Tuesday@eleven

Sudden Fame, Soup and Salad

2010-10-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

I saw one of my ongoing clients today at 9:45 in the morning. She had a double hip replacement a couple of years ago, and is doing pilates privately with me twice a week to become stronger in her hips as well as to gain overall strength and flexibility.

but right as we were wrapping up her appt, S., the owner of the studio, came into the room and stood there, looking at me with some urgency. This was odd. he doen't usually show up like that. He asked me if I had 20 min. or so, and I said yes. He asked if I would "jump into" the pilates classroom, where an advanced pilates class was happening (taught by his wife and co-owner of the studio, H.). There was a camera man in there, filming for either a commercial, or a webpage.. I'm not sure which yet, but S wanted me to get on the one last empty allegro (pilates machine) so that the class would be full during filming. Two of my co-workers were also in there, taking part in the class, so the room would look nice and full. I knew that we were going to be doing some filming this weekend, but I had no idea that they were actually starting today.

I didn't have time to think really... just ran to the back room, put on my toe sox really fast, and ran into the classroom. The class was going in full force - right in the middle of doing some intense 100's roll ups, H. cueing abs and rib funnel. It was fun and slightly surreal all of a sudden to have to "perform" and have a camera man stare down at me with his lens. The whole class was more quiet and focused than it usually is. People act differently when they're on video!

I didn't bring quite enough food to work with me today. Lunch was a sprouted wheat bun, toasted (the toaster at work has really come in handy) with almond butter on it. I also had a banana, an orange, and half of a Pure bar for a snack.

Towards the later afternoon I was really hungry. I stopped at my favorite" save-me -in-a-starving-pinch" health food store on the way home from work. Seriously, I'm sometimes embarrassed to go to this store, because I'm there just about EVERY day. Yes, I'm the woman who doesn't know how to do a big shopping once a week (I'm working on that). I picked up some ready-made organic salad. I love shredded beets, so my salad was full of beets, some sprouts, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, pumpkin seeds ( REALLY good in salad), and a little bit of feta dressing. I added some flax oil to it when I got home. I also had a big bowl of lentil soup that I made a couple of days ago, some raw filbert nuts, and lemon/ginger tea with agave and fresh lemon juice. It was delicious! Soup and salad are two of my favorites. I'd like to make a pot of soup every weekend during the fall and winter.

True Colors

2010-10-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Like many people who are trying to eat nutritiously, I sometimes use stevia powder as a sweetener. I use the little packets of white stevia powder to sweeten my tea, lemonade, smoothies, and even coffee. The packets are convenient and since it is so sweet, a little goes a long way. But being the organic snob that I am (I'm admittedly addicted to organic food), I began to wonder why I can't find any organic stevia.
Today, I wanted to make a smoothie as part of my lunch, and I had an idea. I'd look at my favorite health food store (just a few blocks away from my house), and see if they had any organic stevia in their bulk spice section. They have just about every other spice and powdery substance in bulk, but I never thought to look for stevia there.

And I found this:

organic stevia leaf.

It's green......

It makes sense that it's green, since stevia is a green leaf plant. I wonder if they process it to make it into the white form that you usually find it in.
So, this made me very happy to find! It's organic and it seems to be closer to its natural form. You should take a look at your health food store and see if you can find some. It's realllllly sweet. I used a little too much in my smoothie, but it was still tasty:

(all organic)
apple juice, non-fat milk, frozen strawberries, apple, cinnamon, and stevia.

I drank it with this:

two organic frozen flax waffles, with organic peanut butter. It was delicious, and just the right fuel after my run and before I went in to the pilates studio to work.

Oh, and half of this bar which is my favorite right now. It's organic, raw, vegan, and so GOOD. It's a chocolately brownie treat with walnuts. I'm thinking of buying a bulk box online.

Speaking of colors, I'm loving the fall colors of this time of year:
My buffet at the moment:

Bright red (spotted while taking a walk):

Enjoy,
xo

On Travelling 3,000 Miles, Conquering a Phobia, and Going Back To The Birth Place.

2010-04-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

I kept hush about it before hand, but my mom, Alex, and I went to New York on April 7th. We had planned this trip since last October, when my mom called me one day and in a hesitant tone asked me if I wanted to go to New York with her in April. Her hesitant tone was due to the fact that she knows I'm deathly afraid of flying. She can understand though, because she too, hates to fly. As a matter of fact, it was in 1982 that we last went to New York together, and our plane lost power in one engine on the way back. We had to make an emergency landing at the San Francisco airport. Yeahhh, that is probably when our flying phobias got rooted.

Nevertheless, we're from New York, have family there, and my cousins daughter was having her bat-mitzvah on April 10th. Our family there has been putting the pressure on us to visit. My mom decided she was going to go, and Alex decided he wanted to go with her. It came down to if I was going to go also - free tickets included from my mom's credit card points. I said yes.

This was the first time the three of us.. my mom, me, and Alex have gone on a trip together. It was such an adventure! I should tell you that Alex had never been on an airplane before (he's 15). He'd also never been on a train, or through a revolving door! It was fun to do all of those things with him. I mean hey.... the New York subway is a heck of an introduction to riding the train, wouldn't you say??

At the San Francisco Airport, waiting to get on our flight to NY.

We stayed at my aunt and uncle's house on the beach, about 30 min. outside of Manhattan. The beach is their backyard. So relaxing.

One of the main reasons we went to New York, was for my cousin's daugher's bat-mitzvah. I had never been to one. It was quite the event.

I like to watch the Regis and Kelly show (I'm home some mornings at 9:00). Something about it is very "nostalgic New York" to me. I sent away for tickets to be in the studio audience, and got them! Alex and I went to the show on April 9th. It was very surreal. At one point, Regis came right up to me and said "hi."

Waiting in line to get in to the show

More from Regis and Kelly

We spent a whole day in Manhattan- walking, shopping, looking.

Pigeons on top of the Empire State.

And a day in Brooklyn, where I was born. I love the old architecture there.

Is my fear of flying cured? Not 100%, but I'm definitely better about getting on a plane than I used to be. I was able to get into the "organization and rhythm" of flying more this time. Everything has a purpose and a timing, and works like it should for the most part. It also helped to tune into the air traffic control station and listen to the captain talking every once in a while. His voice was calm, and I knew that things were okay. I'm not ready to book another flight yet, but I'm glad I went.

What vacations are you looking forward to? Tis the season.

Early Spring Sunday

2010-03-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

I love Sunday mornings.
Who doesn't.

Today, mine consisted of some of this on the coffee table, reminding me that spring (my favorite time of the year) is on the way:

And this for breakfast:

I don't usually eat pancakes, but today they sounded (and tasted) especially good. These are organic buckwheat pancakes topped with a little banana and pure maple syrup, which contains none of the junk like high fructose corn syrup that "regular" syrup contains. It costs more, but it's so worth it. This breakfast was quick, easy, delicious, and made with foods close to their source. My kind of meal.

Until next Sunday.....

Valentines Day

2010-02-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

~Enjoy whatever and whoever it is that you love today~

Medicine Cabinet Clean Out

2010-01-23T15:37:00.000-08:00

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that when I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep, I think about organizing my house, to help lull me to sleep. Oh yeah, I've analyzed this one a lot. Organization is something that I've been "working on" for years. Do you have anything that you've been trying to do/achieve, however "small" it may seem, for a long time? Organization helps me to feel calm, in control, and accomplished. I'm the kind of person who doesn't like the fact that a lot of things in life are beyond our control. It makes me uneasy, and spikes my anxiety. I don't really love the process of organizing a mess- but I love the finished results. And the process has taken on an almost meditative quality for me lately. When I'm focused on an organizing project, everything else gets pushed aside. My mind is quiet.

One thing that I love about our house is these built in cabinets in the hall by the bathroom.

In the bottom left, we keep towels. In the top left is our bedding.. sheets, etc. in the top right is extra shampoo bottles, and other bathroom items. In the lower right is the medicine cabinet (we don't have one in the bathroom).

Sadly, the medicine cabinet got to a point of disarray. Actually, it never was well organized.

Here's a before photo:

It's been bothering me lately, so I ordered some Clear Stacking Bins from the container store which fit into the space perfectly. I like that they are open in the front, so you can easily see and access what's inside them. I'm thinking about getting a label maker for labeling such bins.

I took everything out, wiped the shelves clean, tossed the things that we don't use, and organized most of what was left into the three bins. I thought about taking the medications out of their packaging, but realized that we might need to read the directions! Now, there is a lot more room. When you live in a small house, you need to make every part neat and functional, I think.

Here's what it looks like now (so much more pleasing to the eye, right?)

Just $20.00 or so, and about a half hour of time, and it's so much better.

The Basic Work Out

2010-01-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

Until I started my new job at the pilates studio about seven months ago, I taught fitness classes for 13 years. I taught it all... step aerobics, dance aerobics, kickboxing, body sculpting, abs/back class... of course, not all at once, and usually I only taught two or three classes a week. Getting exercise was easy because it was "built into" my job description! I also tried to get into the weight room a couple of times a week and lift weights.

Lately, there has been a big shift in how and when I work out, and I'm still adjusting to it. When I started my new job training for pilates, it was so intense ( I really felt like I was in medical school) that I hardly worked out at all for a number of months. That felt horrible, but it was all I could do to squeeze in a little walk or short run here and there. Maybe it was partially the emotional aspect for me. I was so overwhelmed and overworked for those months of training that I just came home and flopped, and didn't want to move. But my body started to feel the effects of not having enough regular exercise. I was getting sore and tight in ways I hadn't felt before, and that scared me.

I realized just how important movement is for me, physically and mentally. I knew that if I could work out more, it would help me relax and feel more centered at work, and in all aspects of my life. So I've started walking/jogging more. I like to record when I exercise on the calendar on my computer. Doesn't it feel good when you can look back and see that you worked out "X" many times during the week? I also try to take two pilates classes a week (not always easy when you have clients that conflict with class times) and, I'm trying to use the gym at work more.

I know, it seems kind of weird for a pilates instructor and personal trainer to be struggling with her own work outs, right? But even when you work at a gym/pilates studio, it can be hard to find the time/motivation/ whatever/ to get regular work outs. I'm dealing with the same issues that everyone has to deal with... finding exercises that I like to do, that I'll do regularly. It's different now that I'm not teaching cardio classes. When I teach pilates classes, I'm not actually doing the movements with the class for the most part- I show them what to do, and then walk around correcting their form, etc. It's also not cardio, though it's some good strengthening and stretching.

My new goal is to fit in a work out in the gym Monday mornings right after my 7:30 client, and then again on Thursday or Friday. I usually do about 20 min. to a half hour of cardio, and then some weights. It's not a long work out, but I feel like it's enough for now. I also try to take a pilates class twice a week, and then I walk/jog once or twice on the weekends.

I'm starting to feel like I want to take some kind of class on the weekends, but I'm not sure what kind yet. Spinning has been appealing to me, but I haven't tried it yet.

You really can get a decent work out in only a half hour. If you've been struggling with wanting to start doing something, but are having a hard time getting going, try this on a weekend morning...

Go on a half hour walk.... walk up some hills... you'll start to break a sweat. If you want to, you can add some short intervals of a slow run. When you come home, get on the floor and stretch/ do some abs for five or ten minutes. That's it. This has been one of my very basic work outs these last months, and it's made all the difference when I felt like I couldn't do more. Oh, and feel free to mark your work out on your calendar, and then have a nice warm cup of tea or coffee with a healthy breakfast....

Happy New Year, And A Little On Resolutions

2010-01-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year,

I hope you brought in 2010 in a way that felt just right.

I usually stay in on New Years eve and do something cozy, but this year we had a little surprise. Lisa's cousin and her boyfriend (who we had never met) came to see us. Lisa was extremely excited, because her cousin had never been here. We took them out for dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Then we took them to our favorite dessert place. The food was delicious, and we had a great time talking and laughing with them. It was one of those occasions when you are suddenly mingling with (someone) you don't know very well, yet feeling connected. Lisa commented that she thought I did really well with the surprise visit, because I'm not always one to be able to be spontaneously social. But I've been trying to be more "in the moment" and adventurous, and I think it's showing. That makes me glad.

It's hard for me to make resolutions, because I'm always "working" on something. But the start of a new year does make me stop and think about where I've been and where I'm going, and hone in on some goals.

Here's the list that's been running through my head:

-Continue to try to be in the moment.. don't dwell on the past or the future- be aware and appreciative of what's right in front of me, and don't procrastinate on having what I want/need now.
-Help a person or family ( and ) animals that need help
- continue my quest for better organization- (organization is broad for me- my house, my finances, the things I don't enjoy like doctor appts., and even the way I speak
-make sure that I do enough creative things- esp. photography and writing

Have a good Sunday!

~Tuesday

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Progress

2009-12-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

The bedroom is painted, and it looks so much better/fresher/brighter than the dreary green that it once was. It's amazing what a new coat of paint can do for a room.

A peak at the two tones of grey (sorry for the bad lighting- winter doesn't lend itself well to taking good photos).

I'm still deciding on bedside table lamps, and plan to pick them this week. A few of the contenders:

This Pablo "tube top" lamp also comes with a charcoal base and white shade, which I think would look nice-

I'm also still deciding on window coverings and a new duvet. Since when did duvets get so expensive? The ones I'm looking at are $275.00. Yes, they're high thread count and well made but....
I just might bite the bullet and order one if I love it enough.

Hopefully I'll be able to show you the finished results soon! So stay tuned,
and please let me know if you have any opinions about the lamps~

-Tuesday

The Bedroom Re-Do, and Why Change Is So Hard For Me

2009-12-05T13:01:00.000-08:00

Time is really flying. How did it all of a sudden get to be December??
I hope you're all enjoying the nesting phase of early winter. Even though the rain, cold, and ice can get to be irritating and maybe depressing, there's something very comforting about donning the warm clothes, hats, scarves, and drinking hot beverages numerous times a day.

With more time spent inside, I finally decided to get moving with the bedroom re-do that I've been wanting to do now for, Oh... about two years. The problem with me is that when I want to make some kind of change in the house, I'm so overwhelmed by choices and indecision, that it's hard to get it started. I spin my wheels looking at design photos online, thinking about paint colors, styles of lamps, which duvet cover to get. I drive myself crazy. I've always been like this though.

It all stems back to childhood, and a very nice (but somewhat traumatic) day for me. My parents took me and my sister and some other kids to a big park. We rode the merry-go-round, and then went to the snack stand for ice cream. I couldn't decide between an actual ice cream cone, or a popsicle. My seven year old brain hurt, trying to decide which would make me happier. The thought of being disappointed overcame me. Well, everyone else got an ice cream cone, but I picked a popsicle. We sat down to eat them, and I took a few gingerly licks, as I gazed at everyone else eating ice cream. I tried to relish the popsicle, but it all of a sudden hit me that I made the wrong choice. I really wanted ice cream. Who knows why this felt so traumatic to me at the time, but I completely broke down and cried. My mom, always wanting to please me, told me that it wasn't a big deal, and got me an ice cream cone instead. But that feeling of making the "wrong" choice has somewhat haunted me ever since. I know.. call in the therapist!

Anyway, back to the bedroom....
Here are a few photos that have inspired me ....

I love this website, and spend a lot of time oogling over the homes. Don't you love to see into other people's houses? I especially love the San Francisco posts, since I love that city so much and grew up near there.

I'm drawn to light grey, possibly with pops of color thrown in, so that's where I'm going with my bedroom re-do. The walls had been a moss green, with the trim a slightly darker green. I've grown to be really sick of that color. So far, we've got the upper part of the walls painted, and I think we'll get started on the trim this weekend. I need to pick out new lamps, new window coverings, and a new rug. I think I'm narrowing the choices down. I don't want to take too long deciding, because I want it all to come together quickly. Then I'll show you some before and after photos.

Now, go make yourself a warm cup of tea or coffee and get cozy.
It's one of my favorite things to do.

-Tuesday

Summer Recap

2009-09-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

Sad to say, this summer has been so full (of the good, the hard, and the challenging) for me, that I haven't posted much to Tuesday at Eleven. I started my new job in full force at the end of June, which has proven to be much more than I imagined it to be- more exciting, and more challenging. It's pushed me to the outer limits of my body and mind. It's like I picked the exact job that gets right at the very things that I've been working on... the things that I've been wanting to improve.. such as better organization and taking my understanding of the body and how it works to a new level. This job doesn't let any of that hide.. I have to face it head on, and it hasn't been easy. Not to say that it hasn't been gratifying. I've never had a job that I felt so proud of. I've never wanted to work so hard to perfect what I do.

Pilates studio, where I teach classes:

Another big event this summer was my sister's wedding. It was beyond beautiful. You know how weddings are- there's so much build up before them, and then they're over in a blink. But this celebration lasted all weekend. We were at a bed and breakfast by the river, and I soaked up every minute of it. After all, it was my sister's wedding (she's my only sibling) and it was also the only "vacation" I've had all summer. It was so nice being in a beautiful location with extended family, focusing only on "big" things in life like love.

I did start a new book (which I'm almost done with). It's Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle." As you know, food is a big issue in my life, and I love reading books about food. This one is about a family's quest to eat only locally or home grown food for one year. It's opening my eyes to some new ideas about food processing and consumption. Very interesting.

My good friend Erin gave me this book for my birthday in August:

I'm super excited to try some vegan recipes.

For my birthday I requested (and got) some sprout making supplies. I tried one batch in a sprouting bag. they came out okay, but I'm not sure if I love the bag method. I'm going to try the jar method next. I'll let you know how it goes. I LOVE sprouts, but am always nervous to buy them in the store because often they have bacterial contamination. They're so healthy.. full vitamins and nutrients, since they're a very "alive" kind of food.

Seeds Soaking:

I hope you've had a fulfilling summer.
In a few days autumn will be here.
I love this season.

Vegan Footwear

2009-08-08T23:12:00.000-07:00

I got a new pair of vegan shoes yesterday...
You might notice that they're somewhat similar to the Fluevogs that I posted about last time. However, these were only 13.00. I couldn't pass them up. They're higher than I've worn in a while, and surprisingly comfortable. I wore them today when I went out with my mom and sister to do some errands, and I wore them out dancing tonight....

New Additions

2009-07-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a little quiet here at the Tuesday home front. The last couple of months have been exhausting mentally and physically, with my training at the pilates studio. I'm happy to say though, that things are settling down now. I'm teaching 7 classes a week and doing personal one on one pilates training with clients as well as one on one appts. in the weight room.

The studio I work at is very upscale, and the owners like us to have a professional yet funky/hip look. So, I've recently bought some new work clothes including these two tops from Urban Outfitters:

I've been liking drapey tops lately, and I've been happy with both of these. I wore the grey one to a work bbq the other night and got a few compliments on it. I love the shoulder cut-outs of the black shirt.

I also have my eye on a few other (non work related) items.

These Fleuvog sandals.. hey, they're on sale for only 65.00. You can't get Fleuvogs for that price. There are only a few sizes left, and 6 1/2, my size, is one of them. I think they'd look nice with a skirt or shorts. They're 3 1/2 inches high.. higher than I'm used to wearing, but a little height might be fun for my 5 foot two inch little self. Fleuvogs are known for comfort, so I'm not too worried about them being uncomfortable.

I'm drawn to plaid, and the red shirt is kind of cute, though I'm not 100% sure about it. The Black one was 58.00 or so, and is now on sale for 19.99. I think that's a sign that maybe I should get it. I like it more with the strings tied in front in a bow.

I have a feeling you'll be seeing more style posts here soon ......

Eight Is Great, Tuesday Edition

2009-06-07T19:38:00.001-07:00

I've been tagged by the lovely and talented Bonnie Rue at Good Girls and Geeks.. to take on the "Eight Is Great" challenge.

8 things I Am Looking Forward To:

-finishing my pilates training
-painting my bedroom (well, not the process, but having it done)
-Getting my new shirts from Urban Outfitters in the mail
-Going to see my sister this weekend- finally getting out of town!
-relaxing bbqs with family and friends
-having more time to cook and garden
-reading a good book
-summer fruit, esp. watermelon, blueberries, and mango

8 Things I did yesterday:

-took a nap from 12-2
-bought new sandals
-went grocery shopping
-listened to a lot of music
-went to the vitamin store to buy vitamins, but they were closed
-talked to my mom about an awkward situation at work
-spilled a drink all over my desk, down the wall, on my papers. And I cried.
- ate some new non-dairy ice cream sweetened with Agave.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do

-fly in an airplane without having a panic attack
-pace myself better, and not get anxious about things as much
-be more organized
-sleep in on the weekends- I always wake up by 7:00 no matter what time I go to bed
-change a few things that happened in the past
-be more bold/assertive at times
-start and finish a number of projects around the house that I've been wanting to do
-find a way to really help someone, or a family in need

8 Shows I Watch:
(this is hard, because I hardly watch t.v. I just watch the following SOMETIMES)

-What Not To Wear
-Regis And Kelly ( I know.. stupid, but there's something about the "New Yorkness" and "morning routine" of it that I find compelling.
-Some cooking shows
-Moving UP
-the odd documentary
-*hides head* American Idol
-and,........ I really don't watch t.v!

My Article is Up!

2009-06-07T00:58:00.000-07:00

Is it true?

I've been away from my blog for almost a month!

I do have a very good excuse though.

You see, I've been living, breathing, and sleeping pilates. I've been in intensive training for a couple of months, and it will go on through the end of this month, when I start teaching my own classes. I don't know that I've ever been so busy that I basically have to schedule it in to run to the bathroom, but I'm now very familiar with that level of busy.

Annnnd, in the midst of all this, I took on a writing assignment for Venuszine. I knew that I really shouldn't try to write an article while trying to stay afloat in the sea of training delerium, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to interview and write about one of my fave artists, Ashley Goldberg.

I'm more than happy to say that I finished the article, I like how it came out, and it's up on Venuszine.com. Ashley likes it too, so she told me in an e-mail, which makes me want to giggle with glee.

Go take a peak

When It Rains.....

2009-05-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been in intensive pilates training for the last few weeks, and it's getting even more intense. My supervisors want me ready to teach by JUNE 29th. We're talking all three levels of "introductory" classes, plus advanced classes. At the same time, I'm in training to work one on one with pilates clients using pilates apparatus like the "cadillac." It's all a LOT to take in. Luckily, I'm fascinated by it all, and eager to learn it. And, the last 12 years working in the fitness industry really has helped make this new learning process easier for me.

I also found out today that I have a new writing assignment for a magazine I write for! What timing. It's due May 22nd, so I'll have to spend many evenings writing. It's on kitty genius or Ashley G, an amazing artist that I've loved for a few years now. Lisa got me one of her original paintings for my birthday year before last. I'm so excited to write about her and her partner, Drew. It's one of those situations where I feel like I know her already, from reading her blog, etc. I'll probably do a phone interview with her, which will be fun.

My Original Ashley Goldberg Painting:

PEOPLE-
I am entering serious CRACKDOWN PRODUCTIVE mode!
Here we go.
Bring it on.
Maybe I need a drink :)

cheers,
-L

Hallelujah

2009-05-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

Watch this video. Turn up the volume.
It might make you cry.

Lisa and I went to see K.D. lang. We bought the tickets months ago. She had seen her once before in Vancouver. I'd never seen her, and in fact, I haven't been all that familiar with her music. Sure, I knew who she was, and knew a few of her most popular songs. Lisa told me that seeing her live was incredible, and she was so right.

We sat right up close to the stage, and let me tell you, it was truly a transforming experience for me. First of all, I haven't been to all that many live concerts that were of this caliber. K.D. was humble and funny, but most of all........ my god..... her voice. You want to hang onto every single note and not let it go. She has such incredible range and inflections. So rare. So pure. It made me feel a thousand poignant things about life. That's what good music does.

This is one of my favorite songs from that evening, though it's from a different concert of hers. She has such passion, and it cuts right to your core. It makes you realize that true perfection of any kind doesn't have to be presented in a fancy way. It comes across effortlessly when allowed to.

What's In A Name and Cell Phone Madness

2009-04-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

You might wonder where the name "Tuesday@Eleven" comes from. For one thing, I have a slight fascination with people who are named after days of the week. It just seems cool. Although, recently I met a "Sunday" who completely rubs me the wrong way. We'll just overlook that one. Also, when I can, I like to make appts. on Tuesday at eleven. It feels like a comfortable day and time to me. Do you have a day or time of day when you like to do things? If you think about it, you might see a pattern there.

Today at eleven I was at a Vorizon store waiting to speak with a customer service person. It was really busy, and I had to wait about a half hour. I had just come from the gym and was tired and hungry. I stood stiffly against the wall, watching the other disgruntled customers who were also waiting. I HATE dealing with cell phone issues.. what a long, dreadful, painful process. We got new cell phones about five weeks ago, and my son has had problems with his ever since. He used his own money to buy a fancy $155.00 touch screen phone. The first one he got went wonky for no apparent reason. The screen was flashing and spazzing out. So, they replaced it for free. The second one did something similar, and then the third one got water damaged in some mysterious, unknown way. He swears that he didn't get water on it. I have no idea. I just know that I wish I had bought the five dollar a month insurance so that we'd only have to pay fifty dollars for the phone I got him today, instead of 140 something dollars.

The woman who helped me at Vorizon explained that there was really nothing they could do but offer me a one year special deal, with a rebate. Water damage isn't something they take lightly. Originally the phone was 400, but marked down to 289, plus the 50 rebate, plus 40 off because my partner gets a government employee discount. I still have to send in my rebates for the first phones we got.. I should get 50 back per phone, and I have to send in the rebate for his new phone. Who can keep track of it all?? Yeah, cell phones are supposed to make our lives easier, but they've made mine way too complicated.

I hope your Tuesday was a good one.

Better Spaghetti

2009-04-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Helloooo,

It's been a while since my last blog post. New job+ adjusting to working more hours is still in effect, and has me running around a bit ragged lately. I'll be posting more soon, but for today, I want to talk again about food (one of my favorite subjects, if you haven't already figured that out). When I'm under stress, I tend to not be able to eat much. I've lost a few pounds since I started this new job. It often feels like my stomach is in knots. But when I get hungry, I'm starving! I also don't have as much time lately to think about/shop for/and prepare meals. So, I'm trying to find easy and healthy things to make quickly at the end of the day when I'm tired and hungry. Recently, I came up with this for dinner, and it was so good. It's like spaghetti, but made with the grain quinoa instead of noodles. It's really healthy (quinoa has good protein in it). If you haven't tried quinoa yet, I highly recommend it. It's light, has a nice texture, goes with a lot of other foods nicely, and is packed with good nutrients.

QUINOA SPAGHETTI:

This dinner should take under a half hour to prepare. Quinoa cooks really quickly. I make it like rice.. about one part quinoa to two parts water. Let it boil, then reduce to simmer with a lid on it. Takes about 10-15 minutes to cook. Make any kind of pasta sauce that you like. I used organic sauce and added ground turkey meat. Steam some asparagus, or any other kind of veggie that you like... oh, and don't forget to add some cheese on top of your spaghetti. I like fresh grated parmesean or even feta.
Enjoy.

You've Got To Make Room

2009-04-06T18:45:00.001-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind.

I left my old job that I had been at for nine years, and started my new job. Getting this new job was truly a case of projecting what I wanted, moving towards it, and getting it. I'm kind of amazed how it all happened.

As you may know, I took three months off from my previous job to take a break from teaching aerobics, and also to "make space" for something else to happen with my career. I knew that I wanted to stay in the fitness field, but I needed a change. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to have happen, though pilates interested me. I just knew that I felt ready for something else, and if I continued doing what I had been doing, I wasn't going to find something else.

My previous supervisor then offered me a job teaching pilates in June, which I accepted. It would mean training with the woman who teaches it, and maybe getting more training on my own ( very expensive, out of town training). But I was willing to do it. It seemed like a move in the right direction for me, even though I'd still be working for them, and I kind of wanted to change that.

But then the owners of the pilates studio that I've been taking classes at asked me if I'd come in for an interview with them. They were interested in hiring me. I went to the interview, and the next day they offered me a job. I took it, and have been in training since. The great thing is that these people are truly experts in the field, and are going to train me and two other new employees for free. In addition to teaching pilates, I'll also be doing personal training/wellness coaching. My first client is tomorrow afternoon. I've been doing personal training for about six years, so that part is falling into place easily for me, with just a little training that I had this morning.

I'm grappling somewhat with the fact that this new place is a for profit, whereas my previous job was a non-profit. There's a big difference in the clientele. There's a big difference in the price. But I really like the philosophy and approach that is at the heart of where I work now, and that's so important to me.

I need some new gym clothes, since most of what I have right now is older, and some of it doesn't even fit very well. I ordered four tops and one pair of leggings to get me started, including these.... though the first one I got in black, not blue.

Off to relax the rest of the evening away... maybe I'll take a walk- it helps me to unwind.

I hope your week is off to a good start.

Savor Slowly

2009-03-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do more reading lately, and the other day, I ordered this book from Amazon. It's so nice to have a good book to fall into bed with. it's written by the creator of the wonderful food blog, Orangette. And, having had an extremely hard week involving getting a new job (more to come on that later) I treated myself this afteernoon to a nice cup of coffee and chocolate covered organic cherries.

It's important to make good use of our relaxation time, right? Starting a new job has certainly made me realize this.

Did You Say Tofu?

2009-03-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

I'm trying not to eat much meat lately, which makes getting enough protein a little tricky sometimes. So, last night was tofu night. I threw this meal together, and it was more than delicious. All of the flavors fit so well together.. that's why I put it all on one plate!

Healthy And Easy Vegetarian Dinner

Menu:

-soft tofu with onions
-mashed sweet potatoes with feta
-herb salad with vinaigrette

I don't have an exact recipe for the tofu since I made it up based on the memory of a dish that I used to love from a Korean restaurant.

Basically, you slice up some onions and sautee them in oil (olive or sesame, or both). Add cubed tofu. Add some kind of tomato-y base. I actually used some organic ketchup, of all things. The sweetness worked well in this dish. I also added some rice vinegar and a little chili powder for spice. You could use hot sauce instead of the chili powder. Red pepper flakes would be great too.

Slice sweet potatoes, and steam them. Then mash. I leave the skin on for more vitamins and fiber. Add a generous amount of feta on the mashed potatoes (SO GOOD). You don't even need to use butter...

Add a nice little salad, and you have yourself a quick and very nutritious meal.

I'm definitely going to be eating this more often.

The Right Dress At The Right Time

2009-03-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

I went to a 60's theme party on Saturday, for an old family friend's birthday.

There was a band at the party, and the tunes were very familiar to me since I grew up with parents from the hippie generation. The music of the Beatles, Carol King, Cat Stevens, and Bob Dylan, was frequently heard at my house. We lived in Oakland, CA- so close to Berkeley, the hippie epicenter of the Bay Area.

This party was one of those occasions when I needed something very particular to wear, and I happened to have just the right thing. Don't you love it when that happens so effortlessly?! The dress that I wore happened to be in my "give to Goodwill bag," but I snatched it right out, and it worked perfectly. This was actually the first time I wore it. I bought it at a second hand store years ago, but it has hung in my closet all this time. I just haven't found the motivation to add it to my daily outfit mix. It's a mini dress- very mod, 60's-ish.

For the party, I added tall black boots and white tights, a generous application of black liquid eyeliner on the upper lids, a small berry- red belt under the bust, and the look was complete.

Now I'm envisioning wearing this when the weather gets warmer, sans tights, with a strappy shoe.

I think my Goodwill bag will remain one dress lighter.

Balancing Act

2009-03-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

I've been taking pilates twice a week for the last ten weeks. My mom also takes pilates at the same place that I do. I was talking to her on the phone last night. I said that it didn't seem that in this whole ten weeks the instructor has emphasized that we are doing abdominal strengthening exercises. It's been all about finding balance in our bodies, and sure, we've used our abs somewhat, but it hasn't been the emphasis. It seems that in other pilates classes I've taken, there's been much more focus on the abs. My mom said that in the next level class, it gets much more "abdominally challenging."

Today I went to class, and the instructor said that now we are really going to begin using our abs, as we might have expected to in pilates. All that we've been doing so far has prepared us for this. It's taught us how to engage our abs correctly, how to breathe correctly with the exercises, how to have proper form, etc. I'm just a little surprised at the pace of this class. Don't get me wrong... I'm all for knowing about correct form and alignment, especially since I'm going to be teaching pilates soon. It just seems that I've spent $400.00 dollars so far on these classes, and maybe a little too much time has been spent going over the same things for ten weeks. On the flip side of that, it's surprising how easy it is to have "bad" form, and how it does take quite a bit of repetition to make that brain to body connection on good form.

I talked to my supervisor about coming back to work (my three months off ends at the end of March). She offered me a positon teaching pilates in June. I deliberated over it for a day, but there really wasn't much to think about. I've been wanting to do this, and it's a great opportunity, so I'm in! It's really good timing for me. I'll be a little sad to give up my Monday step and sculpt class, but I think a change is needed. I'll still be teaching dance aerobics, which prompted me to listen to music and dance around the house yesterday.

I think I've had just a little too much time on my hands lately, too much time in the house, and not enough social interaction. That leads to thinking too much, and depression can set in. Getting back to a routine will be good. It's all about balance, isn't it- balance in our bodies, and balance in our lives. You can definitely feel when something is "outa whack."

I'm A List Maker

2009-03-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's March already?

I feel spring lurking right around the corner, and it feels really good.

Here's a list about what I did today:

- Went to an 8:00 dentist appt. (cleaning) and did some corresponding with an editor from Venus magazine this morning.

-Went to pilates at noon. We had a sub, and she was more chatty than our regular teacher (kind of fun). I embarrassed myself a little though. We were doing the "downhill ski" which works your legs and glutes 'till they scream at you. As we were all doing the exercise, I said to the instructor "I see why you have nice glutes." Then I turned a little red, I think.

-Cleaned the bathroom, did some laundry.

-Took Alex across town to the orthodontist to fix a loose wire.

- Made a quick trip to the grocery store.

I guess my day was a little mundane, but it's been productive. Tonight I'll indulge in my guilty pleasure, American Idol, and maybe I'll work on a couple of little projects.

I hope your list from today was a good one, filled mostly with positive things.

Photography Friday #4

2009-02-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

And so we come to the fourth Photography Friday. I think I'll make this the last one for a while. I might do another photography series at some point though.

I hope you have some weekend plans that you're excited about. We're having "everybody order something from a restaurant night" at my house tonight. We do this every so often. We all tend to like to order from a different restaurant, so we spend an hour or so running around town, getting each person their order, and then come home and eat together. And L.C. and I may (possibly) go to a dance tonight. Happy Friday......

And the photos for today.....

Two Cookies

San Francisco Architecture

Walk The Yellow Line

Sometimes It's Okay To Eat Baby Food

2009-02-23T16:49:00.001-08:00

It seems like lately, my sweet tooth is getting sweeter. I generally try not to eat a lot of refined sugar. But I'm craving a little bit of something sweet with my tea or coffee a couple of times a day. It does make sense- there's something very comforting about a warm drink with a little treat. And because I've been all for finding little pleasures and indulgences in my day, I'm trying to find healthy sweet things to have at these times. Sometimes I have a nutrition bar with my tea or coffee. Sometimes I have a little bit of chocolate. Yesterday I got a box of organic maple cookies. I occasionally get these, and though it might seem a little weird, they're toddler cookies.

Why would an adult want to eat a toddler cookie? Well, these are quite healthy, and just the right amount of sweet. And check out these nutrition perks: they're organic, wheat free, dairy free, salt free, no saturated or trans fat, and fortified with vitamins and minerals. Oh, and did I mention that they're DELICIOUS? The only problem is that if I let myself, I could eat the whole box in one sitting. But that's always an issue with cookies, right? Portion control is key, folks. So have your cookie, and ENJOY it. It's good for you.

Wtih a nice cup of English Breakfast tea, with milk and stevia

Photography Friday #3

2009-02-20T12:55:00.000-08:00

The weeks are flying by. I can't believe it's Friday again. It feels like spring here, and I hope it does where you are also.

Photographs of the day:

My Table This Morning {look at that sun} With Flowers Left Over From Valentines Day

Jars On The Kitchen Counter

Mini Jade On The Sill

There's Not Much Better On A Chilly Afternoon Than Home Made Chocolate Chip Cookies And Coffee

Yin/Yang

Observed While Taking A Walk

Bad Bad Oil {or} When To Use The "A" Word.

2009-02-18T22:31:00.000-08:00

You've probably heard some buzz lately about oil. No, not crude oil, although there has been some buzz about that too. I'm talking about the kind of oil you eat. You've also probably heard about hydrogenated oil, and how horrible it is for you.

Hydrogenated palm oil:

I avoid partially hydrogenated and fully hydrogenated oils (trans fats) like the plague. Eating them increases your risk for heart disease and cancer. They raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol, and slow your metabolism, among a myriad of other horrid health effects. Our bodies don't know how to use this kind of un-earthly man-made oil.

If you're like me, and you try to avoid eating this garbage, eating out at restaurants can be quite tricky. After all, a lot of restaurants use "fry oil" which usually contains hydrogenated oil. I try to go to restaurants that use quality ingredients. But even then, I ask what kind of oil they use. It's surprising how often I get a blank stare when I ask this question. Usually restaurant employees have absolutely no clue as to what oil is used. Often, they need me repeat the term "hydrogenated," because they've never heard of it. So, I'll share with you a few tactics to deal with this dilemma, should you find yourself in this kind of situation.

When you get that blank "I don't know anything about oil" stare, follow one or more of these tactics until you get the answer you need:

1) Ask if you can see the actual bottle of oil that the restaurant uses. I've had people go into the kitchen and come back with the (usually huge) bottle for me to read.

2) Ask if they can go ask the chef about the oil and tell you. This sometimes works well. Make sure to emphasize that you don't want any partially or fully hydrogenated oil.

3) If they do use hydrogenated oil, ask if they can substitute regular butter or olive oil for the hydrogenated oil. Sometimes they can/are willing to do this for you.

4) If they don't seem to be taking you very seriously, I give you permission to use the "A" word. Yes, that's right... ALLERGIC. If you tell them that you are ALLERGIC to hydrogenated oil (and actually, you kind of are, because it's so toxic), restaurant staff usuallly get serious pretty quick. They don't want you going into allergic convulsions on their restaurant floor, or filing a law suit.

Last summer, L.C. and I were eating dinner at a restaurant at Pier 39 in San Francisco. I asked the waitress if the pasta dish I wanted to order contained hydrogenated oil. She didn't know, or seem too concerned. When I mentioned that I was ALLERGIC to it, she went and got the head chef, who personally came to our table to talk to me about it, and he went and got me the container of oil to read. So, this tactic can be very effective. It turned out that the pasta dish did normally contain it, but they were able to use olive oil for me instead.

Be careful when you read food labels too. As of January '06, food products are required to list the amount of trans fat on their nutrition label. However, if the product contains less than .05% , they can still say that it is trans fat free (and they usually do, in big bold print). Also, I've recently learned that mono-diglycerides are very similar to trans fat, and should be avoided.

It's sad to me that we have become a society so far removed from real, whole, foods and fats. It takes knowledge and planning to eat well. As the old adage goes... try to eat foods close to their source, and you'll be much healthier.

V-Day Love

2009-02-14T08:59:00.001-08:00

I hope you all have a day full of love,

love for your mate
love for your friends
love for your pets
love for the calm, simple things
love for you~

This video is so cute it's a bit hurtful, and what's not to love about childhood innocence and ingenuity...

Too much candy from Capucha on Vimeo.

Photography Friday #2

2009-02-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I hope you're having a fabulous Friday. I think that uploading my photos in large size rather than medium size helps a little with the clarity.

Here are some photographs for today. All of these, except the last one, are older photos that I took a year or more ago.

Dunes

Flowers in the river at my cousin's wedding

"Pink Martini"

"On The Bias"

And to leave you with something tantalizing,
my salad that I made at a salad bar today for lunch. Oh my, was it good. I loooove salad.

You Know The Kind of Day...

2009-02-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

Is Mercury in retrograde?

Alex was getting ready for school this morning, and I heard the dreaded words "I don't have any lunch money." "what??" I said. "I gave you 20.00 last Friday for lunches. In three days you've gone through 20.00?" Clearly, I need a better lunch money system. I'll have to dole it out to him in smaller amounts because he likes to spend it too quickly. I didn't have any money to give him, so I told him to meet me outside his school at 11:50 and I'd bring him some before my pilates class at 12:15.

A little while later, I was driving home from running an errand, and turned onto a one way street towards my house. It took me a minute to realize that the traffic was coming towards me, and a woman on a bicycle was waving her arms frantically at me, trying to tell me I was going the wrong way.

At around 11:45 I stopped at a little market to buy something, and get some cash back to bring to Alex for lunch. As I was paying, I somehow dumped the contents of my gym bag on the floor. I scrambled to pick it all up, and left.

I drove the couple blocks to Alex's school, and noticed that a police car was in front of me. "Drive carefully," I reminded myself. The officer turned into the school parking lot ahead of me. It was Officer Z, the policeman that monitors the school. Alex likes him a lot, but has told me that he's tough and likes to give tickets. Stupidly, I turned into the "out" driveway instead of the "in" driveway. I always get those driveways mixed up. I saw Officer Z pull into his alloted parking space. I had to pull right alongside him to turn my car around so that I'd be facing the right direction. I tried to ignore him, be nonchalant. Be cool. No such luck. He was walking towards my car, motioning for to me to roll down my window.

"I'm sorry," I said, before he could speak. "I always get these driveways confused."

"Yeah, you came in the wrong driveway" he said.

He looked at me somewhat suspiciously. "why are you here?" he asked in a flat tone.

Now it's true, I do look younger than I am, and though I usually like that, sometimes like today, it can work against me. "I'm here to bring my son his lunch money" I said.

He paused for a moment. "Does he know to meet you here?" he asked. Alex was late, and was nowhere to be seen.

"Yes, I said," "he should be here any minute." And then I added "You probably know him," and I told him his name.

"Oh yeah," Officer Z said. "He's a good kid."

"He likes you a lot," I chimed. Officer Z smiled for the first time, and let me go without a ticket.

But I waited and waited, and was getting upset because I didn't want to be late for pilates. I hate being late. I'm an "on time" kind of person. I'm usually at appointments a little early. Finally, Alex came out and got his money. By this time it was already 12:05 or so. I started driving downtown towards class, and then it hit me.... what the f*ck was I thinking?? Pilates isn't at 12:15. It's at 12:00. For some reason, I was having a massive brain glitch all day, thinking that class was at 12:15. Why? I have no idea (although I'm a little concerned that it might be from eating tuna with too much mercury in it in the past). So, I had to walk into class sheepishly and apologize for being late.

Happy to say, the rest of my day has been without incident so far. I went to the grocery store, came home, and I'm making soup. I think I won't go out again today.

Just in case.

-L

Photography Friday

2009-02-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

I love photography for the same reason I love poetry-it brings the viewer into a specific moment and feeling. I've been taking a lot of pictures during the last couple of years, since I joined flickr. When you view the world through a lens, the way you see things changes. You look for the art amid the ordinary. When you document yourself and your life through pictures, it has the same effect as if you were reading a biography about yourself. Your story unfolds before you. Words and pictures give weight and understanding to what is there and has been there always, and also lets you see more clearly where it is that you want to go. I think that is why so many people focus on self portraits and self-documentation on flickr and other social networking sites.

I'm working on improving my photography skills. I'll be getting another camera soon. My dad, also a photographer, is giving me one of his Canons that he doesn't use anymore. Really, I think part of taking good pictures is having good equipment and technical skills, but the more important part is simply having passion and vision, and being able to convey that to others.

I'm not loving the way my photos are showing in this blog.. they seem a little washed out. I have to look into a way to fix that.

And so here starts the first in my "Photography Friday" series.

Fiona

I love S.F. architecture (and have a soft spot for S.F. in general)

Fiona's Feet. Yes, she has a lot of toes. She's a polydactyl.

Derby Grrls

My new coat, and Hyacinth

I love windows

Fiona, camouflage

On Trains and Hot Cereal

2009-02-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

It's almost the weekend. Do you have any fun plans? L.C. is away for a week. I drove her to the train station at 5:00 a.m. this morning. So, I'm trying to think about what I need/want to do while she's away visiting her family. It's always interesting to have your partner/wife/boyfriend/husband/girlfriend be away, and live in your "own world" for a while. You do things just a little differently, don't you. I think it's a good time for self reflection.

Driving to the train station to get that 5:30 Amtrak is very nostalgic for me. She and I had a long distance relationship for two years. Every couple of months I'd get on that early morning train and make the 12 hour trek up to see her. I know the route well- the sights, the smells, and sounds. I know to bring my own food because Amtrak food is not very palatable. I know that trying to use the bathroom is no easy task, with the high toilets and sharp swinging movements of the train. I know how the woven fabric on the seats gets worn around the edges, and how it's easy to get lost in other worlds as you gaze out the window for hours.

Today I might have hot cereal for breakfast. I never used to like hot cereal, but lately I've been enjoying it. I found this one that's delicious and organic, which is important to me. I got some ground ground flax seed to put in it too. Flax seed is so incredibly good for you. I also put a little milk in it (you could use soy, rice, or hemp milk), brown sugar, and raisins.

But before I eat, I'm going on a little run~

{ooh, there's that train whistle. I can hear it from my house}

-L

Fluevog

2009-01-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

Being a "shoe person," I really don't have many pairs of shoes. I tend to buy a pair or two that I love for the season, and wear them over and over. I've mostly worn my two pairs of beloved boots this winter, and now I'm looking around for a cute and comfortable shoe that I can wear with skirts. I've loved Fleuvogs for a long time, but don't {yet} own a pair. Have you seen these shoes? They're art for the feet, and the quality is outstanding. They're also funky and edgy, which always seems to win me over. You can find these and other beauties over at fluevog

Staying In With Yogurt

2009-01-26T19:25:00.000-08:00

*Send For Help*

I haven't left the confines of my house for almost a week. Let me clarify that a little more. I haven't even stepped foot outside to take out the garbage- that's how "inside" I've been. Blame it on the flu. I'm starting to get a little wacky from it, but then again, haven't you noticed that the longer you don't go anywhere, the less appealing going anywhere seems? I fear that a full case of agoraphobia might ensue if I don't break this spell. What does one do when faced with a week removed from society?

Why, they make sure that their breakfast is color coordinated. That's what they do.

I love yogurt.

flavored/plain/with banana, apple, honey, oranges, mango, nuts, coconut, strawberries, crumbled up muffin, oh..... the many ways.

I'm all out. I need to buy more.

*IF* I can make it to the store tomorrow. We'll see just how badly I want that yogurt. Maybe I'll see if L.C. will get it for me. But really, I should go out. Tomorrow.

Or the next day.

-L

The New Class

2009-01-24T22:11:00.000-08:00

Let's continue on the topic of socks for a moment.

I haven't thought about toe socks very much since my adolescent years. I remember when they made their fast and furious debut in late elementary. All the cool girls had them, in bright flashy colors and stripes. Along with the other fashion rages of the time like Sticky Fingers jeans, I had to have some. Fast forward to the present, and once again, I have toe socks in my life. And the reason? Pilates.

I mentioned last week that I'd tell you about the new form of exercise that I've taken up during this three month period of not teaching aerobics classes. I decided to enroll in a ten week intensive pilates class at a hip downtown studio. There are two kinds of pilates.. mat, and reformer. I'm doing pilates on the reformer machine. I know, this machine sounds like some kind of torture or S&M device. And really, it kind of looks like it too.

On the first day of class, we were asked to say our name, and what we want to get out of the class. I said something like "I've been teaching aerobics for twelve years. I want to learn some new things about the body and movement and alignment. My classes are all fast moving. I want to slow down and focus more, and be able to use what I learn here in the classes I teach." Hayley, my instructor, nodded and smiled as if she liked my answer. This is definitely one of the main reasons I've decided to take pilates. The other reason, though I didn't say it, is that I'm also in a bit of transition and actually thinking of learning to teach pilates or move my fitness career in a new direction. I'm checking it/them out to see if some kind of training/working relationship might exist for me there in the future.

Hayley pointed out my toe socks to the rest of the class. They're special toe socks with grippy dots all over the bottoms of them, to help provide traction on the bar of the reformer. She was wearing them also, along with a very zen/stylish work out ensemble. She sells the socks at the pilates studio. My mom, who has been taking pilates there for years, bought me this pair when she heard I'd be taking a class. Apparently, these socks are all the rage among the pilates set.

This class has been really interesting so far. There is a lot of focus and practice on breathing, alignment, and our feet. We use the machines to do exercises with weighted resistance, and as you've probably heard, pilates does focus on the "core" muscles. We use our abs and back to stabilize our bodies, but it hasn't been the main focus in my class so far. We do the exercises so that the imbalances in our body can be seen and corrected. And believe me, Hayley is quick to correct our form as she sees fit. She comes right over to me, adjusts my ankle or hip or foot or back. Holds it where she wants it, until I can feel in my body where it needs to be, what it needs to be doing. I don't know how she sees some of the subtle ways that one hip is higher than the other or that I'm rolling too far onto the natural curve of my low back or that my left pinky toe has dipped lower on the bar than my right pinky toe. But it all matters, and adds up to throwing off the whole balance of the body. amazing. I leave class walking taller and thinking about the balls of my feet striking the floor with equal pressure. I'm liking this level of detail. Yes. I think it's going to help me, who needs to focus more on my body mechanics.

There is also quite a bit of toning and stretching that happens. So far, we've been doing relatively easy/small movements. But there is so much that we are trying to focus on within each movement- such as breathing into our backs, not belly breathing, keeping our feet, knees, legs and hips aligned correctly, kneecaps lifted, shoulders down, contracting our transverse abdominus (deep horizontal ab muscles) with each exhale, etc. It's been helpful to think about movement in a new way. I've done mat pilates before, and have even gone through some mat pilates instructor training. But this is different, and I'm liking it.

If you're wanting to give pilates a try, you can look for a mat pilates class or a reformer class. Both are beneficial. They both give you a good amount of toning and stretch, and work all the abdominal and back muscles very thoroughly. I'd just be sure to check into the instructor's credentials. It can be easy for someone to teach pilates without a whole lot of pilates background, and you don't want that.

Taking a fitness class can be a great way to keep motivated. If you have any questions about finding a class that's right for you, whether it's a pilates class or another type, I'd be happy to help.

Have a satisfying Sunday everybody~

-L

Happy Friday, Happy Feet

2009-01-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a rough week around here. I've had the wicked flu. At least I'm able to be in an upright position now without feeling faint, and my appetite is coming back. I hope you're all feeling good and having a great Friday.

If you like socks, sockdreams is the place to shop. I'm considering ordering these:

But they have so many cute socks, it's hard to choose. I've seen the over the knee socks worn with tights, which also looks nice, and is extra warm.

Making Use Of Every Square Inch

2009-01-19T15:37:00.000-08:00

I love older houses. I wish I could own a number of houses in a number of cities (don't we all!). I'd definitely want one in S.F. and Vancouver B.C. Recently, I found myself looking at San Francisco real estate online, just to drool a little. Where would you like to own houses? I'd be curious to know.

My house is an older house (1942) which is small (about 1100 sq. feet), but has a lot of charm. It has most of the original windows with paned glass, nice woodworking, and hardwood floors. One of the things it lacks is enough storage space. I've found some great online sites for small homes like this one. When you have a small place, you really need to make all of your space work for you, without it feeling too cluttered. Since we moved in about three years ago, the area to the right of the front door has pretty much been empty. When Pele the dog was alive, her bed inhabited that area. But it's been sitting empty for months.

It takes me a long time to make decisions about what things to buy for the house (I've been thinking about area rugs for a long time too). Especially if I'm mail-ordering something, I want to be as sure as I can be that It's the right decision. I wanted some type of credenza to fill this space in the living room.

I was picturing a white credenza, with white shelves above it to display pictures. I found this one at CB2 that I liked a lot. But I thought on it for months, often looking at it online, until I was sure. And then I ordered it. Here it is on New Year's Eve, with an intoxicated woman who I don't know very well, dancing in my living room. We learned the electric slide that night (but that's another story).

Here it is a little closer. It's been nice to have because I keep my purses, gym bag, hats, scarves, and gloves in it. This frees up precious closet space in the bedroom.

And here it is with the Ikea Lack shelves above it. I still have to frame more pictures and put them on the shelves, but at least this corner is now pretty much complete. The extra storage sure helps.

You Never Know Where Your Motivation Will come From

2009-01-17T19:07:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a three month leave of absence from work. This is the first time in twelve years that I'm not teaching fitness classes every week. I'm still doing a little wellness coaching though, just not teaching classes. I'm taking this leave of absence for a couple of reasons. One is simply that I need a break. You know how it is when you've been doing something for so long that you can't see the forest for the trees? I need some new inspiration and focus. The other reason is that I've been thinking about where I want to go with my fitness career. I know that I want to keep doing what I'm doing in some capacity. I'm just not sure exactly how I want to do it. Sometimes you have to step back a little to see the big picture, right?

It's been interesting not having the "exercise structure" of teaching classes. Of course, I still need to work out. but now I have to motivate myself to be consistent with it or it just might not happen. I have to try to do the very thing I try to get other people to do- find the motivation to keep up the work outs. It's easy to find other things to fill the time with. It's easy to say "I'm too tired today." So, I've been walking/running more, because I haven't been in the mood to be in the gym much. I've also been doing something new that I'll share with you next week. Today, my motivation came from, of all things, the Cara Cara orange.

I just had one of these oranges for the first time last year. They're a deep orange fleshed fruit that have a hint of grapefruit to them. They peel easily, have the perfect firmness/juciness, and the flavor is rich and sweet. If you haven't tried them yet, I highly recommend you do.

Today was a work out day for me but I didn't feel very eager to get going. I was also a little sad that I didn't have any fruit to go with my breakfast. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I'm usually starving by 9 or 10 in the morning. I actually think about breakfast in the evening sometimes, so excited for that morning meal to come around. This morning, I thought about the Cara Cara orange that I had a few days ago. A plan fell into place. I would walk/run to the little store nearby, get some Cara Caras, come home, and eat breakfast. It ended up being a great work out.

I ran down this street towards the store:

Before I went into the store, I ran around the neighborhood some more. Then I got my fruit, went back up the hill to my house, and had breakfast. I really enjoyed these. Look at the perfection:

I'm Not A Runner, But Sometimes I run

2009-01-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

I'm taking some time off from work (more about that tomorrow). But I'm still doing personal training with a few people. During my time off from work, I've been doing more outdoor exercising. I'm definitely not a runner, but sometimes I like to do a walk mixed with a little running. If you don't belong to a gym or don't want to go to the gym, this is a great way to get some good cardio. You can walk for about 7-10 min. to warm up, then jog until you're tired, walk, jog, repeat. End with walking to cool down. If you hate to jog.. a good old walk, maybe adding some hills for intensity, will also do the trick. Yesterday, I went out for a 45 min. work out with one of the people I'm working with. I wanted to go up some stadium stairs with her, but she wasn't quite ready. So, we walked to a nearby track and jogged just a little.

And when I got home, I had breakfast followed by this:

It's a baby...... blog.

2009-01-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

I met my friend, E, on Sunday morning at a local coffee shop. We often go to this particular coffee shop for their organic home-roasted coffee and baked vegan treats. E is vegan. I used to be vegetarian, and have been thinking lately about going back to vegetarianism. I ordered a latte and a sesame seed bagel with vegan cream cheese (which was so tasty, I couldn't tell it was non-dairy). We talked a lot about food, exercise, and babies. E is 18 weeks pregnant, and just starting to show a little bit. She told me that the following day she had a doctor appt. and would hopefully find out the sex of the baby.

We also talked about my idea of starting this blog. It's an idea that has been on my mind for a year or more. Somewhat similar to someone who is thinking of having a baby, I've been looking at this idea from different angles. I've been imagining how the little blog would fit into my life- what rewards and challenges it would bring, etc. I think the idea solidified for me as we sat and sipped our coffee. Yes, I want a blog in my life. It makes sense in the grand scheme of where I feel I am going with things. I'm excited to bring my idea to fruition and begin this new little endeavor.