A little bit of this, a little bit of that

Whenever I start writing “a little bit of…” I always start singing “Mambo #5” in my head. Is it wrong for me to kind of like that song? 😉

Ahem. Anyway, it’s been a busy week. Grading? Almost done…yeah, yeah, I’ve got class in an hour and a half. What’s your point? I’ve ventured out of the apartment to grade papers a couple of times this week. Yesterday, I walked down the street to Starbucks and got myself a sugar-free cinnamon dolce latte, sat with my shiny new iPod (which I did find a wee bit of time to play with this week–more on that later) and graded papers. It was most productive.

While I was at Starbucks, a random guy came up to me to tell me that he liked my hair!

“I love girls with short hair,” he said, “and I just had to tell you that yours is adorable.”

Aww. *Blush*

He also said that he noticed I had a ring and figured I was engaged. “Yeah,” I said. “I am.”

“That figures,” he said. Then he told me to have a great day, and left. I feel for the guy…I’ve totally been there…but random compliments are never a bad thing!

Today, I spent some time grading at Caffe Aroma before meeting Rand for lunch. We went to Tru Teas on Elmwood, which is a really cute place. I’d love to go there for high tea sometime! (I’ve been to high tea exactly once–in Scotland) I had the ginger carrot soup and an order of hummus with flatbread. Yummy!

Today, I had my manicure and pedicure. While I was having my toes done, I spent some time rereading The House on Mango Street, which I’m going to start teaching next week. I have, so far, made zero progress on preparing lessons.

And, I think I can talk about this now publicly…Rand and I are going to be closing on a town house in approximately a month. Can we talk about how crazy I’m going to be for the next couple of months? Teaching? Moving? Planning a wedding? Ack! Good thing I’ve got yoga to keep me somewhat grounded and sane. (Being back in class this week was awesome, and I SO needed it.)

Okay, I have to run. These last few papers aren’t gonna grade themselves…

It’s not Wednesday…

And I’d really like to know why.

It feels like a Wednesday.

Tonight is yoga (yay!) and grading (boo!). Oh, and also getting the Toasted Cheese newsletter out. Bad editor.

Watched last night’s Chuck, and I continue to enjoy. Haven’t watched Heroes yet, but I saw Kristen Bell on the cover of this week’s TV Guide with Hayden Panettiere and Ali Larter. Whoo!

I ordered my dress on Saturday. It’s pretty early, but I wanted to get in while the shop was still having the sale. The shop I ordered from is Bauer’s Brides and Belles in Wilcox, PA. They were very nice to me, and I’m happy to give them my business.

And that’ll do it for me. Later!

My poor blog…

It feels sad and neglected. I don’t blame it. 😉

Life is busy. Certainly not in a bad way, but in a way that leaves little time for leisurely internet activities such as blogging, answering e-mail, playing online Scrabble, and so on…

Anyway…school continues to be fine. Wedding plans creep steadily forward.  After the visit and some talking, it looks like Pearl Street is going to be the venue. I love the space. I love the banquet manager.  I know the food is good. We’re still working out some of the details, but we’re both happy with this option! Once things are a little more set, I’ll be posting one of those nifty little wedding websites with all the pertinent information.

In other news, my new yoga session started tonight! Yay! I so needed it.

I’m 100% positive that I have more things to say, but my brain is shutting down…more when I get the chance!

Free intro yoga classes

My yoga instructor is holding her free intro classes this week. Unfortunately, I forgot to post before yesterday’s class, but there are two more tomorrow, Wednesday Aug. 29. The times are 9:30 am and 7:30 pm.

The studio is in Williamsville. Let me know if you want more info!

Ommmmm

A couple of months ago, I noticed that a nearby yoga studio was having a “come in and try us out for free” class, so I thought “why not?”

I liked what I learned that night, and signed up for an 8-week session. I’m in a Level 1 and 2 (beginner) Kripalu Yoga class. Here’s a brief description of Kripalu I found online:

Kripalu Yoga puts a great emphasis on the mechanics of Yoga – proper breath and alignment – as well as in the inner, spiritual dimensions of Yogic practice. Students are encouraged to honor “the wisdom of the body” and to work according to the limits of their individual flexibility and strength.

I attend class once a week, and I’m working on incorporating further practice into my life…doing 20 minutes or so on my own a couple of times a week, and using the stretching and breathing techniques I’m learning every day. I’ve noticed a number of positive changes…I’m calmer and generally less stressed. I’ve noticed a significant decrease in the tension I normally carry in my neck and shoulders. I find myself correcting my posture and sitting or standing in proper alignment. I notice when I’m holding my breath, or not breathing properly, and I try to correct that as well.

I ordered this yoga kit which includes a booklet, two CDs (one with instruction, one with just music) and a set of cards demonstrating the postures, to help me do more practice on my own.

And while it’s not a requirement, I bought myself a pair of cropped yoga pants which I *love*. I would wear them every day if I could. 😉

My class is on Wednesday evenings at Yoga by Design studio in Williamsville. My teacher’s name is Christine, and she’s wonderful. She’s very gentle and nurturing, and encourages each of us to “find our own yoga;” to do what we can, to listen to our bodies and know our own limits.

The class is 90 minutes long, and when it’s over, I’m often thinking, “already?” I love having this time every week to relax and reflect, and to quiet my normally busy mind.

Quite simply, I adore yoga. I just started my second session, and I don’t see myself giving it up anytime soon.Â