Round Two

Long time, no talk!

I've been busy with life, and boy has it thrown some curve balls my way. My life has really changed in the past several weeks and its encouraged me to begin the epic journey of self-realization and learning. I'm learning to take each day one step at a time, take pride and joy in my decisions, seize all opportunities, and show love and gratitude to those around me. 

To sum it up, I took finals, went home, saw family, saw friends, worked out, and worked essentially every day. Relaxation time mixed with some venturing out into the wild world of Los Angeles made for the perfect winter break. 

Night out with my best friend, Maxine!

We made it to boxing the next morning!

Work on Christmas Eve!

After a double-feature Pilates & Spin class with some great people!

Out on the town...

Trying out a new yoga studio with my favorite Jonathan

NYE with Jenny!

Last night out in LA with my BEST FRIENDS FOR EVER.

Now sitting in my bed back in good old Santa B, ready to take on this quarter with a whole new outlook. I am resolving to have an open mind and open heart and truly begin to discover who I am and what I love to do. 

Speaking of the new year, I thought, what better time than to start CREATING a NEW me than the NEW year? (Answer: there is none.) HENCE, why I am yet again beginning my blogging. Tomorrow will mark the first day of my FORTY day yoga challenge.

Lululemon as a company advertised for an online, digitially based 40 day yoga challenge through Baptiste Yoga. Since the company already inspires me every day to be the best version of myself, to set goals, and to do scary things, I decided to yet again take into consideration this challenge. It took about 30 seconds of contemplation before I said, "Absolutely." So I signed up for that for $0 and I'll get free online videos, conference calls, and much more! You should do it too!
(Check it out here: http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/time-for-a-revolution/)

They reccommend 40 days because it is believed that it takes 40 days to create new habits. Interesting, right?

In addition to the moral support of a digital program, my favorite studio Power of Your Om (where I did my 30 days back in November) is also starting a program, ON THE SAME DAY. It is truly meant to be. So not only will I have help from a digital community, but also from an amazing group of people who will be embarking on the same journey with me, physically. With the program, we will be partaking in unlimited yoga, daily meditation, personal journaling, mindful eating, life coaching, and weekly meetings. I cannot wait.

I am at the perfect point in my life to be doing something like this. Some of my friends may think I'm crazy for having a job, going to school, and making a commitment such as this one, but this is just how my body runs and operates. I'm built to be busy 24/7. It is what makes me happy. And I know somewhere in the middle of all of that I will find plenty of time to enjoy the good company of the people I care about. With only six months (holy hell) until graduation, I think that it is the most PERFECT time to go on a self-discovery journey. Maybe I'll be able to stop looking so baffled/lost/sad when people ask me what I'm doing "AFTER"...

I'll be using this blog probably partially as my "personal journal," as I find it exciting to write to a public audience about such a personal experience (I won't spill all the juicy details). It will be interesting though to see how I do manage to balance school, social, work, and yoga. I've done it once, and I'll do it again. When my 30 day challenge ended, I didn't feel ready to stop. If you can do 30, why not go for 10 more?

If you've ever thought about doing it, or even TRYING yoga for the first time, there's no time like the present. Create every day and make it your own. There's nothing holding you back except your thoughts...and your thoughts don't control YOU! Be your own person and do what you want to do and the results I promise, will be astonishing. Set goals and you will surpass them.

Wish me luck on DAY ONE out of FORTY...HERE WE GO!  
 #readysetgoals #digital40days #yogalove

-A. 

What Happens In Vegas...

Stays In Vegas...


Except for these few photos I have from the entire weekend :)

The Venetian Hotel

Visited the lululemon there! The Las Vegas 1/2 and Full Marathon were on Sunday so the store was PACKED! Also note the FREE massage chair ;) They shut down the strip for it! Watched it from TV, it looked AWESOME!

It was hard not working out for two days :) Got back yesterday morning (Monday) and had tons of work to catch up on. Squeezed in an INSANITY workout just to get my blood pumping again. Went to yoga this morning and was so sleepy-- It was weird getting back at it!

I'm now currently writing a paper that is due tomorrow, and I have a newsletter project due tomorrow as well. This year is almost coming to a close...wild.

Many exciting things happening very soon, big free lululemon yoga event happening next Wednesday that I'm planning, it should be a blast. Check out www.onthe12th.com to see if there's one happening in your area!

Going to try to squeeze in workouts this week and next so I don't get too stressed out with finals and papers. Sending lots of love!

-A.

The Grand Finale

So, I made it. Thirty days of consecutive yoga. On October 31 I was really on the fence. Then I decided, "WHY NOT" and just went for it. I really had nothing to loose, I could only win here.

Little did I know that it would be some of the most amazing 30 days of my life. Filled with positive energy, confidence, commitment and endurance.

Last night I took an absolutely incredible Master Class with Philip Urso. He talked for about 20 minutes before even putting us into child's pose about the importance of pranayama breathing. He said it stops the vicious cycle of our carousal of continuous, overpowering thoughts that are always aimed towards the past and the future. So when we are breathing, and focusing on our breath, we're thinking about nothing else, and that's when we can truly find peace and be present.

It was the most focused class I've ever taken, as when he said "Go to 100% focus with your breath" I did, or got really close. When you do that, you get rid of the ego, or learn to focus your attention away from it so that you are not constantly ridden by the thoughts of what happened during your day or what you have to do the rest of the night.

Gotta make this quick cause I'm running to yoga, and am leaving for Vegas in several hours, but I just wanted to make note that even if you don't think you can do something-- you can. Don't let anyone tell you you're crazy. Even if its something that someone else or one of your best friends doesn't find interest in, if you have the slightest inclination to do something epic, do it.

I feel the most amazing I've ever felt, and I'm really sad these thirty days are over. It's really going to be a strange feeling waking up and not having a yoga class to look forward to. Of course, I do work for a yoga and running company so there's no doubt I will continue to practice.

I used to be all go-go-go and cardio alllll the time. I really was unaware of the benefits that less strenuous exercises could have on my body. I feel alive, re-energized, and ready to take on the world.

A big thanks and namaste to those who helped me get through this month. I guess like I said in my first post, its like Movember (No Shave November). The girls (my friends) probably hate it, because it makes me less available. However the guys (me, the do-er) is sad to see it go, come November 30. Not sure if that made sense, just go with it.

Off to my 30th yoga class at Power of Your Om. Another heated, sweaty session for this girl. I'm going to continue to blog, and will *hopefully* find new adventures to keep you occupied and procrastinating.

Just remember, set goals, go for them even if you're hesitatnt, and I PROMISE you will be over-the-moon with the outcome. "If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."

So today, I challenge you to do something that scares you! Just go for it. Just do it.

Update: here's a picture of me and Adrienne (my amazing teacher) right after my last class!

#totalyogahair

-A.

Twenty-five Down, Five to Go

Hey there,

Today is going to be my TWENTY SIXTH day of yoga! Holy cow. What a journey it has been. Starting to set my sights on new, more ambitious goals for the months to come.

Currently sitting in my Global History class, clearly not paying attention. Oops! I'd rather be focusing on things that are actually important to me-- like my body, my health, and my future, than on WWII.

The past week has been a whirlwind and I can't believe that this quarter is almost over. Only six more months until I graduate. Where is the time going? I've had an amazing four years here but I'm ready for bigger, more exciting adventures! The only question now is where will I find them, and what form will they take? Regardless, I always try to remind myself each and every day to:

 I hope you all had a marvelous Thanksgiving! I know I did...ate way too much, as is tradition.

Ended up going to a one hour weights class followed by a one hour kickboxing class at one of my favorite gyms at home Thanksgiving morning. That being said, I was exhausted. Nevertheless, I knew there was no way I would back down on my challenge on day 23. So I went home, and listened to my favorite yoga instructor's podcast which I recently discovered! Did about thirty minutes and it served a great compliment to my crazy two hour morning workout. I then proceeded to shower and lay in bed for three hours until dressing up for the dinner of thanks.

My family and I went to a family friend's house and met many new people which is always exciting! It was a great evening with amazing food! Glad and thankful I got to be with such amazing people. Unfortunately that time was cut short by the fact that I would have to be in Santa Barbara for Black Friday in less than 8 hours. So I went home, packed up, and went to bed by 11:30 in order to prepare for my extremely early morning drive back up the coast.Here are pictures from my lovely evening:

Me and Mom!

Me and Brother!

So. Many. Pies.

nomnomnomnomnom #foodporn

Also, here's a picture my friend Jonathan took of me in Eagle Pose...waaahoo!

Doing yoga to a podcast!

Woke up at 3:30, hit the road at 4:15, arrived at 5:30, ate breakfast at 5:45, and prepared for the craziest day I have seen at lululemon yet at 6 am. Crazy-busy fun day at my store, and we all wore black matching outfits, red lipstick, and fake glasses. It was really fun! Went shopping after work for three hours (am I out of my mind?) and went home around 5 pm. And yes, I somehow convinced my exhausted body to persist and challenge myself to my 24th day of yoga. I succeeded. Definitely too tired for any headstands but there were many restorative positions involved, to say the least. I was so tired that I wasn't even hungry, but hadn't eaten all day. Threw together this extremely strange meal....

Leftover turkey, toast, and apples...uh?

Went to bed at 10:30 and woke up at 6 am for my 7:30 am shift, read to conquer the world of stretchy yoga pants! Thew view was beautiful when I was leaving my house, as always!

However I encounted a bit of a struggle on my way to work. Was running because I was slightly late, with both shoelaces untied...and totally ate it. As Adrienne says in yoga-- laugh at yourself if you fall. I tried...but it kind of hurt. I've got a gnarly bruise on my hip to show for it. Its worse today, but I'll show you the picture of it after only a few hours...

Ouchies! #klutz

Came home and found a fun, 45 minute power vinyasa video to do. Broke one sweat. Just one. Not as good as my heated vinyasa classes but I was exhausted after my shift, and there were no available classes on a Saturday night, so I had to settle. Showered, got some great sushi with the boyfriend, and went to bed around 10:30. Can't decide if I have a child or old person's sleeping habits...either way my bed time is totally justified...at least in my eyes!

Went to work at 8:30 and set up for free, in-store yoga! I got to practice managing the floor and I had a great time and learned a lot! I still have a lot more developing to do before becoming a Keyleader, however I'm excited for what the future has in store! Went to a 4pm yoga class at Power of Your Om and it was SO NECESSARY. Doing podcasts and YouTube videos was great in the moment and was a better than not doing yoga at all however, being in a class, sweating with others, and having a live instructor much more powerful.

This morning I went to a new studio that a bunch of the girls on my lululemon team have been suggesting...at 7am. The studio is called Killer B fitness which runs cardio machine circuits for 45 minutes followed by 10 minutes of abs. Kicked my butt! There was a climbing machine, swimming machine (never seen this before), rowing machine, bike, and elliptical. This place is my new favorite! So excited to get back into my regular cardio routine.

Went grocery shopping, showered, then went to class. And now I'm still in class. Clearly still not paying attention. I am now in Comparative Literature. Thanks for joining me on my journey of being a senior and not paying attention in my un-important classes! :)

Roasted red-pepper hummus and crackers for a snack between classes!

I've got a lot of work to do this week in order to properly prepare for my VEGAS trip this weekend. What better way to celebrate the end of my thirty-day challenge than an entire weekend focused on reverting the effects of yoga? ;) The week after this weekend is dead week, then finals, then winter break! Moving on, moving forward, and developing into new chapters of my life. It is all quite exciting.

Going to yoga tonight at 6 pm and am working early tomorrow. Same old, same old. The trick is, is to bring in each day that may seem ordinary and make it something extraordinary. That's the goal. And that's all for now!

-A.

21 Days of Yoga for the 21 Year Old

Hello WORLD!

This post's theme is FEELING GRATEFUL!

Today is my 21st consecutive day of yoga! UNBELIEVABLE. I feel energized and excited to go to class. For the most part I feel amazing both inside and out, however the only downside is my "yoga toes," jumping back into chaturanga is somehow destroying the bottom of my feet...oh well, better a happy heart, mind, and body than picture-perfect feet, right?

People have been asking me, "What are you grateful for?" with Thanksgiving right around the corner. In the spirit of my 30 day challenge and in the moment of being young and alive, I respond, "Health." What I'm really thankful for, if I could put it in more than one word, would be "the freedom to move," "the agility of my body," "for my legs/arms/core..." Without my strength and health I would be a different person. I am truly grateful for the opportunity that my body has given me to  utilize all parts of it and to play with it while it is still young, wild, and FREE...by doing things like this:

Crow Pose

That being said, I have done a headstand almost every day since my first one on my 16th day! Being able to lift my legs from the ground to hanging in the air, without support, again reinforces my gratitude for a core. So the next time a teacher in one of your classes is instructing you to do yogi-bicycles or boat pose-- don't complain. Just be there and do it. Be thankful that you can.

Now onto my week of adventures since we last touched base...

Had work on Saturday until 7, and then came home to a house filled with smiling faces sipping on wine. Unfortunately, I had not done my daily yoga and as much as I wanted to sit and chat, I also was determined to not "let one day slide." My reasoning: as I was confident there would be other opportunities to sit with my friends, drink vino, and chat, I cannot be sure that there would be another opportunity to practice my 17th consecutive day of yoga. With that justification being taken care of, I eagerly laid my mat down in my bedroom (that I share with two other girls) and opened up my laptop to follow along with a thirty minute YouTube flow. I wasn't drenched like I normally am in my regular studio classes but I was definitley heated and happy I persisted. Tried my headstands at the end...somersaulted over twice and successfully got up once. 

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

 Went to yoga on Sunday with a bunch of my lululemon girls! Always a blast...and a sweaty one too. Speaking of lululemon, tomorrow (or Today at this point) November 22, is my ONE YEAR LULULEMON ANNIVERSARY! HOOOORAY! Happy lu-birthday to me! If you don't know about the company-- research it. I'm sure you'll love what you find. Such amazing people with amazing visions, goals, and values. It has changed my life. Here's a quote from their instagram that I liked...

This week, I yet again had only one day of class before going home for the holiday. Turned in a really cool project that I had been working on for a while, a media kit for an on-campus organization that promotes health and wellness-- we're like two peas in a pod! 

Business card, Media Kit with other things included, and my brochure.

Went to two out of my four classes on Monday (oops...senior-itis strikes again!) and then bolted for home! Luckily missed all the traffic. Got home just in time for one of my favorite yoga classes with Jill at Agoura Power of Yoga. Headed home for my first home-cooked meal in a while and it was delicious...THANKS MOM!

Tuesday I first went to a cardio class at my favorite studio, "The Factory" in Westlake, and then flowed at my friend Jonathan's house-- who by the way killed his 50k in case you were wondering! Crushing goals as is tradition. Anyway, did Adrienne's podcast in his living room (thanks, Adrienne!) and yet again went into my headstands. Had some tumbles but this was the final result...

Balance, Concentration, & Core...Next come Handstands...

Went home, showered, and went to meet my favorite people for sushi! We went all out. Grateful for them. 

JD, Chelsea, and Jonathan...AMAZING people

Amazing-ness

That leads me to this morning, or what is almost yesterday morning, probably by the time I publish this. But just go with it. Went to the factory for a double cardio session-- step-kickboxing followed by boxing with bags. Needless to say I'm extremely sore. However, it was a great compliment to my yoga and it reminded me that I have a passion for it...wish it was part of a more regular routine in my life however we don't really have a cardio boxing gym up in SB. 

Got a massage at 12:30. It was heavenly. Then had a doctor's appointment, and then I went to yoga at YogaWorks Tarzana. Nice flow class-- it's always good to try something new! Here's a picture re-cap of my day:

 

My gloves, wraps, and fresh kicks #thesweatlife

The Mat- I highly recommend it.

Finished my day with amazing Thai food with my mom and a candle-lit Dexter & Homeland watching night. Super relaxing and exactly what I needed :) 

Thai Food

My candle collection, mom had them lit when I got back from yoga-- #OMMMMM

 I think I'll be going back to YogaWorks tomorrow for a pre-feast flow. However, I need burn a few more calories than a single yoga class can offer in order to burn off the calories that I'll be eating later that evening. I'll be starting my morning with a weights class and a kickboxing class at M6 fitness in Westlake-- super fun classes...hope I don't hit traffic going out there.

Anyway, it's officially THANKSGIVING! Happy Turkey Day everyone! Take a moment to bring love and gratitude to your thoughts (hands to third eye), words (hands to mouth), and actions (hands to heart) (picked that up from tonight's #yogitalks). Talk a lot, spend time with family and friends, and most importantly, INDULGE!

Courtesy of lululemon.com ...They have tons of "lovenotes" check them out!

I now only have 9 days left of yoga. The fact that I'm partially saddened by the fact of not feeling compelled to go to yoga everyday is frightening/exciting/strange. All that means however, is that I'll have to set a new goal for myself. Goal setting is the key to development and change. Set goals regardless of whether they seem realistic to you. You never know what you're capable of until you TRY. TRY, TRY, TRY!! Do it, you'll probably surprise yourself. I know I did. 

Thanks for listening to my ramble, yet again. 

In good health,

-A.

Sweet Sixteen

Today is day 16! Kind of like a sweet sixteen, but without fancy cars and a huge party with all my friends. Today I had a party with myself-- celebrated in class after I got into my first headstand WITHOUT SUPPORT, JUST USING MY OWN BODY! It was so incredible I couldn't help but smile throughout the rest of my practice. I was so incredibly proud of myself. Only half-way through my 30 days and I've already accomplished the goal I had set to complete by day 30...guess it's time to do some new goal setting!

Had one day of class this week thanks to my Monday Wednesday class schedule. Started the weekend two days ago. It's pretty rad. Will only have class on Monday next week and then get to go home for Thanksgiving Monday evening! Senior-itis much?

Also having a love/hate relationship with the fact that I have work at 6 am on black Friday. Hate to leave home but love that it's going to be a total party at lulu Santa Barbara! Moving to full-time status come winter break. Now that I'm almost done with my exec position I'm excited to start dedicating more time towards a place that I really love being #joblove

ANYWHOO, back to YOGA. Wednesday went to a 6 am class that I can't believe I actually woke up for. I had a full day of class and sorority activities and had no choice. However, it was actually a great decision and made the rest of my day a lot brighter! I even got to take a nap (and I don't nap, ever). What's even more crazy to me is that there were 12 people in my class-- quite a lot for such an early time. Like they say, the early bird gets the worm! Came back and had to go to my 8 am class, went out to get my bike which was on my deck and walked out to this amazing sight...

My bike has lasted me four years...ain't she a beauty!

Went to a "Yoga Body Bootcamp" on Thursday morning. Kicked my booty. Imagine this: hands propped up on two yoga blocks, your two feet straight out on a towel. Prop yourself up fingers facing towards your toes, do a tricep dip, swing your feet on the towel underneath you to behind you (in one swift motion) and then conclude with a pushup-- repeat. Bootcamp moves to help you get into yoga shape-- genius idea and a nice break to my traditional practice.

Started my day today with a phone call to my old boss from when I interned at Fox Sports two summers ago. I've kept in touch because I knew it would clearly pay off to have connections at such an amazing company. Sending him my updated resume, will probably apply for an internship during spring quarter (will drive to LA two days a week), and will hopefully land myself a full time job after college?! I pretty much have no idea what I want to do after school-- but I know that whatever it is I want it to be fun and exciting. I refuse to fall into a job or career that leaves me feeling unsatisfied, but I continue doing it because it pays the bills. To me, happiness is what truly matters and there's no use in spending your time doing something you don't truly love doing. I'm not sure if Fox Sports is where I see myself in 20 years, but I do think it can help me to find a path that might be right for me. Only time will tell! However, I can't say that I would be upset about working in stretchy pants for the rest of my life #morejoblove...

My life.

Went to work on a rainy day, always lovely! The store was buzzing-- you can definitley tell that the holidays are right around the corner!

Front of my store!

Post-work yoga at 6 pm was so challenging and like I said at the beginning of this post, I got into my first self-supported headstand. We also tried forearm stands which are incredibly difficult. I can also now go from crow to chaturanga without stopping somewhere in between. SO MUCH PROGRESS. Tonight my teacher Melanie said, "You have to be willing to come to class and SUCK. That way, you can eventually come to class and SHINE!"

I definitely feel as if I'm glowing. Halfway to shining. I never want this feeling to end, ever. I know I can't do yoga every day for the rest of forever, but I want to do something consistent. Trying to decide how/what to do once my thirty days is up. Maybe four times a week? The core strength and metabolism I have now are so incredible and I can't imagine life without them.

Finished my night with a special Pi Phi ceremony, telling funny stories and eating LOTS of cookies.

That's an arrow made out of lights!

Tomorrow's initiation for the little ones! Going for a bit then heading to work. Can't make it to any studios tomorrow unfortunately but will definitely be hitting up YouTube when I get home tomorrow evening. Any suggestions on good YouTube videos that do a power Vinyasa flow? Hopefully I can find something :) 

Working on planning a super special upcoming event for lulu Santa Barbara-- so keep your eye out for that. Here's my daily planner and sacred lulu moleskin journal...couldn't live without them

JUST DO IT.

I hope this blog has inspired YOU to go do something you may have been afraid of doing! I used to HATE yoga (or at least I thought I did) but with the encouragement of good friends I decided to ask myself "Why Not?" and just went for it. Hands down the best decision I have made in a LONG TIME and couldn't think of anything else I'd rather be doing with my November. In this month of November, have an "Attitude of Gratitude," and think about what YOU'RE grateful for. I am grateful for health and movement. How about you?

-A.