Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Terrific Tuesday!!! (Or Magical Mondays a day late...)



Wow oh wow!

Terrific Tuesday already?  Where did last week go, or for that matter – where did Monday go? It was such a magical day that I didn’t have time to write!

This past week was full of more learning and as a self proclaimed nerd, it was amazing. I have been learning on my feet as well as in specific trainings at work. I also looked at all of my books for the 500 hour teacher training and I am getting very excited about Chakras, Anatomy & Asanas!!

Some highlights: finally seeing the Plymouth rock (it’s just a big rock-  haha) but it was neat to see the excitement around the heritage!!, Cupcake Charlie’s and bringing a half dozen cupcakes back to work, yoga as a practice, hubby putting up our mailbox, Apollo being okay after his vet appointment, a surprise visit from the Aborns, Apollo’s surprise puppy play date, my first paycheck, trader joes entire frozen section in my freeze (exaggeration but we have a lot of goodies), Gerardi’s and riosotto cakes, date night, spending time in Wolfeboro, manicure, yummy appetizers, our swimming puppy and much more!

This past weekend was an absolute blast! My in-laws came up to our family home in Wolfeboro, NH. My dad taught my father in law how to swim, my MIL went into the water fully dressed, hubby learned how to snorkel, we went tubbing, wake boarding, fishing, ice cream tripping and much more! On Sunday we had a delicious brunch – all 11 of us – at the Wolfeboro Inn. The only thing that would have made it better is my cousins (but they will be visiting us this coming weekend).


Aside from everything else, my favorite part of this past week was Apollo and his big adventure! He went swimming!!! He “swam” in July when we brought him to Wolfeboro, but it was forced and we carried him some of the time. This past weekend, he JUMPED into the water and then swam after hubby & I! He decided to just keep going – he would go to shore to take a breath – and then swim back out of his own will. He definitely stole the show on the beach and I was so proud of him. His little webbed feet really DO mean he is a swimmer. What a joy to watch his face and see how happy he was while swimming to his mumma!



I’ll be keeping that blessing with me all week.

What about you?? Is YOUR Tuesday Terrific?? Have you been counting your blessings?

Much joy, love & light to you!
Get out there – do yoga & make life sparkle!
Namaste,
Jenny

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Girl I was 5 Years Ago...



The girl I was 5 years ago would like to know who the hell I am.

Last night, I took home two fresh pieces of tuna and made tuna steaks. By fresh I mean that my boss walked into the office on his vacation day with a giant dead fish and put it on the conference table. Like a little boy he asked: “Want some? Look what I caught today!” Instead of being upset or confused, we were all so happy because of his blatant joy.

Needless to say, I took it home. Now I have had tuna steak at restaurants and I even tried sashimi the other day... but I took home a FRESHLY DEAD FISH and cooked it in my kitchen. For dinner. And ate the whole thing. It was so delicious.




After I do things like this I often think to myself, “I wonder what the hell myself 5 years ago would have said.”

No.

I would have said no.

I said yes to all the wrong things and no to all the right. I didn’t take as many risks, but I did say yes and get myself tangled into all kinds of obligations I wanted nothing to do with. It’s a matter of timing and learning. I am glad I said no when I did. I wasn’t meant to understand and embrace the power of YES!

Everyone learns things at their own pace. My brother, who is seven years younger than I am, is currently learning the lessons I learned seven years ago. When my mom asks why and looks to me for answers, I calmly remind her that I learned those lessons when I was 19 or 20 and he needs to learn them to. He wouldn’t be 19 if he were learning 26 year old lessons.

I am so lucky and blessed to currently understand that where I am now is right where I am supposed to be. Sure there are days that are difficult, but at the end of the day I am surrounded by blessings and love. I am surrounded by much more good than bad.

The girl I was 5 years ago didn’t take risks. But the moment I got my first taste of adrenaline, or my first taste of swordfish or brain – I knew I could never look back to where I used to be. Those moments of fear and joy are what help to create the me I am and the me I am becoming.

My first skydiving trip, my first octopus sighting, the first shark dive, the time my mother-in-law got me to eat lamb brain, roller coasters, starting Journey to Hope, quitting my job three years ago, starting again at itslearning, marrying my hubby, getting our first puppy and SO MUCH MORE!!! All of these amazing things were mixed with high volumes of fear. But I did it anyway. I said YES to life. I said yes to the moment. And I couldn’t be any happier.

What would the person you were 5 years ago think about you?

I think I would be impressed. I would be confused. I wouldn’t necessarily understand that all of the things in my life are blessings. But I would be happy that I’m currently happy.

I remember a time a few years ago. I was floating around the ocean in a dinghy waiting for some new friends to come back from a dive in the BVI. I looked up into the clouds and began to cry, begging God or the universe to tell me where I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to be doing. I have always known I was meant to do something BIG. Always. I don’t know how, and I’m still not sure why – but I’ve been put here for something more.

In some ways, I hope that Journey to Hope Yoga Inc. is my reason – but I know it’s not. I know I’m meant for even more than this... and I know that Journey to Hope will go far. Yesterday was our one year anniversary and although we didn’t accomplish ALL I wanted to, we accomplished a lot more than anyone ever imagined we could.

I am so blessed, and thankful. My husband, my family, my friends (old but especially new) have all helped shape and change me into the brave, brazen, SAY YES person I am today. I’ve always had a loud and strong voice, I have always been marching to the beat of my own drum and I have always been a leader. But I haven’t always been this brave.

I am so excited to be brave. I am excited to be in love with an amazing man who I would have NEVER imagined would become my husband. I am excited to be in love with our furry babies. I am excited to admire sharks and octopi.

But for today, I am excited I took home some fresh tuna and seared it in my kitchen for dinner. One step at a time. One brave moment at a time. I am becoming a better me. Everyday.

As I always say to my students, “where you are right now is where you are supposed to be, and it is perfect.”

Today is perfect, even if imperfect.

~~~~~

Leave a comment to let me know what yourself 5 years ago might think of you today!


Get out there – do yoga and make life sparkle!
Namaste,

Jenny

Monday, August 13, 2012

It's been a YEAR!!!


What a week it has been. I have a full week (and change) at itslearning and I’m loving my new/old job more every minute. It’s so much fun to be doing a job I used to enjoy, only now with more people, support and services in the office. What great energy and a fun place all around.

I apologize for not writing as often as I usually do, but things have been quiet for a while, as I'm adjusting and transitioning back into a full-time position. I promise to write more often - and more inspirational posts as soon as things begin to settle!!

Journey to Hope also had a good albeit quiet week. My volunteers have successfully transitioned into their new positions and I am so blessed to have such amazing people to count on! What a journey it has been and will continue to be!!

On that note: today is our one year anniversary!!! Holy cow! How did this all happen so quickly? I am so proud of my volunteers, board members and amazing support system – thank you all for the best year yet... here’s for many more to come!!!



Personally everything is going well too! I am constantly overjoyed with how much love and support I receive daily from my family. My folks came to visit this weekend and saw our new home on Cape Cod. They loved it – and mom bought us all sorts of fun trinkets that match everything we already own. Perfection. We went shopping, ate too much food, walked the beach, played with Apollo and watched the Olympics and the first episode of Shark Week!

This past weekend was the perfect end to a great week. Last week, hubby and I celebrated his birthday, played pool, hung out in our new home and began to adjust to my new schedule. I made yummy food, we played with our boys and began watching re-runs of Bones!!

Oh, and have any of you seen Man on a Ledge? Oh man! Woah!!! It grabbed me in the first five minutes. I know I’m a bit behind, but it was amazing.

Things I’m loving this week: long necklaces, yoga PRACTICE (being on my own mat), jammin’ yoga slow flows, cuddling, new work outfits, fresh tuna, working with friends, new friends at work, family time, planning for fall, goal setting, TED talks, motivational speakers, joining twitter, following starbucks on twitter to know THE MOMENT that pumpkin spice lattes are coming, planning our housewarming party, housewarming invites, my first umba package arrived and so much more!

I hope your day is just as magical. Count your blessings. You have so much more than you sometimes believe.

Believe in love. Watch the stars. Make a wish.
Get out there – do yoga & make life sparkle!
Namaste,
Jenny

Monday, August 6, 2012

Magical Mondays - Transitions and NYC!

Hubby & I - NYC


I’m sorry for the delay in posting. This past week was VERY busy and fun. The first bit of news, as I mentioned a few posts ago, is my new job. I went back into sales this past week, and I am very happy with my decision. My former boss told me that he was looking to re-hire for my old position and asked me to considering coming back. I loved my job and the biggest reason I left was due to location. They just moved their offices MUCH closer to our home – so on Thursday I started again.


This means a big transition for Journey to Hope, but a great one at that! All of my volunteers are stepping up their game and together we are creating the best possible organization to serve our community. I am so blessed to have amazing board members to rely on and volunteers who are willing to go above and beyond to serve our wonderful population.

We also have a campaign out! Check us out on indiegogo!

This week was full of Mexican food, NYC lights, rooftop parties and so much adventure. It was also full of blessings. I wasn’t feeling my best in the beginning of the week, and my co-workers lovingly stepped up to help me for a day and a half while I rested and got myself back on my feet!!

 

Niraj, Ashwin, Bindya, Me, Hubby - Penthouse Rooftop

This past weekend, we got to visit friends from India who were visiting. My husband’s best friends from his days in college over in India. I was very intimidated as one of his best friends is Ms. Chennai – but she and her husband were AMAZING!! As were all of his other friends who were visiting and living in NYC. We have been a few times as a couple, but this was by far my favorite trip. I don’t think I slept more than 7 hours the entire time we were there, but I got to experience and see so much more than we usually do.

Niraj and his favorite married ladies!

I also went to toy stores on Saturday. We ran into FAO Schwarz by accident in the morning, so we went in! Then after our adventure, our friend Niraj asked if I had ever been to the Toys R US in Times Square... needless to say, this was my reaction to walking in. I can’t believe my husband caught this on camera! Haha.

I saw superman...

On Saturday night we decided to celebrate my hubby’s birthday by getting him a big cake while we were out for dinner. We were trying to be sneaky all day, and finally were able to run across the street and find the perfect most delicious cake. He was so surprised!

We went clubbing, saw the toy stores, did a little shopping, ate brunch two beautiful French restaurants, hung with our friends, got dressed up, and had some time to ourselves. It was an amazing and wonderful weekend.

I think one of our highlights was visiting a friend who lives in a penthouse with a private rooftop overlooking all of NYC. You could see the statue of liberty, the world trade center going up, the empire state building, the river.... we were there from dusk until evening and watched the city transform and turn all of her lights on. New York city lights are truly amazing!



When we got back home, we were able to cuddle with our boys, make dinner and relax. My in-laws were house sitting and puppy sitting – they left us a weeks’ worth of India food, a sleepy puppy and a clean house.

I am just about off to teach my last aqua yoga class before heading into work. I hope your day is as magical as ever. Remember, Mondays are a time to reflect on our blessings – not cry that the weekend has ended.

Get out there – do yoga & make life sparkle,
Namaste,
Jenny

P.s. Many people have asked if I’m still teaching – yes! Of course I am. I am now teaching Wednesday full day schedule and in the fall I will be teaching Monday and Friday nights. That just means you need to make it to class to see me more often! See you on your mat. xo