What's new?

First and foremost, the best new thing in my life is my 7 week old (as of yesterday) niece Zora.  Zora is a name of Czech origin - my grandmother spoke fluent Czech, as that's where her mother was from, so it's in our blood.  It means dawn or sunrise.  I love it.  I love her.  I visited with the bf a couple of weeks ago and got to meet her for the first time.

This trip gave me a permanent change in perspective.  I instantly fell in love with Zora and am pained to be so far away.  I know being related gives a person some bias, but she's such a lovely li'l lady.  I can't express how incredible it was to observe this little human, watch her face change from second to second, and learn her little idiosyncrasies.  She loves to bounce, she needs to bounce or you get squirmy face.  She furrows her brows, but when she's tired, if you stroke above the bridge of her nose, between her eyebrows, instantly her eyes close and face relaxes.  She sometimes falls asleep with her eyes open; she smiles in her sleep; she fights sleep because she wants to look around, she seems fascinated.

At Red Rocks to see Ray LaMontagne - they only got to stay for three of his songs... such is life with a li'l one.

Just past 6 weeks - she's been starting to smile and giggle.  The videos are absolutely adorable.

I finally made some more after hours a few days ago.  I was down to the last bar which sold the same day, oddly enough.  It's looking good.  Should be ready in about a month.

I returned to yoga at a new studio in Oakhurst.  I bought a groupon for a month of unlimited yoga.  My goal is to make 6 classes per week.  So far I've made 3 of the last 4 days.  I really like it because there are no mirrors.  I hate mirrors in any kind of exercise class.  All I do is pick myself apart and lose focus.  I know the mindset would be the better fix, but for now, mirror-less studios are going to have to do.  Most of the classes are Vinyasa and my shoulders are feeling all of those downward dog poses.  I'll update you on my progress.

I switched locations at my job.  I was dealing with a dynamic regarding one specific manager that was detrimental to my well-being, so I put in my notice.  I was surprised to be offered a position at the other location and I have to say, the place has a really nice feel.  I was greeted with a warm hug and a sincere welcome and really like the people I'm with behind the bar.  My income will be substantially less, but some things just aren't worth the mental anguish.

That's about all I'll share for now.  Life's been jam packed with surprises, new things, small crises, several things up in the air, uncertainty, etc...  I suppose that's nothing unique to me, so I'll spare you the rest and leave you with one more photo that is full of love and laughter - the two most important things in life:

because it's not safe to write while driving

I always have these random thoughts that I'd like to explore that may or may not make for some good bloggin'. I've even started carrying around a small notebook to record those ideas so they don't disappear into the black hole that all those dreams which never get written down go. Alas, typically these ideas come while I'm driving. By the time I reach my destination... *poof* it's gone. I do remember one general idea I had though; gratitude posts.

I've been trying immersion learning. Basically, I've been trying to constantly surround myself with environments, information and people in an effort to completely overhaul my way of thinking. It's starting to gain momentum. I am easily thrown off track when things temporarily beyond my control prohibit me from getting the sleep, food or other fundamental things I need. I have found, though, that I rebound relatively quickly and that's a sign of growth. I've incorporated yoga 4-5 times per week as well as body pump 2-3 times per week. I take walks. I have introduced myself to books, cd's and dvd's that contain information that is anywhere from common sense reminders to concepts completely new to me. I find it's been and continues to be tremendously helpful.

The yoga is the greatest addition. By attending classes, it's been a way for me to block out those destructive thoughts I've had about my body since about the age of 12 and be still, practice discipline, forgiveness, non-judgement and focus on my breath and my position from my mind's eye rather than a mirror. Approaching yoga as a source of healing of body, mind, spirit is a place I've wanted to get to for a long time and am happy to finally have found an open door to that place. Off the mat, it's been tremendously helpful as well. When I'm in an uncomfortable position - like a long line, traffic, stifling humidity - I can breathe through that anger or frustration and create a better world for myself in a situation that I can't control until I can get to a better place. I've definitely not mastered this, but any relief in those situations makes a world of difference. I'm learning to create my own happiness no matter where I am.

Forgive me for this rambling post. I meant to just pop in and say "sorry for not posting, been busy, here's a picture of my cat," but I kept going. I also don't plan to re-read and edit for better composition because I don't have the time. So, I'll leave you with the intention I had for this post:

Gratitude is the open door to abundance.

Yes, I got this off of a yogi tea tag. However, it's a concept that has helped me take my focus off what is wrong or missing in my life and realize just how much there is to be thankful for. Once you start noticing, it seems like more and more amazing, beautiful things appear. This one small phrase has such a broad interpretation. I encourage you to think beyond the literal, beyond abundance meaning wealth in the form of money. I had an a-ha moment because of this phrase and I hope you will too.

Now, a picture of my cat, whose love and health I am grateful for, which I have not had the chance to edit; much like this post.