Beach Bum In Boulder

Peaceful Touch at Acorn Preschool

2010-04-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

One of my closest friends, Liz, and I decided we wanted to include a very important but often overlooked population to our list of massage clients. After seeing a video on Peaceful Touch Massage with Children, we were so motivated by the reactions and influence it has on children that we started our own Service Learning Internship at the Acorn Preschool.

We already completed a quarter (10 weeks) of this Internship and are continuing again for our last quarter. So far it has been such a rewarding experience and really fun!

Objectives for Peaceful Touch Massage with Children:
~To promote awareness of the relationship between non-violence and healthy touch, socializing and learning.
~To educate young children about the ownership of their own body and voice through communication and the permission process.
~To provide a touch that is necessary for human growth and development.
~To introduce touch at nap time as well as during structured lessons.

Benefits
~Children may become calmer and have a greater ability to focus because of the calming hormone, oxytocin, being released through touch.
~Children may be more socially competent and have an increased sense of worth and esteem.
~Massage can help influence learning and school work, as well as improve group functioning.
~Massage can increase the contact and thus inhance the bond between parents and children.

I am so excited about this internship and working with others who are committed to the success of our future!

"The power of touch is miraculous in its simplicity. It is a necessary gift of nature, without which a human being cannot thrive." ~ Peaceful Touch

Hot Springs...What a Beautiful Day!

2010-03-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today my workout partner and I decided to reward and rejuvinate our bodies, minds, and spirits but going to the Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs, CO. I have never been to a hot springs and was really excited. The drive was amazingly beautiful. There was a light rainy, snowy mist and the mountains were just sprinkled with snow. The trees were huge and smiling and it was mesmorizing to view the scenery on the drive past Golden, CO to Idaho Springs, CO.

Indian Hot Springs were nice...definately not the most upscale place to go but great for people like me on a budget who just want to take a few hours and enjoy peace and serenity. If you want to check it out the website is: www.indianhotsprings.com

We went in the Geo Thermal Cave Baths and it felt like you were walking into a hot hot hot bath. At first I felt a little too hot but once my body got used to the air and water I really enjoy the experience. At one point I found myself meditating and really focusing on my breathing. I felt happy and joyful and for once in the last 3 weeks felt my muscles relaxing and letting go of built up tension.

On the way home, in the town of Idaho Springs, CO, we stopped at a Gypsum Rose Minerals & Fossils and met the most amazing, wise, old, sweet, woman. She was the owner of the shop and went on about her children, grandchildren, and life stories for about an hour. She must have been in her 70's or 80's but she was amusing and held my attention for a long time. Sometimes it is the people we come across in our journeys that hold meaning.

We are planning on going back after the next phase of our workout, if not before. I hope to explore more of the Hot Springs that Colorado has to offer because it is an experience and sensation that everyone should get to have more than once in their lives!

Sometimes a State of Exhaustion Can be a Positive Experience

2010-02-26T12:23:00.000-08:00

Integrative Massage is teaching me a lot about myself and my place in the world. We have learned so much in 8 weeks already and this has allowed me to open myself more to challenges and opportunities as they come.

My Pilates instructor spoke about a new workout routine she wanted to try one day and after thinking about it, I decided to become her workout partner through this journey. The workout I am speaking of is P90X. I have watched numerous infomercials on this product and knew a couple of people who actually did the program and enjoyed the results. This is a huge challenge to my mind, body and even spirit.

Here is the website in case you are interested in looking at the program:

Week 1 is almost over and I can feel a shift in myself already. My Integrative teacher, Melanie Russell, as well as fellow classmates seem to be enjoying this new person they see. Honestly, I feel like a dumb jock most of the time! I feel blank, lost, exhausted and just focused on these daily workouts but I am looking forward to seeing the changes that each week and each phase brings. My only goal is to COMPLETE the 90 days and then take it from there! I seem to have trouble finishing projects and goals so this is something I am doing for myself and for my confidence.

"Pain is Temporary, Pride is Forever"
~ a quote that has come up a lot in my life! :)

The Invitation ~ By Oriah Mountain Dreamer

2010-01-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or mix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it's not pretty, every day and if you can source your own life from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mind, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "YES!"
It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.
It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

This Beach Bum is FREEEEZING!

2009-12-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

Take me back to the warm, sunny weather and the cool, refreshing waters by the beach!

For the past few days its been SO COLD...not 20 degrees cold...I'm talking REALLY COLD! According the the weather channel, it is currently 4 degrees outside but feels like -13 degrees!!!! This is something I am not used to at all but it's funny how quickly I'm learning to (because I have no other option) acclimate.

In VA, people would stay in their homes, with hot cocoa by the fireplace. It would most likely be a snow day and all the kids (and government workers ;)) would celebrate!

In CO, people continue going to the gym, school, work, and running errands like it's nothing! Today, I babysat in the morning but treated myself to starbucks beforehand. No one else seemed bothered by frozen hands or red noses...it just reminds me that the world and life continues whether I am up for it or not.

This winter is probably going to be a very cold and snowy one...I just have to keep thinking warm thoughts and reminding myself that this season will pass and the sun will come out soon! Wishing everyone a great winter season with lots of warmth and cheer!

Infant Massage

2009-11-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

"Being touched and caressed, being massaged, is food for the infant. Food as necessary as minerals, vitamins and proteins."
~ Dr.Frederick Leboyer

The past two weekends of my life have been great but have been occupied with the Infant Massage Elective at BCMT. The elective teaches students (soon-to-be therapists)how to teach infant massage to parents and other caregivers.

Massaging an infant, whether it's yours or a baby you are caring for, has so many benefits. Some of the many benefits include:

*enhances your baby's bond with you
*creates healthy tone in your baby's developing muscles and reduces muscle tension
*enhances your baby's immune system
*helps reduce the discomforts of digestion, elimination, and teething and may eliminate colic in some cases
*facilitates better sleep patterns
*for the premature baby, may increase weight gain and the chance of an earlier discharge from the hospital
*strengthens your communication with and your intuition about your child
*allows you to be an example of compassion and love for your baby
*gives partners a specific role to fulfill in parenting which helps them feel integrated and important in the parenting process

"Touch is a language that can communicate more love in five seconds, than five minutes of carefully chosen words."
~ Phyllis Davis,Power of Touch

I worked with the sweetest 9 week old girl these past two weeks and really enjoyed her company. She already slept 7 hours a night and was very calm. Her mother came to the sessions and ended up massaging her daughter almost everyday during the week. She saw positive changes in the both of them. Her daughter had more solid stool and her digestion was better! The mom said that she enjoyed the quiet time with her new infant and felt calmer. This experience makes me excited for my own children and had left me wanting to persue a certificate in infant massage so I can work at health centers and hospitals. Many people think they spoil their children when they touch them or hold them too much but healthy touch and love is what people, especially new people to this world, need in order to feel safe and to thrive.

Normalization of Soft Tissue (NST)

2009-11-15T14:35:00.001-08:00

This quarter I am taking a class focusing on the evaluation and treatment of postural dysfunction and traumatic injuries. This course involves learning Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques, Lymphatic Drainage, and Cyriax Cross Fiber Friction. There is so much to learn and remember..but I feel like I am learning techniques that can really help me help others.

I have clinics every other week on Wednesdays. This time, everyone in my quarter is doing 3 in a row! So from 2-6 we are working with the public and giving massages. It's great to experience so many clients in such a short period of time and seeing how I handle each client and situation differently. Some clients just want to relax and receive a Swedish session, while others are very open to deeper work and having me evaluate their Range of Motion or Posture. Everyone is different and that's what I have to keep remembering so that I can help them help themselves.

I'm also beginning to have repeat clients come into the clinic and am starting to advertise myself more so that I can be in a good position (client wise) once I graduate. I think the hardest part about NST will be to remember all of the techniques and great information!

A Room Full of Pregnant Women is a Room Full of Beauty!

2009-10-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

"Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love
Can the child within my heart rise above
Can I sail thru the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life" ~ Fleetwood Mac, Landslide

This weekend I took the Prenatal Massage Elective at BCMT and learned how important massage therapy can be during pregnancy. Among the long list of benefits, massage during pregnancy can result in: decreased stress hormone levels, improved mood, better sleep, fewer complications in labor, and a more sensitive and caring touch of newborns by their new mothers. During pregnancy, women go through so many changes! Having not been pregnant, I only know from what I've researched and witnessed that this is such a great but often stressful time for mothers and their families.

To be able to learn how to properly bolster an expecting mother as well as the many anatomical, physiological, and emotional changes of pregnancy, I feel like I am one step ahead towards my goals of working with women in all stages of their lives.

On the last day of the elective, we all were priviledged to work with pregnant women! My client was 25 weeks pregnant to the day and was so beautiful and calm. I was happy to hear that she had been receiving massage therapy on a regular basis, even through her pregancy, and enjoyed the relaxation she felt. If I could tell all pregnant women to get massages as part of their "body cocktail" I would! Everyone deserves to feel good at all stages of their lives and the fact that it provides clients with a bonding experience with their unborn baby even before s/he is in this world is so wonderful!

Reiki I and II Certified!

2009-09-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

A while ago I heard about Reiki and didn't really know much about it. It actually scared me a little because I was ignorant to how it was used but now my views have changed. My mom began receiving Reiki from an old neighbor and then found a practitioner to help her regularly with different mental and physical issues she was facing. Since then, she has been happier and more open to holistic healing.

BCMT was offering a course to be Reiki I certified so I thought I'd try it as I was interested in learning about this form of healing. I thought it could help me with my massage practice, with the girls I'm nannying, and with myself. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by laying hands on someone or even feeling their energy fields without touching them. It is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. When practicing Reiki, we work with Chakras, or force centers, that are considered focal points for the reception and transmission of energies.

After Reiki I, I really enjoyed the practice and concept so I decided to go on and take Reiki II. In Reiki II we learned how to do distance healing. This means that if someone who is not present still needs healing, I can send them good life force energy to help with whatever they are working towards. I tried it on my mom with the help of about 5 others and she said at that time she saw rainbow colors and felt a tingling sensation!

With these certifications I definitely feel a difference in the power of my senses and my intuitions. I am more aware of what and who is around me and am learning to take what I've learned and incorporate into my every day life.

Swedish Therapeutic Massage

2009-07-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

It's the beginning of my third quarter and I'm so excited to be back at school after the summer break! We have an even 12 people in my class and I'm with positive, awesome individuals! Swedish Massage was originally developed by Pehr Henrik Ling, a Swedish physiologist and gymnastics instructor. It's the most commonly used form of massage therapy in North America and... I'm finally learning it!!!

In short, it's the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of establishing and maintaining good health, using various strokes to stimulate the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, muscular, digestive and nervous systems of the individual. I've only had 4 classes and have already learned all of the 5 strokes used in Swedish Massage. They are: effleurage (gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading and lifting), friction (compression), vibration (rocking and shaking), and tapotement (striking). Going from Shiatsu to Swedish is quite a change but I'm keeping an open mind to welcome it. I know this modality will let me use my creative side and I am going to learn so much more about tissues and muscles.

I can't wait to practice on as many people as possible and this time when I come home and your neck or shoulders hurt, I WILL be able to pick up on it and give you a little help with your tightness.

...more to come! :) Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Eat Pray Love

2009-07-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many of you have heard of the book, "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, and have maybe even read it! A lot of people I know have been recommending the book so I finally got MY hands on it!

The funny thing is it's about a woman who is newly divorced and travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia to try and explore her pleasures and get out of her depression. As someone who is coming out of a relationship and is on her own in Colorado, I can relate to this novel on many levels.

Today one of my roommates and I were talking about S-E-X and about how sometimes we feel lonely. We decided to go read by the pool and as I opened up the book this is what I read:

"One obvious topic still needs to be addressed concerning my whole pursuit of pleasure in Italy: What about sex?To answer that question simply: I don't want to have any while I'm here. To answer it more thoroughly and honestly--of course, sometimes I do desperately want to have some, but I've decided to sit this particular game out for a while. I don't want to get involved with anybody. Of course I do miss being kissed because I love kissing. But I'm not going to do anything about it for now. When I get lonely these days, I think: So be lonely, Liz. Learn your way around loneliness. Make a map of it. Sit with it, for once in your life. Welcome to the human experience. But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilled yearnings."

I can relate to this chapter (Ch. 22) of the book and it's true, most people, including myself, don't KNOW how to BE lonely! We freak out and want to jump on the first friend or stranger we see that may be available to hear us out or just sit with us. This is a habit I want to break and I need to learn to accept and experience loneliness.

Check her out!!!

2009-06-07T14:40:00.001-07:00

So one really fun elective I took this quarter was Herbology! The instructor happened to be Brigette Mars, raw foodist, herbalist, and author of this book I got a while ago called, "RawSome!". I was so excited to have her teaching the class and was just really motivated by her past and present! I learned all about herbs, remedies, and just how to be a healthier person without taking drugs (medical drugs ;)) to do it!

Visit her website and check her out: http://brigittemars.com/.

Been a while...

2009-06-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

So sorry to keep all of my followers wondering where this beach bum has been for the past couple of months! This quarter has been hard for me because of the lack of physical contact and the intense brain work. I have still been learning so much and have been becoming more and more aware of my body, the way I move, my posture, and what I still need to work on to keep growing into a better person.

The quarter's end is this Friday and although at this moment I am feeling a little stressed about the week to come and the tests to come, I am very excited! This will be the last quarter of Anatomiken and although it was a great class which consisted of building TONS of muscles with clay, I am happy I wont have to keep memorizing origin, insertion, and actions of every muscle! Last Friday was the last class of Ethics and EK1. Ethics was great! I learned about some things that may come up while I'm massaging someone...literally and figuratively! ;) This week I have 3 more days of classes left and two finals and then a nice break!

At this moment, the sky is grey and it's been a dreary, rainy day...it's been like this for the last week, excluding yesterday. This weather depresses me...don't know if I'm just someone who loves the sun and loves to feel like everything around me is bright and happy but I hope the skies open up soon! I've been working hard this quarter and am also looking hard for jobs right now. I want something part time but am at the point where the savings are running out and I need to start gaining some money so I don't become broke like the rest of the people around me! I was hoping to move into my own place but unfortunately it's not the time so I am keeping that goal in the back of my mind and will reach it sooner or later (hopefully sooner).

Boulder and Denver are great! After coming home this last time I realized that I no longer feel at "home" in Northern Virginia. Everything is the way I left it but after long talks, I realized, I am the one who is changing. I enjoy a life of less stress. I enjoy learning about alternative medicines, healthier lifestyles, and surrounding myself with people who like to be calm. I love everyone in Northern Virginia and will still come visit but I do not feel at peace there anymore. I'm hoping that during my (almost) month off this summer I will be working but also get a chance to explore more of Colorado, the place I currently call "home". I want to visit a Hot Springs, the Dunes, and some wineries. I hear it's beautiful here in the summer but HOTTTT! I'm looking forward to it and to really getting to know myself and my world more!

Wishing everyone a great week to come! Namaste and Shalom.

HITO!

2009-04-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

If you look back, you can see the meaning for this Japanese symbol. It hurt SO much and the care that goes into a foot tattoo is intense!

Second Quarter...In Session!

2009-04-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

While I had a great spring break and really needed the time off to take in all that I've learned and all that I've seen in Boulder, it is nice to be back at BCMT for second quarter. Since I'm in the 18 month program, we don't have a modality this quarter so I am in desperate need of body work! Going from receiving body work 3 days a week (at least) to none is really noticeable! I am taking Anatomikin II, Anatomy and Physiology, Ethics, Kinesiology, and Movement. So far, I'm really enjoying them all and it's easier to get back into studying than it was first quarter.

The classes are mixed up now so although I have some of the same people in my classes as I had in last quarter classes, I am missing quite a few people who I became close with! On the positive side, I am getting to know more people, and there are some interesting a funny people in my classes! It's really true how all types of people can be massage therapists.

Things are going better with the roommates and I'm getting back into the swing of things here. Re-joined the gym and am hoping to lose at least 20lbs. by the end of the quarter. I've been eating raw food and working out so I HOPE to see the weight come off!!! Adam told me about this other diet called Eat To Live...I may transfer over to it if I don't see results with the raw food.

It's Passover and I was a good jew and went to seder last night and am going again Monday. I OD'd on kosher wine ;) and hope to recover this weekend! Well, I'm wishing everyone a great weekend! The sun is not out today but it doesn't mean it's not a good day!

Namaste

p.s. I finally got my tattoo of HITO! :) Pictures to come!

Clinics!

2009-03-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

Now that the quarter is almost at an end and I've survived (yaya!)I have been really excited about putting it all to good use in the school clinic. Applying what I've learned to the public is awesome and has really made me realize why I came to BCMT in the first place.

My first clinic was on a friend...I got one of my roommates to come in. It went really well but I was so nervous and just couldn't understand why. I knew who I was working on, I've worked on her before...I guess having supervisors around and being on your own for an hour just freaked me out. I got through it and did fairly well though.

My second clinic was "on the public". I worked on this guy who was really big and really tall! Being just 5 feet this was a challenge but I was up for it! I learned to use my forearms to do most of the work and to really get deep into the points. It was hard work but awesome to be able to experience someone new. I have my third clinic (2 in a row) coming up! This will be the last of the clinics for this quarter so I'm hoping to get almost everything that I've learned into the sessions.

I'm always looking for volunteers and people to be my "bodywork dummies" so I look forward to working on the people from home and showing them what I've learned.

Spring break is just a couple of weeks away! I'm looking forward to a break and relaxing for a while before 2nd quarter begins.

VA has hills but CO has mountains

2009-02-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

I had a long weekend for Presidents day and decided to get out and explore Boulder a little more. On Saturday I was at the grocery store dropping off a movie and thought to myself, "it's a sunny, warm, beautiful day...why not get out and get some exercise?!"...I checked for parks and recreation areas in my GPS (I call her "Destiny") and was headed to Chautauqua .

It was a 45 min. long solo hike and I really enjoyed stopping, taking pictures, catching my breath, and just taking it all in. :)

The next day I went on a longer hike in boulder with two of my classmates, Chad and Adam. I am not as in shape as they are so I had to make them wait for me a couple of times but it was really nice to get out there again. We took a detour and saw some of the really nice boulder homes on the foothills. I will have to upload some photos but it was a great day! I felt sick that night and am still not sure why...maybe dehydration, exhaustion, stress...who knows but it was a good weekend for hiking and I hope to discover more places! :)

Midterms

2009-02-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a while since I've written, and I do apologize but sometimes I just don't feel like writing or I am just busy with school and life.

I've made it more than halfway through a quarter at BCMT and have learned so much! Some days I feel like I just started massage school and other days I feel like I should be out working on the public! ;)

So far, I have all A's!!! YES, I have been studying a lot...it's harder than undergraduate school in a lot of ways because you learn so much information in a short period of time but it's so much more fun! Imagine going to school 3 days a week in sweats or workout clothes...receiving and giving bodywork everyday...and basically having the same people in all of your classes...it's very comforting and fun!

While I love school and love to constantly learn, I am running out of money...yes, I have savings and yes, I planned for school but if anyone wants to send me some money feel free! ;) jk. No, really, I decided one day to make fliers and advertise myself as a babysitter and lately I have been working hard for the money! :) I babysat/worked Fri. night, Sat. night, Tues. night, and tonight (wed. night). I don't mind and it is great to see little kids around again. I miss my nephew and all the kids at Gold's gym!!! :( I also get a chance to do homework, blog, and catch up on movies!

This coming week is going to be tough...I have a presentation Friday with my study group, and two midterms/exams on Monday. One of the exams is a hands on Shiatsu exam and I am so excited to do a full 50min. of bodywork! :) I'm looking forward to getting those big things out of the way because it just means that I am THAT MUCH CLOSER to finishing my first quarter here!

Oh, and one more thing...Friday I have my first Clinic! I am working on someone I know for the first clinic and then the next two will be "open to the public"!!!! :) I guess it's time to study!

Life As a Massage Student Isn't Just About Studying!

2009-01-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

Well I know my last few posts have been serious ones or insightful so I decided to lighten it up a bit...

...Top 3 places to eat so far:
3)Islands Burgers-great, unique food! :) Reminds me of Jimmy Buffets Cheeseburger in Paradise Restaurant
2)VG Burgers-go for lunch and expect all vegetarian choices...really yum! :) They also have great baked french fries
1)Sunflower Restaurant-go for lunch because the menu changes and becomes WAY more expensive for dinner!

Top 3 places I frequent:
3)Pearl Street! This IS downtown...restaurants, bars, and shops!
2)Gunbarrel Athletic Club -- this is where I stay strong and get sexy!
1)BCMT! :)

The picture is of Kayla (another massage student) and I on pearl street waiting on some friends! :)

Healing

2009-01-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

"A real healer can heal because he has done, and continues to do, his own work. He works with his own health or lack of it. He is honest with himself and he is honest with others. His healing is not a bag of tricks or pills, but a collection of awareness techniques and supportive stances. He attains these through study -- both of his healing modality and of his own life. He attains healing status by maintaining his inner life and his healing practice."

Last week I had a full week of classes and have already learned so much! I feel like I am getting to know myself and am learning how to become more in-tune with what I want v. what I think I want. In Zen Shiatsu I am learning how to center myself through meditation, breathing, and taking care of my priorities. I have never fully learned to or taken the time to unify myself physically, spiritually, and mentally (looking inward). It is hard to train your mind to be quiet and to be an observer rather than a chattering "monkey mind" but I am slowly forcing myself to listen to myself.

So far, I have met some great people in my classes and outside of my classes. By focusing more on choosing positive, motivating people to surround me, I am finding it easier to listen to my wants and needs. Boulder is a great place but I am also finding that whether I am in Boulder, CO or Northern, VA, people are people. Some people are great friends and conversationalists. Some people care about me and others care more for themselves. Some people are goal oriented and others are still finding out the path to take. By listening to my needs and wants and by continuing to meet and surround myself with people who I know are positive, I am learning more.

This past week was hard in many ways. I realized that some people who I thought were friends, really weren't. I learned that I have to stand up for myself and make sure that I am not viewed as someone who is willing to be taken advantage of or mistreated. I also learned to be on-time for those people and places that mean something to me.

As the new week begins I am going to try to continue to focus more on my physical, spiritual, and mental self so that I can continue to improve in massage school and improve in my life.

Zen Shiatsu

2009-01-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

As my first modality I am in Zen Shiatsu. Zen Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork based on traditional Chinese medicine that focuses on the internal flow of energy in the body. The first class was a basic overview but on Monday we actually practiced palming on each other. One of my best friends or closest classmates so far is Adam. He's this great, energetic person from NY. There are 15 others that are basically in all of my classes this quarter. I am sure I will become close with almost everyone since we are such a small group and we are always with each other. One of my roommates, Sarah, is also in two of my classes and one of my study groups so that's great because she has been through two of the classes in the program already so we can work together and do well! It's so exciting to actually be beginning school again. It's more hands-on and intense than undergraduate school.

Hito is the Japanese character for human being (maybe a next tattoo for me?!) -- It represents how, as human beings, we need each other for support. We are all interdependent. We utilize Hito in shiatsu through our technique of using our relaxed body weight to lean on our client. Our client holds us up.

"Wei Wu Wei" = "Effortless Effort"

Namaste

2009-01-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides.
I honor the place in you where lies your love, your life, your truth, your uniqueness and your peace.

I honor the place within you where if you are in that place within you, and I am in that place in me, there is only One of us.

Living the Boulder Life

2009-01-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not updating this any sooner but I have a very old laptop that isn't able to be hooked up with my home internet yet and my roommate (who I was "borrowing" a computer from came back home). So far, I've been keeping myself busy, meeting new people, and exploring my surroundings. I love it!

Since there's so much that has happened since arriving to Boulder, CO, I will try to break it down into categories/events.

New Years Eve:
Adrienne and Brennan (friends from Northern, VA) happened to be in CO over the holidays and we decided to meet in Denver, CO for New Years. I was so thankful because otherwise I'd probably be drinking champagne by myself and passing out before midnight! We took the RTD in from where they were staying and went to the 16th Street mall area. It was crowded and people were so excited for a new year it was contagious! We walked around, drank in the street and then found a fun college bar at the end of 16th. I met some people there that were very nice but this one guy I met wouldn't leave me alone so eventually Adrienne had to get in the way and although he still didn't seem to get the point, he was forced to! ;) I also met some other people, that hopefully I will keep in touch with and meet again. At midnight, there were fireworks and it was so beautiful!

The Friday After:
There was an event that is held in Denver the first Friday of every month at a club called Tracks. I convinced Adrienne to go with this new friend and her friends, and I. There were over 1,500 females and it was such a huge event! Beforehand I went to a bar called HamburgerMary's with them and we saw a really funny drag show! I danced, and drank, and was very merry!

The Next Day:
I woke up, was putting my id/cc back into my wallet and noticed that my debit card was missing!!!!!! Immediately, I called the CC company and then they figured out that someone actually stole the card and get this, bought $13 worth of Burger King (of all things) on it! On a side note, my parents will prob. just be figuring this out but everything is fine now. I learned to REALLY be aware of where all my belongings are for the future! GRR!

Gym and Tanning:
I found an awesome, local, small gym in Gunbarrel (my neighborhood) that had this great offer for 20 workouts for $20. I've been going everyday and feel great! I think since I don't know anyone at the gym and I feel great I've been pushing myself even harder and really feel like I worked hard after each session! I also joined their tanning deal too and love me some color! ;)

Roommates:
Cara and Sarah have been great so far. We are all so different but I think and hope it will work out. Last night we watched some Sex and the City and then were all craving mexican so we hopped in my car and got some margarita's and guac! I'm sure I will have some juicy roommate stories to come!

So life has been good. I miss some people from home and still think of everyone! The weather here is great...50-60 degrees in the day and sunny! By 4 p.m. though, the wind picks up and it's really hard to even walk without feeling like you will be blown away!

I start my first day of classes this Friday! I'm very excited and already have my books and schedule so I'm ready! My goal is to be an honor student (3.9 or above) so it will be hard work and will require dedication but I can do it!

Day 3 -- Des Moines, IA to Boulder, CO!!!

2008-12-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

The third day was the longest but I was so excited to just get there that it fueled my soul for the journey. It was snowing early in IA but we left when it stopped and had a pretty smoothe ride the whole way.

We passed through Nebraska: flat, flat, flat! There were so many cows and I saw a hilarious sign "Merry Christmas, Eat Beef!" Also, we took a stop in Ogallala, NE and besides the funny name, I saw these shirts that were a pun on the Life IS Good shirts...Life is Crap! I bought one because I just couldn't resist!

I drove into COLORADO and was just so excited! We rode into the sunset and it was gorgeous! The roads were so dark by the time the sun went down and I was a little nervous driving because I'm not a great night driver and am not good when I don't know where I'm going or where the roads are turning but we got to Boulder around 730 pm. mountain time in one piece!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! Today my mom and I are relaxing, went to the store to get some groceries and may go see a movie later. I am happy to be starting this journey but I do admit that I miss everyone.

Plans for the next couple of days: Pearl Street, Celestial seasonings, a day/night in Denver, unpack, explore!

Cheers to an almost New Year!

Day 2 -- Elkhart, IN to Des Moines, IA

2008-12-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

Last night my mom and I headed out in the snow and cold to Texas Roadhouse for a quick dinner and then celebrated Hanukkah (of course...she wouldn't forget to bring the tiny travel menorah!!!). We played dredel and this time we played for little pieces of paper that had things like, "lunch", "tolls", "coffee", "gas" on them and whoever ended up with the most pieces lost, of course, because whatever pieces we ended up with were what we payed for the next day. I was happy because I ended up with "drive first", "a surprise", "tolls", and "dinner"...she had the rest! ;)

This morning it was snowing in IN and it was awful to drive in! I have driven in snow before but from IN to IL it was very windy and the snow was being blown around like mini tornadoes. I kept both hands of the wheel and made my mom shush so that I could concentrate and not get us killed. I was only able to go 45-55 miles per hour so it took us longer to get to IA than planned. Every 10 miles or so we saw abandoned cars or cars that were overturned or cars that just got off the road to rest...it was freaky and I just wanted to keep driving until we reached a calmer destination. I drove from about 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and then finally gave the wheel to my mom. By this time, my eyes were very tired and I was ready to give them a break from white (snow) and lines (road). Lucky her, the snow stopped when it was her turn! Go figure!!!!

Finally, around 3 p.m. we made it to Des Moines. This hotel is very nice...there's a waterfall in the lobby and elevators that look out onto the lobby. It's very open and has everything we could want. We are in a suite and are living the good life ;). We decided to work out (me) and swim (my mom) before showering and dinner. After walking around the side of town that had cute shops and restaurants (East side) we came to the conclusion that no one was out and that we should find somewhere else to eat. There were many gay/lesbian flags around town though but nothing seemed very busy...I guess I'll have to take my mom to a lesbian bar in Boulder. ;)

I'm currently full, very tired, and ready to just relax and fall to sleep. I am so glad we made it through the "storm" and are safe. I am very proud of myself for taking it slow on the roads and for making myself drive even if I didn't enjoy the conditions.

Tomorrow is the last day of driving on this road trip and I'm very excited for that! Let's hope that this midwest storm holds off for another day and we have a safe and fun trip tomorrow!!! Let's also hope that if we play the same dredel game, I don't get "drive first" again!

Thoughts from:
IN and IL -- everything was so white! We stopped at the worlds largest Truck stop for lunch! Drove past Chicago and thought about how I was there last year around this time.
IA -- pretty flat, lots of farms, many cows were out grazing, the city is very nice and the free happy hour at the hotel rocks! :)

Day 1 -- Fairfax, VA to Elkhart, IN

2008-12-22T17:02:00.000-08:00

I spent all weekend seeing friends, saying "see you later's", and of course, packing up my little subaru outback impreza sport (I call her Sucre or Sukie for short). Yesterday was a tough day because I barely slept the night before and then had to get Sucre a car wash and vacuum and then start packing her up. I was being stubborn and packed the entire car by myself...YES, little me, packed her!

Today was a new day, or so I thought that it would be when I woke up! ;) I had the help of KK to "re-pack" or "re-organize" Sucre because I guess I left a few items out in the open that could have been called "projectiles" if we were to stop short! These projectiles would have ended up by my mother so although the thought was funny and I did chuckle, we needed to re-think the situation. It was a nice to surprise to have KK there to send us on our way and to remind me to stay positive. After saying goodbyes (some sad, and some not so sad) my mom and I headed off to our first stop: Elkhart, Indiana!!!

Traveling with my mother has been like a rollercoaster so far. It isn't the same as traveling with a friend but it has its perks and she is really great to be doing this with me.

So, we drove through a few states today...

First: VA -- Mom drove -- Got our a.m. starbucks, cash, and gas...was feeling a bit nostalgic at this point...
Second: MD -- Mom drove -- I tried to sleep but that wasn't happening with chatty kathy in the car! It was so quick and so familiar!
Third: PA -- We stopped at a rest-stop and it was our first feel of the freezing cold air! It went from 20 degrees to like 6-8 degress while driving today!!! I almost cried it was so cold! My mom kindly reminded me that I was going to CO and it would be cold there too.
Fourth: OH -- My leg --My mom talked on her phone to a college buddy all through Ohio! It was the first time I got to really think and reflect on some things without distraction. I loved the drive because it was mostly flat and there was the most beautiful sunset forming.
Fifth: IN -- I was still driving -- We saw SANTA! I swear, he was driving some kind of a Jeep! ;)

Now it's time to relax, unwind, and get ready for another day of traveling. Our destination for tomorrow is Des Moines, IA. I will put pictures up where they belong once I am able to transfer them...there will be plenty to share! ;) Thanks for keeping up with our trip and my blog! :)

The Countdown Begins!!!

2008-12-19T08:33:00.001-08:00

Last night my mom and I finally sat down and decided on a good time to leave. I feel like no time is a "good" time but this journey will be a positive one so there's no point in delaying it anymore...

...We are headed out on our road trip on Monday, December 22, 2008! It's going to be a long road trip (about 26 hours) from Fairfax, Va to Elkhart, IN to Des Moines, IA to Boulder, CO!!! My mom and I are not very close at this point but I'm sure after this traveling adventure we will be! My friend suggested putting a video camera in the front seat of the car for this trip because there are bound to be funny moments!

I feel like the past two or three months have come and gone so fast. I decided to move with such haste but now it's actually a reality that I will be going and will be away from my friends and family and what I know for a while. I used to say it was all so "bittersweet" but now I'm changing that phrase to "crazybeautiful" because it is so crazy how things happen and how we learn but so beautiful when it all comes together and you figure out the path to take through life.

For now, my plan before Monday is to pack more, take care of little things like buying things that I can fit in my car for less (tax in Boulder is very high!), see friends and say my last see you laters. I want everyone to know that I am very excited about this journey but that I am not long gone and that my hope is that we keep in touch and can start where we left off when I come back for visits!

xoxo