The Good, The Bad and the Sick of the BS

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I am:

a) a teacher – unable to motivate, inspire, or educate students

b) a teacher – committed to high expectations for academic achievement and behavior for all students

c) a teacher – exhausted by all the external bs at work

Depending on who you ask this week, I’m either choice a or choice b.

I’ve heard both messages loud and clear.

Both blasted and lauded in the same week.

The real answer of course, is c.

Needless to say I’ve felt really high and really low this week depending on which opinion of me was being thrown around at the time.

And you know what?

I’m tired of it.

Every year I set a goal, make a resolution or to use yoga-talk, set an intention for the year. Something to keep myself focused on throughout the year.

 This year’s intention was to be more flexible, to find some space in areas I had previously held on tightly to – like homework coming back unfinished (thus causing much suffering) – and to listen more.

Next year’s resolution?

To not believe the hype about me: good or bad.

I’ve read that some musicians, artists and actors refuse to read reviews about their work because it interferes with their creativity and performance. Other people’s  opinions about them (it always comes down to people judging you as a person rather than your work) got in the way of the joy in their work.

Let’s be real, some also are honest enough to admit that criticism (which is so rarely constructive especially in print) just plain hurts their feelings.

I feel the same way.

I would like to not get attached to the compliments or to get caught up in the negativity.

It’s not to say that I’m going to shut people out and not listen to how to refine practices, I’m going to try to feel less defined as a professional by other people’s opinions.

I’m not exactly sure how I’ll make this happen.

I think having this intention is good place to start.

So dear readers, how do you keep other people’s compliments and criticisms in perspective? Any tips for dealing with the critics? And fans?

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Saturday Senses

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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 :: #50 – Charbroiled Chicken over Vermicelli from Pho Bac Hoa Viet 

hearing :: Crazy Heart Soundtrack {I heart New West Records}

smelling :: Bumble + Bumble Surf Spray

seeing :: a light at the end of the tunnel – {8 more days of school!}

feeling :: the need for a daytrip to the beach

What are your senses this Saturday?

photo courtesy of: Redwood Hikes

Saturday Senses

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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 :: Sugar Plum Vegan’s tasty bites

hearing :: the voices of my students offering their condolences

smelling :: the delicious scent of organic coconut oil {directly applied inside my nostrils for some amazing allergy relief}

seeing :: friends, friends, friends.

feeling :: still sad, but oh-so-loved-and-supported

What are your senses this Saturday?

Matt the Cat

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rest in peace

Our cat, Matt, died yesterday.

He was 11 years old. We’re not sure why he died, but we are totally gutted by it. Losing a pet unexpectedly is about as much fun as you’d expect it to be.

His brother, Ian is still meowing a lot (very unlike him – his nickname is Roberto Silencio) and looking around smelling everything.

I think he’s looking for Matt.

Right now, he’s hanging out by the kitty door. We think he’s waiting to see if he can catch him.

Matt’s never missed a meal.

Until now.

Today when I went to work I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I feared people wouldn’t understand how I was feeling.

I was afraid I’d get the dreaded, “He was just a cat.”

It took about 3 steps into the staff room before I was bawling my eyes out telling everyone who was there what happened. Immediately I was surrounded by friends offering hugs, condolences and sharing their sad pet stories. {I have the best co-workers}

Later I shared my sad news with my class and in their own third grade way, helped me deal with my sadness. They wanted to know all about him and have a chance to then talk about their sad pet stories. {big hugs to my little co-workers too – love them}

So my wonderful friends and readers, this is how my week has been.

And I’ve got a spring cold. Or the worst allergies known to mankind.

Since I’m here, does anyone have any words of wisdom on grief?

Anyone have any experience with animal grief?

Ideas to help Ian?

Yoga+Music(not quite 365) Infinite Light by Lightning Dust – Recipe Edition! Guest Post!

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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.   

I’m thrilled to announce that Teacher Goes Back to School has its very first GUEST POST! 

Today’s recipe and divine food photos are from Vanessa over at The Beet Goes On and Good Things Come to Those Who Wait. 

The Payoff

  

 I’m all for food that is easy to prepare.  Maybe not so much the frozen pizza rolls, exactly, but more like a hunk of bread spread with soft goat cheese and topped with strawberry jam.  Or roasted vegetables, which require so little preparation aside from a few swipes of the knife and a dousing of olive oil and salt before they go into the oven. A roasted chicken.  Perfectly ripe strawberries that require that you do nothing but wash and savor.   

You get the idea. 

So when it comes to fava beans, a most delicious reason to love spring, I sometimes hesitate buying them.  Each little prized nugget is wrapped in its own protective little sac, and then those little sacs, say 5 or 6, are nestled into a large, leathery, fibrous pod.  Getting to the sweet bean itself requires some combination of peeling, shucking, poking, cutting, squeezing, prodding, tearing, pulling, pinching, and extracting.  

  

It’s not difficult work, but it’s repetitive and can take a while.  It’s the kind of project to tackle when you have a podcast of “This American Life” you need to catch up on or when you’ve got someone who can lend another set of hands and some conversation.  I usually slip into a quasi-meditative state as I hit my shelling rhythm– but only if I’m not hungry when I start out, or all I can think about is shoving handfuls of favas into my mouth.

  

An armful of the whole pods might yield just a few cups of beans, but those beans are worth all the effort that go into them.  They’re firm but kind of creamy, buttery but kind of green and bright.  And though not the most convenient of foods, the reward for the work is big– and delicious.

  

Here’s a simple recipe that really allows the favas to shine.  This method of roasting the beans whole and then shelling them is a little easier for me than shelling the beans raw– with the skins softened a bit, they’re a bit easier to manipulate.

  

Fava and Ricotta Crostini

  

makes 4 large pieces or 8-12 smaller pieces

2 pounds fresh fava beans in pods (to yield 1 heaping cup of cooked, shelled beans)
extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
juice of one lemon
1/4-1/2 teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
firm, sturdy bread, such as a whole grain sourdough loaf, baguette, or batard cut into slices about 3/4″ thick
1 cup fresh ricotta 

Preheat oven to 425ºF.   

Rinse and dry the fava beans.  Put them on a rimmed baking sheet large enough to lay them out in a single layer.   Toss them with about 2 tablespoons olive oil.  

Roast the beans, tossing them once during cooking (tongs are helpful for this), for about 10 minutes or until the shells begin to wilt.  You don’t want too much color on them– just a slight change in texture.  Plus the residual heat will continue to cook the beans after they’re out of the oven. 

still in the pod

 

Remove the tray from the oven and allow beans to cool until they can be handled with bare hands.  Remove the pods from the shells.  Then remove the beans from the pods and set aside in a bowl.  (I usually pinch off a tiny piece of the shell on the seam and squeeze the fava bean out.)  

a coming out party

 

Season the favas with the lemon zest and juice, sea salt, a few grinds of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. 

Toast or grill the bread.  Evenly distribute and spread the ricotta over the toasts, then divide the favas evenly over the ricotta.  

ready to eat!

 

Drizzle with a little more olive oil. 

Eat.  Enjoy the payoff.

beautiful

 

(P.S.  It’s really a treat to be Tami’s guest blogger, especially on Recipe Tuesday!  Many thanks for sharing your patch of the internet with me, Tams!)

  

Editor’s Note: I totally appreciate V3 as she’s known around here, sharing her deliciousness with my readers. <3

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 restorative home practice. I am home with a cold today and already using my Hugger Mugger bolster under my knees. <3 

Today’s music is Infinite Light by Lightning Dust.  

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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.   

A big thanks to those who came to my and Donna’s class last Friday! Always an honor to practice with you. 

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

I’m teaching with Erin – May 28th!  

I’m also 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! 

Bittersweet Travel Planning

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Until recently I thought we would be traveling to Thailand this summer.

That fantasy was burst and I’ve pretty much made peace with the situation.

Until I started planning for our actual summer trip.

In doing research on Munich and Croatia (yay European travel!), I started with Rick Steves and quickly remembered how much I don’t want to travel with him.

I can’t even make it through an entire episode without wondering how he has this job.

Don’t get me wrong, he seems like a nice guy….. but are you kidding me?      

y-a-w-n

  

Enter my favorite travel guide: Tony Bourdain.

The foul-mouthed drunkard chef?

Yep, that one.

Anyway, in my search of No Reservations episodes in Netflix Watch Instantly, I came across a Thailand episode.

Of course, I watched it.

The dude even stopped what he was doing to come join me in my office.

I’ll spare you the details, but ultimately watching Tony eating his way through Thailand made me sad.

I really wish we were going to Thailand this summer.

Yoga+Music(not quite 365) Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg & Wilco – Recipe Edition!

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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.  

I made this recipe a couple of weeks ago for a staff potluck lunch and it disappeared quickly. The staff seemed to really like this dish. It’s really easy and it heats up well for lunch. I made some for us this weekend and I’m having it again for lunch today! 

Enchiladas [not so] Verde 

Adapted from Regina’s Vegetarian Table 

Serves 5 to 10 

1 cup diced onions (or a whole one if you’ve got it, depending how much you like onion) 

1/2 cup diced bell peppers (or none if you don’t have them or they aren’t in season) 

2 TBS oil 

1 cup corn (or the whole bag of frozen sweet corn from Trader Joe’s) 

1 cup pinto or black beans (canned and rinsed – just toss the whole thing in!) 

1/3 cup diced green chilies (use whole can! – to hell with the recipe!) 

1 can (2.25 oz) chopped olives 

1/4 cup taco sauce 

1/3 cup water 

2 TBS masa 

chili powder 

salt 

10 corn tortillas 

8 oz grated Monterey Jack cheese 

1 large can/bottle enchilada sauce (I love Trader Joe’s) 

Saute onions and bell peppers in oil and a little water until tender. Add corn, beans, chilies, olives, taco sauce and water.  Heat until bubbly and sprinkle in masa. Cook until mixture thickens. Add chili powder and salt to taste. Set aside. 

[This is where she says to individually steam each tortilla and you are more than welcome to do that, but I am just going to put some sauce on the bottom of the pan and get all the tortillas moist with sauce. I’ll be making more of a casserole rather than rolled enchiladas – because I’m lazy like that.] 

  • Cover the bottom of a baking pan with a thin layer of enchilada sauce
  • cover the sauce with tortillas cover the tortillas with the filling
  • cover the filling with cheese (leaving some for the top)
  • cover the cheese with another layer of tortillas
  • cover tortillas with enchilada sauce
  • cover sauce with cheese.

 

Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. 

Serve with avocado and sour cream. 

a whole lotta enchiladas

 

top view

 

inside view

 

ready to eat!

 

What are your go-to comfort foods? How do you change recipes to fit your needs at the moment? Send me your recipe and you may find yourself featured here! 

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Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga. 

Today’s music is Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg and Wilco. 

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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 teaching with Donna – May 14th! 

I’m also teaching with Erin – May 28th! 

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

In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 4 – Teacher Appreciation

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I’ve recently discovered the wonderful world of blogs, Twitter and the idea of creating community online. I am aware I am late to the party, however it’s better to be late than never arrive.

Who knew the Internet was full of such wonderful, caring, compassionate people?

Occasionally, I’ll post my favorite posts from other people here.

The In Case You Missed It Edition!

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, today’s In Case You Missed It Edition! is dedicated to some fellow teachers as well as some posts I greatly appreciate as a teacher. Please take a few minutes to click on the links, read their blogs and see how teachers spend their time when they’re out of their classrooms.

If you like what you see,  leave them a comment or subscribe to their blog.

@francisojenna at Adventures of a 21st Century Family provides you with enviable armchair travel, amazing travel photos (complete with name that location quizzes for geography and travel whizzes!) and helpful hints for traveling with little ones.

Alicia over at Spirit House Designs features her beautiful handmade scarves and talks about how she and her husband are working to creatively fund their Thai adoption.

Authors of the upcoming book “Good Enough is the New Perfect” blog over at BeckyandHollee, recently asked Is Teaching A Great Career for a Mom? 

 

Meet Alot and others over at Hyperbole and a Half. Warning: you may spend your whole day reading every post.

Finally, from Seth’s Blog: Bad behavior Something to ponder next time there is a naughty student sitting in your room.

If you have a favorite blog that you’d want everyone to read if you were in charge of the universe, please let me know about it here. Leave me a comment about your favorites and maybe I’ll start reading them too.

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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 teaching with Donna – May 14th!

I’m also teaching with Erin – May 28th! (PS – Erin’s also teaching a Free Community Class this Sunday from 3-4pm. All are welcome there too. )

 

What Does This Smell Like to You? – Recipe Edition Part 2

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Ok, here’s the real deal on the green smoothie.  

I’ve now made two batches of the Berry Blast recipe.  

The first time, I improvised by using unsweetened applesauce and frozen spinach.  

Frozen spinach?  

I know.  

Sue me, I hadn’t been to the store in a couple of days and I wanted to try it.  

I put everything in the blender, whizzed it up quickly and viola!  

A dark purple “green smoothie”!  

I poured some in a pint glass (this recipe makes A. LOT.) and took a gulp.  

Delicious!  

And I couldn’t even taste the spinach!  

I didn’t take photos because it was a trial run and it was a true on-the-go breakfast so I simply enjoyed it on my way to school.  

Fast forward to this past weekend.  

I sent the dude to the farmer’s market for some fresh spinach and real apples.  

I love frozen berries so that was already taken care of.  

Into the blender went the berries, apple and water.  

Then it was time to add the spinach.  

I quickly rinsed it, shook it to dry, cut it up and added it to my blender.  

whiz-bang!  

Ready to go.  

I put a straw into the blender to see if the fresh spinach made a difference in the taste and thought, “That’s not the same as last time!” 

I added a teaspoon of honey. 

whiz-bang!  

Back in went the straw and I thought, “Oh that’s better.”  

I poured the hubs a little one.  

He brings the glass up to his lips to take a sip and asks,  

“Does this smell like dirt?”  

To be honest, it smelled more like as he finally put it, “football practice”.  

A heady mixture of grass and dirt for those that don’t know. 

it really smelled more like grass.

 

 Do you have any good kitchen stories? What is the funniest thing anyone has ever said about something you’ve made? What weird substitutes have you made in the kitchen?  

Yoga+Music(notquite365) Grace by Jeff Buckley – Recipe Edition!

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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. 

Confession: Green Smoothies strike fear in my heart.

A green smoothie?

I know, I wondered the same thing.

From what I gathered, it is different kinds of fruit AND vegetables tossed in the blender together to make a super-duper healthy concoction.

The vegetables (spinach, kale, chard) give the smoothie its green hue.

That’s the part that (until very recently) made me gag.

Who wants to drink their vegetables?

I’m not sure that I did, but since my Lame Food Confession I have been on a quest to get more into my body.

Sooooooo, here’s today’s recipe.

Berry Blast

  1. 1 cup raspberries
  2. 1 cup blueberries
  3. 1 apple
  4. 3 big handfuls of baby spinach
  5. 2 cups of water

Blend until smooth, and enjoy!

my trusty 2 speed blender

 

berries and apple

 

into the glass blender

 

it's NOT EVEN GREEN!

Recipe courtesy of Green Smoothie Challenge brought to me by Amanda at Urban Almanac.

What are your favorite sneaky ways to trick yourself into eating more fruits and vegetables? Share your tricks and recipes and you may find yourself featured here.

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Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga.

Today’s music is Grace by Jeff Buckley.

YogaNap+Milk&Cookies Update! (My Evil Plan is Coming Together – mwahahaha)

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Saturday I had the distinct pleasure in welcoming 16 school teachers – ranging from Kindergarten to college –  to the wonderful world of restorative yoga.   

What’s restorative yoga you ask?  

The long answer: fully supported yoga positions using props so that every muscle in your body can relax.  

The short answer: a yoga nap.  

Why teachers?  

There are so many reasons….  

1. This week begins National Teacher Appreciation Week.  

2. Teachers work really, really hard taking care of people.  I should know, I am one!  

3. The studio where I work (It’s All Yoga) truly appreciates the hard work and dedication of school teachers so we decided to celebrate by having a FREE class to say thank you.  

4. Plus restorative yoga is a little slice of DELICIOUSNESS (well, if you can turn off your teacher talk brain)  

Most teacher I know don’t do yoga, so I decided I needed a hook.  

I invited them to my special yoga den and lured them there with the promise of a nap and milk and cookies.  

Here are some of my lovely teachers post-practice (oh, and some cookies brought by Erin and Amanda!)  

who is that joker?

 

happy teachers all the way from loomis

 

post practice lounge

 

representing galt and west sacramento!

 

west sacramento again!

 

mmmm, cookies....

 

What’s my evil plan?   

Stay tuned to find out…  

 
  
 

   

 

  

 

Pajama Day in Progress

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breakfast number 1

breakfast number 1

 

breakfast number 2 part 1

 

breakfast number 2 part 2

 

 

  

she's really still in her cute #swapasana pajamas

 

love the linedrying

Downtime Is Not Optional

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The way I felt at the end of last weekend’s endless fun-fest prompted me to add another entry to my Book of Me: Downtime is Not Optional.

 downtime

Don’t get me wrong, I love having fun as much as the next person.

As it turns out, I need some unscheduled hangout-and-do-nothing-time in order to recharge my batteries. I need some built-in recovery time or my body rebels and makes me sick. And you all know how I feel about that.

 

Many folks are rolling their eyes right now, thinking well I’m just too busy, I’ve got commitments and/or kids and I just can’t afford any down time.

 

My monsters say those things too.

Here are some more gems from the monster gallery:

  1. Really? 7-9 hours of sleep isn’t enough?
  2. You mean you need to do that EVERY night in order to feel truly rested?
  3. These days, who is really rested?
  4. Can’t you sleep when you’re dead?
  5. Gawd, you really are lazy.
  6. Other people don’t need to rest this much.
  7. Other people get up on Monday morning and never stop running – even on the weekend.
  8. They run their kids all over town and clean house and go to endless sporting events and birthday parties and the never even complain about it.
  9. Other people have kids and commitments and jobs and…. and they are fine. Damnit.
  10.  How are you going to survive when your kid arrives?
  11. I’ve heard kids rob you of all your sleep and you are a constant sleep-deprived zombie.

 Do you see how much my Monsters care about me?

The good news is that my Book of Me, isn’t a book for my monsters.

Or of you.

Just some reminders about what works for ME.

To quote Havi – That’s why it’s the Book of You and not the Book of Humanity In General That Is Also Known As The Book of All Things For All People At All Time.
So in order to honor my research and study of me, I am scheduling a much-needed day of quiet for tomorrow.

 

PAJAMA DAY to the rescue!

Are your monsters responding to my Pajama Day idea? Are they yelling about how lazy that makes me? Want to join me? All you need to do is STOP for one day and stay in. I’d love some company. I’ll be hanging out on Twitter and Facebook and hulu and Netflix.

What are some things I would find in your book of YOU? What kind of self-care do you do to stay sane?

Image source.In the park on hot day–“played … by The Library of Congress on Flickr

Adoption Isn’t Just What You Read About in the Headlines

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Enough with the bad news already.

It seems every time I turn on the news recently there is a story of an adoption gone wrong.

There is a reason it is news:

Because it is rare.

Lots of people adopt every year and there isn’t one news story on all the families made complete through the process.

Except for this one.

Please take a minute to read it.

The author’s name is Eric Weiner. He is a former reporter for NPR and author of The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World.

I think he’s got it right.

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The latest on our adoption?

We are in the process of renewing all of our paperwork which included a recent visit with our social worker. She came by the house on Sunday for a check in. It was lovely to see her. We’re lucky. We really like our social worker.

The best part?

We are one step closer to becoming parents.

Click here for a general timeline for our adoption.

Yoga+Music(notquite365) – You Are Free by Cat Power – The Recipe Edition!

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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. 

Carrot Slaw  

Serves 2 

2 carrots – shredded 

ingredients 

juice of 1 orange 

oranges

 

handful of raisins 

handful of sunflower seeds 

so much better with orange juice

 

Mix and eat! 

Courtesy of Jenna from Adventures of a 21st Century Family. Stop on by for some armchair travel and tips for traveling with toddlers. 

 Do you have any stealth ways to get yourself to eat more fruit and vegetables? Please share your favorite recipes and tips! 

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Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento. 

Today’s music is You Are Free by Cat Power.

Very Personal Ad #1

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I’m currently looking for some walking partners.

I’m not really interested in running.

Walking really fast, yes.

Running? Not so much.

I’d like to walk either from 6:00-6:30 am or from 3:15-3:45pm. Until mid-June then I’ve got more flexibility with times.

I’d like to walk in either Southside, Land Park or Curtis Park.

I’d like to walk every weekday except Tuesdays because I’ve signed up with a training group.

If you are interested in the group – check it out – and sign up to join me!

Please leave me a comment if you are interested… if those times don’t work, leave me some other times that do.

Lame Food Confession UPDATE! – Bonus Recipe Edition!

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Recently I spilled the proverbial beans about my inability to consume a respectable amount of fruits and vegetables despite my claim of being a healthy eater. I called it my Lame Food Confession and since confessing that I have trouble finding fruits and vegetables in my mouth, not just my refrigerator, I have learned a great many things.  

1. I actually like the taste of most fruits and vegetables. Plain fruits. Plain vegetables. Don’t even have to do anything to them and they already taste pretty good.  

2. Before I’d been eating way too many granola bars – Clif Kid Organic Zbar in Chocolate Chip – I love you, but you get in the way of my fruit and vegetable consumption.  

3. As it turns out, I know someone who works for the used-to-be 5-a-day folks. It’s now called Fruits and Veggies: More Matters – and even she has trouble fitting it all in. The new name actually clears up confusion about the amount, although it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.  

4. Many people I spoke to didn’t know about the new name AND didn’t know what qualified as a serving.  

5. My trousers are already fitting a bit looser.  

6. I’m less hungry during the day.  

7. I feel more virtuous when I actually remember.  

8.  Some friends even sent in recipes during the first Lame Food Confession.  

Here’s one I apdated from Leili –  

Broccoli Slaw  

Cut up fresh brocoli  

Throw in some blueberries ( I used thawed frozen organics from Trader Joe’s)  

Raisins (for some extra sweetness)  

Sliced almonds (for some extra crunch)  

Flax seeds (for some extra fiber)  

Combine with some ginger vinaigrette.  

I used Annie’s Naturals Gingerly Vinaigrette  

Enjoy!  

Food photography: Harder than it looks!

  

Care to share YOUR fruit and vegetable confessions? What about tips, techniques and recipes for getting your daily allowance in? Leave a comment and you may find your recipe featured here someday.

The In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 3

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I’ve recently discovered the wonderful world of blogs, Twitter and the idea of creating community online. I am aware I am late to the party, however it’s better to be late than never arrive.

Who knew the Internet was full of such wonderful, caring, compassionate people?

Occasionally, I’ll post my favorite posts from other people here.

The In Case You Missed It Edition!

The Book of You – on The Fluent Self. I think everyone should start writing theirs.

Jennifer Louden, author of  The Women’s Comfort Book and others, also writes a blog. Here’s a can’t miss post – Choose Your Life Mondays – the It Isn’t A Big Ding Dang Do Edition where she talks about minimum requirements for self-care (MRSC).

“MRSC’s are the basic things you need to stay in touch with yourself, to have a strong foundation to meet the rather constant challenges of life, and to ease the noise in your head.”

Michelle asks, “What One Thing?” – as in what is YOUR special talent?

Homemaking – Amanda explores what it means to be a SAHM. Really hit a chord with me.

If you have a favorite blog that you’d want everyone to read if you were in charge of the universe, please let me know about it here. Leave me a comment about your favorites and maybe I’ll start reading them too.

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Yoga+Music(notquite)365 (day104)

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

Today’s music is Elephant by The White Stripes.

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Yoga Teaching Update:

Free class for School Teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week – May 1st. Yoga Nap+Milk and Cookies.

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. 

I’m teaching with Donna – May 14th!

 

Yoga+Music(notquite)365 – Day 103 – Midnight at the Movies by Justin Townes Earle – The Recipe Edition!

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

Blueberry Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Pancakes!

Serves one

2 eggs

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup cottage cheese

2 cups blueberries (I used thawed in the microwave frozen organic from Trader Joe’s)

Blend in blender (minus the blueberries)

Mix blueberries into the batter

Pour onto skillet; flip when it bubbles up.

Blueberry pancakes

Excellent with real maple syrup and peanut butter

Ready to eat

Courtesy of Kelly from @copylicious

MC is ready to eat!

Do you have any stealth ways to get yourself to eat more fruit and vegetables? Please share your favorite recipes and tips!

Song of the Day!

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Sometimes, sometimes, sometimes, the only thing you have is a song
And in these times, in these times, in these lonely, lonely times, I will sing along
Ever since I found you, I’ve been orbiting around you like you are the sun
Ever since I met you, there’s no way I could forget, you are the only one
Every single morning when I hear you in there humming on a brand new tune
If I blink I’ll miss you, honey, all I want’s to kiss you and I want to soon
Sometimes, sometimes, sometimes, the only thing you have is a song
And in these times, in these times, in these lonely, lonely times, I will sing along
I might just surprise you, I might be the one who tries to love you every day
I propose forever, although longer would be better, what d’ya say, what d’ya say
Sometimes, sometimes, sometimes, the only thing you have is a song
And in these times, in these times, in these lonely, lonely times, I will sing along
I will sing along

Yoga+Music(notquite)365 (day97) – #SwapAsana Edition!

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 Spring.

What does it mean to you?

Maybe it means cleaning house.

Exchanging your warm winter clothes for sandals and t-shirts.

Maybe it’s a process of letting some things in your life go, in order to make room for new things.

Maybe it’s about shaking things up and trying new things.

Maybe it’s about shedding your usual thoughts or trappings of life and trying on something a little out of the ordinary.

OR MAYBE IT’S JUST ABOUT NEW CLOTHES!

This past weekend, I went to my very first clothes swap  — #stitchswap  (click the link for photos).

O.M.G!

For a $5.00 donation (all proceeds going to charity) and one article of clothing, I had access to mounds of clothes.

I made out like a bandit.

Three super cute bags – check out the photos – Yes, I took that flowered one home with me!

Three necklaces

Two deliciously pink scarves

Six t-shirts

Six blousey blouses

One poke-your-eyes-out-cute sweater

Two pairs of perfectly fitting jeans (including a pair of black skinny True Religion jeans!)

WHAT DOES ALL THIS HAVE TO DO WITH YOU?

April 24th from 3-5pm

It’s All Yoga is hosting their first ever #SwapAsana!

WHAT IS #SWAPASANA?

It’s a clothes swap being held in a yoga studio.

Get it?

Swap in the place where you do asana (poses)… ok, maybe not the best name for it, but it makes me giggle every time I say it.

What’s the little # for?

That’s a Twitter thing. If you add a # to your thing’s name, it makes it easier to search. So if you are on Twitter and talk about #SwapAsana – be sure to add the #, so we know who is in the conversation.

Ok, back to the details.

WHO: You and all of your female friends

ALL SIZES are WELCOME! We are trying to share the swap-asana love with all of our friends. So bring yours – we can’t wait to meet them!

But, what if I don’t live in Sacramento?

If you are close enough to drive, I think it’ll be worth the time. Snacks, cool women, the CLOTHES….

WHAT: Bring a $5 donation and at least one article of gently used clothing to swap for a new-to-you piece for your wardrobe

WHEN: April 24th from 3-5pm

WHERE: It’s All Yoga at 21st and X Streets in Midtown Sacramento.

WHY: It’s eco, it’s affordable, it’s awesome to get “new” clothes!

RSVP here.

Leave me a comment if you have any questions. I hope you all can make it!

JCrew halter dress

JCrew halter dress - Will it go home with you?

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Yoga+Music(notquite)365 (day97)

Today’s yoga brought to me by ME. A home practice is in order.

Today’s music is Rhett Miller – Self-Titled. A fellow Rhett fan is in town, so in her honor we’ll be listening.

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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 

* I’m teaching May 14th with Donna. Put it on your calendar so you don’t miss it!

Free class for School Teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week – May 1st.

Yoga Nap+Milk and Cookies.

Teacher Keeps Going Back to “School”

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Do you ever find yourself really excited about something new? Do you find yourself sleeping less and yet functioning just fine because you are hyper-focused on your new thing?

That’s me.

A lot of the time.

I find something I’m interested in and I dive in head first.

I try to find out as much as I can about whatever I’m interested in as quickly as possible.

All that being said, I’ve got lots of projects I’m working on – both on and off-line that are taking up loads of time.

In a good way.

Here are some of the highlights of studio projects I’m working on that are taking place in real life in the near future:

Swap-Asana! A women’s clothing swap being held at It’s All Yoga – 21st and X in Midtown Sacramento – April 24th. 

o.m.g! I went to my first swap this weekend and let’s just say this may be one of the most exciting events EVER. I’ll dedicate a whole post to it later.

Yoga Nap + Milk and Cookies! A free yoga class in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week – May 1st.

Book Worms! – LovingKindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness – May 23rd.

If you live in Sacramento and any of those strike your fancy, come join me!

What in-real-life projects are you working on? What’s keeping you busy these days? How are you spending your time?

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The other projects I’m working on are more behind the scenes type of things.

Some highlights:

Reading some of Seth Godin’s marketing books.

Tribes is totally speaking to my inner cheerleader right now.

The Unconventional Guide to the Web – Using Social Media As A Force for Good with Gwen Bell and Chris Guillebeau. So much good stuff to take in and use.

Making some connections with more yogis through  Twitter  and Facebook.

Through all of this,  learning social media is about having a conversation. – which sounds a lot like teaching….

How do you use social media to help your projects reach your right people? How do you connect and converse with the people who would love your product, project or service if they just knew about it?

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Yoga+Music(notquite)365 (day95)

Today’s yoga brought to me by ME at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento. I’m subbing for Michelle tonight.

Today’s music is Consolers of the Lonely by The Raconteurs.

If you love guitar-based music, you also may want to check out the documentary on the electric guitar called It Might Get LOUD – featuring Jack White (The White Stripes and The Raconteurs), The Edge (U2) and Jimmy Paige (Led Zeppelin).

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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. 

I’m sub-teaching TODAY– for Michelle at 5:45. Level 1-2, so every body is welcome.

Free class for School Teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week – May 1st. Yoga Nap+Milk and Cookies.

The In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 2

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I’ve recently discovered the wonderful world of blogs, Twitter and the idea of creating community online. I am aware I am late to the party, however it’s better to be late than never arrive.

Who knew the Internet was full of such wonderful, caring, compassionate people?

Occasionally, I’ll post my favorite posts from other people here.

The In Case You Missed It Edition!

Impermanence — My father has Alzheimer’s disease.  Last night, during a family conference call, we decided it is time to move him into the dementia unit of the retirement community where my parents live…..

Bob has a way of cutting right to the important parts. See if you can read this without feeling deeply.

Good Enough is the New Perfect is the title of the upcoming book by my Twitter friends @holleeinbalance and @beckyinbalance. Their  blog is a treasure box full of gems about issues around work and family. A must read! Plus Hollee is a fellow yogi!

This week’s guest post is by a woman who has 30 HOURS of LEISURE time a WEEK. If that doesn’t grab your attention, I don’t know what will. It sure got mine.

Social Change Through Simple Living pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it? That’s what @RowdyKittens is all about. Tammy S is a former Sacramentan, now Portlander (hello, opposite of me!) explores the notion of living a fuller, richer life with less stuff. I think she may be on to something.

The Beet Goes On is my friend V3’s chronicling of her life in NYC. Filled with food photos that make you want to bite your monitor. This girl rocks.

Last but not least, the woman with so many ideas I want to steal.

Office Hours at Gwen Bell, Big Love in a Small World. – LOVE HER.  I wish I was in Boulder. I just may have to copy this. Who wants to meet for office hours?

If you have a favorite blog that you’d want everyone to read if you were in charge of the universe, please let me know about it here. Leave me a comment about your favorites and maybe I’ll start reading them too.

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Yoga+Music(notquite)365 (day94)

Today’s yoga brought to you by Michelle at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento.

Today’s music is Away We Go Movie Soundtrack. I’ve been loving the movie soundtracks recently, even those movies that didn’t make me love them. Go figure.

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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. 

I’m sub-teaching 4/5/10 – for Michelle at 5:45. Level 1-2, so every body is welcome.

Free class for School Teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week – May 1st. Yoga Nap+Milk and Cookies.

BTSA – Yoga Sequence #2

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Welcome New Teachers and anyone else looking for a relaxing easy-to-do-at-work yoga sequence!

Inspired by: Office Yoga: Simple Stretches for Busy People 

Constructive rest – laying on your back, feet hip width, knees bent, feet flat on the floor, knees leaning toward each other.

Breathe.

{From now on, know that I’m only reminding you to EXHALE. That’s the part we all seem to have trouble with!}

Knees to chest.

Roll to one side, use your arm as a pillow and pause before you use the strength of your arms to come to a seat.

Breathe.

Foot massage!

Leg massage!

Supta P (Supta Padangusthasana) with strap – both legs.

Come to stand in Mountain. Close your eyes and breathe.

Downward dog with hands on the desk.

Come back to stand in Mountain pose. Close your eyes and breathe.

Come down to the floor by the wall for Legs Up the Wall Pose.

Stay put for a few breath cycles.

Release  by bending the knees, rolling to one side and pausing on your side using your arm as a pillow.

Pause.

Breathe.

Come to lie flat on your back, soles of feet together – Reclining Bound Angle Pose tucking rolled towels under the knees for support.

Breathe.

Bring the hands to the outside of the legs and help them together. Pausing for a moment with your feet on the floor.

Final relaxation!

Corpse/Savasana

Yoga+Music(notquite)365 – Day 93 – Challengers by The New Pornographers- Yoga + MusicRoundUp Edition!

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Yoga+Music(not quite365) UPDATE:  

Daily yoga is still a work in progress.   

I am practicing yoga more frequently than ever and am to the point of feeling the effects more when I don’t practice than when I do. Must mean it’s really becoming a part of my life.  

It reminds me of a story a  neighbor of mine told me about running. She said used to run for the high, then something happened. She no longer felt that runner’s euphoria. Instead she felt grumpy, sore and unlike herself when she didn’t.  

Yoga is kinda like that for me now.  

Daily music check in.   

Yes, I am listening to music everyday. Remember, now I’m listening to a couple new albums per week, instead of the insane new record a day craziness.   

 My listens this week includes:  

Quasi – American Gong  – Total thumbs up! Glad to be loving Quasi again. The last couple of albums didn’t speak to me. Although if you are looking for vintage toe tapping booty shaking goodness, I’d still reach for Birds and R&B.  

 

 

american gong by quasi

  

The New Pornographers Challengers  – ANOTHER HIT! (a b-day gift from my lovely friend, Madeleine)  

Crazy Heart Movie Soundtrack – Love it. Jeff Bridges and Collin Farrell can really sing. Ryan Bigham’s songs are some of my favorites.  

De Nova by The Redwalls – Thank You – on repeat – LOVE THIS SONG! Seriously, it’s like potato chips, you can’t just have one.  

American Idiot by Green Day – What can I say? Excellent workout music. Makes those laps around the park more fun. Or at least go faster.  

What’s the Story Morning Glory – Oasis – Visiting my youth.  

Blame it on Gravity by Old97s – No Baby I, Here’s to the Halcyon, and The One – hits I tell you!  

Chutes Too Narrow by The Shins – My favorite Shins – by far.  

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Teaching Update:  

I’m subbing for Michelle at It’s All Yoga at 5:45 Monday 4/5. It’s a Level 1-2, so every body is welcome.  

I’m teaching a FREE class for school teachers 5/1 – I’m calling it Yoga Nap+ Milk and Cookies.  

Teacher Appreciation = Yoga Nap + Milk and Cookies!

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Dear School Teacher,

I’m going to go out on a limb here.

It’s been a really hard school year.

I know, I’m a public school teacher too.

Are you tired and looking forward to the end of the school year?

Do you work really hard taking care of your students?

Wouldn’t it be nice for someone to take care of you?

Maybe rub your shoulders and temples while you rest in a warm little nest.

And serve you cookies and milk when you finish.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week and in thanks for all that you do:

A FREE class just for you!

No yoga experience needed.

We (meaning me, Amanda from Urban Almanac and Erin from The Search Begins) will pamper and support you.

You will leave refreshed.

Think Yoga Nap.

With milk and cookies.

(No, really.)

May 1st, 3-4:30 pm.

www.itsallyoga.com to register (under workshops)

Yoga+Music(notquite)365 – Day 88 – Crazy Heart Movie Soundtrack- Resilience Edition!

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Lately I feel like I’ve been wearing my feelings on the outside of my body. That heightened sense of vulnerability has left me feeling uneasy.  

 During yoga yesterday, Michelle read an excerpt from poet David Whyte where he uses the image of walking down a country dirt road: A huge storm comes. You take shelter in the barn until the storm passes. Sometimes the warmth and protection of the barn feel so good, so easy and safe, you never leave. But you have to get back on the road. You have to keep going.

She spoke briefly about resilience and how it’s easy for some people to bounce back from events while others take more time. She used the barn analogy to illustrate how some have sought protection in the barn and maybe gotten stuck.

It’s funny because she wrote about getting stuck in the comforting place while I wondered where I find comfort.

In a way, yoga has become that comforting place.

So struck by this idea of resilience, I got up from my mat. I grabbed a pen and piece of paper to capture what came up for me during class.

I won’t bore you with the details, but let’s just say I was left with the feeling that I’ve somehow lost some of my former resilience, or the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences.

When I shared this with Michelle, she offered a different perspective.

She asked if maybe I hadn’t really lost my resilience, but rather shed some of the armour I’d built around my heart.

The tears that briefly came up in that moment were indicator that something is brewing in there.

What are your thoughts on resilience? How do you cope with the hard parts of life? Has it gotten easier or harder over the years?

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Teaching Update!

Saturday, May 1st from 3-4:30 I’m teaching a FREE class for school teachers to celebrate the beginning of National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Think of it as a yoga nap – plus milk and cookies!

If you or someone you know teaches school for a living, please save the date.

21st and X – Sacramento, CA

www.itsallyoga.com

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Fridays 4:30 are still FREE at @itsallyoga!

Yoga+Music(notquite)365 – Day 87 – Contra By Vampire Weekend – Holy Moly Homemade Foodstuffs Edition!

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My friend Amanda recently posted about making eco-licious lotion, bread, yogurt and granola at home.

It all sounded delightful, so I asked if I could move in with her and her family.

I still haven’t heard back from her.

Oh well.

The good news is that I was inspired by her homemade goodness.

That, and I have NINE glorious work free days of Spring Break to fill with whatever I choose.

Day One’s goodies?

Homemade Tahini

1 cup of sesame seeds (only $0.62 from the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op!)

1/4 cup organic sesame oil

Homemade Granola (adapted from The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone)

6 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed Meal

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup sesame oil

1/2 cup maple syrup (B grade)

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake oats for 10 minutes in a rimmed baking pan. Transfer oats to large bowl, and sugar, Bob’s, coconut, seeds and raisins. Stir to mix then add oil, syrup and vanilla. Mix until moistened.

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Stir after 5 minutes (although I forgot and it was just fine).

Cool in the pans and transfer into an airtight container.

We’ve already eaten some with milk and over yogurt with fruit.

Delicious!

What are your favorite homemade goodies?