I adore animals...

But lately in yoga I have not liked a few animals. I'm not a fan of Rabbits, Camels or Turtles. And if you've practiced Bikram you know what I mean. No one said it better than The Dancing J in this very fine blog post
News Flash: It's hot in here! Most days are fine, and really it's a mental state, but for some reason those fucking turtles...

I'm going back

To Hot Yoga that is. I should have never taken a vacation from it. I'll keep you posted on my first few weeks of suffering, cause after that it's bliss.

Update: September 9, 2011

I've gone back. It's been so great. It's been hard. It has whipped my ass. Why did I stop? You should come with, it's fun.

Food post coming tomorrow. Happy night y'all.

Challenge: Done. Tattoos: New

Yeah... here are my excuses: Sore knee (just under actually), tired, and now sick... so poopy. Another time another challenge. I'll be back...

Jules and I did a seminar with Ida Ripley last Saturday- OMG so good. Made me so aware of a lot of things. Like the shit I was doing incorrectly that no one really ever called me on!! Bad! I loved her nonchalent, not taking your shitty excuses of short arms (no penguins in the room fyi) and bad hips. Her motto is "If you think you can, you can" Google her, she's a sweetie and we're very lucky to have her based in our studio.

Oh and I got new tattoos...

My hands are seriously looking old, its the first sign of old age I say! I'll get another shot of the fingers so you can see once I make a fist the words line up straight. You tattooed people understand.

Challenge: Day 14

I have a sore knee, am not sure why... and why blog the day anyway, I'll never come up with anything better than "FUCK TURTLES"

http://keepitlocking.blogspot.com/2010/01/news-flash-its-hot-in-there.html


Love you

Challenge: Days 8 and 9

Day 8... I can't remember. The End.

Day 9- today... I remember. I went for the 730am since it is a free weekend at the studio and you know how full those are! At 7:05am there were upwards of 30 mats in the room (me upfront in the mirror, no one sticking their mats in front of me today!). I'm impressed that people are showing up at that time for a freebie. Niecia was teaching and for the first time ever she made us suffer!! I went down a couple of times (couldn't manage getting my feet in my hands for Bow and Camel rode me today so I layed out Rabbit), and thankfully so did others. 4 people LEFT prior to us hitting the floor, if only they waited 5 more minutes... She did turn the fans on in FINAL SAVASANA! I hope she gets fat on the cupcakes I brought for the instructors today. Doubtful though, she's a bird.

Tonight I'm going to meditate myself into having a big ballsy practice tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. This afternoon I'm hiding away with this season's Dexter episodes. Oh, and Maisie of course. And a Diet Coke or 3 (has water in it) and probably some chips... mmmm chips...

Here are the cupcakes I made hoping to put all the instructors into sugar comas. Those Perky Petes!

Happy Saturday

T&T

Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache Icing topped with Handmade Marshmallows
AND
Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Icing topped with Salted Caramel

Challenge: Day 7

ONE WEEK DONE! I know this is paultry (not poultry) compared to 60 and 100 day challengers (100 days... Lordy) but there's something very satisfying about being one week down and not wanting to move to deep Africa where there are no Bikram Studios... probably is but in my mind, no.

Did the 5:45pm with Jules and 2 Bikram Hot Yoga Virgin friends of hers, Jenn and Shelley. I got there early and set them up on the far back coolest area (ha... as if there really is a 'cool' area), I put Jules and I front row corner (my new 'hood'). It was hot, not the hottest but humid already. Neicia kept the fans on low the entire time which really helped with the temperature and just before the floor series put the suckers on. I could actually feel the room drop a couple of degrees. You know 108 is MUCH cooler than 110. No? Well you will if you're working out in it for 55 minutes and then it changes. Anyhoo... these gals were champs and came out of the class smiling. I think they were actually delirious and suffered heat stroke. I came out of my first class on the verge of passing out and pale white. Ask Jules, its true. She practically shoved the Emerg-C down my throat.

These past few days have been 'fast' classes. For whatever reason they're zinging past. Mentally I had this challenge a far greater beast than it actually is. I think we underestimate ourselves too much.

So stop it. If you can think it you can do it (unless it involves getting your forehead to your knee with your giant boobs in the way, that is going to take some time.)

Challenge: Days 5 and 6

The first week high. You know when you think "yeah, piece of cake..." till day 15. So far so good I say!

Laid my mat front row, full corner today- not one person in front of me. Go figure. A gal did put her mat exactly behind me though, with lots of space left. Lots. I'm not sure why, but I didn't move this time.

Both these past two practices have gone by rather quickly. I know 90 minutes is 90 minutes no matter how you cut it but both Jules and I thought things progressed quite fast. I'm ok with that.

The Studio is having another all free weekend this weekend. I'm sure my postings will get far more exciting.

Fingers crossed.

Challenge: Day 4

Namaste Twat.

Yeah, you heard me... If nothing drives me nuts it's being the only one (literally only one!) in the room and someone walks in and plops her mat down right in front of me, so much so I disappeared in the mirror. Why? Are people really that arrogant and self absorbed? I guess so.

Anyhooo... I moved a bit and said what I said. The end. Stupid, rude asshat. Next time it happens I'm going to move about 2 inches on either side of the person. And I'm not against making someone cry.

I breathed a little bit and got on with the practice. Which I am proud to say didn't suffer at all. And the temperature... oh heaven. There were about 1/4 the folks of the last few days and the humidity just never got up. My skin was actually sticky not slick. Made for great grabbing and further depths.

It seemed to go by rather quickly, which is always nice. I got up, threw on my hoodie and headed to the car... then I noticed it. The steam coming off of my body.

Guess I am hot after all :)

Challenge: Day 3

Totally lied... today was hottest most full class ever. Didn't help there was a grunter beside me that tried to discreetly do crunches every time he had a chance- FYI dude... totally enjoyed hitting you on the head in Full Lotus.

Figured out since there are only 4 classes a day on the weekends they get packed. Was chatting to Denise- you probably don't know her but she's cute... and she said doesn't matter the time on the weekends, they all look like this.

Anyhooo... regardless of the grunter/ workout man I still had a mean practice. Thankfully Peter threw the fans on low ASAP and TWICE held the doors open. 20 seconds feels like heaven sometimes.

Oh my other distraction? Totally wondering if its time to wax... for sure time to colour the hair. There was a screaming glint of platinum staring back at me all class. Nearly killed me to not tuck it back into my bun. 'Bun'?... only old ladies call it a 'bun'. Welcome to Old LadyVille.

Hot Cupcakes

Days 27, 28, 29 and 30!! The End

Well I can't remember any of the other days but today. And man alive am I glad it is done. No, I'm not heading over and doing the 60. Maybe next time? Maybe.

Kaitlin ended our 30 day challenge with a chorus of Happy Birthday to Wendy and applause all around for the finishers.

The class just flowed and it wasn't even really that hot, hot yes, sweaty yes but not that gross humid hot it has been.

All I could think about was the lunch Jules and I are having... in less than an hour. We're heading to Pagliacci's and having Roman Holidays. We don't even have to look at the menu.

Bravo to all and I'll see you bitches on Saturday. Yes...that's right, I'm taking 2 days off (bet I bitch the whole time:)

Hmmm... I really don't have much to say. I miss my baking and will be all over that the next couple of days. 100 cupcakes for our end of 30 day challenge potluck at the studio on Friday. Will for sure post them- and a very lovely photo of Jules this morning at 6am, about to enter her last class for the Challenge. Ha.

Day... 23?

Lord love a duck I'm tired. It's not the amount of classes, its the fact I like to get up at 5:15am to get to the 6am class. And by like I mean- I have to get it over with or I might pass out once I get home and then get nothing done!

Here's my class drama. Peter teaching, great... no drama there. Temperature- ditto. Humidity- zero. Top of foot so dry it split open as soon as I touched it in Half Moon. That's the drama. What the hell!!? I moisturize- a lot! I've been putting Polysporin on it for a week now... and today... one inch gash across top. So not attractive. And it actually hurt enough I had to lay out Fixed Firm and Rabbit. Just laid there mentally picking my ass thinking "doodeedoodeee... oh good... next" I am not a wimp and don't like minor things like this putting me out. But really- its a pretty good tear and as you're aware the skin on the top of the foot is not too thick. And of course I think "And now I'm going to have to get my tattoo redone! GAWD!!"Ever have the top of your foot tattooed? Think knife left in fire pit, point dragging on flesh. Ribs are worse, but they're not cracked open. Oh and not bleeding cause it's too dry. BAH I say.
I thought I could put a bandage on it for tomorrow but Jules reminded me of my sweat fest and said doubtful it would stick :( Am just going to gob on the ointment and shoot for the best.

Wish me luck. And Hey! We're nearly done. And I'm definately sleeping in.

Day 13 (Class 15)

Whew that was a hot room! Not so much temperature but when there are a lot of people practicing the humidity creeps up. Thankfully the instructor kept the fans on, turned on the sucker and occassionally opened a door to let in some air. Now that is a good first impression for the first timers. Who wouldn't want to come back to that?! Just wait... it's not all empathy and good times, no sirreeee...

I was sweating even before standing up for the first breathing exercise. Sweat rolling down my chin sweating. I was a hot mess trying to pull off Eagle Pose. Tilting this way, leaning that way, wobbling everyway. I was able to get it back together for the rest of the class. My hips were actually down in Balancing Stick but I have yet to touch forehead to knee in Standing Head to Knee...which I'm guessing is the point? One day I will. Not for lack of trying as I've said before, but because of the dual obstructions I carry. Bah!

Mother Nature arrived this morning so trying to get into a good Bow Pose was near impossible. Wicked cramps shot through me and I came out early and did a few wicked curses in my head and then picked it up second set. I also noticed "she" bothered me in the sit ups too. Damn her! When does she go away? 55? 60? So I have nearly another 15-20 years of this? GAWD.

I had a bit of a giggle fit today in Savasana. I got it under control fast but OMG did it hit me all of a sudden. Something the Mister said last night when he got into bed and the kitten sat his little ass directly on Mister's eye... LOLOL still making me laugh out loud.

Tomorrow is the half way mark of the 30 day challenge. It has yet to break us, not even one bit.

Good luck trying.

Day 12 (Class 14)

I like doing my classes 1st thing (I try most days) in the day. Not just to have them behind me and done but so that I feel alive and awake. My day really whips by when I practice at 6am. Some days I feel a bit tired, but normally it passes after a breakfast, snack, snack, 2nd breakfast and a snack. Jules will agree this is pretty much how we eat at the office. MSN pops up "Hungry" "Always" "K, making snack will let you know when it's ready" "K"
Followed by another MSN of "is there coffee?" "Yes" "good" "K" "You know who is an asshole!" "I'm aware"

I did the 9:30am today and right now I feel like I need to stretch!! What the hell is that?! I'll tell you. I had a shittles of a practice. Right from walking into the hot room to walking out (actually out wasn't so bad, I could see thru the air). It was so humid, no sucker, no fans on, no rest for the wicked. I started feeling myself losing the mind over matter battle at Master Pose. So I let it win. I laid down and just counted my breaths. I needed to shake this old bag that was telling me to give up. I got back up during Tree Pose. The floor series wasn't too bad, I laid out Rabbit, cause contrary to the instructors words, I really did need that water. And a bit of circulating air wouldn't have hurt at this point either. I hope the people on their first day realize that not all classes or instructors are suffering. Most are understanding and remember when they were laying in a very humid room praying for relief and wondering if they too were about to die.

Regardless of my ick day, Jules and I are planning another back to back. Monday or Tuesday morning. We're waiting to see the instructor combo.

We're weird like that.

Friday, Day 11 (Class 13)

As weird as Thursday's class was for me, today was amazing! I honestly don't think I've ever had such an amazing practice.

I was "working" from home (I DID WORK!) and decided to hit the 11:30 class. There was a good mix of students, some experienced and some brand new. I got my favourite spot and away we went. Everything just seemed to flow effortlessly. No wobbly legs, no cursing, breaths coming and going as they should and all of a sudden- the end!! What!? Already? Did I Savasana for too long and no one told me?! 90 minutes. Every class is 90 minutes. I think this one was only half an hour. I'm sure of it.

I think the only people that didn't feel the same way were the 1st class people. I always marvel when I new person does the entire class without once taking a knee or a nap. Impressive.

I love having that "I did great!" feeling all day long. I had it right until 10pm when there I was going to bed on a Friday night, two cats, one chihuahua. I have officially reached nesterhood.

I think my next post of Latte Cupcakes will be more exciting for you than this one.

Day 10 (Class 12) Like, feeeeerrr Surrrrrrreeeee

My 6am class today was lead by a Valley Girl crossed with Charlie Brown's teacher.

Ever have one of those instructors that just does the dialogue and nothing else? Nothing at all!? Not a correction, not a hint, nothing but the exact dialogue.

It's interesting... I've had this instructor many times and really never noticed until today that she is very focused on one thing- getting the words out.

I was a bit of a shit show today. In Bow Pose I was doing Cobra, in Full Lotus I was doing Bow Pose. Did she correct me? Not one time. Me and the gals got a laugh out of it later, but there I was just doing my own thing, mind wandering to wherever it was.

I eventually got back on track but a little direction earlier might have helped.

My practice was sort of like today's weather. Gray and dismal. I know we all have off days, but I like all of my days to be gold stars with sparkles. And it really probably wasn't as bad as I'm making it out to be I'm just a bit tired, thus hard on myself.

My legs are sore too... after I pulled on my Frye boots today I thought "I have to carry 5 pounds of leather around all day long..." Still have them on, too lazy to change them.

I'm sore because I'm giving it full force. The pulling, the stretching, the breaths.

This is my practice and you can't have it.

Day 9 (Class 11) Feelin' Good

It was sooo cold this morning, in the house and outside. I put on my gear and headed to class (hair in same hot mess it was from yesterday's 3:45pm class, I did shower though).

Heaven walking into the hot room (for about 30 seconds). The perfect temperature was sitting in the lobby, with my hoodie on. Perfecto! I could have laid down and slept another 2 hours. But alas, I'm not there to sleep. Practice now, live better, sleep when I'm dead.

Peter was teaching this morning. Thankfully not the animated, auctioneer Peter. He must have been tired.

I may be tooting my horn here but I think I am really rockin' this Challenge. Which means I'm rockin' my practice. Peter gave me some good corrections today and it got me really locked into focus. My arms are actually sore from the pulling. Pulling is the object of stretching. I do have a "sore" lower back, but Jules and I were discussing and we're both convinced it's how high our legs are going up in Cobra. Yayyyyy Us! I actually lifted my legs fully off the floor today. Nothing touching. My own idiocy had me lay out Rabbit. After camel (the new love of my life) I chugged half a bottle of water. OHOH.

On the water topic. I'm going to start skipping the Emerg-C in my bottle. Today I had a weird taste in the back of my throat from it. I just wanted plain old water. Thankfully I had a bottle of that... and hence the chug a lug. I might be using the Emerg-C as a crutch now when I really don't need it. I feel great after class with or without it. If I need it I'll use it, but I'm sure I'll be fine.

Oh, I just noticed my uncomfy pants are comfy again. My bra is fitting better and my (ahhemm...) extra chin is less! Woot.

7 years ago the first Bikram Studio opened up in the city. I regret not starting then. My am thankful I'm committed now.

Viva La Hot Room!!

Day 7 (8) Part II

Oh La La! I forgot how packed the 7:45pm class can be! And loud. So much buzzing around as people are coming in and chatting. I guess I got use to 6am and how we're all walking zombies with puffy eyes and bad hair.

There was a lot of grunting and groaning in class. Kind of like a cattle drive. I am very stoic in my practice. I like to concentrate on me and mine and nothing else. Come to think of it I am like that most of the time. I am that straight faced, not easily impressed, shocked or otherwise gal. You get use to it. And its good for not getting wrinkles!

I had a new (1st class) girl practice beside me and kudos to her, she pushed through the whole practice, didn't layout once. I nearly puked my 1st class.

Peter was instructing this class and he was talking so fast and animated, I kept looking at Jules and laughing. I felt like I was at an auction! SOLD!! He admitted he was a bit hyper from doing a class, then straight in teaching the next. But Lord Love a Duck it was extreme.

All in all, for a double I felt good. I think I might have liked the back to back more. Jules said she liked the double more. Either way, we were two sweaty chicks that did a double and enjoyed it. (that sounds perverse...) I do like putting up two stickers in one day box on the Challenge chart. Actually, I don't do it. Someone else does (usually Jules stretching for all she's worth). Being tall has some advantages.

I'm doing a 3:45pm class today. I think the sleep in today did me well. I have a yummy dinner planned for me and Mister and a night of knitting on the couch.

Oh speaking of knitting... the new kitten likes wool... could be trouble if I forget to put things away.

Shittles! I still haven't posted the Baklava!

Day 7 (8) Where did the heat go?!

This morning with Abbey went by in a flash! I got in a bit late and was the ONLY PERSON in the front row (later 2 more wound up there) and kind of liked it. Though... staring at myself that close I really did notice I need a dye job. Platinum hairs poking out random, not a pattern in sight, just BOING!

The fans didn't come on today at all until final Savasana, and it was OK!. Jules mentioned there was no towel where the gap in the door is, that was probably it. But I like to pretend we're becoming more efficient!

I thought I had a pretty decent practice. Alot of pushing myself beyond yesterday. Abbey complimented me today (I think): "Miss. Tattoo, you can go much more closer with your legs next time, you have the perfect anatomy for this pose" Separate Leg Stretching. Mister will be proud.

Did Abbey notice for the life of me these boobs are inhibiting anything touching my knee?! Or that they were touching my chin in Lotus? Pick a Lotus any Lotus... One day I'll get there.

Maybe tonight when we do a second class to kick start this new week! Woot. We're turning into Nutjobs. Yogini NutJobs... Hmmm... could be a good name for a granola bar.

Oh I did make baklava last night- I'll post it tonight when I get home.

Happy Monday Bendies

Day 6 (7)... Conclusion

Apparently I wasn't as tired as I let myself think I was. I got to the studio at about 9:05am and I wasn't the first keener there. I got my favourite spot as soon as the coast was clear and then came back out to sit in the corner, also my favourite spot. And... woot, Jules walked in. I thought she was going to do a later class so it boosted me to see my yoga partner in crime arrive.

Sweet Baby Jesus that class was hot!! I will never get why there is zero continuity with instructors and when or when not to keep the fans on. I do say when people leave half way through the class or are just laying out completely, a little mental/ physical boost of fan power can't be that detrimental. Either way, I always feel sad for people that leave or get sick or just can't stick it out. For the love of God when you see the air in the room look like fog rolling in, turn on a fan.

I had a great practice regardless of what was going on. I layed out Bow Pose- Mother Nature is on her way tomorrow and she was hitting me with cramps like she was going for Olympic gold. Bitch.

I use to HATE camel. Hate hate hate! Now... Love love love. Who would have thought?

Oh! Jules and I are doing a double tomorrow. Not back to back but 2 classes spaced well apart. We do have day jobs you know.

I'm glad I went early today. I feel refreshed, a bit tired but I have a day of knitting and baking planned (laundry thrown in for shit and giggles). I'm going to pull out a few episodes of Dexter and finish up what I've missed and await the new season with baited breath.

I'll be posting again today but its going to be Baklava. I thought I'd be done it by now but I didn't know the phyllo needs 4 hours to thaw, its just thin dough after all.

I'm hungry again...