tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72339839700644649862011-07-08T06:28:03.693-04:00adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.comBlogger4461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-28470069428566516292010-06-06T11:19:00.002-04:002010-06-06T11:22:23.906-04:00

If you want to read more by Adriana Palanca, visit the new blog at adrianapalanca.com.The subjects and observations are the same - just the platform that's changed.See you over there!

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-5196543915038911162010-05-09T21:49:00.006-04:002010-05-09T22:46:50.465-04:00

Words. Always words.This was the most difficult aspect to capture. Words are so much a part of who I am. Always have been. They were my first friends, accompanying me from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. They whisper me to sleep at night and sing in my ears first thing in the morning. The last thing I'll see before I die is a word.There is no part of my life where the words are

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-52943686451104082662010-04-30T10:21:00.004-04:002010-04-30T11:02:36.911-04:00

Never have T.S. Eliot's words resonated more with me.April has been a long, trying month and I'm glad it's (almost) over. Hip adjustment. Nerve malfunction in my hand (four physio appointments later). Nasty head cold. Hormonal freak-outs. Creakier-than-normal joints. Wonky sleep patterns.I feel about 107 years old this morning.And because I've been beholden to the whims of my oft-uncooperative

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-73269246485790823202010-04-27T20:17:00.003-04:002010-04-27T21:21:52.337-04:00

The greatest advantage - and the greatest pitfall - of working at home is not keeping a regular 9-5 schedule. It means that if I want to take a yoga class on Wednesday morning, I can catch up by simply working a few extra hours on Tuesday night.The pitfall is that, sometimes my brain gets so tired from a full day of working with words, that it isn't as sharp after 6pm.My solution? Doing something

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-33894429546546453932010-04-21T17:21:00.004-04:002010-04-21T23:53:42.963-04:00

I've been teaching an Introduction to Yoga enrollment class at AYM for the last 5 weeks - we wrap up next Saturday. Big news, right? The honour of being asked to teach at the school that trained me. The immense confidence being placed in me by the people I respect most...You can understand why I didn't mention it until now. I was worried that if it didn't go well, I would have to admit

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-47876870518929463882010-04-19T11:22:00.006-04:002010-04-19T12:47:55.812-04:00

My life has a soundtrack.Reading is a touchstone for your humanity, but music is the touchstone for your soul.I tend not to trust people who tell me, 'I don't care much for music'. I assume that they're afraid of facing something. Listening to music is a very physical experience for me. I feel the bass in my belly, the piano up my spice, and each lyric is a taste in my mouth.No other stimulus can

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-22969156377485346492010-04-12T00:42:00.006-04:002010-04-12T01:12:04.650-04:00

Food, delicious food.Yes, I'm Italian and yes, this may seem stereotypical, but I love food. I consider it to be one of the greatest pleasures of life. I love buying ingredients and preparing it. At a restaurant, I love the anticipation that sets in after you've ordered your food, and then the thrill of seeing the server approach the table with your dish.The first bite. The rush of flavour that

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-3415027866032783852010-04-06T11:55:00.005-04:002010-04-07T23:05:16.803-04:00

Just because I've been neglecting the blog - that doesn't mean that I've stopped tango lessons. In fact, I have finally graduated to Intermediate 1 - and we're halfway through the session already.Now that the steps are more-or-less understood, the challenge at this stage is refinement. That is, making the movements seem fluid, adding the extra decoration that elevates the step, and learning how

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-83550400361170438962010-04-04T21:15:00.006-04:002010-04-04T21:23:09.431-04:00

Cables, cables, cables. iPhone cable. Earphones. Camera cable. iPod cable. Macbook power source. Without them, work - and play - would not be the same. Especially now that I'm a freelancer, I would be lost without these cables.Don't ask about the time I couldn't tell two cables apart.

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-23960692943872393972010-03-29T10:14:00.004-04:002010-03-30T18:34:58.640-04:00

Fifty People, One Question: London from Fifty People, One Question on Vimeo.I feel as if I should watch this video every day.When I started watching, I thought, "Oh, everyone is going to say Hawaii or the like." As the first Brit hemmed and hawed, I nearly stopped watching - "Okay guy, you need to wake up in a place with better hairstylists."But then he said the loveliest thing and my heart

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-67481900701157582652010-03-26T14:24:00.005-04:002010-04-04T21:49:15.807-04:00

I observe a lot. I take in everything - like someone who's afraid that she won't remember anything if she goes blind tomorrow. I can sometimes render what I see in words, but some moments - or feelings - cannot be encapsulated in a few short sentences. So I've given myself a new challenge - to describe my life in 12 photos. To better capture the visual moments that fill me with happiness, but

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-81257463287748344342010-03-24T22:34:00.004-04:002010-03-24T22:45:06.616-04:00

Yes, yes, I am alive and well - simply busy beyond all expectation. Setting up a new business involves a lot of legwork at the beginning - plus yoga, plus tango, plus seeing friends.But I'm here now - and I have a list of topics as long as my arm to write about. Stay tuned - some delicious new content coming shortly.adxx

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-1459895275990869912010-03-11T10:00:00.008-05:002010-03-11T10:35:32.567-05:00

Remember that yoga workshop I told you about?Something else remarkable happened that day but I only realized it yesterday. There was someone in the room whose face and way of speaking kept drawing my attention. I can't even say that it was sexual - there was just something very familiar about this man's face.I was riding the metro yesterday when I realized.This man is close to what I imagine

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-84537968393966739952010-03-06T19:10:00.007-05:002010-03-10T16:02:44.961-05:00

I went to a yoga-meditation-study workshop at naada today with Michael Stone. It was refreshing to hear words that reflected my own perspective on yoga, and even more encouraging to meet other people who share my opinions.Whenever I attend any kind of class or workshop, I like to come away with one stand-out moment or one new idea that inspired me.Today's idea arrived rather late in the afternoon

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-87670204003190433162010-02-28T16:12:00.003-05:002010-03-02T20:59:28.090-05:00

At Tango Fabrika, the instructors always encourage us to change partners every few songs so that we can develop better dancing skills. Not only does it hone my ability to recognize cues, but it's also a real pleasure to feel how each partner has been improving over the last six weeks.The students are pretty game - except for one couple that stoutly refused to be separated every time it was time

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-72741480742986184012010-02-22T21:33:00.005-05:002010-02-25T22:20:17.038-05:00

Have you ever noticed that when two men spot each other on the sidewalk, say, they do this double nod of the head as a non-verbal 'hey'?I have only ever seen men do this little gesture of recognition.Do you know what I'm taking about? And more importantly, does anyone know of a documented case of a female successfully pulling off the Double Nod?I've tried, but it feels clunky and weird. Is there

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-13555000686857391722010-02-19T15:06:00.003-05:002010-02-19T15:12:21.820-05:00

...you know the one? When you feel like you're not good at anything and that everyone is just being nice?That's the feeling I have today.Except I'm wary about saying it out loud - if it's true, I don't necessarily want everyone to stop.

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-32337704644332621412010-02-18T13:09:00.005-05:002010-02-18T15:16:09.253-05:00

I love being adjusted in a yoga class.Whether it's a refinement of the pose or help in going deeper, I get excited when I hear the teacher padding closer. I'm addicted to the feeling that an adjustment gives. With a refinement, there's the rush of finally achieving a more perfect alignment. With an assist, there's the release of muscular tension that washes over me like a warm wave.For example,

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-13315514799014582982010-02-14T19:39:00.005-05:002010-02-16T12:38:34.577-05:00

*the smell of a cigarette being lit in the deep cold*taking a short cut to the metro and hearing piano music from inside the Les Grands Ballets*sliding my feet into already warm slippers*watching the squirrels nibble on nuts I left in the backyard*fur-lined hoodsWhat else?

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-55091661012742657152010-02-12T10:12:00.006-05:002010-02-12T10:38:36.207-05:00

I have a theory about women between the ages of 27-28. This theory was born of my own experiences at that age, and it was further confirmed with the experiences of almost every woman I know. Not exaggerating here.So here it is:Women ages 27-28 undergo a massive shift from the angst-ridden and messy uncertainty of their 20s in preparation for the more focussed and confident 30s. On the inside, it

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-14888628736853655872010-02-09T15:11:00.003-05:002010-02-09T20:56:29.945-05:00

When I first started practicing yoga, I mechanically dragged myself through the postures. I was just trying to keep up. Then one day, the practice moved from "surface, automatic" to "interior, organic".When "the practice" became "my practice", I truly fell in love with yoga.It's the same thing with tango, yes?When I first started dancing, there was a lot of intellectualization happening. Since

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-15195722383544223582010-02-08T11:25:00.008-05:002010-02-08T16:06:24.291-05:00

I visited the offices of Les Grands Ballet Canadiens this morning to see an old friend. My mouth was absolutely dry with excitement - many of you know my love of bodies and dance.As I mounted the stairs towards his office, on the second floor, I saw a flurry of little girls in blue satin body suits and white tights scurrying into their practice hall.On the third floor, we walked by mirrored rooms

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-91488709297813768422010-02-02T19:11:00.006-05:002010-02-02T19:28:23.346-05:00

For 2010, I've decided to keep a list of the books I read. Ed did it, and so did Steve. I like the thought of recording what I've read - to remember which titles I liked, to share favourites with friends and to spark new discussions. I have to remember to add an asterisk to those I really like.So far, I've read:*Vincent Lam, Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures*Joseph Boyden, Through Black Spruce*

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-77890948048741320292010-02-01T21:09:00.006-05:002010-02-02T15:21:25.102-05:00

Good class tonight. The women had it easy - we practiced the cross system, so the men were doing most of the work.And I got praise!In tango, I do not as yet have a way to know if I am dancing correctly because I can't see myself as I move. I can usually tell if a yoga posture is correct because of my inner alignment, but I haven't learned those cues yet for tango.Due to a lack of male partners, I

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-49048669604862635012010-01-26T22:41:00.003-05:002010-01-26T23:18:00.751-05:00

One of the aspects that I'm enjoying this time around is learning about propulsion - or more precisely, the way that the energy emanating from my partner propels me into the dance.We did an exercise this week in which my partner kept his arms open and I held on to his arms just below the biceps ("squeeze it like you were checking the ripeness of a tomato"). He then had to move forward as if he

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-75745569594273084902010-01-24T21:08:00.006-05:002010-01-24T21:28:08.953-05:00

There's a radio ad running on CJAD that cracks me up every time. It's for a local podiatrist and it consists of two women talking. It begins like this:"I know I'm only her grandmother, but I noticed that Allison's foot turns in when she walks..."Perhaps this is a stupid question, but where does one find non-meddling grandmothers like this? Do tactful grandmothers exist? Does anyone have proof?My

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-82936696486840415362010-01-20T16:37:00.007-05:002010-01-21T11:36:50.204-05:00

In his Free Will horoscope for Pisces this week, Rob Brezsny notes, "...I believe you should err of the side of being somewhat self-promotional to compensate for your self-deprecating tendencies."I don't like to think of myself as easily classifiable, but in this case, I fall squarely into Rob's Piscean portrait. My ability to self-deprecate is a long-standing talent of mine - my mother

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-10361007139639681852010-01-18T22:11:00.003-05:002010-01-18T23:01:06.034-05:00

To say that I was excited about my first tango class in over seven months is an understatement. I wore my super sexy dress from Etsy, did up my eyes with mascara and eye shadow, and styled my hair just so. I wanted to step on that dance floor feeling as good as I looked - especially since I knew our first few steps would be clunky.Due to a mix-up with the dates, we turned up for the second to

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-66834731375717848092010-01-16T16:32:00.016-05:002010-01-17T17:49:23.639-05:00

Why do I feel compelled to apply full make-up before going to MAC? I'm afraid that if I go there with nothing on my face, they'll deem me unworthy of the Lucky Green eye shadow I want. "No eyeshadow for you!"I love getting my eyebrows threaded. It's the whole experience. Lovely young Indian woman leaning over you, quietly humming some Hindu love song, her hair smelling of coconut oil. I often get

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-62335682295907365982010-01-11T09:42:00.007-05:002010-01-12T22:40:39.533-05:00

When I was first a freelancer (between 1999-2006), I was living in Montreal West. I was isolated and lonely, and even the simplest errand involved getting in my car and driving. I was miserable. That's why I accepted the full-time job at 90 degrés.Now that I've returned to freelancing, I feel more free and less harried. My days are varied and most shops I need are a short walk away. There are

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-5498061833225043562010-01-06T13:55:00.008-05:002010-01-06T23:34:05.428-05:00

I had a run-in with my ego yesterday. Not sure who won.Here's the situation:Twice a week I take a Level 2-3 class at AYM with Allison. This intermediate class adds more challenging postures from the first and second series into the practice. As a dancer, Allison also likes to experiment with movements that explore how the body moves. For the last few months however, the energy high that I usually

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-15422196174230128722010-01-05T13:15:00.007-05:002010-01-05T23:22:38.629-05:00

I've been talking about writing a lot lately.Not only because people want to know what I'll be doing over the next few months, but also because I want to know more about my writing process. I intend to make this new venture a success, so I need to know as much as I can about my process. Having this information will help me to:create a fair balance between freelance writing and creative

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-4129005410262720012009-12-28T11:37:00.008-05:002009-12-29T00:24:14.352-05:00

After a long absence, I am finally making my return to tango on January 18 (yay!). As we haven't danced since last April, my partner and I have decided to repeat Beginner II.I was tempted to go back to Beginner I, but the holiday potluck at AYM changed my mind.I had just shuffled into the yoga studio with my socks on, balancing a box of clementines on my arm, when I heard Allison call out, "

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-86134368214457530232009-12-26T09:47:00.006-05:002009-12-26T10:55:17.516-05:00

I just popped out for a liter of milk. My neighbourhood, as expected, is as quiet as the tomb this morning.Mile-Enders are good sleepers. On days when there is every good reason to stay in bed, you can rest assured that Mile-Enders will be doing so. The only other soul I crossed on my way to the gas station was an older man, sporting a clean white Santa Claus beard, a Montreal zip-up windbreaker

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-1908521864782473082009-12-25T23:17:00.000-05:002009-12-26T11:38:08.311-05:00

Every Christmas and Easter, my mother makes olive ascolane. It's labour-intensive to make, but this regional appetizer is one of the most delicious things you could imagine.Picture it: three kinds of meat are delicately sauteed and then shaped into balls, which are then wrapped round with the flesh of a pitted green olive.The ball is then breaded and deep-fried. [drool] The key is to eat them hot

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-82263072957470646172009-12-16T17:45:00.006-05:002009-12-16T22:22:43.497-05:00

The nice thing about going through a major life transition is that it provokes you to do a massive clean-up in all aspects of your life.Wallets get re-organized.Email boxes get streamlined.Underwear gets triaged and replaced.Kitchen cupboards get emptied and repapered.Much has been done so far in the great sweep of winter 2009. I even got new pajamas. But the most entertaining part of this

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-81203087395742777782009-12-15T12:54:00.006-05:002009-12-15T17:49:38.836-05:00

In the past, whenever I lost it with a project manager (or two, or three... ahem), I would generally apologize the next day by making them the most delicious lemon loaf ever. Not only was it an effective way of saying sorry, but it also made them less reactive during my next (inevitable) temper tantrum over preposition use.It's a damn fine loaf!Since I only have three days remaining at 90 Degres,

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-89425039948290374102009-12-13T23:38:00.009-05:002009-12-14T10:18:37.150-05:00

An obvious topic of discussion this week has been why I quit my job, some of the factors that led to the decision, etc. But the most remarkable thing to note is that - without exception - the reaction to my news was, "Congratulations!"Every single time.Friends, family, colleagues, yoga buddies and other teachers have all been unanimous in their excitement and support. At first, I worried that it

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-37524580112252267202009-12-08T12:52:00.005-05:002009-12-08T23:51:29.273-05:00

My friend Dina summed it up best, "A wise woman knows when to pick up her pencil and go".Today, I officially handed in notice at 90 Degrees and negotiated my last day of work - Friday, December 18. Although I'm going to miss my coworkers, it was obvious to all that I was no longer engaged with my work.The only thing I'm worried about is... who's going to water the plants?What's next:Writing.More

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-15942153646877376662009-12-07T13:03:00.003-05:002009-12-08T10:02:01.066-05:00

Sorry for the long silences recently - I've been very engaged in reorganizing my entire life lately. Have emptied the closets of doubts, triaged the obstacles and dusted off the self-confidence. But more on that later.In the meanwhile, here's a little roundup of fun blogs, photographers and Twitter peeps that I've recently enjoyed.BlogsCurious about the evolution of yoga? Go visit Roseanne on

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-43916883926971157422009-12-01T21:40:00.005-05:002009-12-01T22:51:13.182-05:00

The LA Times recently published a compelling piece of commentary by Amy Alkon. In it, she writes that screaming children, loud cell phone talkers, and other disruptive people are committing acts of "social thuggery" that "steal our attention" and "wear away at our patience".Alkon does make some very good points and she exaggerates a few, but the 236 comments that follow the article fall on both

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-44895161048780858952009-11-26T00:01:00.007-05:002009-11-26T13:29:06.193-05:00

I really do. I look like her side of the family. I inherited many of her traits. No one loves me more. She's always the first one to offer help - no matter how large the task.Even if she throws out the occasional brilliant comment like - "Is it that you don't want a boyfriend?" or "Wouldn't it be great if you moved back home?" - she's still my mommy.Yesterday night we were on the phone.Ma: I was

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-72985246854306473152009-11-20T11:22:00.006-05:002009-11-20T17:21:50.895-05:00

I was catching up on a week's worth of blog reading this morning when I read a recent post by the extraordinary Roseanne (whom I’ve never even met in RL, even though she lives just a few blocks from me and we seem to be living parallel lives) over at It's all yoga, baby. In this post, she makes a visual representation of her community - that is, who she knows and how she knows them.Wild at the

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-14748234155698680582009-11-19T11:54:00.009-05:002009-11-19T12:05:43.850-05:00

In the car with the Niecelet and Neph last week.Niecelet: Adri, what song is this? I like it.Me: It's Misstress Barbara.Neph: Who?Me: Misstress Barbara, my kittens, is a popular DJ. But not only just any DJ. You see, most DJs are men, so it's pretty extraordinary that she's one of the few women to have made a mark as a DJ.Also she's from the homeland, kiddies. She's *real* Italian. You have two

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-63004836727353787842009-11-16T13:49:00.003-05:002009-11-16T22:13:56.054-05:00

Now that I’m on my three-day schedule, I’m amazed at all the new discoveries I make every Monday and Friday. Here’s a list of stuff from today:The play of late morning light in my kitchen or early afternoon light in the bedroom.Watching kindergarten children have a leaf fight outside a local school, their educators showing them how to gather and throw the piles.Reading a good novel on the

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-88975178909675409282009-11-14T21:13:00.006-05:002009-11-16T10:09:44.743-05:00

...you can't go out of the house without running into someone you know.Back when I lived in NDG/Montreal West, I could run out to the pharmacy wearing dirty sweatpants and my hair pulled back into a sloppy ponytail. The chances of running into someone I knew were slim - and there certainly weren't any attractive/available men wandering the Cote-St-Luc Shopping Centre.I could have worn a potato

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-68913187330569335872009-11-11T17:43:00.014-05:002009-11-12T17:07:35.950-05:00

We all have our "bad" days. Days when you can't seem to get anything right, when everyone is apparently out to get you. But however bad your day may be, the blanket statement "I had a really bad day" is never truly accurate.Truth be told - in the 10,000 tiny events that happen every day, not every single one of them were "bad". Chances are, the majority of those events were probably positive or

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-41212055302501494532009-11-09T22:30:00.009-05:002009-11-10T23:46:05.855-05:00

Here's a confession that will baffle you.I like fight movies, but kung fu, not gun fu and not that Steven Seagal stuff either. Chow Yun Fat is alright and all, but I much prefer the likes of Tony Jaa in Ong Bak, Jackie Chan in Rumble in the Bronx, or Jet Li in Fist of Legend.Yes, the tea-drinking, non-meat eating yogini loves da kung fu. In fact, you should have seen my face when I saw the

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-33655057636388193802009-11-04T09:13:00.003-05:002009-11-04T11:16:00.107-05:00

Sometimes you can make yourself feel better by thinking of all the people that have it worse off than you."oh, at least my situation is not as bad as So-And-So"This is a terrible way to think because in doing so, you implicitly desire that suffering will continue to exist. If it doesn't, then what crutch will you use to make yourself feel better?The same is also true when you complain that

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-65916011054388958412009-11-01T21:49:00.000-05:002009-11-01T22:23:55.890-05:00

I've spent the last two weeks preparing a short story for the CBC Literary Awards.I started with an initial character and began building slowly, collecting the ideas as they came in during long walks, good meals or extended backbends. Moments in which I felt "stuck", I turned to The Space Captain, a fellow writer who asked the right questions and offered valuable input.I sent off my submission on

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-32915710787309657932009-10-28T12:13:00.008-04:002009-10-28T18:57:45.650-04:00

Why do I always end up looking like a spaz in front of my family?I like to think that I'm a capable person with resources enough to resolve most situations and smarts enough to call for help when I need it. I rarely lose things or have a *really* messy house. I'm good with navigation, a trustworthy person to loan stuff too, and fairly punctual.I do okay, you know?But every time the Palancas

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-39498976166237617762009-10-24T14:40:00.003-04:002009-10-25T23:52:50.941-04:00

Yogis at Ashtanga Yoga Montreal know that class with Allison always begins with a short talk explaining a yogic concept. She often uses real-life examples to illustrate what she means and likes to ask us questions to encourage our participation.This Saturday, she asked, "Why do we chant?"So I cast my mind back over the numerous readings we did during teacher training, and skimmed memories of past

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-91688006050741002782009-10-20T13:19:00.005-04:002009-10-20T22:47:51.825-04:00

So I'm finally migrating to Wordpress. I've started browsing blog templates and I'm a little stuck.My criteria:Minimalist, preferably with a white background to draw out the colours of any fotosWidget-friendlyRoom for growthSo far the frontrunner is Wu-Wei, although I keep getting drawn back to Apricot. Feedback? Suggestions? Recommendations? Ready, set, go!

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-79274346195597892442009-10-16T14:41:00.008-04:002009-10-16T18:20:47.051-04:00

As you may have previously read in this space, I am now working a three-day week. Today was my first full day at home -- and besides taking snaps of the last roses of the season -- it has been a very productive day.I did the laundry while moving sentences around in my head.I wrote the middle of the short story long-hand.I walked downtown while organizing the verbal movements of hands in a broom

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-15861372258552679102009-10-15T11:46:00.011-04:002009-10-15T14:38:21.358-04:00

What to do? What to do?Lately, I've heard from several friends who are freelancers and who are dealing with clients who consistently show no respect for the expertise and talents of the person they hired.It's a situation I know all too well from my freelance days.In almost every case, the client is demanding changes that do not jive with the original briefing, the overall purpose of the page, and

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-979438852661946342009-10-07T09:54:00.007-04:002009-10-07T12:20:04.448-04:00

I warn you now - this week is all about the memes :)Today's meme comes from Bram @ Connect to the Sky, who got the idea from Perez Hilton. The idea is not only to reflect on how the intervening years have shaped who you are, but also to see if any of the advice you offer your teenage self could be relevant to you right now.Dear Adriana, age 16,It's probably making you a little nervous to be

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-67985885131747844122009-10-05T11:08:00.008-04:002009-10-05T15:32:20.673-04:00

During yoga teacher training, we were given a detailled list of when not to practice yoga:* if injured* if menstruating (opt for a gentle restorative practice instead)* if you have a head cold* if suffering from disabilities, severe, acute or chronic medical conditions (unless your doc says okay)But I would also add:*when your body and mind do not want itLet me explain.Yes, it's

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-20966590560195264302009-10-02T09:10:00.010-04:002009-10-02T11:07:49.670-04:00

Some days I think I'm fed up with the Web and I just want to cuddle with an old-school notebook and pencil.And other days, I'm downloading new desktop tools, grovelling for a GoogleWave invite and troubleshooting basic html.As much as I love negotiating language and playing with words all day, I'm exhausted by the constant stream of activity and information. Between Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-26929241086351945542009-09-28T10:46:00.005-04:002009-09-28T23:13:01.356-04:00

Okay, okay, I know a large-ish part of my music collection consists of 'women with little voices'. Emiliana Torrini. Lykke Li. Camera Obscura. Ariana Moffatt. Basia Bulat. The Be Good Tanyas. Etc.But 'women with little voices' often provide a very nice background noise for writing.Thanks to my good buddy Porkchop (not his real name), I recently discovered Marie-Pierre Arthur, an emerging

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-31230198067147172332009-09-27T11:29:00.015-04:002009-09-28T19:16:24.023-04:00

I'm actually reading three books at the same time. I don't do this very often, but the three selections are so varied, it feels alright.Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance by Robert M. PirsigWritten while I was still happily gestating in my mother's belly, this classical philosophical text remains relevant despite the 30+ intervening years. It's been an enjoyable read for two reasons: (1)

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-88244069174749596172009-09-22T16:22:00.014-04:002009-09-23T22:57:25.547-04:00

As the transition at work has just begun, I'm still in the office on Mondays and Fridays but I'm technically working on my own projects.It's nice for the rest of the team because if they need something quickly, I'm here. So far, I've been busy in the mornings with mandates for our clients, but I spend a few hours every afternoon on creative brainstorming.I thought the situation might be too

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-67148852193301573242009-09-21T16:19:00.010-04:002009-09-21T16:28:27.396-04:00

While reading a pranayama book by Richard Rosen, I found this most interesting passage:...to be playful is not to be trivial or frivolous, or to act as if nothing of consequence will happen.On the contrary, when we are playful with each other we relate as free persons, and the relationship is open to to surprise; everything that happens is of consequence, for seriousness is a dread of the

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-24715650871859312702009-09-20T00:22:00.000-04:002009-09-20T00:23:21.810-04:00

The waters, I am glad to report, are starting to clear.After a heartfelt conversation with my boss and a mini-brainstorm with our production director, it has been decided that I will soon begin working a 3-day week at the agency.The arrangement that we're testing will force my project managers to do a little more advance planning, but it's flexible enough to keep projects on schedule. The bonus

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-32102637699359541982009-09-19T00:21:00.007-04:002009-09-19T00:40:13.365-04:00

In trying to find a suitable substitute for meat-based shepherd's pie, I found a few recipes for a lentil-based version.I played around with some of the flavours and came up with the following. Let me know if it works out for you - or if you have any further suggestions for making it even better.PREP TIME: Little more than an hour.1) In a medium-sized pot, pour two cups of green lentils into four

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-17204250530274835042009-09-17T08:44:00.002-04:002009-09-18T10:19:51.629-04:00

In 2002, I was given a photocopied page from Irish Times Magazine with the following article. It left me breathless - and jealous. I tried to find an electronic copy, but alas, I had to type it out instead. Enjoy.Carefully Chosen Words by Molly McCloskeyThe Irish Times Magazine, June 15, 2002Picture this. We’re standing in a word shop, somewhere outside the city. It’s a Sunday, most likely, a day

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-25896238211914483602009-09-16T20:49:00.000-04:002009-09-16T21:25:51.740-04:00

I begin teaching at the NDG YMCA on Sunday. What is my number one concern?Whether to OM at the beginning and end of the class.Students can have fairly strong reactions to the OM. Many people "feel like an idiot" when they OM. Others feel as if chanting is too trendy or "granola". Or that if they OM, I'll be brainwashing them next.Since I'll be dealing with a drop-in, multi-level class, I want to

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-90928977945318560752009-09-15T10:29:00.018-04:002009-09-15T18:57:26.457-04:00

If my Google Analytics are correct, many of my fellow Web-denizens are looking for snappy Facebook status lines that they can throw in an ex's avatar face.Although I like Lily Allen's breakup style, I will try to keep this clean. Mostly.So here are some for the ladies:Lily says, "Next, suivant!..."Lily is amazed! This one runs on batteries but it does the job better! Twice even!Lily would miss

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-71381021155393181512009-09-14T12:06:00.003-04:002009-09-14T12:14:09.683-04:00

Good news - my tango adventures begin anew on October 21! Until then, I have some new music to keep me happy.What I miss about tango: The way some partners will sway you from side to side when the music starts. Almost as if they were weighing your contents to better understand how to move you on the floor.If you missed my previous adventures, get a taste here, here and here.

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-48277253995576721102009-09-09T13:23:00.005-04:002009-09-09T13:37:39.406-04:00

As I am often looking for the English equivalent of a French term, I will conduct searches on both the English and French Googles to cast the widest possible net.This morning, I noticed that the "helpful" message on the English results page differs from the message on the French page.You've all seen this:But have you seen this?Did you mean? vs. Try this spelling:Is it just me or does the English

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-88658031598863083062009-09-08T20:39:00.010-04:002009-09-08T21:58:29.478-04:00

Ladies – does this sound familiar?* A project/situation/person at work is frustrating you.* It drags on. You begin to doubt your abilities.* You start eating a little sugar in the afternoon. Maybe add (more) coffee.* You live alone so you don’t get a chance to vent in the evenings.* You’re suffering from man confusion.* As you mull over the absurdity of it all, your calorie count gets upped in

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-67053101493231490992009-09-02T19:15:00.010-04:002009-09-03T22:52:45.235-04:00

Sometimes I get so weary of the Web and its never-ending traffic of words and images. There are too many must-see videos to watch. Too many new technologies to learn. Too many passwords to remember. And I'm still not quite convinced that Twitter is useful for me right now.It was only recently, while reading a blog post about social media, that I finally realised why I get to feeling this way:

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-61206127324726781542009-08-31T13:59:00.013-04:002009-08-31T18:27:17.335-04:00

A major complaint about Facebook is that you're often contacted by old friends/once enemies/exes and other creatures you could quite happily live without."We never spoke in high school and she once started a rumor about me having herpes - why is she sending me a friend request?"And then the Facebook netiquette angst hits. Should you accept just to be polite? If you ignore the request, will she

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-52881209008128240752009-08-30T21:44:00.017-04:002009-08-30T22:43:27.137-04:00

I went horseback riding today for the first time. My teeth were clenching for days just thinking about it, but once I got on the horse, I relaxed into the moment and gave myself over to the experience.It was easy to do because Pearl, my horse, was the sweetest, most docile creature ever born.Seconds after being lifted into the saddle, I found myself being transported quickly to a pile of hay.

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-88546679379358505582009-08-24T19:46:00.003-04:002009-08-24T20:00:03.362-04:00

It has been a rotten day. Mostly.I add the "mostly" because blanket statements are inaccurate - and ultimately harmful. Even on the worst of days, if you are open to looking, you'll find moments of lightness.As I drove to NDG tonight, muttering angrily to myself, I resolved to find something about this day that I could love. At first I tried to think of something that might cheer me up, but after

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-5975076458976788982009-08-23T20:02:00.010-04:002009-08-23T22:14:42.442-04:00

People assume that because I am Italian, I must be a great cook.Although this has not always been the case, my skills in the kitchen had improved considerably in the last few years thanks to (a) becoming vegetarian, (b) buying my own home, and (c) tips from Jamie Oliver.Before moving to the Plateau, I lived in an apartment located in a quaint (but remote) residential area wedged between NDG and

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-14162702807857703542009-08-19T16:20:00.004-04:002009-08-19T16:24:14.079-04:00

Remember that men detector cartoon I shared with you in July?I found the source - AND - there's a female version :)See both cartoons in full size here.

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-36340632661321218152009-08-15T08:54:00.006-04:002009-08-15T20:36:13.119-04:00

The parents called from Italy this morning.My mother still thinks that long distance technology is stuck in the 1960s, so after a few minutes of listening to her yell through the receiver, I was duly passed to my more-reasonably-toned father."Brutta!" he bellowed down the line.I giggled and answered, "Hi, pappino!"Brutta, as you may or may not know, is the Italian word for "ugly". My father and I

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-45527478235688751162009-08-11T23:11:00.011-04:002009-08-12T15:46:21.973-04:00

I was looking through my cookbooks for a good risotto recipe, and I found a great one in Cook with Jamie.I'm a big fan of JO. And not just because of his Bottoms Up Mugs.So what's the big deal with Jamie Oliver, you ask? Why do all the ladies get a little giggly at the mere mention of his name?It's not because he's famous.It's not because he's cute.It's not because of the adorable lisp.It's

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-21047356500704420322009-08-09T17:29:00.006-04:002009-08-09T18:08:40.510-04:00

There seems to be a lot of this going around lately.La remise en question, as they so aptly term it in French.Some have attributed it to the economic crisis, with lay-offs and bankruptcies forcing previously complacent professionals to find new work, get retrained, or rethink their career paths entirely.Highly-paid consultants are becoming massage therapists, marketing professionals are turning

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-4087226040943117572009-08-03T10:16:00.011-04:002009-08-03T15:11:11.796-04:00

Have you ever sat down and made a list of your particular quirks? I have - and thought I might share it with you all in the interest of improving our friendship. That is, if you know the following stuff about me, you're less likely to get all flustered with me.Walking time. If you ask me how long it will take to walk somewhere, automatically add 5-10 minutes to whatever time I tell you. This

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-32345411697719927392009-07-30T07:44:00.001-04:002009-07-31T00:00:08.190-04:00

Remember that James Blunt song, "Beautiful"? Made all the girls swoon?Well, not me. But I've always had an ambivalent relationship with the word. As much as I hungered in my youth to hear that I was beautiful, I never inspired that kind of poetry from men. One boyfriend once remarked to someone else that I had beautiful eyes, and another one tossed, "Hey, you look beautiful tonight" as he bolted

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-2809052522761456372009-07-29T13:16:00.003-04:002009-07-29T13:19:56.968-04:00

If only...

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-55797106374699694272009-07-22T13:45:00.008-04:002009-07-22T22:15:55.787-04:00

In the three weeks since I’ve returned to work, I’ve barely practiced. My body has been rebelling. Its displeasure is clear and I’ve had to accept a less rigorous practice – or no practice at all.Once the imbalance in my hips was resolved, the strain in my neck returned. That was taken care of in turn, thanks to the osteo, but only to be replaced by a cold that knocked me out for four days. I am

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-43261532263442397522009-07-21T15:35:00.007-04:002009-07-21T22:26:34.996-04:00

For one of our Saturday night dinner/movie soirées, Powell brought over He's Just Not That Into You.The movie wasn't particularly compelling - or enlightening. There's a strong performance by Jennifer Connolly and I'd watch Bradley Cooper peel potatoes, so it was somewhat entertaining on occasion.The thing is, I'm not entirely convinced by the whole theory backing this film.Alex, played by The

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-65185188580055833902009-07-15T21:55:00.010-04:002009-07-17T10:17:30.189-04:00

We're all of a certain age here, aren't we? We have life experiences. We've shared in the life experiences of our friends. We've all made mistakes. We got some stuff right. And then we made more mistakes.C'est la vie.Maybe some of you have children, or have friends with children. Think about all the drama in your life that your kids don't know about. Or are too small to understand.Now imagine all

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-70584803179844321862009-07-13T00:10:00.028-04:002009-07-23T10:29:44.803-04:00

It's not easy being a man. And no, this is not some segue way into a rant about the stupidity of men. I just don't envy the pressure they're put under.The best way I've heard it described: "Men are expected to know the answer before the question is even asked".So if I understand this correctly: perpetual certainty is a must, displays of weakness are to be avoided at all costs, and must he-man

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-26140869366814064102009-07-10T08:54:00.002-04:002009-07-10T09:03:46.208-04:00

Me: So the French word for scapula is omoplate.Unnamed French colleague a certain sexual persuasion points to himself.UFCCSP: You mean, homo plat.

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-19989955959056159982009-07-08T10:05:00.000-04:002009-07-08T21:58:58.557-04:00

If you Google my name, most of the entries are book reviews I've written for the Montreal Review of Books (MRB).Although my requirements for a "good" book are fairly simple, I'm a hard reviewer to please. I want a good story, well told. I don't really care about genre or style, as long as it feels true and has a satisfactory ending.The last book I reviewed was "Porny Stories" by Eva Moran. If you

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-13006376625967807862009-07-06T10:41:00.001-04:002009-07-06T10:42:47.132-04:00

In the last few weeks, I've had the following conversation on numerous occasions:Anonymous friend: So I was on Facebook the other day and I looked up an ex/friend from high school/university/the old neighbourhood.Ad: Oooo. Never a good idea.Anon: Turns out they're married/have kids/own real estate/went to Harvard/teach the blind/run a small island country -- and I can't even remember to water my

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-5252966781091651752009-06-26T22:31:00.021-04:002009-06-28T11:40:40.486-04:00

To kick-start my return to regular-life programming, I stayed up late and saw Camera Obscura live at La Tulipe tonight.We had decent seats behind the sound guy. Right before the encore, I glanced over to see him stretching behind the board. Neck rotations. Arms straight up in the air. And then, he squirmed his hands between his shoulder blades into reverse prayer position.My first reaction was, "

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-7996560883367056922009-06-21T17:54:00.017-04:002009-06-21T21:19:14.974-04:00

What? You don't know that I've been taking a yoga teacher training course for the last three weeks? Read previous installments here, here and here.First, the disclaimers:I am privileged to be participating in this yoga teacher training program. Not everyone has the means or the time for such an endeavor. I am very lucky.I also have the privilege of going through this experience with 25 charming,

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-47649353236078839782009-06-18T19:41:00.008-04:002009-06-28T11:45:27.246-04:00

Some random facts to underline my progress thus far:I have yoga callouses on the inside edge of many fingers.I had a meditation injury (tweaked sciatic nerve thanks to a badly placed wooden block).Top three things I see every day: my feet, my hands, my cleavage.Invite yogis to your house. They're fun AND they clean up. My whole class came over for a potluck last night and I couldn't pull the tea

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-47001957609822450542009-06-16T19:17:00.007-04:002009-06-16T19:24:39.872-04:00

Where I spend my dayWhat I spend it doingWho I spend it withThanks to Jacques for the great snaps.

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-69943998544559791142009-06-13T20:44:00.020-04:002009-06-14T12:07:05.804-04:00

Or, the Day that Too Much Vata Got the Better of Me.Or, a Spectacularly Bad Morning at YTT.When I woke up from an uneasy sleep, my knee was feeling a little tender (I got too fancy yesterday) so I travelled by metro to take it easy. I noticed on the way out that my hair was dry and puffy, but I didn't bother trying to fix it. No time. By the time I put myself on the meditation block, my allergies

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-71057738027488663582009-06-10T18:48:00.010-04:002009-06-10T20:07:11.135-04:00

Why is a shower so comforting? I just took the longest, hottest shower in the history of the world and am essentially ready for bed.Except I have to read. And my notes need some attention. And I don't have a lunch for tomorrow. And So You Think You Can Dance is on.Buuuhhh.So the fatigue has set in - and it arrived exactly when I expected it would. My body has finally caught on that this new

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-46030962213816018422009-06-08T17:33:00.013-04:002009-06-08T19:55:57.995-04:00

So happy. Just so happy.Every day of yoga teacher training is a challenge, but it is blissful work. I am learning so much about myself and the bodies we've been given. With each passing day, I am more convinced that this path is right for me. For the first time in ages, I feel like I am engaging in purposeful work.And then today, Allison clarified what makes a good yoga teacher. It goes something

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-26248239353346455762009-06-05T20:38:00.005-04:002009-06-05T20:51:19.289-04:00

Sitting on cushions on the floor of the studio, having breakfast and chatting with Sven. On the wall behind us there's a metal cut-out of the OM symbol hanging on a nail.As I pour tea, my elbow brushes the metal cut-out and it bangs against the wall.Sven: Om-wrecker.Ba-doom-cha!

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-55622731524555245192009-06-04T17:23:00.009-04:002009-06-04T20:15:34.663-04:00

Eugene explained on Wednesday that a good yoga teacher must help her students discover and understand their bodies. In order to do this, a good teacher must first know her body well.That's when I realised that one of the goals of teacher training is to learn my body well. And it was a timely discovery too, as it greatly helped me get through the first truly intense day of training.Let me

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-6157952066467338812009-06-02T17:25:00.009-04:002009-06-02T18:52:49.144-04:00

As the days go by, the 26 students in the teacher training program are slowly getting to know one another. There's a lot of "I'm sorry, what's your name again?" and "Where are you from?", but no one minds answering.Today, I got to talking with Van and she said something extraordinary:"The yoga studio is the only place where there is no gap between what I'm doing and who I want to be."Can many of

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233983970064464986.post-57818092876325622032009-05-31T20:02:00.004-04:002009-05-31T20:07:08.023-04:00

Plenty of clean clothes for the week.And sweet snickerdoodles from Dina.

adhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486703627452277170noreply@blogger.com0