i have never said, “that yoga was really a bad idea.”

Hey y’all. I’ve been in a yoga rut, lately. I have been trying to refocus my diet on whole(r) foods, trying to exercise everyday, and trying to get fit, not only for the wedding, but also for life (although I’d be lying if I said the wedding didn’t have anything to do with it.) Normally, I try to run, but you guys: I kind of hate running. I think it’s because I am not good at running, and doing yoga to keep myself fit, and I just get sick of my circuit.

What makes matters challenging is that I have started working 7:30 to 4:15, and as someone who prefers to workout in the morning…well you can see the challenge. There is literally no yoga class early enough that I can find (they all start at 6) so I am left with afternoon practices.

I got an email recently from one of the yoga studios I frequent telling me I earned a free class, just for being born! I could use it any time in the month. So today, I went as a present to myself for a 4:30 class. And I remembered exactly why I love yoga. And, because it is towards the end of the month, the class was a restorative class, which you may or may not know is one of my favorite types of yoga. I spent an hour and twenty five minutes smiling, laughing at myself, and remembering how wonderful it feels to stretch and to be happy.

Here’s a fact: I’ve never gone to yoga, finished class, and said, “Well that was a bad idea.” So, then, why does it take me so long to get into the studio between classes? Certainly cost, among other things. But because I had a Groupon that had expired, I got a deal on a package, and I got to add my unused Groupon classes to that package, which means I have 16 shiny and new classes at my fingertips, waiting for me to laugh right through.

I am happy. Namaste.

World Blood Donor Day

Hey y’all. As you might know from this post I did on my sister’s blog, here, about the Red Cross and donating blood, but I wanted to bring it up here because today is World Blood Donor Day, and because I know all of you care about making a difference! I hope that some of you can join me when I am eligible to give again in August, or between now and then if you want a companion! Here’s some info about what exactly happens with a blood donation!www.redcrossblood.org-sites-arc-files-generic_infographic_m_2.pdf

this love is a taco truck.

Hey y’all! Today’s my birthday, so I am sitting over here quietly turning 27 years old and learning how to be an adult.

Here are 5gts for this day of fun!!

1. Here is a lovely music video and jam, that you should watch immediately. This is my summer jam.

2. This is NPR’s food news blog. You should read it – it’s full of information on our food system and what we can do better – plus there are quirky stories that introduce you to things you might have never thought of!

3. This is my friend Traci’s blog. It’s fun and funny and a delight, and I think that you should all follow it so your days are bright and happy.

4. This picture last night that Ellen snapped.

party

5. This oldie but goodie of a little boy and his dog. Enjoy!

I hope you all have a lovely Sunday!!

 

what to believe in, exactly.

“Be still, and the world is bound to turn herself inside out to entertain you. Everywhere you look, joyful noise is clanging to drown out quiet desperation. The choice is draw the blinds and shut it all out, or believe.

What to believe in, exactly, may never turn out to be half as important as the daring act of belief. A willingness to participate in sunlight, and the color red. An agreement to enter into a conspiracy with life in order to come away changed.”
— Barbara Kingsolver, “Reprise”

I would never, ever let you go

This past weekend I headed to the great state of Michigan to see another one of my besties married off. Brittany and I have been friends since we were 13, when I befriended her in hopes of getting one of her friends to date me (which totally worked.) Needless to say, that didn’t last, but our friendship persevered over the years through soccer teams, and classes that kicked our butts, and then through college 800 miles apart, and now living our lives wholly 2,000 miles door to door.

Every time I see her, she makes me giggle, smile, and usually cry because I am just so freaking happy to see her. I am so glad I made it to her big day, where I got to watch her marry her bff (besides me, of course ;)) and also catch up with friends from HS who I don’t get to see too often (my parents have since moved from my HS town, plus everyone is scattered like Hansel and Gretel’s breadcrumbs across this great nation.)

Britty, Brother Llama, I love you. I am so happy for you and Allen!

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Thanks to Jeff for the photos (and more here.)