Yoga+Music(notquite)365 – Day 86 – Oracular Spectacular by MGMT – Lame Food Confession Edition!

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

The changing of the season necessitates the changing of the wardrobe. Sweaters, long sleeve t-shirts and jeans out. Sleeveless tops, tanks, shorts and skirts in.

This annual changing of the wardrobe means that it is time to try on my spring and summer clothes. Every year I am surprised to find that my warm weather clothes don’t quite fit as well as I remembered them doing when I stored them at the end of the summer.

All this perfectly coinsides with my realization that despite thinking of myself as a healthy eater, I almost never eat the recommeded daily allowance of fruit and vegetables. Depending on who you ask, some say 5-a-day while others (like Harvard’s School of Public Health) advocate between five and thirteen servings per day.

In any case, I’m woefully low by either standard most winter days.

How lame is that?

So before I go all gung-ho dieting nutty so I can fit comfortably in my clothes, I decided I am simply going to add more fruit and vegetables to what I already eat every day.

Simple, but sometimes that’s all it takes.

How do you get in your fruits and vegetables in every day? Any secrets you care to share?

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Don’t forget FREE Fridays at It’s All Yoga – 21st and X Streets – Sacramento, CA 95818 – www.itsallyoga.com

Yoga+Music(notquite)365 – Day 75 – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case – The Recipe Edition!

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

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

SNACKS!

Today I’d like you to meet and make friends with the date. (Click the link for the nutritional information on this amazing fruit).

Dates are high in dietary fiber, low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and contain more potassium than bananas!

Dates are sweet, healthy, filling little treats and when they are paired with a lightly salted cashew or almond – perfection!

I keep a little container of dates and nuts in my desk at work and snack on them in class. My students are always interested in what I’m eating, but not once has one of them taken me up on the offer to try one.

I can’t even get J. to try one. He thinks they are ugly.

What do you think?

Better than bananas

Please let me know if you have ever tried dates and what you think.

What are your favorite healthy snacks? I need some ideas how to keep hunger at bay.

Please share your favorite recipes!

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Today’s yoga brought to you by me! I am teaching my BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support & Assessment) classes to new teachers today and I’ve got to get myself ready.

Today’s music is Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case. – This is my reentry back into listening to music. I’ve taken some time off – being sick made me crave silence. I guess I’m finally starting to feel like myself again.

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Don’t forget 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.

BTSA – Yoga Class Sequence #1

Posted on March 14, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

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

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

Ideas for this class are from Office Yoga: Simple Stretches for Busy People

Come up slowly and find your chair.

Sit up tall, feet flat on the floor, pelvis slightly tipped forward, spine tall – head floating up like a helium balloon.

Neck stretches:

Moving with the breath.

Ear to shoulder – both sides

Ear to shoulder – both sides – gentle press on shoulder – making space in the neck.

Nose pointing toward shoulder and gently looking down – both sides. Gently moving the head to find the tender spots to breathe into. Moving the jaw around to loosen the grip.

Breathing through all movement.

Shoulder rolls: up to ears, back and bring the blades down to rest in the back pockets. 3 times.

Easy seated twists: come sit toward the front of the chair. Left hand, right knee – right hand tucked into seatback. Inhale – sit up tall and gentle twist – like your spine is a barber pole — breathing. Full breath cycle 2 or 3 times. Release on exhale and slowly return to neutral.

Breathe.

Right hand, left knee – left hand tucked into seatback. Inhale – sit up tall and gentle twist. Full breath cycle 2 or 3 times. Release on exhale and slowly return to neutral.

Breathe.

Come to all 4s on the floor, blanket under the knees – Cat/Cow.

Sit in Easy seat, Hero or stand.

Raise arms straight above head in preparation for Cow Face Pose arms with a strap. Both sides. Creating space in the neck and shoulders.

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

Big bear hug in preparation for Eagle arms. Spread arms wide, right arm on top, big bear hug, trying to reach fingers around to touch. Breathing. Release on exhale and do other side.

Big bear hug and wrapping arms into Eagle. Release on exhale. Other side.

Shake it out.

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

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

Final relaxation!

Corpse/Savasana

WWTD?

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

What would Tami do?

The “old” Tami would scrap the whole Yoga+Music365 project completely because it’s been a couple weeks since she’s posted anything and because she’s having a really hard time keeping up with the overly ambitious music schedule.

Good thing the “old” Tami has been quietly noticing her patterns and has come up with a new “plan”.

The daily music was INSANE. However, I’ve enjoyed finding new music. I’m still going to post about music, just not every day or every week. I’ll do it when the mood strikes me.

The “old” Tami would cry in her beer because she failed to keep up with even a one-pose-a-day yoga home practice when she was sick knowing legs up the wall can pretty much cure anything.

The daily yoga really does feel good. It also keeps me thinking about self-care on a daily basis. I’m going to get back to it.

The “old” Tami would wish that she would have never gone public with her blog and would have felt like a failure because she didn’t realize her goals.

As it turns out, a daily blog project is pretty ambitious. Probably too ambitious for someone with a full-time teaching job and bonus yoga teaching job etc.

The “old” Tami would feel bad about herself because she got sick despite taking really good care of herself.

What can I say? I don’t mess around when I get sick. I don’t know why I seem to get sicker and stay sick longer than others, but I do. I’m going to try to stop freaking out about getting sick and maybe I won’t so often. Who knows? I’m exhausted by it all.

The “old” Tami would be embarrassed that she isn’t going to do the half-marathon after all.

Getting sick made me reevaluate my purpose for the half-marathon training: to do cardio exercise on a regular basis. Check! Plus I met some truly wonderful women in the process that have expressed an interest in continuing to walk together. Bonus.

The “old” Tami would have brushed off the epic hormonal meltdown last month and not called her doctor – AGAIN.

My hormones make me feel like an angry teenager sometimes. Did I mention the ANGER? Yeah, so I called my doctor and I’m going to try some pills to make my hormones behave more civilly.

The “old” Tami would have not reached out to friends, but turned inward until she felt better.

I have really, really amazing friends. Thanks for all the support and love.

Yoga+Music365 (day61) – R&B Transmogrification by Quasi – The Recipe Edition – Cough Care Parts 1+2!

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

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

Cough Care Part 1

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp honey (local + organic = best)

Sacramento Beekeeping Supplies = best kept secret in Sacto!

Mix to paste.

Gag down.

Follow with warm water.

Cough Care Part 2

Heat (but not boil water) in saucepan, remove from heat.

Carefully place bottle of organic sesame oil in pan or float a small bowl of oil in water.

When heated to body temperature, remove oil from water and rub warmed oil on chest and throat.

Cover with warm shirt and hop in bed.

Sleep without coughing.

Wake up rested and feeling so much better.

Last time I did this two-part couch remedy my cough was gone in 2 days.

I’ll keep you posted on the progress.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think.

Please share your favorite recipes or cold/flu remedies!

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Today’s yoga brought to you by me! I am teaching my BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support & Assessment) classes to new teachers today and I’ve got to get myself ready.

Today’s music is R&B Transmogrification by Quasi. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Quasi? They were the musical obsession prior to the current. LOVE! Better than coffee any day!

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar. That’s THIS Friday! I heard rumors of a RESTORATIVE section – hello heavy use of props! I’m sharing the class with Amanda, so come on by.

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Thank you to all of you who came to my February Recess 5:45 classes. Such an honor to practice with you! Namaste.

NEEDED: Monthly Metaphor

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

What can I say?

I feel like I’m losing my marbles.

(And I’ve got a bonus flu/cold right now, so I’m pretty much a complete mess. Although admittedly after a few days being sick, on the mend).

Seriously though.

I’m crazy.

Not all the time, just a few days a month.

Cranky, irritable, prone to nitpicking, overly critical (as opposed to just regular critical), weepy, mad.

Mad?

Yes, mad.

Both angry and completely loony.

A few days a month, it’s like I suddenly find myself in a DUNGEON.

In the dark.

Alone.

In pain.

Sad.

Mrs. Mean Jeans complaining about the lack of light, the snugness of her trousers, and anything that comes out of anyone else’s mouth.

And the Judges…. the poor Judges… in the DUNGEON taking note about how NOT PERFECT anything or anyone is at the moment….

When I’m not spending the dark days in the DUNGEON,

I feel great:

Healthy

Happy

Balanced

All that wacky self-care really pays off.

Except when it doesn’t.

During a particularly helpful (yet almost hysterical) phone call with a dear friend this morning, she suggested creating a metaphor for this time of the month.

EYE ROLL…

Not for the metaphor part, but for the words- “time of the month”…. ugh.

Hence THE DUNGEON.

Here’s what I want:

A new metaphor.

I’m in search of a kind, friendly, loving metaphor.

Must make me feel loved, not alone, cared for, supported and not crazy.

The new metaphor may invoke a feeling of:

Lightheartedness
Non-judgmental witnessing
Compassion
Kindness
Tenderness
Understanding
Love
Restfulness + Renewal
Renaissance
Beauty in the cycles of the world

The new metaphor must NOT make me cringe by being cliché or patronizing –

Aunt Flow?

The Curse?

The Monthly Bill Due?

You may just find yourself in the DUNGEON.

Yoga+Music365 (day55) – Outer South by Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band – The Negatron Edition

Posted on February 24, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Let’s just say the grumpy teacher has been visiting my classroom this week.

Nobody likes when she is around.

In reflecting on my (ugh, I mean her) general state of prickly-ness, it dawned on me why the shift in attitude.

We just started our MONEY unit at school. Kids earn classroom money for doing work and behaving and pay fines for not. I’ve noticed I’m back to focusing on the behavior I don’t want to see and levying fines instead of looking for students that are earning their keep.

Must change focus – today.

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Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! It’s a staff meeting today. You know you’re jealous.

Today’s music is Outer South by Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band.

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

Yoga+Music365 (day54) – Mud Is My Ally by Harvester – The Recipe Edition!

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

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

I am a hot breakfast kind of gal. For me, a hot breakfast says comfort and love. It also says my stomach won’t be growling before first recess.

Today’s post is dedicated to quinoa (keen-wah) for breakfast. Click here for more information on this delicious grain.

Quinoa

1 cup quinoa

2 cups filtered water

Into rice cooker. Wait until it stops cooking.

Done.

Serve with warm milk, brown sugar, raisins, and sliced almonds. And don’t forget the Udo’s.

Or use the quinoa as a base for the Spiced Apples with ricotta cheese.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Please share your favorite recipes!

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

Today’s music is Mud Is My Ally by Harvester. Yes, Jed’s Harvester. They rock.

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

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Thank you to all of you who came to my February Recess 5:45 classes. Such an honor to practice with you! Namaste.

Yoga+Music365 (day53) – Gone by Dwight Yoakam – (Half) Marathon Training – The Unexpected Edition

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

When I signed up for the half marathon training I wasn’t sure what to expect other than consistent cardio excercise twice a week. The following are some of the lovely treats I’ve experienced during the training.

Nature early in the morning. We mostly walk on the levy and so we’re amongst the trees, shrubs and plants.
The BIRDS! Who knew seeing yellow-billed magpies would be so exciting? I think this all stems from my learning about these birds on our last class field trip to the Yolo Basin Wetlands. (In case you don’t live in the Central Valley in California, I’ve posted a picture below.)
The ease in conversation amongst strangers. Most folks signed up to walk with their friends. Me and a couple other women went solo and have found each other to be great company.
Saying walk out five miles and turn around sounds so much easier than walk 10 miles. I love the semantic game of the turn around and its ability to ease my mind.
I’ve been pleasantly surprized at my body’s recuperation. I’m really tired at the end of a long walk, but after a good home practice I feel fine. Even days later my body feels way better than I thought it would.
I’m really happy with my choice to walk, rather than push myself to run. Thirteen miles really is a long way, so however you get there is a big accomplishment.
Genuine hunger after training. It feels good to be thinking about how to fuel my body in training.

I’ve been struck by how much this training is a form of yoga for me. I’m paying attention to my surroundings, listening to subtle clues from my body, and not pushing myself beyond what I need at any given moment.

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Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! I’m teaching tonight, so I have to prep myself.

Today’s music is Gone by Dwight Yoakam.

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

TONIGHT is the last class in this series!

Music Round Up! Week 7 – Comfort Food Edition!

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

Each Sunday* I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

I’m always looking for new music, so please send me the titles of albums that you absolutely can not live without, albums you wish were on everyone’s iPods and albums you play over and over despite no one else “getting it”.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me (or at least something I haven’t yet listened to in 2010**).

NOTE: I’m linking to Amazon now, so you can hear all the songs. Click on the band names to LISTEN for FREE!

MUSIC ROUND UP!

Day 43:

Title: Phases and Stages by Willie Nelson

Highlights:

Bloody Mary Morning!!!!!!!!!

Pretend I Never Happened

Sister’s Coming Home/Down At the Beer Joint

Will I listen again?

Without a doubt. This album goes well over breakfast. Waffles and Willie on Sunday morning.

In my new found enthusiasm for Leslie and the Badgers Roomful of Smoke, I left out this gem last week. This is the real day 42. Oh well.

Day 44:

Title: XO by Elliott Smith

Highlights:

sweet adeline

baby britian

waltz #2

bottle up and explode!

At what point, do I say the whole damn thing rocks every time I listen?

It makes me want to learn how to play guitar and take up singing in a coffee-house.

*sigh*

I miss Portland, the 90s and my youth.

Will I listen again?

Yes, I think I’m going to go listen to my old Quasi records now.

Day 45:

Title: Anodyne by Uncle Tupelo

Highlights:

Slate

Give Me Back the Key To My Heart

Chickamauga

New Madrid

We’ve Been Had

Will I listen again?

Love, love, love it.

New Madrid is one of my favorite songs of all time. In fact, it one of the only songs I’ve ever sung in public.

Day 46:

Title: My Bodyworks by Jane & Steven Schoenberg

Highlights:

It’s Your Muscles (click the title to hear the whole song!)

Bones

Teeth Are Neat

Everybody Passes Gas

Will I listen again?

Definitely. My students love singing along with this CD. Who doesn’t love a song that explains the digestive process?

I’m always on the look out for kid’s music that I can listen to over and over again. Especially music that has educational content, so if you know any others to recommend, pass them on.

Day 47:

Title: Three Feet High and Rising by De La Soul (click the link for video samples)

Highlights:

Jenifa Taught Me

Eye Know

Ghetto Thing

The Magic Number

Buddy

Me, Myself and I

Will I listen again?

Just so we’re all clear, I have to listen to this masterpiece on CASSETTE.

Where do I start?

Dear DeLaSoul,

I love this record.

I’ve loved this record since the first time I heard it in 1989 in the back of Keryn’s car on the way to the Palladium San Francisco.

The game show intro? Brilliant.

The sampling? Brilliant.

“We are not hippies.” – Brilliant.

If you haven’t heard this classic record in a while, I suggest you dig it out and take it for a spin. If you’ve never heard it, go BUY IT NOW.

Day 48:

Title: The Greatest by Cat Power

Highlights:

The Greatest

Living Proof

Could We

Love and Communication

Will I listen again?

Yes. This is one of the albums I play at work when students are working. They love it too.

Chan Marshall’s voice is pretty haunting.

Day 49:

Title: A.M. by Wilco

Highlights:

I Must Be High

Casino Queen

Box Full of Letters

Pick Up the Change

Passenger Side

Will I listen again?

Yes! This combined with Anodyne and Son Volt’s Trace really brought me fully into the Alt-Country genre in the mid-90s.

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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.

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* Saturday keeps getting away from me, so Sunday is the new Music Round Up! day.

** All this new music is craziness and I miss listening to some of my favorite records. Hopefully you haven’t heard them yet and will add them to your collection as well.

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day51) – Closer to the Bone by Kris Kristofferson – Mrs. Pricklepants Edition

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

February seems like a good idea on paper. It’s got at least two school holidays, daylight is getting longer, and there are only three and a half more months of school.

And yet, I’ve been kind of grumpy all month. Go figure.

Instead of leaving a trail of complaints why February sucks, the following is a short list of things about February that don’t.

We started the Money unit at school and students LOVE earning money for their hard work. They are decidedly less enthusiastic about paying for not working, however motivation is at an all time high right now.
I love teaching yoga! Who knew that something that scared me so much so recently could turn out to be so fulfilling?
My amazing sweetheart surprised me with a very sweet valentine – a little certificate for lunch and a foot massage – by hiding it in the cat food bag while he was away and I actually found it on Valentine’s Day.
Acro-yoga was super fun, even when working with a complete stranger. We met during the middle of the class and managed to laugh all afternoon. She’s the one I’m helping into handstand in the photo.
One of my best friends is moving into a house with a SWIMMING POOL! Fishes like me, love them some swimming pools!
Three Feet High and Rising.
One of my other friends took me to her very fancy gym this week for a spa day. Steam, sauna, and soak – with towel service.
The movie Crazy Heart.
Massage!
Seeing Rhett Miller play and being in the front row.
Reading the Fluent Self and other excellent blogs make me happy.
Yoga
Possibility of summer road trips with friends for more yoga and general all around fun times.
Anticipating seeing my amazingly wonderful friends from junior high over Zachary’s Pizza and a cocktail or two.

What about YOUR February isn’t sucking? Remind me why this month doesn’t totally blow. (That’s your clue to leave me a comment, so I don’t feel like I’m talking to myself.)

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Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! It’s a half-marathon training day.

Today’s music is Closer to the Bone by Kris Kristofferson.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day49) – A.M. by Wilco – Fake Spring Edition

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

I love spring:

the buds on the trees,

the flowers blooming,

the freshly cut grass.

A-choo!

I hate my allergies.

A-choo!

*sigh*

[eyes watering…]

Can you hand me a tissue, please?

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

Today’s music is A.M. by Wilco. Click on the album name for a link to the album. Click on the band name for a link to the band.

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day48) – The Greatest by Cat Power – Handstand Heimlich Edition!

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

Just a little something I learned at yoga teacher school.

Photo credit: Allie Hall

Yoga+Music365 (day47) – Three Feet High and Rising by De La Soul-Recipe Edition!

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

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

Today’s recipe is for the basic smoothie. I know, everyone has their favorite already called Jamba Juice, but I’m here to advocate making your own at home. By making it at home, you can determine the quality of ingredients and figure out your own “boosts” to add.

I use the blender my parents got as a wedding present in 1965 to blend mine. It’s got a glass container and two speeds – slow and fast. Nothing fancy.

Instead of using ice, I use organic frozen fruit. I prefer berries, but peaches and pineapple sometimes make their way in too. During the summer when I’m are hiding from the neighbors because I just can’t eat any more of their homegrown fruit (just kidding!), I’ll toss an ice-cube or two in with it too.

My base consists of plain or vanilla organic yogurt, organic milk or rice milk.

To sweeten, I’ll use a bit of local honey.

My boost of choice? UDO’s Oil 3-6-9 Blend “a certified organic blend of guaranteed GMO-free, unrefined edible oils. This unique blend delivers a reliable source of the omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids that are essential to life, and includes the omega 9 fatty acids.”

Blend for 5 minutes. Pour into a travel mug and leave for work.

The addition of the oil helps make this smoothie a meal replacement. It keeps me full until lunch.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Please share your favorite recipes!

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

Today’s music is Three Feet High and Rising by De La Soul.

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Music Round Up! Week 6

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

Each Sunday* I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me (or at least something I haven’t yet listened to in 2010**).

NOTE: I’m linking to MySpace when it’s available because of the ease of listening to songs, not because of a love of MySpace.***Click on the band names to LISTEN for FREE!

MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Day 36:

Title: The Stand Ins by Okkervill River

Highlights:

Overall, I liked this one. However, nothing grabbed me and demanded a second listen.

Honestly, the best part of this one is my lovely friend Erin wanted to know why I chose this record (I already own it). Apparently I’ll be listening to all other records from Okkervill River because this band is Erin’s Old 97s.

Thank god someone else has a deep admiration for a band besides me.

Will I listen again?

Not to this one any time soon. I’ll be too busy checking out all their other records. Can’t wait!

Day 37:

Title: Hey Eugene by Pink Martini

Highlights:

Hey Eugene
Everywhere (Disney called and they are looking for this PERFECT song!)
Tempo Perdido

Basically all the other songs are cocktail sounds that make me feel very Continental.

I adore this record.

It makes me want to put on my best MadMen outfit and drink cocktails. It’s so not my type, and yet it totally rocks.

Will I listen again?

Yes!

Hey Eugene is like a brain worm. It gets in and plays itself over and over. In a good way.

It also sounds NOTHING like any other song on the album, so don’t judge the record by that song.

Day 38:

Title: The Ecstatic by Mos Def

Highlights:

I got nuthin. It’s just so needing more than a couple of listens. So out of my music realm at this point, it’s not instantly a must listen.

Will I listen again?

Maybe. I need to branch out, I’ve got it, so maybe.

Day 39:

Title: Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective

Highlights:

I don’t even remember listening to it. I do remember J-man telling me that I probably won’t like it.

Will I listen again?

Upon a second listen, I’m still thinking it’s not really my style. I wouldn’t turn it off if someone played it, but I doubt I’ll be the one playing it.

I’m starting to realize one of the shortcomings of this project. Listening once or twice for some recordings, just isn’t enough. Especially if a record is out of your comfort zone. Maybe next time I’ll do one a week and spend a whole week listening to one record so I can really give my thoughts after spending some more time to appreciate each one.

Day 40:

Title: Trace by Son Volt

Highlights:

Tear Stained Eye
Windfall
Drown
Loose String
Catching On
Mystifies Me

Will I listen again?

Yes, without a doubt. It’s a classic road trip sing along. This is one of the first “alt-country” records I loved and it continues to bring a smile to my face with every listen.

Day 41:

Title: The Con by Tegan and Sara

Highlights:

I Was Married
Relief Next to Me
Burn Your Life Down

Will I listen again?

It totally reminds me of the Juno Soundtrack and I have that too. It’s cute, sisterly sing songy, maybe if I put a couple songs into a mix. As an album? Probably not.

Day 42:

Title: Roomful of Smoke by Leslie and the Badgers

GO BUY THIS RECORD!

Highlights:

Los Angeles – folkie deliciousness
Roomful of Smoke – country music at its finest. Someone should write a movie to go with this song. Just sayin.
Old Times – by the chorus I was checking the liner notes to see who was behind all these classic songs. LATB wrote and perform their own music.
Winter Fugue – Leslie sounds very Dolly Parton-esque on this on. In such a good way. I LOVE THIS SONG!
My Tears Are Wasted On You – perfection.

Every song offers some sort of brilliance.Will I listen again?

I can’t stop listening.

Everyone should be listening to this one.

Seriously, buy it and then go see LATB when they come to your town.

Blame Rhett Miller. He’s the one that had them open the show last weekend at the Independent.

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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.

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* Saturday keeps getting away from me, so Sunday is the new Music Round Up! day.

** All this new music is craziness and I miss listening to some of my favorite records. Hopefully you haven’t heard them yet and will add them to your collection as well.

*** If you click on the band name, you can listen to a few songs for FREE that the band has on their MySpace pages. That way you can actually take a listen and then go buy some new music.

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day42) – Phases and Stages by Willie Nelson – The In Case You Missed It Edition! Volume 1

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

I’ve recently discovered the wonderful world of blogs. 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!

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Today I Am A Harbor Seal at the Fluent Self. – Learning to become more relaxed during self-care.

The Seven Dwarves of Social Media at Marissa Barack, Can-Do-Ologist. – Who are you? I was number 8, Lurky, until I just couldn’t keep from commenting on some irresistible posts.

The Seeds of Anger at Gwen Bell, Big Love in a Small World. – Stepping up to help those in need while trying to tame your own demons.

Honesty: The Best Policy for Simplicity at Simplicity by Sunny. – Life-altering truth-telling.

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

Today’s music is Phases and Stages by Willie Nelson. Album link takes you to music and artist link to MySpace.

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day41) – The Con by Tegan and Sara – Refinements Edition

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

This week I’ve thought a lot about this Yoga+Music365 project.

I’ve reached the 40 day milestone, people in real life have talked to me about it (which is such an amazing feeling) and I simply feel different from when I started.

I feel lighter, more clear-headed, more fun.

Maybe it’s the daily yoga.

The biggest indicator that things are shifting in my life came to me yesterday. At school we give HUGE assessments every six weeks and a week or two later get together to discuss the results. We’re looking at data to see how well our instruction is reaching each student and then make a plan how to refine said instruction before the next set of exams.

In the past, testing week was hell. I was very crabby and only worried about results. My stress and results driven ego would essentially ruin everyone’s week.

This time I decided to change my perspective. I would face the assessment results with a sense of curiosity.

Did this last round of instructional refinements make a difference in outcome? Can everyone survive testing week intact?

While testing week isn’t over yet, I am happy to report I have felt a definite lightness in myself. I’ve also seen that lightness translate into encouragement for students working hard and seeing them relax more.

The biggest growth I’ve seen in my students are from my two that struggle the most. I’ve been watching them take their tests this week. Instead of giving up and guessing, each of them is spending time trying to sound out each word and giving their all.

It’s been one big proud teacher moment all week with these two.

So has the refinement in instruction worked?

I would say so.

Has the daily yoga helped me be a better teacher?

Definitely.

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

Today’s music is The Con by Tegan and Sara.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day40) – Trace by Son Volt – The Recipe Edition!

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

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

Cardamom, I love you.

You smell like Fruit Loops.

You taste like perfume (in a good way).

You never fail to bring a smile to my face and make my taste buds sing.

Coconut-Cardamom Kheer

Serves 4-6

3 cups water

1 cup brown or white basmati rice

1/4 tsp salt

1 2 inch cinnamon stick

1/8 tsp whole black cardamom seeds (not whole pods)

3/4 cup coconut milk (yum)!

1/3 cup agave nectar

1/8 cup chopped almonds, plus more for garnish

2-3 dates, chopped

ground cinnamon, for garnish

1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add rice, salt and cardamom seeds; bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 35 minutes, until rice is just tender and there is still a bit of water in the pan.

2. Add coconut milk and agave nectar. Simmer another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep coconut milk from scorching. Rice should be soft and tender. (For a creamier texture, let cool slightly and blend with a hand blender or food processor for several seconds).

3. Stir in chopped almonds and dates. Ladle into bowls and garnish with almonds and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Serve warm.

Recipe from Delicious Living, December 2008.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Also tell me what you like and want to hear more about.

Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga. She is a brilliant teacher+human and she came to my class last night which was at least 87 different flavors of awesome!

It’s also a half-marathon training day. In the rain. Dude, I’m so committed.

Today’s music is Trace by Son Volt. Just so we’re all clear, this is one of the BEST records EVER. Click here to hear.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day39) – Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective – Fueling vs. Food Edition!

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

Recently our half-marathon training coach spoke to us about the importance of fueling our bodies during training so we could know the best way to keep our energy up during the race. She talked about how it’s important to not only stay hydrated with enough water, but that every 45 minutes we’d need to eat something in order to keep going during our longer training days and the actual race.

She brought out examples of all the kinds of racing fuel: gels, goos, beans, powders, bars.

With each example, I felt my anxiety level rise and I felt slightly sick to my stomach. It all looked so futuristic.

During my workout along the trail in Discovery Park, I thought about how I’m going to fuel my body during the race. I try not to eat a lot of processed foods and mysterious “food like substances” like Michael Pollan talks about in his book In Defense of Food – totally creep me out.

Read this book!

I asked Jessica – the coach- during the post workout stretch if we were ever going to talk about food. She laughed and gave me the rundown: 100 calories made up of complex carbohydrates and protein for every 45 minutes of activity. Some suggestions: peanut butter on whole wheat bread, string cheese and cracker, a granola bar.

Endurance race folks: What do you do to keep your energy up during a race? How do you fuel? I’m looking for other fueling ideas for training days, so please share.

Foodie friends: Any ideas to make functional training foods that taste great? Please share your ideas.

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Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! I’m teaching tonight at 5:45 at It’s All Yoga and I’ve got to prepare.

Today’s music is Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Music Round Up! Week 5

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

Each Sunday* I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me (or at least something I haven’t yet listened to in 2010**).

NOTE: I’m linking to MySpace when it’s available because of the ease of listening to songs, not because of a love of MySpace.***Click on the band names to LISTEN for FREE!

MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Day 29:

Title: For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver

Highlights:

Flume (LOVE IT!)
Skinny Love
Blindsided

Will I listen again?

I don’t know what I was expecting, but I thought this would sound different. It’s mostly quiet guitar-y sing song-y which I love. I’m definitely going to listen again.

Day 30:

Title: Brighter Than Creation by Drive By Truckers

Highlights:

Two Daughters and a Wife
Perfect Timing
Self Destructive Zones

Will I listen again?

Can you say Tom Petty- esque? Pretty straight ahead rock and roll. I’ll definitely be adding this to the play list.

Well, most of it. There are some serious duds on this 75 (!) minute album. There are plenty of songs for everyone.

Day 31:

Title: Golden Delicious by Mike Doughty

Highlights:

Um, it kinda sounded John Mayer-ish to me (please, someone make JM stop). I was surprised because I really liked Soul Coughing when my old roommate used to play them. I also loved them when they opened for Jeff Buckley at the Great American Music Hall back when I was a youngster living in the Bay Area.

Will I listen again?

Probably not this album. A couple of his other records were recently recommended to me and I’ll probably give them a listen.

Day 32:

Title: Blame It On Gravity by Old97s

Highlights:

No Baby I
I Will Remain
Here’s the Halcyon
The One

Will I listen again?

Yes, yes I will. I think the Old97s are a seriously under-recognized band. People that love them, really love them. However, most people have no idea about them or only know about them from the TV show Scrubs.

The songs are catchy, fun, and most of the lyrics are smart and damn near poetic. Their live shows are the most fun I’ve ever had and if you should ever see them playing in your town – GO!

Day 33:

Title: Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds

Highlights:

You Don’t Miss Your Water
You’re Still On My Mind
One Hundred Years From Now
Life In Prison

Will I listen again?

Without a doubt. For a brief period, I was banned from playing this at home. I guess someone thought I played it too much. What can I say? I really like Gram Parsons.

Day 34:

Title: Human Like a House by The Finches

Highlights:

Last Favor (one of my all-time favorite songs)
Human Like a House
Step Outside

Will I listen again?

Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs sings like an angel. And she looks like the nicest teacher you’ve ever had. My class loves this record. Whenever I play it for them, they always say “Oh the pretty lady singing!”

Day 35:

Title: Live A Little by Pernice Brothers

Highlights:

Somerville
Grudge F***
Automon

Will I listen again?

I already listened twice this week. Recently I read someone say something like, “Pernice’s voice is like sugar with lyrics of vinegar.” So true!

If you are on Twitter you can catch episodes of the Pernice Chronicles or “Pernice to Me” with Joyce at Ashmont Records. I laugh out loud almost daily.

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.

* Saturday keeps getting away from me, so Sunday is the new Music Round Up! day.

** All this new music is craziness and I miss listening to some of my favorite records. Hopefully you haven’t heard them yet and will add them to your collection as well.

*** If you click on the band name, you can listen to a few songs for FREE that the band has on their MySpace pages. That way you can actually take a listen and then go buy some new music.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day38) – The Ecstatic by Mos Def – The World’s Longest “Pregnancy” Edition

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

When we started the adoption process back in September 2008, several people suggested we start a blog to capture the time while we were waiting to build our family.

In theory I thought it was a good idea and thought I would do it someday because, that’s what “good” adoptive parents do.

Right?

Good adoptive parents record every moment of waiting time so that they have a “pregnancy” story to share with their child when they ask about how they became a family.

Then I got all caught up in the notion of what “good” adoptive parents do and got overwhelmed in the judgement about what I am supposed to do.

I hate doing what I’m supposed to do.

So instead, I decided to just do some projects that interested me while we waited. So far, I’ve taken all classes possible to move across the salary schedule (who doesn’t love more money???), studied to become a yoga teacher and now I’m training for a half-marathon.

Oh and I started a daily writing project about two things I love: yoga and music.

I guess my future kid will at least know his/her mom was super busy while waiting.

Interesting to me now, that this blog about my becoming a yoga teacher is evolving into a kind of “pregnancy” story. It’s documenting the changes in me over time. I guess in my own way, I am documenting my transformation into a parent.

Adoption is obviously a longer wait than biological pregnancy. It’s also a much more personal “pregnancy” because there is no physical reminder of our impending parenthood. If people don’t know we’re adopting – they would never know we’re expectant parents. We don’t have month-to-month bump photos or ironic t-shirts.

We just have a big binder and a whole bunch of waiting.

I’m curious how other people documented their transformation into parents.

How did you document your pregnancy or waiting time?

How did you share that story with your child when they asked?

Biological or adoptive stories are welcome. Please share your stories here.

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! It’s a half-marathon training day.

Today’s music is The Ecstatic by Mos Def.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day36) – The Stand Ins by Okkervil River – Massage Edition!

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

Every Friday I take the day off from blogging.

But what about the yoga and the music? Not to worry friends, it’s still happening, I’m just not writing about it today.

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Let’s be honest, the real self-care comes from knowing your limits, boundaries and taking the time you need to renew.

What will I be doing instead of yoga, music and writing about yoga and music?

In honor of listening to my need for self-care, I’m having my twice monthly massage today. Yep, I get a 90 minute massage every other Friday from Tess Bradley at the Body Mind Center in Midtown Sacramento.

Make an appointment with her – she’s AMAZING! Tell her you read about her here!

Twice a month massage?!?!?

It must be nice. I’ve been hearing for years about this practice.

Why yes, it is.

I look at massage as a financial commitment to my health and well-being. Massage, like yoga, helps me be a nicer person. It feels good and it helps keep me healthy. It also helps me be a better teacher, wife and friend. I started having massage regularly so I could deal with the grief of my stepdad dying and felt all the benefits of regular body work.

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This is what I said the last time I told you about taking time off on Fridays. Not much has changed… I’m having a massage, wishing I could also go to the 4:30 class at It’s All Yoga to support my classmates and to luxuriate in their sweetness.

During my brief recess today I think I’ll concentrate on planning my next class and spending some quality time with the J-man and going bed early so I can be ready for my seven (7!!!!) mile training walk tomorrow morning.

What practices do you regularly do to take care of yourself? Please leave a comment and if your self-care thing interests me, maybe I’ll start doing your thing too.

PS- Think of Fridays as blog-reading catch-up day. If you’ve been a little behind on all the good stuff, here’s my gift to you.

PPS- Sunday is Music Round Up!

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day35) – Live A Little by Pernice Brothers

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

I have a confession.

I never understood why yoga teachers thank their students for sharing their practice with them. I honestly just thought it was something that they say to end a class. Or they wanted to be polite or whatever. In any case, I just didn’t get it.

Then at the end of my first class, with everyone smiling at me, I felt it.

Gratitude.

Like that welling up, spilling over, where the hell did this come from – gratitude.

They (gulp! WE) truly are humbled and grateful for you sharing your practice.

I thought you’d like to know… we aren’t faking it.

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

Today’s music is Live A Little by Pernice Brothers.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day34) – Human Like a House by The Finches – My First Class Edition

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

Monday night I taught my very first solo yoga class.

Despite all my hand wringing nervousness before the class, I absolutely loved it!

It finally clicked why I wanted to do this in the first place: to share something I love with people.

The following is from Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron:

We already have everything we need. There is no need for self-improvement.

These words sum up why I love yoga.

Oh yeah, I also really like the laying down with your eyes closed part too!

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Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day33) – Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds – The Recipe Edition!

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

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

Today’s recipe is from a Sunset Magazine cookbook recipe I found years ago and I changed it a bit.

We grow vegetables in our front yard and every year we have bunches of brocoli at one time. This year the crop didn’t do that well, so the farmer’s market has been our source for vegetables.

Pasta Risotto with Brocoli (or asparagus or other vegetable really)

Prep time: 10 minutes, Cooking time: 12-15 minutes

1 cup orzo or tiny shaped pasta

1 1/2 cups of water

1 1/2 cups broth ( I use chicken or vegetable depending on what I have)

2 cups (or more) chopped vegetables

1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated

garlic powder and dried basil

Combine water,broth, garlic, basil and pasta in a 2-3 Quart pot. Bring to boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Add brocoli and continue to simmer until pasta has absorbed almost all liquid and mixture is like a thick soup (7 to 10 minutes), stirring often to prevent sticking.

Stir in 1/4 cup of cheese, divide and eat.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Also tell me what you like and want to hear more about.

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! It’s a half-marathon training day.

Today’s music is Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds (with Gram Parsons singing!). Click on the album title to listen.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day32) – Blame It On Gravity by Old97s- The Blindfolded Yoga Edition!

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Blindfolded yoga?

I so didn’t make this up.

That would be Michelle.

She’s a fancy yoga teacher who is taking a month off from teaching. She’s been doing this for years, so she can get away with that wackiness. She knows what she’s doing and people trust her. They know she’s driving and so they follow her lead.

She’s pretty much a genius.

And she’s trusting me to sub for her during her time off.

DUDE!

That’s a lot of pressure.

I’ve talked to my Monsters and we’ve come to an agreement.

I’ve practiced my class at home, taught it to my wonderfully patient dude, and I promise to remember to breathe during the class.

I’ll also keep in mind that everyone there isn’t expecting Michelle because they all read her blog about her February Recess.

But back to the Blindfolded Yoga…

As soon as I put the blindfold on, I was filled with a sense of peaceful euphoria. All the striving and ego I fight against in the higher level classes just disappeared. I was free to practice with all my focus internally. I was able to really let go of the anxiety I had been feeling about teaching and settle into concentrating on being in the moment. Of course all those moments included trying not to fall over myself or my props.

For a few minutes I was able to really live in the moment and that’s what yoga is all about.

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! I’ve got to contain my nervous energy somehow.

Today’s music is Blame It on Gravity by Old97s.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Music Round Up! Week 4

Posted on January 31, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Each Sunday* I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me (or at least something I haven’t yet listened to in 2010**).

NOTE: I’m linking to MySpace when it’s available because of the ease of listening to songs, not because of a love of MySpace.***Click on the band names to LISTEN for FREE!

MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Day 21: Sad Panda – no music today…

Highlights:

Will I listen again?

Day 22:

Title: Chimneys and Fishes by Little Sue

Highlights:

Whiskeyhat
Spring Becomes You
When You Lie
Bonnet
Bad Girl

Will I listen again?

When I lived in Portland I would go to Happy Hour at the Laurelthirst Pub every week to hear Little Sue play. In between shows I’d listen to this record on repeat. It still makes me happy every time I hear it.

Day 23:

Title: Actor by St. Vincent

Highlights:

Learning that St. Vincent is a girl. A girl with a very serene and pretty face. Finally listening to the album that made some many Best Of lists.

Musically, nothing jumped out at me. Apperantly, I’m not cool enough.

Will I listen again?

Maybe. It’s really just not my style of music, however that could mean it’s good for getting me out of my comfort zone.

Day 24:

Title: Killed by Bears – Self-titled

Highlights:

Ryan Martin’s sweet voice and catchy pop songs. I honestly loved them all.

Will I listen again?

YES!

Jed gave this to me two years ago when it came out and saying I would love it. He was absolutely right! This is why I’m doing this project. So I can actually make the time to listen to new records I will love if I would just listen to them.

Day 25:

Title: Carried by Dust by Calexico

Highlights:

The singer kinda sounds like Guy Kyser of Thin White Rope and Doc Holler.

Writer’s Minor Holiday
Slowness

Will I listen again?

I’ll probably just listen to Thin White Rope.

Day 26:

Title: Cardinology by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

Highlights:

Go Easy
Let Us Down Easy
Like Yesterday

Will I listen again?

Here’s the honest truth. This album is falling into the category of what I heard first from an artist, I like best. I’ll probably stick with the mellow and rockin’ mixes my friend Stephanie made me. She picked songs she thought I’d like and she was absolutely spot on. If only my girlfriends would include song titles and albums when they make me mixes (hint, hint).

Day 27:

Title: We Started Nothing by The Ting Tings

Highlights:

Shut Up and Let Me Go (very Franz Ferdinand)
We Started Nothing

Will I listen again?

I’m not really feeling the super poppy synth pop girlie singer. Should I ever want a little of this, maybe.

Day 28:

Title: Changing Horses by Ben Kweller

Highlights:

I absolutely loved every song on this record!

Old Hat – watch here.

Very old Willie Nelson/Gram Parsons.

You need to buy this record today!

Will I listen again?

Absolutely!

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.

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

Today’s music is Golden Delicious by Mike Doughty.

* Saturday keeps getting away from me, so Sunday is the new Music Round Up! day.

** All this new music is craziness and I miss listening to some of my favorite records. Hopefully you haven’t heard them yet and will add them to your collection as well.

*** If you click on the band name, you can listen to a few songs for FREE that the band has on their MySpace pages. That way you can actually take a listen and then go buy some new music.

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day28) – Changing Horses by Ben Kweller

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

People keep asking me if I like country music. If it sounds like Gram Parsons then the answer is yes, I like country music.

Today’s yoga brought to you by Madeleine at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento. I’m assisting her Basics tonight and then doing a little home practice to help the monsters in my head relax.

Today’s music is Changing Horses by Ben Kweller. – Who sounds a lot like Gram Parsons!

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

There Are Monsters All Up In There!

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

At 4:30 am I woke up from an awful dream. I was scheduled to teach a yoga class and it was at the house where I grew up. The room where I was to be teaching was longer and more narrow than I remembered, so I switched to another room only to find it stuffed full of furniture and people waiting.

There were couches and coffee table after coffee table after coffee table, and dining room tables. A bar had been set up and needed to be moved and even coffee and Danish.

And did I mention all the people?

Even my dad was there. He said he wanted to try yoga. He’d heard from someone it’s really good for you and since I’m teaching now, he was there for my class.

Are you effing kidding me?

My dad?

The people just kept coming. They didn’t have their mats or their clothes or any of their yoga stuff. There was a sense of anticipation.The time kept ticking and the furniture moving was going at a snail’s pace.

When would we start? How would we ever begin with all the talking, milling about, furniture moving? How would we fit everyone there?

Everyone kept asking me questions…. thinking I was in charge. Like I knew what to do in these strange circumstances. Like I WAS IN CHARGE….

I kept reminding myself to breathe and that it would be ok.

Except I didn’t even believe myself.

I guess my Monsters are trying to tell me something.

It’s now 5am, I’m blogging and I’ve got heartburn.

I guess you could say I’m losing my freaking marbles about subbing for Michelle (my badass, seemingly perfect, rock star teacher) .

I guess you could say that I’m feeling like I need to plan the perfect class and prepare for everything that may happen.

I need to find the perfect story/poem to start the class.

I need to come up with the perfect sequence for every single person in the class.

I need to know every modification and prop to support every person in every pose.

I need to say the perfect words for every pose and have witty, but not too witty banter between poses.

Simply put, I need ME to be perfect.

Can someone talk to my MONSTERS for me?

I am having trouble getting through.

Michelle said she felt better after she let hers rant and rave for a while.

Me?

I’ve just got heartburn.

Yoga+Music365 (day26) – We Started Nothing by The Ting Tings – Books Edition!

Posted on January 27, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I really do heart books. I make it a point to read for pleasure every day. I also read to my students every day.

So naturally when the idea of a yoga studio book club came along, I jumped on it. It’s All Yoga is starting up the studio book club again and Amanda (mama/yoga teacher extraordinaire) and I are in charge.

The first book is:

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by the Dalai Lama and Dr. Howard Cutler (10th Anniversary Edition)

We meet the 4th Sunday at 4pm at 21st and X Streets in Sacramento – at the studio. Unless there is another workshop or event going on. Our other location is Temple Fine Coffee at 28th and S Streets. Please join us!

If you can’t join us in person, feel free to leave comments here.

Please let me know if you read the book and what you think.

Also tell me what you like and want to hear more about. I’m always looking for post ideas.

Today’s yoga brought to you by Kim of Yoga for Scoliosis fame at It’s All Yoga in Sacramento. If you are interested in a Yoga for Scoliosis workshop – 2/6&7 at It’s All Yoga.

Today’s music is We Started Nothing by The Ting Tings

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day26) – Cardinology by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals – -Recipe Edition!

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

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

Today’s recipe was found on WordPress at Healthy Habits Coach. Check out her blog for more healthy recipes and tips.

I love beets and am always looking for ways to get more vegetables in my body. To be honest, I like buying them more than making them. This salad was easy and delicious. The easy is really important because I hate making salads.

Even if you don’t like beets, you should try it. It doesn’t taste very “beet-y” – it’s cool, crisp, crunchy, a bit sweet, a bit tart and it’s really pretty. I wish I had a picture, but I never remember to take photos of my food.

Beet and Grapefruit Salad (for 2)
½ beet, grated (RAW – I kept the skin on)
1 pink grapefruit, peeled and diced {I used blood oranges instead}
1 stock of celery, diced
¼ cup red onion, diced {I omitted – we didn’t have any}
Balsamic Vinaigrette to moisten
Slivered roasted almonds to sprinkle on top

Mix and enjoy.

Please let me know if you made the recipe and what you think. Also tell me what you like and want to hear more about.

Today’s yoga brought to you by the home practice! It’s a half-marathon training day.

Today’s music is Cardinology by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

Don’t forget 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 3/5/10 – so mark your calendar.

For the month of February, I’m teaching a Level 1/2 on Mondays at 5:45. Come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day25) – Carried to Dust by Calexico

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

Three people in as many days have asked me where I find cool stuff on the internet.

My answer: Twitter

Don’t knock it until you try it.

That’s all I’m saying.

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

Today’s music – Carried to Dust by Calexico

Don’t forget 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.

NEW!!!! Mondays at 5:45 in February I’ll be teaching a Level 1/2 at It’s All Yoga – come join me.

Yoga+Music365 (day24) – Self-Titled by Killed By Bears

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

Self-care Tested

My self-care challenge was truly put to the test this week. Bad adoption news kicked my butt.

In order to best care for myself, I took some time off work and tried really hard not to feel guilty about it. I know it was the best thing for me and I got a lot of support from everyone to do it, but I still felt a bit weird about it.

I wasn’t sick, but I definitely felt incapable of functioning. Fuzzy brain, spontaneous crying, and overall body fatigue and aches/pains.

Grief.

No bueno.

I turned to a trusted source for self-care: The Woman’s Comfort Book – A Self-Nurturing Guide for Restoring Balance in Your Life by Jennifer Louden.

Chapters are written like self-care recipes. You find out what the assignment is, what it isn’t, what you need and when to do it leaving you no excuse not to take care of yourself.

Some of my favorites:

A Day Off – It sounds a lot like Pajama Day with excellent ideas like: making a picnic, a bliss list, being a tourist for the day, reconnecting with someone special, just being day, and silent day. I highly recommend this.

Hiding Under the Covers – Doesn’t really need any further explanation, does it? This is exactly what Mary Paffard advocated for us to do – REST.

When I Think of Comfort I Think of Food – permission to eat what you want without feeling guilty about it. I’d argue most American women could stand to read this chapter.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It wasn’t until Saturday morning during my half-marathon training that I really felt the physical effects of our bad news. During my warmup I felt like I was trudging through oatmeal. My legs were heavy and slow and my brain was foggy.

Although about halfway through my walk/run the cobwebs finally lifted and I felt my mood lift and I felt like I’ll eventually feel good again.

I’m so glad for this new found awareness of how a little self-care goes a long way.

Yoga+Music365

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

Today’s music is Killed by Bears – Self Titled.

Don’t forget 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.

NEW!!!! Mondays at 5:45 in February I’ll be teaching a Level 1/2 at It’s All Yoga – come join me.

Music Roundup! Week 3

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

Each Saturday I’ll share my thoughts on the music of the week. Please keep in mind I am not a music critic, just a girl with a musical obsession that needs to be tempered.

Yoga+Music365 is my effort to expand my musical horizons by listening to a new album every day in 2010.

The albums don’t have to be new releases, just new to me.

NOTE: I’m linking to MySpace when it’s available because of the ease of listening to songs, not because of a love of MySpace.

MUSIC ROUNDUP!

Day 15:

Title: Townes by Steve Earle

Highlights:

This is Steve Earle covering Townes VanZant. It’s hard to go wrong with this combination.

Will I listen again?

Absolutely.

Day 16:

Title: Acid Tongue by Jenny Lewis

Highlights:

Hated it. Seems harsh, but it’s true. The last third of the album was better than the first two-thirds, but this was so NOT my cup of tea.

Will I listen again?

No, however I will listen to her band, Rilo Kiley. Love, love, love Under the Blacklight!

Day 17:

Title: Re-Arrange Us by Mates of State

Highlights:

Catchy synth indie pop with a married couple – what is not to like?

Will I listen again?

I doubt this will become a staple, however I can imagine listening to this doing housework or reading the newspaper on a lazy Sunday morning.

Day 18:

Title: Volume One by She and Him

Highlights:

Thought I Saw Your Face Today
Sentimental Heart
I Should Have Known Better
I Was Made for You

Will I listen again?

YES! It is very 60s/70s lounge-y poppy/Burt Bacharach-y

Is this a good time to tell you of my massive girl-crush?

Love her!

Day 19:

Title: Self-Titled by Sara Watkins

Highlights:

folk! bluegrass! pop!

A real singer songwriter.

Will I listen again?

Definitely.

Day 20:

Title: Hitchhike to Rhome by Old97’s (Yes, they are the band I’m obsessed with. I had an extraordinarily crappy day and thought I deserved some well-loved music. Plus most of you haven’t heard this record and you all should.)

Highlights:

St. Ignatius
Wish the Worst
Doreen
Hands Off

Will I listen again?

Um, yeah.

My name is Tami and I have a problem….

Day 21:

I didn’t listen to music this day. Instead I indulged myself in other ways – like some good old fashioned retail therapy.

Check out my new boots! I got them in Curry and super-duper on sale – SCORE!

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.

Today’s yoga brought to you by: the post walk/run stretch by Fleet Feet in Sacramento and the kitchen using “The Runner’s Yoga Book” as a reference.

Today’s music is Actor by St. Vincent.

Massage – self-care or self-punishment?

Posted on January 22, 2010 by Teacher Goes Back to School

I have the best friends in the world.

Ever since our adoption debacle on Wednesday, we’ve received much of what we asked for and more.

Dear friends – old and new – THANK YOU for your generosity and kindness. We are touched.

Today my dear friend, Paloma – real estate agent extraordinaire – took me to get a $20 foot massage.

Yep, you read that right.

$20.

Let me be the first to tell you, this is so much more than a foot massage.

For me, it felt like a trip back to Thailand.

To further explain what I mean, read the following excerpt from our travel journal from our month-long trip in 2005.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Last week before we got to the overnight train to Chiang Mai, we stopped at Wat Pho in Bangkok to see the HUGE reclining Buddha and have a Thai massage at the school of all practitioners.

First things first, the other Thai massages I’d had up til that point were, apparently, fake.

Second, the women doing my massage should have to register her thumbs, knees and feet as concealed weapons because my girl was packing heat.

Third, I honestly wondered what I had done wrong in this or a past life for a “massage” to hurt so much.

Needless to say, I had an hour to ponder all this and more while I tried to distract myself from the pain.

I did feel very refreshed or just relieved when it was over?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A little known fact about me?

I tend to laugh when things are really uncomfortable. It’s unfortunate, but it’s also kinda funny.

Needless to say, I giggled like a crazy person during my massage today. Especially when she slapped my feet and pulled my toes.

Paloma and I grinned all the way out the door. She if I liked it.

I said yes!

But I have a hard time recommending this kind of massage to people.

We laughed all the way home.

Self-care or self punishment?

I guess it depends who you ask.

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