Stretch it Out

Last Saturday I went to my first ever yoga class. I remember doing some yoga in gym class my senior year of high school, and I've done some yoga dvds, but haven't ever really received proper instruction. As much as I love working out in the privacy and convenience of my living room, it did not seem effective to be craning my neck to see the TV while doing downward facing dog, and so I decided it was time to go to an actual yoga class.

A friend had mentioned being interested in checking out a specific studio a while ago (Yoga Oasis), so we and another friend made plans to check out their intro class. It was fantastic, and I'm planning on returning this weekend as well. I'm hoping to start going to a class consistently once or twice a week, and then hopefully learn (and remember) enough to practice at home as well (#7, here I come!).

About 3 years ago I was introduced to the Health at Every Size philosophy via random internet wanderings. HAES, in summary, is the idea that weight does not equate with health, that I as a 200lb woman am not inherently unhealthy, and that exercise and eating well are things that certainly can improve our health without weight loss being a direct result. The idea that exercise was something to do because it actually feels good and NOT purely as method of losing was weight was something I never thought would happen for myself.  Sure, I can see that some people enjoy torturing themselves through things like long distance running, but that wasn't me! I was more of a diet/exercise are really only good for changing the way my body looks, and since that's not something that seems to work real well, to hell with it all!

The more I read about HAES (and the fat acceptance movement in general) the more intrigued I became, and slowly began shifting my ideas around weight and health. I genuinely enjoy eating healthful foods, and cooking, so that piece was a little easier. I took ballet a few years ago and completely fell in love (another future list item is taking another class) but haven't really done a lot of other exercise that I really enjoy.  Although I've only taken one class so far, I love that yoga is very much about listening to your body, doing what's right for your body, and that the intro class is very much about just figuring that out.

Finished Betiko Shawl (#21 completed)

I had a little photo shoot with David this past weekend to capture some good shawl photos.  The pattern I used was Betiko by Lee Meredith of do stuff!.  The pattern is well written and easy to follow, and I loved to unique construction of the shawl. I have other projects in the works now that this one is finished, but I'm definitely considering making a customizable version of this down the road.



As you can see, the shawl I made is pretty sizeable! I was actually a little worried that it would be too warm for Tucson, but it has turned out to be just right! I used Knit Picks Merino Style for the main color, which is DK weight and light enough that the shawl isn't too heavy. The stripes are knit with Noro Silk Garden Sock.




The second photo is how I've been wearing it. Since the shawl blocks out into a u-shape, it's been very easy to wear and stays on without much fuss.

When I wrote my list, I had already knit myself a Swallowtail Shawl, which is triangular; when I wrote task #21 I was mainly thinking that I wanted to knit a non-triangular shawl, but forgot about the fact that there are indeed other shawl shapes besides triangular and rectangular. I'm considering that this might satisfy the spirit of the task, so to speak, if not the letter of the task exactly. I haven't officially crossed it off my list yet, but I'm definitely considering doing so. Opinions?

Rambly Life Update

Well, another month is nearly over and what a month it has been! My parents came to visit us here in Tucson, which was great! They got to see our new home, meet Zelda, and do some things they didn't have the opportunity to do while they lived here. My mom and I went to the Tucson Botanical Gardens and saw their butterfly exhibit. All of us went to the San Xavier Mission and the De Grazia Gallery in the Sun. I was also able to get my sewing machine set up and we fit in a quick sewing lesson! I didn't get a ton of photos, but the ones I did are here.

The rest of the month we've been slowly putting the rest of the house together. We're still not entirely done, but it's at least continuing to move forward. While my parents were here we got a new dining table and some more cacti and succulents, so hopefully I'll be more successful at keeping plants alive here.

I've also finished a new shawl! I tried taking some photos earlier tonight, but the lighting was crap and the dogs kept trying to take over the photo shoot. Got some cute dog pics out of that, so I'm not complaining! Once I get some good photos I'll be sure to upload.

I'm still working on the list items, and my awesome sister gifted 2 books for the list (The Brothers K and a Margaret Atwood for my 5 other random books) as well as the cutest address book. Can't wait to start using it-maybe for 2011's Christmas cards I won't have to randomly text my mom 80 times double checking people's addresses...

Resolution

Last year I posted about not having the need for New Year's resolutions due to my 101/1001 list. As this year was coming to a close, I was reflecting on what I had accomplished on my list and what still had to happen and realized I haven't been quite as dedicated over the past six months or so as I would've liked. This year I've decided I'm not so much making a resolution as simply renewing my dedication of blogging regularly and really working on (and tracking) my list. My halfway point will be coming up in February 2011, and I still have a long way to go on this list. And ultimately, I know that regardless of the number of tasks I end up completing, the process of working on a list like this is a challenge I'm enjoying. And despite my suspicion that only my immediate family members read this, I still enjoy the process of blogging.  So, here's to the New Year and my return to blogging!

#52: Move into a place with a yard

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! David and I are still getting settled after our move this month, but I thought I would check-in, cross one more item off from my list, and share this photo.

#11: Go to the dentist

I have successfully completed #11: go to the dentist. While I've had dental insurance for the past 3 years, I have avoided the dentist since I was about 18 or 19. I'm fortunate and haven't had any major problems or pain in the past 8 years, but I knew it was time to face my fears and go. The initial appointment was much easier than anticipated, although I still had some bad news: I have some cavities and all 4 of my wisdom teeth are impacted. The good news, however, is that my gums are fantastic! I need to look on the bright side of things with all the upcoming dental work I'm facing. At least it's one more thing crossed of my list!

#67: Find a same species friend for Frida

When I originally wrote this item on my list, I was generally thinking this would entail a friend or acquaintance who had a dog that Frida got along with, who we could meet up with at the park for doggy play dates.  A few months ago, my sister and brother in law began fostering Zelda, a french bulldog, and one day we introduced her to Frida.  

From the first time they met, they were thick as thieves. To be honest, I'm not sure there's a dog out there that Zelda doesn't get along with; Frida, however, has a harder time making doggy friends so we were very excited they got along.  It was a little sad, though, knowing she was just being fostered and would eventually be adopted into a permanent home. Well, we solved that problem....


...by adopting her ourselves!