NY, Homecoming, and Springtime fun

It's been quite a while since I've written, and I feel like so much has happened.  When I last left you I had just returned from a trip to Texas.  After spending a couple weeks in Virginia, I drove to NY to visit my family.  I kept extremely busy with yard work, I got a temporary membership to the YMCA to keep up my fitness on the days I wasn't raking heavy stones out of the grass, and I spent much needed quality time with my parents (and the pets).  

 

After Easter, I made my drive from Western NY to Southern Virginia for the last time.  I spent the week getting the apartment and myself ready for the return of my husband.  I planned a homecoming meal and stocked the fridge, I cleaned the house, I ate clean, and exercised like a mad woman.  Finally a week had passed and I could go pick up my husband! 

As always, it was a "hurry up and wait" situation.  I had a new teal sundress I'd picked out.. which may have been a bad choice.  I stayed in the car to watch the ship pull in, and when I tried to get out to take some pictures, the rain and wind turned my umbrella inside out, and the freezing temps flipping up my skirt had me running back to the car after only a couple minutes.  After a couple hours I finally saw my handsome man walk off the pier.. Lots of kisses and smiles followed.

Dinner that night was amazing.  Rib eye steaks cooked to perfection (which is awesome since I've never cooked them before), smoked gouda and bacon cauliflower mash (think mashed potatoes, but cauliflower), homemade salted rosemary bread, and parmesan baked mushrooms... of course all accompanied by some Merlot from the Finger Lakes.   For dessert: cheesecake with hot fudge and caramel drizzle.  He might be spoiled, but even after a short (not as long as most deployments) time away, I was feeling so thankful to have him home with me.  We can handle everything the Navy throws at us, but we're both looking forward to the day when we won't ever have to be separated again.

Since his return it's been nothing but work work work.  This past weekend was our last full weekend since he'll have to work at least one day for the rest of our weekends here, and we had a great time.  We threw a little farewell get together on Saturday and went all out on the food.  Since so many of our friends here have already moved away (as is the life in a military community), it was only us plus 5, but it was just right.  We bought a really cheap grill to make turkey burgers and cheddar wurst, I made my grandma's potato salad, baked beans, and of course set up enough snacks to feed 20 people.  Three kinds of cheese, crackers, a whole veggie platter with dip,three types of chips, salsa, watermelon, and pineapple.  I think it's the way of my people... my dad always tries to feed 20 people too :)  Many drinks were had as well, and on the following day, after everyone was cured from their hangovers (mostly me), we all went for one last beach trip to Sandbridge Beach.  The weather was perfect.. low eighties, sunny, and we had our own little spot on the beach.  The water was quite brisk, but after running in to waist deep, there's no turning back.  

Yoga has still been keeping me sane, and busy.  I'm participating in 4 instagram challenges this month to keep myself improving in multiple areas.  There is one for back bends, one for beginner handstands (so I can focus on the fundamentals), there is one handstand challenge where you match the shape every day (picture above is from that challenge), and there is one challenge which is actually guided towards beginner yoga basics, but sometimes the basics are more important.  

I still don't have a move date yet (actual itinerary) but the estimated departure is only a few weeks away.  The apartment complex has it's notice of vacate, we're in the process of scheduling the movers, and soon (I hope) we'll be sending the car for a head start on us so we can make sure the timing lines up for our Spain registration process.  There is a lot of emotions floating around in my head... anxiety, excitement, annoyance, stress.. but as long as I keep them in check and continue my yoga and other fitness, I think I can make the best out of this experience.  I am so thankful I have my wonderful husband here to be my support.  

Keep checking for updates in the next few weeks... but there's a good chance my next blog post will be upon arrival in Spain. 

Deployment, Texas, and Backbends

Photo credit: Sarah Street Photography (Facebook and website)

My husband and I said goodbye earlier this month as I headed off to Texas and he headed off to his first ship deployment.  During our first separation, he went off to basic training.  During the 2 months, there were letters, a few phone calls for good behavior, and I had researched Navy basic training to see what he would be going through day to day.  I was working 2 jobs and would sometimes hop on Google maps at the end of the day to calm my mind by looking at where he was at the moment (my version of looking at the moon and knowing your loved one can see the same moon.. it gave me a sense of connection to him).  I spent all my free time exercising and writing letters (we have a HUGE folder full of boot camp letters).

Reunited after bootcamp

Our second separation was for my husband's IA (Individual Augmentee - being sent somewhere for a set amount of time to perform a job).  He went to Bahrain for what was suppose to be 9 months, but miraculously turned into only 6.  This was the longest separation, but was made easier by daily skype or phone calls.  With not much else to do besides his daily work shift, we talked for 1-2 hours at least once a day, but usually twice.  I spent my time exercising and traveling back and forth to my parents' home in western NY. 

Reunited after 6 months in Bahrain

This first official deployment has been the hardest on me so far.  Not knowing where he is, or what it's like to be on a ship has not allowed me that comfort I used to have during our past separations.  I also have been limited to short emails. No phone calls or Skype out in the ocean.  I'm looking forward to the ship going to different ports because that will mean I can (hopefully) get a phone call, or better yet, Skype.  Until then, I wait, and curse deployments daily.

To keep myself busy, I planned a trip to Texas, which knocked out 2 birds with one stone since I wanted to see her before I left for Spain anyways.  To make things better, we were able to coordinate my visit with her baby shower!  She's 34 weeks along as of this past Monday, and I was grateful to see her in this stage of her life, as she's the closest thing I'll ever have to a sister.  We met each other in preschool, and have been friends ever since (with a few sisterly spats along the way).  With some complications putting her on bed rest, her mother has been staying with her to help out.  With my visit, her mother took the chance to go home to NY and spend time with her husband, so I took over the cooking and cleaning.  Every day my friend would complain over me working in her home and not relaxing and enjoying my vacation.  I was her guest after all.  I would explain to her over and over that I didn't mind cooking or cleaning, and it kept me busy, which is a must when trying not to think of deployments.  I got to help organize the nursery and more importantly, I got to spend time with my best friend.  Long talks, some laughs, and lots of reminiscing.

My best friend and her adorable baby belly! So gorgeous!

During all of these events, I've been participating in a March daily yoga challenge to improve my back bends.  Every day a new pose is posted on instagram by the three host yoginis (beginner and advanced versions) and the goal of each pose is to either strengthen the back or increase the flexibility, or both.

If all goes to plan, I should be able to find out my travel itinerary for my move on May 1st. Until then, I'll be keeping busy with yoga, cardio, strength/circuit training, and visiting with family.

~ Until Next Time ~

Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier

This phrase speaks to me at a personal level today: "Be a Warrior, not a Worrier".  February marks the last full normal month we'll have here in Virginia.  My husband will be gone on and off, and I will be doing my own traveling for our remaining time here before the move to Spain.  This makes the crunch of the deadline sound so much louder.  It's easy for me to feel anxious or worried at times like this... especially with all of the unanswered questions I still have.

That being said, a positive step I've taken has been participating in an Instagram challenge called "inversions make you hot".  It helps encourage me (and others) to practice yoga every day.  February's challenge is all about inversions.  This can be arm balances, or other poses that turn your torso upside down.  Not only does this help with strength, balance, and flexibility, but also improves trust in your body to hold you at these somewhat unnatural poses.

lotus shoulder stand

tucked knee hand stand (can hold for about 4 seconds at the moment.. looking to improve)

I like to think of inversions as the internal "face lift".  Every day gravity pulls your organs down.  After years and years of that, your internal self isn't where it once was.  Daily inversions help that.  In a Yoga Journal article (here), entitled "Benefits of Inversions", four major body systems are said to be improved with regular practice of inversion poses: Cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous, and endocrine.

Doing something positive with my body, improving my yoga, and attempting/improving different inversion poses has helped me be more of a "warrior".  If I practice the physical aspects of yoga, I will also try to practice the mental aspects as well, including the following yoga wisdom to stay in the present so that I can try to stop worrying so much about the future.   

phrase found on Pinterest

 Until Next Time

~Namaste~

Yoga Retreats and Training in Spain!

I've been practicing yoga for a long time.  I think my first class was when I was ten or so.  I took classes on and off, as well as some pilates classes.  4 years ago, I was working at the YMCA and they had been offering pilates until the girl who taught it took a break.  That was the first time I thought about becoming a certified instructor for any type of fitness class.  I liked the serenity of it. I enjoyed learning different ways to use my own body weight to strengthen every muscle.  I wanted the class back, and instead of finding a teacher, I would just become one.  So I started looking into the training for it, and soon later realized I would be moving half way across the country for the Navy.  So that was nearly forgotten about.

While at our first duty station, I took full advantage of the free gym and classes on base, and started practicing yoga again.  When we moved to Virginia 3 years ago, my one class a week turned into 2.  Then when I realized that the same teacher on base was also teaching for free at our own apartment complex, I attended class 3 times a week.

I fell in love with the way the teacher taught.  It was more about strength, less about meditation.  It was more about being comfortable with yourself, not being afraid to ask questions, instead of the typical "silent" yoga, where you're afraid to cough or giggle.  She would explain which organs or muscles were being benefited with each pose.  This was the type of yoga I truly felt a connection with.  It inspired me to study on my own, with help of Yoga Journal and Pinterest.  I started bringing my own poses to class. 

Yesterday I had a frustrating day.  I fought the usual urge to curl up on the couch with my knitting and Netflix for the rest of the day, and text a friend for a one on one yoga session in our apartment gym.  An hour and a half later, I was in a great mood.  I had accomplished a couple self goals with my balancing poses and my muscles were shaky and sore.  (pictures below are of these poses, but not of me.. maybe I'll start bringing my camera down to the gym)

A few days ago, I had stumbled upon a 200 hour yoga teacher training retreat in Spain.  This retreat was near Valencia, it was a good price, and it would provide a once in a lifetime opportunity.  This morning I was looking at the site again, and what I previously thought was a 20 day retreat, was actually a 10 day course in April, followed up by a summer of self study, and a second 10 day course in October.  It was still doable, but a little disappointing... so I did some more searching.

I found a 20 day teaching retreat just an hour away from the base in Rota!  If I stay in the dormitory (sharing a room with 3 other women), the price is the same as the one near Valencia.  3 vegetarian meals a day is also included, and their olive oil is made right there!  The dormitory slots fill up quickly, so I plan on registering as soon as we get the OK for moving in May!  I'm so excited to stay at the Suryalila Retreat Centre.

If I obtain my teaching certification, I'm hoping I can teach a class or two on base there, as their yoga options aren't as plentiful as they are here in VA.  When we finish with the military and move back to Western NY, I hope to find a teaching job, or better yet, open my own little studio.  As I have said before, yoga is such a great tool for obtaining and maintaining mental and physical health.