My House in Edinburgh

Happy Sunday everyone! It is a little after ten pm here in Edinburgh and I just returned from an AWESOME gymnastics class :) - I actually took some pictures of it tonight and will try and upload them this week and post for you to see.....

Tonight though I'm gonna fulfill a promise I made to Mrs. Nicole weeks ago and finally post some pictures of my house here in Edinburgh. If you remember I was living in a flat in Morningside til the 20th of September and then moved into my friend Hugh's Moms house in Marchmont. Initially it was only gonna be for a month til I could move into the place I found right on the royal mile - I had paid a deposit on that High Street flat of 350 pounds and was set to move in on the 2oth of October. When I moved into this house in Marchmont I immediately fell in love with my roommate/landlady Caroline and the house in general. So I contacted Susan, my soon to be landlady/roommate (TWO DAYS AFTER PAYING MY DEPOSIT) to let her know I was gonna stay put where I was til I left in December and see when we could meet to get my deposit back - well she said she'd be out of town for sometime and would have to mail me a check - which she did - but that check bounced - and she will not return my calls....So she basically STOLE 350 pounds from me, or what would be $609.00 - Really bummed me out BADLY for a few weeks but I know that Karma is a BITCH and she will get some unpleasant Karma in return in the future - so I have let that go - put it out into the Universe to take care of it for me....

Anyway, I am forever grateful for Caroline and the place I am now living - and even more grateful to have realized before I ever moved into the High Street flat that that was not a place I would have been happy living. Caroline is really sweet, she has a lovely lil dog, and her son is my friend :) Here are some pictures of the house that I am super lucky to call home til the end of December....

Dublin, Ireland

Jameson Distillery Tour - Did Whiskey taste test :)

Me and the Sash!

That's me golden taste test ticket! After the tour a chosen few get to taste Scottish, American, and Irish Whiskey to see which is better - then if you select the best choice they give you a free drink and a nifty little certificate - this was after I'd already downed two Jameson and Cokes!!

Why, you may wonder, do I look like I'm having so much more fun than Sasha???? Well she couldn't drink - so I had to drink enough for the both of us! That's WHY!

The Gaol aka Jail

Why don't you just WOK INN - HA ha ha ha ha...

Ah, look at our little Green Bus - zee hop on and off day tour that only got more fun after the Jameson Distillery tour :) - wink wink :)

Upsetting as it is, we missed the Guinness tour - was due to our extended stay at the Jameson Distillery - but come on....the tours end at 5pm on Friday man! There is only so much Krista can consume so early in the day you know!

Look familiar - wonder whom took from whom.......

This was at the VERY beginning of our tour - don't I look sotally tober? I was!

I flew back to Edinburgh yesterday afternoon and Sasha flew back to Florida. I was really sad when she left and feel quite lonely now that she is gone - but I super grateful she took the time to come visit. We had a blast while she was here in Edinburgh - poor thing got drug here there and yonder with me while I taught a full on schedule of classes Monday through Wednesday...But she hung in there and we had a blast in Dublin - did some yoga, ate TONS of food, enjoyed a lot of lazy relaxing in the gorgeous hotel room, and just spent time together. She couldn't drink on this trip (hope you don't mind girl :) - b/c she is gonna be a mama!!!! That's right my dear friend Sasha is about eleven weeks pregnant. I can't believe the next time I see her she will be large as a house :)

Miss you Sasha!

I'm Sponge Bob Square Pants

Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble?A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test.Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results.Do not cheat by looking at the end before you are done .

***Be Sure to Comment in this Entry to let me know what you are!!! Would love to know :)

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
c) Painting in the park (5 pts)d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
b) Alternative (1 pt.)
c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
d) Country (5 pts )
e) Pop (3 pts)

3. What type of movies do you prefer?
a) Comedy (2 pts.)
b) Horror (1 pt.)
c) Musical (3 pts.)
d) Romance (4 pts.)
e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
a) Waiter (4 pts.)
b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
e) Cashier (1 pt)

5 What do you do with your spare time?
a) Exercise (5 pts.)
b) Read (4 pts.)
c) Watch television (2 pts.)
d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
e) Sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
a) Yellow (1 pt.)
b) White (5 pts)
c) Sky Blue (3 pts)
d) Dark Blue(2 pts.)
e) Red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat?
a) Snow (3 pts.)
b) Pizza (2 pts.)
c) Sushi (1 pt.)
d) Pasta (4 pts.)
e) Salad (5 pts)

8. What is your favorite holiday ?
a) Halloween(1 pt.)
b ) Christmas(3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
d) Valentine's Day(4 pts.)
e) Thanksgiving(5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
a) Paris (4 pts)
b) Spain (5 pts)
c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
d) Hawaii (4 pts)
e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield :You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember, your happy spirit ma y hurt you or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy:You are fun; you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you're never out of style , you are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have ha d your share of fun times

(24-28 points) You are Elmo:You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants:You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it' s funny and calm for the most part Stay away from traitors and jealous people and you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown:You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom every Sund ay. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points ) You are Dexter:You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Tr y to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit wit h spontaneity!

I'm Alive

Just wanted to let you all know I'm doing awesome and will be back at zee blog soon. I've been really busy with my teaching schedule recently - and Sasha is here with me now. Will be extremely busy through the weekend but will have pictures and other updates to post at the first of the week once Sasha leaves me to head back to Florida :(

Have a great rest of your week!

401 Keg Plan

This was just TOO FUNNY not to post!

If you had purchased $1000.00 of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be worth $49.00.

With Enron, you would have $16.50 left of the original $1000.

With WorldCom, you would have less than $5.00 left.

If you had purchased $1000.00 of Delta Air Lines stock you would have $49.00 left.

If you had purchased United Airlines, you would have nothing left.

But, if you had purchased $1000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all
the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling refund you would have $214.00.

Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle.
This is called the 401-Keg Plan.

South Carolina

I nearly wet my pants laughing so hard when I got the most recent email from my mother....WHY???? I was born and raised in South Carolina- and everything you read below is TRUE :)

THINGS YOU LEARN LIVING IN SOUTH CAROLINA
1. A possum is a flat animal that sleeps in the middle of the road.
2. There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 of them live in South Carolina
3. There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 of them live in South Carolina , plus a couple no one's ever seen before.
4. If it grows, it'll stick ya. If it crawls, it'll bite cha.
5. 'Onced' and 'Twiced' are words.
6. It is not a shopping cart, it is a buggy.
7. People actually grow and eat okra.
8. 'Fixinto' is one word.
9. There is no such thing as 'lunch.' There is only dinner and then there is supper.
10. Iced tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're two, and South Carolinians do like a little tea with our sugar!
11. Backwards and forwards means 'I know everything about you.'
12. The word 'Jeet' is actually a question meaning 'Did you eat?'
13. You don't have to wear a watch because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you're done or it's too dark to see.
14. You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH them.
17. 'No. Jew?' is a common response to the question 'Did you bring any Coke?'

YOU KNOW YOU'RE FROM SOUTH CAROLINA IF :
1. You measure distance in minutes.
2. You've ever had to switch from heat to A/C in the same day.
3. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.
4. You know what a 'DAWG' is.
5. You carry jumper cables in your car... For your OWN car.
6. You only own five spices: salt, pepper, vinegar, ketchup, and Texas Pete.
7. The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local gossip and motor sports.
8. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday..
9. You find 100 degrees Fahrenheit 'a bit warm.'
10. You know all four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer and Christmas.
11. Going to Wal-Mart is a favorite past time known as Goin' to Wally World.
12. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good chicken bog weather.
13. Fried catfish is the other white meat.
14. We don't need no dang Driver's Ed. If our mama says we can drive, we can drive dag-nabbit.

Busy Monday

Oh boy, I am pooped!! It's nearly 11pm - I only just got home an hour ago from my day - left the house at 6:45am this morning.....So how was this busy day of mine? AWESOME!!!! I enjoyed a lovely walk to Virgin where I taught a full class of people wanting a morning ashtanga fix - which I happily provided :) then I nearly sprinted to Bristo for my beginners ashtanga class - and was uber happy to find some yogini's waiting to enter ;) I had my three regulars and a new student in class today, which makes me super duper happy - I love that these classes are building slowly, but building - because it's helping me learn the best way to format a beginners class to that brand new students to yoga can benefit most from this class. Learning loads and think my students are too - total win win as far as I am concerned.

After my early classes I enjoyed a lovely practice with my friend and fellow yogini Gillan - yes I am a very very bad yogini for practicing on a moon day - but I felt like I really needed the grounding today as I new there was a lot of scattered energy inside me.....no excuse - sometimes you just gotta do as I say and not as I do ;)

Starving........I left Bristo to make way to City Cafe where I ordered some grub and waited for Chris to join me (Chris is a good yogi who did observe moon day) - we met up and enjoyed a coffee before heading out and about in town posting flyers and leaving handouts for my classes at Bristo - yeah he's the bestest - he spent a couple hours helping me promote my classes at Bristo - all because he's a nice guy! Thanks Chris!!!!

He left me about half past four to go to Union to teach his class and I made my way past Broughton street to take my laptop to the PC Repairman shop to drop my computer off for repair - YEAH.....Sucks....what is it this time you may wonder???? The little thingie in the back of the laptop that you connect the charger into to charge the battery - its decided its not gonna work for me anymore - but don't think its a strike, I think he has completely died. So the good ole Scottish PC repairman had to order the special part, which had to come from Hong Kong (Gateways are NOT popular computers in the UK) and it just arrived. PC man is gonna outsource the work to a shop where they can take my computer apart and replace this little ity bity piece - The whole job is gonna cost me £85, close to $180 - OUCH!!!! but if I didn't fix it now I could ruin my mother board, which we all know would be really bad! If I am really lucky I might get my computer back next Tuesday, but I have a good desktop at my flat - Caroline is nice enough to let me borrow it that is! You know I swear I am non so lucky when it comes to computers - but the good news is that while they have my computer all 'naked' they are gonna take a look at the internal wireless card that just decided to stop working on me a few months ago in India - if you didn't know about that - yeah totally stopped working and I had to buy an external wireless card......

Anyway, after dropping off my computer I made my way over to the Pleasance about 6pm to prepare for my brand new 7pm Ashtanga class for University students. I was obviously quite early but I wanted to take advantage of the location and posted more info about Bristo classes wherever I could find it might be beneficial, I stopped to enjoy not one but two delicious gala apples, and then found the room where I'd be teaching - good ole room 48a. There was an Iyengar class taking place when I arrived so I sat on the steps and waited for it to finish. The class was good - lots of newbies today but jam packed class of students interested in learning about ashtanga yoga. There were about ten people who showed up late that couldn't attend the class, and not because they were late but because there simply wasn't enough room in the class for them! And everyone seemed to really enjoy the practice - so they will all be back next week AND most of them were interested in more information about the lunchtime Bristo classes too :) score all around!

During my lovely stroll home I spoke to Kwang - he went on about the state of affairs in America right now and how the House just declined the 700 billion "Save OUR asanas" plan....Kwang keeps telling me I just don't know how bad things are back home right now...And I don't...but I pray that they get better, I pray they don't bring my friends and family and students down too much mentally - if days are bad just remember you have your yoga practice - and I know some people might say "SO F...ing what...like yoga is gonna fix the economy!!!" And the answer is NO, but if you make sure to get on your mat you will find a bit more peace of mind - some things in this world we can't control - some things we can! Focus on the ones you can - as Gandhi would say, "BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD!"

Sweet dreams all!
Sending my love from chilly Edinburgh!

Weekly Update #2

I have enjoyed another lovely week in Edinburgh! Classes are quite fulfilling - I have really great students - teaching people of all ages, all physical abilities, all backgrounds - some are brand new to yoga and some more advanced practitioners. My Bristo classes are gonna take some time to build up because they are brand new - however, the students that have started coming are mainly new to yoga and they are taking to the practice like fish to water - I LOVE IT! My other classes are really wonderful but Bristo is my baby - this program will teach me quite a lot and I am enjoying the process tremendously!

My personal practice has been rockin - although quite different in many ways than I'm used to - primarily due to the colder climate - partly the increased walking and biking - and partly due to the increase in physical activity in general...I have a new weekend ritual - Step class in the morning and West African Dance class in the afternoon....Sundays I do a Body Pump class in the early afternoon and then meet up with Chris for a nice afternoon practice, which is quite a treat on the weekends. Monday through Friday Chris and I meet up at Bristo Place at various times, depending on my teaching schedule that day, and do our practice together....I feel so lucky to have Chris here in Edinburgh - he's a lovely guy, great new friend, and wonderful practice partner!

The weather is definitely changing....the last two days have become increasingly colder and the wind is wiping - was so strong this morning I thought for sure it would carry me westward...BUT, the sun has been shining and its only rained once in the last week - for that I'm so very grateful! I can handle the cold, or at least I think I can....but I can't handle rain and cold and no sunshine, or at least I don't think I can - but from what I understand I may have no choice in the very near future! I may have to get used to the lack of sunshine when the nights start around 4pm, but that just means you'll have to get used to me complaining about the lack of sunshine ;)

Spoke to Kwang this afternoon and he was headed to the beach ;( BEACH!!! I can't even fathom siting out on the beach in a bathing suit enjoying the sun's gorgeous face! I admit I was a bit jealous, but that's ok because I live in Florida and don't think I'll ever get the chance to spend four months living in Edinburgh again - so I'm soaking up all the time I have here with a smile - even if some of the time I feel as though the cold has taken all feeling from my toes ;)

Lots of rambling......looking forward to the week ahead - more teaching, more practice, more walking, biking, sleeping and eating in good ole Edinburgh! I have been in my new home for a week now and I couldn't be happier - I really love where I am - feel at home - and plan to spend the rest of my time in Edinburgh here at this flat in Marchmont (it is a little closer to the city center than my previous flat but still a good 40 minute walk to the city center where my Virgin and St. Mary's classes are but only about 20-25 minutes to Bristo - not too shabby!)
__________________________
I am off to bed after a wonderful dinner with Caroline and her family - such a lovely group of people :) I am leaving you with a very happy belly and a happy soul! Good night all - sweet dreams!

Sending my love from Edinburgh!

Estrogen Issues

From my mama..hahaha..

ESTROGEN ISSUES
Pregnancy, Estrogen, and Women PREGNANCY Q & A & more!

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q : I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q : What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth....

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational...
A: So what's your question?

Q : My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right? A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q : Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word 'alimony' means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q : Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q : Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

'ESTROGEN ISSUES'
10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE 'ESTROGEN ISSUES'

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You 're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: 'How's my driving-call 1- 800-'.
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from 'outer space.'
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND
10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5.. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4.. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

hmmm...did you notice one missing from each of the 'top ten' above.....

Weekly Update

Hello from Edinburgh :)

Gosh so much has happened this week I don't even know where to begin.....How about with classes - they ROCK! I'm pretty full on in my teaching now and I couldn't be happier with my classes and students in general. This week, in addition to the 6 classes a week at St. Mary's I've been teaching and the two classes at Virgin, I added a private client, a class at Dance Base and 8 classes at Bristo Place. Just to translate all this for you: St. Mary's - these are classes Karen has built up - she rents the beautiful hall inside St. Mary's Cathedral twice per week on Tuesday and Wednesdays - I teach a beginner class both days, a led class both days, and a Mysore class both days - its a longggggg five hours in the evening but so enjoyable. I teach quite a large student base there and the space is GORGEOUS! Virgin as in Virgin gym - quite possibly the most beautiful 'gym' I've ever had the pleasure to work in and work out in. I teach two ashtanga classes per week there, and take full advantage of the facilities ;) Dance Base is a renowned national dance center where I teach one yoga class per week - but a rockin perk is that I get to take one class there for free - I'm gonna start the West African Dance class tomorrow and I can't wait ;) And then there is Bristo Place....this is my lil baby. These are all brand new classes, a brand new program that I'm starting, primarily for students at the University of Edinburgh but anyone can attend. I'm teaching three beginner courses and offering Ashtanga led classes Monday through Friday during lunch. This will evolve over the next month and a half - so by end of October beginning of November the led classes will become Mysore classes, once students have gotten a taste of the ashtanga practice and understanding of many of the basics of this system. Next week I will start teaching two classes at the Pleasance, which are also Ashtanga led classes for University students. As you can tell I've got a very busy teaching schedule here in Edinburgh - and I'm loving EVERY SECOND!

Here's the Scoop on Housing: I'm currently living in Morningside, a really beautiful area of Edinburgh in a two bedroom flat with a sweet guy named Peter. I'm actually just learning that he's super cool because he was out of town the first two weeks I was here. But I'm moving on Sunday...Morningside is beautiful but I want to be much closer to the city center - not that it takes more than an hour to walk to where I need to be, or thirty minutes by bike, or 20 by bus, but I'd like to be in the center of it all - and while morningside is beautiful so is the rest of Edinburgh. So I made this decision to find other housing about a week after I arrived....I was super happy to have someplace to 'land' but quickly realized I would be happier living elsewhere...Many of the free bits of time I've had in the afternoons and evenings the last few weeks have been consumed with finding and viewing flats. It's actually been great fun. I've me some really really interesting people in the process, a few of whom have become friends of mine; I've gotten a little 'peek' into the different types and qualities of housing that exist here in Edinburgh; I've learned SO much about the layout of the city and how to get around; and most importantly I've found the perfect place to live ;)

My new flat is located right on the Royal mile, which is super duper close to all my teaching venues. It is a clean and cozy flat on the top floor - nothing extravagant or luxurious, but everything I want in a place to live here in Edinburgh. And to top it off my flat mate seems really lovely. She works full time too and enjoys a quiet evening in or an occasional night out - and she said she is always down for a nice glass of wine - I was sold there but she proceeded to tell me she LOVES decorating the flat at Christmas.....OMG! She and I are gonna deck this place out with Christmas decorations and we are both excited to do it around Thanksgiving - which is something my mama used to do. I really didn't think I'd get to enjoy any kind of taste of Christmas this year, let alone get to decorate - so it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when she told me. I have to admit I actually haven't even decorated my house for Christmas in a good number of years because of my transient life and also knowing I'd go see my family in South Carolina who always do it up for Christmas - my mama will be so proud!

During the transitional time when Peters new flat mate moves in, i.e. this Sunday, and when my future flat mates roommate moves out, i.e. October 19th, I had to find a place to live. At first I thought it would be quite difficult - but I actually have two lovely options to choose from ;) So all is good on the housing front!

The weather is not bad right now at all - I'm really getting used to the chilly/cold and it's been raining less this week, which has been quite wonderful. Actually, days when its not raining I feel like this is perfect weather - nice and cold to keep you on your toes but the sun shines and the scenery is out of this world. The colder climate has really changed the way I approach my practice, but that is also a good thing - I'm having to be even more mindful of my physical body. Some days the body gets in the way of quieting my mind, but I'm realizing those days are good too b/c they really help me to focus on and understand the moment....everything about the practice here is quite interesting - taking one day at a time and finding gratitude in whatever I find on my mat!

John McCain

I must admit I'm not following the news much in America - I can't say its so much 'outta sight outta mind' because I don't follow it much when I'm in America....

I got an email from a friend with some tid bits about John McCain that I didn't know about and am posting here in the event you don't know either. I'd like to STATE that I'm not for or against any political party - so please no nasty comments relating to politics - this entry is simply an FYI - FOR YOUR INFORMATION

So in case you didn't know:
1. John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws.

2. According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi."

3. His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban.

4. McCain opposes a woman's right to choose. He said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned."

5. The Children's Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children's health care bill last year, then defended Bush's veto of the bill.

6. He's one of the richest people in a Senate filled with millionaires. The Associated Press reports he and his wife own at least eight homes! Yet McCain says the solution to the housing crisis is for people facing foreclosure to get a "second job" and skip their vacations.

7. Many of McCain's fellow Republican senators say he's too reckless to be commander in chief. One Republican senator said: "The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."

8. McCain talks a lot about taking on special interests, but his campaign manager and top advisers are actually lobbyists. The government watchdog group Public Citizen says McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign, more than any of the other presidential candidates.

9. McCain has sought closer ties to the extreme religious right in recent years. The pastor McCain calls his "spiritual guide," Rod Parsley, believes America's founding mission is to destroy Islam, which he calls a "false religion." McCain sought the political support of right-wing preacher John Hagee, who believes Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for gay rights and called the Catholic Church "the Antichrist" and a "false cult."

10. He positions himself as pro-environment, but he scored a 0—yes, zero—from the League of Conservation Voters last year.

SOURCES:1. "The Complicated History of John McCain and MLK Day," ABC News, April 3, 2008 http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/the-complicated.html
"McCain Facts," ColorOfChange.org, April 4, 2008 http://colorofchange.org/mccain_facts/
2. "McCain More Hawkish Than Bush on Russia, China, Iraq," Bloomberg News, March 12, 2008 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aF28rSCtk0ZM&refer=us
"Buchanan: John McCain 'Will Make Cheney Look Like Gandhi,'" ThinkProgress, February 6, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/06/buchanan-gandhi-mccain/
3. "McCain Sides With Bush On Torture Again, Supports Veto Of Anti-Waterboarding Bill," ThinkProgress, February 20, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/20/mccain-torture-veto/
4. "McCain says Roe v. Wade should be overturned," MSNBC, February 18, 2007 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17222147/
5. "2007 Children's Defense Fund Action Council® Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard," February 2008 http://www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_learn_scorecard2007
"McCain: Bush right to veto kids health insurance expansion," CNN, October 3, 2007 http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/03/mccain.interview/
6. "Beer Executive Could Be Next First Lady," Associated Press, April 3, 2008 http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h-S1sWHm0tchtdMP5LcLywg5ZtMgD8VQ86M80
"McCain Says Bank Bailout Should End `Systemic Risk,'" Bloomberg News, March 25, 2008 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aHMiDVYaXZFM&refer=home
7. "Will McCain's Temper Be a Liability?," Associated Press, February 16, 2008 http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=4301022
"Famed McCain temper is tamed," Boston Globe, January 27, 2008 http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/27/famed_mccain_temper_is_tamed/
8. "Black Claims McCain's Campaign Is Above Lobbyist Influence: 'I Don't Know What The Criticism Is,'" ThinkProgress, April 2, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/04/02/mccain-black-lobbyist/
"McCain's Lobbyist Friends Rally 'Round Their Man," ABC News, January 29, 2008 http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4210251
9. "McCain's Spiritual Guide: Destroy Islam," Mother Jones Magazine, March 12, 2008 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3519
"Will McCain Specifically 'Repudiate' Hagee's Anti-Gay Comments?," ThinkProgress, March 12, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/12/mccain-hagee-anti-gay/
"McCain 'Very Honored' By Support Of Pastor Preaching 'End-Time Confrontation With Iran,'" ThinkProgress, February 28, 2008 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/28/hagee-mccain-endorsement/
10. "John McCain Gets a Zero Rating for His Environmental Record," Sierra Club, February 28, 2008 http://www.alternet.org/blogs/environment/77913/

Morningside Flat

A number of people have asked me to post pictures of my flat - these are old pics of my current flat that my roomie sent me when I was in India (it looks a bit different now - like the bed has no headboard but it gives you an idea of my pad) - I'll be moving from this flat to a new one on Sunday so I'll keep ya posted and put up some pictures of my new flat soon!

TRUTHS

Just got this from my mama - a very enjoyable read - started my day off with a smile - hope it does for you too!

TRUTHS

GREAT TRUTHS THAT CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a dust-buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.


GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fibre, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
1 -- You believe in Santa Claus.

2 -- You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3 -- You are Santa Claus.

4 -- You look like Santa Claus.

SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is . . not wetting your pants.
At age 12 success is . . having friends.
At age 17 success is . having a driver's license.
At age 35 success is . having money.
At age 50 success is .. . having money.
At age 70 success is . . having a driver license.
At age 75 success is . having friends.
At age 80 success is . . not wetting your pants.

Try to forget the troubles that pass your way;
BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day.
Have a wonderful day with many smiles

Take the time to live!!!
Life is short. Dance naked
And eat dessert first!

Finally Settled In....

So I admit I've been extremely slack with zee blog since I've gotten to Scotland - this is what happens when I'm anyplace other than Mysore...Why? Because life is FAR busier here...

Things are really wonderful, busy, exciting, did I mention busy? I've been getting in no earlier than 9pm each night, after walking out my front door between 6 or 7am. But no complaints! And I have to say that today has been an especially wonderful day. And its not because the sun was shining and the sky was blue and the air was far warmer than it has been the last week or so...It's not because it's Sunday and I enjoyed a day off...Nor is it because I'm getting used to walking and or biking all over town - and I do mean ALL OVER... Not because I had an amazing yoga practice either...although all these great things sure help make today quite special. It is because I can officially say that I am now settled in Scotland!!! These first two weeks have been a bit challenging for me - all good of course but challenging nonetheless. I've had to adjust to a new time zone, different climate, new country, learning my way around, getting back into the groove of teaching - and all new students.....and had to really work to adjust my practice and how my body feels in a much colder place (cold is relative for sure but this is cold to me in September - give me some slack here I'm from Florida and just flew in from India for Pete's sake) I digress.... I woke up today and really felt settled, a feeling that truly has no price tag. I can feel it from the inside out.

On another good note, nearly all my classes begin this week. I've already been teaching my 6 St. Mary's classes per week, and my two Virgin classes...This week I will add my 8 Bristo Place classes, my private clients, and my class at Dance Base; next week I'll add my two Pleasance classes and the following week when I add my class at the British Geological Society I'll be full on in full swing rockin it in Edinburgh with a mighty full schedule (can you feel the fullness ;)

Guess what - my friend Sasha is officially coming to visit ;) she bought her ticket a few days ago and made me a very happy lady! She arrives on October 12th and flys out of Dublin on the 18th! Thats right - we are gonna go visit Dublin - STOKED!!!

Kwang has purchased his plane ticket but he refuses to tell me when he's coming - he thinks he's gonna surprise me and says he's just gonna show up at my doorstep! But I say HA! Because I'm gonna be living in a different flat come November when he arrives and he doesn't have my new address - so there - poo on trying to keep someone in the dark on when someone's gonna visit....Now I'm all for surprises but I'd like to know when to plan for visitors - especially so I could try to get a few days off while hes here!

So yeah the whole new flat thing. Well I currently live in Morningside, which is a really really lovely area of Edinburgh in EH10. But I work in EH1 primarily - my entire day is in the city centre and its an hour plus walk from my flat to work, or a good 25 minute bike ride. I'm ok staying here - and I have a great flat mate - but I found an AMAZING flat right on the Royal Mile that's available mid October and I just don't think I can pass it up - I mean the LOCATION is phenomenal people. And the flat is gorgeous - and my CoMmUtE - its all of 3-5 minutes depending on which venue we're talking about (all except my one British Geological Society class and one of my weekly privates) - but everything else - forget about it - sooo close.....So I've got to sleep on it and figure out all the details tomorrow....

For now I must go to bed - it is nearly midnight and I must wake at 5:30am....not the 3:15am I was used to in India, but it feels harder here - I think because I know that outside my door a cold cold morning awaits - to me that is harder to swallow than the thought of getting out of bed at 3:15am - I mean com'on, in Mysore you wake up to some freakin amazing weather!

Sweet dreams everyone - to my friends in Mysore I should say good morning; my friends in the States - enjoy the rest of your evening; and for those of you elsewhere in the world, enjoy yourselves ;)

Generation Y

The Silent Generation... people born before 1945.

The Baby Boomers... people born between 1945 and 1961.

Generation X... people born between 1962 and 1976.

Generation Y... people born between 1977 and 1999..

Why do we call the last group of people Generation Y? I had no idea until I saw this caricaturist's explanation! A picture is worth a thousand words!

Happy Hump Day

My dear friend Anu sent this one to me - sure your computer screen is really dirty like mine - for a good cleaning go here...

Jessica the Pet Hippo

This is pretty INCREDIBLE!!!

Jessica Pet Hippo

Sunday in Scotland

Today's flying by man....I woke up at 6:30am and convinced myself I really COULD lift the covers off of me and walk the fifteen necessary steps to the bathroom - it is so cold in the flat in the morning (well always but ESPECIALLY the morning) that I find myself playing the part of a child trying to convince my mother I can't go to school today....But once I get out of bed and into the shower all is 'sorted'

I was a bit out of 'sorts' this am and seemed to need extra time preparing for my bike ride to Kevins flat. I had to dig out the rain gear in case it rained and pack that in my bag along with an extra jacket and shirt. Then I started the process of dressing myself. First the undies of course, then the practice top, followed by a long sleeve shirt, then a sweater and that is topped off with my jacket. Today I put on a pair of hose before my yoga pants b/c I wanted to bike in them to Kevin's house. I put on Karen's uber warm uber long socks that reach my knees and then I put on my trusty tennis shoes (which I scored in Bangalore just before leaving India). After all that was accomplished I was ready to put on my beanie, put some tissues in my right side pocket for the inevitable nose drip that occurs during bike riding here, and put my gloves in my left pocket. And out the flat I was to the second floor to unlock and carefully carry my bike to the bottom floor. And then I could happily begin my 30 minute bike ride to Kevin's flat on this cold and windy (but not rainy ;) Sunday morning in Edinburgh. It was actually a lovely ride, aside from the nose drip (always annoying as #@%$!&)



And practice.....I have to seriously say one of the best I've had here so far. Kevin has a gorgeous flat with amazing energy and we have a nice room to practice in - we put on a little heater and while I didn't work up a major sweat, I did get warm! Something I haven't felt at all since the very first day I practiced here last Tuesday! All in all a really lovely practice. And luckily Kevin is interested in practicing together most days...Looks like we will practice Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays together in his flat....I'll practice at Virgin by myself on Mondays before my class...I'll practice at Marchmont with other yoga teachers on Tuesdays after my first class....And I've still got to sort out where and when and with whom (if anyone) I'll practice on Fridays...But man it sure does feel good to have some sort of practice schedule worked out ;)