Now that it’s getting colder (when I left this morning, it was a terrifying 42F), it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming holidays. I mean, it’s only 26 days until Halloween, and I haven’t been to a big box store in a while, but I’d imagine that the Christmas decorations have already snuck onto the shelves, competing with the Halloween costumes and candy.

I’ve already gotten a gift for my mom, and it arrived safely a few days ago. I’ve only begun thinking of ideas of what to get for Adam and Aidan and other people.

I don’t care for the cold, but I don’t mind this lead up to the holidays so much. The cold weather is accented by the pretty oranges, reds, and golds of autumn, then the festive greens, reds, and silvers of the holiday season. There’s Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping and wrapping gifts and Christmas music to listen to. Lots of opportunity for photos, and even I can admit that evergreen boughs with red bows sprinkled with snow is gorgeous.

But once the holidays are over, it’s just nothing but dirty, grey, slushy snow. Slick, slippery ice. Cutting winds. Bitterly cold temperatures and the depression that comes with it. As far as I’m concerned, once Christmas is over, the snow can go away and the temps can start being in the 70s and above. If the seasons went this way: Spring-Summer-Fall-Spring-Summer-Fall, I’d be happy. The ONLY good things about winter, in my opinion, are Christmas, Aidan’s birthday, and our February trips to Disney World. Summer really does go too fast for me.

But I still have several months until January, and I still have lots to look forward to in the meantime, so YAY.

(Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)

Well, there was no more denying it after today. Temps in the low 60s/upper 50s, rain, grey. Adam’s favorite but blah to me. Still, it was a good day and for that I cannot complain. And as you can see, I’ve updated my site’s theme to reflect the new season. Do you like it?

Today the iPhone 5 came out. Adam and I were both due for upgrades. I was going to wait because my iPhone 4 is still great, but when Adam came home with his new phone and started ordering Siri around, I decided I wanted to go ahead and upgrade today as well. Especially because he told me that he’d only waited in line for 20 minutes. By the time I got there, there was no line at all!

I got the white one. It’s so fast and lightweight and the screen looks great.

( Read more... ) (Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)

At the beginning of August, I had the privilege of teaching a yoga class at Musecon, my favorite convention ever. It’s not a sci-fi con, it’s a con for more creative folks. The emphasis is on things like writing, knitting, art, photography.

Here are a few pictures from the class I taught (pictures from the Musecon photo gallery):

I got really good feedback. I think they want me to come back next year.

(Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)

Aidan is back in Ohio. He left early this afternoon. It was hard. It always is. The summer good-bye is always the hardest, though. Because he’s been with me for so long and I’ve gotten so used to him being here. It’s so quiet in the apartment now.

Yesterday, all three of us went to Naperville just to hang out–our last full day of hanging out in the summer of 2012.

He’s like a kid in a…oh.

We had a fun day. I miss that little booger. *sigh* But this year, I did something I’d never gotten the chance to do. I got to buy Aidan all his school supplies and some of his school clothes! Chris and Matt usually do that after Aidan’s in Ohio. Chris did buy most of Aidan’s school clothes, and Matt got him his backpack. But I got to buy all the supplies (I’ll take any excuse to buy office/school supplies) and his lunchbox and socks and stuff like that. Probably kinda silly to get excited over that, but I’m not going to apologize for it.

So, this evening I’ve been sort of relaxing but also trying to sort out all the stuff I need to start focusing on. It’s time for seasonal deep cleaning. The annoying thing about cleaning is that it doesn’t STAY that way after all that hard work. But a dear friend of mine pointed me toward the UFYH tumblr and it has some really great ideas about getting stuff done. Adam wants to reorganize our coat closet area in the front room, which I’m totally in agreement with. I have a LOT of coats and I’d love to see them all contained in a wardrobe that CLOSES. If we can find one big enough. I’d like it to have room to hold shoes and purses as well. I know.

I also need to go through all my clothes and get rid of stuff. Like for real. I have too many clothes and nowhere to put them. It’s time to go HAM on that stuff. The last time I did that was 2008. Basically, here is a rundown of all the work I want to do:

- Declutter my closets. All three of them. Getting rid of clothes, shoes, coats, anything I simply cannot fit or don’t/won’t wear anymore.
- Thorough cleaning of Aidan’s room. Boys are truly disgusting sometimes. I’m not sure WHAT Aidan did in there but man. Adam and I have our work cut out for us.
- Clean up the foyer. The motor oil stain on the carpet out there–we can’t do anything about (don’t even ask but it wasn’t our fault), but there are random boots and shovels and paint cans out there. I’d like to clean it up at least a little bit.
- Organize all my CDs. I have a buttload of CDs and I have to figure out how to get them somewhere easily accessible yet they need to be nicely organized.
-Redo the DVD shelves. They WERE organized, but Aidan and Adam have since ransacked the things looking for certain DVDs and/or video games.
- Unclutter my lotions, soaps, hair products, fragrances, makeup, etc. I have SO MUCH of that stuff and most of it just needs to GTFO.
- Clean out the refrigerator. It’s back to being a hot mess.
- Clean out carb city. Cause there are things there that have been there since 2008 or 2009 (unopened, of course), and y’all, that ain’t kosher.
- Get rid of old magazines and catalogs. I don’t know WHY I am holding on to some of my magazines… I get so many free subscriptions and honestly, the ONLY ONES I ever really read are Reader’s Digest and Yoga Journal (which are not free, go figure), so I need to let all the other subscriptions run out and just keep those two, right? I mean, I LIKE having my bathroom filled with Popular Science (come on, it’s SCIENCE!) and W and the Rachael Ray magazine (they were all free!), but Newsweek is usually outdated by the time I get around to reading it. I don’t even know what else I subscribe to. Oh wait, Fitness or Self or Shape something like that. I don’t need to renew those subscriptions. And catalogs. I keep Free People around for writing inspiration, but I need to just cut out the pictures I like and trash the rest. I don’t want to get rid of my American Girl catalogs but seeing as I have them come to two different addresses, I don’t need to have doubles of all of them, now do I?
- Do something about the HUGE number of books I have. Which will be painful, but is so necessary. We’re completely out of shelf space.
- Clean up my doll display. I still haven’t unboxed my Designer Jasmine and Tiana, and one of my Ellowyne Wilde dolls is hidden behind a baby Tiana doll. Poor Katniss is sitting here like “WTF. You bought me as soon as you could and now I’m just sitting here in the box.” I need to change my Julie out of her summer clothes and into an autumn outfit and maybe I should think about displaying another American Girl doll because I have 12 of them and most of them are in a bin in Aidan’s room.

Me and Julie, when I first got her in 2009.
She was an early birthday present.

The Katniss Barbie I just got last week.

Some of these need to be done immediately, others (like the CDs and DVDs) are pipe dream projects that will happen when I’m inspired, have time, and really just want to get it DONE. I also feel like some trips to Garden Ridge and/or The Container Store and/or Ikea need to happen for everything to take place like I want it. AND I need to have a plan when I go into those stores. We went to Ikea last week and my mind just goes like this about EVERYTHING whenever I’m there:

And then I get all overwhelmed and I’m just like:

So I really need to have some sort of plan before I hit those stores. It’s cute that Ikea sent me a huge catalog the other day, isn’t it, tho?

Basically, though, for my sanity and just because it’s better, I need to seriously tackle some projects around the house. Get some music on, bust it out, room by room, and be like:

Maybe I can post before/after pictures? Make it kind of a series here? What do you think? I wonder if I could even stick to it, but it would be great accountability….

In other words, I got my yoga teacher training midterm today. Twelve pages, 225 questions, 4.5 credit hours. I have until September 20 to get it done. Trying to coordinate meetings with my other classmates so we can work on it together. I’ve already filled out a few answers that I knew off the top of my head. We’ll see how it goes.

My 2013 Life Planner arrived on Saturday. I think it’s super pretty!

My 2012 Life Planner has been amazing. I take the thing just about everywhere and I love showing it off to people. It’s worth every dime I paid for it, and I’ve already started filling in my 2013 Life Planner. Lots of yoga teacher training things to populate.

And this guy finally got to come home with me:

Love Beast!

One thing I really want to do is cut back on my Internet time. I waste away many, many hours on tumblr and Facebook games when I have toys to be played with, books to read, hell, books to WRITE, yoga poses to practice, journals to write in, pictures to take, an exercise bike to use, and of course, there is that list^^ of all the cleaning I need to tackle. But it’s hard because as a freelancer, I am essentially ON CALL and need to be available, at least from 9am-5pm M-F. (Who am I kidding? Like I actually get up at 9am!) And I’m actually really happy with the amount of work I’ve been getting. It’s just the right balance. Enough to keep me quite busy, but it’s not taking over my entire life and stressing me out to the point of tears and wishing I would get sick so I could call off work.

But in the evenings? I really need to unplug. One thing I loved about the movie Juno was that the parents were never on their computers. They were always doing crafts or projects–engaging in hobbies that were not computer/tablet/smartphone related. And even though I suspect that Juno was set in a time when life wasn’t so computer-centered, it’s still nice to see.

OK, this entry is really long. Sorry about that. I guess I had a lot to say.

‘Til next time!

(Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)

Had a really cool week of yoga breakthroughs. Sunday, I taught a yoga class at Musecon and at the end of class, I went into my very first Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose). Never thought I’d be able to do this because that pose typically hurts the top of my feet and my butt doesn’t really sit on the floor. Granted, I probably did it wrong, but it felt nice.

Wednesday, I did my first ever Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance). OK, forearm balance is a challenge. Not going to lie. The prep for it is super challenging. BUT I did it, with some encouragement from the apprentice. How surprised was I when I floated up there?

Then yesterday, I got to take a workshop with Kathryn Budig, where I did my first ever Parivrtta Surya Yantrasana (Compass Pose). (How funny that the article highlighting this is written by her!). It was awesome!!!! I also did a variation of Visvamitrasana, and that was pretty sweet.

So, needless to say, I’m pretty tired today. So, you get a short and sweet entry.

Night!

(Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)

I don’t go to the beach enough. This is no good. I really need to go more often. The beach is lovely, especially when there is a waning gibbous moon to gaze at.

(Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)

It’s August, you guys. How did it get to be August? So many things coming to an end this month. Today was the last day of my first yoga teacher training apprenticeship. Next Tuesday will be the last day of Foundations training. And next Wednesday evening is my last homework review.

Which means it’ll be time for me to settle down and play catch up for a bit. I’ve got loads of plates to color in my Anatomy Coloring Book, some reading to catch up on, and some things to prepare for in the fall. But I am definitely going to take a breather because it’s gonna be CRAZY once fall hits!

I didn’t talk much about my apprenticeship here. I did most of my venting regarding that over on my yoga blog. Not venting in a bad way at all. Amber was great. I learned so much from her. I got to teach poses in three different classes, and by my third class, people were complimenting me. Complimenting me on my teaching, on my adjustments… it was pretty cool.

Honestly, I’ve spent a great deal of July slacking off. I mean, I’ve been going to training and workshops and things, but I didn’t go to a lot of yoga classes in July. I have been working like crazy–it’s busy time for my clients–and spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME playing SimCity Social (taking a break from FarmVille) and reading tumblr. So I’ve been doing what I’m supposed to do, but I’ve not been taking time to do more productive things in my free time. There is a saying out there that says any time doing something fun is not time wasted, but well, you know.

I need to get back focused, though. More exercising–back to yoga and back on my exercise bike–and getting my coloring and reading handled. So, there you go. A quick update. I’m tired now, so I’m heading to bed. ‘Til next time!

(Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)

The Too Tired to Think Meme part 1

1. You have 10 dollars and need to buy snacks at a gas station. What do you get?
Water, Doritos, and something chocolate.

2. If you were reincarnated as a sea creature, what would you want to be?
A mermaid.

3. Who’s your favorite redhead?
Oh this one is hard! I adore Karen Gillan, but I also like Ron Weasley! And Ginny Weasley. SO basically ALL the Weasleys.

4. What do you order when you’re at IHOP?
A Rooty-Tooy Fresh & Fruity, but with all bacon.

5. Last book you read?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (for the millionth time!)

6. Describe your mood.
OK.

7. Describe the last time you were injured.
Can’t remember.

8. Of all your friends, who would you want to be stuck in a well with?
*shrug*

9. Rock concert or symphony?
Symphony! Went to a bunch when I was in grade school. Had no idea how awesome it was. Would love that opportunity again.

10. What is the wallpaper of your cell phone? The number? (We’ll just say “hi” – promise.)
My wallpaper is a picture of Aidan and me. Not posting my number.

11. Favorite soda?
I don’t drink soda.

12. What type of shirt are you wearing?
I’m wearing a purple tank top under a black one.

13. If you could only use one form of transportation?
Seems like some of this question is missing….

14. Most recent movie you have watched in theater.
The Hunger Games.

15. Name an actor/actress/singer you have had the hots for.
I had a big crush on Adam Brody about eight years ago.

16. What’s your favorite kind of cake?
Jello cake.

17. What did you have for dinner last night?
Spaghetti.

18. Look to your left, what do you see?
A door. Table piled with books and toys. Adam’s overflowing trash can.

19. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
Nope.

20. Favorite toy as a child?
I loved my Barbie Dolls.

21. Do you buy your own groceries?
Sometimes. Adam buys most of them.

22. Do you think people talk about you behind your back?
Yes.

23. When was the last time you had gummy worms?
It’s been a minute. I’ve had bears more recently. (And when I say recent, I mean sometime in June.)

24. What’s your favorite fruit?
Peaches (in season) and Rainiar cherries.

25. Do you have a picture of yourself doing a cartwheel?
No, but I have a picture of myself trying to do a handstand.

(Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)

I had a bumbley week, emotion-wise. For some reason over the weekend, I started feeling really down on myself in regards to the teacher training, in regards to my diet, in regards to everything! I tried to keep it on the down low, but it kept coming out in the form of random irritability and crankiness. I haven’t been to a yoga class in well over a week, and well, some days it was just not good. I felt resentful of yoga, and the yoga lifestyle, and the…things required in my life to be a good yogi. Which you know, is just as messed up as when I was really into the evangelical church and always worried about being a good Christian. I just need to be ME, and “me” is a girl who does yoga but also likes to scarf down candy bars and eat bacon.

But I’m better now, sort of. Tonight we had a homework review and the leader, who is also our counselor, said that my feelings are normal and will come and go. It’s a roller coaster; she said to enjoy the ride!

I think part of my problem is that it’s mid-July, and that it feels like summer is practically over already, even though the Solstice happened less than a month ago. It’s been super hot outside, even uncomfortable for ME at some points (and y’all know I like the heat!), and it’s totally been feeling like summer. I’ve been craving a scoop of chocolate ice cream in a sugar cone, and I haven’t had enough cookout food. I’ve had TONS of pizza though….and I am covered in mosquito bites from hanging out outside with the neighbors from the next block Sunday night. Worth it.

I’ve been MISSING Disney World like a missing thing that misses stuff (not that I really fancy going in the middle of July, however). I want to eat loads of Iowa sweet corn. I want to visit my mommy in her new apartment. I want need a pedicure. I want to go to Half-Price Books and lose my freaking mind. I am LONGING too much and that is no good!

I’m sure I’ll snap out of this soon. In the meantime, here are some photos:

Aidan and Mommy!

I love summer!

I briefly got to have a s00j last week!!!!!

Best Curls Ever

Adam, the birthday boy on July 13

We’re having a thundershower right now. The breeze feels nice. I was going to take a shower (just got a big ass bottle of Dr. Bronner’s baby mild soap. I don’t care too much for the way it smells WHILE I’m washing with it but love the way I smell afterwards. Weird, I know), but because of the storming, I will wait until tomorrow. Now it’s time to play around on some websites before taking a book and heading to bed. Possibly a snack first. I’m still hungry.

Till next time!

(Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)

I’ve spent the last week kinda slacking off. Here’s an instagramalicious summary:

1. Aidan & Lena
2. Homemade chips and salsa
3. Oreo-topped molten cake (Sweet Jesus, it was delicious)
4. Me being a dork
5. Aidan sitting in a very interesting way
6. Moksha!
7. Free snow cones!
8. Planner
9. Fourth of July Jello poke cake
10. Little Lena
11. Sadie Nardini – who told us how much she will make this year and well…. holy crap.
12. Awesome bird that cost $550 ON SALE (we did not buy him)

It LOOKS like a lot more than it really was, I promise you. That’s because I thought I’d do the Photo a Day July thing but meh. I’ve lost interest already. I suck at those things. I spent quite a bit of time playing games on Facebook and rereading Harry Potter books and rewatching Harry Potter movies. I did manage to teach Aidan a little bit of yoga, though:

That was fun. Eventually, he said “Mom, you do your yoga, and I’ll play the Wii.” And I had a decent practice that night!

So I had an OK week, despite feeling pain in my side again, which I’m working on treating, and not eating nearly enough fruits and veggies. And also feeling inexplicably cranky too often. Definitely moody. And getting tired of all the screens. The TV is constantly going. Adam’s constantly in the room on his iPad. Aidan’s constantly staring at YouTube, and I’m constantly staring at MY screen playing games, reading blogs, or obsessing over Tumblr. No bueno. Now that the weather has cooled down (no lie, I’ll take the searing heat over the dead of winter ANY TIME but it was even a bit warm for me at times), I really want to go outside (somewhere there is a lot of trees and grass), sit under a tree, and read and listen to my iPod and let nature recharge me.

I need to focus again. Teacher training and my apprenticeship did not take place last week due to the holiday but next week, we’ll be back, working on standing twists (oh joy–time for me to topple over in class!) and whatever else can be squeezed in. Wednesday I have to teach a sequence during my apprenticeship session. I’m only a little bit nervous now, but I know I’ll be SUPER nervous come Wednesday. I’ll be teaching to the public, y’all. *bites nails*

I have to do work for teacher training, work freelance clients, and I have library books I need to read before Saturday. I also need to start reading yoga books for my book review. BUT I get to spend Friday with my dear friend, which I am looking forward to more than anything. It’s also Adam’s birthday and I believe brunch at Bleeding Heart is going to happen (Lord knows what we can find for Aidan to eat there but I can see him going for the chicken) so that should be fun.

For now, I leave you with a video of the fireworks on my neighborhood from the Fourth:

Later!

(Originally posted at http://anywhere-is.net. Comment here or there.)