pic of the day

I finally got one...had to do something reckless and irresponsible before starting grad school... :)

yum!

today at work we went to Little Mexico for a little going away lunch for me. it was a nice time, with good food, and they even got me a dairy queen ice cream cake! the $100 i got will probably be blown at IKEA on the way to madison. :) i can't believe i'm leaving in 2 days!!! i'm getting uber excited...and i got the coffee shop job, which i've decided to take. *side note* said coffee shop serves only organic milk from a local dairy farm that bottles their milk in actual glass and lets their cows eat grass. it is also above a knitting store! *end of side note* i also have an interview for an office during the week only position at wisconsin public tv. so if that doesn't work out, i've always got the coffee shop.
tonight is my last yoga class. i hope that i can afford to come to desiree's workshop in GR in october...it sounds awesome. that is all. i just can't compose my thoughts into relativity at the moment...

The Stars Have Aligned

I'm moving in less than a week! Everything has been pretty much packed since I came back to my parents', the truck is rented, the apt is reserved, the cats will be a pain in the ass, and the loft bed is nearly complete. Tonight, I'm having a get together at Cambridge House to say goodbye to all those who can show. In a crazy twist of fate (or something like that), Tondar will be here from TN, Aaron will be here from NYC, and Matt will be here from Salt Lake City! I'm really excited to see everyone.

I'm also feeling a little...I dunno, weird? I've left GR before, but this time it's permenant. Granted, when I went to France I bought a one way ticket. I was quite open to the idea of not coming home. But I think I knew deep down that I would. Even though I'm moving accross a Great Lake instead of an ocean this time, it somehow seems more complicated, even more unknown. Good thing I like the unknown! I can't wait to be in a new city, figuring out my way around, discovering my favorite coffee shop, my favorite park, the great restaurants that only a non-tourist can find. I've always liked exploring things on my own. Next week, all of the streets, houses, and businesses will look foreign and out of place. Soon they'll be my own, as natural seeming as the trees lining the newly discovered streets. It's so interesting how new places morph and develop in one's own mind as they become accustomed. I can still picture the train station in Paimpol as I first saw it when I arrived. It's a totally different image than the memory I have of it the last time I left.

I think that this year is going to be illuminating, interesting, different, scary, wonderful, independant, full of surprises, and hopefully full of joy. Details to come, but in the meantime, fun and drinks will be had tonight. :)

Namaste

This week (actually today) is the 10th aniversary of Anusara Yoga. http://www.anusara.com/?pagerequested=about_philosophy It's the same Hatha yoga that dates back so far, but with a new system of learning and expressing the poses। In Anusara yoga, there is an emphasis on remembering where things come from, and honoring past teachers. In this spirit, I'd like to honor some teachers, yoga and otherwise, who have helped me in my journey thus far:

• Dr. Copenhaver. The first time I met him, in 6th grade or so (he knew my violin teacher, and thus was chosen to accompany one of my recitals), he showed me the frogs and tadpoles in his backyard pond. When I didn't think I was good enough for GVSU's orchestra in 8th grade, he sent me an audio tape on which he talked me through the music, gave me fingerings, and played passages on the piano for my practicing use. When I started college, unsure which path to choose, he set me up with a voice teacher to help me prepare for a music school audition. He's been a part of most of my education related decisions, and his knowledge and teaching philosophy will always be something I respect and cherish.
• Ellen Pool. My GVSU choral director from whom I've learned so much more than music. In watching her go through the death of her daughter, I have never seen such strength. In watching her lose 80+ pounds, continue to advance the GVSU choral department, and interact with students on a not only academic level, I have never seen such willpower, determination and commitment, and joy. Her passion for life and music will always inspire me.
• Behnje Mason. My yoga teacher who introduced me to Anusara. Always emphasizing integrity above all, joy and light. May I be able to continue to learn from her during times that I revisit GR.
• Miss Clement and Mr. Bretz. The two people in high school who helped me develop the two talents I've now chosen as my life academic focuses. Miss Clement, who put up with my Franglais while always making French class fun. Mr. Bretz, who gave me chances to develop my vocal skills despite my bad acting, and who was so always encouraging and positive.

नमस्ते