Saturday Senses

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Saturday Senses is a way to capture the spirit of each week.

tasting :: fig and goat cheese sandwiches from magpie and thai iced tea from temple.

hearing :: a love-letter mix cd of canadian folk courtesy of alicia from spirit house designs.

smelling :: sun-dried laundry from the line.

seeing :: the first published photos of havi’s playground taken by the super talented elizabeth {of postcards from heaven fame}

feeling :: decidedly down since wednesday afternoon. it’s not just the transition from summer break back to work. it’s related to my month metaphor and i don’t like it. not one bit.

also not to like one bit? i have, at the least sprained my calf muscle, at most torn it. i find out the extent of the damage monday morning. until then, i’m in bed resting.

wishing/hoping :: for ease and patience with the transition back to work in the upcoming weeks and for the least amount of damage to my body.

What are your senses this Saturday? Looking back, how was your week?

Leave me a comment to tell me made your week memorable.

This weekly tradition was inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

{click image for source}

Song of the Day!

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

For other songs that got stuck in my head:

Song of the Day #13, Song of the Day #12, Song of the Day #11, Song of the Day #10, Song of the Day #9, Song of the Day #8, Song of the Day #7, Song of the Day #6, Song of the Day #5, Song of the Day #4, Song of the Day #3, Song of the Day #2, Song of the Day #1

Teacher Travels: {English} Espana

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Algorfa, Spain with the Hick-Stewarts 2010

Travels with Toddlers 2010

Who: Hick-Stewarts and Hacknbrews

Where: Algorfa, Spain {LaFinca – a GOLF community!}

When: July 2010

What: swimming, beaching, eating, reading, singing {lots and lots of Bah, Bah Blacksheep}, cooking, dancing {chef and ring around the rosie}, laughing, and site-seeing.

Why: Because we love each other and holidays!

Click on the images for a closer view and if you’d like to see more photos {with commentary} check out Facebook.

The View from My Mat

Posted on August 8, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I returned to my mat today.

It’s been a month of some stretches here and there and an occasional legs-up-the-wall, but no formal “yoga” and no class.

We practiced outside this unseasonably cool morning.

Here’s the view from my mat.

Ahhh, blue skies.

I spent some time just laying on my back enjoying the story Michelle told about the airplanes, bald eagles and a little green plastic purse.

While I was on my mat this morning, I remembered why I practice:

-to be in the moment

– to connect with myself and those around me

– to quiet my mind.

I wish I’d remembered all this while I was jet-lagged this week.

Maybe I’ll remember next time.

It sure is nice to be home.

Why do you practice?

What helps you feel at home?

Saturday Senses

Posted on August 7, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Saturday Senses is a way to capture the spirit of each week.

TnT in SF

tasting :: thai noodle salad from cafe bernardo

hearing :: a brilliant new song from my favorite band

smelling :: crisp bay breezes in San Francisco

seeing :: old 97’s in san francisco – in the daylight! for free!

feeling :: jet-lagged. {i’m finally sleeping through the night again}

wishing/hoping :: i get to play with friends near and far before i go back to work august 23rd.

What are your senses this Saturday? Looking back, how was your week?

Leave me a comment to tell me made your week memorable.

This weekly tradition was inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

{photo credit @jeaninoakland}

{video credit to kmattick}

Teacher Travels: Did Somebody Say Texas?

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Last week, my friend Tari and I accidentally visited Texas.

We thought we were going to San Francisco to see a show, but we ended up learning more than we ever thought possible about Texas right there in Justin Herman Plaza.

Go figure.

You can't make this stuff up

The Texas Tourism Board hosted our favorite band, Old 97s and while we waited for the band to start playing we took a tour.

Dude, it was surreal. Just what a ridiculously jet-lagged super fan needed.

Here’s proof in case you don’t believe me.

{No seriously, click the link. It involves a Texas longhorn.}

Rhett's from Texas

Murry is too!

If you’d like to see the show too – click here.

If you’d like to read a review of the show – click here.

If you want to pre-order a copy of the new Old97s record – The Grand Theatre Volume One – click here.

My giant head and Rhett - happy, happy!

If you ever find yourself in Texas, or any place where the Old97s are playing, please do yourself a favor and go.

Song of the Day!

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

It’s an Old 97’s kind of week.

Books I Love: The Help – WIN THIS BOOK!

Posted on August 5, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I love reading. In fact, I spend most of my time reading: non-fiction work or yoga-related mostly. And blogs. Lots and lots of blogs.

Part of the reason I became a teacher is so I could get paid to read. Seriously, I don’t get people who don’t read. It’s weird.

Anyway, lately I’ve been so busy reading for work, yoga teacher training, and keeping up with all the blogs I follow, I had forgotten how much I enjoy reading fiction. The feeling of falling into a world that is nothing like your own and developing real feelings for characters that only exist in the imagination of the author and cheering for your favorites to overcome the obstacles in their lives.

I decided to revisit this long-lost love while I was traveling and had some good old-fashioned uninterrupted reading time flying across the Atlantic.

Remember earlier this summer I wrote about the adult summer reading program through the Sacramento Public Library? In order to win prizes (!) you must fill in a bingo card. I chose the line where you get to choose 3 books of your choice and a biography.

I went on vacation without my laptop and very limited access to the internet. I brought 3 fiction books and breezed through them in the first 5 days of our trip.

This is the first in a series about the books I read while I was on vacation. {You will have a chance to WIN THIS BOOK!}

Title: The Help

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Genre: Fiction

Setting: 1962 in Jackson, Mississippi

Characters: Abileen, Minny and Miss Skeeter

Synopsis: Abileen and Minny are domestics and Miss Skeeter is a young, white frustrated budding writer that has just graduated from college. Over time, the women develop a secret friendship and decide they are going to tell the truth about what it is like to work for the white families in Jackson. Risky at best and potentially deadly at worst and yet they risk everything to tell their stories.

My thoughts: I had vaguely heard about this book. I had no idea what it was about so when I came upon it in the only English bookshop in Munich I immediately picked it up.

I was intrigued. A Southern white woman writing from the perspective of pre-Civil Rights African-American women? The author herself had grown up with a domestic and I was definitely curious to find out more about this author and her first novel.

I was hooked from the first chapter and despite my best efforts to pace myself I finished reading the entire novel the day before our endless travel back across the Atlantic. I just couldn’t put it down!

Want to win this book*?

Mandatory Entry is:

1. Leave a comment and tell me why you want to win this giveaway!

Options for Extra Entries:

2. Recommend a biography to read to complete my bingo card.

3. Subscribe to My Blog Via Email & Confirm Subscription (upper right hand corner)
4. If you use GoogleReader or another RSS Feed Service, put my blog in it (and send me a message you subscribed)
5. Add my Blog to your Blogroll (and send me a message)
6. Follow Me @tamihackbarth – on Twitter

7. “Like” Teacher Goes Back to School on Facebook.

8. Tweet this post or share it on Facebook.

Am I eligible to win?

Crash Landing

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

We’re back!

Now if only we could sleep through the night and actually be awake in the daytime instead of from 2:30-4:30 am PST.

When I find my words…

I have photos and stories to share.

Books I want to recommend and places I want you to visit.

For now, know that we are home safe and sound.

Please send me all your surviving jet-lag advice and good sleep vibes.

Teacher Goes Back To School Takes A Trip!

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Housesitters have keys and long, teacher-written “sub” plans.

Bags are almost packed and pets are now taken care of.

First stop is to the Bay Area.

We leave early tomorrow morning for Philly, then to Munich.

We land in Munich and then fly to a small island off of Spain.

We fly to Valenica, spend the night and then travel by train to Alicante where our lovely British hostess, JojosUK, drives us to our 2 week summer home.

{Can someone please get Planes, Trains and Automobiles out of my head now?}

We’ll be swimming, going to the beach, eating, sunbathing, sightseeing and enjoying spending time with our favorite British family for 2 glorious weeks.

The Hick-Stewarts take on Sacramento!

I’ll be known as “Her” and J will be “the other Daddy” and we’ll get to hang out with these two awesome toddlers.

Summer Al eating Sophie's head last summer in Sacramento

We will bid them farewell and fly back to Munich for 7 days in the city, but not before trying to capture another excellent “Two Daddies” photo.

The Two Daddies

TGBTS will return in early August, rested and ready to bring you more tips on how to best care for yourself so you can care for others.

Last tip: Taking a break can sometimes be the best thing for you!

Tell me about your summer vacation adventures – near and far – I can’t wait to read about how you cared for yourself this summer!

Saturday Senses

Posted on July 10, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Saturday Senses is a way to capture the spirit of each week.

tasting :: lager and ginger ale. I was introduced to this refreshing delight on the 4th of July by my friend Eric. He claims it is all the rage in Germany. Who am I to not believe him?

hearing :: the Words with Friends alarm on my new iPod Touch. O.M.G. – this machine is amazing! Who knew this game was so addictive? I hope I get better at it with all this practice!

smelling :: lavender laundry soap. Finally had to wash all my clothes to get ready to pack.

seeing :: My favorite British family in a matter of days!

feeling :: Relief! Our housesitters came through at the last-minute {and I didn’t lose my marbles worrying about it} and the dude is able to travel {no kidney stones for now}!

wishing :: You all a lovely rest of July. I’ll be taking a blog break whilst in Europe. Please feel free to check out the archives while I am away, make comments and rate each post with my fancy new 5 star rating system.

What are your senses this Saturday? Looking back, how was your week?

Leave me a comment to tell me made your week memorable.

This weekly tradition was inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

{click image for source}

Song of the Day!

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

{1.20 is where the action starts.}

In honor of Pinoleabronte Noelleapalooza.

Summer Reading Program – Who is with me?

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I love libraries.

I’ve got a special place in my heart for Sacramento Public Library.

All the free books you can possibly read.

The music CDs, DVDs and ebooks.

and now this –

Summer Reading BINGO!

Yes, a summer reading program for ADULTS!

Just like when you were a kid, only better!

Anyone want to join me???

All you have to do is complete a row of activities on a bingo card to claim a prize {book bag!!!} and be entered into the drawing for one of the grand prizes.

Not to worry if you don’t, I’ll totally win all those awesome prizes myself!

Sony Reader with a $25 Reader Store gift card

iPod Touch with a $25 iTunes gift card {could have used this yesterday}

Nintendo DSi with a $25 Target gift card

Target gift card

Click here to sign up!

Yoga+Music (not quite 365) Mud is My Ally by Harvester – Recipe Edition!

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

It’s Tuesday! And that means the Recipe Edition!

Each Tuesday I will share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

Tofu Salad

adapted from The Gorgeously Green Diet: How to Live Lean and Green by Sophie Uliano

Serves 4

MARINADE:

4 Tbsp toasted sesame oil {this is reason enough to love this recipe!}

5 Tbsp cider vinegar {I used rice wine instead}

1 Tbsp agave {or honey}

3 Tbsp soy sauce {I used low sodium}

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tsp minced fresh ginger

1 pound extra firm organic tofu {drain really well}

1 carrot cut into match sticks {I chopped in the Cuisinart}

1 red bell pepper chopped {Mrs. Lazy-pants tossed this in the Cuisinart too}

2 scallions minced

TOPPING:

crushed peanuts

chopped cilantro

Serve as a dip with crackers.

No photos today. This salad is not pretty. I couldn’t even find a suitable photo on the web. It’s ugly food, but it tastes really good.

What are your go-to healthy foods? How do you change your diet based on the season? Send me your recipe and you may find yourself featured here!

+++++

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice.

Today’s music is Mud is my Ally by Harvester.

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Yoga Teaching Update:

FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com.

These classes are for every body – level 1/2. Bring your friends!

I’m scheduled to teach August 20th! It’s going to be a YogaNap – if you’re interested in restorative yoga, please sign up online to reserve your spot.

Office Hours with Michelle are on Fridays from 3:30-4:30, so come on by the studio before class and say hi!

If you found this post useful, please share it on Facebook or Twitter. Thanks!

Music Roundup! Roadtrip Edition – 90′s Style

Posted on July 5, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I’ve been doing more driving than usual lately {Calistoga twice in 24 hours, to the Bay Area and back} and I’ve got to tell you, I totally indulged my I’m-alone-in-the-car-and-can-sing-out-loud-as-loud-as-I-want-to-all-my-absolute-favorite-songs-damnit.

This semi-extended time in the car is a rare treat since I don’t drive much {it only takes me 15 minutes or less to get to work}. I don’t feel too horrible about my occasional short road trip {damn oil spill/A Moral Imperative to Drive Less} because on a day-to-day basis I do drive less than most. And I also drive a Prius damnit.

Can you tell I’m feeling a little weird about the driving???

As many of you know, occasionally I’ll share my thoughts on the music I’ve been listening to recently. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered. Although all bets are off on a road trip!

These are the records I listen to all the way through – usually not skipping many songs.

Please leave a comment about what you think I should be listening to this year. Or what you’ve listened to from the list and what YOU think.

Or send me a CD – Yoga+Music365 c/o Tami Hackbarth PO BOX 188616 Sacramento, CA 95818.

{click images for source and for a quick listen}

Looking for more music stylings?

Saturday Senses!

Posted on July 3, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Saturday Senses is a way to capture the spirit of each week.

tasting :: ice cream sandwich – tarragon and lemon shortbread with vanilla ice cream from magpie.

hearing :: world cup vuvuzelas

smelling :: tan in a can {my legs are pretty stripe-y right now – i need to practice my spray painting skillz}

seeing :: 9 (!) new or new-to-me pairs of shoes {total= just over $100!}

feeling :: a little pre-travel anxiety. do you worry before you go?

wishing :: some lovely ladies {mom, v3, steponme} a very happy independence day birthday!

What are your senses this Saturday? Looking back, how was your week?

Leave me a comment to tell me made your week memorable.

This weekly tradition was inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

{click image for source}

Song of the Day!

Posted on July 2, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Flying Burrito Brothers – Christine’s Tune

The suits!

The hats!

Chris Hillman’s hair!

How cute is that Gram Parsons?

I think may have been born in the wrong era.

Rewards, Punishments and Motivation – Something for Teachers (and Employers) to Ponder

Posted on June 30, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Via @gwenbell.

As a teacher, I’m in the motivation business. Most of my students are motivated to do their work and to reach whatever bar has been set for them. They work hard and love the rewards that their hard work bring.

But then there are the students that aren’t motivated.

What about them?

Watch the video. I feel like there is something there to help me help my students, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe you can help.

Did this challenge or reinforce your beliefs about rewards, punishment and motivation?

How do you motivate your students/employees?

How can I help motivate mine?

Happy Library Advocacy Day!

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I love my library. Actually I love ALL libraries, but mine is special.

E.K.McClatchy Library

The E.K. McClatchy Library is a couple blocks from my house and I go there at least once a week. At certain times during the year {hello summer break!}, you can find me there several times a week:

I go to read magazines

To pickup my reserved books, music and DVDs {I’ve always got 30 items checked out}

I read the latest picture books so I know what to check out for my class

Occasionally I’ll just hang out enjoying their air conditioning while chatting with neighbors and friends.

I’m always running into people I know at my library.

Our branch is a true community meeting place.

Whenever I enter my library I’m always greeted with a warm smile and know that my treasures await me two shelves up from the bottom on the reserve wall.

The Sacramento Public Library has almost every book I want to read and if for some reason they don’t, they can almost always get it for me.

Yes, sometimes I have to wait to get the latest and greatest book, movie or music CD.

What, am I in a hurry here?

What surprises me is how few people I know that actually use the library. Most people I know buy their books, magazines and get their music and movies from other places.

I don’t get it.

Why would you purchase something that your tax dollars have already purchased?

Today is Library Advocacy Day. I’m advocating that you get yourself to the library.

Get a card.

Check out a book.

Read a magazine.

Use their free wi-fi.

Check out a DVD.

Meet a neighbor and make a community connection.

Want to learn how you can help preserve your library? Click here.

Tell me your favorite library story…

Yoga+Music (not quite 365) – I and Love and You by The Avett Brothers – Recipe Edition!

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

It’s Tuesday! And that means the Recipe Edition!

Each Tuesday I will share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

Still loving the summer break, although it is actually feeling like summer around here. Triple digit temperatures have had me searching for recipes that don’t call for applying any more heat.

Like the last couple of weeks, today’s recipe is more of an assembly, rather than a cooking one. Who can really be bothered with cooking when the weather is so nice hot?

Corn and Black Bean Salad

from The Gorgeously Green Diet: How to Live Lean and Green by Sophie Uliano

Serves 2

1 15 oz can of black beans (rinsed and spun dry in the salad spinner) – organic if you’ve got it

1 cup uncooked fresh or frozen (I used the organic sweet corn from Trader Joe’s)

1 large tomato (I used home-grown yellow pear tomatoes – delish!)

1 small red onion

2 TBSP finely chopped flat-leaf parsley {I <3 my Cuisinart mini-chopper}

2 TBSP finely chopped cilantro

2 cloves minced garlic

2 TBSP apple cider vinegar {I used rice wine vinegar instead}

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground tumeric

1 tsp agave syrup {or honey if you like}

salt and pepper to taste

Combing the beans, corn, tomato, onion, cilantro and parsley in a large bowl.

Put the other ingredients in a jar with a screw cap, shake vigorously and add to the bowl.

Serve with or without tortillas.

What are your go-to healthy foods? How do you change your diet based on the season? Send me your recipe and you may find yourself featured here!

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Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice. There may be lying down involved. {I <3 my Hugger Mugger bolster too! Buy one and it will change your life. I’ll show you how to use it. YUM!}

Today’s music is I and Love and You by The Avett Brothers.

++++++

Yoga Teaching Update:

FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com.

These classes are for every body – level 1/2. Bring your friends!

I’m scheduled to teach July 9th August 20th! It’s going to be a YogaNap – if you’re interested in restorative yoga, please sign up online to reserve your spot.

Office Hours with Michelle are on Fridays from 3:30-4:30, so come on by the studio before class and say hi!

If you found this post useful, please share it on Facebook or Twitter. Thanks!

Saturday Senses

Posted on June 26, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Saturday Senses is a way to capture the spirit of each week.

Sad Panda: Ian

tasting :: bourbon and ginger ale {summer break is a beautiful thing}

hearing :: old favorite records road trip sing-a-long style {what are your favorite sing-a-long albums?}

smelling :: burt’s bees naturally nourishing milk and honey body lotion

seeing :: dear friends from junior high and high school. {el sob #1}

feeling :: a bit melancholy. I miss Matt and Ian has been really needy this week. Poor kitty.

What are your senses this Saturday? Looking back, how was your week?

Leave me a comment to tell me made your week memorable.

This weekly tradition was inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday.

Song of the Day!

Posted on June 25, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Jolie Holland

21 Months and Counting – Guest Post

Posted on June 23, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Today I have a guest post over at BeckyandHollee’s blog about our journey to parenthood via international adoption. If you are interested in international adoption, please check it out.

If you haven’t met Becky and Hollee yet, they are the authors of a soon to be released book called: Good Enough is the New Perfect. I don’t know about you, but the title alone makes me want to read it!

5 Reasons To Go On A Yoga Retreat

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

1. The clean break

Taking time away from the piles of laundry, unfinished work and miles long to-do lists can be just what the doctor ordered so you can recharge your batteries.

2. The food

Fresh fruits and vegetables in all the colors of the rainbow and you don’t have to do any of the shopping, chopping or cooking. Plus no dishes!

3. The connections

When you aren’t laying out next to someone’s mat, you may find yourself lounging by the swimming pool next to them – sharing sunscreen, magazines and favorite book titles.

4. The yoga

Two to two and a half hour-long practice sessions twice a day. Long luxurious warm ups and deliciously extended Savasanas.

5. The quiet

No phone. No television. No newspaper. No internet.

What are your reasons for going on retreat?

Saturday Senses

Posted on June 19, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I’ve been inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday to start a new tradition at Teacher Goes Back to School: Saturday Senses!

tasting :: farm fresh organic produce – thank you, Mayacamas Ranch.

hearing :: new friends connecting

smelling :: sunscreen

seeing :: a pile of books, some nature and my all time favorite summer thing: a swimming pool!

feeling :: still a bit sore from boot camp this week and quite smug I finally figured out how to schedule posts

What are your senses this Saturday?

{click on image for source}

Song of the Day!

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

PS – Did I mention that I’m on a yoga retreat? It’s true. You can read all about it here. You are totally welcome to join in the fun from wherever you happen to be.

PPS – No, I haven’t cheated. I am just fancy with my newly acquired schedule ahead of time skillz.

The Spotlight Video!

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I spent most of last week freaking out about singing in public and about stepping outside my comfort zone.

Truth be told, being on stage was nerve-racking.

The stage was a corner of a room I spend a lot of time in, but not with everyone looking at me. My voice wasn’t as strong as in our practice sessions and I’d never sung into a microphone before {note to self: go to sound check}.

Even though I’ve sung along to this song a million times, for a moment, the words totally escaped me. Good thing I know this about myself and brought them along. I glanced down occasionally to make sure I remembered where we were going.

As I looked out into the faces of my fellow yogis and friends, I really felt the love in the room. People couldn’t have been more supportive – lots of smiles and even a new friend singing along with us.

Plus I was up there with my best guy.

I got over my serious case of nerves pretty quickly.

How could I not?

Many people have told me they are already looking forward to honing their talents for the next big show.

And there is talk about starting the It’s All Yoga Family Band!

If you’d like to see the The Big Performance, click it.

{While you’re there, please also check out all the other amazing performances by our staff and students}

What’s your secret talent?

How do you share your talent with the world?

{click image for source}

Yoga Retreat Surprise! Breaking Up with the Internets

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Oh, I forgot to tell you the best part of the retreat!

In addition to all the yoga, breathing, meditating and pool-sitting –

we are breaking up with the Internets!

Does that strike fear in your heart like mine? ***

No blogs

No Twitter {what if there is breaking Rhett Miller news?!?!}

No Facebook

No email

No news or even weather.

To ensure I don’t cheat, I’m not even bringing my computer and I do not possess one of those new fangled phones.

I know I need a break and that I’ll feel refreshed and new when I return, but… I’m scared.

If you haven’t figured this out already, I spend a lot of time online.

I know I can do this.

I’ve done it before.

Are you still in?

Have you ever broken up with the Internets? What was your experience?

Let me a comment to tell me I’m not alone in my online “problem” – please.

***{Don’t worry, it’s just for the weekend and then we are totally getting back together!}

{click image for source}

You Are All Invited – Yoga Retreat!

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I’ve never been on a “real” yoga retreat before, but that is all about to change.

A little history…. For my birthday this year I went away with some amazing yoga friends to a workshop on balance. In my head I kept referring to it as a retreat because we traveled to get there.

HA!

Not so much.

I did learn the difference between a workshop and a retreat though.

At a workshop you work: learn, practice, meditate.

At a retreat you retreat: you practice, but there is built-in downtime.

I’m definitely in need of some serious downtime and since I’m still celebrating my birthday 3 months later, I wanted a real retreat – damn it.

The retreat this weekend is with my favorite teacher Michelle and a bunch of lovelies from It’s All Yoga. For the next few days we’ll be calling this place home.

Why am I telling you all this?

It certainly isn’t to rub it in that I’m on retreat and you aren’t.

I’d like to invite you to join us for all or part of the retreat from home.

I’ll post the schedule below. Feel free to follow any or all parts of it.

So are you in?

The schedule will allow for individual or group activities with plenty of time to rest or play . {music to my ears!}

Here’s the schedule

Thursday:

3:30pm Arrive

4:30-6pm Opening Circle and Practice {if you want to practice with others, feel free to stop by the studio – it’s free at 4:30!}

6:30pm Dinner

Friday:

6:30am Optional Meditation

7-8:30am Breakfast

9-11:30am Pranayama (breathing), Asana (poses), Meditation (sitting)

12pm Lunch

4-6pm Pranayama (breathing), Asana (poses), Meditation (sitting)

6:30pm Dinner

Saturday

6:30am Optional Meditation

7-8:30am Breakfast

9-11:30am Pranayama (breathing), Asana (poses), Meditation (sitting)

12pm Lunch

4-6pm Pranayama (breathing), Asana (poses), Meditation (sitting)

6:30pm Dinner

8:30 pm Campfire

Sunday

6:30am Optional Meditation

7-8am Breakfast

8:30-10:30am Pranayama (breathing), Asana (poses), Meditation (sitting)

12pm Lunch

Please leave me a comment to tell me what part you decided to do and how it is going. Or tell me about your retreat experience. I’d love to hear from you!

Yoga+Music(not quite 365) – Medusa by Annie Lennox – Recipe Edition!

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

It’s Tuesday! And that means the Recipe Edition!

Each Tuesday I will share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

Ahhh, summer break how I love thee.

Long days of setting my own schedule, slowing down my life’s pace to match the lazy days of summer. A little of this, a little of that and a whole lot of whatever I want to do.

And who can forget the summer fruit?!?

Summer is the perfect time for working on my lame food confession.

Like last week, today’s recipe is more of an assembly, rather than a cooking one. Who can really be bothered with cooking when the weather is so nice?

Strawberry+Nectarine+Yogurt+Coconut = Summer Bliss!

Serves 1

handful of strawberries from the farmer’s market, co-op or your back yard – washed, dried and sliced

nectarine – local and organic – washed and sliced

a drizzle of plain organic yogurt

a sprinkle of unsweetened dried coconut

Optional: a drizzle of agave or natural sweetener of choice

Toss in your favorite bowl as you go.

so much better than "fruit" on the bottom

Enjoy!

What are your go-to healthy foods? How do you change your diet based on the season? Send me your recipe and you may find yourself featured here!

+++++

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice. I’m so ridiculously sore from my boot camp session yesterday that I doubt I could make it through a regular class. Yowza!

Today’s music is Medusa by Annie Lennox.

++++++

Yoga Teaching Update:

FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com.

These classes are for every body – level 1/2. Bring your friends!

I’m scheduled to teach July 9th!

Office Hours with Michelle are on Fridays from 3:30-4:30, so come on by the studio before class and say hi!

If you found this post useful, please share it on Facebook or Twitter. Thanks!

Saturday Senses

Posted on June 12, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I’ve been inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday to start a new tradition at Teacher Goes Back to School: Saturday Senses!

tasting :: the first delicious moments of summer break

hearing :: Session #1 with Chris Guillebeau with the World-Changing Writing Workshop

smelling :: cupcakes!

seeing :: a community come together to celebrate FIVE years together!

feeling :: nervous about stepping out of my comfort zone

What are your senses this Saturday?

{click on image for source}

Catching Up with the Runaway Train

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

School years are like cross-country train journeys.

Both follow a particular route, on a schedule at a fairly predictable pace.

The typical school year looks like this:

183 days of work {180 with kids}

New students every August {who you hardly recognize until January}

Professional development trainings {with varying degrees of usefulness}

Staff meetings {no comment}

Refining best practices {making the already good teaching better that is kind of painful in the process, but worth the effort}

A bunch of fun activities at the end-of-the-year {well, fun for the students}

Post high stakes testing, both students and teachers exhale.

Then we continue the job of teaching and learning at a much more relaxed pace until the last bell rings on the final day of school much like a train finally chugging into the last depot at the end of a long journey.

By mid-May, we’re starting to look toward closing out the year:

Completing report cards

Adding some ink to the permanent records

Spending some time outside {go egg drop, field day, track meet, water play day!}

Finally learning some science and maybe even doing some art.

I start talking more about how long we’ve been together and how much they’re going to miss me I’m going to miss them when they move to fourth grade.

Except this year was different.

Instead of winding down and closing up shop, we experienced a lot of changes, mostly at the administrative level.

Serious stuff.

Stuff one needed to pay attention to, but I can’t help but feel a bit like my long journey on my predictable train was hijacked my the time bandits and my even-paced end-of-the-year calendar filled up with meeting after important meeting.

I was left feeling quite disoriented.

Today is finally the last day of our long journey.

I’m looking forward to the downtime and battery recharging so necessary at the end of each stressful year. This summer will be filled with some stay-at-home relaxing, some thoughts of how to improve next school year, some traveling with friends and of course, lots and lots of yoga.

How will you recharge your batteries this summer? What will you do to take care of yourself so you can make sure your train stays on the track?

{click image for source}

Yoga+Music(notquite365) Time Without Consequence by Alexi Murdoch – Recipe Edition!

Posted on June 8, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

It’s Tuesday! And that means the Recipe Edition!

Each Tuesday I will share an easy, nutritious recipe so you can join me in the home-cooked self-care.

It is the last week of school and I’m feeling quite rushed for time. This need for speed has shown up in all areas of my life and especially in my kitchen. I’ve still be seeking healthy options, but during these last couple weeks the need for speed has trumped all.

I’ve eaten today’s recipe a couple of times over the last weeks and have forgotten to take photos each time. A bit preoccupied I guess.

You’ll need to picture dark green leaves, deep purple slices and bright white creamy bits with chopped nuts.

Today’s recipe is more of an assembly, rather than a cooking recipe. Thank goodness for Trader Joe’s and their inexpensive healthy ingredients.

Beet, Spinach, Goat Cheese Salad

Serves 2

1 packet of TJ’s ready to eat beets rinsed and sliced (an egg slicer makes this job so easy)

half bag of ready to eat baby spinach (rinse and dry one more time just to be sure)

a crumble of soft goat cheese

a handful of chopped nuts {pecans are my favorite}

a drizzle of olive oil

a splash of balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble on the plates.

What are your go-to healthy foods? How do you change your diet based on the season? Send me your recipe and you may find yourself featured here!

+++++

Today’s yoga brought to you by the restorative home practice. I’m still finishing up paperwork at school, so class seems unlikely.

Today’s music is Time Without Consequence by Alexi Murdoch.

++++++

Yoga Teaching Update:

FREE Fridays at 4:30 with the new It’s All Yoga teachers (21st and X in Sacramento) – you’ve got to sign up online www.itsallyoga.com.

These classes are for every body – level 1/2. Bring your friends!

I’m scheduled to teach July 9th!

Office Hours with Michelle are on Fridays from 3:30-4:30, so come on by the studio before class and say hi!

Out of My Comfort Zone, Right into the Spotlight

Posted on June 6, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

When was the last time you really left your comfort zone?

I’m not sure why, but I’ve found myself outside my comfort zone quite a lot this year and next weekend I will find myself there again.

This time with a microphone in my hand, standing in the spotlight.

Holy crap!

The studio where I work is celebrating its 5th Anniversary of being in business with a huge party and a talent show. It’s being billed as It’s All Yoga‘s Got Talent!

Staff and students are coming together for one night to showcase their hidden-until-now talents.

I laugh because in my case, “talent” may be a bit of a stretch. I’ll be singing along to a song with my sweetheart while he plays guitar. He’s the real musician in our house and I’m totally riding on his coattails.

I chose the song {if you want to know you’ll have to come to the show!} and I’ll just say sometimes doing something outside your comfort zone can help expand the boundries of your comfort zone.

What scares you?

Do you typically face your fears or avoid them?

How do you feel when faced with a fear?

What do you do with those feelings?

{click on the images for source}

PS – You are all invited to the party {and to showcase your talent too}. If you’d like to come by, please RSVP so we know how much bubbly we need. I’m putting in my order for a bottle now!

Saturday Senses

Posted on June 5, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I’ve been inspired by Pink of Perfection’s Five Sense Friday to start a new tradition at Teacher Goes Back to School: Saturday Senses!

tasting :: earl grey tea. It’s like perfume in a cup in the best possible way.

hearing :: Vetiver: Things of the Past

smelling :: freshly cut grass {a-choo!}

seeing :: possibility for new exciting projects

feeling :: grateful for the every other Friday massages from the always lovely Tess Bradley.

What are your senses this Saturday?

{click on image for source}

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