For the past several days, I've been wracking my brain, trying to remember when and how I got into yoga. My earliest memories involve my third-grade self tuning in to PBS at 6 AM to do yoga with Richard Hittleman (the show started right before "Morning Stretch," and when Joannie Greggins played "Fame" on her show, I became hooked on exercise). Since then, there have been two gaps in my practice--my stint in the Army and my third pregnancy. I've made a full return to yoga lately, much to the gratitude of my tight back muscles.
Several months ago, I read in a magazine that the new thing was yoga classes that play hip/comtempory music during the practice. I found this funny because Steve Ross has been doing this on "Inhale," his yoga show that airs every weekday morning at 5 AM CST on the Oxygen Network. I DVR this show and follow along after I get up at 7:30.
If you are brand-spankin' new to yoga and are interested in starting a practice, I strongly recommend not only getting cleared by your physician, but also seeking instruction from a pro. Take a few classes or get some one-on-one, but don't just jump into it. A qualified instructor will help a newb learn how to properly use props like straps and blocks (or even a chair), as well as correct mistakes in posture. It may sound weird, but something as simple as sinking shoulders could cause soreness and injury.
So, back to Steve Ross and his show. There is nothing like starting the day with sun salutations to "What's Going On." Steve is a bit snarky at times (i.e., "If you find that you're losing your balance, grab the person standing next to you. On a good day, you can take out a whole row of people. It's incredibly rewarding."), but that is one of the qualities that keeps me tuning in. You don't have to be this hardcore yoga type who sits on a mountain top and contemplates the meaning of life. Nope, you simply need to tune in and stretch and breathe. It sounds simple because it is. The eye candy following along (including some of the prettiest men I've ever seen) don't hurt the show either.
Knitters, you seriously should consider yoga. If not yoga, then some sort of stretching program. Our hobby, especially when we indulge in yarn dancing on a daily basis, throws our posture out of alignment by hunching our shoulders forward and keeping our necks down. The way to counteract the effects is to stretch the chest, neck, and the shoulders. I have started knitting while sitting upright (I'm the queen of funky sitting/standing/lying positions) with a pillow on my lap to hold my arms. This keeps my shoulders back a little more and keeps my neck from pointing down so much. It also extends my elbows a bit so they don't fatigue as quickly.
For now, I hope you will at least consider squeezing in some time to stretch and breathe into your day. Namaste.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
So Glad Knitting is Not My Money-maker
Drama is everywhere. My husband often remarks to his coworkers that "We're not in high school," but the fact is that many things don't change, no matter how old we get or how far away we move. Most work places still have cliques. And someone is always up to no good (or at least doing something pretty stupid).
For me, my procrastination is coming back to haunt me. It really isn't a big deal, but in my usual drama queen fashion, I'm going to blow it up into larger proportions. After my Treehouse of Horror, A.K.A. the summer of '08, I had too much on my plate to deal with at once, so I knit. I knit like a crazy woman. Shawls, sweaters, socks, you name it. Not only did I knit, but I weaved in ends and blocked, both sure signs that I had some serious issues. Now, my motivation is fizzling out and I'm left with warmer weather approaching and some projects just screaming to be finished.
My mom was a chronic finisher. She didn't like having too many UFOs (although that didn't stop her from casting on, really), and passed away with only two. When I started knitting, I knit too slowly for casting on multiple projects to be an issue. Now, I have stuff galore, all just waiting for a little attention. The sad part is that some of it is actually pretty nice. I have a February Lady Sweater (a project that I highly recommend to everyone who believes they don't have what it takes to knit a sweater) that is screaming for buttons and a good blocking. My Shalom Cardigan needs its button sewn on and its ends woven in. And my Central Park Hoodie? I won't even go there. So what's stopping me? Just good ol' fashioned laziness. They're the mundane details of one of my chosen hobbies that I just can't seem to bother with right now (I'm saying this with my nose in the air, and hints of both condescension and irony in my voice--think: Beverly Hills housewife).
Now I don't know what's worse--the fact that I don't want to finish my projects, or the fact that I'm so lazy that I don't feel like winding any yarn, so I haven't really cast on for anything new. It's not that I don't want to knit--I really, really do want to--but I just don't want to stand still for it, not even for a minute. Because of this lack of winding, I have a reversible cabled scarf that I started for my husband (to go with his Koolhaas hat) that is 2/3 done; I just need to wind that third skein of Malabrigo. There are sweaters, shawls, scarves, socks, et cetera, that I want cast on for, but I really don't feel like winding. What makes this worse is that I don't even need to drag out and set up my winder and swift. They're already mounted to my cutting table.
I've actually cleaned bathrooms or cooked things just to avoid my hobby. Yeah, I realize that there are underlying factors that I should address and stop turning my lazy cheek to, but right now, it's a bit like going to church. I'm afraid of things getting too quiet. For the time being, knitting is like that homework assignment that is worth 1% of your grade. It could make the difference between a "B" and an "A," but whatever.
Anyway, check this out. I really have knit stuff. My SD drive is out of commission, but these pictures were managed to buck the system.
Noro Striped Scarf by Jared Flood, for my father-in-law
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, in 3 forgotten colorways (I'll check when I'm not so lazy)
4 Skeins, US 7
Monkey, by Cookie A., for a friend from back-in-da-day
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock, Mediumweight
1 Skein, US 2 bamboo DPNs (because I was too lazy to pick out two circs of the same size)
For me, my procrastination is coming back to haunt me. It really isn't a big deal, but in my usual drama queen fashion, I'm going to blow it up into larger proportions. After my Treehouse of Horror, A.K.A. the summer of '08, I had too much on my plate to deal with at once, so I knit. I knit like a crazy woman. Shawls, sweaters, socks, you name it. Not only did I knit, but I weaved in ends and blocked, both sure signs that I had some serious issues. Now, my motivation is fizzling out and I'm left with warmer weather approaching and some projects just screaming to be finished.
My mom was a chronic finisher. She didn't like having too many UFOs (although that didn't stop her from casting on, really), and passed away with only two. When I started knitting, I knit too slowly for casting on multiple projects to be an issue. Now, I have stuff galore, all just waiting for a little attention. The sad part is that some of it is actually pretty nice. I have a February Lady Sweater (a project that I highly recommend to everyone who believes they don't have what it takes to knit a sweater) that is screaming for buttons and a good blocking. My Shalom Cardigan needs its button sewn on and its ends woven in. And my Central Park Hoodie? I won't even go there. So what's stopping me? Just good ol' fashioned laziness. They're the mundane details of one of my chosen hobbies that I just can't seem to bother with right now (I'm saying this with my nose in the air, and hints of both condescension and irony in my voice--think: Beverly Hills housewife).
Now I don't know what's worse--the fact that I don't want to finish my projects, or the fact that I'm so lazy that I don't feel like winding any yarn, so I haven't really cast on for anything new. It's not that I don't want to knit--I really, really do want to--but I just don't want to stand still for it, not even for a minute. Because of this lack of winding, I have a reversible cabled scarf that I started for my husband (to go with his Koolhaas hat) that is 2/3 done; I just need to wind that third skein of Malabrigo. There are sweaters, shawls, scarves, socks, et cetera, that I want cast on for, but I really don't feel like winding. What makes this worse is that I don't even need to drag out and set up my winder and swift. They're already mounted to my cutting table.
I've actually cleaned bathrooms or cooked things just to avoid my hobby. Yeah, I realize that there are underlying factors that I should address and stop turning my lazy cheek to, but right now, it's a bit like going to church. I'm afraid of things getting too quiet. For the time being, knitting is like that homework assignment that is worth 1% of your grade. It could make the difference between a "B" and an "A," but whatever.
Anyway, check this out. I really have knit stuff. My SD drive is out of commission, but these pictures were managed to buck the system.
Noro Striped Scarf by Jared Flood, for my father-in-law
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, in 3 forgotten colorways (I'll check when I'm not so lazy)
4 Skeins, US 7
Monkey, by Cookie A., for a friend from back-in-da-day
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock, Mediumweight
1 Skein, US 2 bamboo DPNs (because I was too lazy to pick out two circs of the same size)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
My Feet Have an E-Mail Address?!
This is a simple cut-and-paste of a letter that I received in my e-mail recently.
Dear Michelle,
On behalf of your whole person, we would like to congratulate you on the completion of both the Country Music Half Marathon and the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. What a feat! It isn't every day you see someone like you run/walk 13.1 miles, especially with injuries. Wow. That additional medal that the organization sent last month (for completing two half marathons in the series in one year), was impressive in size, by all means. Kuddos.
With that said, we would like to bring to your attention that for the last four and a half years, you have been carrying around an extra 45 pounds. By any chance, are you planning to take action against these fat cells? We have scheduled peace talks with said fat cells, but they have clearly stated that they need an official stance from you personally. Without action from you, they will not only stand firm, but they will continue to multiply and wreck havoc on your entire body.
As your feet, we have carried you for miles at a time, with minimal complaint. However, this will not continue as our policy. You know that heel pain that you have been complaining about lately? Well, perhaps if you would stretch the gastrocnemius, solius, and Achilles tendons more frequently, we would not have to send such unpleasant messages to you. After all, we have transported you 13.1 miles at your will and you have never--not once--consulted us. On top of that, half marathons are in the wee hours of the morning. And how is it that they are always scheduled during "that special time of the month"? But we digress. Although we are please that you no longer make disparaging remarks about our size or lack of cuteness, we would appreciate more frequent pedicures. We're just saying...
Your fingers would like to point out that your original wedding rings do not fit. Your waistline would like to bring to your attention that the padding that has accumulated may increase our risk of a heart attack. Your ankles would like to remind you of how crappy the Country Music Half Marathon felt because they were still sprained. The other parts had complaints as well, but they have requested a private conference with you to discuss their concerns. Please expect a call from our representative this week.
We are pleased to have delivered not one, but two beautiful, healthy kiddos. In order for them to grow up with a clearer understanding of the importance of good health, we, your body, suggest that you set a stronger example by demonstrating healthy eating habits, consistent exercise, and regular sleep. We assure you that if you follow that simple plan, you will have more energy, feel stronger, and tell funnier jokes (maybe not the last part).
Your half marathon schedule for this year looks good, if a bit ambitious, but please consider this a formal notification that if you do not train properly for these events, we will not carry you across any finish lines, including races as short as the 5k. We love you and respect you, and this is not about how the ass is beginning to look like two breakfast sausages arm wrestling in your jeans. This is about excellent health. Therefore, we will see you on the treadmill tomorrow morning.
With love,
Your Feet
P.S. It has not escaped our attention that if you lose the extra, unhealthy weight, we can knit things using less yarn, meaning we can buy the higher-end, more expensive stuff!
Dear Michelle,
On behalf of your whole person, we would like to congratulate you on the completion of both the Country Music Half Marathon and the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. What a feat! It isn't every day you see someone like you run/walk 13.1 miles, especially with injuries. Wow. That additional medal that the organization sent last month (for completing two half marathons in the series in one year), was impressive in size, by all means. Kuddos.
With that said, we would like to bring to your attention that for the last four and a half years, you have been carrying around an extra 45 pounds. By any chance, are you planning to take action against these fat cells? We have scheduled peace talks with said fat cells, but they have clearly stated that they need an official stance from you personally. Without action from you, they will not only stand firm, but they will continue to multiply and wreck havoc on your entire body.
As your feet, we have carried you for miles at a time, with minimal complaint. However, this will not continue as our policy. You know that heel pain that you have been complaining about lately? Well, perhaps if you would stretch the gastrocnemius, solius, and Achilles tendons more frequently, we would not have to send such unpleasant messages to you. After all, we have transported you 13.1 miles at your will and you have never--not once--consulted us. On top of that, half marathons are in the wee hours of the morning. And how is it that they are always scheduled during "that special time of the month"? But we digress. Although we are please that you no longer make disparaging remarks about our size or lack of cuteness, we would appreciate more frequent pedicures. We're just saying...
Your fingers would like to point out that your original wedding rings do not fit. Your waistline would like to bring to your attention that the padding that has accumulated may increase our risk of a heart attack. Your ankles would like to remind you of how crappy the Country Music Half Marathon felt because they were still sprained. The other parts had complaints as well, but they have requested a private conference with you to discuss their concerns. Please expect a call from our representative this week.
We are pleased to have delivered not one, but two beautiful, healthy kiddos. In order for them to grow up with a clearer understanding of the importance of good health, we, your body, suggest that you set a stronger example by demonstrating healthy eating habits, consistent exercise, and regular sleep. We assure you that if you follow that simple plan, you will have more energy, feel stronger, and tell funnier jokes (maybe not the last part).
Your half marathon schedule for this year looks good, if a bit ambitious, but please consider this a formal notification that if you do not train properly for these events, we will not carry you across any finish lines, including races as short as the 5k. We love you and respect you, and this is not about how the ass is beginning to look like two breakfast sausages arm wrestling in your jeans. This is about excellent health. Therefore, we will see you on the treadmill tomorrow morning.
With love,
Your Feet
P.S. It has not escaped our attention that if you lose the extra, unhealthy weight, we can knit things using less yarn, meaning we can buy the higher-end, more expensive stuff!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hell No, We Won't Go!
Today could possibly be among the most important days in our nation's history. We have issues, ladies and gentlemen. In this land of plenty--despite a recession--we have problems that have plagued us for a few years now. You know what I'm talking about...
Skinny jeans.
Never mind the fact that I thought we buried skinny jeans in the '80s, skinny jeans serve only two purposes: 1. make skinny chicks look skinnier; 2. make non-skinny chicks look like an ice cream cone. I am among the latter, but more on that in a minute. Look Skinny Chicks, the rest of us get that your thighs do not meet in the middle unless one of us annoyed non-skinnies is tying you into a pretzel (which is good for our upper body strength, so pat yourselves on the back for helping us on our quests for better health), so we really don't need so see this highlighted by ubertight jeans. In addition, skinny jeans tend to be low-rise as well, and if everyone else wanted to see your private 411, we would ask. This brings up the point that if you wear your skinny jeans and a tiny top, don't get pissed off when men gape at you. They are generally attracted to slutty things.
As for walking around looking like an ice cream cone, well, do I really need to expound?
I plan to do my part in this war against skinny jeans. Ugh, they are just bad fashion. Skinny chicks: The boyfriend jeans looked so adorable on you. Bring those back. Non-skinny chicks: A straighter cut from the hip down looks sexy. Pick that. I will begin my crusade at Old Navy today! (Since my local shop is next to a bookstore...)
So, no, I am not among the skinny jeans set. If I were at my goal weight, would I choose skinny jeans? Nope. If I hit my goal weight (which is the high end of my healthy weight), I will walk around gloriously naked. Consider yourselves warned.
Oh! The inauguration. Yes, I plan to tune in because this could be my final day to live in youthful and naive optimism.
Skinny jeans.
Never mind the fact that I thought we buried skinny jeans in the '80s, skinny jeans serve only two purposes: 1. make skinny chicks look skinnier; 2. make non-skinny chicks look like an ice cream cone. I am among the latter, but more on that in a minute. Look Skinny Chicks, the rest of us get that your thighs do not meet in the middle unless one of us annoyed non-skinnies is tying you into a pretzel (which is good for our upper body strength, so pat yourselves on the back for helping us on our quests for better health), so we really don't need so see this highlighted by ubertight jeans. In addition, skinny jeans tend to be low-rise as well, and if everyone else wanted to see your private 411, we would ask. This brings up the point that if you wear your skinny jeans and a tiny top, don't get pissed off when men gape at you. They are generally attracted to slutty things.
As for walking around looking like an ice cream cone, well, do I really need to expound?
I plan to do my part in this war against skinny jeans. Ugh, they are just bad fashion. Skinny chicks: The boyfriend jeans looked so adorable on you. Bring those back. Non-skinny chicks: A straighter cut from the hip down looks sexy. Pick that. I will begin my crusade at Old Navy today! (Since my local shop is next to a bookstore...)
So, no, I am not among the skinny jeans set. If I were at my goal weight, would I choose skinny jeans? Nope. If I hit my goal weight (which is the high end of my healthy weight), I will walk around gloriously naked. Consider yourselves warned.
Oh! The inauguration. Yes, I plan to tune in because this could be my final day to live in youthful and naive optimism.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
New Home, New Year
How does one open up a new blog? It isn't like an open house, where you just post signs around the neighborhood, directing the way to a piece of sometimes over-priced real estate. I considered a drawing. I could give away yarn. The problem: Why attract readers when I don't know how consistent my posts will be? Or if my posts will have any relevance. If I can reach, oh, say, 50 posts with the regularity of a high-fiber diet, then I will for sure throw someone some yarn-y love.
As previously stated in the old blog, this is the Year of Michelle. It simply means that I do things that will make me a smarter, stronger, healthier version of myself, and that better things will come to me and those around me. Unfortunately, this month is clouded in shrapnel from the blast known as 2008. One of my dearest friends lost her mother a few weeks ago, and another dear friend lost his father recently. After all of the deaths in my family last year, including my mom's, it's about time for things to start perking up.
So, here's to a new year, complete with new experiences and new people, and lots of yarn, music, movies, and creme brulee.
As previously stated in the old blog, this is the Year of Michelle. It simply means that I do things that will make me a smarter, stronger, healthier version of myself, and that better things will come to me and those around me. Unfortunately, this month is clouded in shrapnel from the blast known as 2008. One of my dearest friends lost her mother a few weeks ago, and another dear friend lost his father recently. After all of the deaths in my family last year, including my mom's, it's about time for things to start perking up.
So, here's to a new year, complete with new experiences and new people, and lots of yarn, music, movies, and creme brulee.
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