Breadcrumbs

There were so many happenings this weekend that it was difficult to choose.

Went to an African Ancestry situation at the library. Got some information but not the breadcrumbs that I was looking for. I did leave with about 10 yoga books though. Later in the day, I went to a gathering with my fellow yoga teacher graduates that had been planned about a month ago; I had a nice time as we caught up. Camille hosted the event and made most of the dishes. Everyone else brought desserts and appetizers.

Part of the Yoga Crew

On Sunday, I met up with a friend, Lori, whom I hadn't seen in ages and we saw Your Immigration Stories, Mine and Ours. The production was put on by That Uppity Theatre Company which has a Playback Now! wing that does improvisational theatre.

I was a little disappointed because the verbiage said immigrants and refugees but the stories were all immigrant stories. However, I was almost glad that they didn't do refugee stories because the immigrant stories had me crying.

Uppity started by asking everyone if they knew what improv was and most people did but I love that they still gave examples. The director asked a couple of people how they felt and someone gave one answer and she asked her if she was feeling anything else because people rarely feel one emotion. The audience member answered tired and her friend said irritable. So, two actors did tired and irritable. Plus, there was a musician that accompanied their improv; it was good and funny and the whole show was poignant.

Before the improv started, we had a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting at the California synagogue. As the director said, The terrorist act that happened on Passover...

A.K.A. Paradise or Yoga Retreat in Review, III

When I was in San Diego, the weather man said It's going to be another gorgeoussss day. Felt that way about day seven in Negril a.k.a. paradise.

We went to The Cliff Hotel on Friday to practice yoga and to have breakfast. I had been thinking about getting a massage at another hotel but it worked out for me to get one at The Cliff.

Outdoor Massage Space

The last yoga practice was sweet with equally sweet music. Joy did a Thich Nhat Hanh meditation that I like.

I am a flower; I feel fresh. I am a mountain; I am solid. I am like the (Caribbean) breeze; I feel free. 

Most of us were so serene after practicing yoga in such an awesome surrounding, that we tended to sit in complete silence after practice. You could really hear a pin drop...or the waves.

I found an opportunity to take pictures of my fellow yogis which I had been itching to do for quite a while without being disruptive.

The Conductor

Post-massage, I swam a few laps before it started to rain. Three children didn't care about the rain and it wasn't an issue because there was no lightning -- almost joined them.

At some point I remind my fellow travelers that they should check in with their airline but I had issues. I write down necessary information on the back of a Ganesha (remover of obstacles) card that I have in my wallet and when I get back on WiFi, I'm able to check in and I'm in Group B which is great...

Later on, when we meet for our final dinner, Joy makes a super sweet toast thanking us for coming and telling us how appreciative she is and how amazing we are... I'm totally registering at the high end on the warm and fuzzy meter at this point.

Photo Credit: Lorenzo from Lorenzo JAM Tours

*Love the picture that I took of Joy conducting class and also love Lorenzo's picture of us at the breakfast table.

Midday Sweetness

Slept in because I took the day off and that's always on my agenda when I don't have to wake up alarmed.

Weighed myself and I'm down a pound. Kind of funny...

I've been eating such decadent things but I've also been trying to move more. I also know that you can't out exercise a "bad" diet and I know that my diet isn't all bad but...

When I was over at my aunt Girt's on Sunday, I read tips by Jenna Wolfe and one of them was to pick up 20 paper clips off the floor -- never picking up more than one at a time. Wondered if my coworker would notice but she didn't. I was good about moving around at work and then I became glued to my desk...

I remember how Wolfe worked out Lester Holt. Felt very sorry for him because that workout looked painful. I have now switched to CBS This Morning (Gayle King, Nora O'Donnell & Charlie Rose) so I don't get to see if Wolfe is kicking anyone's behind...

Went to a midday yoga class (desk job relief) and it was so sweet. Joy gave us a handout of Ganesha and talked about his different traits. Love a good storytelling session.

Can't remember what she said about the portly stomach but I was like Finally, a portly stomach pays off. Joy mentioned the sweets at Ganesha's feet. There's always a sweet side (even when some situation is dark), Joy said. You just have to find it.

I know that when people mention Ganesha, they usually say that he is the remover of obstacles. What I did not know was that Ganesha also puts obstacles in the way...

Got some other things done including attending Zumba class. Before class I had to remove lots of obstacles because I wasn't stepping out the house without layers.

Very Pleased with Peace Thermal Underwear