It's been a little while

So I have been in this funk of not wanting to get on the computer and blog...I have felt like I am saying the same things over and over again, because things are really the same around here...honestly, gotta tell you, it's really hard here without Jason! Not hard like I can't do it hard, but hard because I really miss him!! I see all these families together and husbands and wifes...I get sad...I think that's where my funk may stem from?? Besides, that the everyday ritual of:

I take the boys to school, I take my niece and nephew to school, run errands, sometimes take grandma places, pick up boys, homework, dinner, bath, books, bed. That's pretty much in a nutshell. SO there you have it!

I didn't feel like blogging, could not really find anything to say, but last week began a great change... I began teaching public yoga classes. It's been in the making for a while, and it finally started. I am really excited about taking the seat of the teacher again. My cousin has a fab studio and I teach and practice there. It's Lovely! The group is starting to grow, and I look forward to seeing where this goes! All the students are beginners beginners, so I can mold them into my image...na just kidding!! We can really work on the basics and learn proper form and principles...It's gonna be GREAT!!
I know it's really hard to keep up with me when you can't read my happenings, but now you know why. You have not missed much! You really don't want to read the same things over and over again...AND...I still want you guys tuning in here and there!
I want to say thanks to Faith and Kara for your comments on my last entry..you guys are the best!! Miss you! I needed to hear that going into these new classes.
Here is a picture of the ad that was run in the local paper...



My butt looks really big and wide in the first pic, but I guess the second one is OK.
So there you have it folks. I teach on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9-10...come take a class. We are working on a eight weeks series and will go from there.

All Things are Essentially Good

So besides having a kick ass teacher for my asana practice, an amazing founder that I have had the privilege to meet, and the best most fantastic kula ever, Anusara Yoga has taught me probably one of the most important life lessons...Find the good in ALL things!!!Based off the tantric philosophies that inform Anusara Yoga, all things are essentially good. We are part of the divine and therefore, created in likeness so forth and so on...
I preface this musing with this intro to tell the story of what happened yesterday morning.
I decided that I would venture off into the land of Laredo yoga. I had heard about the studio when I first moved here, went by during the mid morning-it was closed, called and spoke with one of the owners, and as to not get into details, was not to impressed in what I had seen and heard. I just dropped it and left it alone until this week. Wednesday night, I thought I would give it a second try, and go take a class on Thursday. After dropping off kids at school, I was on my way for an 8:30 am class, really excited and energetic, and ready to work. Afer coming back from CO I have been on this high, and I wanted it to continue. The title was "diverse yoga", which from the start meant nothing to me, but oh well let's give it the old college try, shall we!
I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door, and asked for my information. The instructor introduced herself to me, and told me about the class. Basically in their world, diverse is meant to tailor to the students. The instructor will look and assess the class then tailor to what is in front..OK whatever...
I entered into a beautiful yoga room, with candles lit, lovely music filling the room, and a wonderful wood floor and bamboo walls...oh what a nice setting. I had some time to center myself, and the class started. The instructor was very soft spoken (not what I am used to - no offense Christina you know I love you) which I actually had a hard time hearing. The movements were linked to breath (great), but we sat for the first 15 min of class stretching shoulders, neck, back..etc...definelty not an Anusara class, not dymamic movement linked with breath-(not that I was expecting it because in my first encounter the owner had never heard of Anusara Yoga). So when we finally stood up, and got moving, after one round of sun salutations, I was corrected on everything. I was the poster child in the room of what NOT to do. Apparently I have double jointed elbows (I never lock out my arms), my down dog was to long(I know how to gage length in DD), as I went into a slight backbend from standing, I was told I was compressing my lower back (which is highly unlikely if I was not feeling it and had pelvic loop going on), my caturanga-four limbed pose was aggressive (I just went down into caturanga people), and there is more that I really don't want to get into, but at the end of class, the kicker, I was told that I did have powerful practice, but that it's not always about physical. I needed to slow down, and find inner peace when in practice, and not be so aggressive, and leave ego at the door. I have always been taught from my teacher that when you are taking from another instructor, you are the student and you do what you are told. Of course I know enough to implement the principles with all that I do, but clearly this teacher did not know me or my background. Now by no means am I the greatest practitioner ever(did I say that out loud??), I know that I have volumes to learn, but I think I have the basics pretty down pact?? SO all this to say that I am sure she was coming from a good place, and it was a lovely experience that I shall remember for a while. I will use it grow and learn from. I have taken classes in other methods, not quite sure what method this was (she didn't either), but non the less, not the right class or instructor for me. I have had people come to my class once to never return again. That's okay, I don't take offense. I know that I am not the teacher for everyone. You all at Dell had no choice.(lol) I have often told my former students that you will know when a teacher is right for you. You must first listen to the Grand Teacher within, and all will fall into place! Om Namah Shivaya Gurave- I offer myself to the Light the True Teacher within and without. Anusara Yoga baby!
SO to come full circle, I have looked at the whole experience as good, and will use this to grow and flourish, and continue on this path thing called yoga! It's Gonna Be Great!

Pics Pics Pics

Just a few pics to recap the event...obviously doesn't skim the surface! Oh so much more to say, but off to practice...don't want to loose what grounds I covered while gone. Lots of love!


Me and John Friend (the man!)


Me and Jesse


**For the next set of pics have the song "Jesse's Girl" by Rick Springfield going through your head :)


Jesse singing


Jen jamm'n


Kristen Jamm'n


Jill jamm'n


Jesse's Girls!


ok party over!



Christina, Jen and Kim



Austin Kula


Me and Sianna Sherman


That's how high baby!

AHHH the Joys of Anusara Yoga

So I wish I had had the opportunity to muse while I was in the moment; however, no computer available. Pam did bring hers, but with her new found responsibilities, I did not have the desire to share my thoughts at 3:00 in the mornings. For those of you who don't know my friend Pam, she is part of my Kula, part of Jesse's girls (that is a whole other story). She was approached by Yoga Journal, the sponsor of the conference, to have her blog listed on their website for all the world to see. Pam is an AMAZING writer, and her blog is wonderful. I have her listed in my links and friends area...you should take a look-see. Anywho, with her obligation to her readers and fans, she spent any free time on the computer...her public awaits! Love you Pammy!!

So now I am back at home, back to my world. Still on somewhat of a high, getting back into routines and schedules. Before I go any further, I really want to thank those who made this adventure possible!!
First and foremost my husband Jason! He without a doubt is the best husband in the world. He supports me in my endeavors, and with out question or doubt, is behind me 150%. Thank you my love for your support and encouragement to go after my dreams. I could not do it without your belief in me!
Secondly my mom. She willingly kept my children while I was gone. She got them ready in the mornings for school, did homework with them, fed them, bathed them and made sure they got a good nights rest. All the while working full time, she still made sure my children came first...THANKS MOM!! I love you!
Thirdly, one of my bestest-estes-estes friends CJ. She picked my children up from school everyday, and bravely made the journey (with her boys in tote as well-totaling4 boys in her suv)to drop them off with my brother. Thank you again CJ for your support, and your bravery in toting my children all around Laredo for me. YOU ROCK!
Lastly, but definitely not LEAST, my brother Tony and his wife Veronica. They kept the boys at their house until my mom got off of work. Thanks for feeding my children if they were wanting a snack and dealing with the noise after a long day in the classroom with your own students. I appreciate it beyond words!
Okay, whew...can there be more? It took how many people to help so I could escape for a few days?? JEEZ! Well it worked it only took half of Laredo to help out, but I made it!

SO how can I possible condense this trip? I have so much to say about it, but I know you all don't have all day to read one blog...especially those from my kula who read 50 million others...(we like to read and blog in our gang).
So I will try this condensed version and may have to elaborate in future rants!

Total time gone- Sunday, Sept 21-Thursday, Sept. 25
Opening ceremonies on Sunday evening.
Every morning began with 45min meditation lead by a different philosophy scholar daily. Master class with the founder of the Anusara Yoga Method, John Friend, from 9:30-12:30. Different theme each day, but I will say this people...we were 800 students in the class...that's right 800! During the practice he wanted us up in handstand...okay so picture with partners...at different times 400 people going up into handstand (remember we are working with partners). AMAZING! Class each day enlightening, inspiring, energizing, invigorating, loving, challenging...I can go on and on.
Everyday I had a different afternoon workshop. Here was the deal:
**Monday- Noah Maze with "Hanuman's Leap"( basically a class where the end result is the splits- called monkey pose in English)Yeah BABY! Advil for me the next day..all day! oh yeah my body, especially the lower half, talked to me all day...well screamed really all day!
**Tuesday- Sarah Faircloth with "Draw into the midline"- arm balances---really cool party tricks!
**Wednesday- Sianna Sherman with "backbends"- no explanation needed. I was in some amazing pretzel poses folks...things I had never done before and poses I had not been able to get into I did. I left that class in such a high, with such a glow and kick ass spirit!
All my teachers certified Anusara Yoga teachers and ALL fab! There were so many classes to choose from, it was really hard, but I was very pleased!! More than very...very very!
I have to say though the first full day, Monday, I was really tired, and skipped a lecture with the philosophy experts(don't tell John Friend), and went to my room. Pammy skipped with me and we hung out and were in bed by 8:20. That really helped me for the rest of the time there.
I will post some pics soon, and elaborate then on some more key things about Estes Park YMCA of the Rockies, and the FIRST EVER Anusara Yoga Grand Gathering!

Greetings from Estes Park CO

Just a quick update...I know I have a hard time being quick,but really a quickie got to get to John Friends Master class...First ever Anusara Grand Gathering has been AMAZING!!! This location tops, and the energy is hard to put into words...The beauty that surrounds me is amazing, and the people, well what can I say it's the KULA! More pics and specifics when I return, but know that up here I am sending good energy and thoughts to you all back home! What an amazing opportunity!

My Love is Here!!

Sorry Scott!!! As far as the rest of last week, not much to report. I did however have an outing with my brother on Friday night...I have so much to say about that, but not now. When I have more time I will!! Juicy stuff!
Just a quick blurb...Jason is here for two weeks!! YEAH!!!!
He arrived Monday morning, and I picked him up in SA. After a quick brunch, we headed back to Laredo to pick up the boys from school...They were really excited to see him!! Cade ran into Jason's arms the minute he saw him. Ty ran past him, then came back and jumped on him...We need to take pics so I can post.
Today we ran some errands after dropping off kids and just hung out and caught up! I am loving this quality time together...the boys have all his attention after they get out from school...More to come as the week unravels..
Tomorrow we head to Corpus for the day with my Grandma. Just a quick trip, but it will be fun!

Quality Time with Mom

So my mom and I took full advantage of the holiday! The boys had school, so we hit the town. We dropped the kids off at 8:25, and were on our way to Starbucks. I treated my mom to white chocolate mocha...yum my fav! During our latte time, I was on the phone with my cousin Beka talking yoga stuff. At one point, my mom made a comment about yoga, and before we knew it there was a gentleman coming straight for our table. As he approached, he said "forgive me but I really was not ease dropping I just heard you say something about yoga...I want to know where I can go to do yoga?" Before I knew it my mom had already engrossed in conversation, given him my bio, told him he HAD to take classes from me, and next thing I knew, he was giving me his business card with his email to let him know when I will start teaching(which starts in a few weeks). OK so for those of you who know my mom..she is quick..light speed and can talk anyone under the table! So needless to say I have a student eager and willing, and the best part, he is going to tell all his friends and they will take classes too..yeah! (World domination continues Christina)...Thanks Mom!! After coffee, we headed straight for the mall. Macy's was having a sale, so we were sale bound! I found some darling sparkly sandals that were on sale from $80 to $32..SCORE!!! one of my favorite colors is sparkly, even better, my mom bought them for me!!! YEAH BABY! Oh how it takes me back to old times when my mom would make the purchases for me...no responsibility, no worries, obviously no kids..okay tangent. Anyway, after the mall, we went to the nail salon..mom got a pedicure and I got a manicure..I had already had a pedicure so I opted for the hands...fun. Off to lunch from there...sushi! Before we knew it, we had only two hours left, and so much more we wanted to do, so we headed downtown. Downtown Laredo is the place to go if you want costume jewelry, perfume, and little nick knack stuff. The prices are awesome, and you can find great deals. Perfume prices are much less than the dept stores, and for the same thing. My grandmother was out of her ultra fav perfume, so we headed walking down this one drag in search of her flavor. I the process, I bought a new fragrance, Ed Hardy, yum O! I don't wear perfume often, but occasionally if I want to smell like something other than essential oils. Before we knew it we were pulling into the house at 3:05,just in time to pick up the boys. Whew! What fun! It had been a while since my mom and I had spent time like that. Usually we had the boys with us, or we were only gone for 1-2 hours because of the boys. Fun Times!!
On to a new day, and off to practice yoga baby!