About mid way through my practice Guruji arrived and sat down in the office where he remained after I left - it was really quite nice to see his smiling face in the shala today - its been soooo long since I've even had the pleasure to see him...Made me feel a little less scattered a bit more in tune with the moment - for that I quietly thanked him - and wished him well!
Sasha arrived at 7am as she had been instructed to do...she placed the key to the flat by my mat and began her practice as I was finishing mine...I gave my sincerest respects to Guruji and Saraswati and headed to the coconut stand for a fresh tender sweet coconut....Then off to the gym to kill a good 45 minutes while waiting for Sasha to finish her practice...It was really good for me too as I had a great deal of nervous energy this morning that I definitely needed to release....And this sort of remained the theme of the day - nervous energy that is....
Once I left the gym I made way to the shala and it couldn't have been more perfect timing if I ever tried again - as Sasha had finished her practice and was literally steps behind me. We walked home together, chatted for a few minutes, then headed back out to meet Maureen and head to Tina's for breakfast...When I arrived I bought some flowers to give to Tina, who scolded me for not coming to see them more often now that I have my own flat - I apologized profusely and promised to come for breakfast more often - just spent the last two weeks enjoying the pleasures of my own kitchen. We enjoyed a lovely breakfast amidst great company!
Right after breakfast, Sasha, Elise, Maureen and I made way to Slivers Nest to check out the collection of silver - and what a little jewel it was...I finally found some anklets that I liked that make lots and lots of noise - just what I've been looking for to wear to dance class! It was a true score! I also bought two toe rings, which I probably won't ever wear but was feeling it then and at $3.00 I didn't feel badly about the purchase....Happy as can be Sasha and I made our way back to my flat to meet with Girish and the DHL guy to try and ship the bags Barti had made for me. It took several hours to get everything straightened out, as the DHL guy had quoted me one thing the other day, and wanted to charge twice that this morning. I was having none of it and made him leave, told him I was sorry I'd wasted his time to come out but would not pay double what we had discussed. Girish took charge and went to the DHL store to cut a deal for me, as Sasha and I had explained that if I was to do business with him and Barti he needed to get the shipping issues under control - as I'm a foreigner and will always get cheated on everything...He came back and had worked out a phenomenal shipping rate for the weight of goods I needed to ship. After a bit more haggling with Girish, and more explaining of what was expected of him in the future if we are to do business together - weather I'm in India or America, he seemed to understand - I gave him the money, he took all 40 kilos of bags and made way to DHL to ship them off! Thank goodness that was finally settled, and with a great outcome too! The rate is better than any I've seen thus far for the weight, and it will arrive in America in 4-7 days! ROCK ON!!!
After Girish left, Sasha and I made way to the Bata shoe store so she could buy a pair of shoes, and I could pick up the pair they were stretching for me...Successful outing, as my shoes were finally ready, and Sasha picked up a great pair of shoes...And to top it off the shop owner suggested a great little spot minutes away for us to grab some lunch (we were both ravenous!) After a bite to eat we made way to the Rashinkars so I could settle up with them as well - really wanted to get all my looming business stuff taken care of today - and for the most part I did. All products ordered were ready today - but as usual a few alterations need to be made to my small bags - Rahki and I figured out what I owed, but not without great pains as they wanted to charge more than was agreed upon for the inner lining cloth of all my yoga bags - I explained that I would not pay anymore than was agreed, so they cringed as they realized they had to eat that cost - but did so nonetheless (must say I felt really good about all business dealings today b/c I am getting better and better at it - use to let people walk all over me but I am getting a better business sense and realize more now what I can and cannot control!) By the time we finished with the Rashinkars, it was time for dance class - so we rushed home to grab clothes and then walked to Sindhu's house for my Odissi lesson! And guess what? Yes, it was rockin today!!!! She smiled so big when I walked in with my noisy anklets on ;) I introduced her to Sasha, and we spent a couple minutes catching up on the last few days before we began our session. We briefly reviewed the 8th Cowka and Trebang before the taught me the 9th Chowka - which wasn't all that hard to get....We spent the remainder of the session working more on the item she's teaching me - which is slowly but most assuredly coming along nicely...
Sasha and I finished off this busy day over dinner with Maureen and Jake at Shanghi in the city. It was really nice to see Jake as it seemed as though it'd been forever since I last saw him. Always nice to hang out with Maureen, and I am so blessed to have Sasha here ;) I couldn't ask for more right now - really....My sacred yoga practice, a new found love for Odissi, good business dealings, great flat, amazing friends, and good health...I am truly blessed!!!
Well, goodnight all - wishing you lots of joy and happiness this lovely Wednesday!
Om Shanti!
