Goodbye 2008. Hello 2009!

Class went well. It felt good to be back on sacred ground. I was immediately welcomed with smiles-which was so nice. A few of my old students came, knowing I was going to be there... and a few students remembered me, happy for the surprise.

I miss my own classes though. I miss having my regular clan, ready to play on their mats. I love teaching, but I never again want to need the money it brings.

Of course I stumbled on a few of my words, but shocking to me, many of them came right back, as if I'd never left them.

A few more days until Winter Quarter begins... then Spring Quarter, then China and India... then? Then I answer that question I'm sure everyone will continue to ask... "what next?" Right now, I don't know.

All I can do is set my positive intentions for the new year and hang on as it unravels. Life is good. 2008 was a good year, a hard year, but a good year. I feel like I made the right decision to go back to school, no doubt.

Ending the year with yoga...

I'm on my way to teach a New Year's Eve morning yoga class. My nerves are going crazy! I haven't taught since August, which seems like an eternity.

I'm prepared, as usual, as used to be usual. No class written, but ideas and music. Then we just let it flow :) I'm tighter and weaker than I once was, but also smarter... weird trade off.

We'll see how class goes today... I'm optimistic, I'll have fun, hopefully someone will show up!

pre-Christmas update

Saturday. Normally I would be jumping for joy except Saturday is just like Monday thru Friday this week. Ahh, the joys of vacation. I did reach an important state a few days ago... boredom. I hate being bored, and in reality there are tons of things I want to do, but it's more of the lacking motivation boredom... "I don't HAVE to do anything RIGHT NOW so I won't do anything," but then boredom paralyzes all movement. Probably a necessary process in life.

I've been enjoying my creative side this break... drawing, making ornaments and decoupage. I won't say more until after Christmas because most of this work is going towards presents. Last night I saw Slumbdog Millionaire, which was awesome. Such a great love story... based on three kids who lived in the slums of Mumbai, orphaned by violence. I love going to the movies. It could be one of my favorite things to do, right now I guess... in the cold of winter, California cold I know, but still chilly for us Cali natives.

The Musician and I are doing really well. He's looking at adopting a furry friend this winter... which is exciting! There isn't a day I regret having Taylor, not one day.

I'll leave to see my family in a few days, so now is the time to really prepare for Christmas. I'm only doing presents for a very select few this year... and making most of them myself, or taking things right out of my closet. I think I can only do that for sister and mom :)

The end of break will creep up quickly. I need to be sure to order books, read, blog, watch my assigned videos, etc. I have a lot due at the end of next quarter in addition to my 4 classes (which are all super intense) so I best get a move on!

Until then, I'll enjoy my evenings of crafting, listening to George Wintson and watching candles burn. I should probably throw more yoga into that mix too :)

Finally Finals

Finals are over. I performed less than I'd hoped to... I procrastinated a few days and then got really sick--food poisoning. I think I'll still do well because I was pretty consistent and dedicated all quarter.

I'm now writing my book review of The Post American World by Fareed Zakaria and updating my other blog... my Chindia Blog.

I hope to post more over the break. Seemingly, I have 3 weeks off, but a ton of stuff to do--school and otherwise. Probably time to start thinking about Christmas too.