Yoga Salutation

About a week ago I was lucky enough to have been able to meet with James, a yoga instructor from the Yoga Center. He talked with me to help me identify my strengths and weaknesses. This really was very painless. I was not supposed to have any knowledge of yoga (trust me, mine is minimal) but I could not resist sharing what I did not like. I really am not flexible. It is as if someone wrapped my whole middle in saran wrap then cardboard. I can't touch my toes or really bend like I wish I could. He had me lay on my side and do some stretches and well as bending over from a standing pose. He then determined that my upper body - shoulders and arms- are much stronger and more flexible than my lower body areas. I am also more flexible on the right side than the left. I will say I am learning I do not know which muscles I am using when I am moving. I need to increase muscle awareness. (I am still not sure how to do this).



Then he developed a sun salutation just for me! A sun salutation is a short routine or cycle of poses you move through to increase or improve target areas.

While its name might evoke images of some exotic, surfside ritual, the reality is that the sun salutation is simply a down-to-earth, almost mundane-looking sequence of yoga postures that can bestow some rather extraordinary fitness benefits! Think of it as a sort of slow yoga dance, comprised mostly of forward and backward bending movements, often with some twists and side tilts inserted to balance out the routine. The potential benefits of the sun salutation are impressive; they include increased flexibility to the hamstrings, enhanced upper body strength (notably, the muscles in the back of the arms), better strength and mobility of the low back, and improved flexibility in the chest and front shoulder muscles. And since it's performed in the hatha yoga format of uniting breath, posture, and mindfulness, you stand to further gain benefit in the form of stress reduction, enhanced quality of breathing, relaxation, and--believe it or not--increased energy

He emphasized breathing and thinking of the moves and getting deeper as I go. I enjoy doing this after I work out. It is a nice cool down and stretch for my body overall. James used little stick figures to create my personalized routine. I really like it because he adapted several traditional yoga poses for me so I really can do it and experience it for my body. I think this is how yoga really works best for me. I envision adding to this routine after a few more weeks with consultation with my yoga friends, Nora and Stephanie.

As I was looking for something else about yoga, I found the idea of naked yoga. I guess it is real. I am not even remotely interested in this but I wonder who would be?

Fitness Update
I forgot to weigh myself today (usually I do this on Mondays) but I think I am down about 10 pounds-possibly more- even with all the cake and candy from V day.

Resolution Updates

So far I am trying to make due on my 3 areas of focus for 2009. Let me remind myself:

1. Exercise
   
2. Financial Reform
3. Fun!

I think so far I have been very successful with #1, exercise, but I am still wondering when I will see an impact on the scale. I am being very impatient- I know. I can actually make it through a cardio class now and breathe. I definitely felt like I was dying 3 weeks ago. I met with e personal yoga trainer, James, adn he set me up with my own Sun Salutation. I will blog about that another time. He determined I was strong, especially in my upper body but I lacked flexibility especially in my lower body. Not a huge surprise! He made my own little routine for me to improve the areas that need it most. I really enjoyed the personalized approach.

Financial reform...argh. I just don't see anyway to do better that we are. This is the most frustrating and yet I seem almost powerless in this realm of my life. I need to think more and talk more in this area. I have been keeping track of spending and I am spending less. The bills just never seem to end. Is it just me?

Finally #3, FUN! The superbowl party was fun- thanks Nora & Jeff! Walking around the block was more fun than I counted on! I think the little fun things I do with the kids like that are waht really matter. Ella had a girl in her preschool who was having a party today which I decided was not something she needed to do. Instead she spent time with daddy cooking and making puzzles while I worked out. She was so excited! So I am really learning that fun does not need to be a party - just an interesting activity for those involved. However, next week we shall have a "Super Duper Valentine Birthday Party" for Lars, Alice & Greta. Fun all around! It has been a pretty stressful week at work with conferences, meetings and paperwork galore. I need more fun! Watch out.

25 Things About Me

1. I love to do crafts and sew.
2. In a prior life I was a waitress and used to have nightmares about burning down the restaurant and rolling silverwear (not at the same time!)
3. I love being a mom.
4. I did not think I was going to have kids for a long time. It was not a goal.
5. I am pretty good at fixing electrical things and repairing house stuff in general.
6. I have been to traffic school for speeding. (13 years ago!)
7. I have been to more than 15 Phish show concerts. And I would like to see them this summer. Dream!
8. I love movies in general! But I really love well written and directed movies. They are often ones I can't watch til the kids are asleep.
9. I am slightly obsessed with my children's closets. I love to bargain shop at Stuff & Goodwill. Garage sales are just around the corner.
10. I worry about my mom - a lot. But not sure how I can help.
11. I am thankful to have my mother in law be one of my best friends.
12. I'm sad a close friend may move away this year. I am in denial.
13. I cannot wait to get my own classroom next year. Not having a room SUCKS! No matter how many times I smile and say I can deal, I still hate not having my own space.
14. I hated gardening as a kid but now I can't have a summer without one.
15. I love living in Iowa City. I think it is a great place to raise my kids.
16. I used to go by Jeni.
17. Clothing is meant to be dried outside. Best smell ever!
18. I really think crocs are the ugliest thing ever invented! (though cute on kids!)
19. When I met Bret, we had a "Shot of the month" club. Wild turkey for November.
20. I am a good skier. I even taught a blind student to ski!
21. I don't get people who are mean. Perhaps I am too nice.
22. I used to be a ravenous reader. Now I am lucky to read one book a month.
23. It is a great thing that my husband is also the one who knows what I am trying to say when I can't say it.
24. I think religion and politics should bring people together not polarize neighbors against one another.
25. I love my daughter's smile and son's dimples, and absolutely everything about them!

Retro Santa

I am age 4 here, same as Ella is now. I showed this to her and explained it was mommy as little girl. Ella then proceded to tell me that there was someone under there. She then was convinced it was not really Santa although she could not exactly tell me why.

Of note- this is a terrible beard, but it looks like I did not care at all. I do not rememebr seeing Santa every year, so this was likely a very special event. I also can tell you my daughter definitely has my feet. Don't my feet look huge for a 4 year old? Ella currently wears a size 12/13 at age 4 1/2. Lars is wearing a size 9 at 2 1/2. I also love my hair- looks like I attempted to cut my bangs. And just for Nora- another short hemline. I think it was the style in the 70's. Ella is so retro these days. And what is there to say about the white tree? Love it!