Hello, March!

Happy Mardi Gras, everyone!

I am having some serious Mardi Gras woes.  I think I should be sipping on a Bloody Mary right now instead of discussing nonprofits in class (as evidenced by my tweet below). Know what I mean?

I am SO glad to say goodbye to February, it was an all-around struggle of a month for me.  I realize things could always be worse, but it was definitely a month of personal growth in more ways than one.  So I say goodbye to February and goodbye to the things that you can only learn with time.

My heart is so full with a desire to be back in the south.  I miss Louisiana, especially today.  The people, the culture, the doing of all things a little bit slower...because good times sure do go by way too fast.

I'll be home in the sunny RGV in the next few days, and my goal is to feed my soul and heal my heart.  I want to feel more like myself and that involves a lot of family and a lot of sun.  It will all begin tomorrow night with a concert to Amos Lee.  Here is one of my favorites from his new album, Mountains of Sorrow Rivers of Song "Chill in the Air"

Current thoughts:

• A haircut is coming up, I will be going short, short, short. In late April/early May.  I need to wait for the weather to warm up around here before getting rid of these locks keeping me warm.
• The second largest Mardi Gras (technically Samedi Gras) in STL is only maybe a quarter the size of real Mardi Gras
• I'm on the search for Strawberry Abita, if you stock up, please send some my way!
• Is it possible to find a good crawfish boil around here?
• While I miss Louisiana, I am torn at something calling me back home to Texas, to work with the population I know best
• I hope that "12 Years a Slave" winning Picture of the Year draws more people to read Solomon Northup's story

I leave you all with a poem that I will not translate, by one of my favorite's, Jorge Luis Borges. 

"Después de un tiempo uno aprende la sutil diferencia entre sostener una mano y encadenar el alma.

Y uno aprende que el amor no significa acostarse y una compañía no significa seguridad y uno empieza a aprender...

Que los besos no son contratos y los regalos no son promesas, y uno empieza a aceptar sus derrotas con la cabeza alta y los ojos abiertos.

Y uno aprende a construir todos sus caminos en el hoy, porque el terreno de mañana es demasiado inseguro para planes... y los futuros tienen una forma de caerse en la mitad.

Y después de un tiempo uno aprende que si es demasiado, hasta el calor del sol quema.

Así que uno planta su propio jardín y decora su propia alma, en lugar de esperar a que alguien le traiga flores.

Y uno aprende que realmente puede aguantar, que uno realmente es fuerte, que uno realmente vale, y uno aprende y aprende... y con cada día uno aprende.

Con el tiempo aprendes que estar con alguien porque te ofrece un buen futuro significa que tarde o temprano querrás volver a tu pasado.

Con el tiempo comprendes que sólo quien es capaz de quererte con tus defectos, sin pretender cambiarte, puede brindarte toda la felicidad que deseas.

Con el tiempo te das cuenta de que si estás al lado de esa persona sólo por acompañar tu soledad, irremediablemente acabarás deseando no volver a verla.

Con el tiempo entiendes que los verdaderos amigos son contados, y que el que no lucha por ellos tarde o temprano se verá rodeado sólo de amistades falsas.

Con el tiempo aprendes que las palabras dichas en un momento de ira pueden seguir lastimando a quien heriste, durante toda la vida.

Con el tiempo aprendes que disculpar cualquiera lo hace, pero perdonar es sólo de almas grandes.

Con el tiempo comprendes que si has herido a un amigo duramente, muy probablemente la amistad jamás volverá a ser igual.

Con el tiempo te das cuenta que aunque seas feliz con tus amigos, algún día llorarás por aquellos que dejaste ir.

Con el tiempo te das cuenta de que cada experiencia vivida con cada persona es irrepetible.

Con el tiempo te das cuenta de que el que humilla o desprecia a un ser humano, tarde o temprano sufrirá las mismas humillaciones o desprecios, multiplicados al cuadrado.

Con el tiempo comprendes que apresurar las cosas o forzarlas a que pasen ocasionará que al final no sean como esperabas.

Con el tiempo te das cuenta de que en realidad lo mejor no era el futuro, sino el momento que estabas viviendo justo en ese instante.

Con el tiempo aprenderás que intentar perdonar o pedir perdón, decir que amas, decir que extrañas, decir que necesitas, decir que quieres ser amigo, ante una tumba, ya no tiene ningún sentido, ya es tarde, nunca dejes que algo te sea demasiado tarde.

Pero desafortunadamente, LO APRENDERÁS sólo con el tiempo..." 

* Note: I believe there's a translation available by Veronica A. Shoffstall *

Thoughts from a Tuesday

It has been a gorgeous couple of days in STL lately.  The weather is in the mid 40s to low 50s and sunny, today has been pretty windy though.  After the snowpocalypse of last week and subzero temperatures, this is quite an improvement.  I am soaking it up as much as possible because I know it will soon be gone before it snows again.  I spent a couple of hours outside a coffee shop doing some work and enjoying the sun in my face.  For those of you reading from the south, I know you probably think I'm crazy and the midwest is already screwing up my perception of nice weather.  

Thoughts from this Tuesday: 

• My Book Club page has been updated with the last two recent books I read, check it out.

• The Fault in Our Stars (TFIOS) by John Green is a young adult (YA) book I read over my winter break.  YA books are my favorite genre because of how real they are with emotion.  There is a certain transparency and innocence that comes with the feeling and emotion expressed in YA novels, one much forgotten about in the adult world.  I like to remember that it is okay to be vulnerable and reading YA novels helps me do that.  TFIOS is beautifully written, I could not put it down and read it in about two days.  It was funny, real, and heartbreaking, all of which are quintessentially very YA.  I learned that this book is in the process of being made into a movie, in theaters everywhere summer of 2014.  

• I recently saw a great TEDx talk that I'd love to share with everyone.  This fellow sister is from my home state (Texas) and went to a university just a bit further south than my alma mater.  She has a very important message that I hope hits close to home for many, "What defines you?" 
• This song has been on my mind a lot lately

Happy Tuesday! 

Struck Gold

Ever feel like you've found gold and it takes two to three weeks for everyone else to find it too?  That is how I feel about this song.  I heard it back in December for the first time, fell in love with it in early January, and now it is showing up everywhere.  Oh, and it's also my mantra for 2013. Here's a couple of covers I really appreciate:

Back to my original thought for this post--NYC.  There were many cool and hip places in NYC.  Here are a couple I'd check out if plan on checking out the city anytime soon.  

Wilfie & Nell - I had drinks at this lovely and quite cozy bar in the West Village.  I am also certain that I saw Al Pacino's twin there.  It was absolutely perfect and intimate. A perfect date spot.  Highly recommend it for late night talks and drinks.

Hudson Clearwater - is a swanky West Village restaurant with an intimate NYC feel.  We had a large group for a dinner party when I went here and I was thoroughly impressed by the fact that even though we were in a secluded and romantic nook, we were never abandoned.  They had some amazing cocktails on the menu and the food was fantastic.  The restaurant is a bit hidden, but a true gem and the ambiance was my favorite. 

The Standard Biergarten - When I first knew we were going to a biergarten in Chelsea I never thought it would be a traditional German-style one.  The glass enclosed hangout has Oktoberfest-style picnic tables with few cocktail tables and ping pong tables on the sides.  A full bar is available as well as three German beers to choose from: a pils, a wheat, and a black lager.  I had the black lager and will be reviewing it in the near future.  Didn't have any of the apps, but the pretzels and dogs looked delicious.  This is one of those places that definitely seemed worthy of hitting up before dinner with friends or a casual date night. 

Sarita's Macarconi & Cheese - I first heard about this place on television awhile back, probably on one of those food network shows.  It definitely takes a modern twist on the ideal comfort food.  I recommend the sampler which includes my favorites: the Parisienne, the La Mancha, and the Napolitana. Yum! 

Big Gay Ice-Cream - I went to this hip ice-cream shop in the East Village when my good friend from college, Erica took me on a food tour of her favorite spots.  It was perfect and delicious and, well, totally gay :) I had The Salty Pimp, and you will just have to click on the link to find out for yourself what that consists of. 

The Westway - Such a fun experience!! I was definitely creeped out at the beginning because I thought it was a strip club, that's because it used to be one.  It definitely feels like you are time traveling back to 1979, or into a Quentin Tarantino film.  The DJ was absolutely awesome playing some great hits from today and some amazing oldies that didn't make you feel like you were dancing at your cousin's wedding.  It's perfect for dancing, especially if you've always wanted to dance on a light up dance floor...check.

Have you been to any of these places? 

I plan on taking it easy this Monday evening, it's raining and I'm tired.  I plan on catching up on Girls, finishing Perks of Being a Wallflower, and maybe getting some grades on the computer.  

Happy Monday, wish me luck on my phone interview for WashU Scholarships tomorrow! 

Thoughts From A Tuesday...

From my Twitter feed...

• I listen to certain music genres during different seasons of the year.  Coffeehouse-indie-type stuff in the fall and winter, mainstream pop and country in the summer and spring.  For some reason this past week I've been on a country music kick.  I don't understand.  Lots of country music.  Lovey, dovey, wanna-be-your-valentine-type songs.  It's a bit disgusting and different for me this time of year.

• I love, love, love Valentine's Day! So, so much.  Always have.  Regardless of anything going on that day I will treat myself to a nice dinner at my favorite restaurant.  

• NYC in two days! I'm thrilled to take a trip to the city and to possibly see Mumford & Sons in concert! It's going to be incredible.  If you live there and you're my friend I sure hope I get to see you. 

• I want to see Silver Linings Playbook again, it was phenomenal!

• I'm also obsessed with the song below these days.  LOVE their album, and it's my new go-to album on my commute to work.  

Honey can't you see
I was born to be, be your dead sea

Decisions

Lemon Drops were the drink of last night

Aren't you just in a deciding mood sometimes?  Usually I'm pretty indecisive, not the best decision maker.  Lately though, I'm all about making decisions.  On this beautiful Sunday before starting work again I will give you some insight into two executive decisions I have made.

• Making my bed regularly - I know this sounds super petty and ridiculous, but I've always been the girl who has made her bed every day.  Even through college I still made my bed daily.  When I moved to Louisiana a year and a half ago I somehow stopped.  I think this had something to do with the fact that I was going through a hard time that I stopped caring.  Now, I'm in a different state of mind and I woke up one day while I was home in Texas for winter break and thought, "Hmmm...I think I want to start making my bed every day again."  So, no more unmade bed for me.  It works for some people, and I tried it for a bit, but it wasn't for me.  I will wake up five minutes earlier just to get that task done.  Besides, I'm pretty sure I've read that people who make their bed in the morning are more productive.  

• "Anything Could Happen" by: Ellie Goulding will be my theme song of 2013 - Not only is this song featured in Girls, but it's pretty damn great.  It gives 2013 such a purpose for me.  Go read the lyrics or just listen to this song.  Last night, my first night back in Louisiana I made some pretty great memories to that song with some friends.  Dancing and laughing...oh, what a night it was.

My roommate Kathryn, her BFF Dan and I 

Cue Ellie Goulding playing in the background

What decisions have you made lately? Do you have a theme song for 2013? 

What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

What are you doing New Years Eve?

I'm spending it at home with my family--a good group of them that came in from Mexico.  We are drinking, and eating barbecue, and being a big, loud, Latino family :)

I discovered this video last year and thought it was absolutely darling.  It combines three of my favorite things: 1. good music, 2. Joe Gordon-Levitt, and 3. Zooey Deschanel.  Are they not just beautiful?

A little something I discovered yesterday...I may or may not have the honor of attending Hogwarts next fall.  Check out this incredible view of the Suzzalo Library at the University of Washington:

The silent reading room at the Suzzalo Library AKA: basically Hogwarts 

If studying there is wrong, I don't want to be right :)

Happy New Years Eve y'all! 

Late Night Thoughts

What is it about certain songs that take us to a place we've never been before?  I've probably heard "Closing Time" by Semisonic a thousand times, since it came out in the late 90s.  Heard it on the car drive to elementary school as my older brother listened to the local rock station.  Heard it in high school, heard it all through college.  I still hear it, and it's not like this song brings any vivid memories back to me.  I never created any memorable times with the song.

On the contrary, this song fast forwards me to something I have yet to live.  Does that make any sense at all?  Do any songs do this for you? Do they make you wish you could create a great memory to it in the future?

This song does exactly that for me.

"Closing Time"

Maybe in a pub, maybe in a year or two, hopefully not with someone sleazy, I'll know who I want to take me home :)

Babel // Review

It has been a great fall/winter season for music if you ask me.  There's this whole genre going on right now that I like to refer to as mainstream indie (oxymoron, I know) folky, singer-songwriter-y, acoustic.  I'm not too sure of what college kids or even twenty-somethings these days are listening to.  I work with teenagers, angsty ones.  Teenagers who's idea of good music includes people like this.  

My taste in music varies just a bit, and since I'm so in love with several artists lately, I thought I'd share some that are featured in the current soundtrack to my life.  

Mumford & Sons

Today I'd like to talk about Mumford and Sons.  The first time I heard this band back in 2010, I like to think that I wasn't mature enough to fully appreciate their sound.  I thought they were okay when an ex-boyfriend introduced me to them, but I wasn't quite ready to understand their complicated lyrics.  After a year and half teaching in rural Louisiana, I was perfectly ready for them once again.  Before their latest album Babel was released this fall I was listening to the Pandora station where their Sigh No More  singles came along and stole my heart.  I knew their lyrics were complex, but I was determined to feel them and let them sink in.  

When Babel was released in September 2012 I purchased it on iTunes and haven't stopped listening to it since.  I listen to this album every morning on my commute to work, and it calms me, and I think I learn something new about each song every time.  If I haven't convinced you to give these guys a shot yet, below is my commentary on Babel. Enjoy.

Marcus Mumford

1. Babel 

I love how powerful the album starts with this song.  I envision them opening with this song at a concert.  There are lots of biblical references in this album and it all begins with the title of the album and the title of this song.  I think this song is about truth and about nothing being out of reach and everything coming down to grace and truth.  

2. Whispers in the Dark

I hear a lot of truth about the writer of this song being sinful before returning to Christianity or seeking God.  Perhaps this song could be about the life that was led before faith. 

3. I Will Wait

The more I heard this the more my interpretation of the song changed.  You could interpret the song to be about a loved one, literally someone who will be waited for.  After seeking all the religious themes throughout the album I do think this has to do with someone who once turned their back on God.

4. Holland Road

This is such a sad song.  Perhaps between two lovers or a father and son.  The song has hope, that maybe one day something can be reconciled.  

5. Ghosts That We Knew

One of my favorites on the album.  I think I'm still interpreting this one.  It could be about a relationship.  About faith.  Something that was haunting in the past...perhaps mental illness.  

6. Lover of the Light

This is another favorite of mine.  I think this is a beautiful song, with beautiful lyrics.  To me this song is about overcoming obstacles within a relationship.  

7. Lovers' Eyes

I hear infidelity in this song. 

8. Reminder 

This song breaks my heart. I hear heartbreak.  Sometimes you're still reminded of those you loved and a part of you will sort of always love.

9. Hopeless Wanderer 

I interpret this song to be about a man who has yet to find love.  Maybe he's to afraid to love anything.  Deep down a hopeless romantic though.

10. Broken Crown

This has to be my least favorite song on the entire album.  It's quite dark and I have yet to fully appreciate it yet.

11. Below My Feet 

If I need to be grounded this is what I listen to.  It's perfect in every way.  This song does just what the title says, it reminds you to keep the Earth below your feet.

12. Not With Haste

My favorite line in this entire song says <...and I will love with urgency and not with haste> This song embodies what our humane purpose is in this world.

13. For Those Below (BONUS)

To me this is a beautiful song about death.

14. The Boxer (BONUS)

A cover I'm pretty sure.  It's about perseverance.

15. Where Are You Now (BONUS)

I'm starting to feel this way about my relationship.  It's not bitter, it's curious.  I like to think that this is how I am thought of now by him.

My favorite thing about these songs is that they can be interpreted in many ways, and they are relatable to so many.  I'd love to hear your interpretation of one of your favorites on the album!  If you haven't heard this album I hope I've inspired you to give it a shot.  I'll leave y'all with a live performance of "Below My Feet" on Saturday Night Live back in September.  Enjoy :)

Pieces of me // Merry Go Round

Life is moving fast.  The transition back to Louisiana was hard.  It was so hard that I had anxiety going back to work a week ago.  No worries, I'm good now :)

Beautiful Yoga Ornament

The month of December will be so busy and I can already tell.  Just in the past week I have attended two Christmas parties, graded at school twice, and have not stopped planning for what's left of my time with my current students.  I get new students next semester so we have to finish off the semester strong.

Christmas Party with a lovely girl! 

I've been practicing my fishtailing

I'm ready to be home for the holidays, but for now I'm trying to enjoy my time here in Louisiana with my roommates and with the community members.  The University of Washington application is officially due tomorrow, even though I turned in my application a few weeks back.

Tonight, I'd like to reflect on two things.  I've been full of thoughts lately, and I think a lot of these thoughts have to do with the year 2012 coming to a close.  I have great feelings about 2013, I cannot even begin to describe them yet.  There's a song, that wraps up how I feel about my experience here in Louisiana.  The song describes a lot of the culture that is a small town, and that is the life of many of those whose lives I am encountered with regularly.  For those that have not visited me in Louisiana and have yet to experience this part of my life, I hope this gives you some insight.

Second, I''m back on a Grey's Anatomy kick and lately I've been watching season six.  There's a scene where Christina Yang's character is describing her last relationship with her current boyfriend.  Her current boyfriend is attempting to understand why she won't let him in, she won't let him love her the way that he wants to.  What she says at this point resonated with me so much...it got me thinking, and made me aware of something.  I have to make myself be fully vulnerable with my next relationship, regardless of what happened in my last one.  I have to trust, I have to let that person in, and if I cannot cross a boundary I must allow myself to justify that with my past.  Because that past and those pieces that were once broken are what have made me who I am, and they are what make us human and teach us how to love better.  They are what make our hearts grow bigger.  Here's the excerpt:

Dr. Cristina Yang: Burke was... he took something from me. He took little pieces of me - little pieces over time, so small I didn't even notice, you know He wanted me to be something I wasn't, and I made myself into what he wanted. One day I was me, Cristina Yang, and then suddenly I was lying for him, and jeopardizing my career, and agreeing to be married and wearing a ring, and being a bride. Until I was standing there in a wedding dress with no eyebrows, and I wasn't Cristina Yang anymore. And even then, I would've married him. I would have. I lost myself for a long time, and now that I'm finally me again, I can't. I love you. I love you more than I loved Burke. I love you. And that scares the crap out of me, because when you asked me to ignore Teddy's page, you took a piece of me, and I let you. And that will never happen again.

P.S. Come Pick Me Up

P.S. sometimes you just need a little Ryan Adams in your life...

Know what I mean?

Like this...

or this...

and this...

;)

Thoughts From a Weekend

Things are so busy lately.  So busy and our internet at the house has been faulty so excuse my lack of blogging.  I've missed y'all.  Have y'all been busy bees, too?

Check out Lisa's film prints from Labor Day weekend in Seattle-Tacoma! 

Last time I mentioned how excited I was about the new Mumford and Sons album, and let me tell you, it is incredible.  (Don't worry, Lisa, I have a copy ready for you).  Their music just touches my soul every time I listen to it (which is a lot).  It's funny how I wasn't in the right mindset to appreciate them two years ago, but cannot get enough of them lately.  Their lyrics are beautiful.  If you get the chance listen to Babel, Whispers in the Dark, Lover of the Light, and Below My Feet.

This weekend involved lots of R&R, including a much needed visit to the local spa.  The girls and I took a day dedicated to the spa and it was perfect.  Turns out that the lovely woman who gave me my facial is also our neighbor.  Only in a small town...

Thank God for pay day, because we are no longer in the Great Teacher Depression.  We stocked up on groceries for two weeks on Friday evening.  Somehow on Fridays we, the teachers, get a little looney (proof below).  We say things we wouldn't normally say, do things we wouldn't normally do, and I think it is due to the fact that we lose a few brain cells throughout the week.

Try this guilt-free tuna salad recipe, I made it in bulk for my roommates and I so you may want less mayo for one can of tuna:

• Greek Yogurt (eyeball it)
• Mayo (1 Tablespoon)
• An apple cut into small pieces
• 1 can of tuna
• Grapes cut in halves
• Craisins
• Celery
• 1 hard boiled egg
• Salt and pepper

Looney in the Kroger aisle

Two weeks worth of groceries

Glowing after my crushed pearl facial

Guilt Free Tuna Salad

Loving tea time before bed these days.  

One last thing, I will leave y'all with a b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. song by City & Colour called "The Girl" Sweet, sweet, sweet, utterly beautiful song.  Isn't it?

"Of my heart to see"

I just paid for something really expensive.  Well, for shoes, okay boots.  When I think of the fact that I have wanted these boots for years and years...(no I am not exaggerating) I can justify how okay it is for me to have purchased them.  I am using birthday money I never used, so it's really okay, right?  That, and I never splurge this much on myself.  Check these babies out:

Frye Paige Tall Riding Boot 

I am utterly excited about my boots for the fall/winter season.  They should be arriving within five to seven days and I ordered purposely from Nordstrom's because of their loyalty and essentially infinite return policy.  First wear for these? Seattle, Washington of course! 

I'm really into the Mumford and Sons Pandora station lately.  I used to not like Mumford about two years ago when I discovered them, but lately I have found that I really connect to their lyrics.  Their new album comes out September 24th.  I am seriously thinking Mumford and Sons are the perfect fall music, and if categorizing music by seasons is wrong I don't want to be right.  

Thoughts about my weekend: 

• I felt accomplished for having my Spanish 1 students writing paragraphs
• I bought a football jersey at the football game Friday night
• I discovered my house's balcony and sat up there Saturday night 
• The roomies and I have been taking run/walks around town 
• Yoga inversions (AKA: Headstands) became possible! Hip, hip, hooray for core strength
• We celebrated Mexican Independence Day by making fish tacos with avocado crema and Mexican beer. 

So proud of my Spanish I students for writing short paragraphs in Spanish a month into school.

Excuse my form

Go Mustangs! 

Fish tacos with avocado crema

Closing thoughts on must-do's in Seattle (not including spontaneous adventures) in October:

• Evolution Fresh
• Visit a Microbrewery
• Picture on a rooftop with the skyline in the background
• The Seattle Great Wheel
• Eat at Row House again...mmmm so good. 

High or Low

Friday consisted of: 

• Testing
• Not assisting the pep rally
• Not assisting the football game as a result of not feeling pepped
• Grading approximately 100 binders 
• Oh, and of course the usual Washington nostalgia

Friday night in my classroom grading too many binders

Thankfully I had a Southern Pecan to make up for it at the end of the day

Tomorrow is a Saturday for more grading, going to professional development with TFA, and looking forward to a belated birthday dinner for one of my roommates. We are wining and dining at the local hot spot.  Don't worry, pictures to come.  

Expect a preview of my favorite shots from Lisa.  If you'd like to go check out our road trip pictures they can be found here.  Thank you so much Lisa for capturing beautiful memories and using them to inspire you to create :) 

I've been playing and replaying the playlist of music that I remember hearing in Seattle, one of which was introduced to me by my new friend Stephen.  I will leave you with that.  Possible Halloween costume inspiration: four girls in Tuxedos greeting trick-or-treaters at the door.  YES. Thank you, Janelle Monae. 

Stars Aligned//Salmon//Seattle

Before you read, do yourself a favor and let us feel the nostalgia of the 90's with this classic:

I think my life was just made complete.  Can I tell y'all why?!

Wait, wait, wait...let me SHOW y'all

Look at the bottom right hand corner.

and this...

NUMBER THREE!!! 

Obviously the stars have aligned and this is almost too good to be true, but I am way too excited about this graduate program that sounds perfect for me.  Can it be any more of a coincidence that it, A. doesn't require a GRE, B. is in Seattle, and C. is top-ranked?!!  

I am trying not to get myself too psyched, but it's official that my application for graduate school begins NOW.  I am calling my career counselor from college and focusing on this so that I can make the December early deadline.  May have to take a human biology course next semester, but SO WHAT?!!! Seattle is becoming a bigger and better possibility for my future.  Oh, Pacific Northwest I just have the best feeling about you.  

Also, I called my mom and I think she can accept this.  She sounded happy and excited for me.  I need to prepare her psychologically for this possibility.  Prayers, prayers, and many prayers for this opportunity please.  

On a different note, my dear sweet Lisa posted the first photographs from our shoot this past weekend.  She did an INCREDIBLE job, go take a look and leave her a comment.  Seriously hiring this girl for my wedding one day.  I cannot wait until the film shots come in.  

Final thoughts: 

• I made some Salmon in a bag for my roommates tonight
• Easiest and most delicious way I've cooked salmon
• Thank you, Pinterest for the idea
• Check out the play by play below...

Fresh lemon slices, salmon, drizzle of EVOO, Earth Balance, Salt & Peppah, and topped with Cilantro! 

All wrapped in a bag made of foil

Ready to go into the oven at 350 degrees for 25 mins 

Turning out like this :)

Paired with Basmati Cilantro rice like this...

And a class of wine to celebrate!

El camino

On the road again...
The next time I write a post I will be in the city of angels! I write from the road. We are currently in Arizona past Phoenix and getting closer to the California border :)

I slept shortly after getting to San Antonio last night and woke up when we arrived to the outskirts of El Paso early in the morning. I have stayed awake ever since. The scenery is just so beautiful, and while I've been to both Arizona and California I've never experienced it in a car. I love the mountains and the beauty in the desert of the southwest. The heat is a bit extreme, but it's not humid like what I'm used to, which makes it so much more bearable for me. I'm appreciating every moment and cannot wait to share more when I arrive to California.

For now I will leave y'all with a couple of pictures from the trip so far. If you follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, I apologize for the repeats.

One last thing, my favorite artist, Amos Lee, recorded his last album Mission Bell in Tucson so I will leave you with one of his songs in the spirit of things.

Outside the New Mexico welcome center early in the morning.

My niece and I excited to be in New Mexico

Entering Arizona

Dirt twister in the distance

El Paso, Texas

In-N-Out Burger outside of Phoenix, Arizona

Yoga-ta try this post!

I would bet that Fernando Delgadillo read this prior to writing Entre Pairos y Derivas

I have to tell y'all that sometimes I get inspiration (mostly for my personal posts) and it's like something foreign takes over my body mind heart and all I do is write until it empties.  I write, and write, and write.  I hit publish and about two hours later it settles and I realize, "Yes, I just did that."  I go through a cycle of wonder, "What came over me? Why did I do that?"and that is how I result posting things like  this.

On a different note, I must share with you and tell y'all that the highlight of my week is always my yoga sessions.  Among my other workouts, which are in the morning, I attend yoga twice a week in the evenings.  These are hardcore sessions my friends.  Most days I sweat buckets in there, and it's not even "hot" yoga.  I have resorted to not wearing a shirt and just keeping my yoga pants and sports bra on.  Hey, you would too if you were in this class.  No need to feel self-conscious, the lights are completely out in the room anyway.  Not just because I sweat a ton, but I feel so incredibly cleansed afterward.

In a variation of pigeon pose.  Excuse my messy hair s'il vous plait. 

Transitions
If you are new to yoga it may be a difficult transition from other forms of exercise.  Yoga takes patience, time, and concentration.  I find that when I fully concentrate in my practice it makes a load of difference than when I'm too focused on other things going on in my life.  The best thing to do when you're not sure what you should be thinking or how to "focus" is to breathe.  Keep breathing, through hard poses, and especially follow the guidance of your yoga instructor.  They typically do a great job of telling you when you should be inhaling or exhaling.

Isn't it all flexibility and pretzel formations though?
Most people who have never experienced yoga tend to think "pretzel" formations or "flexibility." And while yes, sometimes you end up looking like a pretzel in class and you definitely improve your overall flexibility, yoga is so much more than that.  I think it is often taken for granted how much strength it takes to get through a yoga class.  You are constantly strengthening your body by doing different poses.  You use the weight of your own body and, if done correctly, your core. Yoga sculpts your body, and with poses like warrior III and plank you are lifting pounds of your own body weight.

What it can do for you
Through yoga you learn to love your body in a completely different way.  As cheesy and granola as this sounds, you start to learn the rhythm of your body and become more in tune with it.  The power of the human body will surprise you, and you will gain greater self-confidence.  I love that yoga focuses on how your body feels and what it can do rather than how it looks.

First Timer
Don't be turned off if you find it to be intimidating going to your first yoga class.  There are always beginner classes you can try, and I promise there are pose modifications for every pose! Make sure and arrive early to tell the instructor you are new to the practice, ask them to show modifications for poses.  Yoga instructors can be some of the nicest people you will ever encounter.  Fear them not!

And last, I leave you all with the song that's been in my head all day.  Old, old, song from the nineties (best decade ever!).  A Tejano song by Bobby Pulido (what a hunk).  I find the video strange because he is in San Francisco of all places.  If you've never heard Tejano music before, it is a genre original to the state of Texas and listened to mostly by Mexican Americans.  The music has German influences, can you tell? (Hint, hint: the accordion).  Enough of that, here's the video:

What's your favorite yoga pose?

Namaste.