Happy Monday... err, I mean TUESDAY!

Hey all! Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! We had a GREAT one indeed!

I started my Friday off with a PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE! YES! That's right my friends!!! They're BACK!!!

Friday we made doggie treats. I bought a Carob flavor cake mix, and used a can of pumpkin instead of the eggs, water and oil. Then I added Banana chunks and swirled in peanut butter. The dogs, went NUTS! And not just over who got to lick the bowl! It was pretty cute!

On Saturday we ended up heading out to Addison to roam the trails and ponds in the East Branch Forrest Preserve. This was Coopers first time and he LOVED IT! He was a little leery of jumping into the water at first. BUT, after a while, he jumped right on in after the other dogs (and toys).

I also managed to get a few GREAT shots of nature at it's finest!!! (along with a few selfies)

It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL there!

Because when you force your husband to take a selfie; this is the face he makes! GR! lol

When we got home, I was welcomed by my order from Dentz Designs. I got a new sweater- this time in pink, and with NO curse words. I also got a cute T'shirt. I'm so excited for the weather to get cooler so I can sport my new yoga wear!

Monday morning I woke up to an email notification from Anna and Curvy Yoga. The Curvy Yoga Certification program had opened up and I was like a deer in headlights. There's no way that this year has gone by THAT fast. it was like March when I added my name to that list, in anticipation that I'd get the OK to enter the program while I was in training. And now, here we are, well into September. I graduate in November and I'm about to start my certification through Curvy Yoga! HOLY COW! Time really does fly! It was a definite eye opener to try to savor the time I have left with these awesome gals!

I'm in! Officially.... I will be in the Night Group :-) Can't wait for this to start!!!

And now it's Tuesday, and it's back to reality. Up early, after staying up too late. Inevitably, the latest I stayed up the entire weekend - Go Figure!

"No Mom, I don't want to get out of bed. Please don't make me! What are you doing? Come back!!"

Meet My Dogs

For those of you who know me;  you already know the majority of my heart belongs to my dogs. But for those who don't, I thought I'd take the time to introduce you to them.

First there is Bennett. Up until April he was our only "child". We got Bennett when he was about 9 weeks old. Funny story;

My husband had been begging for a dog. I wanted one, but not the responsibility. So my response would always be something like "yeah, okay." or "Sure, whatever." Fast forward to us being in our own home for about 4 months. We were on our way to a concert and stopped in Hinckley to pick up my Aunt. Before we went to the house, we stopped at the gas station. We ran in to grab some drinks and there on the door were Black Labs for sale. Eric ripped one of the strips off and said "Here Mishelle. We're going to check this out." My response after seeing the $500 price tag - "YEAH okay Eric, no problem." as I folded it and put it in my back pocket to die in the washing machine. 2 weeks later a friend, also from Hinckley had posted her neighbors were selling Black Lab puppies for $250. Now, Hinckley isn't very big. Pretty much you blink and you miss it. So, it HAD to be those same dogs. This time they were discounted half off.

It was then I went to Eric and said, "Well maybe we should give it a shot and go see them." So, I let my friend know when we would be coming. We met the puppies. They were all so cute!

Puppy number 1 - now Bennett followed Eric around non-stop. So. He was ours! We picked him up 2 weeks later and well, the rest is history.

Never have I ever imagine how much love I would have for an animal. He is the sweetest thing ever! I really think he was human in a past life! (Maybe even cat in another lol) He is so special to us! I love him just as though he were my own child (I mean he is... but, well you get it).

Bennett

Now, 4 years later we became the proud Foster parents of Cooper. We had that "let's get another dog" itch going. It would come and go and at times be worse than other times. Then I saw Cooper on Midwest Lab's Facebook Page. Cooper was left on the side of the road in Missouri with his brother and sister. The sister contracted Parvo and gave it to both boys. She ended up dying and the brother recovered. Cooper managed to get ring worm and had to be kept in isolation. After that, he developed Demodex Mange due to a low immune system. He literally spent the first 5-6 months of his life in a kennel. My heart sank when I heard his story and I knew we had to be a part of his life. SO, we tried fostering.

I should have known... NO- I should had admitted to myself earlier that we would end up keeping him. I get too attached. I knew this. I expected this. So, we ended up keeping him. He was just 15lbs when we got him and now 4 months later he is around 31lbs. He is starting to be more trustworthy and playful.

Cooper

This is the newest picture of them together. You can clearly tell Cooper has finally put on a little weight! :-)

HE LOVES BENNETT! It's so cute to watch them together. I think one of my favorite things is when I let them out in the mornings. If Bennett comes back first, I'll ask "Bennett, where's brother?" to which he will look in one direction, and whichever direction that is, is where Cooper is.

Cuddling in the big bed!

Waiting patiently for a treat. This was within the first couple weeks we had Cooper. He was so tiny!

A Day In The Life (2nd weekend of training)

Thought I'd do a little something different this time around... Here's how my day went for the most part. Times are probably off. Times are definitely off.. But you get the jist! This was a lot of fun to write this way! :-)

5 AM - Wake up call! It's 5 AM, on a S u n d a y! My alarm is going off and instantly I wished I had went to bed a little earlier the night before.

5:15 AM - Alright, fine! I'm up!

5:30 AM - FIFTEEN MINUTES HAVE PASSED???? CRAP! Time for a shower. Looks like the hair is going up today... OH! I'll wear that cute headband!

6:00 AM - Thank God Eric is taking me. I'll die if I have to drive myself. Wait...We need gas??? UGH! He's in the car already. I'll be right out!

6:01 AM - Shoving everything in a bag... (Seriously, Thank the lord Eric is driving me. If I have to lug this thing around for even 1 block, I'll literally cry!)

6:04 AM - CRAP! I forgot I went to Trader Joe's last night. YES, I'll have snacks today! "HOLD ON! I'LL BE RIGHT OUT!" Throw everything in lunch bag

6:07 AM - OUT THE DOOR!

YES! I'll sleep in the car on the way there.... Yeah; that didn't happen.

6:10 AM - Can we stop at McDonald's so I can get ice for my water?

6:13 AM - Pull into McDonald's.
          Eric: "What do you want?"
          Me: "A large ice water - extra ice!... Ooh! and a Blueberry muffin..."
          Eric: "A muffin? Really?"
          Me: "Yeah, nothing heavy! I'll be the girl in the corner with the smelly farts.. or worse!
                  in the bathroom! lol"
          Eric: "Okay.... Yeah Can I get a large ice water; extra ice, a blueberry muffin, and
                    a Steak, egg and cheese biscuit?"
          Me: (blank faced) "I want that..."
          Eric: "NO! You said you didn't want anything heavy!"
          Me: "I know.... But.. it sounds so good....."
(long pause)
          Me: "Well, can't I just lick it?"
          Eric: (Laughing hysterically) "OMG, Really? NO!"

6:17 AM - I take the smallest bite of Eric's Steak, Egg & Cheese Biscuit. It's literally the best thing I've tasted - EVER! (Well, it feels like it). I literally chewed it for like 5 minutes lol

6:20 AM - stop for gas at Meijer

6:27 AM ON THE TOLLWAY!

I'd really like to sleep now, and I'm trying.. But, there's this thing on my shoulder...

7:20 AM - ARRIVED AT THE NEW STUDIO!

OH MY GOSH! This space is SO freaking cute!!!!!!

7:30 AM - Guess I better set up my space...

7:35 AM - Practice begins!

Que Mishelle feeling nauseous and like the room is spinning.

8:00 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:01 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:02 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:03 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:04 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:05 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:06 - 8:16 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:20 AM - OH. MY. GOD. PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA.... I'm going to die!

8:23 AM - YES! SAVASANA!

BREAK TIME! Time to break out the Excedrin Migraine. *remember to ask if forward folds normally make people want to throw up and die... literally die on their yoga mat!

9:00 AM - That banana in the cooler is MINE!!!!

9:01 AM - Walk past Rachel as she is putting on her flannel. Date drops on floor at my feet.

9:02 AM - WHAT. THE. HECK. IS. THAT. OMG. What do I say? Seriously. It looks like a turd.
                 OMG! I almost stepped in it...

9:03 AM - Still staring at the proposed turd

9:03:30 AM - Rachel: "OH! My Date!"

9:04 AM - DATE!!!! She said date!!! It's a date... Not a turd! HOLY CRAP! (literally... LOL)

9:09 AM - Linda just walked in with coffee from Starbucks...

9:10 AM - Now I want Starbucks...

9:13 AM - walk to Starbucks

9:15 AM - Hey cute handlebar mustache guy! Oh, you're a flirt too.... Please break out the Pumpkin Spice Latte kit JUST FOR ME.

9:17 AM - FINE! I'll wait. Jeeze! Carmel Macchiato it is I guess..

9:18 AM - Handlebar Mustache Barista: "What's your name?
                Me: (OH-M-GEE! They write your name on the cups here!) Mishelle... BUT WITH AN
                       S, INSTEAD OF A C!
                Handlebar Mustache Barista: (smiles)
                Me: (Nearly faints... OMG! HE'S PERFECT!!!!)

9:20 AM - COFFEE IS READY! Oh look... He crossed off the wrong spelling and wrote it right... just for me... He knew!! He knew!

9:30 AM - get back for lecture time!

9:31 AM - Is it me? Why are my ears like icicles?

9:35 AM - No seriously.. I'm freezing! Am I getting sick?

9:37 AM - Linda, Rachel and Michelle are all cuddled under a blanket... I want a blanket! Maybe it isn't just me...

9:40 AM - Rachel gets up to put on a sweater. YES! It isn't me! It's cold! Like Antarctica cold in here! I'm getting another blanket!

time passes...

12:55 PM - HOLY CRAP! It's almost 1???? LUNCH! YES! Wait.. I forgot a fork. Didn't I?

12:58 PM - Pretty sure I forgot a fork!

1:00 PM - I forgot a fork!

2:00 PM - stuffed! still have a headache. I'll muster through it...

more time passes...

4:00 PM - WHERE IS THIS DAY GOING? Why is it going so fast?

4:05 PM - SNACK TIME! GO!

4:07 PM - hummus falls on the floor. "NOT THE HUMMUS!!!"

4:08 PM - OMG! Linda's chips are delicious!!!

time passes....

5:10 PM - OMG Suzie's sounds so good right now...

more time passes....

6:10 PM - Seriously though. Suzie's!

6:11 PM - Time for some Cat/Cow talk...

Seriously.. I must post this in the group... LOL! I really want to bust out with my Unicorn... I know.. I'm delirious. Control yourself Mishelle!

7:00 PM - I still want Suzie's. Dang me for only bringing a salad and fruit!

7:01 PM - VARK Test... hmm.. I scored pretty evenly. Go figure. But wait. I totally thought I was more of a visual learner than anything. No.. This is right... 

7:30 PM - TIME TO GO! I'm texting Eric I want Suzie's dangit!

7:45 PM - OMG! This is the greatest thing ever! EVER!

9:30 PM - Oh, we're home already???

TIME FOR BED!

giving the gift of Yoga

Going into my first class, I wanted to make it extra special. Sometimes on really amazing practices, a couple of my instructors would also have a bowl of chocolate set up for you to grab a piece on your way out. Sometimes we would even grab a tea bag to have when we got home or the morning after.

I wanted to be able to incorporate this into my class to show how much I appreciate all those who came out to support me truly begin my journey as a teacher.

So, I came up with a little "fluff pack" as one friend likes to call them. Essentially, it's a little piece of heaven for them indulge in and a little piece of me to remember while they enjoy their treats.
 

I came across this tutorial on Pinterest and fell in love with the cute packaging!

From there I began gathering my materials;

• Treat Bags - I found similar treat bags on Amazon here.
• The Goodies - I decided I was going to give away both Dove Chocolates and Tulsi Organic Tea and some Tazo Green Tea bags; so I purchased both milk and dark chocolates and a couple different flavors of the Tea (including Peppermint - my favorite) at my local Target. (Because that's where I purchase EVERYTHING!)
• Fabric - (I ventured to Hobby Lobby and began choosing fabric that caught my eye. I ended up selecting 3 different fabric prints and ordered 1/4 yd each of them. You really don't need much here.
• Lace Ribbon (you want this thick, like in the above photo and it's totally optional; I didn't end up using any of this)
• Pinking Shears (not necessary, but I love the way this look on fabric - and someone even commented on the fact that I used them! Which was nice.)
• Twine (You'll need a needle big enough for this to thread it through the top of the fabric. You may also choose to make a tiny slit with your fabric shears)
• Gift Tags - (I found cute brown ones from Hobby Lobby)
• Rubber Stamps/Ink Pads - you may already have this on hand. I just selected a few stamps that I felt had the most positive message and used those.
• Pretty paperclips - Target Dollar $pot has a GREAT selection of these. They always have the cutest things.
• Washi Tape - (this will secure the package closed)

From here I just began cutting the fabric/ribbon, stamping the gift tags and cutting the twine so that I could have an assembly line when I was ready to put my packages together.

When I was ready to assemble my bags, I also took out my amazing business cards that I ordered from Zazzle. A few weeks back, I took advantage of their 50% off sale. I also became a member of Zazzle Black for 30 days so I could also receive the perks of free shipping. You can literally go into your account and choose not to extend the subscription after you place that first order. So I didn't have to set a reminder - HUGE PLUS! I ended up ordering a few sets of business cards, loyalty punch cards, 5 class packs for when I begin normal classes, referral cards and one free class passes. Zazzle often runs 50% off business cards and other various discounts regularly.

So I set up my assembly line;

And here's what they ended up looking like when I was finished stuffing them!

I have to say; I am pretty impressed with myself on the way these turned out! I even had a few people come up to me and say, "Do you ever sleep?" haha. I had one say "Are you kidding me? These are so cute!!!! I'm taking a few!" It was an awesome feeling to make so many people's day with just something I took the time to make. Not even with what was inside; although EVERYONE enjoyed their tea and chocolate. But, because of the package. I really just wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU for coming to support me and for believing in me!

I've managed to Pin a few more packaging ideas that I really liked. Not only do I want to spoil my Yoga students with fun gifts like this, but it would be great for Christmas time for cookie exchanges or small gifts to friends and loved ones.

Anyway, I actually have a few things up my sleeve based solely on this practice, so I would definitely want to welcome those who attended this class with me. In my packages, I have included things that will not only bring them back, and also bring their friends. I'd love for them and anyone else to follow along on my journey with me! Please continue to share my posts with your friends! I love that I'm inspiring all of you not just in Yoga but in your lives. The fact that I can do that means the world to me!

My First Teaching Experience

As most of you already know, the night before I began Teacher Training at Ganesha, I embarked on my first ever Yoga class as a teacher.

All the planning and practicing lead up to me finally making my debut. I am so grateful to Caitlin for making this happen! For believing in me and pushing me. And to Kay for allowing me to come into the studio and teach. I am just so blessed!

I had a GREAT turn out! It was an awesome group of 11 amazing women made up of family, friends and friends of friends. The fact that each and every one of them came to show their support is just mesmerizing. It wasn't for every one, and I'm okay with that. But for those who I did "change" - it was an amazing feeling to be a part of that.

I arrived at the studio at 5:45. My class didn't start until 7. I just needed to breathe, in a comforting environment and "get in the zone". I took some time to read over my class and then I decided to set up the room. I knew I would have quite a few people and I didn't want to spend 20 minutes just getting set up. So, I set up 11 spaces. Thanks to my fabulous family and friends, I ended up having the most attend for the drop-in. Which was AWESOME!

When I started class, I got a little nervous. I knew I was going to have that moment where I froze. So, that's why I took the time to write everything out. Even with that, there were still some points I skipped.

I only got lost once. That was at the end of the practice. I would say the room was half relaxed and half "what do I do? I can't hear". I wasn't sure what tone to use. I didn't want to scream. It's also hard to get up there and command things of people. Especially when you're nice. So, I'd say I haven't found my yoga voice yet. But I'm getting there.

It was actually amazing to have that under my belt before doing the round robin at teacher training. I felt more comfortable, PLUS I went off what I had sequenced in that class.

I wanted the evening to be about balance and bliss. Not so much balance pose wise. But finding that balance within life and your practice. I wanted people to feel like, "oh my gosh! this helps with all of the stress I had today. I NEED TO COME BACK!" Some did.

And some it just wasn't for. They wanted to m o v e. And I can't blame them for that. As I've said before, the beautiful thing about yoga is it can be so many things. I want my practices to be of course a challenge to you, but be gentle and relaxing all the same. You could say I would want it to challenge you more mentally than physically in the fact that I want you to challenge YOURSELF to put YOU first!

There were quite a few who asked me when I was teaching next! Genuinely; they loved it! That was so amazing! It was worth everything!!! I even had my Mom call me to ask "Well, when are you teaching there again?" "Oh, well, they should add a drop in!" and "Well, Okay, I think I want to come to Caitlin's class with you!" I've been begging her to come with me to Caitlin's class for almost 2 years now!!! So, If I could turn my Mom... That was an AWESOME thing for me. Lots asked me when I would be back, when there would be more yoga for them, and where I would suggest they go to find it. It was an awesome feeling to be able to bring this into people's lives. MY YOGA... MINE... My yoga made them start to love it and long for more of it. That still gives me chills.

Finding MY YOGA is a work in progress. I know what I want; for the majority. I'm finding things I want to add. I'm just starting my training. So, it could very well change. I'm just keeping an open mind about everything. If I don't feel I'm ready to teach in November, I won't. or maybe I'll limit myself to what I teach until I get ALL of the training I want. That's the beauty of this. I can go at my own pace. I have the judgement to control when and what I teach. Sure, I can come out of this and be like, "LETS GO!" But... It's not about that for me. I want to be the best teacher I can be! So, if I have to wait; I'll have to wait. We'll see what happens. I'm excited! I've got lots of things planned to learn all I can!!!

This is my true calling, and I couldn't feel more at peace!

My First Weekend of Teacher Training

Last weekend was my first weekend teacher training! It was exciting, intriguing, amazing, and exhausting; mentally, physically and emotionally! Like, literally ALL of those, rolled into this HUGE ball of a w e s o m e!

Friday was short and quick. There are 8 of us total; including the teachers. So, 6 students. Everyone is so different. We all look different. We have different styles. We have different reasons for wanting to share yoga with the world. But we're all here for the same thing. I found that SO awesome. Truly, we're an amazing bunch! I can't wait to get to know these ladies!!

The Holy Bible.... AKA, My Manual! :-)

We ended Friday night with a gentle practice. WHICH WAS AWESOME!!!!! Everything was on the floor. Which didn't mean it wasn't challenging. But it was REALLY neat to be able to do the entire practice on the floor. Something I totally want to try!

Saturday was longer. I was tired, but it was manageable. Practice was a little more intense. I guess the other thing I wasn't expecting was so much practice. Obviously I look now and think; DUH! And I'm so glad it isn't just sitting and listening to lecture all day/night. The practice was a happy medium in between my normal practices. Which was super nice.

For the most part, aside the practice - this is what Saturday looked like... This was in the beginning of the day when i just set up my stuff!

Sunday was the worst. And I say that the best way possible. It wasn't bad.... Actually, it was GREAT! I was just EXHAUSTED mentally at that point, and with little sleep the actual practice was super hard for me. Granted, it was a harder practice too. It took everything in me to not stomp my feet like my inner toddler and throw a tantrum. When the pain in my feet got too intense, I took a break. I left the room. Splashed water on my face. Took a couple breaths. Got a ball to roll my feet out with. Then I came back and tried again. I'm so proud of myself for that.

We also had a lot of information to get through. But the beauty of it is; even though it was 12 hours, it was FUN and exciting!

Of course, by the end of the weekend, I had a pretty sweet drink collection going on.

Exhibit A: my Sprite left over from dinner on Saturday, My Passion tea cup from Saturday (that I originally wanted to keep, but ended up throwing it out, my water, the coffee I drove in with Sunday, and then an Oatmeal Latte from Bakin' & Eggs (SO FREAKING GOOD!). I also enjoyed a delicious Blueberry scone. YUM! It's probably a good thing they're moving locations LOL

I also got a pretty SWEET bag from Target to lug all of my books and such with. I'm really digging it! Like; INSANELY digging it. I'm in love! And I love that my wallet matches the "leather" part on the bag too.

I also found out, apparently, I'm drawn to purple! LoL (water bottle, coffee cup, bag, mat and bolster... ALL purple!)

I have to say. Not being around technology all that much was SUPER great! I think that's definitely something I'm going to work on! Getting rid of that addiction! Because it was AWESOME!

I also have to say, as tired as I was... It was something that I constantly held gratitude for. I was constantly finding myself in that state of "Wow! I'm here, and I'm so thankful that I am." On top of that, I felt like it was just where I was meant to be. Everything felt right! Like everything was happening the way it was supposed to and this truly IS what I'm supposed to be doing! 

Funny thing is, I have this thing where prior to starting something new within yoga; an animal or insect crosses my path. Like, literally. Before I started practicing, each time I started a new class (like when I ventured on my own), and NOW when I enter yoga teacher training. You can choose to believe in this kind of stuff or you can think I'm a little weird or "cooky". I am just the type of person who believes EVERYTHING happens for a reason and has meaning.

This didn't happen until Sunday. I was sitting on my bolster, taking notes and listening to lecture when I noticed a cricket like, ALL in my space. I'm not the biggest insect fan. But, I know enough; or rather I believe enough, to know not to kill it. So, I scooted it along. As I watched it scurry over to my mat, and just chill staring at me. Once it felt like I had noticed it's presence, it just kept walking/hopping away towards the front of the room.

When I googled Cricket Spirit Animal This is what I found;

*I usually use Spirit-Animals.com for this.

If Cricket has jumped across your path;

It is a sign of extreme good luck. All the things that you have been working toward and dreaming about are now possible. Stay open to guidance and cosmic messages and you will know exactly what you have to do. Whether its buying a lottery ticket, interviewing for a new job, or being in the right place at the right time. All things are possible right now – all you have to do is feel that you deserve it!

Additional Associations for Cricket…

Good luck

Emerging Self

Enhanced intuition and psychic abilities

Ability to change focus and direction quickly and easily

Grounding

Contentment

Inner Voice

Teaching the power of song in darkness

New Vibrational Energies

Happiness

Finding ones way out of darkness by following their song

Self Expression

Understanding the time to jump out of a situation

Satisfaction

Communication

Good Fortune

Pleasure

Connection to the plant kingdom

Positive Outcomes

So, even if I wasn't truly believing that I was where I was supposed it be THIS totally reassured me. It was eerie, but REALLY really nice! And you can TOTALLY think I'm a weirdo for reading that much into it. But it's so odd that literally, EVERY TIME I start something new in Yoga, some type of animal crosses my path.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEKEND!!!

b l e s s e d

In life there are always people who come and go. They usually have some sort of purpose or meaning as in the end; you learn something each time someone comes in and each time someone exits your life.

Then there are those who come into your life, like a beautiful storm. They uproot you - in the most powerful p o s i t i v e way. In a way you've been longing for without actually knowing it. They change you. I met Caitlin when I was first starting Yoga. Quite honestly, if I didn't have her as a teacher I truly don't think I would have fallen in love with Yoga as much as I have. Everything about Caitlin is beautiful. She just has this way with people and it's amazing. I am so grateful that we have also become good friends in this life and I seriously cannot thank her enough. She has believed in me when I didn't. She's encouraged me when I needed it, and she's listened to me when I've asked. She is by far my greatest inspiration not just in my Yoga journey, but in life!

Quite a while after my practice started, she began suggesting I check into a teacher training program. At first, I thought; (and even called her) crazy! But as I began attending more than just her Yoga class, it started to click. I needed to do this. I needed to offer what I was looking for in a Yoga class. Because I knew people like me were growing discouraged.

It was her I went to when I felt lost and needed that last little nudge; and it was her I went to when I first got accepted into training! Not only was she ecstatic for me to begin training; she also began developing a plan for me. And this was where I really realized; "Man. I am so freaking blessed to have someone like her in my life."

A couple months after I was accepted at Ganesha, she approached me with this amazing idea. She was going to take a break from teaching over the Summer (which of course was a major bummer for me - but I understood). But while she did that, she still wanted the studio to offer Plus Size Yoga. This time it would be offered as a drop in; with rotating teachers.

She had mentioned to the studio owner about asking me to student teach a class. She would help me sequence it and it would be a start to my training so to speak. I remember just staring at her in awe. I couldn't believe this was actually happening.

In the short time I've known her, my husband and I have become great friends with her and her husband. We've hung out at parties with her HUGE awesome family and I've watched her grow into a beautiful loving mother to the most handsome baby boy. I so truly blessed and eternally grateful that God brought her into my life. I can't even imagine my life (or even beginning this Yoga teacher training for that matter) without her at this point.

I will never ever be able to thank her enough for what she has done for me.

You can go check out Caitlin's Facebook page - Plus Size Yoga here. She offers classes as a series at Shine Studio in Batavia.

Balanced Bliss Sequence

Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am to all of those who came to my class last night! Thank you all!

I tried like heck to make this available on Spotify, but I couldn't find a lot of the songs there. To be honest, I'm not the greatest with Spotify either. That's why I went with what I knew. But, both playlists are about an hour and twenty three minutes. The first playlist is what was started in class. After the reading, I switched to the second playlist.  If you remember or want a specific song, let me know and we can probably figure it out.

Here's a screen shot of my iTunes playlists in case you want to purchase any of those songs. (Photos show the order they were played; from left to right). I'll figure out this whole sharing thing sooner or later :-)

This was played through the actual yoga sequence

This was played after the reading. Towards the end of Enchanted Forest, I had begun to have you come back to 'reality'. We completed the end of the practice with Balance playing; which was also the song we started the practice with.

The reading was an excerpt from Melody Beattie's Journey to the Heart. If you'd like the exact reading, let me know!

You can find this book on Amazon.com which is where I got mine!

If you have any questions or want further explanation on any of the poses we did, please let me know! Simply fill in the information and click submit. Once I receive it, I will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

**Please note; due to me being in training the entire weekend of August 21-23rd; I may not be able to get to my email right away. Expect a response no later than Monday August 24th.

It was a pleasure having you in my first yoga class!

Sequencing Part 3

Last week I finished tweaking my sequence. I ended up taking TONS of notes on my actual sequence, so I went ahead and re-typed it. But, I found as I've gone through it the last few nights; I'm still making notes. Writing down all the things I want to say, and the things I want to explain. I need to write them down so I don't forget.

I don't want to be that girl at the front of the class reading off of the paper. But there are sometimes where I think I need to. I'm not very good at explaining what I'm doing while I do it. My mom will attest to this, I'm sure. So I have to constantly remind myself that I need to be talking while I'm moving. Right now, just starting - that's hard for me. SO I can't just see the sequence pictures and go. I need to have something to back me up, in case I'm up there and I freeze.

I actually have a feeling I may not need much while I'm up there. At the studio I think I'll be more in the zone. But, I also don't want to get up in front of everyone and then be at a loss for words. It's going to be overwhelming. But it's going to be great! I have 2 days until I teach and I'm so nervous now! It's all setting in and becoming real!

If I can get half way through the practice; I'm golden! While they're laying there isn't much I have to demonstrate. I just have to be really good at explaining and adjusting. That I think I can handle!

I went through the practice again last night. I caught myself thinking "what if this happens?" and wondering if some of the ladies will actually be able to. Then that got me thinking of adjustments. Just so I didn't forget that, I came up with a plan for one of the poses to be able to adjust everyone and get everyone to benefit from it. I was uber proud of myself for that. Because I sure would have been there; staring at Caitlin mouthing HELP! haha

I also practiced teaching on Eric. Bad idea. He doesn't listen to me, and that gets frustrating. He doesn't look at me like a teacher and so I get that. But add that in with the dogs going nuts trying to figure out why Daddy is laying on the floor and it was just overwhelming. I gave up.

Anyway. Sequencing is HARD work. Being a perfectionist makes that even harder!

my "last weekend"

Going forward, blogging is totally going to be hit or miss for me. Last weekend was my true "LAST WEEKEND" before training begins. Here's a short re-cap of what I did.

Friday - came home, relaxed for a bit and caught a movie with my brother and husband. After we got home, a couple of our cousins came over for some drinks and ended up staying the night.

Saturday - ABSOLUTELY FREAKING NOTHING! Boy did that feel amazing! My husband had made plans to go on a guy's trip to the Cubs v. Sox game. I went to run a couple errands in the morning and from then on, I crafted a little, watched the entire first season on True Detective (OMG! SO GOOD!). Napped. Ate. My brother came over. Napped some more. Crafted a little more. Ate a dinner that consisted of JUST macaroni and cheese (HELLO INNER 5 YEAR OLD SELF!).

Sunday - Day 2 of absolutely NOTHING! I didn't even finish my craft project! We watched a few episodes of season 2 of True Detective. Went for a ride with the doggies and got ice cream. Then we came home and I cooked a spectacular feast of Mexican food that we purchased from the tiny Mexican store down the street. Pretty sure I may have been a latina in a past life! SO freaking good!

The weekend prior I celebrated with a Girls Weekend in Wisconsin. (expect this portion to be photo heavy!)

We had SO much fun! We started with the drive up on Friday with 3 of us. Saturday we got up and explored nature and did a little shopping. Then 1 other girl came up and decided last minute to take a small trip to Lacrosse and get tattoos! I know! I was shocked by myself too! Sunday we woke up, did a little more exploring and then headed home. Summer coming home from Wisconsin traffic is AWFUL! But it was still fun! All in all. These last 2 weeks have been AWESOME! I can't wait to see what the next few j a m - p a c k e d busy weekends do! It's going to change me... I just know it!

On Saturday we had every intention of going to the beach. However it was cold and cloudy! SO, we nixed that idea and went exploring. This was one of the areas we stopped at. Devil's Elbow. The flowers had finally bloomed on the lily pads and they were BEAUTIFUL!

Caitlin looking out on the lake! My FAVORITE picture of the weekend!

Oh yeah. We got tattoos! Now THAT was an experience! So glad I got to share it with these three ladies! (one was just there for moral support!)

Ami, Myself and Caitlin after a few too many drinks :-)

Sunday actually ended up being the PERFECT beach day! But we only went in and dipped our toes!

Here is us on another beach. This is usually where Eric and I take the dogs to swim! It was beautiful though. MINUS the huge dead catfish that REAKED!

It was so beautiful that day!

Kathleen, Caitlin, Ami and I posing with Caitlin's selfie stick! (SHE ONLY HAD IT BECAUSE SHE DESIGNED THE PICTURES ON IT!) haha

We also stumbled upon this cemetery from the 1800s. It was a bit eerie, but so neat! This cemetery consisted of lots of women and children. We walked through trying to decipher their stories and just pay tribute to them. The stones were so old yet so beautiful!