in general, the lump on my instep, and if he can release my hip flexor. (Iliopsoas)

Sunday 8-9:30 Hot Yoges - Christine - Day 13

I had a lot of thoughts today in yoga. I am pleased with my progress. I am really stoked I can balance. It sucks being injured but I love progress and when you are recovering you get a lot of that gratification. On that note, I do not wish to be injured again.

I am worried about the bump in the bottom of my left instep. I can't remember if it was there before my injury. I think it was. I think it is bothering me more now because my foot had lost all that muscle and now it is gaining it all back. It is aggravated by the trauma. I looked it up last night and some people said it went away and then there were some responses about having to get it cut out and stay off of it for six weeks. GREAT! That won't be me. I am the one where it goes away!

Just some walking

I walked to G street and down to Gastown. I walked back up Carral street to Pacific and back home through Yaletown. I got home and Sophie called and we went for lunch. I walked up Helmcken to G street and right on Davie - we ate at that burger spot.. I can't remember what it is called. Looks like a soda shop. Then I walked home.

Saturday 8-9:30 Hot Yoges - Christine - Day 12

I am extremely happy with my progress. Today I could balance on my left leg. I was able to go up on my toes for awkward pose and I could do a normal warrior 2! YAY! 12 days of yoga and I can see so much progress. I am smiling!!

6am 1HH Yoges - Angela - Day 11

Deanne - is that the girl's name who was in the accident??? I wished I could hear this morning. She said something to me three times and I still didn't get it. I wish I could hear!!

Angela taught well again today and I felt bad for writing what I did before. She just had an off day. Everyone has them. Today was great. I was able to do warrior two deeper than I have been doing it. I also was balancing better and longer. I love progress!!

6am 1HH Yoges - Sarah - Day 10

I like our new teacher!
Today is Thursday so, Danielle was here. That other girl that used to come all the time ... I thought her name was Danielle.. but I guess not.. the one that was in an accident last spring. She was here. It was the first time I have seen her since I have been back. We didn't get to chat. She didn't really seem to happy - maybe just tired or focussed. It was a tired morning for a lot of people. I didn't want to wake up. It is crazy being busy again. I love it! It is a good change from broken ankle boredom!

Progress report:
The best thing I did today... I balanced on my left leg with my arm up - (still next to the wall in case I need it) in standing bow. I was just holding my leg and not doing the bow part - but I balanced.. which is really hard. I remember when balancing was so easy. Anywho... I am really happy about balancing!!

I did something else good.. what was it.. I can't remember.. it was so long ago now... hmmm...

6am 1HH Yoges - Sarah

Sarah is a good teacher. She came from the White Rock studio. We had a full class today. I tried to balance on my left leg a little! YAY! (like 3 seconds!!hahah)

Just some walking!

I left at 7:03 and got to shoppers at 7:50.

I walked down Homer to the C wall and left back to Yaletown. Katherine was walking her dogs. She said hi but she was on the phone. I am glad I didn't have to tell my story to my HERO! I don't think she noticed my limp. She might though because I have taken her sister's class already. But then again... why would her sister go and tell her about my injury? She probably forgot about it as soon as she left the studio.

Anywho.. good walk! I am getting faster. That walk used to take me an hour and fifteen minutes. OH.. and I found the song I am going to make my upper body dance project to.

6am Hot Yoges - Angela - Day 8

NO PATRICIA??? WHAT?
I woke up early. I wasn't sleeping that heavily as the person above me who starts their daily shower at 4:50 woke me up. I rolled over, I peed... I tried to sleep but gave up and played with my phone. I got to yoga early. Danielle (tall, tattoo girl) was sitting in her car out front and she invited me in to wait. THAT is when I found out that  Patricia is no longer working at WHY! My favourite teacher!! BOOO!

Angela redeemed herself this morning. She was very clear and she taught class very well. The new things she was trying worked better today. I enjoyed today's class. It was a small class - we were only 5 in total.

My awkward pose and warrior sequences are still my worst in this class.

Just some walking!

I had lunch with Mikey on G street. From there I walked down G street to Water street, up Abbott and right on Cordova and back up Cambie. I turned right on Georgia turned before the library, right on Robson and left down Homer to HOME!

I am way faster now. I even passed some people! (mind you they were walking slow and looking at the madness Telus and Chinese food stuff going on on G street.) Way more people passed me. I was walking fast keeping up with Mikey and I just kept going after the sky train. I slowed down about halfway through ... don't want to overdo it.

I saw another guy on crutches by my house. Were there always this many people on crutches and I didn't notice? Do I notice crutch people now - or has this been an exceptionally bad summer for a lot of people?

I walked for about 55 minutes from Roxy burger - cause I listened to my new warm-up and the Christmas show up until the finale song. 

Foot massage time!

10am 1h Hot Yoges - Sarah - Day 7

The class was packed! It was nice and hot. I feel great and it has only been one week! Can you imagine how good I am going to feel after 5.7weeks? Maybe I should do 60 days?? Then I could get my name on the wall!!! Maybe...

My worst posture is still utkatasana - awkward pose. I just can't bend at my ankle. I am hoping to see more improvement soon.

This is the first time I have had Sarah as a teacher. I think she is new to teaching. She had a nice clear voice and gave clear instructions. She could have held some postures longer and gave people more time to get into downward dog before switching to the next posture. I felt a little bit rushed. All in all, I think once she becomes more comfortable teaching she will be awesome.

2-3:30 Hot Yoges - Leo - Day 6

I hated waiting around to go to this class (even though I got my warm-up music done) but I was a whole lot bendier in this class than I have been in the morning classes. I guess it was worth the wait. That super skinny, tanned mega yogi was in class again today but she was standing in the opposite corner from me. What a relief! hahaha! I had a good class. I felt stronger today.

You know what is funny? Two days in a row now I have done exercises on my good leg thinking they were my bad leg and thinking wow, this is easy.. I feel so great! Then I realize it is my good leg and think... duh! Then I go to my bad leg and think.. nope it is still difficult.

I have to remember to ask physio about clicking. I don't think it is a bad thing. It doesn't hurt. I think it is just the leg becoming a leg again. I notice the clicking when I stand on one leg and let go of the wall.. when I ankle does mini adjustments to balance there is sometimes a click. I will mention this to the physio next time I go to make sure.

I ran into one of my favourite yogis on the walk back - enter name for little Asian teacher here - . She is switching to Y yoga. Patricia has told her, as her naturopath, that she is doing too much hot yoga. Something is not aligning with her heat... or something. Ironically, Patricia is our hot yoga teacher! We also talked about going back to school, riding bikes (I have been thinking of getting a good bike.. cause I can't run.. I can cycle?? Get in some good outdoor exercise. One day do a triathalon??), towel service, and how other teacher's suck... I mean... we are both critical of teachers when they teach... we have decided that it is a teacher thing.. I just wrote about that yesterday.

Anywho - great to run into her. I was thinking about canceling my membership before the summer and trying that studio - but I didn't... She is still going to get a 20 class card for WHY and get her full membership at Y. Something to think about... when I am better :)

Just some walking!

I didn't look at the time - but I walked to G street to London Drugs - down Seymour to G town back up Cambie and right on Cordova to visit Hits. Up Homer and home!

8am Hot Yoges - 90min - Christine - Day 5

Suffering is the sandpaper that shapes your life. - Christine read this to us in her soft voice during the last savasana. Or.. at least that is what I heard. (My ankle is sandpaper!)

Before class started I did my ROM exercises. 10 of each of the following:
circles right
circles left
Flex and point
Up in down in
Up out down out
small alphabet
big alphabet to L... then class started.

After class I did them again. I was going to massage the scar but I couldn't remember ... I knew there was something I was thinking during class that I was going to add to my ROM exercises.. but I just remembered now. I will do it after I write this.

Improvements:
Fixed firm - I used the block the first time but not the second.
half tortoise - I sat on my bum with my feet together the first time but on my knees the second.
Walking home after class - I was walking pretty normal after being all stretched out :) 

Grumpiness: I have two pairs of yoga clothes that come higher in my waste and cover my fat belly. Those are in the wash. The other two pairs are low riders a bit and no matter how much I suck in my gut it just won't go in. I refuse to do laundry every two days for my ego. It was hard today and it made me so sad - so mad that I let myself eat bad foods when I couldn't move. I should have gone with my first instincts and tried to eat healthy. Then I tried.. I have the excuse that I was at other people's homes and eating out a lot. I still could have eaten better and eaten less. I could have made better choices and I wouldn't be in this situation now. It didn't help that in front of me was the skinniest, most tanned, yogi.. she must have been a teacher. She was very inspiring with her focus and serenity. But her perfect skinny body right in front of my fat one just... well.. I was at the wrong side of this juxtaposition. WHATEVER - 35 more days. I am strong, I am smart, I am beautiful.