Yoga and Feelin' better

So, recently I've been experimenting with yoga. I felt inspired by a former pastor's wife, who did a lot of yoga in her house with yoga films. This initially sounds silly, but it led me to wonder, "What's this about?" Upon moving back to Wisconsin, I went to the local Barnes and Noble Booksellers, and picked up a yoga DVD. I managed to do some of the basic stretches and moves. (These are called "poses.") Upon finishing these hour long exercises, I realized I felt a sort of, "high," comparable to that I used to feel when I ran cross country in high school. So... being an English and Sociology major, my curiosity took off. I decided to do my homework, and see what others had to say about this. I wanted to know if others had similar feelings.According to an article on about.com, written by Ann Pizer, yoga can help to reduce stress. She notes that, like other forms of physical activity, yoga requires a concentration that helps, "melt" your troubles away. She notes that this concentration also helps to bring a calmness to your body as you focus on your body. As you continue to do yoga, you can also increase strength and flexibility, which can also help reduce pain. (Pizer). Some of the stretching that comes with yoga can help release an enzme that comes with muscle use, that can cause fatigue as well as other side effects. Studies have shown that, even with several weeks of practicing yoga,  one can feel benefits. According to most studies, participants in yoga noticed increased shoulder and trunk flexibility (webmd.com). Ok, ok. Enough of this paper writing professional mode, and into the more fun and exciting stuff. (For more info. on yoga, check out the links posted below.)

Bailey and I also just went for a walk, and it reminded me again of Montana. Not just the aspect of being outside with my pooch... because that's nothing like being in Big Sky Country. The skies looked like home, and the wind blew wonderfully, as a fire flickered in a grill, resembling something of a campfire on the prairie. The air smelled wonderfully, of wood; it seemed to carry a certain moisture that brought storms with it. Anyway, it reminded me of the prairie I call home.

I have also determined that walks help me feel better. The abllity to take time to think of, and be grateful for my surroundings, even if I don't particularly  care for my current place in life. I have a roof over my head. Family who cares and an amazing beagle who, while she occasionally drops the ball, will never let me down. She is, after all, a dog.

Speaking of dogs, I assume you've all read about the amazing corgi? If not, here's a link to that story:  http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/30142325/detail.html

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is something along the lines of, do something you love, often. Find time to touch base with yourself and set goals. Then, make 'em happen. Be happy. Bring peace. Love. Laugh often. And be around people who like you for you.
"... She likes me for me... Not because I hang with Leonardo, or that guy who plays in Fargo..."

Pizer, Ann. "Health Benifits of Yoga." <http://yoga.about.com/od/beginningyoga/a/benefits.htm> 26 Sept. 2011. 6 Jan. 2012
"Yoga Health Benifits: Flexibility, Strength..." <http://www.webmd.com/balance/the-health-benefits-of-yoga>

Coffee

I woke up this morning, still quite sick. My head still feels groggy, as though boogers will soon be invading my brain and the remainder of my brain. My beagle, pressed as close to my legs as possible, upon realizing that I've woken, approaches my face, and begins to lick my nose. She seems to know that I am sick and still do not feel great. I grab my phone, and realize... I've got an appointment in a little less than an hour with my aunt to get my life back in order. (Believe me or not, I have had some success in this department already.) I heat up some oat meal, and turn on the "Gilmore Girls," while I scarf down my oats and sip on some coffee in my  black mug. These black mugs remind me of days gone by, but then I recall... My beagle. Her coat is part black. My mind again changes topics. Time to remain positive. Time to focus on the great things that I will do and become. I will be doing great things and turn into a great person, just as soon as I can get the garbage of my past behind. I need to look at the positive things. Like Miss Floppy Ears.

I initially began this blog with the intention of eventually writing a book about my adventures, and achieving life goals. I have established goals, and a notebook that I carry with me and write in when internet access is not readily available. (Surprisingly, this happens more often than not.) So far, I've managed to rant a little, rave a little more, and be angry at the world the most. Things, presently, appear to be getting back on track, however. Or... so it appears, anyway.

While I am uncertain if anyone reads this, I think it will be most useful if I dedicate 10 minutes a day, if only for myself. It will help, at least, to maintain my writing ability, and maybe my memory.

On the upside,  I have finally gotten in touch with a human (yes, a real, live, breathing, non-electrical person) at the Technical College in town regarding my DUI classes. I am quite excited about this. As it turns out, a newer employee of the college had mis-filed (new word of the evening) my registration forms. This, as a result, made my contact at the Tech unaware of what was happening with me. I noted that the paperwork had been sent in nearly a month ago, and she still seemed confused. Upon looking back through the computer, she determined that the check had been cleared, and the registration form misplaced. I really need all of this to become taken care of; as of February 16th, it will be. I'm quite excited about this.

The beagle rests beside me, snoring under a blanket next to me as I'm feeling quite congested and head-cold- tastic. I've had the opportunity to re-connect with old friends, and rekindle old relationships over the last few days. It has been quite wonderful. Megan from Montana arrived in town. To my surprise, Ian the Cowboy was also in Appleton. We got some wonderful lunch! I then caught up with other, even older pals. There were even friends from high school in town over the New Years holiday. I got coffee with Nate, and played with his wonderful beagle/blue heeler cross. His dog, as it turns out, is actually very cute. Sort of funny lookin', but it seems like a neat pooch.

Regardless, I believe that I should go. My head is beginning to feel cloudy with snot. I hope you're (?) feeling better than me!

"And as my mind begins to spread its wings, there's no stopping curiosity."

Things recently have become sort of bland. I'm still working at the local Olive Garden, and trying to gain more money, as to make plans work out quicker. I've begun to do some research on how to make things more cost effective, but with the holiday coming upon us quickly, it might take more time than initially expected. I really need to get back out west, where my heart belongs.

I was working a temp job this past week, and I had a brief reality check. People are weirdos. I worked with several people who appeared to be content working at temp jobs making $8/hour without benefits. Said people also appear not to care how they look when they go to work, as they wear sweat pants, and scrubby looking shirts. Please don't misunderstand me- I don't dress up when I go to work at a factory, but I wear jeans, and decent looking tee shirt. My clothes don't have rips, tears, or stains. No bleach marks, no deodorant marks. I look clean, and I don't have body odor. I keep myself clean, and it's clear I run a comb through my hair. Someone I worked with appeared as though they had not combed their hair, or showered in several days. I thought to myself, "How weird." It later became more obvious that they had no ambition to go further with their life. They were content with popping out babies and working minimum wage jobs. I thought to myself, after they reported having their first kid when they were 19, that I was selfish. I noted to them that there are way too many things I feel I need to accomplish before I even think about having kids. I also reported that I am 25. They proceeded to look at me like I was crazy. Wow. One of my aunties suggested that I don't worry about it, and attempt to focus solely on myself, do a great job, and move forward. I like this plan. 

While it's been a while since I've written here, I've got nothing too new to report. The beagle is doing quite well. She's got a lump on her chest, but it's not cancerous. She is up-to-date on her shots, and appears quite well.


I'm still working at the local Olive Garden, as well as a factory. The OG is pretty cool, but the factory sucks.

Thanksgiving was fun. Well, that's a bit of a stretch. There was a lot of running around and what not, but no real connections made just yet. I need to apply for more  "better" jobs, but my current lack of transportation is sort of key. Hopefully, things will pick up sometime in the near future.

This is really all I've got today.

New experiences...

So, for the last three days, I've been working at a hotel as a housekeeper. This has opened my eyes to a lot of different people. I had the opportunity to work with a gang member, someone who does not want to go further than housekeeping and doesn't encourage her kids to go to college, and a guy who lives in a homeless shelter. After going to college, I've learned that there's more than working at hotel. I have a brain, and there are loads of opportunities. Lots of people to meet. The gang member had been raped and had a kid as a result when she was 16. She had a stalker, and a father who taught her to use a knife and clean guns by the time she was seven. She became a "drug mule" by the time she was 12. The homeless guy seems to be down on his luck. He seems to be trying to make a difference for his kids, but lives in a homeless shelter and is making minimum wage. It seems impossible to change that situation, let alone save anything for a security deposit. I often forget that I come from a position of "privilege." I had a family that was able to support me while I was going to college, and is still able/willing to help Bailey and I. I'm not a convicted felon, and my dad wasn't gang affiliated. I don't forsee myself kiddos, but if/ when I do, they will go to college, and probably end up better than me. In the mean time, I'll contently not forget this lesson- I have something valuable- an education, and a piece of paper that says I can do things.

Things appear to be picking up, somewhat. I've got two interviews and a "tour" of the library as part of their application process. Things look good. Ish. I look good on paper, but then people meet me, and it seems to go downhill from there. Beyond that, I've been applying for jobs like a crazy woman. There hasn't been much else...