I didn't sleep well at all last night - not sure why but I was up and down and up and down....And maybe because of it, or because I was long overdue to wake up late - I most certainly did today....Don't know what happened to my alarm but it failed me today, as did my internal clock...Something in my body/mind made me wake at 5:25am shala time!!! I opened my eyes, looked down at my phone, thought, "OH SHIT!" as I realized I should have been at the shala about 40 minutes ago....I literally jumped outta bed, and spent a few minutes running around like a crazy woman - I obviously woke poor Sasha up - who was completely outta sorts with what was happening...She was really cute when she realized I was late - I didn't quite know what to do as I couldn't miss practice today since I had to miss yesterday b/c I was in Bangalore...Yet I felt horrible even contemplating showing up at the shala about an hour late... While getting ready (without my morning shower ;( I made the executive decision to go to the shala really late anyway - only bc I knew it was so empty in the shala and I knew Saraswati had to be there anyway for other students who would be coming in far after I arrived....With no shower, no brush through the hair, a quick brush of the grill, and a by the fly dress of my practice clothes, I ran out the door and rushed to the shala. Felt a bit shameful as I walked in - put my mat down in my usual spot (had actually hoped someone would have taken it so it wouldn't be so empty in the corner), I took a moment to try and center myself - but was really in vein - had a most scattered practice today - just the way I entered the morning from sleep - felt rushed and all over the place - but was grateful for my practice nonetheless....

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!

Girish picked me up to take me to the bus station at 7am yesterday - I was so excited to get to Bangalore and meet Sasha that I was too impatient to wait for the AC bus to arrive at the station...So I had my first experience in a non A/C bus yesterday - and I must say I think I prefer it over the AC bus...Why? Well first off, it makes a stop halfway through so you can get out and stretch and use the potty (yeah!!!) and also b/c I was not FREEZING my bum off on the way to Bangalore...Only problem is that it take a bit longer to arrive at zee destination....

When I finally did arrive at the Bangalore Bus Station Sasha and her father were there waiting to pick me up - it was so sweet to see Sasha's face in the crowd of Indians on the street~

We straightaway headed to the hotel, which was absolute heaven! Her dad booked us a Suite at the St. Marks Hotel in Bangalore - let me just tell you how enormous, plush, cozy, and well rockin this place was...We had an entire living room area with a leather couch and two chairs, a table and a office area, a large TV (which we never turned on), a fridge and tons of goodies to eat...Our bedroom area was separated by the large oak entertainment center...And the Bed, it was the most comfortable King Size bed I've ever had the pleasure to lay my head - I was so excited by it I actually dove into the darn thing and gave myself a bit of a 'rug burn'....Bathroom was rockin with an indispensable supply of hot water and lots of luxurious toiletry items....

We enjoyed the day with her dad - ate lunch at the hotel, hung out and chatted forever, then made way to a snazzy restaurant/bar close by where we all enjoyed two cocktails...Sasha's dad walked us back to the hotel before he headed out to meet some of his friends - Sasha and I were both exhausted - we pretty quickly made our way to la la land - which I must say was quite possibly the best night's sleep I've had since arriving in India in August.

I was feeling pretty antsy when I got up - I am not a fan of Bangalore as it seems the only things to do are eat, drink and shop - didn't want to do much of any so I was really ready to get back to Mysore. We enjoyed a buffet breakfast at the hotel - and soon afterwards Sasha and I made our way to the Bus Station to head to Mysore. It was really quite cute to be around Sasha and her father and see how they interact - and to observe a father's worry for his daughter. From the time I arrived to Bangalore to the time we left, her father exhibited such worry over all kinds of things - I've not had a father for seventeen years - so I couldn't relate one bit to what I was seeing...For starters, they insisted on picking me up from the bus station so I wouldn't have to be there alone and take a rickshaw - how cute is that - I've spent over 9 months in India in the last two years, and most of that time has been alone! He insisted we take the hotel car to the bus station, and the AC bus home b/c it would be safer???? He made Sasha take Malaria pills before coming and gave me a hefty lecture b/c I hadn't....Over drinks last night he insisted Sasha take the ice out of her glass b/c they used filtered as opposed to bottled water....He told her to be sure and brush her teeth with bottled water....Could go on forever! At first I thought it was really cute because I haven't had anyone worry so much over me in a very very very very long time...My mother concerns about me but I've lived on my own since I was sixteen years old, we live in different states and see each other very infrequently...I'm just not used to someone worrying over every tiny little thing...I must admit it began to take its toll on me shortly after he started worrying about me. I thought it was really sweet, but I'm a very big girl, and I've done everything on my own for a VERY LONG TIME...Been many many years since someone really guided or directed me at all, let alone while I'm traveling...I kept catching myself saying, "yes I know!" over and over as he'd advise about what to do while in India and how the culture worked...Sasha's father really loves her, really concerns over her, and really wants to know she is ok - I am sure that he's a little extra worried bc this is her first trip to India, and he doesn't know me to boot...Hope he finds comfort in knowing Mysore is a really safe city in India...And hope he takes a big breath of fresh air when she makes in back to Florida safely!

I wanted to make sure we both used the bathroom at the station before we headed home as there are no stops on the AC bus. I went first and then waited for Sasha to return from the bathroom - that toilet wasn't that bad at all - but was interested to see Sasha's reaction - she came out with a look of disgust on her face and she went straight for her hand sanitizer....I expected as much....but can honestly say I am truly amazed at how well she has been absorbing everything around her - it took me a lot more time to adjust to India when I arrived last year b/c I had never really experienced anything like it before in my life (in terms of population, pollution, traffic, looks, everything....)

Sasha and I literally slept most of the way back to Mysore - something about buses that makes me fall asleep...Girish was waiting for us at the bus station when we arrived - he took us to my flat to unpack and relax a bit before heading into town so she could get money from the ATM, see a bit of Gokulam, enjoy her very first coconut, and register at the shala with Saraswati. When we arrived at the Shala Saraswati was so sweet - I introduced her to Sasha (had previously asked Saraswati if my friend who would soon be arriving could study with her for a week) - Saraswati remembered our previous conversation and said, "Yes, hello!" She explained Sasha's schedule - she will practice at 7am this Wednesday and Thursday, come right after the main shala's led class Friday, have this Saturday off, do led class with the main shala on Sunday, and come 7am next Monday through Wednesday....Sasha paid her fees and then we headed to Krishna tailors so I could pick up the hats I had ordered...

I began raining fiercely after we got home...We had to wait it out a bit before meeting up with Maureen for dinner at Casino Park - it was still raining when we left but I had Girish pick us up to avoid as much rain as possible. I felt badly for Sasha as we rode in the rickshaw to the restaurant bc she seemed pretty miserable - had a very unhappy look on her face as water splashed up on her arms and legs - tried to make light of the situation and explain that soon all this becomes so normal you don't even think about it....Aside from really crappy service we enjoyed a lovely dinner...Sasha experienced her first, "not possible Madame" tonight over dinner when she asked the server if he could put the sauce on the side...Maureen and I found it hysterical....And after a bout of laughing explained to her that you will hear that alot.

It's time for bed now - I must say I am stoked about practice tomorrow - really hated having to miss today - so want to get a good nights sleep so I am well rested for it in the AM....

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller

As I sit in my cozy little flat here in Gokulam eating some fresh papaya, listening to John Mayer, tryping away at my computer, I can't help but feel a little bummed - why? Because I just finished reading an email from my friend Sue back home...She is happy I've decided to extend my stay in Mysore an extra month but informed me that I'm going to miss the "Invent Your Own Superhero" contest for Halloween ;( It just dawned on me that this will be my second Halloween in India - and that kinda makes me sad...You see I'm one of those people who LOVES Halloween - every aspect of it - yes most certainly dressing up! I know all my friends back home will have a blast - and I'll be sitting in India where they don't celebrate Halloween - My time here is totally worth this ity bity sacrifice but it still bums me out a little - I'm thinking I may be able to convice some of the yogi's to celebrate with me....

I am off to Bangalore tomorrow morning after practice to meet my dear friend Sasha!!! I am so excitied - I can't really believe she is actually coming to India...I have been pretty homesick recently so her arrival couldn't have come at a better time. It still hasn't quite hit me she is coming - man I can't wait...We will stay over in Bangalore til late Tuesday and return to Mysore so she can spend a week experiencing "a few days in my life here" - Sasha is a really great friend - I feel quite blessed to have her in my life!

A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway. - Fr. Jerome Cummings

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. - Walter Winchell


Here in Mysore things have been busy, fun, and exciting...I've been blessed to meet many really great people here this year - and have acquired a great group of girlfriends to do girly things with ;)

On a reflective note, I'm getting to a point where I'm really ready to go home and get back to teaching - miss it terribly - my students, clients, friends, and family. I am ready to go home and continue some programs I've started, and begin new ones...Ready to go home and work more with my business - sell some products, do some tradeshows, enter some new markets, take some classes to learn more about what I'm doing, and begin next year with some new goals.

There is quite a lot that I need to figure out - know that only time will bring things to the fore - but I am feeling very impatient at the moment - want to know that what I'm doing is right - want to know how to move forward and continue to grow in all aspects of my life. Hmm....

I'll leave you with a powerful quote that I keep near and dear -
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. - Anatole France

Ah, ready for bed...Been a lovely day...Slept in til 7:30am as today was a moonday...Spent the better part of my day writing - yes I do love to write - no not just blog...

I left my flat around 3:30pm to head to my Kanadda lesson, which was rockin today - we worked on learning pronouns - Hema taught them to me and then we used the remainder of our session writing sentences using the pronouns with vocabulary I've already learned - I was really surprised by how many words I've actually have imprinted in my memory bank...
She would say a sentence in English - like "those are beautiful flowers" and ask me to write in Kanadda...Since there are two ways, essentially, to write each pronoun, I had to understand which context called for which use...I had a blast with this exercise b/c it's just the type of progression I'd hoped for with these lessons - I've learned a lot of words, now I need to utilize them to really retain in zee head - and also need to work on writing and saying sentences and phrases so I get used to hearing them....Was a fantastic lesson....

After my Kanadda lesson, I went straightaway to Sindhu's house for my dance lesson - busy afternoon man...And as always Odissi was really wonderful - I had a great deal of energy pent in my body because I had not practiced today - so that was great for dance class - but the downside to no yoga is that my body was really stiff and my balance was way askew...Good nonetheless...We did review of many of the positions I've learned, worked more on the seventh Trebang and Chowka, and spent the last 45 minutes working on the item she's teaching me. She adds a little more each day, and nit picks on what we've already learned (which is great b/c I want to get this down perfectly)...Feels great that my body and mind are finally getting this stuff - the moves, the sequence, everything. Must admit I wasn't a big fan of the item for the first few days b/c it seemed so much more difficult than the positions we've been learning - which are already hard enough...But the more we practice the item (what I've learned of it) the more comfortable I feel doing it - and the more I really enjoy it ;)

Erin arrived at Sindhu's around 6:30pm as this is the night we'd all agreed was best for Sindhu to make dinner. Sindhu is so sweet - really a genuinely wonderful woman. She insisted Erin and I relax while she prepared a fabulous dinner for us - quite tasty too - she made an Italian pasta dish, Indian rice, curd, okra, and salad, and a really lovely dessert. I usually don't eat much for dinner and definitely not quite so late - but this was a special occasion well worth the possible tummy ache in the morning. I felt a little badly that Erin and I had to leave so soon after dinner, but it was already almost 9pm and we needed to get home and get to bed - need that sleep to ensure a delightful practice in the morning!

These are some of my favorite quotes....May they inspire your day!


"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." - Lao Tzu

"The seat of knowledge is in the head, of wisdom,in the heart." - William Hazlitt

"A loving heart is the truest wisdom." - Charles Dickens

"There is only one success--to be able to spend your life in your own way." - Christopher Morley

"Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration." - Evan Esar

"It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, "Always do what you are afraid to do." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Seek and you will find. Don't be willing to accept an ordinary life." -Salle Merrill Redfield

"Have the courage to embrace the greatness for which you were born." -Edge Keynote

"Forsake all inhibitions. Pursue thy dreams!" -Walt Whitman

"You are the one who can stretch your own horizon." -Edgar Magnin

"The mind determines what's possible. The heart surpasses it." -Pilar Coolinta

"Life tends to respond to our outlook, to shapte itself to meet our expecations." -Rich Devos

"Never fear the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it you can make it so." -Belva Davis

"He who hesitates is lost." - Proverb

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." - Confucius

"We are still masters of our fate.We are still captains of our souls." - Winston Churchill

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

"Time in its aging course teaches all things." - Aeschylus

I woke up a little late this morning....Late for me - 4:15am as opposed to my usual 3:30am...I remember my alarm going off and thought I had pressed snooze....But I apparently turned the damn thing off....Luckily my internal alarm clock sounded at 4:15am - "GET UP!" I'm not one of those people who can just get dressed and go practice - I have to shower man! With Herculian speed, I showered, dressed and was out the door and in the shala by 4:45am shala time - that's like 20 minutes ;) Yeah!!! Not that it really matters one bit as the shala is so empty now and I know it wouldn't have mattered if I even arrived after 5am - but I didn't want to start my day all off kilter...

When I got to the top of my mat, I began my practice with a few moments of thanks...Todays practice really belonged to the earth - I wanted some grounding and felt very connected to the earth beneath my feet - wanted to take a moment and resonate with it.

When Saraswati came out into the shala we did our usual opening mantra together. Then she announced that Sharath is the proud papa of a healthy baby boy born on Monday! Everyone in the shala must have been smiling ear to ear - what a special moment to share - I love Saraswati!

Practice was good today - happy to be able to say that it was yet another wonderful asana practice, with all the bells and whistles. Backbending was a bit intense today - but well worth a little discomfort.

After practice I spent about three hours writing - writing all types of things...It was very relaxing, stimulating, and soothing...

Maureen and I met and ran some errands in the city - first we had lunch at Green Hotel which really hit the spot as we were both starving...Then we made way to my favorite Bata shoe shop in town so Maureen could get some shoes. It seems I had much better luck than she did - for I somehow ended up leaving the store with three pairs of shoes to her one - but I didn't have such intense pangs of guilt b/c it only cost me about $25.00 for all my precious finds ;) We hit a clothing shop too so she could find a top or two - I was along for the ride....By the time we got back to Gokulam I had just enough time to run home and grab my clothes before heading to my dance lesson with Sindhu. Great as usual - but also pretty darn hard today - she is really pumping up the intensity in our lessons and today it was all I could do to keep up...

Erin and Maureen picked me up from Sindhu's house after practice so we could head to Metropole for Jake's birthday celebration. Was a really lovely evening with many people I knew and some I didn't. Jake is so funny - he is in complete and total bliss with his new camera - I had warned him he'd fall in love with a piece of electronic equipement - he didn't quite believe me til now ;)

After Metropole many of us met up at another yogis' house for a bit as tomorrow is moon day so everyone can sleep in tomorrow and stay up past their bedtime tonight. Not long after arrivng though, my gas tank reached an all time low - I couldn't stay long b/c I desperately needed to get myself to bed. Erin left with me as she was pretty pooped herself - we walked back to my flat and she just crashed with me for the evening....

Another busy day in Mysore...Tomorrow should prove to be much more mellow and relaxing....

Here are some photos from zee weekend trip to Bangalore....A little shopping, a little dancing, a lot of fun...

Central Mall

Oh Yeah!

Do you see all the cookies behind us?

Me and Jake at FUGA

Isn't Joyce Hot!

FUGA!

Hey Hey!

As I sit in my flat typing away I can hear the remnants of the never ending Ganesha festival...It was supposed to last two days - and started two Fridays ago...But it is yet to be over...Not that I am complaining, just intrigued is all. It was actually quite nice to walk home this evening and see another procession of dancers, jugglers, and other interesting characters parade along the streets of Gokulam - the main event being a rather large Ganesha on a throne carried by several Indian men. That's one of the things I really love about this place - the culture - the heritage - the community. Nothing like that ever really happens back home - at least not like it does here - quite beautiful to watch really...

This day in general has been good, but I've had a bit of a gloomy undertone in my own mind...Lots and lots in zee brain - moved from one mode of thought to the next today - feel the need to sort and compartmentalize my thoughts and emotions - then the urge to let it go and surrender knowing that all will work out as it should when it should - and then back to sorting....Been a consistent trend today....What you may ask - well - well a lot of things...Things I don't care to talk about - but things that need to be sorted nonetheless... Time right? Time is the healer of all hurts, the bearer of all truths, the decipherer of all that is indecipherable... Finally at 9pm I've decided to surrender to father time...At least until tomorrow...

On a brighter note, I had a truly phenomenal practice today - very needed indeed. As I walked to the shala at 4:40am I was listening to Hootie and the Blowfish, Time - funny eh! My mind had already begun its non-stop blah blah blah that has remained constant all day long...When I arrived though Maureen was walking up - and moments later the shala gate opened...Went inside and set up my mat, Maureen set up beside me...After getting settled I stood at the top of zee mat and took several minutes really trying to center myself as I knew I could 1) have a really crappy practice if I allowed my inner dialogue to consume me, or 2) I could have a glorious practice focusing intently on my bandhas, breath, drishti, and working to find a pure centeredness...I selected option two, but that required quite a bit of pre-asana dedication...I dedicated my practice to my mama and daddy; gave thanks for the practice I was about to receive, asked for additional inner focus today to help maintain stillness in my mind, and then I silently chanted my opening mantra...Did the trick ;) I had a really wonderful moving meditation today - far better than it's been in quite a while. I wonder sometimes if it is better to have many scattered thoughts before practice - in order to force you to really center yourself...Hmmm

I physically worked myself so hard - by the time in got to Karandavasana I was exhausted...My arms felt weak and my determination had waned. But I did it over and over and over...And seemed the more I attempted the asana the easier it became to do it again. On my third or fourth attempt Saraswati came over to help me - felt badly as I wondered if she was like "come on - get the posture already - I am soooo tired of lifting your bum everyday" - but I doubt it...I tried several times more after she assisted me - and always have more umph then as I seem to get the 'feeling' of how to do the asana...When I didn't think I could do another forearm balance, I laid down to begin backbends...After Saraswati squashed me in forward bend I looked up to her and asked if I could finish where I was today as the shala was sooo empty - she said that was fine - and I must admit it was quite lovely to finish where I'd started!

The rest of my day was a bit of a blur - busy and among good company...Met Maureen and Erin for breakfast at Tina's around 9am - and had the pleasure to sit with Neal and Dominique as well - they arrived a few days ago - first time I've really gotten to meet Dominique - she is quite lovely! Haven't seen Neal since last year in Mysore so it was a treat to chat with him and catch up on the last year.

After breakfast Girish picked Maureen and me up from the coconut stand and took us to the Rashinkar's - finally a successful trip - yoga bags are finished, skirts are finished, and now just waiting for them to make some smaller ladies bags...Also getting a few personal items of clothing made - which I am really excited about ;)

From there we made way to Barti's shop to check on the progress of bags there - and also to grab my dishes (stored some stuff there last year and now that I have a kitchen of my very own I needed to get me dishes to eat from ;) Bags were supposed to be done late Saturday, but totally knew that wasn't gonna happen - hoping they will be completed in a few days - then Girish and I can go to DHL and ship them home - will be really nice once all products are completed and I don't have to think about them anymore the rest of my trip.......

When Maureen and I got back to my flat we both did a bit of emails and what not - then we both took an hour nap ;) We woke up about 3:30pm and Maureen headed home - I got ready to head to my Odissi lesson - Which, by the way, was wonderful today! I am so glad that we've moved my lessons to the afternoon as opposed to 11am in the morning...I feel so much more energetic and focused in the afternoon - have all day to sort of wind down from my practice, and occasional trip to the gym. I felt great, and had a blast with Sindhu.

After class she insisted on feeding me a dosa before I left to meet with Jake to have dinner! She ALWAYS tries to feed me, which I think is really sweet - but I don't ever want food right after my dance lesson....She's really sweet though and I truly appreciate her generosity. I indulged her today and ate one dosa - she tried to give me another one and I explained that I was about to meet a friend for dinner! Before I said goodbye we organized our plans for dinner this week....She has been on me about having Erin and I over for dinner one night - had originally planned to do it tomorrow evening (Tuesday) but that is Jake's Birthday - so we arranged to move it to Wednesday evening instead - which means I've got to bump my Kannada lesson up on Wednesday before dance and dinner...Oh sometimes making plans is so complicated....

Met up with Jake and we made way to Green Leaf for some grub. Total Indian dinner tonight - had some paneer rice with veggie curd...Some of Jake's fried onion appetizer (which I must admit didn't agree with my tummy), and finished off with somph (fennel seed) with the hopes that the fennel would help me digest dinner - I've really gotten a nice taste for Indian food, but my digestive system still doesn't care for it one bit...Still try every now and then, but always feel yucky afterwards - oh well I guess it's the price you pay for such a sensitive GI system....

On my way home I stopped by Joyce's to get the photos from Thursday nights outing to High Octane, and our 24 hour trip to Bangalore...Posted some up on the blog for your enjoyment!

Evening At High Octane - Pictures Compliments of Joyce!

Hey Now!

I love Hats - especially this one!

The GiRlS...

You Lookin at me?

Shake Shake Shake

I must admit that today has been the best Sunday spent in Mysore thus far - HANDS DOWN!!!

My dear friend, student, and fellow yogini Maureen arrived in Mysore on Friday - was able to stop by and say a quick hello before I headed off to Bangalore...But couldn't wait to get back to Mysore to hang out and catch up on the last 1 1/2 years - she left Orlando soon after I did last year to go to Korea and teach English. She finished up her year stint there in August and traveled around Asia a bit before arriving here. Maureen will be in Mysore for the next month - and If I can talk her into it - she may opt to stay til I leave in Mid-November ;)

It is so great having her in Mysore - although I have friends here it feels like home away from home - so comfy like old times. And sure feels like we haven't missed a beat - even though it's been well over a year since we've seen each other....

This morning I made sure to save a spot next to me for her to practice - she was so cute - a bit nervous about her very first day practicing at the shala - told her not to worry - Saraswati allowed her to do all of primary - and I was grinning inside b/c I knew she would be just fine ;) After led primary we enjoyed a few coconuts - then enjoyed a large chai....

At 9am Maureen, Erin and I arrived at the Southern Star to indulge in a fantastic breakfast buffet...Haven't had the Southern Star breakfast thus far this year so I was most definitely looking forward to it - and omg it was phenomenal......Simply amazing - we all gorged ourselves on nearly everything available to us...Well deserved though - I know I woke up starving this morning and had to wait another 2 1/2 hours after practice before putting my first morsel of food in my mouth...After we had finished devouring everything in sight Jake joined us, and then Joyce...

Maureen and I had already planned to lay out by the pool, weather permitting...So we spent a bit more time chatting before I couldn't take one more second away from the sun. Erin didn't care to join as she tends to burn as opposed to tan, and Jake had forgotten "his bloody swimming costume" at home ;) but Joyce joined us by the pool for a bit before heading out to meet a friend for lunch...However, Maureen and I spent 4 1/2 glorious hours paying respects to the sun gods...I was so stoked too b/c Maureen had some little speakers to attach to her ipod - so we had tunes by the pool! By far the best day to lay out since I've been in Mysore...I even burned a little today, which I don't mind at all b/c my burn always turns into a nice golden brown.

Around 2:30pm we'd had as much as we could handle for the day so we got dressed and walked a bit further into town for some grub - ate at Shanghai for the second time - and it was delicious!

From there we took a rickshaw back to Gokulam - spent some time at my flat before meeting up with Jake to walk to Loyal World so Maureen could grab a few necessary items and so I could show her around Gokulam more...After a bit of grocery shopping we stopped by Cubs to grab a latte (me;) and hot chocolate (Jake and Maureen;)...We ended at the coconut stand as I needed a coconut fix! We just got back to my flat and I must admit I am pooped - a lovely lazy day in Gokulam - how sweet it is!

Well, just got home from a 24 hour trip to Bangalore - boy oh boy am I worn out....That city seems to have that effect on me - always come home utterly exhausted...

Joyce, Jake and I headed to Bangalore yesterday afternoon around 2:30pm - we took the nice AC bus - about a 2 1/2 hour trip. Jake had booked us rooms at the Empire Hotel - a cheap, decent place to stay in the city center. As always, it is quite a feat to get a rickshaw driver to actually take you where you need to go in Bangalore - hoping that one day I'll finally get the hang of that city....But Jake found his Hindi quite useful, and I my Kanadda - the little we both know got us much further than one would imagine :)

After getting settled into our rooms, we ate at the restaurant just downstairs - one of the more satisfying meals any of us had in a long while - unfortunately for me, my dinner like me too and opted to sit in my tummy and hang out for a bit longer than desired....

After dinner we had a bit of time so we made way to a nearby mall so Jake could start scoping out the camera selection. The shop we did find had both my camera (canon rebel XTI) and a slightly older model canon 350D. He didn't buy anything Friday night bc he wanted to think it over - I picked up a new pair of earphones for my ipod (I lost the comfy ear piece for one of the earphones a few weeks back, and it has not been quite so comfortable to listen to music since - hoping the cheap earphones I picked up will do the trick til I get home:)

After a bit of browsing and purchasing, we ran back to the hotel to change, and then made or way to a highly recommended club, FUGA...The atmosphere was lovely, the music mainly techno - which Jake simply loves...I am not a big fan of techno, but made the most of my time - danced anyway - and Joyce and I seem to be able to tear up any dance floor, anywhere, regardless of music. Since clubs close at 11:30pm in Karnataka, we were home before 12am ;) I was quite happy about that b/c I was pooped - and wanted to get a good nights sleep as I knew that Saturday would be very tiring indeed...

Joyce and I shared a double room, and were both fast asleep soon after we got home...When I woke this morning I felt a bit like a truck had run me over - but after a nice hot shower I was rearing and ready to go.

We spent a little too much time trying to find a certain breakfast spot in the city - and after two hours we threw in the towel - failed attempt...When I get really really hungry my blood sugar drops, I can't really think straight, I get pissy, and well just become an unpleasant human being...I know Jake and Joyce were quite hungry too - we were just about to settle for anything when we luckily happened upon a nice little cafe off the main road - just in the nick of time too b/c it was about ten til 11am and they stopped the buffet breakfast at 11. They were kind enough to let us dine - and dine we did - all of us ate like it was going to be our last breakfast. We were all quite happy, full, and energized by that buffet - we paid the bill and started walking the streets of Bangalore once more....Will spare all the details, but the three of us managed to accomplish all that each had set out to - took all day, alot of walking, alot of stopping into shops, but by the end we were all happy...

Jake and Joyce wanted to hang out in Bangalore a bit longer, and I simply wanted to make the three plus hour trek back to Mysore. So I left them to relax in the city that doesn't seem to relax, and grabbed a rickshaw to the bus station, and a bus to Mysore...Girish picked me up from the station and brought me home....Home sweet home....The first thing I did was turn on my hot water heater, unpack, and take a nice long shower - whenever I return from Bangalore I feel weighted down by five pounds of dirt, grim, and scum....So nice to feel free from that....

On a wee different note, I have pictures coming soon - this time of some innocent fun and dancing...Joyce took tons of pictures of our Thursday night out dancing at High Octane (this has somehow become a tradition for me and Joyce and Erin every single Thursday - Friday mornings are a bit rough sometimes bc we dance our bums off - but so worth it to hang out with the girls and dance.dance.dance.) and pictures from our 24 hours in Bangalore....So I hope to post some up for you guys tomorrow or Monday...

Well I wish everyone a fabulous day or evening (depending on where you are in the world ;) - I myself am off to la la land.....

Woke up in my new place - how glorious ;) Got to sleep an extra fifteen minutes today b/c I have a five minute walk now vs. my old fifteen minute walk...

This flat only has an Indian toliet - used to Indian toliets, and had one at Tina's but also had a western one...So now I must get used to using an Indian toliet for all my business ;)

Must admit I feel like a queen having the luxury of taking a proper shower each day - bucket baths really aren't all that bad, ReALLy; but they sure as heck don't come close to the kind of clean you feel using a proper shower head...How spoiled we Americans are...SPOILED ROTTEN!!!

I made my way to the shala - and must admist I really liked the long walk each morning - will have to take a few days to get used to this shortened version (only got to listen to one song on my i-pod ;(

When I arrived at 4:45am shala time I was shocked at how empty it was - it has been sparse at that time for a good week now, but it was seriously EMPTY...And it seemed to remain rather empty thoughout practice. May have gotten close to full by the time I finished - but not a 'normal' shala full with mats cramped together and a wait out the door - this type of full was one where all yogi's had plenty of room to either side of their mats...hmm...wonder if it will be like this til I leave - wouldn't complain if it were...

Practice was glorious - although the body has been rather stiff the last few mornings, it opened up rather nicely about mid-way through. Having no problem with Pincha Mayurasana now - going up or coming down...But Karandavasana, another story altogether...Wonder when I'll actually grasp the body balance needed to attain that asana. A good long while I'm sure. It's all good though - all things in life worth having are worth the effort...Backbends good as gold today - had plenty of time to work on them on my own before Saraswati came over and whipped my hands to my quads - she means business man....

Enjoyed not two but three conconuts today after practice - I know I'm a pig :) Then I made my way to the gym for a bit of cardio - hoped it would give me the extra energy I need for dance at 11am - but fear it didn't quite do the job today. I'm just about to head to Sindhu's now and I am pooped...

When I did get home ;) I made myself a rockin breakfast - big ole omelet with tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms - although I didn't have oil or butter it still worked ok - but scrubbing that pan later will be a nightmare ;( Serves me right for not making sure I got all necessary grocery items last night.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day - be it here in Mysore or elsewhere around the world!
Om Shanti
Krista

I can truly say I am pooped...It's almost 10pm, way past my bedtime, and I am getting my first chance to sit down and blog today - at my new pad!!!

I had a rockin practice this morning - energy was great and body wasn't as stiff as its been the last few days. Yummy!

When I went outside for my daily coconut fix Reinaldo was there - felt like I hadn't seen him in forever...He leaves on Friday - couldn't believe three weeks has already passed so quickly. He asked me if I could do lunch with him tomorrow - 'for sure' - James from L.A. was conversing with us as well and offered to host lunch at his place. So it was settled, we meet at the shala a little after 1pm and I'll get to enjoy a farewell lunch with Reinaldo.

After my little converstaion with Reinaldo and James, I went home to finish packing, shower, eat...Girish arrived around 8:30am to help me shift to me new home ;) Didn't take long to move my things in his rickshaw - but took forever to unpack my stuff - I totally exaggerate - was finished by the time I had to head to my Odissi lesson - but seemed like forever b/c I wanted to make sure I put things in 'their' perfect spot - I know I'm such a dork ;)

Dance was good - had better - but good - think it had to do with the fact that I was already tired by the time I arrived, so it took all I had to make it through.

After dance I came home (to me new casa) and took my second shower of the day - but this time in my new bathroom - let me just tell you how pleasureable it was to take a proper shower, with a shower head and all - the hot water flowed down from above me head as though it was raining from the sky!!! Been over a month since I have enjoyed such a sensation - I was in heaven...No really!

I had Kanadda with Hema this evening, and it was all I could do to muster the energy to walk to her place. But, I must say once I actually got there I found a fifth wind - had yet another lovely lesson with her - continue to learn vocabulary and small small phrases. As I go about my days I realize words or phrases I really could use to communicate better - mainly with Rickshaw drivers...For instance, when I need to go someplace and said driver doesn't know where it is but I do - I tell him in English that I can show him (and yes ALWAYS a him)...Often the driver doesn't really understand what I'm saying - so tonight I asked Hema to tell me how to say that in Kanadda. We didn't get as much done tonight as we have been, in terms of vocab, but she taught me a lot more about the Indian culture and language in general - which I often times find more facinating than working on the language itself - seems to really help me put what I'm learning into context...

Girish met me at Loyal World after my Kanadda lesson and hung out with me as I shopped for groceries - although exhausted, I refused to end the day without getting some foodstuffs for my new place - I mean I simply gotta make my own breakfast tomorrow morning - hello! So I grabbed some things I knew I needed, but as my brain had opted to shut off by that point, I simply couldn't remember all the things I wanted to get - that is until I was on my way home - but of course! So I must return to the market tomorrow - with list in hand - to gather the remaining items. No worries though, have my eggs, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese for my omelet. Drat, just realized I don't have any oil or butter to cook with....hmmm....

I actually wore a skirt today ;) I know I can't believe it myself...I had four cute inexpensive skirts and tops made here in Mysore - but haven't really worn any of them because I just don't wear skirts. But I did today and I must say I loved it - was comfy, covered, and felt pretty ;) Hope to make a point to do it more often...

Other highlight of my day was Jake reserving our rooms in Banglaore - he and I are gonna travel to Bangalore on Friday and come back Saturday - he's been begging me to go to Bangalore with him for several weeks now so he can get a camera like mine - he wants me to go so I can help him pick out the best one, haggle with price, and I'm sure just keep him company. And I don't mind one bit....He scored a really cheap hotel in the center of the city - and while I do realize cheap means CHEAP - you get what you pay for - I am totally ok with a crappy little room for one night - have no desire to spend money in Banglaore...Will be sure to fill you in on the details ;) We plan to leave around 2pm Friday afternoon and come back sometime late Saturday - can't miss practice Sunday....

Well, off to bed - Krista needs a little beauty sleep....Om Shanti

Been a busy day….Tired…Ready for bed…

Dance was great today – energy was good – flowing more gracefully in the movements – feel like I’m retaining all Sindhu is giving me - learning the seventh Chowka and Trebungs. And the highlight of my dance class was finding out that Sindhu is teaching me parts of the first ‘item’ or actual dance – she is sneaky – she started teaching me the ‘walk’ near the end of last week and slowly been adding pieces to it…Only today did she tell me she is actually teaching me the very first item – the same item all Odissi dancers learn first – really cool to be learning such a traditional dance – feels much like yoga practice in many ways.

I checked up on my products at both manufacturers – things are slow in coming, but I only expect as much…

Went to new abode to finalize plans and assure that I was going to move in tomorrow. All is set – can move stuff in the morning!!!

Enjoyed a nice stint at the gym today – was bounding of energy this afternoon, so it was nice to work it off.

Ended my day taking a lovely walk around the lake with my friend, Athul. Was fearful it would rain, but asked the gods to allow me to take a walk free from rainy weather – and my wish was granted ;)

I’ve spent the last thirty minutes packing…ugh…But almost everything is packed away, so I will simply have to call Girish in the morning and he’ll come help me switch my stuff from Tina’s to Ghetta’s. I’m really excited to be moving into a new place, but also quite sad to be leaving my old one. Change is good though right?

Today’s entry a bit bland– tired though…Will make more time for zee blog once I get settled into my new casa. Until tomorrow – Om Shanti

For One More Day…A beautiful story…I simply couldn’t put the book down, until a moment ago when I read the last page. It was, for the most part, a sad story…but one with a great deal of meaning and one that really pulled at my heartstrings. A tale of a man who got one more day with his deceased mother – she appeared to him while he was in a sort of coma after trying to kill himself. There is a great deal of depth to this novella, and I highly recommend you pick up a copy and read it – especially if you have lost a parent to death or divorce, been through a divorce yourself, or somehow estranged yourself from someone close.

“It’s such a shame to waste time. We always think we have so much of it.”
- This is a truth that every single one of us is guilty of…Looking back now, I understand that I realized this truth at a young age - that there simply isn’t that much time... when my father died I understood that you or someone you love can be here one moment and gone the next…I think that is why I live my life the way I do – try to fill every day, every minute, every second to the rim…take on every challenge with lightening speed…I never want to look back at any point in my life with 'what if's', “What if I had done that…what if I had taken that chance…visited that place….” I'd rather live totally in the moment and experience as much as I can - while some people think I’m a little eccentric, reading this book has helped me put my worldview into a different perspective.

“I hope you never hear those words. Your mom. She died. They are different than other words. They are too big to fit in your ears. They belong to some strange, heavy, powerful language that pounds away at the side of your head, a wrecking ball coming at you again and again, until finally, the words crack a hole large enough to fit inside your brain. And in so doing they spilt you apart.”

- This passage made me cry…Cry for the father that I lost, and the mother I will lose one day. I resonated deeply with the words written – for that is how it felt when my mother told me my dad died. That Saturday afternoon, in February 1990, I remember not being able to grasp, to comprehend what she was saying – it didn’t make sense – I’d seen him just a few hours before, he had kissed my forehead as he walked up the stairs to the kitchen before disappearing again to his bedroom. When she sat my sisters and I down on the couch in the living room to tell us (and how she mustered the strength – to this day it astounds me) my world began to spin and when it eventually stopped, I felt a part of me die…There was nothing my poor mother could say or do that could bring him back, make things right again.

- As I’ve grown older I realize all that she had to endure after his death – the many hats she had to wear, the pain she had to face, the obstacles she had to overcome – and all on her own. She had to be a mother and a father…she was without any support from anyone…her parents were long gone, her only brother long gone…and my father’s parents, although alive then, were pretty much gone to us…

- All these years my mother has humbly lived in the shadows of my dead father…Who can live up to such a legacy in the mind of a little girl…With each passing year it has been harder and harder to hold on to the times I had with my dad, so it seems natural that only good memories remain…How could my mother possibly compete with a handful of good memories of my father, when she was the one left to deal with the difficult years – the grief, the pain, the sorrow, the dysfunction, the financial stress, the puberty, the growing pains, the everything! Over the years, as I have ‘grown up’ I’ve had this talk with my mom, expressed my gratitude towards her for everything – and apologized for a lot too.

- I still hold my father sooo dear, keep him on such a pedestal, feel him with me at all times. Maybe its death that does it – maybe its time, maybe its because he died when I was so young…I don’t think I’ll ever take him off that pedestal – don’t think I would want to…But, I want to be sure to make more time for my mother – I know that one day I’ll hear those words, “Your mom…she died…” I just pray I have a lot more time, far more than one more day.

- Mama, I love you from the bottom of my heart – I am so grateful for you, your strength, courage, patience, acceptance, love, determination, and grace. We’ve been through more than the average person should – but all the events in our lives have made us strong and truly appreciative of life – this moment – this day. I want to thank you – you are an amazing, incredible woman – a true inspiration – I LOVE YOU!

- Although I went to bed really early last night, 3:30am seemed to arrive too soon this morning. Once, however, I had my daily bucket bath, all was good ;) Practice was quite delicious – energy was good, pace of practice was good, and Saraswati’s voice was soothing…By the time we reached Shavasana I was so ready for it – wore myself out today ;)

- People have asked me here, why I always turn around to face the back of my mat during Shavasana – it’s out of respect for my teacher. Today was no exception, I do it during Mysore and led classes – and haven’t ever really paid attention to weather anyone else does or not – but after a recent conversation with another yogi about my ‘strange habit’ I was aware of it today – and I realized I was the only person in the shala who does/did…Wonder why others don’t – but don’t really care if they do or not – it is a very special part of my personal practice. Even at home, when I practice alone, I always turn around to face the back of my mat – and I teach all my students to do the same…Hmm…

- When I left the shala I was pumped full of energy – so I opted to make way to Silver’s and do a bit of cardio – since no cardio machines were open when I arrived, I thought it would be fun to do some plyometrics for about twenty minutes while I waited - such a bad idea....realized after the fact that I will most definitely be feeling this tomorrow...Cardio felt fantastic as I jammed away to my tunes, got my blood pumping, and watched others workout. Couldn’t help but wonder what the Indians might be thinking, as I’m always the only foreigner working out there. Feel a bit like a spectacle in and of myself, but don’t let it bother me one bit – just curious is all – especially this morning when some of the younger boys there kept staring at me as if I were a freak show– hmm…

- No dance today, no Kanadda today, no real obligations whatsoever. If the weather holds up I’ll make my way to the pool in a bit to read and relax in the sun. I thought last night about how much I try to make it to the pool while I’m here – couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that I live in the Sunshine state, have beaches all around me, and NEVER make it to the pool or the beach to lay out and get some sun – it’s totally because I work so much back home that I simply don’t have time to indulge in time with the sun gods, but still quite comical nonetheless to think that I have to come to India to lay out ;)

- Still reading The E Myth Revisited, but needed a break from business stuff last night and cracked into For One More Day by Mitch Albom – quite a lovely read, but then again all his titles are. Hoping to dig deeper into both texts today, as well as work on zee Kanadda – have a lot of goals with class this week and need to get more solid in much of the vocabulary.

- Speaking of For One More Day…I just finished reading a passage that hit me hard… “You can be a mama’s boy or a daddy’s boy, but you can’t be both. So you cling to the one you think you might lose.” When my father was alive, I was most certainly a daddy’s little girl, while both my sisters seemed more attached to our mama. Did I cling to my father when he was alive because I somehow knew, deep down, that I would lose him when I was eight? Now that is a profound concept to ponder over…

- Moving into my new place this week – on the 19th I believe…I’m really excited about my new pad, but am a little sad about leaving Tina’s – I love Tina, her kids, her husband, and her housekeeper. Her housekeeper is extremely lovely – she recently started making a point to say ‘good morning Krista’ everyday…And this morning, on the way home, I had grabbed some eggs, onions, and tomatoes so I could make myself breakfast as this is Tina’s day off – I came in and put my foodstuffs on the counter in the kitchen – then went to my room and took a nice long bucket bath. When I opened the bedroom door to make way to the kitchen to make my breakfast – she was standing there with a piping hot omelet – she had made my breakfast for me!!!! I simply couldn’t believe it, didn’t expect it, and was truly grateful – couldn’t tell her ‘thank you’ enough! Man, days like these make me sort of wish I’d not opted to switch my living accommodations. But I know it is a good idea because I’ll be here another two months – here I just have a room and a bathroom – my new place will have a kitchen of my own, a much nicer bathroom, bedroom, living area, and internet – it’ll be good.

- Hoping to make the most of this relaxing day, as the rest of the week will be busy, busy, busy as usual – sometimes I get antsy when I don’t have a jam packed schedule, but gonna really make a point to enjoy the slow pace of this Sunday – know I’ll wish for a bit more free time tomorrow when there simply won’t be ANY.

- Sending love, joy, and happiness to all my peeps back home ;) I think of all of you often and hope you are well – miss you very much…Can’t wait to get back to teaching – looking forward to putting what I’m learning to use and looking forward to seeing my students, my clients, my friends, my co-workers, and my loved ones…May you all be well and content!

After enjoying a relaxing breakfast with Jake, Joyce, and Petra I accompanied Jake to his flat so we could quiz each other – I quizzed him on his Hindi and him on my Kanadda. I found it MOST helpful and we do plan to get together to work on our respective languages a few times per week as it makes a big difference to have someone there to work on your vocabulary. When he left for his Hindi lesson I headed to Anu’s for about an hour to do emails and whatnot. While I was there it started raining – a theme that has remained all day and into this evening – so it has turned out to be a very wet Friday in Mysore – it’s ok though b/c it sort of suited my mood today. Ganesh was kind enough to let me borrow and umbrella – which I gratefully accepted as I made my way back to Tina’s. Spent about an hour reading, took a brief nap, and then I met Erin at the coconut stand so she could walk with me to my dance lesson at 4:30pm.

She came with me today to see what it is I do, meet and talk to Sindhu and see if she’d like to start lessons with her. I knew she would as I know how much she enjoys dancing – she will begin working with Sindhu on Monday – five days per week like me – she’s committed herself to two weeks but I’ve told her she’ll be totally hooked by then!

I had the best dance lesson thus far today – always like the afternoons better but they are rare b/c it’s easier for her to meet in the morning due to her kids being in daycare vs. them being at home in the afternoon. But my body and energy respond better to afternoon classes – so while they are rare I really enjoy them when I can! After the lesson, Erin and I spent about thirty minutes chatting with Sindhu and her husband Kiran. Sindhu also enjoys painting and she showed us some of her work – it was quite beautiful – I absolutely love the abstract piece she is working on now – told her as much and planted a seed of thought that if she may want to sell that piece I’d be very interested. She told me she actually started that particular piece the first day we started working together. Well then…if she’s willing to sell it I simply have to have it ;)

Oh my….zee body….zee poor achy body…Lots of intense dancing sure does a number on my legs – every single inch of them…

Didn’t get a whole heap of sleep last night – body’s so used to waking up at 3:30am now that when I don’t it does anyway…Up and down, up and down since about 4am. Around 6:30am I finally gave in, gave up, and got up. Cleaned my room, organized my photos, did some reading and writing – just about everything but leave my room ;) And truth be told, I don’t plan to anytime soon…I scheduled my Odissi lesson for 4:30pm this afternoon as I knew my body would be worn down physically after a lot of dancing last night – nothing is open today because of the Ganesh festival so I can’t take care of any errands - so I’ve literally got a whole day to kill. I want to lay by the pool, but no enough to motivate me to actually do so…I may just spend the next few hours in the delightful company of myself ;) and make my way to Anu’s at some point before Odissi…Hum….Decisions…Only thing that will actually motivate me to soon exit zee room is this fierce, growing growl in my tummy.

A recap of Thursday – in a list of ‘things done’

Odissi lesson – There is a certain way to walk in all Classical Indian dances…Sindhu says you can tell which kind of Classical dance it is just by the way a dancer enters the stage…Today, I learned the Odissi walk (two of the three plus ‘speeds’ of walking.) Quite interesting – and very enjoyable. Recap of all other steps we’ve learned, making continuous progress!

Barthi’s Shop – Girish took me to Barthi’s shop to see the progress of the bags, coming along…as usual production isn’t as far along as estimated (but then again I’ve come to know this and do not expect things to be completed when quoted – so it’s allllll good.) Bags look great! Gave tailor another material to make a sample bag – should be ready in a day or two.

City – Decided I’ve had enough of my Croc’s – desperately need a pair of flops…Stopped into a Bata Shoe shop on Deveraja (sp) road pick up a pair. Spent about twenty minutes trying on different sandals – the little shoe salesman was really working it – kept giving me new pairs to try – didn’t mind – enjoyed being pampered in a shoe store – when does that EVER happen in America! Only problem is that I have big wide feet – and most Indian women don’t – so many of the shoes I tried were too narrow for my ‘broad foot’ (as the salesman’s so eloquently put it) – After all was said and done I walked out of the store with a black and a brown pair of sandals…Happy with my purchases, stoked that they fit, feel good, and look good…Now I can trod through Mysore in style ;)

Finished my Book – Just read the last few pages of ‘This Day in the Life’ – was a lovely read. I always love finishing a book – while it’s a little sad to turn those last few pages, it’s also quite exciting to know that you will soon be opening a new one. Next book, which I barely cracked into today, is a loaner from John – he has been kind enough to loan me ‘The E Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It’ – I am really stoked to read the book – think it will teach me a lot about a lot that I don’t know about business – but then again that wouldn’t be difficult! I’ll be sure to fill you in ;)

AYRI – needed to pay my second month of shala fees today…

Kanadda lesson – Unfortunately it was raining when I left the shala – so I grabbed a rickshaw and made my way to meet Hema for my fourth Kanadda lesson. Hema was delightful as always, and we got through a lot of material today while enjoying a tasty chai (yummy!) She taught me how to say the time - idhu gantha (5 o'clock), onedhu vara (1:30)...Various tidbits today - like how to say male and female friend, lady, gentleman, boy, girl, Pronouns, some clothing, lots of verbs (walk, swim, jump, sleep, eat, run, sing, dance, write, read, drive - you get the picture...) Of all the things we covered today - my absolute favorite was the descriptives of food (sweet - see; spicy - kara; sour - houli; bitter - kai; and my absolute FAVORITE - salty - upupu (which sounds like oooo poo poo)

Shower – desperately needed a shower before dinner and dancing – the itinerary for this evening…Had just enough time to become a clean and presentable version of myself before I met Jake and Joyce for dinner.

Kings Court – We opted for dinner at a new favorite spot of mine – King’s Court Hotel and Restaurant…The Rashinkars had introduced this jewel to me last year – but I only recently revisited. Directly across the street from the Metropole, the little hot spot is on a main road but never busy when we go as it’s more a local spot than a yogi spot and the locals don’t usually come to dinner til way after we finish. The atmosphere is splendid, service terrific, wait minimal, prices decent, and food good! All around, I give it three stars.

High Octane – the main event of the evening – ‘Dance, dance, dance’…Jake, Joyce and I arrived at High Octane sometime after 9pm. Several people were already there. A lot of other well known faces arrived throughout the night, but Erin, Joyce and I were way to busy on the dance floor! Proud to say we closed the club ;) but com’on, clubs here close at 11:30pm at night…It’s all good, we managed to get a good 2 ½ hours of booty shakin in, which was just about perfect because we were all tired and really sweaty. Nights like these remind me of the ‘good ole day’s’ with my girlfriends back home – well sort of ;) It’s been a long time since the whole group of my friends back home got together and danced the night away in Orlando – definitely need to put that on my list of things to do when I get home!