Tuesday, January 19, 2010

thoughts on yoga

similar to my fear of photography, I am fearful of yoga! what? the most stress-free thing in the world scares me? well, let me explain...

the only time i've ever tried yoga was in a class at my gym a few years ago. i spent the entire class FREAKING out about the positions, and how often i needed to breathe, and, ouch! yyou want me to bend like that?? that i completely forgot the entire purpose for yoga - to unwind, de-stress, and find composure.

to overcome this, my plan is quite simple (i hope it works!)

1. use yoga dvd from liz.

liz is one of the most wonderful people in the whole entire world and i am lucky enough to call her one of my best friends. in her almost-25-years of life, she has put more adventure in it than most people can even dream of. the thing about liz is that she isn't afraid to try things out! which make her a great friend to me, always pushing me to do new things :) but, back to YOGA. liz was lucky enough to spend 6 weeks in costa rica this fall, and during her time there she had daily yoga sessions (is that what you call them??) and it is now 100% part of her daily life. she gave me a (yet to be opened...) yoga for beginners dvd for my bday and i MUST try it. i have a feeling i'll be more comfortable getting a few of the 'moves down, ya know?

2. watch a yoga class.

i don't want to come off creepy, but i feel like i'll learn more from watching what the class is doing? i think this goes hand-in-hand with #1 - watch first, then try it out.

3. look the part.

most of my workout clothes are built for cardio (i.e. a sweaty mess), and i feel like yoga clothes are more form-fitting, and, well, cute. i'm not trying to break the bank or anything, but a little trip to LuLu Lemon or some place won't be horrible, would it?

my wise friend liz also told me that yoga should be done when i want to do it (unlike my 6am wake ups for the gym, ouchie). it is my goal to be able to fit yoga into my life in the next 2 weeks. here goes nothing!

photo credits

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Photography

Photography is something that scares me. I'm not sure why, I'm pretty good at snappin' pics on my Canon Power Shot (thanks, mom & dad, 2007 graduation gift!). And while I have loved all of the pictures I've taken, I feel like I do not capture "all 1,000 words" a picture is supposed to contain. I think it is the technology I'm afraid of, and all of the "photography" classes my friends have taken - need I do the same?! Or should I rely on my raw talent? :) But I digress - the type of pictures I'm adoring right now are similar to the ones below (from the oh-so-fabulous blogger, The Pioneer Woman):
The focus is on the foreground, and the background is fuzzy. LOVE. The subject matter here isn't too shabby either - who doesn't love homemade mac 'n cheese? And some butter?

Unfortunately for me, I am highly doubtful that my trusty Canon Power Shot won't deliver the results I'm after (someone prove me wrong!). So it would have to be put on my "wish list."

Some subject matters I would love to start photographing include:
  • DC Monuments (cliche, I know, but I live here)
  • My family
  • Trinkets and family heirlooms around the house
  • Nature - snow, leaves, flowers (I try to do this already with the "Macro" function on my Canon)
This should most certainly be added to my 2010 resolutions list! Of which I feel like I need to kick into high gear...!!!

Photo credits

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Happy New Year!

2010 brings with a fresh, new beginning! I LOVED 2009, however, there is something in the air about this new year. The end of the recession is (hopefully) in sight, people are regaining confidence in themselves and our economic system, and I for one have some serious goals for the next 360ish days.

  • YOGA: in any shape & form. This has been something I've always wanted to do, but have never dedicated the time to doing it. I'm so excited.
  • GYM CLASSES: I've belonged to my gym for 16+months and have never done a group class - eeek! Time to sign up & get moving.
  • VOLUNTEER: we were so good at doing this in college - through clubs, the greek system, etc., I know there are great places to volunteer in and around DC, I need to get with it!
  • TRAVEL: I did pretty well with this in 2009 (Italy, SC, TN, NYC, etc.) but what I would love to do is go somewhere (a) alone with adam, and (b) someplace I've never been again this year.
  • BLOG: yall i have got to get better at this!
Let's see how it goes - can't wait for 2010!

Forgive and Forget?!

Funny how this thing fell by the wayside. APOLOGIES!!! I had been so excited about this little side project, and sadly work and life got in the way! However, it's a new year, so let's start over. Little blog, I regret that I have left you alone for so long! Can we kiss and make up? :)