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'There is an easy road and a hard road. Don't hesitate to take the hard road. You will get to your destination.' - Bikram Choudhury
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Going back after a long weekend is always hard........
Le sigh......
Social Work Mondays.
are usually a roller coaster.
But a new week is upon us.
Full steam ahead.
just as long as I have my coffee.
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Social Work Mondays.
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are usually a roller coaster.
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But a new week is upon us.
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Full steam ahead.
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just as long as I have my coffee.
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Sunday, November 27, 2011
What's on the agenda?
For your Sunday?
Hope you are relaxing and recharging for the week ahead.
Hope your weekend has been a good one. And that the week ahead is even better!
Hope you are relaxing and recharging for the week ahead.
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Hope your weekend has been a good one. And that the week ahead is even better!
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Friday, November 25, 2011
Happy happy
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DH, DS & I went up to my sister's in PA for the holiday yesterday, then onto my parent's across the border in New York State today for brunch, and finally got back to crazy, bustling Long Island a few hours ago.
I really enjoy my little trips to the country, but in the end, I am always happy to be back to my own little house. Especially after dealing with stop and go traffic for 2-3 hours (sometimes more).
Anyways......
How has your weekend been so far?
Did you go away at all?
Partake in any Black Friday shopping either in person or online? (not me, I'm too broke and I have bills to pay LOL).
What are your plans for the rest of the weekend?
DH is ready to start our holiday outdoor lights tomorrow; I want to try to get in some yoga, and we're planning to have the IL's over for coffee and cake in the evening.
Sunday (hopefully) more yoga before the start of another crazy week @ work.
I officially took today off from the job so I didn't have to be bothered answering the phone or emails and it felt great!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Happy Sunday
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I kinda feel like he does right now.
Hope to hit a hot yoga class later this afternoon to get myself back into sorts.
What's going on in your world on this Sunday?
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Chuckle of the day
The evil social worker in me wants to hang this over my desk for "those" kind of days ;).
Friday, November 18, 2011
Don't know what the answer is
I've been watching this whole Occupy Wall Street movement the past few days, and while I no longer work in Manhattan, one of my company offices is right down there in the thick of it, so it's always on my mind.
I do absolutely agree with the underlying reasons for the protests because myself and so many of us are directly affected negatively by things such as corporate greed, high cost of living, expensive or no health insurance (I pay $350.00 a WEEK for a family of 3), lack of jobs, the whole housing mess (my home supposedly has lost over $100K in value since we bought in 2008), increasing property taxes yet constant budget cuts, expensive college tuition and loans to pay back, etc.
At this point though, I am not sure if I agree with how things have unfolded.
It's exciting to think about how this could ultimately bring some positive change in our society but I am not really convinced that will even happen.
I worry about the potential chaos that could come about from OWS though and have great concern about how our cities and towns could handle it.
People are already so angry in general and then you also have every kind of nut out there that will jump on a demonstration band-wagon.
Add those things together and you have a potential for disaster, not to mention, spending of even more money on things that the cities and towns have already exceeded in their budget.
I'm a social worker so I am supposed to be able to come up with solutions to problems, but when I think about THESE problems I really am at a total loss of what to do......
I do absolutely agree with the underlying reasons for the protests because myself and so many of us are directly affected negatively by things such as corporate greed, high cost of living, expensive or no health insurance (I pay $350.00 a WEEK for a family of 3), lack of jobs, the whole housing mess (my home supposedly has lost over $100K in value since we bought in 2008), increasing property taxes yet constant budget cuts, expensive college tuition and loans to pay back, etc.
At this point though, I am not sure if I agree with how things have unfolded.
It's exciting to think about how this could ultimately bring some positive change in our society but I am not really convinced that will even happen.
I worry about the potential chaos that could come about from OWS though and have great concern about how our cities and towns could handle it.
People are already so angry in general and then you also have every kind of nut out there that will jump on a demonstration band-wagon.
Add those things together and you have a potential for disaster, not to mention, spending of even more money on things that the cities and towns have already exceeded in their budget.
I'm a social worker so I am supposed to be able to come up with solutions to problems, but when I think about THESE problems I really am at a total loss of what to do......
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Back to the mat
I haven't been on my mat since almost a week ago. Tsk, tsk, shame, shame, I know.........I know...........
Anyways, I am heading back tonight and cannot wait. Just wanted to share this oldie but goodie about the practice for all my Bikram lovelies (and for those of you just curious and considering).
An open letter to a new student on their first class
by Barbora Simek
Dear New Student,
Welcome. Like it or not you are now a part of the Bikram Yoga family. Whether today’s class will become something that is laughed about with friends and never attempted again, a daily routine, an occasional pass time or obsession, your experience today will stay with you forever. This means I have ninety minutes, and ninety minutes only to show you a practice I have dedicated a part of my life, my heart and much of my body to. So listen carefully, because this is important, this can change your life in ways you never thought possible.
I know the room is hot, and the poses are difficult. This is not because we are trying to prove something. This is because these specific elements: the postures, the heat, the mirrors, the style of teaching — are the perfectly combined to heal your body, heart and mind.
I know there are a lot of people. This is not because the studio is interested in a big pay-day. This is because the more we can practice together, the more we can share energy. Your neighbors will help you get through class, inspire you, become your friends and maybe even your future fiance (it’s happened more than once!) So be kind. Be patient. Because the more patient you can be with people here, the more patient you will be with them out there in the world.
I know my voice is loud. This is not because I want to dominate you. My voice is the best tool I have, along with the dialogue (the directions), to help you through your class today. When you feel weak, my voice will be strong to support you. When you are tired my voice will be energetic to help you off the floor. When you are discouraged, I will encourage you. All this is I will do with my volume, my intonation, my words. I want you to hear just how much I care about you and your practice.
Yes, our outfits are small. This is not because we are vain. This is because it is hot and because when you can see your body in the mirror fully, you can more easily make adjustments and learn to appreciate what you see. Small clothes stay out of our way, so we can focus more on our practice than on adjusting our shorts for triangle. In time, we’ve learned in this room that contrary to what the world says, every body is beautiful and every body should be appreciated. So we wear short shorts and we LOVE them on us and on each other.
No, New Student, you cannot talk. Not because I want to silence you. I want your voice to fill the halls, the change-rooms and lobby. I want your voice to be one of the many threads that builds the ever-expanding web of our Bikram Yoga community. But in the hot room, I want you to listen. First to me, so that you can do the class safely, but more importantly to yourself. I know you try hard and listen to so many other people all day. Today, you start to learn to listen to yourself: your breath, your heart, your true thoughts. Enjoy that opportunity, don’t waste it by chatting.
You must stay still New Student. Not because I want to control you. You must stay still so you can let go of all distractions and connect to the vast benefits of this practice. You work hard in your poses to open your body, and when you stay still your cells recover and begin the process of healing. Give your body the chance to heal.
I know sometimes my jokes are not funny. But we do not call this the “torture chamber” because we enjoy your discomfort. I try to make light of how hard this yoga is because we all know that it is hard. Every teacher you will have, including me, has cried here, hurt here, wanted to leave here. So we joke because we understand how hard this is. The fact that we persevere is the one thing that connects us all in the hot room. I want this experience to be at least a little bit fun.
I am not correcting you because I think badly of your effort, New Student. I know you have taken other yoga classes, or your body is aching from your injuries and you have been through a lot in your life. Knowing all of these things makes me want to help you even more. And the best way I know how to help you, is to teach you how to do the postures to the best of your ability. I promise your best is enough. If today, you simply imagine your posture a different way because of a correction, then you are on your way to an improved practice, body and life.
It’s okay to feel emotional. This is a safe space, we’ve all been there. Remember this is a place of healing and sometimes your body hangs on to your emotions even when the mind has released them. Just cry, everyone will think it is sweat anyway.
Come back New Student. You did well today. Remember the worst class is the one you don’t come to. I can’t wait for you to see how this series can change your life and I am here to help every step of the way.
Love,
Your Bikram Yoga Teacher
Anyways, I am heading back tonight and cannot wait. Just wanted to share this oldie but goodie about the practice for all my Bikram lovelies (and for those of you just curious and considering).
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An open letter to a new student on their first class
by Barbora Simek
Dear New Student,
Welcome. Like it or not you are now a part of the Bikram Yoga family. Whether today’s class will become something that is laughed about with friends and never attempted again, a daily routine, an occasional pass time or obsession, your experience today will stay with you forever. This means I have ninety minutes, and ninety minutes only to show you a practice I have dedicated a part of my life, my heart and much of my body to. So listen carefully, because this is important, this can change your life in ways you never thought possible.
I know the room is hot, and the poses are difficult. This is not because we are trying to prove something. This is because these specific elements: the postures, the heat, the mirrors, the style of teaching — are the perfectly combined to heal your body, heart and mind.
I know there are a lot of people. This is not because the studio is interested in a big pay-day. This is because the more we can practice together, the more we can share energy. Your neighbors will help you get through class, inspire you, become your friends and maybe even your future fiance (it’s happened more than once!) So be kind. Be patient. Because the more patient you can be with people here, the more patient you will be with them out there in the world.
I know my voice is loud. This is not because I want to dominate you. My voice is the best tool I have, along with the dialogue (the directions), to help you through your class today. When you feel weak, my voice will be strong to support you. When you are tired my voice will be energetic to help you off the floor. When you are discouraged, I will encourage you. All this is I will do with my volume, my intonation, my words. I want you to hear just how much I care about you and your practice.
Yes, our outfits are small. This is not because we are vain. This is because it is hot and because when you can see your body in the mirror fully, you can more easily make adjustments and learn to appreciate what you see. Small clothes stay out of our way, so we can focus more on our practice than on adjusting our shorts for triangle. In time, we’ve learned in this room that contrary to what the world says, every body is beautiful and every body should be appreciated. So we wear short shorts and we LOVE them on us and on each other.
No, New Student, you cannot talk. Not because I want to silence you. I want your voice to fill the halls, the change-rooms and lobby. I want your voice to be one of the many threads that builds the ever-expanding web of our Bikram Yoga community. But in the hot room, I want you to listen. First to me, so that you can do the class safely, but more importantly to yourself. I know you try hard and listen to so many other people all day. Today, you start to learn to listen to yourself: your breath, your heart, your true thoughts. Enjoy that opportunity, don’t waste it by chatting.
You must stay still New Student. Not because I want to control you. You must stay still so you can let go of all distractions and connect to the vast benefits of this practice. You work hard in your poses to open your body, and when you stay still your cells recover and begin the process of healing. Give your body the chance to heal.
I know sometimes my jokes are not funny. But we do not call this the “torture chamber” because we enjoy your discomfort. I try to make light of how hard this yoga is because we all know that it is hard. Every teacher you will have, including me, has cried here, hurt here, wanted to leave here. So we joke because we understand how hard this is. The fact that we persevere is the one thing that connects us all in the hot room. I want this experience to be at least a little bit fun.
I am not correcting you because I think badly of your effort, New Student. I know you have taken other yoga classes, or your body is aching from your injuries and you have been through a lot in your life. Knowing all of these things makes me want to help you even more. And the best way I know how to help you, is to teach you how to do the postures to the best of your ability. I promise your best is enough. If today, you simply imagine your posture a different way because of a correction, then you are on your way to an improved practice, body and life.
It’s okay to feel emotional. This is a safe space, we’ve all been there. Remember this is a place of healing and sometimes your body hangs on to your emotions even when the mind has released them. Just cry, everyone will think it is sweat anyway.
Come back New Student. You did well today. Remember the worst class is the one you don’t come to. I can’t wait for you to see how this series can change your life and I am here to help every step of the way.
Love,
Your Bikram Yoga Teacher
Monday, November 14, 2011
And one to carry you through Tuesday.......
Disclaimer: I don't really wish bodily harm on anyone but sometimes even us social workers can't help but think these kinds of evil thoughts ;). Most of the time when these visions cross my mind, they're not related to a client but instead, an awful person working in some form of "helping" capacity.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
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Hello friends. I hope this weekend brought you lots of fun and rest for the week ahead.
Friday, November 11, 2011
It's ok
Thursday on Friday.........
It's okay to play catch-up with my blogs late because of a crazy week and lack of time.
It's okay to be undecided on whether or not I should shell out $1000 for a year of unlimited hot yoga even though I know this is a GREAT deal.
It's okay to not want to go outside today, but just sit in my house and hiberate instead.
It's okay to let my son play alone and entertain himself. I think learning to be comfortable on one's own is a good lesson to have from an early age.
It's okay to realize I heated up my breakfast about an hour ago and still haven't eaten it since I've been playing around online (Oops......at least I've had my coffee).
It's okay to wear mis-matched clothes that are old and ragged around my house since they are comfy and I love them!
It's okay to not have anything else to write about on this post LOL.
Hey peeps
Guess what? It's the WEEKEND!!!
Finally. We made it through another one.
I am so glad I am not in the office today and I am also officially avoiding a co-worker due to their negativity.
I'm going to share some pics about that I found on Pinterest.
Do you have anything fun planned this weekend?
I think I want to print these all out and hang on my office door ;).
Happy happy everyone!!!!
Finally. We made it through another one.
I am so glad I am not in the office today and I am also officially avoiding a co-worker due to their negativity.
I'm going to share some pics about that I found on Pinterest.
Do you have anything fun planned this weekend?
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I think I want to print these all out and hang on my office door ;).
Happy happy everyone!!!!
Monday, November 7, 2011
It hardly ever gets easier
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hearing some stories of what people have been through.
and feeling inside what they are still going through.
every once in awhile there's that one person that just takes you by surprise.
and they really affect you.
even though you know you need to let their situation go.
it's been one of those days........
all i could think about was coming home, seeing my son and hugging him tight.
this is the place i always go to when i hear something really sad.
what are some things that you have been told that hit you deeply?
some stories that have made your heart ache?
what helps make it easier?
for me, what makes it better is knowing i am doing my part to allow a person the chance at having something positive occur in their life.
giving them a little bit of hope.
i think that's it.
*goodnight all*
Happy Monday!
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good morning bloggy friends!
I hope your week is filled with as much relaxation as possible.
and of course a whole lot of whimsy.
what are your plans for this coming week?
let's kick social work Monday's arse!!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
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Saturday, November 5, 2011
Quiet days
Today has been a quiet day.
Just DS and I, as DH is off at work.
We have no plans at all and I love it. Haven't even left the house yet!
Was considering taking DS out later to walk around a local mall, maybe ride the carousel and get some pizza at a good pizzeria.
He just fell asleep though so I am not sure that's the greatest of ideas anymore.
This past week at work was also pretty quiet.
We have a new case manager who is really sweet. She also has my same first name, and her last name also begins with the same first initial as my last name.
It has certainly made for some confusion and new nicknames (for me).
She is not running away screaming though so I hope she is a keeper.
This upcoming week I plan to lay low at the job, by seeking out some quiet space so I can catch up on (what else) paperwork.
Overall, I am very relaxed and grateful right now. The quiet will do that!
How is your weekend going so far?
Just DS and I, as DH is off at work.
We have no plans at all and I love it. Haven't even left the house yet!
Was considering taking DS out later to walk around a local mall, maybe ride the carousel and get some pizza at a good pizzeria.
He just fell asleep though so I am not sure that's the greatest of ideas anymore.
This past week at work was also pretty quiet.
We have a new case manager who is really sweet. She also has my same first name, and her last name also begins with the same first initial as my last name.
It has certainly made for some confusion and new nicknames (for me).
She is not running away screaming though so I hope she is a keeper.
This upcoming week I plan to lay low at the job, by seeking out some quiet space so I can catch up on (what else) paperwork.
Overall, I am very relaxed and grateful right now. The quiet will do that!
How is your weekend going so far?
“I do not want you to give in to the pressure of the moment. When you’re hurting bad, just hang in there. Finish the day. Then, if you’re still feeling bad, think about it long and hard before you decide to quit. Second, take it one day at a time. One evolution at a time.
Don’t let your thoughts run away with you, don’t start planning to bail out because you’re worried about the future and how m
uch you can take. Don’t look ahead to pain. Just get through the day, and there’s a wonderful career ahead of you.”
Excerpt from Lone Survivor. Captain Joe Maguire giving advice to Navy SEAL hopefuls during their brutal BUD/S training.
These guys go through brutal training! But Joe Maguire’s advice to these SEAL hopefuls can apply to us too! Live in the moment. Don’t dwell in pain.
Namaste.
Don’t let your thoughts run away with you, don’t start planning to bail out because you’re worried about the future and how m
uch you can take. Don’t look ahead to pain. Just get through the day, and there’s a wonderful career ahead of you.”
Excerpt from Lone Survivor. Captain Joe Maguire giving advice to Navy SEAL hopefuls during their brutal BUD/S training.
These guys go through brutal training! But Joe Maguire’s advice to these SEAL hopefuls can apply to us too! Live in the moment. Don’t dwell in pain.
Namaste.
Friday, November 4, 2011
My awesome product rave!!
I keep forgetting to share my awesome hair product find with you all!
I have really thick, straight hair that frizzes in almost any type of weather.......even when it's sunny out and NOT humid.
No more!
I found out about this AMAZING phyto product and after blow drying my hair each day, it looks (almost) salon perfect.
(Obviously no matter how hard I try I will never be THAT skilled to do a salon blow-out).
Phyto is a little pricey (over $20.00), but if you purchase it at Bed Bath & Beyond, you can use your 20% off coupon. A little bit also goes a VERY long way so I think it should last anyone at least several months for a tube.
You can also order Phyto online and I believe they sell it at Sephora.
Happy shopping!!! I hope you are as impressed as I am with this stuff.
What do social workers make?
I think this is a good one for a Friday..........someone came across an old blog of mine where I shared this several years ago. I think it's good to share again with all of you here now :).
HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!
WHAT SOCIAL WORKERS MAKE by Karen Quinnelly Arrington, LBSW
Karen now lives in Koscuisko, Mississippi where she works in Hospice Social Work. Karen received her BSW from the University of Alabama in1987 and is currently licensed in the state of Mississippi. It’s a touching argument about the value of a social worker.
Her article:
A group of friends and I were sitting around one evening discussing life. One guy there (whom I had just recently gotten to know) decided to explain the problem with social services and how they help those who won’t help themselves (social workers making little or nothing $$$ themselves.) He argued, “How’s a person going to benefit from someone who has decided their best option in life is to become a social worker?” He reminded everyone what they say about social workers-“bleeding heart liberals.” To stress his point, he said to me, “You’re a social worker, Karen. Be honest. What do you make?”
I, having a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, “You want to know what I make?” I paused for a moment and began, “Well, I have made safe places for abused children. In the process, I did my best to make them feel that they didn’t deserve the treatment they got, so they could go out and do better in their lives.”
“I now make arrangements for the terminally ill to stay at home in their last days with exceptional end of life care. I see that caregivers don’t burn out making the patient and caregivers last days comfortable and worry-free.”
“When a young widow or single mother doesn’t know where to turn social workers make sure they know (whether people like it or not) what benefits they are eligible for. And we try to make sure she doesn’t get lost in the bureaucracy. We make plans with clients so they can get jobs and homes.This is only a start.”
“You want to know what social workers make?” I asked again. ”We make visits in neighborhoods that most people won’t go to on a bet, because we know people there are in need, and we make friends there who invite us back to their weddings, cookouts, and openings of community centers we have campaigned for.”“We make time to listen to the elderly, the mentally ill, the lonely. And we have the knowledge and skills to help them make improvements in their lives.”
“We make appointments with officials and testify before legislature to get everyone in the community a fair shake.”“Some of us teach, to make the next generation’s social workers.”“And sometimes, we make plans with our families and friends-only to break them because there is an accident, a fire, a disaster or death and a social worker is needed.”
I then paused one last time and then continued. “So, when people want to judge me by what I make, I hold my head up high and say, “I make a difference…..What do you make?”
HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!
WHAT SOCIAL WORKERS MAKE by Karen Quinnelly Arrington, LBSW
Karen now lives in Koscuisko, Mississippi where she works in Hospice Social Work. Karen received her BSW from the University of Alabama in1987 and is currently licensed in the state of Mississippi. It’s a touching argument about the value of a social worker.
Her article:
A group of friends and I were sitting around one evening discussing life. One guy there (whom I had just recently gotten to know) decided to explain the problem with social services and how they help those who won’t help themselves (social workers making little or nothing $$$ themselves.) He argued, “How’s a person going to benefit from someone who has decided their best option in life is to become a social worker?” He reminded everyone what they say about social workers-“bleeding heart liberals.” To stress his point, he said to me, “You’re a social worker, Karen. Be honest. What do you make?”
I, having a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, “You want to know what I make?” I paused for a moment and began, “Well, I have made safe places for abused children. In the process, I did my best to make them feel that they didn’t deserve the treatment they got, so they could go out and do better in their lives.”
“I now make arrangements for the terminally ill to stay at home in their last days with exceptional end of life care. I see that caregivers don’t burn out making the patient and caregivers last days comfortable and worry-free.”
“When a young widow or single mother doesn’t know where to turn social workers make sure they know (whether people like it or not) what benefits they are eligible for. And we try to make sure she doesn’t get lost in the bureaucracy. We make plans with clients so they can get jobs and homes.This is only a start.”
“You want to know what social workers make?” I asked again. ”We make visits in neighborhoods that most people won’t go to on a bet, because we know people there are in need, and we make friends there who invite us back to their weddings, cookouts, and openings of community centers we have campaigned for.”“We make time to listen to the elderly, the mentally ill, the lonely. And we have the knowledge and skills to help them make improvements in their lives.”
“We make appointments with officials and testify before legislature to get everyone in the community a fair shake.”“Some of us teach, to make the next generation’s social workers.”“And sometimes, we make plans with our families and friends-only to break them because there is an accident, a fire, a disaster or death and a social worker is needed.”
I then paused one last time and then continued. “So, when people want to judge me by what I make, I hold my head up high and say, “I make a difference…..What do you make?”
When
“When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce. Yet if we have problems with our friends or family, we blame the other person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well, like the lettuce. Blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and argument. That is my experience. No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just understanding. If you understand, and you show that you understand, you can love, and the situation will change.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh
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