A change of pace

During my yoga classes in the last month, my focus has been on SATYA (sanskrit for Truth). I also set the challenge to be truthful to myself, and made a decision today that I feel really at peace with.. the first time at peace in a long time.

I am going to enjoy weekends again for the first time in a loooong time. Real, 2 day weekends. I'm also going to work on some longterm health issues. I'm giving up a couple of yoga classes to do so and it's weird. I've gone so long without weekends that I actually don't really know what people do when they have time off.

I live alone, but I'm busy all the time. It's going to be scary to have more time alone, well.. no. Rather, it's going to be an effort trying to fill the time.

But maybe that's a pointer to what I'm struggling with at the moment healthwise, so here's to an exciting fresh start.

: )

May Challenge

Yoga
* yoga x 3 a week (min), not including teaching
* spend some time researching and reading all things yoga! : )

Money
* $300 paid off debt
* $100 into savings
* stop planning and DO. Stop catching taxis, stop spending!

Fun
* watch at least 3 x movies at the Cinema
* have a dinner out with a friend/dinner in but with a friend
* do one thing interesting a week - sit in the park, go to the shops, do a dance class, go to the library, or just do something different.
* have one night tv free a week

Health
* at least 2 x alcohol free days a week and one AF week
* be aggressive - cut back on take out
* lemon & hot water each morning
* meds daily, vitamins daily, and epo daily

Ginger rocks in winter

I have been loving my Sunday night cook up – cook once, eat all week. It really works too, as I eat well that following week. But this Sunday, it didn’t happen. So today I was completely craving some vegies and with the rain and all, home cooking. Enter:

Ginger, Butternut & Lentil Soup
From La Dolce Vegan: Vegan Livin' Made Easy

1 small onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
2 inches fresh ginger, grated
2 cups butternut pumpkin, cubed
2 cups vegie stock
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup red lentils (I used one whole can of savoury lentils)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
*I also added fresh coriander, basil, garlic & chili

In a medium soup pot on medium heat, sauté the onion in oil until translucent. Add the ginger and pumpkin and sauté for 5 mins. Then add the stock, tomatoes, lentils, salt & pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 mins or until pumpkin is cooked.

With a hand blender or food processor, blend half or all of the soup until smooth. Return to pot, reheat and serve.

Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.

Looks tasty in the book, tastes even better in the belly!

ps - i have a great pic to post with this, as proof of my home cookin', but blogger is being difficult. oh well, it still rocks!

Ginger rocks in winter

I have been loving my Sunday night cook up – cook once, eat all week. It really works too, as I eat well that following week. But this Sunday, it didn’t happen. So today I was completely craving some vegies and with the rain and all, home cooking. Enter:

Ginger, Butternut & Lentil Soup
From La Dolce Vegan: Vegan Livin' Made Easy

1 small onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
2 inches fresh ginger, grated
2 cups butternut pumpkin, cubed
2 cups vegie stock
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup red lentils (I used one whole can of savoury lentils)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
*I also added fresh coriander, basil, garlic & chili

In a medium soup pot on medium heat, sauté the onion in oil until translucent. Add the ginger and pumpkin and sauté for 5 mins. Then add the stock, tomatoes, lentils, salt & pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 mins or until pumpkin is cooked.

With a hand blender or food processor, blend half or all of the soup until smooth. Return to pot, reheat and serve.

Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.

Looks tasty in the book, tastes even better in the belly!

ps - i have a great pic to post with this, as proof of my home cookin', but blogger is being difficult. oh well, it still rocks!

Getting it off my chest

I had a cry this morning.

You see, I’ve always been a girly girl and wanted babies. To dress them, to play, to help this little person grow, and also the associated things that go with it.. a partner, love, and a groovy little home to house my groovy little family.

But this last year, I’ve completely decided against having kids. I mean, I’m nearly 30, and the last time I ended up in hospital with an overdose was less than 4 months ago. I’ve had depression for more than a decade, and it’s not getting better. Sure, I can handle it a bit more on good days, but geez, it’s not something that I can see leaving in the foreseeable future, and how on earth am I meant to be able to look after a baby when I can’t even look after myself?

There’s also the crazy hormone factor that goes with being pregnant – I just don’t think, realistically, it’s something that I can see myself coping with.

Then there’s also the fact that I am the eternal single girl. I can count the boyfriends I’ve had in my life on one hand. And even they have an average lifespan of less than a year. This isn’t through lack of want, but hmmm, go figure, cause I just don’t know. It’s gotten so dire that I am seriously considering speed dating. *sigh*

So anyway, I was reading the new Frankie today, and there was a story on fatherhood, and I knew 3 out of the 4 dads in the story. And the dads might have been separated or not, but they were all kinda groovy dads. Young, groovy, music loving, devoted dads. It killed me.

They were the kind of dads that I’d love to have be a dad to my little one. They’re the dads that I have always pictured living with me in the groovy little house. And you know, I just don’t think it’s going to happen. The kids. Or the partner.

It’s a pretty sad thought and no matter how often I tell myself that you don’t know what’s around the corner and that some times I absolutely love being single (I’ve always been pretty independant), I can’t lie forever and say that it doesn’t hurt so much that no one wants to be with me. It sux, plain and simple.

And in an hour I might feel a lot better and be happy again and wonder who wrote this gloomy post, but it’s just something I wanted to get off my chest. So maybe if one day I do become the groovy happy mum in the cool little house, I can look back and see that life didn’t always suck.

Turn, Turn, Turn

Well the seasons are changing and today it really is moving from summer into winter... it's been raining here in Sydney for the last few days quite consistently, I've pulled out my scarf and the boots are making a regular daily fashion statement, as is the flat cat umbrella. But that didn't stop me from starting off this public holiday with a big flyer drop around Chippendale this morning. Rain or no rain, it had to be done.

So I jumped on the bus, and walked along the streets dropping off flyers into letterboxes, and hopefully I'll see some numbers build in my Sunday classes at Queen St. I need to really build them as I can see this place working 100%, it is just a slow process. Got to keep the spirits up!

Now I'm jotting down some thoughts and a yoga update (below) whilst waiting for my friend D to call me. We're catching up to talk more yoga, and plan a workshop together. Woohoo! It's yoga go at the moment!

In more yoga news, I finally made it to Yoga Sanga yesterday for a lunch time class. Did I enjoy it? For the first 1/2 hour I have no problems telling you that all I could think of was, I'm not coming back! You see, there are so many different styles of yoga, but I'd been told from numerous peeps that the style I teach is very similar to that of YS, so I was expecting quite a dynamic, fluid class. This, dear friends, was anything but that. It was S-L-O-W.

But by the end, I was smiling. And I bought a multi-class pass. Yep, this little yogi is going back. Why the change? Well, you see, they say change is as good as a holiday. Coming into the cooler weather it's a time for a more yin practice, but also, this class just gave me time to think - time to really see my body in poses (and feel my hips creak!), time to really sink down and feel the effects that this different practice had on me.

I'm a dynamic yogi, through and through, and while this class wasn't physically challenging, it definitely was a mental effort. And to be sure, I think I need some help when it comes to that side of things. So I look forward to making this a regular practice.

Till then kittens,
xxx

ps - this sunday I start my anatomy and physiology training, part one. can you tell I'm on a yoga high? yay!

The list of tasks....

...to make discipline my friend this week: (Inspired by 43things)

Money
- I really want to Bake! I really want to Cook! And this is a good thing because it's all about money at the moment. That is, saving. Or, paying off debt.
- So doing a big grocery shop, and lots of home cooking with my new fave cookbook - La Dolce Vegan (see post below). Stay tuned for pics and updates!

Yoga + Health
- 1 x yoga class at Yoga Synergy, 1 x class at Yoga Sanga. Tres excited to try out Yoga Sanga in Surry Hills as have been wanting to for a while. I've heard the style that I teach is very similar to the classes here, and I can't wait. I've talked my manager into doing lunch time yoga with me so off we go!
- Run/walk for 1/2 hour down at Sydney Park.
- Regular classes this week.

Alcohol
- 2 alcohol free days (minimum). I am going well on this, just keeping it up..

Fun
- All work and no play makes Shiny a dull girl, but unfortunately I do this more often than not. Working on the depression thing is a bit of a struggle at the moment, so I need to commit to going out (of the house!), regardless of whether I want to or not. I always feel better when I do get out and about, I just need to get there.
- So in the spirit of this, I'm going to do a Stretch class at SDC, and also am going to catch up with Liora (coffee and yoga!), and Narelle (Anzac Day). That will do to start with.

What have you got planned for your week?
xxx

ps - dont' forget, biggest loser final this week! and new big brother starts tonight - jamie the nerd sounds funny. this idea could change in the next 5 mins, but at the mo, he makes me laugh :)

STOP PRESS! YIPPEE

THE SHINS ARE COMING TO OZ!

I am so excited!
The last time they came to town I got tix for the Metro gig, but the dreaded D was hanging around and it wasn't a good time, so I stayed home instead. How's that?

So I'm glad I've got a 2nd chance.

Anyone keen to come??? YAY!

To market... to market...

...to buy a fat pig. Home again, home again, jig a jig jig...

Whenever I head to the library I feel like I'm off to the markets on a little excursion - it really reminds me of when I used to be so so excited to go to the library as a kid, where I'd literally devour them. I couldn't get enough!

Then I started earning some cash and got into a horrid habit of living in bookstores and spending way too much money on the goods! It is one habit that I don't find too bad - I love having a library of books, but seriously, libraries are a much better (and cheaper) option!

So I went to Paddo Library today and literally walked out with a huge armful of books! I am loving trying new cookbooks as well, and um, although I did purchase this one, perhaps

you can check it out of your local library? It's GREAT!! Reviews and home photos coming soon :)

La Dolce Vegan - by Sarah Kramer

This is Sarah's 3rd book, and is focussed on vegan meals you can whip together in limited time... eg. after a long day at work and you don't want to be cooking for half an hour!

I have some seafood in my diet, but most of my meals are vego, and one thing I find really frustrating in vego/vegan cookbooks is that they include lots (+ lots, + lots) of ingredients that you need a teaspoon of or some such quantity, that can make a difference to the final taste, but it's not something I have in my cupboard. It's not something you can find unless you go looking (and asking) in a health food store... but not here in La Dolce Vegan.

Seriously - this book is great! Quick, simple, and I promise you you can just look in your cupboard (a half empty one at that!) and be able to make a most delish and healthy meal!


Stay tuned :)

ps - Oh Oh Oh! best part yet? The majority of the meals make 2 big servings, or 4 small ones. Do you know how GREAT this is for a single gal who lives alone? Sarah, I love you! I love you!!!

the footprint!

Sorry kittens, I completely didn't think but the brain is back in order and THIS is how you measure your footprint, for all of you that asked below.

http://www.myfootprint.org/

Share the love - what is yours??
If everyone lived like me, we'd need 3 planets.

Hmm..

My foot isn't that big?!

Well, yes ma'am, it actually is.

I admit it - while I'm very much a fan of the environment and use my green bags to go shopping amongst other things, I still have quite a large environmental footprint. I love my clothes dryer. I catch (too many) taxis and eat too much take out that I bet a very small percentage of is locally produced. The list goes on.

So here is a bit of a committment (do you like that, a bit?) to start living in a more compact friendly lifestyle from now on. I have hesitated at making this semi-commitment before, because I know that I'll not be as great as some, I know I'll leave some of my habits open for ppl to pick at. But you know, like Ghandi says - Be the change you wish to see in the world. By doing one small change, hopefully it will make an impact somewhere along the line.

And if I slip up, so be it. I'm human - and I hope someone learns from my mistakes!

First baby steps:
* No spending this week - except for essentials (toiletries) and food. When purchasing though, it must be mindful. Oh, and this means no alcohol too.
* Cut back on using my clothes dryer. This will be tough. I live in a small unit, and have a busy life. But I've done it before and I'll do it again.

Stay tuned...

Who is this girl?

Monday - last 2 mondays, 20 mins on the treadmill. Running/walking/running/walking constant heart rate.
Friday - one hour walking/running and 2 complete laps in a row around the oval RUNNING. YIPPEE!

Other days: yoga, walking, home cooking, eating well, limited alcohol intake.

I'm happy : )

OM-tastic Yoga Links

Yoga -> my passion, my love, my fun, my inspiration. And because a teacher never stops being a student, see what I love to sink my teeth into when the chance pops up.

Accidental Yogist (an aspiring yoga discovers the los angeles yoga scene, and shares her experiences from go to woah!)

Playin’ the Edge (finding balance on + off the mat)

Yeah Dave Yoga (A flowing vinyasa yoga class, awesome music, a little spirituality and you have Yeah Dave Yoga. Music and yoga, the way it’s meant to be)

Hip Tranquil Chick (A guide to life on and off the yoga mat from a fun, hip & tranquil chick. Her pug is just too cute.)

Cupcakes & Yoga (Yoga is her passion and strength, it keeps her sane, she can’t live without it. Cupcakes are her weakness, they drive her insane, she can’t live without them.)

Just Breathe (She was once overweight and depressed; now she's an inspiring yoga teacher from Sth Africa sharing her love of the practice - both personal and professional.)

Om Bites (It's not just a physical journey, but a mental and spiritual one too for this lovely yoga girl.)

hippety, hoppety, Happy Easter

Today is a sunny Easter day here in Sydney, and as it is also a Sunday, I taught my open hatha yoga class his morning. It was splendid - I just can't tell you how much I love the studio I practice in, with the light streaming in, big big windows, a soft dance floor and a glorious mirror to reflect all the light. Love it.

And as it was Easter, of course I had to bring in a big bowl of little choccie eggs for everyone to share. Enjoy!

As I walked through the doors of my apartment building coming home after class, I still had a bowl brimming with eggs, so I placed an egg in front of every door in my apartment complex. I felt a bit stealthy - tiptoe-ing down the halls so as not to get sprung! And the best part, no one knows it was me. (Though there was a cute post-it note in the elevator when I got back in this afternoon, thanking the 'easter bunny') Isn't that the best? Doing things, knowing ppl will smile from it?

So all in all, I hope you are enjoying your easter weekend too.

* * * * * * * *

It's been a while since I've had a few days off - and I've taught a couple of yoga classes over these days, but still, having time off work is a blast. In my yoga classes lately I've been discussing the idea of us becoming "human doings" rather than "human doings" -> and I am one of the big offenders! A free day? Sure, I'll cover your yoga class. A free couple of hours? Sure, I'll do first aid/work back/work early/cook for you/insert busy doing thing here!

So this afternoon and tomorrow are just for me to BE. To sit at home, go for a walk, have some free time and just BE. Not be a teacher, a student, an employee or a daughter. I'm just going to BE.

I think that most of us in this day and age, we've forgotten how to be bored. Or we perhaps feel guilty if we're bored, and not filling up our moments with online chatting/radio listening/paper flicking/bathroom cleaning.

If we don't REST (ie. STOP!) when does our body and our mind have time to rejuvinate?

So the rest of this weekend for me, is about stopping, and just being with myself. Scary, but exciting.

Hope you are all finding some time for yourselves as well.

shiny xx

PS - are you all chocolate'd out? My bella sister and I decided to take each other out for a coffee instead of giving chocolate eggs. Fab idea. And if you have little ones - how about giving them a beautiful lil' bunny instead of one million chocolate eggs? The above bunny is hand-made by Hop Skip Jump, I want one!