Midpoint ponderings.

Wow, well I am really over halfway done with Training.  But I didn’t have time to really write much this week, so I’m catching up now.  Thanks to all of you who have stopped by to see the pictures.  I wish I could have gotten them up sooner.  But they’re up now, and as you can see, this place is pretty amazing.

So, thoughts on Teacher Training from the midpoint…  Wow, what a ride.  I say it over and over and over and over, but wow..  what a ride.  If I think back to the day I left Houston to come here I can hardly believe all that I’ve been through.  Getting here was such a big deal, and then the hurricane hit.  It was a whirlwind for about two weeks.  Training started and the madness ensued.

I remember a lot of it.  I remember Orientation, meeting the staff, the welcome dinner.  I remember that FIRST CLASS.  I remember meeting Bikram.  It all feels like a year ago.  But really, it’s only been five weeks, so much time and yet so little.  I remember how anxiously we all navigated around one another for the first week or so.  I remember the rough transition into the heat of the yoga room, the adjustment to the humidity, and finidng ways to cope with the class.  I remember thinking I was starting over like a brand new baby with my practice.  I remember feeling like I was going to die, wanting to die, and hoping I would die so they would have to carry me out.  But I also remember feeling better and laughing at Bikram’s hilarious commentery in class.  I remember when my body said, “thank you” and worked harder for me.  I remember the glee of making it through without sitting out a single posture for the first time.  I remember thinking I’ve never worked harder in my life for anything.  I remember thinking I’d make it afterall, then the next day not being so sure.  I remember crying through more classes than I can count.  I remember all the compassionate arm squeezes, handfulls of ice, and “are you ok’s??”  I remember giving up on trying to figure out why I was crying, and feeling so free.  I remember the first Posture Clinic with Boss.  I remember nailing my dialogue one day, then struggling the next. I remember ANATOMY with NO BOOKS!!  I remember my first LATE night with a Bollywood movie.  I remember wanting to scream I was so tired, but having nowhere to go.  I remember the ache that finally subsided from missing my kids and my husband so much.  I remember the day I accepted that I was supposed to be here.

And now here I am, about to being week six, a new person.  This is not the body that flew to Mexico so many weeks ago.  It’s not the same brain or the same heart.  I have a long way to go, and a lot more to do.  But being here, at the crossroads, just over the mountaintop – is really, really, really awesome.

If I look back at those goals that I set for myself the first night in Acapulco, I can honestly say I’ve really accomplished most of them.  I’ve given my full effort to this experience.  And, I’ve NEVER left my mat.  All of those little victories are adding up to what I hope will be the start of my new life teaching.  But, I’ve still four weeks ahead.

So, in celebration of this landmark, I’ve decided to write a Thankful list.  I used to do these a lot on my other blog.  I think it’s only fitting, seeing as how I have so much to be thankful for.  So here goes.

Things I am thankful for today:

I am thankful that I am here.
I am thankful for this yoga.
I am thankful for my husband and family.
I am thankful for so many people who believe in me.
I am thankful for my studio at home.
I am thankful that Training is halfway finished.
I am thankful for my amazing friends.
I am thankful for my roommate.
I am thankful for the staff here.
I am thankful for this beautiful place that I get to call home.
I am thankful to be able to be included in this amazing group of people.
I am thankful that I *can* do this.
I am thankful for my body.
I am thankful for water, salt, and sleep.
I am thankful for my ipod.
I am thankful for all the shorts I brought with me.
I am thankful for my water bottles and my insulated bottle sleeves.
I am thankful for my watch.
I am thankful for caffeine, crackers, and chewing gum.
I am thankful for blogging, and having the internet.
I am thankful for my Posture Clinic group.
I am thankful that the weekend is always coming.
I am thankful for the pool.
I am thankful that I can buy a new yoga mat because I killed the first one.
I am thankful that I don’t have to wash my own towels.
I am thankful for my maid, the lunch buffet, and the ICE MACHINE!!!
I am thankful for candy.  Yes, really.  Candy, especially caramels.
I am thankful for the van that carries me to the grocery store every Saturday.
I am thankful for my small, laminated, dialogue that has been through so much.
I am thankful for my alarm clock.
I am thankful for my bed.
I am thankful that I get Sunday off.
and yes..  I am thankful for Bikram.

I could probably go on and on.  But I think that should do it for now.

This week should be interesting.  We are supposed to have some great lectures this week with Rajashree.  I am looking forward to seeing her happy smiling face again!  As always, more YOGA, and more POSTURE CLINIC!!!  My dialogue is going really well and I only have TWO more postures to learn.  WOW.  I worked really hard this weekend to get through a bunch.  It is nice to know I am almost done.

As always, my love to you all.  Here’s to four more weeks!

Namaste.

T minus 2 Hours.

In about two hours, this whole thing gets rolling. Wow, can’t believe it.. Still.

The hotel is amazing, as you can see from the videos. It’s the biggest resort property I’ve ever seen. Sprawling for I have no idea how far. I’ve completely moved into my room, been to the store for food, and been to the pool twice. Today I had my first taste of the buffet, not bad. I’ve met fellow trainees every time I go out of my room or anywhere. We’re multiplying all over the hotel. Pretty neat, and you can usually spot them (or us) a mile away. The hotel is at capacity, as it’s a holiday this weekend, and VERY busy. The pools have been packed, and the beach is a mess of cabanas. I haven’t gone down to the ocean yet. Maybe tomorrow. I’m not really into the beach, but I’m sure over the next 9 weeks, I’ll get down there. No rush, right??

Anyway, here’s something GREAT!! I have wifi access just outside of my room! Yayy! It doesn’t reach inside, which is probably honestly a good thing. But I do have access and will be able to post and hopefully update (somewhat) regularly. Here’s something else GREAT!! I found a MESS of delicious fresh produce… Ohhhh, and the mangoes.. Ohhh, Ren is a happy girl. My groceries today were mangoes, bananas, peaches, apples, spinach, SPROUTS! (gasp), carrots, avocadoes, and a TON of limes. Limes make me happy, and they make me want to pound the water. Yayy limes. Surprisingly enough, NO lemons anywhere. Someone told me they arrive here in November? Or something. Whatever.

Back on track, sorry. I have plenty of food for the week, and probably for part of next. I’m going to be alright, and I feel good about knowing how to get things prepared for dinner. Wraps, sandwiches, fruit. I’m set. The kitchen stuff I brought along (thanks JEN!!) is a lifesaver. However, I found today I could have obtained almost all of it at Walmart. Oh well, I’m prepared. Oh and my precious stash of Powerbars. Like GOLD.

Where was I? Oh, right. GOOD stuff: my room is luxurious, the hot room is massive, the hotel is immaculate, the Fairmont staff is friendly, and everyone I’ve met here for Training is lovely. The pool is a good place to relax, and even study that Dialogue. I’ve been there a few times and it’s nice. I’m being RELIGIOUS about my sunscreen. The last thing I need is a blasted sunburn right before the week begins. I still have no roommate but I am sure she’ll arrive today. I’m excited to meet her.

So anyway, I’m settling in and finding it easier to breeze around this place. I feel ready to go tomorrow. We (apparently) do not have a yoga class until tomorrow afternoon. Did I mention I WANT TO GO TO CLASS??? Well, I do. I DO. LET’S GO!!!

Soon enough…

For my peeps in The Woodlands and all my lovelies who went through the storm, I love you all. I know you are without power and won’t read this for a few days. I am thinking of you all the time and am happy to know you’re all safe and sound. For my family, I send you hugs and kisses galore. Today is my baby’s birthday. Simon is FIVE!! We celebrated his big day before I left, but I am still thinking about him. (sigh)

After tonight, I will post as time permits. I’m HERE and thankful.

Namaste.

My Room and the Hotel.

Briefly.. The hot room!!!

I will take some video of my room and the hotel tomorrow. This place is AMAZING, and soooo big. But of course, I wanted to see the ROOM. So here she is, our beloved hot room, in all her glory. HUUUUGE!!!

As I expected, I feel better now that I’m here at the Fairmont (or Princess, as the locals call it).

This is just outside the building where the Torture Chamber is.  I was SOOOO happy, betcha I won’t be this happy in a few days.

I promise you all more pictures and more tomorrow. I am going to enjoy a little time alone tonight.

Thanks and much love to you all!!!