Yoga...for beginners

Today was my first yoga class. I have always wanted to try it, but never really made the time or the effort to attend a class. The other day, I was sitting at Hungry's desk, and there was a brochure for Yoga. Okay, tomorrow may never come so this is as good a time as any to actually take the time, research a class, and attend. I mentioned it to Hungry, and he was like "sure I am always up for an adventure." Oh, an adventure it was!

I asked a few people yesterday, if they thought I would like yoga. Some were surprised that I was going to go in the morning, since most Yoga classes are designed for relaxation after a long day. I thought just the opposite, what better way to start the day than an hour long class focusing on my mind, body, and soul. It was refreshing, yet incredibly calming and very peaceful!

Hungry and I showed up about 10 minutes before the class. As the instructor greeted us, Hungry informed her that we were Yoga Virgins. She was happy, that we had made it to the early class and that we were trying out yoga. She wasn't overly chipper, but I guess that is to be expected, the calm cool collected demeanor of a yoga instructor. A few times during the class she came over and perfected my form. I was actually rather pleased with my ability to follow along and pick up the positions so quickly. It took a few minutes to get into the rhythm, but all in all I was incredibly pleased. If I could just learn the names for all the positions, I think I would be able to do alittle better. Although, I am sure that will come with time. As for today, I am incredibly impressed with how flexible I am and strong my core is. The class is phenomenal for the psyche. Something I highly recommend for all people. It is relaxing, yet incredibly self absorbing. It is amazing to watch your own body begin to focus, mentally and physically in a matter of minutes.

Swing of things.

I am finally getting back into the swing of things with the blog. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I started writing again. It gives me a such a great release, almost to vent...but I really don't have anything to vent about in life. I live life with extreme pleasure. I try to enjoy life to fullest with minimal and I do mean minimal stress.

I have been catching up on a lot of news in the area. I recently read an article about the Denver Post (which I am actually beginning to become a pretty big fan of) about a college student that was playing beer pong before involved in a shooting. Before I go any further I will tell you that no one was injured in the shooting...so no worries about the drinking and then injuring someone or the coming up with anything short of intoxication for a defense case. However, what bothered me about the article was the charges that the student is facing. The sophomore in question (Alex Grayson) is could face possible charges of reckless endangerment and prohibited use of a weapon. The Gun's owner was also lectured about proper gun storage.

Okay so no one seems to think that those charges are crazy...until you find out the Alex is only 20 years old. Beer Pong at 20 (even in Boulder County) is ILLEGAL! I know I sound like the pot calling the kettle black. I don't think I know any individual that waited to have their first drink until their 21st birthday. But honestly, the majority of early drinkers I know, didn't have their name published in the newspaper for playing beer pong and illegally shooting a gun. What about the owner of the gun. Most likely, the owner of the gun, happens to live in the apartment that the gun was fired in. Most likely, the owner of the gun was contributing to the intoxication of a minor. How are they not in trouble for drinking under age and contributing to a minor? Hello? Did I miss understand the laws? Its okay to consume alcohol under the age of 21 as long you commit a different crime that you could face possible charges? Or its okay to contribute to delinquency/intoxication of a minor as long as you get a lecture about something else? Oh wait, I forgot we are talking about Boulder County...an entire different set of rules apply to that county.

Ya Hala Grill - Denver

Went to lunch today at Ya Hala Grill for some Middle eastern and Mediterranean food. It is on the south east corner of Evans and Colorado. It looks like its the size of an old gas station/convenience store that has been revamped.

I had never eaten there nor had Bubbles so we decided we'd give it a go. We also had a coupon, so we really thought we were hitting a home run. You walk in and it looks like cafeteria style food. A small menu in the upper left hand corner and then a true cafeteria line. Neither of knew what to do so we hesitated and looked at the menu. The man behind the register said, to go or dine in? Dine in we tell him...and he points to his left. Which happened to be a sit down restaurant. Before we are even situated in the booth, we are handed menus. It might not be the best method of customer service, but at least they acknowledged us.

A few minutes past and over came a different server. No small talk, no greeting, not "hi, how are you" or even something like "drop dead." We both ordered Water and then I also ordered a lemonade. As soon as we ordered our drinks, he said "what to eat?" In the most unprofessional, lack of personality, almost rude manor. We ordered our food and off he went. Unfortunately for me, I only got the lemonade, I guess two drinks are too much to ask. When they brought out the humus and the soup (lentil), I again asked for water. He didn't acknowledge that I was even speaking to him so for all he knows I might have been speaking in pig-latin or asking Bubbles for her water. Who knows.

Our entrees came. I had salmon (which was breaded and fried), weird I thought...but hey its all good, I can be adventurous. The salmon I ordered was suppose to be grilled with what they referred to it as a zesty sauce. So I am pretty sure I got the wrong salmon. Bubbles got the gyros, which she didn't complain about...so I will assume it was good. Both entrees came with a hummus and pitas, lentil soup or salad and rice. It was a yellow rice, that if it hadn't been over cooked, would have been fabulous. About half way through our meal...a different server than we had had before came over to take away an almost empty plate of humus from Bubbles. He asked if she was done with it, she said yes. He proceeded to ask "yes or no" about five times, until finally she was like "I don't understand." He laughed and walked away. Only to come back a few minutes later and just stare at her...literally standing at the table not saying anything, just looking at her. Here we are sitting in a booth, him standing looking at Bubbles, Bubbles looking at me with a look of panic, and me looking at the guy like he is a pedophile.

When we asked for a to-go box and he responded with 2 dollars. I have a look of confusion, and he says it again. He then just glances over at Bubbles and continues to stare. Just to get the weird creepy guy to leave our table I say yes, just put it on my tab. He again, says 2 dollars and laughs. He brings to go boxes and I go to give him the coupon. He walks away leaving the coupon on the table, apparently they don't take coupons on Holiday's. Since today is Presidents day, no coupon. He tries to explain that I can come back tomorrow for the coupon, but I can't use it today. Weird creepy guy just stands there and stares at me, until I give him my credit card. Bubbles reaches for hers, so we can split the bill and he has already walked away. We motion for him to come back, when he gets back to the table. He says "no coupon" yet again.

Although, the food was a little better than adequate, the really creepy service makes me never want to walk into the building again. I have a coupon that I am pretty sure will go completely unused just because I had such a bad server experience!

Valentines Day.

Okay, so I have never celebrated valentines day, but that really shouldn't surprise anyone...well at least anyone who knows me! I am a huge fan of surprises and expressing your love for your significant other randomly and unexpectedly throughout the year. The fact that its a hallmark holiday and that I am suppose to do something completely turns me. In fact, I wouldn't mind buying valentines day cards now that are sweet and sentimental...saving them and then sending them on like June 3rd as a random lets have our own special valentines day. Now that I think about it, maybe I will run to the store and do that.

I love reading the newspaper. If I could read it everyday, I would. I'd sit with a cup of coffee at the dining room table, spread out the newspaper and read it from front to back, top to bottom. Every single section. Turning the pages, scanning the headlines for something that jumps out at me. It is really the only way to read the paper. That is what I miss about reading it online. I don't see all the articles, so there is no way that it can jump out at me. :) Oh the price of free! Oh, well I'll deal with my free version of the paper and as Hungry complimented me...I wont complain about it. After all, I hold the key to fixing my distaste for reading the paper online...until I decide that I want to pay the 30 bucks a year to read the paper, I'll just continue to read it online. The benefit of reading it online is really two things. It updates immediately...no more yesterday news! Now it is today, up to the minute live news, secondly, I am doing my part to save the trees! I don't really believe that me not buying the news paper, really saves the trees but I'll keep telling myself that.

Wow that was a long tangent for me to tell you why I was reading the newspaper and the connection with Valentines Day...back on track! The Denver Post had a short article today about what they called a Valentines Sweep. The entire article is really short but it got my attention. Finally tax paying dollars put to good use!

• "Northglenn police arrested 16 wanted people in a Valentine's Day sweep in which officers posed as delivery people to contact suspects. The suspects arrested had warrants for assault, possession of drugs, escape, felony theft, trespassing, contempt of court, driving under the influence and sexual assault on a child, according to a police statement. The officers conducted the annual sweetheart-warrant sweep on Feb. 13 and 14. Last year, officers who conducted the operation knocked on doors bearing long-stem roses and a box. They arrived in a van with a sign that read "Flower Delivery." Officers arrested 23 people last year."

I absolutely love the fact that they out smarted the criminals. Especially since they did it two years in a row! I too would have fallen for the line of flower delivery around the Valentine Holiday. The only thing different between me and the criminals is A) everyone that knows me knows that I don't really like flowers, why show your love with something that dies? And 2) I am not wanted by the police. At least I don't think I am wanted by the police...and since they didn't send me a flower delivery, I think I am in the clear at least for another year! :)

Presidents Day.

A day that is nearly forgotten and definitely mistreated! I completely agree that we have an over abundance of holidays. Seriously people they are holidays for a reason. The reason should not be that oh, we get out of work for the day, no school, or the financial intuitions are closed...unfortunately, a lot of people are thinking that way. I felt sad for one of my Managers last night. I said we might get busy because tomorrow is a holiday. He looked straight at me, stone faced and said "really, what holiday is that?" Today's holiday happens to be about remembering the great leaders of our country's history. The good, the bad, the ugly. Yes, I agree with both sides of politics some Presidents were better than others, however, even if you think a particular President was absolutely terrible, try to remember what they gave up to lead our Country. Hopefully all Presidents left office thinking they did the best job they could do given what they had to work with.

You might have the day off, then again you might have to work today. But try to learn something about Presidents that you might not have known. Try to spend even 5 minutes remembering and honoring the Presidents of our great nation. The nation that allows us to walk the streets with our heads held high. Yes, I know we have had our struggles as a nation, but we are still growing, fighting, and improving with each passing day.

To help learn about some of our past Presidents. Here is a little bit of fun trivia, that you might not have known before.

Name the two Presidents that were College Football coaches?

Who was the shortest president coming in at 5'4" and weighing 100 pounds?

What President had a largest shoe size?

Which President had the most children and how many did he have?

What was the first state west of the Mississippi to produce a President?

Name the only President to not be affiliated with a political party?

How long was the longest inaugural speech, and who gave it?

Who was the first President to refuse an honorary degree from Oxford University, because he felt he had neither literacy or scientific attainment?

How many Presidents were born in a log home?

Who was the first President to have electricity in the white house?

Name the two Presidents impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives, but acquitted by the Senate?

Name the six Presidents that are on coins?

Enjoy answering attempting to answer the trivia questions. I thought they would be fun and light hearted. Might bring people back to remembering why we should take a few moments and truly enjoy our past Presidents!

Chicago...the musical take 2.

I psyched myself up for Chicago the musical for about 3 weeks. I was super super super excited. I got the cd from Bubbles and would literally blare it throughout the house (when no one was home) so that I could ear it no matter what room I was in. I practically know every single word from every single song throughout the entire musical.

There were six of us that went, Swallow, Bubbles, Hungry, My Bestfriend, FreshPoint Mom, and myself. We were literally in the second row from the top, but honestly, I was so into the musical that you would have thought I was in front row. At one point, Hungry leaned over and was like do you know you are singing out loud? I just kind of chuckled and thought, most people wouldn't appreciate that, so I better keep my singing inside my head...because clearly they didn't come to listen to me sing.

The production was amazing. The sound was phenomenal, the production crew was right on, however, it was different than I expected it to be. They didn't use any props...well except for a few chairs. They used the lighting hitting the floor for all the scenes, whether it be a jail cell, or a bed room, or even the court room. It wasn't what I was expecting, so at first I was a little disappointed, but that was only because I wasn't thinking outside the box. Once I began to realize that its about creativity and energy, I was thrilled with the way that they used their imagination. I definitely got the itch for more theatre in my life. Lucky for me Denver Center for Performing Arts has quite the selection great shows and musicals coming through town. Hip Hip Horray for me! I am also lucky enough to have people who appreciate the theatre to accompany me.

Playing Catch-Up

Its been a month on the go! Although, majority of the going has been where I have been able to come home and sleep in my own bed, it still feels like I am never around...Swallow can attest to that. Lets to do a short re-cap. The weekend in Breckenridge left my liver in need of a serious detox, so I spent the first actual week of February laying low...working and snowboarding. Literally, the day after we got back from a weekend in Breckenridge, I headed up to snowboard with Hungry in Keystone. It was a little icy, but not terrible by any means. I took a few terrible tumbles, which were good and bad. The bad was that it was a much needed reminder that I am human and am destructible. Everyone needs to be reminded of that every once in a while. :) The good of course was that Hungry got a good laugh out of watching or hearing me fall. The worst fall of the day left me 30 yards from where I went down, face down looking up the mountain. I am still not sure how I managed to pull that one off, but I did. Anything is possible with me!

Being tone deaf, I don't attend to many concerts. However, Muscles asked me I wanted to go with him to see Hinder and Theory of a Deadman. I saw Hinder at Red Rocks this summer, they were amazing so I was all game to see them. Again, they were amazing...but in doing so I realized that Theory of a Dead Man are also very very good! One of their more popular songs is BAD BAD GIRLFRIEND. I got a new shirt to add to my list of crazy shirts. It is pink and says I am A BAD BAD GIRLFRIEND! I thought it was appropriate. Muscles and I had a great time as usual. He is a great guy and a ton of fun to go to concerts with. I was actually bouncing around. I am beginning to wonder if I was bouncing around because there was a guy in front of me doing it, or if I could actually hear the beat. Either way, I was screaming (singing) along with all the songs that I ended up knowing...which were more than I expected.

I also hit Beaver Creek last week. Which was phenomenal! In some areas there were as much as 2 feet of untouched powder. This time was a little different. I was on my own board (the one I bought for as my birthday present0. Being on my own board left me having mixed reviews about the board, the mountain, and my skill level. My bindings were giving me a challenge, but not really knowing exactly how the mountain was laid out made for even more of a challenge. There were some very very very narrow runs that literally I looked to the side and thought, if I fall to the right I am a dead man. Not something that really sat well with my stomach, but hey there is only two ways down...the actual run or head first down to the right (which I was convinced meant death). We took one chairlift that happened to only lead us to what seemed like a sea of blacks. I made it down without any fail, and Hungry actually complimented me on the fact that "I don't complain, like most girls!" I think he could tell that I wasn't overly thrilled with the chairlift that he picked, but shit it isn't like I can ride the chair lift down. Although, now that I think about it, on more than one occasion while at Beaver Creek I saw people with ski's and boards actually riding the chairlift down.

On the last run of the day, we were suppose to take a blue run (Primrose) however, I didn't have enough momentum to get to the top. So instead we took this black, that looked like a piece of cake...and it was for the first 100 yards. Then we ended up in the trees in 2 feet of untouched powder (absolutely amazing) unfortunately, it was followed up by about 100 yards of moguls. That part wasn't so great, however, watching Hungry attempted a human flying and landing lesson. He was literally airborne for a few seconds. His poles went flying, his skis came off, and somehow managed to jam his ankle into his alrighty tight boot. I of course couldn't do anything but laugh! After a great day at Beaver Creek, Hungry and I made a pit stop before we made the 2 hour journey back home. Beaver Liquors of course. It was a little strange though, they sell more apparel than they had options for different kinds of liquor...but I think it was more of a novelty idea then the locals liquor store.

Last Saturday, we helped Anita Mandalay move apartments. I got a kick out of it. I recruited help, Bubbles and Hungry to help. We show up at 7 am with coffee in tow, (after I closed the bar, the night before). I knew before we got there that she lived on the first floor, but she didn't mention that she was moving to the 3rd floor in a building that didn't have an elevator. I think it is almost better that we didn't know that. Unfortunately for Anita Mandalay, not all of her furniture fit in the door way, so I ended up inheriting a lot of the furniture. A dining room table, coffee table, 2 end tables, and a couch. It took five us about 2 hours to move all of her stuff. Just enough time to come home, shower and head to work a double. It was a long day...:(

It hasn't been all play this month, but it definitely has been more than usual. My mom always tells me I need to get out and live a little. I was never good at listening to her as a child, so I am really using my best listening skills, of late.

Beverage Napkins

Bubbles and I had quite the little adventure on our mini-vacation trip to Breckenridge this past weekend. It was a bonding trip with notes written on beverage napkins as proof! Its always a little rough when you start to write things down to help you not forget great quotes, funny moments, or random situations. It also helped to jog our memory the next morning. It is never a good idea to let Anita Mandlay to be in charge of ordering shots and drinks. Every time you turn around there will be another one in front of you. The chick can drink, she is a seasoned professional! Bubbles and I just can't keep up, although, I think it is safe to say that Bubbles did a better job than I did.

We got up to Breckenridge around lunch time on Saturday. A little bit of a late start, after I had trouble getting out of bed Saturday morning. What can I say, its a little rough closing the bar getting home around 3ish & not able to fall asleep till 5ish. However, I managed to pull myself out of bed, pack, get to the bank, pick up my favorite Florida sweatshirt, and head west. We made it just in time for lunch at the Breckenridge Brewery. I of course, wasn't the least bit hungry, so I decided I would have a few (literally 3) chicken wings and probably 3 or maybe 4 carrot sticks. Their version of Guinness were flowing, the Irish Car Bombs weren't far behind...and soon enough I was not hungry at all! That my friends was my 1st major mistake. If you are going to try to keep up with Anita Mandlay than you best eat something. It wasn't as if I was even trying to keep up with her, but every time she orders herself a shot (which is fairly often) she orders a round of shots. God forbid, someone actually drink alone!

After lunch, we had a mission. I needed to buy some socks. I might be the only person to go to Breckenridge without any socks. My clogs were getting snow in them, and my toes were getting a little chilly. We asked a local and they pointed us to the Joy of Sox...what an amazing store. I was in heaven! I might be the only person I know that can never have enough socks! Lucky for me they had a package of 3 little miss match socks, which happened to be match a pair my mother had sent me a while back. Now I have three pairs of toe socks, as opposed to just three random socks. :) It was like hitting the jackpot in the sock world! After we were done with the socks, it is time to go bar-hopping...Anita Mandlay is extremely good at this. I thought I should have been able to hang, but I think I am officially getting old! I had one of the famous cookie sandwich that is literally better than anyway else. Its huge, the icing is creamy and so sweet that, almost to the point that you have to have a permanent sweet tooth to be able to eat the entire thing...this I can handle without batting an eye! After a few more shots and a couple of beers...back to the tattoo parlor we went. This time however, was for Bubbles! She got a dancer on the top of her left foot. I am sure the tattoo hurt, cause my hand was still throbbing for a good hour after the 10 minute tattoo was done. We did however, have to switch shoes because she couldn't have her tennis shoes rub against the tattoo. That seemed like a good idea, but I wear an entire size bigger than her, so it was a little rough on my toes. It was the first time I wore Saucony's, and they are now going to be referred to as Marshmallow shoes...they were amazing, it was ashame they were too small!

The night progressed from there...more and more shots combined with more and more beers, however, there was never another mention of food! Before I realized it, it was almost 10 pm and I forgot that we hadn't eaten dinner and that I hadn't actually eaten anything besides 3 chicken wings and some carrots all day..."oh, that magical cookie!" Anita Mandlay and her boy toy bounced and left the night to us youngsters. Bubbles and I sat around and chatted at Eric's downstairs bar. Some random moron's decided to buy us a beer, exactly what we didn't need...but that's okay we allowed them. The sad story was they didn't come over and talk to us at all! Thanks for the Guinness guys, it was much appreciated...but word to the wise you might want to actually talk to the girls you are buying beer for. We finish half a beer and then decide to bounce. On the way, all I wanted was fried wontons! I talked about fried wontons for at least an hour. For those of you who know Breckenridge, its a little skiing town that literally shuts down at 10pm. Needless to say, we didn't find any fried wontons...it was sad story!

Our sad story proceeded to get worse. We get into the elevator, push the 2nd floor and then realize that neither of us know our room number. Rut Rhoe, we however, think this is absolutely hysterical. Bubbles takes the room key and tries probably 7 out of 10 rooms, while I sit on the comfy chairs, trying to decide how I can get some fried wontons. :) No such luck finding our room, we didn't try the one next to the elevator because we thought we remembered walking further than that out of the elevator. Only we, would screwed that up! Down to the lobby we go, to ask the front desk clerk what room we are in. She asks what the name on the room was, and the only thing I wanted to say was "its a fun last name." Its a good thing Bubbles knew the last name, because I couldn't come up with anything besides "its a fun last name." I am sure the front desk clerk, was not the least bit amused!

Finally make it back to our room, sit up and chat for a little bit and then hit the sack. More in we passed the f*ck out, but hitting the sack will work for the moment. I wake up 2 hours later and rush to the bathroom. I proceed to toss my cookies for a good hour - hour an a half, while Bubbles is dead to the world. I try to wake her up on two different occasions, telling her I need a coke. The third time, I wake her up by yelling and throw money at her to go find me a coke to help settle my stomach. She kind of stumbles out of bed and manages to find me a pepsi. Good enough, I was just thrilled to have the bubbles. I am still tossing cookies in the bathroom, when in she comes. She looks at me and says "since I am already up, I might as well wash my face and brush my teeth, feel free to get sick while I am in here." And sure enough, she washes her face, brushes her teeth and then heads back to bed. There I sat praying to the porcilan god, to just let me begin to feel better. Never once did I say that I promise I will never drink again (that is normally what I say at that moment), but not this time. I just really wanted to get all of it out, so I could sleep!