Owning a Practice

I'm feeling pretty proud of myself lately. I have been completely committed to my 2015 Goals. Remember I was sort of nervous to even identify goals (resolutions)? Well, 5 months into 2015 and I have really lived these goals.

* Own a workout habit.

I am owning YOGA! I joined a yoga studio and I go at least three times a week.

* Consistently get 8 hours of sleep...more if needed. 

I've been more consistent with my sleep than ever before. The hot yoga workout each evening (or at least 3 evenings) helps me get a really good restful sleep. I just feel better.

* Find JOY in little things. Everyday. 

I try to live with joy. My workout habit has also helped me "shake off" the little things. The workout endorphins are real.

I'm seeing some pretty cool changes from my working out.  For yoga, the word "practice" is used instead of "workout". Which, maybe that's an unconscious reason that I've been so consistent with it. It sounds more appealing when I  think of going to practice my new skills instead of thinking I'm going to WORK Out.  The psychology of what I "name" my activity probably affects (even unconsciously) how I feel about it. 

What I've found is that, for me, yoga really is practice. Today I can achieve poses that I couldn't imagine in February. My legs are stronger and that all-important CORE has gotten stronger. Another thing that has improved is my lung capacity. Lots of good things there.

Image by: Stuart Mills
Via: FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

"My" yoga studio has people of all levels. There are a few newbies like me mixed in with people who have practiced consistently for a very long time. I feel completely comfortable taking a modification when I need one. In fact I"m sort of proud of myself for knowing what I need and not being shy to make my own adjustments. I realize that the advanced poses were achieved over time. My own body is more flexible today than it was a month ago. 

I'm conscious of the fact that any type of exercise is really easy to fall by the wayside. When I was going to the gym if I missed going one day it was easier to skip the next day (and so on). Even now, I have to make the decision to go to yoga each time. I've found that if I go to yoga when I really don't want to...I am rewarded by getting re-energized. One of my friends said it best when she said "I've never taken a class that I've regretted."

That's all for now.  

~Kimberly

A Weekend In Asheville

Unbelievably, I just got back from another excursion. This one was a quiet three-day weekend in the mountains of Asheville. The NC mountains are one of our favorite places. We like to visit the area for the mix of amazing mountain views and the wonderful artistic and eclectic atmosphere. 

Since we've been back to NC, we really haven't been to Asheville. Instead, we've spent more time in Brevard which is a smaller town that borders on the Pisgah National Forest. 

A few weeks ago we got an email from Sis-In-Law (Hubby's side) saying they were planning a trip down to the Asheville area for Memorial Day weekend.  We haven't had a chance for a relaxing visit since Christmas before last. Jordan and I jumped at the chance to hang out with them in the Blue Ridge Mountain city. 

I hurried to find lodging because I know that the area is a big vacation spot and I thought it may be hard to find a room for the 3 Day weekend that kicks off summer. The rooms that were still available had increased their prices for the holiday...and I just did not want to spend too much $ on a room that we would not be spending much time in. So I began to research Airbnb. I would never have thought of Airbnb (or really known about it) if I hadn't read about it in a blog. I found the cutest place to stay, called the Charming Artist's Bungalow. 

I couldn't resist taking a few pics of the beautiful place. As you can see from the pics, the home is delightfully decorated with original art by the Host. She truly is an artist. The decor was a wonderful mix of luxurious furnishings such as crystal chandeliers and elegant lamps. The warm hardwood floors with oriental rugs give the place an inviting cozy cottage feel. There is art beautifully and eclectically hung on the walls. The large oil paintings (most are modern works) are striking. Honestly, the Bungalow really added to the overall specialness of the weekend. 

Until next time!

Cruise Thoughts

Hello Dear Readers. I have wanted to post about my perceptions of Cruising...especially now that I've cruised exactly once. So, here goes.


First Impressions:

1. Sitting in the Cruise "waiting area" is surreal. When you look out the window you see this huge ship. --The ship that you will be getting on in a bit. The ship that is taller than the building you are currently in. It seems more massive than a plane. 

2. I was mesmerized by watching the crew dressed in white official ship uniforms walking out down the mezzanine and going to the ship. They looked very crisp. 

A Key West Celebration

When last I posted I was getting ready to cruise to Key West, FL, and Cozumel, Mexico! Now, hard as it is for me to believe, I'm back. This was a mother-daughter cruise of sorts. My lovely daughter invited me to join her and her friends for their destination wedding.

How sweet is it that my daughter wanted me to go? I'm still super happy about it. Not only did I get some quality girl time with D, but I also got to meet and get to know her friends. D. has some really great friends and I love that she let me be a part of that.

I have a few pics here of the lovely bridesmaids on Key West. 

[I'm not posting pictures of the actual ceremony or the Bride because those moments are not mine to share.]

What a great way to spend the day in Key West! I had a blast.