Blessed

Well I finally did it! I finally became a certified yoga teacher.  I was so happy when I finished.  I worked really hard and I was so nervous to teach my class.  Why?  I have no idea.  I knew I could do it, I knew no physical harm would come to me, it wasn't life or death yet for some reason I was terrified.  I finally scheduled it and the night before reviewed the class I had planned several times and felt confident.  The entire night I tossed and turned and kept repeating the sequence.  My alarm went off and I started with the doTerra oils and chamomile tea to help with the nerves, yep they were back.  I get to the class after a porch swing pep talk from S and of couse nothing goes as planned.  Long story short I couldn't teach the sequence I had planned so I had to fly by the seat of my yoga pants so to speak.  All in all it turned out well and I received my certificate.  I have been filling in for my teacher for the Saturday class I take and I really enjoy it.  It is perfect for me!  Other than teaching I am working on a couple projects, one being yoga related and I will keep everyone posted.

Today S and I went to Autumn with Topsail.  It is an arts and crafts fair and they had all sorts of things everything from yard ornaments to jewelry, soaps to pottery.  The weather was perfect for it.  They had a band and several food vendors.  We actually ran into my mom and Mark.  It was a nice way to spend the afternoon just walking around outdoors.  We saw a couple things we really liked but once we thought about it we decided we didn't really need it.  There was a lady there that sold necklaces and earings that have little shells in them. Allison got a pair the last time she was here visiting and we went to the farmers market.  When I went to Charlotte for a conference I was able to spend time with Allison and she wore those earings and they were so pretty.  I got a card so I may call and order a pair.  If I do I'll post a picture and her information.  

After we got home we decided to build a fire in the firepit we constructed.  It was cool out so it was the perfect temperature to sit outdoors by a fire.  Our neighbors even came over and sat for a couple hours.  It was such a beautiful evening the stars were so bright, an owl was hooting in the background and the crickets were chirping.  It was just a perfect night.  Bella had fun at first but then she got really cold.  She ended up in a chair covered up with some towels.  

All in all it has been a really nice weekend.  There is still one more day left.  Tomorrow is bagel, beach and bath day for Bella but I think we will skip the beach.  Hey you never know we could change our minds. Hope you enjoy!

Topsail Island NC after the beach Lunch

Today was a beautiful day on Topsail Island, NC.  I have actually gone to the beach (not one we anchor up on when we are out on the boat) for the last three weekends.  My friend Allison came to visit a few weeks ago and we went every day she was here.  A couple days we just took a long walk but a couple days we took our chairs and sat right on the surf where the waves were breaking.p

The last two weekends S and I have gone to the beach on Sunday for a couple hours.  

Just sitting there on the beach, eyes closed, waves rolling on the shore, and the sun wrapping around my body like a warm blanket lulled me into a trance like state.  S found a piece of a sand dollar and I thought how sad, it was probably so beautiful when it wasn't broken.  As I held it in my hand and studied it I realized it was beautiful just the way it was.  I kept it and I am going to add it to my collection.  It just goes to show you everything is beautiful in its own way.  

We saw a little crab on the shore line and he would run away when the waves would roll in.

I just love the water at Topsail, it is so clear and even standing in knee deep water you can see the bottom.

I did play around with some yoga on the beach when I went with Allison and when I was sitting on the beach today I realized I want to offer a class on the beach.

The beach always make me feel so relaxed yet so energized.  It is a wonderful feeling.

Well after we leave the beach we like to stop and get something to eat on the island.  We were going to Hot Diggity Dogz (no I was not eating hotdogs) but last weekend S and I decided we would never go back there.  We were sitting at a table outside and there was a family sitting next to us at another table when a group walked up to the window to place an order.  We heard the owner start yelling at them about brownies and how he doesn't serve brownies and they need to leave.  He went on and on about it.  We (along with the family sitting at the other table) were trying to figure out if he knew them and was just making a joke but we soon got our answer when he walked out and started ranting about it again.  He was on and on about how he paid good money to have his menu signs made and there were no brownies listed and if anyone else asked for a brownie he would basically go off on them as well.  We all just looked at each other because he put us in a very uncomfortable position.  S and I didn't even turn around to look at him or acknowledge him.  What a jerk! So as a result we will never be going back there and I'm pretty sure the other group that was sitting out there won't be going either.  So if anyone is reading this that is planning on visiting Topsail Island NC or lives there and is looking for a place to get something to eat stay away from Hot Diggity Dogz.  After we left the beach today we were trying to figure out where we wanted to eat and we had seen Beach Bunny and many times said we wanted to try it so we did today.

I must say we were very pleased.  Nice atmosphere, clean, good food and great service.  I would highly recommend.  They have burgers, subs, pizza, and appetizers.  Some similar food the the NY Deli on the island but to me much better. S and I really don't care for the NY Deli it always seems a little dirty and the people that work there aren't overly friendly.  

So my yoga teacher training is coming along well.  I just need to teach a class with my instructor observing me.  I have actually taught a couple classes and really enjoyed it.  Now I think I may wait until I sub again and then invite my instructor to that class to observe.  The last time S and I went on the boat we anchored up on an island and I played around with some yoga poses.

I actually played around in the water too.

All in all it has been a pretty great summer so far.  I hope you enjoy. 

Much Love.......

Yoga Teacher Training Pt. 1

Well I have started yoga teacher training! This is something I have wanted to do for many years. I'm still unsure what I plan on doing once I receive my certification. I go through phases, one day I think I want to teach and the next I don't. I know I really enjoy sharing what I know about yoga (I'm realizing I have so much to learn) with people when they ask questions so maybe teaching is my calling, but check back with me tomorrow I could change my mind again. I have come to realize that if I don't know something I get stage fright. Considering I did pageants, modeled and currently have to speak in front of crowds at work, stage fright was not something I thought I would have to concern myself with. Guess I was wrong. We were doing training exercise where we would instruct the other trainees in sun salutations. The first week my heart was racing, I rushed through just to be done with the process. I felt very uncomfortable with the entire situation my voice even took on a different sound. The next week I went in feeling better. I was ready and then the wrench... The group started practicing as they instructed. When it was my turn I was so busy doing my own practice and dealing with a little stage fright that after starting out strong I ended up with a not so strong finish. I learned I can't do the practice and teach it at the same time.   Maybe after I become more comfortable teaching I would be more comfortable practicing while I teach, but I've learned this isn't always best because as an instructor it is your job to make sure the students are doing things properly. On to week three, I felt more confident and I know the more I do it the easier it will become. I just need to build my confidence. I know this stuff, it's the same stuff I've been doing for years. Key word "doing" not "instructing".  I need to stop overthinking everything. At the end of this brilliant journey I may come to realize it is just that, a journey to help me grow in my practice or I may decide I want to teach. Either way it's going to be a great ride and I will keep you posted. 

Happy New Year!

2014 has come and gone. I sit here pondering my list of New Year Resolutions and what I would like to accomplish in 2015 (I really hate that phrase, it should be more appropriately titled "another list of things I won't do because I'm so busy barely keeping my head above water now as it is). So because I love lists and note books (yes it is a sickness 😳) I will make my Resolutions for this year and make a damn good effort at keeping up with and/or achieving them. I love feeling that satisfaction of marking something off a list. 

Well I must say the year started off with a bang. We had a really bad storm. This is not the typical weather conditions for Wilmington, NC. 

We also ended up with a hurricane. Hurricane Arthur arrived on our coat just in time for the July 4th holiday. 

We were able to go on the boat a few times. It was always such a nice little get away. Bella loved being able to just run on the beach when we anchored up and I loved finding all the cool shells and sand dollars. 

Bella also loved going for rides on the golf cart. Oh yeah we got one of those this year so we could take rides around the neighborhood. It's actually a lot of fun and relaxing. 

I started yoga teacher training and I am really excited about everything this experience will give me. I will keep everyone posted on my progress. 

We had a really nice Christmas. It was wonderful getting to spend time with friends and family. It was even nice enough to take a ride to the beach. 

Mark, mom, S and Bella looking out at the ocean. 

S, Bella and me (I'm doing a little dancers pose😜)

Topsail Island/Surf City NC

Wonderful snowman! How festive. 

So as we go into the new year I wish happiness and love to all. Many good things to come. Hopefully I should be finished with my teacher training, S will be retiring and who knows what else will come our way. 

CHEERS TO ALL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Birthday, bagel, boat, and beach!

It was a fun filled weekend I must say. Saturday was my birthday so my mom came over.  S, my mom and I had lunch and then we decide to take a drive to Topsail Island.  When we got there we walked around a few of the shops. The traffic was crazy! Beautiful weather and a holiday weekend  but the drive was still nice. When we got back to the house we had vegan cupcakes from Wholefoods. They were so adorable, I loved them         (see the picture above). They always do such an amazing job. After mom left S and I sat on the porch swing for the rest of the evening. All in all a great birthday. 

The balloon and flowers were pictures sent to me by S's very good friend. S and I always say that's the best kind. ;)

Sunday Funday also known as bagel, boat, beach and bath day for Bella. S got up and went to the local bagel shop and got bagels for the three of us (yes Bella gets a bagel, not the whole thing, just the egg and a little piece of the bagel). After we ate we loaded up and took the boat out for the first time in 2014. We timed our trip so the sandbar we like to walk on is exposed. The only time we can walk on it is during low tide, any other time it would be under 6-8 feet of water. 

I am standing by the boat in water almost up to my knees looking back at the sandbar. Last year we went to the sandbar 1-2 times and each time we were the only ones, this time 4-5 other boats showed up and a total of about 30 people were there. They really didn't come to the side we were on so Bella was still able to get out and run and boy did she run. Last year I found a few sand dollars that were already dead but I found a ton that were still living so I didn't take those. This year I was on a mission to see if I could find more. As I walked along  the shore of the actual underwater sandbar that shares it's space with us for brief moments at a time I think I see something in the ripple of the water. As I wait for the water to settle my excitement builds and sure enough it was the gem I was searching for, the sand dollar. No sooner had I picked that one up another one was almost right next to it. They seemed to be one right after another. Then nothing.  S and I both continued to look and together we found over 40. A few were very brittle and broke and we found several that were still living so I took them where the water was deeper and set them down gently. 

We found a few more after I took these pictures and then we decided to just sit and relax for a bit. After that we took the remainder of the sand dollars to the boat and went back to the beach to just walk around and let Bella run some more. I could tell the tide was starting to come in, where we were once walking was being covered with water. As we were headed back to the boat I happened to look down and found and empty sea urchin shell. So cool !

Never in a million years when I saw sand dollars and sea urchin shells in the beach tourist shops did I think I would be walking on the beach and finding them myself. How amazing. What an amazing day. 

Bella always has a great time. Next time I'm going to post a video of her running. She still isn't sure about the boat but she will get there. I don't think she will ever like bath time. 

Memorial Day Monday was an uneventful day. I spent 98% of the day in the house. S and I watched some TV shows and he did spend part of the day in the garage piddling. Rest and relaxation before another workweek starts. 

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend as well! Bye for now!

Cirque Du Soleil and More

This was a really great long weekend. Wednesday one of my best friends, Allison and her mom, Joyce came for a visit for a few days. It all started months ago when S and I told Allison how much we enjoyed seeing Cirque Du Soleil Quidam. She said if they came back to Raleigh and we decided to go to let her know because she would like to see them. In January I received an alert that Cirque Du Soleil Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour was going to be in Raleigh, NC. Fast forward to Wednesday April 2, 2014 S, Allison and me sitting in the PNC Arena waiting for the show to start. 

This was a great show and we all really enjoyed it. Allison said she wished they would have done more acrobatics. I will say I am not a Cirque Du Soleil expert this was only my second show but this one did seem to focus more on the music and dancing. Having said that I would still reccomend seeing it. I did notice there are a lot of stupid people out there. It is made very clear several times and an announcement is made right before the show that cameras and videos are prohibited. It does not matter the reason. They are the ones performing and could possibly hurt themselves. They ask that you do not take pictures or video and I sat in my seat and watched grown ass adults taking pictures. They knew it was wrong because they were looking around and holding their phone in hopes it couldn't be seen. I was just sitting in a seat watching the show and the lights from the phones and cameras were distracting to me, can you imagine what it could do to your consentration if you were in front of a huge crowd suspended from a wire 25 feet above a stage with a million other things going on?  So yes it really pissed me off. Come on people think about it they aren't trying to be mean they are trying to keep these performers in some pretty dangerouse situations safe. Grow up!!  Back to the show the performers were top notch and the band was amazing. It would be really hard to pick my favorite part. They did a really nice job of honoring Michael Jackson and his music.  I found myself , along with most everyone else in the audience singing along to one or more of the songs. There was such a great vibe. 

There was video of Michael playing on a large screen and clips from the videos that they would recreate. I was expecting them to do a little longer version of Thriller but what they did was still really cool. I am a fan of Michael Jackson's music but I am not what one would call a super fan so having said that I think they covered the majority of his major hits. The show with a twenty minute break was about two hours. If you have a chance to ever see a Cirque Du Soleil show do it. 

Thursday S, Joyce, Allison, Bella and I went to Topsail Island for a walk on the beach. It was in the 80's and windy so we had sweatshirts on. In some parts the water was a beautiful blue, green. We all picked up some shells. I also like to pick up the smooth stones. 

 Bella had a blast running on the beach. Only a few more weeks and she will have to stay on her leash. 

We also came across a sea buoy, inlet marker that washed up on shore. You don't see something like that washed up on the beach every day so of course we had to have our picture made with it. 

After we left the beach we decided to stop at a local bookstore/gift shop that also serves coffee and has a wine bar. We wanted to get a cup of coffee and Joyce and Allison needed to use the restroom. Well needless to say not only did this establishment lose J and A's coffee business but there were a couple other items they liked as well that they refused to buy. This place did not have a public bathroom. They did however offer you the use of a city supplied port-o-potty. Allison made a very good point. If you are paying $5 for a cup of coffee and $30 for a pair of cotton lounge pants, not to mention you have a wine bar you better damn well have a bathroom for your customers. I knew when they really wanted coffee and then they were told they didn't have a bathroom that when they said they didn't want anything it was because they were pissed at the shop. I ordered my coffee. We took Bella home, went to dinner and then to Costco to pick up stuff to grill out Friday. Later that evening we are all sitting around watching TV. S goes outside to turn off the lights and goes to the other door. I happen to look up, not realizing he went outside, and just see eyes staring at me. I scream. It takes a few seconds for Joyce to look up and realize why I was screaming and when she did she said a few choice words and they said she looked like she was going to try to climb the wall. As a result of laughing so hard, S stepped back and twisted his ankle. He said he didn't mean to scare us. All in all Thursday was a great day. The walk on the beach was so relaxing and just what the doctor ordered. Friday we decided to take another walk on the beach. My mom came over for the day. S decided to sit this walk out. I was concerned about taking Bella for a walk on the beach without S because she doesn't listen to me as well as him. He likes to point it out to me frequently that he is pack leader one, Bella is pack leader two and I fall somewhere after. Well let me just say we BOTH did amazing. I relaxed and let her play and she came to me when I called her. I was very happy. It was a little warmer but still windy. We picked up more shells and stones. Another relaxing and much needed walk. 

After we left the beach, we did not stop for coffee, we headed home because J and A had to leave after we ate. On the way home Bella curled up in my lap and went to sleep. Two days of walking on the beach and she was pooped. 

Great times had by all. Sad to see J, A and my mom go. S and I didn't do much the remainder of the weekend. We did watch Gangster Squad. This was a really good movie. We both enjoyed it. Check it out.  Sunday has been in the 50's and overcast. S did yard work earlier today while I did some laundry and made soup for this weeks lunches. Weekend almost over went by way too fast, but don't they always?