The Telephone Call and Marathon

Just received a telephone call from Caroline with last minute instructions for the run tomorrow. I was planning on just using the run to keep my legs stretched out for the January 17th Houston Marathon. It has been a few years since I have trained for 26.2 mile race. Tomorrow I'll be doing the 13.1 race in Kingwood. I have always enjoyed the training run up to the actually race . . . I'm all about the training, but not so much the race itself. In High School track, the same deal enjoyed the training, but not the race day.

My running buddy Billie broke her pinky toe last Sunday. Billie and I have trained to do the Houston Marathon together. This will be Billie's 10th Houston Marathon. She is currently getting around on crutches and doing some cross training to keep her cardio in order. I suggested duct tape for the toe.

Shoes and running

Today was the annual clean out my running shoes closet day. Total count 18 . . . after clean-out 10 . . . actually 4 are now lawn, mowing, work time shoes. 6 running, of the 6 running shoes, 2 I bought yesterday, one pair I may need to return they hit me funny on my ankle and dig in . . . the store has a pretty good exchange policy, but I have still be careful and just worn them for a few minutes around the house, I'll put them on again to just make sure my feet won't adjust to them.

Today turned out to be a two a day running. This morning at 7:45 went 5.5 miles with Billie and Caroline. This evening was the 1 hour and 45 minute ATP workout . . . gotta to love those 1200.

I talked with my husband this evening. This is his week to be in Martinez but will be picking him up at the airport tomorrow night.

Time to post something, anything . . .

Time for a change. I feel like I am the most emotionally strong than I have ever been before. I thought I was doing just fine before, but I am better than fine now. Instead of feeling guilting of setting a boundary and following it through. I feel a sense of being successful. I always thought I needed to take care of others and was responsible for their actions . . . and you know what I am not.

Class Reunion

A couple of weeks ago I attended my 30 year class reunion. 80 of the 240 classmates were there with 40 guests. Nearly everyone looked pretty much the same . . . a few people came up to me that until they spoke I had absolutley no clue who they were. My senior year of high school my life went from being focused and knowing who I was to I'm not sure. I lost a piece of who I was and don't know if I will ever find it again. My life is good and if losing a piece of who I was enabled me to have the life I have now . . . it may have been worth it. Funny there was one particular classmate I've been looking for at least a year, he was that little ray of sunshine that just makes things better. I could not locate him. Another friend showed and one of the first things he said was Dan wanted me to tell you hi . . . I immediatetly retrived his e-mail from Tim and with minutes of leaving the reunion I e-mailed him asking what he had been doing the last 30 years we have been catching up the last 30 years. Life is good.

Running in the zone

There are somedays I get my energy from running with a partner and other days I need to be running by myself and in the zone. Today was a zone day.

Bikram Yoga and running . . . after the challenge 113-132

Bikram Yoga - June 2,4,9,11,20, July 2,3,8,16,21,22,23,27,28,29,30, August 4,5, 12, 14 - practice 113-132

Bikram Yoga still plays a significant roll in my life. When I miss several days things are just off. I've picked up my running miles once again. Do I stick with running half marathons or do I want to train for another marathon. Running is very important to my mental well being and the fear of substaining another injury is a huge concern . . . time will tell. I did finish a 15.2 mile smooth run this morning. I'll just take one run at a time and see what happens.

Running and inner peace

Interesting what almost a month will do. My foot is nearly back 100% and I am happy. Ran a half marathon on Sunday . . . have about 3 running groups I am running with. Still doing the Bikram Yoga. Joined an ATP running program which so far I am enjoying. I have come to the realization I can't make other people want to run. Running for me is not about fitting into a pair of pants or how I look in my clothes. Running is about inner peace

Time to get serious about this thing they call running

Ran with Billie at 6:45 this a.m. We talked training, races, and all of that good stuff. After taking the route with 4 stop lights out and 4 stops lights back we still managed 5.13 miles in 49.28 minutes with a 9:38 pace.

I've been having a bit of foot/ankles issues. It appears possible issues with my extensor Hallucis longus muscle and/or Extensor Digitorum Longus Tendons. What does this all mean. I really don't know. I've been working with a massage therapist and I am able to get down the stairs going forwards, still have a bit of trouble walking, but running does not seem to be a problem . . . go figure. Last night I went for a swim, the first time in over 3 years. Last night I also dusted off my foam roller and went to work on my thighs, calves, etc. I could actually feel when rolling out my thigh the nerve pain in my foot, the tightness seemed to release a bit and it was much easier walking this morning.

Swimming Anyone

After over three years I decided to dive into the pool this evening. I would swim a 25 then stop catch my breath and then swim another 25. I told myself I was not allowed to get out of the pool for 30 minutes. January 1st I had planned to get back into the pool . . . here it is the end of June. I dropped Butler off at the airport came home, found an old swimsuit . . . don't remember it being quite that tight the last time I wore it . . . clearly the suit must have shrunk. My goggles still leak after 3 years . . . and the cap is still in one piece . . .

Jail Day 10

The judge ordered a continuance until next Thursday . . . RM is to meet with his counselor. I talked with my Dad last night. The words he used to describe RM was arrogant. Sometimes we need to humble ourselves and admit our lives are unmanageable and seek help.

I finally finished my letter to send to RM in jail . . . I was asked to do this and the letter is as follows.


Dear RM,

Just checking in to see how you are holding up. I understand you have had a very rough year. There are a few observations I would like to share with you.

I think we all go through day to day life and things that happen to us we often blow off thinking I’m okay and move on. Some of these things in our lives build up over time and then one event we do something we normally would not do.

Grandma Alison I believe was a very important person to you. You spent quite a bit of time with her during your growing up years. I know she loved you very much. She then got very sick with Alzheimer’s and complicated by her diabetes and high blood pressure and we all watched as she was taken from us. I know it was hard on me and could only guess how tough it was on you. We tend to move on but deep down inside us it hurts. Grandma Alison died February 25, 2008.

In April of 2008 my understanding while you were at work a man came in with a gun. The people in the restaurant including you were held hostage. You might have felt you moved on and you were fine, but I believe this is another piece that was building inside of you.

Sometime shortly after the hostage situation you went to work and the doors were closed and they had shut down and you were out of work. Again, I believe you tried moving on looking for new work. I truly believe this is a piece that was building inside of you.

The house you worked so hard to make the mortgage payments you found yourself moving out and renting it out to make the mortgage payments. You then moved in with your Mom and your step-dad Don. You might have thought you were fine, but I think this was building inside of you. You were on your own become an independent young man and things out of your control caused you to rent your house and move back with a parent.

My understanding you have not had much opportunity to date. It sounds like you started going places with a girl, dinner, casinos, shopping. Relationships can be very tricky. Girls can send mixed signals to guys and drive guy’s nuts.

You have had a very challenging year or so. I believe it is very important you get into some heavy counseling to work through some of the issues you have experienced in the past year or so. Yes, you might think you are okay, but are you? It is sometimes hard to admit to ourselves that our life has become unmanageable and we need help. Only you can make that decision. There are also some great 12 steps programs that you may want to consider.

Wishing you well . . . Aunt MBJB
June 5, 2009 (sent)

Manic Depression

My 26th year old nephew had a pretty severe manic episode. He quit his job, took off to California, over some girl he was in love with that rejected him. He came back to his home town and was at Tall Timbers Church Camp were he was asked to leave because he was cutting himself. Made his way to his mothers office were the people inside locked him out. He proceeded to take his car and kept hitting the girls car he was in love with until it was totaled taking another car and a post with it. The police were called and after hunting him down he is being held in the hospital under a suicide watch until if and when he is transferred to jail.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 110, 111, 112 . . .

May 20,21, 26th . . . Bikram Classes

Sobering thoughts

I started this post and never finished it. I've been thinking about my Dad alot recently. I am trying to stay calm but sometimes it is hard. I've been working through childhood experiences and some of the flashbacks. His little boy voice he would use . . . promising my mom he would never drink again, he was going to leave and never come back, and Alison please don't hit me, and then the eruption . . . he used that same little boy voice with me a couple weeks ago after he came back down after one of his emotional episodes.

My sister said she was at Dad's house getting some pictures and noticed his walk through pantry was fully stocked with alcohol which has not been the case in 26 years . . . My Dad celebrated 26 years of sobriety last August . . .

I know his girlfriend drinks . . . so maybe it is for her and for her family that comes and visits . . .

People Fascinate Me

I am always intrigued the array of people God sets before us in our lives. Each and every person I learn something new. There maybe someone I spent a short amount of time with 30 years ago and then they are brought back into my life. There maybe someone I have known for less than a year and it seems like I have known them a lifetime, but actually know very little about them, but what I do know matters. There are people I meet on the greenbelt trails running . . . last week I saw a guy twice as we were making the loop in opposite directions and the simple looking good and a high five.

I find I have groupings of friends . . . each group brings a whole dimension of understanding to life. Whether my running group, quilt bee friends, church family, yoga friends, solo friends meaning they don't really fit into any group, family and relatives, and my best friend who would be my husband. Each of these friends though they are all very different from one another they are all important and make my life whole.

Bikram Yoga and more . . . after the challenge 109 . . . Weight Watchers

I'm trying to change things up a bit. Today I ran with someone I haven't run with in years . . . actually since I trained with Kingwoodfit for a couple of years. Today we did a 6 mile run at East End Park . . . normally the people I run with want me to slow down and seriously I AM NOT A FAST RUNNER . . . well today Billie is faster that me so she set the pace I just kept up . . . so it was great. During the run we talked running. This is so different from the other people I run with that we talk about everything but running. Billie has run 10 marathons and is training for the Marine Corp marathon which is October 25. She is doing the ATP training which is running 6 days a week plus additional cross training. It is getting a bit hot and humid outside so I need to get serious about replacing my electroyltes even during a shorter run like today . . . at the end of the run I was toast. We compared notes at the end of the run and it looks like we plan to run together on Wednesdays.

After the run I went home and had a coconut water to replace my electroyltes. Did my monthly weigh in at Weight Watchers* and headed downtown to Bikram Yoga. Cheryl was instructing. I had not done Bikram since last Thursday so my body welcomed the practice.

*A little side note on Weight Watchers . . . it is a great program. I had never had a problem losing weight but keeping it off was another story. Along with other things my body was pretty messed up from the poor decisions of a teenage girl. I didn't understand that it is really okay to eat. I never knew what in the world I was suppose to weigh or eat for that matter. Now I eat to stay healthy. I know if I fall under 120 pounds I need to adjust my activity and fuel intake. In the same respect if I go over 130 pounds I need to adjust my activity and fuel intake. It is all about balance and proper food choices.

Bikram Yoga and more . . . after the challenge 108 . . . roller coaster

Today Friday, May 8 I had a new instructor at Bikram her name was Hannah. I attended the 10:00 class. My current plan . . . this is always subject to change to attend Bikram 2-3 times a week. I have cross training activities to keep me busy on the other days back in Kingwood.

On Wednesday after going to spinning I met up with a former running coach at Starbucks, Billie had come to Kingwood to run. We got to talking and it sounded like the plan was to come every Wednesday to do her long day training runs. I told her I would be very interested. She mentioned another gal Luanne wanted to run also. Billie is gearing up to run the Marine Core Marathon I believe it is in October. We decided to e-mail each other to confirm what time on Wednesday which would be sometime between 7:30 - 8:00. After that I headed back to the gym for a Body Flow class.

Thursday was a spin . . . planned on a glutes and abs class but felt a need to go on a hunt for my lost drivers license and credit card . . . which I finally found betweent he front drivers seat and console of my car.

I don't remember how much I've blogged about the events with my Dad the past couple of weeks . . . but he is coming down off of his high and going down and it is very bumpy on the way down . . . he likes to pick up riders . . . I've decided I really don't like roller coasters.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 107 . . . Washing Away

I starting to try a little balance to my life and not so many trips down the freeway to Bikram. I am still enjoying the new Bodyflow release . . . the Monday teacher was back from Taiwan, Nicole . . . she is very detailed and always a good workout.

Tuesday I did my girls run, followed with a trip down the freeway to Bikram.

I hit the noon class with Cheryl. Cheryl is so kind but at the same time has a way of instructing the class to get the maximum benefit of the class. Things that were so out of control yesterday and I was just numb this morning . . . the Bikram seemed to wash all the worry out of my system.

After Bikram I went to Whole Foods . . . they always ask it I would like ice I always accept due to the drive home . . . today I must have waiting a good 10 minutes for the ice to arrive my mind was is calm problem solving mode . . . funny how I was still on almost what I call the Bikram high I was still floating when my ice arrived and headed back home.

Just after unpacking my food purchases, the telephone rang . . . my Dad's telephone number flashed up on the caller ID . . . I calmly pickup up the receiver and said hello. I never quite know what to expect when I answer my telephone when my Dad is on the other end. He seemed to be calm at the moment. It is almost like the calm before the next storm hits. He makes a decision on one thing and when you think it is set he changes his mind. He has agreed to meet with the attorney and his accountant as we are trying to move forward with my Mother's estate . . . I can almost predict what is going to happen . . . he is not going to understand something or refuses to understand and blow up and storm out and it will be everyone else is the problem.

I lost my energy, did somebody find it?

I lost my energy, did somebody find it? . . . a simple morning walk, Sunday School, Church, a couple of hours working in the church office, back home and mowed the lawn. I just wished I had more energy . . . maybe I just need time to get my batteries recharged.

Maybe I'll break out the indoor cleaning supplies and get inspired.

Just say no to co-dependency

Trying to gain my emotional and physical strength back. Taking a few days off from Bikram. I am totally running on empty physically and mentally.

On Friday went to a Bodyflow class in town just a 60 minute class. Spent the afternoon running errands with my husband and getting time to talk. He is headed out of town for the next three weeks, fortunatly home on weekends. I've just gotten use to having him home and poof gone again.

Still dealing with the issues with my father with my mother's estate. We each had our jobs that were assigned by the attorney back in February 2008. I finished my homework in a timely fashion and got it turned in. My Dad did not. We have had one six month extension, but the time is ticking and now as predicted Dad is striking out and it is everyone elses fault that he didn't finish his homework. I try and stay calm with Dad which so far I have been successful with. We did a bit of brainstorming today. I told him nobody thinks dealing with settling with someones estate is fun. Because dealing with someones estate means someone died and that is a very sad thing. Dad got very quiet. I think he is finally grieving.

On Saturday I had an easy run with some friends and then spent an hour sitting on their back porch enjoying great conversation while enjoying the nature preserve that back up to their backyard.

When I go home more e-mails from my Dad and then a telephone call. I am totally drained. My Dad and Mom had this co-dependency going on. After Mom got sick and died he lost that . . . no one to bail him out when he got himself a bit too deep. It seems like none of the daughters are willing to take on the co-dependency roll. Basically he says if you don't do this then I'm going to do that and you have no worth to me. I am not willing to play that game.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 106 - The Perfect Storm

Missed Bikram on Tuesday due to the massive rain storm but did the 6 miles on the treadmill . . . Wednesday my run, spin, and, bodyflow class . . . Thursday I will call it The Perfect Storm.

This week I have been hit hard with a lot of things. Some not so little, good, bad, frustrating, physical, hmm. Anyway normally Bikram makes everything perfect again. I mowed my lawn before heading off to Bikram. Yes, I showered before I headed off to Bikram. I had a really bad tension headache with my Dad's name on it. Plus some abnoxious draining female issues . . . good grief. Anyway arriving at Bikram I knew in 90 minutes I would be as good as new. I WAS WRONG . . . OH SO WRONG. I made it through the standing series kind of . . . I though I was going to pass out, or my head/jaw/neck was going to explode. Finally finished with the standing series. Anything laying on my tummy, I thought I was going to heave . . . so a little Savasana, then a lot of Savasana. With 15 minutes left in class I was going down for the count . . . I folded my yoga mat . . . feebly waved good-bye to the instructor . . . took a quick shower dressed and hit the freeway. I didn't think I could make it home. Maybe if I just pulled off the road and took a nap, but then what.

Somehow I made it home. I tucked myself in and 2.5 hours later I woke up when my husband came in the door. He is the sweetest man . . . so very understanding . . . he is truly my gift from GOD. He left to do his stretching at the athletic club and then brought home dinner. He knew I liked Pei Wei - brown rice, carrots, snap peas, broccolli, and tofu stips. I think I am going to survive. The Perfect Storm . . . somedays are like that.

Running to escape

Our running group got an interesting e-mail from one of runners . . . she is really not a regular but has been showing up on again off again for the past 3 years.

To make a long story short due to personal and embarrasing situation. She has this long term relationship with this mystery man in her life that only a few people know about. This mystery man thinks this gal is having some interest in one of our runners and is hurt . . . it seems that she kept this part of her life (running and training with a co-ed running group a secret from him which he found out about) so she needs to be removed for our e-mail distribution list. She actually put the name of the guy her mystery man thinks she is having some fling with. She wanted to keep this confidential. Why in the world if she wanted to keep it private did she send this e-mail to our whole running group which is about 10-12 people? She left enough clues that we figured out who this mystery man is. He is 5 years older than her, he is a VP at the place she works, and he is married. She said she truly loves this man, and he in the most important thing in her life.

I run to escape problems . . . not to add to them. Since I send out the running e-mails I gladly removed her from the list . . .

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 105

I don't know why I'm still blogging about Bikram . . . it is an important piece of my routine, but find I need to focus on some additional cross training. Bikram today Monday with Cheryl, I cannot say enough of the benefits from Bikram, but there are things slipping in other areas of my life . . . the 3.5+ hour chunk out of my day is taking a toll and I'm feeling a bit out of balance. The days I don't go to Bikram I feel like crap and guilty for not going . . . that doesn't seem quite right. Maybe my body got so use to that daily "flush" when it doesn't get it . . . I feel tired. I guess I just need to retrain my body that it is really okay not to do Bikram everyday.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 104 . . . just a little support

I was glad to see Beth was back from Paris and The Netherlands to teach the 10:00 Bikram today. She has a way of making me work hard . . . I made some progress on the standing knee to head posture, I felt it and Beth commented on class she could see I have made a lot or progress on it. I think when you have the same teacher over and over again, they don't notice any progress . . . so nice to know I felt it and she saw it.

I was a bit on edge before class . . . I had received an e-mail from my Dad regarding some business issues and needed to know my whereabouts in a couple of weeks so I could sign some paperwork . . . He is not always forecoming with information . . . so it is like picking up clues and putting the puzzles pieces together.

After class I was checking out a new place I had not shopped before . . . actually shopping and me does not normally happen. I checked out Lululemon, an athletic apparel store,they actually had a nice variety of to choose from. I had two different salesperson ask me if I understood the sizing. I was looking at the sports bras . . . both the female first and then the male a few minutes later wanted to let me know about the sizing of the sports bras . . . less support starts here, greater support, and the most support . . . I definately am the less support kind of gal and both salesperson totally agreed. I have never really figured out how those full figured gals could be comfortable doing some of those activites . . . hmm, I guess that must be the beauty of the most support sports bras. I did buy some yoga shorts a bit of a change from the capris I've been wearing, hmm I'll have to see if I will actually wear them.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Started the morning off with a 5:15 a.m. run with Phil & Meg . . . a slow and easy 4 mile run. Off to a spin class with Debbie instructing, coffee (H20 for me) and then a new release bodyflow class . . . loved the new release pretty intense . . . postures held longer than previous releases.

Afternoon mowing the grass, edging and blowing everything off. A bit of laundry, some paper work . . . I found I could protest my property taxes online. I chose the iSettle option and placed the opinion of property market value in the little box. Supposedly this can all be done online and if I agree to their settlement amount I may be able to avoid the going into a hearing to protest my taxes . . . will have to wait and see what happens there. This is the first time in 18 years I have protested my taxes, they have also been a bit high but not high enough to protest. I've been watching the Real Estate Market . . . a little difficult since a law passed that information is no longer published online for the general public. I have been educating myself with Real Estate Housting Market Statistics mailings and going out to open houses, pulling flyers to see at least what people are asking for their homes. I could hire one of those professional protest companies, but the typical fee is 50% of what they could save me on my taxes. I will have to wait to see how this turns out.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 103 - Restless Leg Syndrome

Started the morning with a 4.2 miles with the girls and then on the way home stopped off at East End Park for another 3+ miles - not sure of that distance because somehow I don't always end up were I think I should be. Seriously I need to reattach my Garmin GPS to find out were I have been.

I attended the 12:00 with Cheryl instructing . . . she is always good and I had a great class. Recently I have not had any major breakthrough on any of the postures but that is okay, eventually one day something will happen.

My husband suffers, well I don't know if he actually suffers because he sleeps through and I do not, his restless legs. When I can actually wake him up during one of these marathon episodes he tells me he is dreaming he is running. Great I do my running during the day and he runs at night. The night before I just headed up the stairs and slept upstairs. I really needed to find a better solution . . . so last night I tried something new . . . when his restless legs started I snuggled up to him this always immediately wakes him up . . . I'm not saying anything happened after that but whatever did happen . . . there were no more restless legs last night. This new experiment that I'm trying will be either a really good thing, or it will backfire on me and I will be sleep deprived yet again.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 102 - On My Mind

I had a few things on my mind when I arrived at Bikram for the 12:00 with Lianna. A gal who helped me through some rough spots lost one of her sons on Thursday and her other son is in critical condition after being broad sided . . . I just cannot even imagine. She flew out to Las Vegas to meet up with her ex-husband to identify one of her sons body and to be with her other son.

Also I was thinking about a persons eyes . . . they can tell you so much about a person, Eyes . . . the windows to ones soul.

Normally on my trips down to the Bikram studio I crank up the tunes . . . today the tunes were silent . . . I just needed my thoughts.

It was not an easy Bikram practice today. I had missed the last two days . . . physically and emotionally I'm a bit drained . . .

Missing My Hills

Church and Sunday School. Studying Eccelsiactics in Sunday School. Mark is a great teacher also a runner . . .

I normally run before church, but todays schedule I had planned a 3:00 with Meg. So 3:00 it was for a simple 5 mile run. I think we must have walked at least 1 mile of it, somedays you just have to follow what your mind said and today it said we needed to walk a bit and we did.

I ran 11 miles yesterday and 5 today . . . but something has been missing . . . my hills . . . somedays I just want to move away from Houston and back to the west coast. Is is because my husband spends half of his time on the west coast and I feel like I'm stuck here? Somedays I just want to jump out of my skin, can a person really do that? My days are filled with a variety of different activities, but sometimes I just feel I'm spinning my wheels and I am going nowhere.

Okay pity party is over with . . .

Running and Escaping the Rain

Today I had three different runs scheduled . . . 7 am with Phil, 8 am with Pam & Beth, 2 pm with Meg. Ran East End with Phil at 7, Change of plan to escape the rain with Pam & Beth on treadmill at 8:00 . . . I am more than willing to run in the rain but now everyone is. 2:00 with Meg she bailed. Got in 11 miles for the day.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 101 - Just good enough

10:00 Bikram with Mike . . . still progressing on my standing backward bending, my breathing, well I'm actually breathing and staying focused through the backward bending. I was thinking back to my years in Middle School, I was on the gymnastics team, one of those things I was just good enough to get on. I can do alot of things . . . I've just never been the best at anything. I can play the piano, but just good enough for me to listen to. I can sing, again just good enough for me to listen to. I can run, again just good enough for me to enjoy. I can swim, but just good enough, I can snowski, but just good enough, I can bike, but just good enough. I can cook, well actually I can't cook . . . Raw Food Diet, now I can do. I can do many different things, again just good enough. Is it okay to be just good enough?

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 100 - Relax

4:30 class with Mindy . . . I love the savansana at the end. Mindy has her own special routine . . . talking you all the way from the tips of your toes to the top of your head and back down again for total relaxation.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 99 . . . Clean and Sober

Spent the morning at church finishing up a project. Hit the road and made it to the 12:00 Bikram Yoga Class with Mike instructing.

There was only one familar face in the 12:00 yoga class . . . not that I have ever talked to this guy but he seems to be a regular at the noon class.

My mind wandered during class to a friend who is celebrating his 365 days of being clean and sober. I met him when he joined some of my running group and we have run several times together. You know there are those people that you meet and you feel like you have known them all of your life . . . but you actually know very little about them. I wish my friend luck and will continue to ask those questions, are you still going to your meetings, are you working the steps. There are some people you know that are a total screw-up and then there are the people that can make a difference in the world. I believe if Brice can stay clean and sober he is one that can make a difference in the world.

I was scanning back and remembering the evening I knew I had taken my last drink. It was June 1981. I am not saying I am an alcoholic or anything else for that matter. All I know is I had the same patterns of my father. There were some things in my life that I am not proud of some by my choice and some not by my choice. I won my last guzzling contest with a screwdriver and put the glass down and never drank again.

Reaching Out

Ran the Katie Loop with Beth, Pam, & Shelley . . . we went home and showered and then met back at a friends house.

Our friend has 5 kids and her husband had a severe stroke 2 years ago during minor knee surgery. Our friend has since gone back to work full time to support her family and we help out were we can, whether it driving to doctor appointments, kids events, just were we feel we can be the most help. We spent the morning and afternoon pulling weeds, trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, edging, laying new mulch, and blowing everything off. We also worked on the laundry, and made dinner for the family.

I made it home later in the afternoon to get my lawn cut, edged and blown and pulled a few weeds.

Tomorrow I hope to get back down to Bikram . . . I just have several things I need to get done before I head down the freeway . . .

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 98

Dropped my husband off at the airport at 7:15 this morning. Spend 4 hours at church working on Date Entry for Easter Services . . . and still not done . . . there are alot of new people who attend our church for the first time and need to input all of the info.

I made it to Bikram at 4:30 with Lianna instructing. The class was quite full . . . took a quick shower after class and headed back up the freeway to home.

Easter Sunday

A little 10+ mile run this morning before Easter Church Service. After the service spent a couple of hours in the church office getting a head start on my data entry for the week.

Spent the afternoon upstairs in the office with my husband. We both had our mental lists and things we needed to get organized and on the same page before he heads out of town . . . it was so very nice having him home.

I had planned to go to Bikram Yoga this afternoon . . . I just couldn't leave my husband today.

My daughter called from work to wish us a Happy Easter . . . My son exchanged a couple of online chats with me . . .

East End Park Run

Did a little 5 mile run at East End Park for our groups Saturday run . . . fast and smooth run.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 97

Back to the South Blvd with Mike instructing at 10:00. When I see that Mike is instructing I really need to get my head around it. I know I need to start focusing before the class starts. It will be a challenging practice, and in his classes it seems like it is hotter than 105 degrees, when the class in finished and I have survived, it is a good thing. The postures are held for what seems a few extra seconds which I need to really focus so I don't come out of the posture before instructed to do so.

The class was pretty full today. When the studio is full is just seems like the extra energy for the students helps my energy level.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 96

Today I headed over to the Fountainview location at 10:00 with Lynn instructing. A friend of mine S.W. wanted to try the Bikram class.

S.W. is extremeley flexible and has done over the years several different Yoga/Pilates. The instructor commented at the end that S.W. did not seem like this was her first Bikram Class. Due to the distance and the heat S.W. did not think she would become a regular Bikram Studio. So there you have it.

Though I enjoyed bringing a friend to the studio. Bikram is not an interactive activity. I think I was more concerned that she was okay . . . and she was then to focus on my own practice.

Bikram is more of an oral practice . . . listening to what the instructor is saying . . . and then carrying into yourself and focusing on how your body is to respond . . . each instructor I always learn something new that I didn't grasp before.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 95

After spending 9 hours driving in the car it was so nice to be back at Bikram. I ran a Katie Loop before heading off to Bikram. Cheryl was instructing one of my favorite instructors. I continue to work on the breathing, especially with my standing back bend . . .

Broken Pipe

I had one of those days that didn't turn out exactly like I had expected. I instead spent 9 hours in my car.

My son had called to say a hot water pipe had broken under his tile floor and there was water everywhere . . . we told him to call the plumber. My son lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma in a house we bought together with him last summer to live in while going to college. I jumped into my car to be a 7.5 hour drive to offer my assistance. When you child asks you to come . . . this Mom will drop what she is doing. One scenario the floor was going to be jack hammered up. This time of year with my sons job and last few weeks of school, he didn't have alot of time to be dealing with this. Fortunately the plumber was able to run a new line through the old copper line under the floor . . . a bit of sheetrock will be needed but the concrete floor did not have to be jack hammered up. After 4.5 hours in the car my son had everything under control and I was more than happy to turn my car around and head back home.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 94

This morning I did a 9 mile run . . . I still cannot believe the benefits Bikram Yoga has had on my lung capacity and the impact it has had on my overall strength and flexibility . . . I would have probably taken an afternoon nap after a humid 9 mile run, but not today.

I headed down for the 4:30 class with Lianna. I really enjoy her she is detailed and also informs us of the benefits of each and every posture . . . today I was focusing on my breathing that Mike had talked about with me. When I would do the standing back bend I felt like I was not getting oxygen. I am now focusing on my breathing . . . I am not going back as far but and practicing the breathing through the posture and I seem to be making progress.

Bikram After the Challenge

Today I was trying an experiment. I started the day with a 5+ mile run. I decided I was going to take the day off of driving down to Bikram and get some much needed stuff done at home . . . I must admit I had a few weak moments, down to even getting dressed to go to Bikram . . . I kept telling myself balance, stay balanced and you will not self destruct if I do not go down to Bikram . . . get yourself organized on the homefront and Bikram will be there tomorrow.

Bikram Yoga . . . after the challenge 93

Friday, April 3, 2009 12:00 with Mike.

It was perfectly hot and humid today. Nice to have my friend C. to my left today.

After class I chatted with Mike regarding breathing, especially during the standing bending backwards, the further I go back the harder it is to breathe. I need to be lifting up and then back one vertebrae at a time. When you breathe in do not let air out all at once. We need to make a conscious effort to breathe, eventually it should become natural.

He also noted on my Balancing Stick (Tuladandasana)I reach a certain point then I start bending from the hip and lean my upper body down like a broken umbrella. I knew it felt wrong now I know why.

Bikram Yoga - After the 60 Classes in 60 Day Challenge

Before the start of the challenge I had 31 classes under my belt. So today was my 92nd Bikram Yoga Class.

I headed over to Fountainview for the 10:00 class with Lynne instructing. We had 4 new people. I learned something new today or at least figured it out. On the sit-up the double exhale breathing, it was like an aha moment . . . why didn't I understand how to do that earlier?

The room was perfect for sweating today which is what I needed.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 60 - Summing it All Up

Just finished the 60 classes in 60 Days Bikram Challenge . . .

I'm going to use this page as my scratch pad and jot down some thoughts . . . so here goes . . . I located my notes back from my very first Bikram class (before I ever considered a 60 day challenge) the first Bikram class was started on December 1, 2008 . . . I'm starting to add them to my blog . . . very interesting to see where I started 4 months ago.

Off the top of my head the obvious transformation during the 60 day challenge and before . . . greater lung capacity, greater joint flexibility, greater overall strength . . . I felt physically fit before but this is a deeper stronger/balanced fitness level, and a chunk of emotional baggage if you will has been lifted which makes for a stronger mind.

To me there was nothing magical about the 60th class in 60 days it was all of the stuff that happened in between . . . though I did finish a few days early because I had done several doubles in the event I needed to miss a day, which I didn't.

My friends in the locker room to my friends in the lobby to the teachers we all are going through this journey together . . . Namaste . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 59 - Posture #16

Ran the Katie Loop with some friends this morning . . . breakfast then headed down to 12:00 Bikram with Cheryl. I adore all the instructors, everytime I think I have a favorite, then I find another favorite. Well today Cheryl was my favorite instructor. She has a way of pushing me to my limits with her calm steady voice.

Posture #16 Locust Pose Salabhasana - Thinking back to December 1, 2008 my very first Bikram class, I thought you have to be kidding, there is no way I can lie on my stomach with my arms under by body with my elbows side by side and my palms facing the floor, and they raise not one but both legs off the floor, well today I could feel my right and left elbow touching each other (not that they stayed touching the whole time but they touched!)and yes the legs both of them come off the floor. I am now understanding the roll the shoulders play in this whole deal. 13 months ago my left shoulder was frozen solid . . . so this is quite exciting to me.

Several conversations in the locker room asking about what transformation I had gone through during the 60 day challenge . . . I still have one more day. Physically one gal said you were already in shape . . . yes and no . . . parts of me were in shape . . . it seems like my whole body is stronger physically. Emotionally, yes I am definately much stronger emotionally a lot of emotional cleansing which was extremely painful and at times I'm like this really sucks, it more than sucked, but it was good. Spiritually, fortunately I have always been strong . . . there now seems to be a sense of calmness.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 58 - Understanding

Hit the 12:00 Bikram today with Beth . . . my mind wanted to wander today . . . I normally have no problem staying focused, but I think the word clarity is the word of the day . . . I was able to think about my mom today and not feel sad, things are becoming more clear of what her life represented.

It seems like I'm always trying to figure out what makes people tick . . . I think through other people I'm trying to figure out what makes me tick.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 57 - Runner's High

When I was in Arizona a week or so ago I was chatting with a gal in the Bikram Locker Room . . . she also a runner. I told her since I started doing Bikram I was able to get the same "fix" as a nice long run. She compared Bikram to getting a runner's high . . . I'm like yeah that is exactly right . . . it is like my brain is making a proper connection.

My morning started out with a nice 5 mile run with one group of runners and when I got home a friend called and wanted to know if I wanted to run so obviously I went out for another 5 miles, who could turn down a run?

Before I headed off to Bikram . . . I headed off to look at some real estate, real estate market is an interesting place right now.

Anyway finally arrived at Bikram for the 4:30 class . . . I normally crave getting to the Bikram class, but not today . . . it was kind of like an AHA moment I had gotten my "fix" for the day . . . I went through the class not needing the "fix" . . . To be honest I was getting a little apprehensive, scared, of coming to the end of my 60 Day Challenge, yes I was definatelely going to continue with my Bikram classes, but due to time commitment with a bit of a drive I needed to cut back to 4-5 times a week and what would happen to me on the days I didn't go ? ? ? I can simple ramp up my running a bit and I should be covered . . . I think they call that balance.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 56 - Houston - Disturbing

Had a nice and short 5 mile run this a.m. I hit the 12:00 Bikram with Liana . . . Carolyn and Karen were there also so nice to chat with them after class.

With the exception of the tight hamstring, and deep, deep sweating . . . the class felt very good and smooth. I decided to hang out in Savasana for 15 minutes to avoid the crowd in the locker room. Everything was going just dandy in Savasana aka dead corpse posture until . . . I began picturing my dead mother in her casket 6 feet under, it came out of absolutely nowhere. Well maybe not totally out of nowhere, everytime I think of the last time I saw her body as they were closing her casket, then the funeral, and then the trip back to Mother's new home 6 feet under, it just seems so strange to me. As I lay there it was like there was a connection . . . 6 feet under . . . as I showered and headed out to the front lobby Cheryl and the front girl gal were both crying . . . the call had just come in a very close friend whose father they were also very close to had just passed away . . . I gave them a hug . . . I understood

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 55 - Hamstring

12:00 with Lianna . . . first time I have had Lianna . . . she talks a lot and tells you what each and every posture is good for . . . It is so nice having different instructors each you learn a lot from. She like Joani holds the postures for what seems like eternity . . . definately I would welcome another class from her.

My right hamstring is terribly tight or at least that is what I think it is.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 54 - Breathless

Okay, I've heard about Joani, but this is the first time she has instructed one of my classes. She is very good, very detailed, and seems to hold the postures what seems like an eternity.

There were times during the standing series I could hardly catch my breath, I felt like I needed to gasp for air, but breathing in though the nose and out through the nose it was impossible to do any gasping . . . It started from the very begining First Breathing Exercise Standing Deep Breathing - Pranayama breathing - I was breathing in so much air (maximum lung capacity and more) there was no way I could breath everything out in the 6 seconds she gave us.

Literally there was several times during class I looked into the mirror and into my eyes and was literally pleading with myself focus, focus, that spinning in your head do not even think about passing out. Have I not been getting enough electroyltes replaced??? or is it just her taking us past our comfort zone, way past our comfort zone. I glanced in the mirror at the reflection of the clock after the standing series was done 52 minutes . . . I now understand why they call Posture 13 Dead Body Pose or Savasana . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 53 - Smooth

Great class with Cheryl at 12:00 today. Everything was smooth. Cheryl just found out she broke her finger a month ago and really wants her swollen middle finger to return to normal . . . actually the brace she has on her finger probably nice so she could easily flip off people as needed.

Ran with a friend at 6 p.m. . . . her world is crashing down on her . . . running the great escape! Bikram rates right up there with running :)

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 52 - Holding Back

Ran with Beth and Shelley this morning, afternoon working on a project with friends, a 30 minute power nap, then off to 4:30 Bikram. Extremely hot/humid it was great . . . some more of those memories are rearing their ugly little heads, there is absolutely no way I'm ready to deal with anymore right now, I think they are much safer staying tucked in tight. I am happy now and mentally strong and focused.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 51 - My nothing special day

I refer to today as my nothing special day, it should be no more important than any other day of the year, plus I no longer count years I am just ageless or as my Dad always would say I'm just a kid . . . I was woken up at 3:00 a.m. by the person sleeping next to me, that is another story.

Just before 4:00 I was still awake so I got ready and jumped in my car to make a trip down to 5:30 a.m. Bikram Yoga with Tony instructing. This morning everything worked. I like Tony's detailed description and he seems to almost know exactly what I need said to get to the next level.

After class the I was wished a Happy (hmm the B word). I did explain my thoughts on my nothing special day and how it should not be in any more important or special than any other day of the year.

Well I got the e-mails, cards in the mail, and telephone calls, hugs, my running group dropped of a new yoga mat at my back door, my Dad called and sang the Happy (B word) song to me and so did one of my sister. By the end of the day maybe, just maybe the day was a bit more special than the other days of the year.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 50 - Healing

Back to Houston with a bit of humidity. Today Lynne made a field trip over to South Blvd. from Fountainview to teach at the 10:00. My friend Caroline was in class . . . always a great joy to see her.

It is funny last night when I got back to my house from my trip . . . I did not feel like I was at home. I guess a house is just a house . . . but something about walking into Bikram studio today I felt I was home. Bikram is a very healing place . . . . physically, mentally, and spirtually.

60 Day Bikram Challenge 49 - Sandy - Scottsdale

7:00 a.m. class with Sandy - I was glad to see an earlier class on Saturday morning that would allow me to continue with the 60 Day Challenge and still catch my flight out of town. Funny thing happened during Camel - the first time I almost passed out, as I was coming out of the posture I could feel the lights going out, I fell forward on my hands and took everything I had not to hit the deck . . . the second camel I chose to lay in Savasana, but was able to finish everything else. Oh yes, and we did get the wonderful foot to foot massage.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 48 - Sandy - Scottsdale

9:00 a.m. with Sandy. Another drop-in student from Denver, Colorada was visiting. There were 27 students in class today. Sandy did this wonderful thing while we were lying on our tummies . . . she went around between postures and stepped on our feet, it was like a mini foot massage it was wonderful.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 47 - Scottsdale - Kathryn

It is interesting to notice the subtle differences in Bikram Studios. In Houston somehow the instructors know all of the students name, not so in Scottsdale, but in Scottsdale they make you feel just as welcome. Today the humdity was a mere 9% as compared to Houston at 40-50%. In this Scottsdale studio they have several humifiers running. Yep, still sweating in Scottsdale.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 46 - Stacey - Scottsdale

Landed just before 10 a.m. in Scottsdale, Arizona - I got to the Condo in Scottsdale, Arizona to drop off my bags and had just enough time to head off to Bikram. The floor in the studio was a new floor product that is suppose to help with the foot smell that is often found in Bikram studios. This particular studio had changed out their floors about a year ago and yes, there was no detectable foot odor smell.

I noticed when I walked into the room people were filling the back rows first, opposite of Houston. Basically there is really only room for two maybe three rows so this seems to work.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 45 - Cheryl

12:00 Bikram with Cheryl - heading of of town tomorrow

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 44 - Back on Track

12:00 with Beth at South Blvd . . . I felt back on track today . . . back to normal people well if you call us Yogis normal. Nice smooth practice . . . with the exception of the tight/painful right hamstring, I may have overstretched it at some point . . . interesting I think Beth must have read my mind, instructing not to overstretch our hamstrings . . . if it hurts back off on the stretching.

I have been thinking lately about what after the 60 day challenge???? Do I continue on everyday, or do I cut back, how does this work??? It would be nice not to run up and down the freeway each day. There has been so many positive changes in my life physically, mentally and emotionally even before the 60 challenge when I started Bikram on December 1st, 2008.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 43 - Studio Manners

8:15 a.m. with Sheri at Fountainview. I arrived at 7:45 as the doors were opening. Sheri noticed as I walked in my clothes on hangers and ask where I was going after class, I told her church. Since I arrived much earlier that anticipated I thought it would be a good opportunity to do lengthy Savasana before class started. I was so relaxed until . . . the a guy next to me put down a mat, normally I can ignore this but he tapped me on the shoulder . . . the next few minutes he told me his name, his age, were he lived, what surgery he had, how many years he was doing Bikram, I said little, though I like to chat normally but not in the Bikram studio . . . it is time to start focusing and not on the person next to you.

Class started and he chatted the whole way through . . . this was actually really good for practicing my focusing . . . The Full Locust Pose, lying on tummy with arms extended like an airplane the guy next to me grabbed my wrist and firmly planted to the ground, icky, I really wanted to get up and move spots and in retrospect that is what I should have done . . . he had a comment for everything . . . the last breathing exercise you watch yourself in the mirror, you know when you can feel someone staring at you, I glanced over in the mirror he was not doing the breathing exercise he was just staring at me in the mirror I looked away, okay last posture was Savansana . . . I chose to fold up my mat and leave the room . . . as I was leaving the instructor I think she knew the real reason I was leaving she just said (gave my name) is leaving to get to church. I talked with a gal in the locker room and she was well aware of this guy and had a similar deal with him . . . she now makes sure she is on the opposite side of the room that he is . . . she said he does show up every Sunday at 8:15 . . . thank goodness I have options, next Sunday I'm heading over to the other studio.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 42 - Traffic

I ran this morning . . . then a bit later I headed down the road to Bikram with Cheryl at 12:00 . . . she continues to be very good, very detailed, and wanting everyone in the Studio to follow her words, not before and not after right on cue.

On the way to Bikram there was a wreck on the freeway so I was either stopped or going about 5 . . . eventually I made to an earlier exit . . . don't know exactly what I did besides totally confuse my GPS . . . but I made it to Bikram with 10 minutes to spare . . . life can be so good.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 41 - Clarity after the storm

Woke up at 6:30 to go downstairs and say good-bye to my husband as he was driving into work, he is making progress everyday with his back and his walking :)

I grabbed a book and went back upstairs and jumped back into my warm bed and read . . . I eventually pulled myself away from my book and got ready and headed down the freeway to Bikram.

Today was Bikram with Cheryl at 10:00. She is so detailed and forces you to listen to her exact words . . . no coasting in her class which is a good thing. One of the gals in our class was finishing her 60 day challenge, I talked to her after class and ask a few questions about her journey and yes some emotional cleansing on her end as well. I often hear the word clarity which is so true . . . I can see clearly now the rain is gone the storm has passed . . .

60 Day Bikram Challenge - 40 - Guns and Roses

The day started with my husband becoming more vertical . . . his standing up and walking that is, so yeah for that. Decided to spin with Pam and then tortured some more in her glutes and abs class . . . then down the freeway to Bikram @ 12:00 with Cheryl.

My brain/emotions were doing their thing today . . . Still trying to figure out this emotional cleansing thing, sometimes it works so deep and can be so painful . . . I thought it was a chronological thing from present working backwards . . . but not so, sometimes it is like groupings and odd things attached to these groupings.

The guns for instance a lady I spent time with when I was like 4 and 5, what I thought was normal probably was not. Anyway the first time I went to her house just after my mother left, she pointed to a rifle that was hanging up high on her wall that if I were to step out of line she knew how to use it. Aren't parents suppose to protect their kids?

Fast forward 12 years when I was 17.5 years old, my boyfriend went off to college we decided to date others (guys are trouble) . . . A guy that I well I guess I'll call it dated for 18 months, he was 7 years older married but separated from his wife, my parents thought he was wonderful, aren't parents suppose to protect their kids? He had issues, my parents had him move into our house, again aren't parents suppose to protect their kids?????? He was strange, lots of issues. He like my mother obviously did not like the way I dressed. He wanted to buy me clothes, both him and my Mom took me down and baracading me in a dressing room and had me trying on clothes, I wanted to scream, but the rifle on the wall I needed to mind. I hated those clothes, I did not want to be perfect, I did not want to make it look like everything was okay because it wasn't . .. just because my parents had a very volatile relationship don't get me roped into one. I don't want shoes with pointy heals I can smash over someones head and the blood. I don't want to hear drunk parents, never home to protect their kids, and when they are home, well, we were suppose to be perfect . . . while Dad is holding Mom down in the bathtub, the blood the bruises . . . I don't want to be perfect it is too painful.

After 6 months into the relationship he took off back to his wife . . . I was free . . . Until a month later he had stopped by the house and cried to my mother he wanted me back and the dozen and one red roses . . . so I minded my Mom and took him back . . . again aren't parents suppose to protect their kids? I don't like a hand around my neck and a fist to my face . . . I don't like bruises, I screamed and told my mother what happened but she thought he was wonderful . . . this was crazy. He had gotten some guns from my Mom (Uncles estate). We had gone to his step sisters wedding, but he made it clear I was not to go to the reception . . . so I didn't . . . the next morning I got a call from one of his sisters there had been an altercation at the reception and he pulled a gun on his Dad but it jammed . . . no charges were pressed . . . brother-in-law police captain and he was protected. Nearly a year later at his house during the the final months of our relationship . . . he had a melt down holding a gun to his head that he needed to go away on a ship they were after him . . . at this point I know I needed a plan I needed to get away . . . I didn't want to be perfect anymore it was too painful . . . I'm not sure how I managed it but by the Grace of God and later I learned the help of my dad (I love my dad) . . . the ring was returned, the keys to his house and the truck of his he made me drive - some sort of controlling thing was returned . . . I knew when he took the ring and threw it down the hill and into the brush . . . a few days later my car door was kicked in . . . this was his trademark . . . I knew it was over and it was good . . . Almost two years later I had sold that car a red mustang . . . and was driving a new car . . . anyway he pulled me over to apologize and to see how I was doing, I was very short with him, cordial but short . . . at that time I was dating the guy I am married to now, No Guns and No Roses . . . and I run and life is good . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 39 - Smooth Sailing

Headed over to Fountain View for the 10:00 with Joyce. The class was relativily small . . . Tony one of the instructors on my left, a vacant spot on my immediate right then the next spot over a female.

In the last couple of days it seems like another level of yoga, postures, focus, clarity. I continue to work Locust Pose - Salabhasana . . . alway glad to hear positive reinforcement from the instructor on that pose. My first day of Bikram Class on December 1, 2008 - Locust Pose was absolutely the hardest, painful pose, and I knew I just had to embrace it and wrap my head around it.

Standing Bow Pose - Dandayamama-Dhanurasana, on the past week I have been making some progress on this posture. This is also the posture of the month for our studio or at least the one that was talked about in the monthly newletter.

During Rabbit - Sasangasana, Tony's hand must have slipped I could hear a smack and somthing about black eye and Joyce said something about not beaten up on yourself.

After class showered, talked to Tony about his giggle story (pretty funny), then headed down the freeway and stopped off to look at houses. Some people enjoy fine dining, some enjoy shopping at the mall, I enjoy looking at houses/real estate I think it is in my DNA.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 38 - Defining Ourselves

12:00 class with Mike at South Blvd. I had a bit on my mind during class today. Before I knew it I was in the final Savasana.

I believe some of us define ourselves as events that have happened in our lives. Each event helps mold who were are but we need to be careful . . . to understand and learn from some of the events and then move on . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 37 - Magical

Is there something magical about day 37 of the Challenge? I got to Bikram really early this afternoon . . . got my mat set up, changed into my clothes . . . walked out to the hallway the smell of cigars, reminded me of my Grandfather a very comforting smell, as a child we would go up to the farm which was our escape . . . the horseback riding, fishing in the ditch, crawling around in the haybarn until a slight avalanche would happen, picking blueberries & raspberries, pluking chickens, sliding down the metal roofs, climbing trees and hanging out, the visit to the other place with the electric fence, hunting with Grandpa, at the dinner table Grandpa would always say eat don't talk, oatmeal for every breakfast, hmm maybe that is why I have oatmeal for my breakfast, Grandpa sharing with us his cofee, cream, and sugar, the swings hanging out with sisters and cousins, sneaking into my uncles old bedroom and my cousin showing us the old playboy magazines, and we vowed never to get breasts like the gals in the magazines . . . I kept my word . . . my cousin & one of my sisters did not . . . funny how someones simple cigar smelling backpack can bring back such comforting memories.

I chatted with Denise . . . she was hysterical as in funny, she had just started Bikram a month ago, having some headaches & fatigue enough to chat with her doctor . . . her doctor wanted to put her on depression medication, she though she needed a new doctor, I told her she just needed more Bikram and to make sure she stay hydrated, including replacing her electrolytes. She mentioned her family questioned her about doing Yoga because black people don't do Yoga they run . . .

The class was at 4:30 with Joyce at Fountainview. I could sense a little competition between the guy to the right of me during postures . . . actually the class was great . . . I heard every detail Joyce instructing and put it into practice . . . Locust Pose aka Salabhasana, I could feel the posture and am understanding and continue to make progress in the posture . . . again Joyce said some reassuring words about my postures which is always nice to know I'm heading in the right direction.

As I walked out showered and headed back up the freeway to home . . . I was happy.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 36 - Skydiving

Hit the 4:30 at South Blvd with Taz . . . I arrived about 25 minutes early to get my mat set up . . . it was suspiciously really hot/humid at that point . . . decided to wait outside until just before class, which later found out was a smart move. As Taz entered the room she did note it was like a sauna . . . that was good I was needing a good sweat and sweat I did . . . class was great, Taz did open a couple of windows near the end of class . . . the gals in the locker room were less than happy of the heat situation and they looked at me like I was looney when I said the heat is just what I needed and I enjoyed the massive sweating. As I was leaving Taz stopped me in the lobby asking it was too hot wasn't it . . . I told her that was the talk in the locker room, but I really enjoyed the heat today . . . the morning classes want more heat and the afternoon classes fuss because of too much heat . . . I am happy all of the time.

The guy to the left to me during class was very good. It is nice when the people around you are focused and not falling all over the place. It seems like it helps me work harder on my postures.

Today I have been thinking about skydiving . . . Really I don't want to skydive, but it is stuck in my head . . . my sister Lale loves skydiving and plans on going in May . . . really I don't want to skydive . . . unless all four sisters dive together . . . maybe we could get Dad to go with us (and this time Kari and I will wear a parachute)

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 35 - Stickers :)

10:00 with Joyce at Fountain View.

I had intended to practice at South Blvd location today. It might sound silly but during the 60 Day Challenge we have a little sticker chart marking our progress. The last two days I practiced at Fountain View so today I was going to go were my sticker chart was and get it updated . . . checked the traffic and the same lane closure that I experienced a couple of Saturdays ago appeared on the chron.com traffic page . . . so headed over to Fountain View . . . the sticker chart is just going to have to wait.

I had just finished a small run of 5 miles before heading down the freeway. Today I just seemed to be going through the motions of the class. In another 6 weeks it should be warm enough outside that I can start doing some Bikrams on my back patio.

On the home front my husband appears to have hit bottom with his back issues and is starting to show signs of improvement, either that or the heavy doses of Advil have kicked in. He is back in the pool with a little swimming and some water walking. He is determined not to cancel his trip on Monday and thinks his biggest obstacle is getting through the airport (Terminal E means a lot of walking) . . . I told him we could call the airlines/airport to make some accomodations for getting him through the airport or possible I could get clearance to help with his gear to get through the airport . . . possibly one of those carts to get him from point A to B . . . he is such a guy, he feels if he uses mind over matter he will be able to get through.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 34 - Don't Worry . . . Be Happy

March 6, 2009 - 34th class of the 60 day challenge - Fountainview with Sheri at 10:00

The class size was small, Sheri is always precise with her instructions . . . I just listen close to pick up details, the smallest details are important . . . After class I showered and headed out to the front lobby . . . I just love the music they play . . . different music than I listen to but it made me want to dance, sooooo, I danced through the lobby on the way out the door . . . life is good . . . got home and my husband Mr. Horizontal . . . back issues had actually made it up the stairs and back down while I was gone . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 33 - Fresh

Headed over to Fountainview this morning for a 10:00 o'clock Bikram with Lynne . . . this studio is a bit newer and though I embrace the dorito foot smell at the other studio I do welcome the fresher smell here . . . I'm thinking I need to purchase a new mat . . . one for the dorito foot smell studio and then a new mat for the fresher studio . . . hmm what color of mat to buy??? My current mat started out blue . . . now after a zillion washes it is a light purple. I've seen red, orange, pink, blue, dark gray, and white. Today my glutes and hamstrings are not as painful/tight . . . I just disliked being a pain in the ass :)

Speaking of pain . . . my husband is Mr. Horizontal at the moment, he suffers from herniated disc issues, aka butt pinch and nerve pain that radiates down the leg to the ankle . . . clearly he to should be doing Bikram . . . we figure there are four stages of this; denial, anger, acceptance, and healing . . . ANGER stage right now, which is actually better than the denial stage . . . I got him all set up to work at home before I left this morning for class . . . back home . . . hmm, I think I will steer clear and just check in on him from time to time . . . maybe I'll sneak out for an afternoon run :)

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 32 Class

I took a spin class before my Bikram class, today was class 32 of the 60 day challenge . . . one of they guys in my class just finished his 2nd 60 day challenge . . . I ask if I could touch him and he laughed . . . he wished luck on my challenge. Taz was instructing today, the humidity was high, more suggestions on my standing bow, don't look down, look in the mirror and my leg will go higher over my head which it did. The last couple of days I seem to have more energy.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - Random Thoughts

Yesterday before Bikram I was talking to one of the instructors in the Lobby. She started Bikram because of an advertisement in the mail. I kept hearing about Bikram Yoga through different sources . . . the athletic director from my daughters college was doing Bikram Yoga, my husbands bosses boss was doing Bikram Yoga, and then one of my running buddies was doing Bikram Yoga . . . my curiousity got the best of me . . . I've always enjoyed the benefits of Yoga but was curious about Bikram so one afternoon my curiousity got the best of me, I jumped in my car drove down the freeway 40+ minutes and attended my first Bikram Class at 4:30 on December 1, 2008 with Cathy instructing . . . the following morning at 6:00 a.m. I attended my second class, the next day my 3rd, the following day my 4th, the following day I flew to Oregon and found a studio there and practiced the next two days in Eugene before returning back to Houston. Today I just finished my 62 Bikram class and just finished my 31st class of the 60 Day Bikram Challenge . . .

As I was talking with one of the instructors about my frozen shoulder that was nearly all unstuck . . . she said My Mother died of a frozen shoulder ? ? ? I'm thinking there had to be something in addition to the frozen shoulder that caused her to die . . . it was a blood clot that was in her leg that travelled up her arm and went to her heart and killed her . . . okay so it was the blood clot that killed her . . . always good to ask additional questions.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 31 Class

I ran this morning then headed down to the 12:00 Bikram Class with Cheryl instructing. I had not had Cheryl in a while so it was nice for a change of pace. She actually stopped class twice so we could see a couple of different students doing postures . . . very impressive and nice to see these postures can actually be done. I still continue to be tight/sore/pain in the right glute and right hamstring . . . talked to Lorena after class regarding emotions, plus the pain, tightness. It appears the scar tissue that has been building up over the years is being worked on, hmm, no pain no gain???

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 29 and 30 Class

Continuing with the 60 classes in 60 days Bikram Challenge . . . Today I took the 10 a.m. class with Taz, she is very sweet and supportive encourages and corrects . . . does not push me to my limits but I think I learn alot just taking in a class and focusinig on form then pushing myself to my limit.

I decided to do a double today and found Maria and Lisa willing to do a double it was at 12:00 with Mike. I finally figured out the standing bow pose . . . Mike talks about if you are going to fall out of the posture to fall forward . . . normally the word fall would immediately make me fall . . . this time I was prepared . . . I used this to push myself to my limit of this posture . . . yes I did eventually fall out of the posture but it was forward pushing myself to my limit . . . I chose not to take in water during the second class of the day to try and add a bit more focus . . . it helped . . . not every class will I do that but good to try now and then.

Locker Room Talk for Women Only: I love bringing up topics in the locker room . . . today was perimenopause . . . I was surprised how willing these ladies were to share . . . I simply started the topic with night drenches, basically you wake up in the middle of the night and you feel like you have just finished a bikram class . . . totally soaked . . . I thought I was alone on this but I was nothing compared to some of these ladies 2 or 3 times a night being soaked . . . I should count my blessings.

60 Day Bikram Challenge - 28

Headed down the freeway 38 minutes to Bikram this morning. Mike instructing at 8 a.m. Power of suggestion is strong . . . I was doing just fine on the Standing Bow Pose (Dandayamana-Dhanurasana) Pose . . . until he said something about if you are falling out of the posture . . . fall forward . . . hello I was not planning on falling until you put that silly idea into my head . . . now all I can think about is falling . . .

Glutes and Hamstrings are painfully tight ? ? ? Maybe these postures are working my weakest areas and is now just breaking down the years of being tight ? ? ?

After class quickly showered and got dressed . . . and headed back up the freeway to get to church . . . I don't know if the people would recognize me if I showed up with dry hair . . .

Found My Blog - In the middle of a 60 Day Bikram Challenge

I started setting this blog up over a year ago . . . and then became a bit frozen in time . . . I have thawed out a bit . . . and decided to use these pages just to capture some of my thoughts . . .

This morning I finished class #27 of a 60 Day Bikram Challenge after a simple run . . . more tomorrow . . . I hope to capture my previous class notes on this blog starting from day 1 of the challenge . . . and maybe from even my first Bikram class . . . what a journey :)

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 27 - Fountainview

Ran before class - Joyce instructed the class at 10:00 a.m. - After the double yesterday doing a single Bikram was nice - just kept it easy and just focused on each posture.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge 25 and 26 - Daily Double

8 with Cathy and 10 with Beth . . . I had not planned on a double, but during the class Cathy made a comment about the last camel of the day unless for Moni who does 5-7 classes a day . . . she just says these things to get me thinking could I do 5-7 Bikrams in a day? . . . great, hmm thanks Cathy! She also said something about people that count their Bikram classes . . . great I've kept a log of all of mine, instructors, times, etc. Anyway after class I took a very cold shower and put on a fresh set of yoga clothes . . . I was either going to do another yoga class back in Kingwood or gee why not I just do a double here.

After the second class Beth ask if I wanted to do a 100 day challenge starting in April when she gets back . . . I told her I travel quite a bit and tough just keeping me here for 60 days for this challenge . . . oh wait I'll be gone before the 60 challenge is over . . . but not to worry I found a Bikram Studio in Scottsdale while I'm gone . . .

I chatted with two couples after class, one couple their first date was a Bikram date . . . hmm, I pictured the conversation something like this, ring, ring . . . the cell is answered . . . hey, Sara (not real name) this is Bill (again not real name) I was wondering if you wanted to go into a 105 degree room and do some heavy sweating with me tomorrow after work, lets say 6:30 or would 8:15 work better for you??? The other couple was their first day at Bikram Studio . . . they were in town for some off season training for the Buffalo Bills, he had some ACL knee surgery back in August . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge 23 & 24 - Glutes and hamstrings

After my 5 mile run I headed down the freeway to Bikram. My glutes and hamstrings continue to be very tight . . . don't know what that is all about. I tried another double . . . actually I did the double because another student challenged me to it . . . hmm, it is not suppose to be about a competition, but sometimes I cannot resist . . . both classes were with Ana instructing at the 10 & 12

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 22 - Tired

Well I made it to two consecutive 6 am classes but it was not going to happen this morning . . . I hit the 10 am with Ana . . . definately I am not as tight at the 10 o'clock than the 6 am I have been extremely tired this week . . . taking very long naps in the afternoons - what is that all about ? ? ? . . . I think I'm just emotionally drained . . . how does one celebrate the 1st anniversary of a parents death? . . . Once the calendar turned to February it seems like I was living last February all over again . . . very, very, emotionally and physically exhausting . . . the very deep sick feeling in the pit of my gut . . . I'm hoping all the sucky emotions have been released and the healing will begin . . . one can only hope. I guess after a parent being ill for 5.5 years and watching as the life is slowly taken from them just takes a toll . . . okay enough of that . . . looking to a very healing tomorrow . . .

On a very positive note . . . after the last Savansana . . . I tried a full back bend . . . I have not done this since my frozen shoulder issues started 2.5 years ago . . . and I did it . . . my shoulder is not stong enough . . . very, very, happy

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 21 - Sleepless in Houston

I've been up since before 3:30 . . . glad to have Butler home for a few weeks . . . but that restless leg thing . . . he sleeps right through . . . I on the other hand did not . . . well I was wide awake for the 6 a.m. Bikram class with Beth . . . I really like when Beth instructs, I also know she will push me to my limits . . . this week I find myself focusing on the head to knee postures . . . forward bending always challenging with tight hamstrings and glutes.

A Year Ago

A year ago my sister #2 sister called and asked if she wanted me to call when our Mother had died. At just after 4 a.m. on February 25 the call came . . . she said it was a rough night but she had died . . . I should have been there but I chose not to be . . . my 3 sisters were with her when she died . . . I was 2,000 miles away . . . my Dad also chose not to be there - he tried but it was too much . . . I loved my Mother very much and she loved me . . . she always said that Moni has her own way of doing things . . . a few hours later I went into Church to finish up some work before flying out that afternoon . . . I was surrounded by some members of my church family they hugged me, prayed with me, and gave me the strength to just get through . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 19 and 20 - Daily Double

6 & 8 a.m. with Cathy instructing. Got out the door by 5:05 and made it down to Bikram in 36 minutes very cool . . . My glutes and hamstrings very tight . . . so thinking a double might be good . . . still tight, what is the deal anyway . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 18 - Enchilada's

Class number 18 of the 60 Day Challenge, Mike instructing 8:00 a.m.

The Biggest Challenge is figuring where to insert the class to each and every day. I'm thinking seriously considering the early morning classes . . . How important is sleep anyway??? . . . if I could be out the door early in the morning the traffic is a breeze . . . I could be done with Bikram by 7:30 every morning during the week and not have to juggle the rest of my schedule around.

During the last half of Bikram today I could smell Enchiladas . . . I'm like what the heck . . . Enchiladas for breakfast . . . I had an enchilada for dinner last night . . . OMG the smell was coming out of my pores . . . I could smell it . . . I could taste it on my lips . . . NO MORE QUESTIONABLE FOOD until this 60 day challenge is complete.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 17 - Fountainview - Sheri - 4:30

After the failed attempt at the 12:00 South Blvd - due to road construction on 59 - I headed to Fountainview for Bikram - Joani was there (first time I met her - great person) Sheri did a great job of instruction - very detailed - I am just amazed how well they remember names - enjoyed the corrections/suggestions she had for me and in such a positive manner.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 16

Traffic was a breeze today . . . both the gal from Alief and I showed up at the same time for the 10:00 a.m. class . . . Ana instructing always good . . . but I think I am going to need a Beth fix one of these days . . . maybe I need to hit a 6 a.m. class . . . they don't seem to have a schedule posted like The Woodlands Bikram studio regarding instructors . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 15 - Giggles

Okay, I'm back for a double today with Mike instructing at 4:30 . . . the 10:00 just didn't do it for me today . . . then I tried running and still didn't get my fix for lack of a better word. This Thursday was a totally different than last Thursday . . . last week over at Fountainview was the motional wreck of a week with tears that could not be controlled . . . clearly that was very cleansing because today . . . WAS A DIFFERENT STORY. I had the freaking giggles at 4:30 - all I could think of was FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS . . . but to no avail. I don't know if it were the two newbies I talked to before class . . . clearly the lady dragged her significant other to class with her (she had some sort of knee issues) or the young gal who fainted just a few postures into the class . . . Mike jumped off of his platform and tended to her while still leading the class (she was fine and did finish the class) . . . somehow Mike can get me laughing like my sister Kari . . . the uncontrollable were your sides just hurt . . . the final straw that broke the camels back . . . Mike said something to the gal with the bad knees . . . just do your best with your broke let . . . HER LEG WAS NOT BROKE IT WAS HER KNEE THAT HAD ISSUES . . . I don't know why but I just could not for the life of me gain my composure . . . clearly I was not going to win any best behaved student of the 4:30 class . . . maybe tomorrow . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 14 - Not Intense

The class did not seem as intense today . . . which is probably good after the double yesterday. I think the instructors play a significant roll in how little or how much I work in the class . . . the temperature was a bit on the cooler side today . . . time for a run.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 12 and 13 - Daily Double

10:00 and 12:00 - Bikram both with Ana - Curious how a back to back Bikram would go . . . definately the second class of the day I was warmed up and most postures I found easier . . . I drank the electrolyle drink between classes which was good.

After class in the locker room a couple of gals were talking about an experience they had at 24 hour fitness girls locker room . . . there was a he/she . . . he appeared to be a she from the waist up but definately a he from the waist down . . . I ask the gal so how do you handle a situation like that . . . well she said after the first time the he part caught her attentnion in the girls locker room . . . she just makes sure she looks up . . . I ask do you know whether he/she plans on changing the bottom half? she didn't know . . . Clearly, I guess I'm not as bashful I would have definately asked the he/she . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge 11 - Home

12:00 Bikram with Ana instructing. I started my day off with a nice 5 miles run with a friend. As I walked in the Bikram lobby it is getting to feel a bit like home . . . the faces are no longer faces of strangers but friends . . . there is not longer the simple courteous hi but more learning about the people around me . . . now if I just can remember some names! One gal is travelling from Alvin which is an hour drive for her . . . so my average 45 minute drive is does not seem so long.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge 9 and 10 - Daily Double

12:00 with Ana . . . I love the locker room conversation - today there were 3 runners in the locker room . . . we all started Bikram to help our running . . .

After making an airport run . . . I'm thinking another 20 minutes i could be back at Bikram so . . . I did a double . . . this class was 6:30 with Ana . . . very humid, very hot, and very crowded . . . I had a blast!

Bikram 60 Day Challenge 8

South Blvd. Taz instructing at 12:00

Church, Sunday School and down the freeway to Bikram

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 7 - Mindy from Austin

12:00 at South Blvd. New Instructor Mindy who came from a Bikram studio in Austin. Just finished a 6.5 mile Saturday run before heading down to Bikram. Mike was on my left appeared between postures to be taking notes . . . probably assessing our new instructor Mindy . . . She Did A Great Job!

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - 5 and 6 - Daily Double

Today at South Blvd. I did the Daily Double - 12:00 with Beth and 4:30 with Sheryl.

I was so curious if I could survive two Bikrams in one day . . . After the 12:00 class I stayed in the room and took a 20 minute power nap, showered and headed off for lunch and a bit of shopping. Then back for a seond round . . . in some ways the second class was easier to do then the first class . . .

The word in the locker room is they are planning on doing a renovation and enlarging the locker rooms . . . well at least the girls locker room . . . curious when the renovation takes place . . . does the locker room become co-ed while one is being renovated then the other becomes co-ed . . . maybe they will just haul in some port-a-cans and put them in the parking lot :)

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - #4 - Ambush with Cleansing

Tony Instruction - 4:30 class at Fountainview

Yep, one of those classes I read about . . . the emotions came out . . . I had the kleenex close by . . . I tried to stay focused . . . but my whole body was shaking . . . a couple of postures I just layed down in Savasana . . . that held off the tears a bit but not long enough . . . in silence the tears with sweat were streaming down my face as I held postures . . . As I finished the practice and lay in the final Savasana the tears were not as silent as before . . . the guy next to me swiftly rolled up his mat . . . I grabbed the well needed kleenex next to me . . . I gained my composure and off I went to wait my turn for the next shower . . . I was second in line . . . out came the nun from the shower and finished putting her habit on . . . it was then my turn in the shower . . . I washed more tears down the drain . . . got dressed . . . headed out to the front lobby . . . Tony and the front desk person were there . . . I mentioned great class to Tony . . . I did mention something about being glad I knew at some point emotions might be released in this class . . . they were wonderful and talked about emotional cleansing . . . I held the tears . . .

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - #3 - Just Breathe

February 11, 2009 South Blvd - Mike Instructing 4:30 . . .

We all breathe... until we don't anymore ... Breathing has been in my thoughts recently . . . how important it is just to sustain life . . . but on a deeper level . . . breathing out the disturbing past and breathing in the present . . . I choose to breathe.

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - #2 - 4:30

Ran, Quilt Bee, then off to 4:30 Bikram

Bikram 60 Day Challenge - Yikes #1

60 Bikram Classes in 60 Day Challenge . . . I just mentioned to Jack at the front desk I was thinking about the 60 Day Challenge . . . he said don't think just do it and he handed me my sheet and got me all set up . . .

Earlier that day I was over in Spring at an Ortho appt. then BodyFlow Class at noon, then 4:30 Bikram class.

1/15/2009 - 2/5/2009 - 23-31st class

Still looking for class notes from 1/15/2009 - 2/5/2009 - Bikram Classes 23-31

22nd Bikram - ??? I don't get it ???

22nd Bikram Yoga 10:00 . . . Ana instructing . . . woke up in extreme pain this morning . . . everything hurt . . . I don't get it I felt like I was run over by a MAC TRUCK . . . trying to walk and get the joints moving not so good . . . it is almost like every bit of poison that has been hidden in my body was released into my blood stream, joints, etc. This whole week has been sucky that way. I did make it to Bikram it was not pretty but I got it done . . .

And She Died

It really bothers me when people die. Evelyn Lettau from the church I attend died on Monday, leaving a husband and a couple of school aged children. I had several conversations with her . . . none of which were about her breast cancer . . . except for commenting on her beautiful shaped head . . . yes she chose not to do the wig thing . . . she was a beautiful lady inside and out . . . she did not live her life as if she had cancer . . . she lived her life as a child of God . . . I will miss her.

21st Bikram Class

Monday, January 12th, 2009 - 21st Bikram Class at 4:30 - Taz instructed

One guy "had to leave the room" instructor encouraged him to stay . . . but mother nature was calling and he said I've really got to go to the bathroom . . . so he left the room . . . I had two gals on either side of me that were very focused/experienced which was really nice.

20th Bikram - 6 a.m.

Woke up at 4:40 without an alarm and headed down the freeway for my 20th Bikram - Friday, January 9th, 2009 at 6 a.m.

Beth instructed . . . it was one of those days that I knew better not hang out in the studio before the practice started . . . it was hot/humid/perfect. The hotter the practice the harder to focus, I did the best I could . . . Beth is always a great instructor . . . arches of the feet a bit on the crampy side . . . my glutes still sore from I think Spin on Tuesday . . . no tightness in shoulders today . . . I did not count but quite a few students in class today . . . a gal in the locker room drove from Katy and was looking for someone to carpool with . . . I should check on that . . . I heard a couple of students drive from Kingwood . . . carpool lane would sure be nice.

19th Bikram - 12:00

January 8, 2009 - 12:00 Bikram with Mike . . . temperature good, instruction steady, stayed focused through the class . . . except when the tall skinny guy behind me tipped over and went flying, upper and lower back and a bit stiff, shoulders much better than Tuesday, came into class with right hip tweeked - better after class.

Spinning with Layne

Spinning with Layne at 6 . . . now there was some sweating going on in that class . . . some speed workouts and alot of climbing . . . great workout . . . gotta love that guy he is a runner . . .

18th Bikram - Where Is the Heat?

18th Bikram - 1/6/2009 - 10 a.m. - Instructor - did not introduce herself . . . she talked very fast I felt like she was an auctioneer . . . sold to the person on the mat in the front row with the green shirt . . . I barely broke a sweat . . . Where was the heat? . . . I almost stayed for the 12:00 o'clock . . . but as I lay there in Savasana student fromt he next class plopped her mat down 3 inches from mine and sat down . . . I got up moved my mat 6 inches and did additional yoga postures for the next 20 minutes . . . where was the heat?

17th Bikram Yoga - Most Excellent

January 3, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. - Instructor Cheryl

A most excellent Bikram - Instructor Cheryl - I did my 4 mile recovery run this morning then headed down the freeway to Bikram - I think my New Years Day race is starting to kick in expecially in my glutes - I stayed extrememly focused in my practice today . . . my shoulders were stiff, right hamstring tight, glutes, hmm. Cheryl worked us all really hard and it was soooo good. Stayed 10 minutes after class for a much needed Savansana . . . showered and headed back home . . . Can life get any better?

16th Bikram Yoga

January 2, 2009 - 16th Bikram - 6 a.m. Cathy (with a C) instructing.

Was better than I thought . . . yesterday ran the half marathon and did not find I was very sore at all . . .

The Shack by William P. Young

I just finished reading the book The Shack by William P. Young . . . until page 39 I was like why was this book recommended to me ? but then it was a book that captured me . . .

Half Marathon - PR - 1:58.39 - Focusing on the core

I just love running . . . I just finished running the 10th annual Texas Marathon (half marathon) in Kingwood, Texas . . . I had run my first half marathon just over 7 years ago . . . on the way to the airport to the Skagit Flats half marathon a friend of mine John asked If I'd planned to break 2 hours . . . well I didn't on that one or the ones to follow . . . I've always had that number etched into my brain . . . well I finally did it and now what? After the race I hit the ice bath, had some lunch, and headed back out to the course to relieve the volunteers at one of the water/power aid stations and cheer on the runners sill out there and cheer I did, I danced, I did tricks . . . life is good . . . life is an amazing thing . . . use it wisely . . .