Intuition

Today I was doing one of my favorite Baron Baptiste yoga videos when I was struck by one of the things he said.  Normally, I tune out most of what is said and just focus on my breathing and movement.  I have done this DVD at least a hundred times and probably could do the routine without it, but I like the background music and the pace of the routine.  Anyway, today I was struck by one of the queues; "to move intuitively" until you find enough stretch and challenge without doing damage.  This is one of the things I love about yoga; that if you pay attention to your body you can make micro-adjustments to intuitively find muscles that need stretching and work others that need strengthening.  

I began to think about how I wish life worked like that.  That I could intuitively know which direction to move in my life for my own benefit.  I am sure that there are hundred, if not thousands, of self-help books and workshops that claim to teach people how to do this, but what if you could physically feel when you are making the right decision?  Perhaps, some people can, but alas, I am not one of them.

In six months, I will finish my Peace Corps service and I wish I knew how to move intuitively forward in the right direction.

Holiday Romance

During the holiday season I spend a lot of time day dreaming about going on perfect Seattle holiday outings. In reality, December runs away from me as I dart from one obligation to another. This year rather than wasting my time dreaming about a lot of things I will never get to I thought I would share my ideas for wintry Seattle dates and hope they could be of use to someone out there.

1. Candy Canes, Christmas Lights and Bread Pudding: Dress for the evening chill. Start at NE 55th St and 30th St NE. Walk east on 55th down the hill, across 25th and veer to the right as 55th becomes Ravenna Ave NE. Walk north two blocks and stay on Ravenna as it veers left. Walk one more block and on the right side of the street you will see the entrance to Candy Cane Lane (The street is named NE Park Rd). Wander through Candy Cane Lane and enjoy the lights and decorations (you can drive this if it's bitterly cold). When you have had your fill of lights walk back to your starting point, hopefully you have worked up an appetite! You will conveniently be at Pair where they serve a mean bread pudding and many other delicious options (Pair is open Tues-Sat).

2. Escape the Chill: Head to the Volunteer Park Observatory to look at their winter display of Gardenias, Poinsettias, Azaleas, Forced Bulbs and enjoy the warmth of the greenhouse. The Observatory is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bonus points: Enjoy a killer view of the city from inside the old water tower in the park, located directly south of the observatory. Climb up 106 steps to see a great city scape (and mountain view if the weather is clear).

3. Crafts and Cappuccinos: December 5th and 6th the Phinney Neighborhood Association puts on a wonderful winter festival filled with lots of unique gifts made by local artists. My highlights last year were a letterpress desk calendar and a cool necklace for my sister-in-law. At 5pm, after you exhaust yourself shopping, head up the street to Oliver's Twist (70th and Greenwood Ave N) for a mini grilled cheese, a tomato cappuccino and the best French 75 in Seattle.

4. Finding a Tree: Growing up my parents were always supporters of giving trees. We would go to a local shopping center and my brother and I would each pick one tag to and buy a gift for someone less fortunate. It's a tradition I still find enjoyable. I couldn't find much info about finding giving tree locations online, but I know the Olympic Athletic Club has one and I found this link for the Phinney/Greenwood Neighborhood trees. I think most malls still have them too.

5. The Best Coffee in Seattle and Santa (I think this might be heaven): Get an eggnog latte or a traditional latte at Monorail Espresso (520 Pike Street). Then wander over to 6th and Pine and watch kids get their portrait with Santa. Maybe you even head in yourself and get your own photo with Santa, this is a nonjudgmental blog.

Happy Holidays!

Advice for an Uncle

My uncle often tells a story about the day of his high school graduation. He graduated from high school in the early sixties. As he was walking to the ceremony in his cap and gown, an elderly woman stopped him on the sidewalk to congratulate him. As he thanked her, she offered him a piece of advice. “Savor these times,” she said, “high school was the happiest time of my life.” He remembers mumbling thanks and walking away and then thinking to himself that this is the worst advice he has ever received.

My uncle laughs a lot when he tells this story. He remembers being scared for a second and wondering, “What if this was the best time of my life?” Then he laughs a little more. In his sixties now, he confidently says that each year has been better than the one before. I hope in my sixties I can say the same thing with just as much laughter.

Would You Rather...

One of my favorite books growing up was Would You Rather... by John Burningham. The book is filled with ridiculous dilemmas like, "Would you rather... get crushed by a snake, swallowed by a fish, eaten by a crocodile, and sat on by a rhinoceros?" or "Would you rather... your dad did a dance at school or your mom made a fuss in a cafe?" I found the absurdity of the book hilarious (and still do).

If given a "would you rather" situation today I would be least likely to accept a karaoke challenge. I would much rather be swallowed by a fish. I wish I could sing; I love the idea of being able to hold a tune or have rhythm, but I simply have none. Last night, however, I was listening to an old music mix and I found a song that I think I could do in karaoke. It helps that I listened to this song endlessly in middle school. So without further ado, The Lemonheads. Make sure to note the awesome dancing in this video too.