Concentrate, Meditate, Focus!

Running = Smiles

2010-07-31T11:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday!

As suspected my run yesterday made me feel so much better. Oh, I won't lie, tying up my Mizuno's and hitting the streets was not easy. Part of me kept saying just curl up on the couch and relax (um...right then...relaxing is something I am not so good at by the way. I always find a closet to organize or something!) but the other part of me was saying get out there. You will feel so much better...you know you will! What are you waiting for Traci. Get going! Ok...ok...I'm going, I'm going.

Happy I listened to the latter. I headed out for my run, blasted my tunes and within the 1st half mile I knew. I knew this would be a great run. And indeed it was. It was 7 miles of happiness. I always do some of my best thinking during my runs. It's just a great time to really put things in perspective. I came to realize that although I still am a bit sad about what happened this week...I am less sad. I know it's for the best. With each step of my run I could feel mysel returning to my postive, sunny self. Ahhh...yes, that's much better. There's my smile. I found it! I thank my lucky stars for my running. Don't know what I would do without it. Thank you running...I love you!

Moving on is great. It can be exciting not knowing what is going to happen next. I have to get going on that next chapter!

I thought about doing a Bikram class this afternoon but the weather is just way too nice today to not take advantage. Dry, 70's and sunny. Picture perfect. My running shoes are calling. Thinking maybe a Bikram day might be on tap for tomorrow. I think my head could really benefit from the warmth ofthe studio...and i'm not just talking about the temperature. That room and the people just have a way of making you feel so goo.

Anyway, my wonderful Mom has justed phoned me and said she got me a suprise that I am going to love. She's great like that. Whenever me or one of my 3 sisters are a bit down she kicks into super mom mode and does what she can to make us smile. My Mom is the BEST! I'm off to go see what the suprise is!

Ok. That's it for now. Have an awesome Saturday. Be sure to do something great for yourself...And for someone you love.

Best! Traci

Saying Goodby is Hard...

2010-07-30T10:52:00.002-04:00

I hate goodbyes...I always have. They crush me.

Saying goodbye to someone you care about, who you have cared about for over a year...it’s hard. It sucks.

Sometimes we prolong things because we’re afraid to say goodbye. Afraid of not having him in your life anymore. Afraid of not having him there to pick you up when you’re having a bad day. Afraid of not hearing him calling you by the nickname he gave you. Afraid you will never again laugh at the inside jokes you share. Afraid you will never again melt from him looking at you with that boyish grin. Afraid you won’t feel the chills you get when he touches you. Afraid you won’t have that feeling of safe happiness you get when he gives you one of his amazing hugs (god I love hugs). Afraid you won’t have that feeling of when you two are out together in a crowded place it still feels like it’s just the two of you. Like no one else is there. Afraid of being alone and starting all over again. I still remember the very first second I saw him walk into the bar over a year ago. Our eyes connected and I just knew we would be together. It was instant attraction. Sigh...

But when you think with your head instead of your heart you know it’s the right thing to do. To say goodbye, I mean. Being afraid to move on is never a reason to stay in a relationship that isn’t working. You know you both want very different things and it’s time to move on. Yes, there are lots of good things, but there are many things that just do not work too. Why is it that in relationships it very often seems one person wants more than the other. That one person is willing to make the other a priority, but the other person is not willing to do the same. I think we all want to be a priority to someone don’t we? I think we all deserve that.

Goodbyes are tough for me. I hate them. I do. But they are a reality. Sometimes they have to happen to get to being happy again. Of course I wish him all the best and still care about him but it was just time to say goodbye.

Enough of that...Time for this girl to pick herself up, dust herself off and SMILE! Time to start a new chapter! That’s kind of what life is like...Chapters in a book. Excited to see what happens next. Stay tuned!

You know what always picks me back up? A good long RUN! Works every single time. As I was driving to work this morning seeing the morning runners along the beach I knew that was what I needed. It’s a beautiful sunny day here in Boston and I see a nice long run in my afternoon plans. Just me and my music. And then later this evening out with my girlies for lots of laughs (and maybe...ahem...definitely...a margarita!)

Ok guys! Have yourselves an awesome weekend! Talk to you soon

Best,
Traci

Hello!

2010-07-28T15:23:00.000-04:00

HI!
Hope summer is going great for everyone. Summer here in Boston has been just amazing. We could not ask for better weather so far. Well, if you like it hot and humid it's good! And of course I do! To me this is perfect running weather. Although after my run last night I think my face stayed red for quite a while and even my ears were sweating...but all in good fun.

It truly just feels so good to be back to my runnning with ZERO pain. After my injuries a few months ago (hip flexor pull and stress fractured foot) I felt as if I would never run pain free again. I feel so happy and lucky everytime I hit the road.

And if I ever start to think "ugh, I really do NOT feel like getting changed into my running clothes"...I stop that thought and remember the injury days when I COULDN'T run. I remember how frustrating it was. And then I'm good. I feel so lucky to be able to tie up my Mizuno's and hit the streets. Doing between 5-6 miles a day, 5-6 days a week right now.

I've also become one of those runners who sings while she runs. Just out there having a good time!

And Bikram...Oh I have taken a break from the studio. I just adore being outside. So while we have this great weather I opt for more running than yoga. I do at home yoga to stay loose though. Great way to end the day.

Alright guys...Just wanted to check in. Enjoy your day!

Best!
Traci

Running Stronger...And a Charity Event

2010-05-22T12:27:00.000-04:00

Don't you just adore Saturdays? You wake up not having to rush to work and you know you still have another day before getting back to business. Oh, trust me I still do plenty of work on the weekends but pretty much just from home. Work has been so busy and it helps to keep up with it on the weekends instead of coming in to madness on Monday.

Aside from my normal Recruiter duties at our company I'm also the Co-Chair for our annual Granite Day Charity event. Months of planning go into the event and it's coming so close now! The event is June 5th and still tons to do! It'll get done. Every year around this time I start seriously stressing about it. But in the end the day is always great. This is my 5th year doing it and though it takes up a lot of my time, I can't imagine not being involved. Ya, I'm one of those types that like to get involved in everything! Last year we raised $161,000 for Dana Farber Cancer and the Jimmy Fund. Hoping for that again this year! If your local please stop by! The day itself is FREE for everyone. Awesome, fun day for kids. Check out my flyer below.

Anyways...You know that helps minimize the effects of stress? Running! I am so happy to almost be back to myself in my running. The injuries I had over the past few months were tough but I am back! Well, almost...

Mileage is still low but here's what this week looked like:
Saturday: 5 miles
Sunday: 5 miles
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: REST
Wednesday: Yoga (at home), planks, pushups
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: 5 miles (this was the BEST run since I got injured!)

My run yesterday was great. It was the kind of run that just leaves you feeling elated. Like anything that was bothering you before you headed out (and something WAS bothering me) just doesn't matter. Or if it does matter it helps you come up with a solution. That's one of the things I love so much about running. It puts things in perspective. Really any exercise does, but for me it's running. Bikram does that for me too, but the weather is just too nice lately to not take advantage and be outside.

Yesterday I could have run further, I felt like I had wings, but I’m still trying not to overdo. The last thing I want is to re-injur my foot and deal with that during the summer!

Ok...Have a fabulous weekend!

Cheers...Traci

Like running against a brick wall...

2010-05-10T15:14:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday guys. Hope you all had a great weekend and feel energized for the week ahead. As usual it will be a very busy one for me. Busy is good though!

Yesterday was a great day with family. Even though we all live in the same state and within a 45 minute drive I don't seem to get together with my 3 sisters much these days. We're all just so busy. My work, my nieces and nephews sports (LAX, soccer, baseball, gymnastics, hockey, etc...) and so on...So we really have fun when we are actually all together. Yesterday it was me, my parents, my 3 sisters, my brothers-in-law, 7 nieces and nephews. You can imagine how loud it gets. Always, always tons of laughs. You never know where the conversation is going to go. We'll just say there have definitely been some very interesting things talked about ;)...I always crack up when I glance over and all the guys are lined up just watching the "show". Always a great show when all the sisters are together! Fun, fun, fun.

All the nice warm temps we saw last week have gone into hiding here in the Boston area. Yesterday was really chilly and Windy! I still made it out for my run yesterday but I actually had to put my running tights and long sleeve shirt back on! Brrr...Bring back the warm temps!

So how windy was it? Well, at some points during my run I felt like I was being pushed along by the wind...until I'd turn and run into the wind. Then it was like running against a brick wall. My ponytail was flying like crazy in the breezes. But I was still smiling and having a great time out there on the road.

Only did 4 miles but it felt like a lot more with the wind. It was so windy that my sister who is also a runner looked outside and said "Nope!" And headed to a nice HOT Bikram class. I think she possibly had the right idea. But I just love being outside, getting the fresh air and listening to my music. That time I'm outside on the road nothing else matters. It's just me and my thoughts. No computer, no cell phone, no people asking me questions...So good. Plus as usual I got some yoga poses in with my 7 year old niece. She loves trying the postures with me. And she is good!

Well...That’s all for now. Hope your week is off to a great start and that the sun is shining where you are.

Cheers...Traci

Running, Rain and Rainbows

2010-05-09T12:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms! I'm not a mother but sometimes I think I treat my 7 nieces and nephews like they are my own! They are all so amazing in their own way.

Anyway, yesterday was a rainy, chilly day here in the Boston area. I really wanted to get a run in,n so late in the afternoon when the sun started to peek out from the clouds I was so happy! I quickly drove home, changed into my running clothes and....ummm whats that? I live on the water and over the bay the sky had turned black again. You could see the rain was on its way again. Oh well, I thought. I'm already changed and my mind is already in runnig mode. So...Out I went.

I was just a few steps down the street when I could feel the lightest of sprinkles coming from the sky. Ok! This won't be so bad. Off I go. Then, about 1.5 miles into the run the skies literally opened up. There I was in my little running skirt stuck in a complete downpour. So what did I do? Well, the only thing I really could do! I looked up at the sky, started to laugh and continued on my run. I seriously must have been quite the sight. Crazy girl running in the rain and smiling. Sometimes you really just need to laugh at life, ya know?

At around mile 4 I was running down a hill along the sea wall. I looked over the ocean and there it was. The most beautiful full rainbow spanning over the water and across the neighborhood. Literally stopped me in my tracks. I just looked up at it, smiled and said...All is good. What it is about rainbows that make everyone smile?

By the time I get home the rain had stopped. I was drenched from head to toe. But happy. Twas a very good run.

Hope you all enjoy your Sunday!

Chat with ya later.
Cheers...Traci

Amazing!

2010-05-02T12:24:00.000-04:00

Amazing! That word pretty much sums up the weather here in Boston this weekend. Truly amazing.

Hard not to take adavantage of it so no Bikram this weekend. Nope. The idea of frsh air sounded more appealing. Now is the time to really enjoy lacing up the running shoes, cranking up the tunes and truly appreciating a good run. Since my injury i have really come to appreciate the fact that I get get out there again. Yesterday I did my nice 5 mile loop. I forgot to time my run (oops!) but I felt I really pushed it at times. Trying to get my speed back up there. It'll happen. After my run I felt great. Energized and happy. Don't you think 99% of the time after a run you feel like that. So good. Heading back out for another run this afternoon and of course looking forward to it. I have my long run planned today. It will be a good test for my foot and hip. First up on the agenda today though...Go Buy New Running Shoes! I'll be sticking with Mizuno. Been wearing them for years and they just feel best on my foot.

All right guys...Just wanted to check in and say hello. Hope everyone is doing great and enjoying the spring!

Enjoy the afternoon!

Cheers...Traci

Bikram + Run = Bliss

2010-04-20T19:12:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! Quick post...

Awesome Bikram class Sunday with Chris. Truly awesome. Really worked every single posture to my max. Chris is very good about pushing me there. He's always behind me saying "Go right to your max Traci. It's a really awesome max!" When you truly do every posture with 100% effort you can notice the difference. Felt so, so good! Left the studio dripping with sweat and I could not have been happier.

Great run tonight. Perfect weather and I was singing along as I cruised the streets. Loving seeing all the dogs out again. In the winter I miss running by them and playing with them! There are these two boxers who I swear wait for me to run by. Then they jump up and down and run the length of their fence with me. Love it. It's at the end of my run and always gets me going. Gets me every time. Was grinning from ear to ear. Nothing like a good run (or yoga practice) at the end of the day.

Foot feels pretty damn good...Happy to say. Still not perfect but so, so much better. The hip flexors not 100%. Might never be. But I just take it easy and stretch it out. Feels good to be back and sweating!

That's about it for now. Need to grab some dinner as I'm famished! Enjoy the evening.

Cheers....Traci

No workout tonight :(

2010-04-14T17:06:00.000-04:00

Hi all!
No workout tonight...sad! Going to the Celtics, last home game of the season. Have a great evening and I'll check back with you soon. Since I seem to be nearly 100% healthy again I am in the process of developing a new workout schedule (running and Bikram). I let you know what it looks like once I am done with it. Need to get back onto a schedule. I miss that!

Talk to you all soon!

Cheers...Traci

HI! Remember me?

2010-04-12T19:25:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Hope you all are doing amazing. Things here in the Boston area are so beautiful right now. It was like overnight Mother Nature brought everything back to life. The birds are chirping, the grass is green and the flowers are pushing through the now thawed out soil and my favorite...The leaves on the trees have come out. We have green leaves on the trees again! The tree right outside my office window has these amazing white flowers. So pretty I find myself gazing at them many times a day. You can just feel how alive everthing is. Spring, it is so good to see you! See ya later winter! And of course all this make us all feel more alive. It's like we are bears are coming out of hibernation. People are out and about more. Runners and walkers are hitting the streets again. And people in general just seem happier. More smiles = good!

Anyway...I know it's been awhile since we last spoke but things are going great. I had my first great run last week (on a random 90 degree day!). It was amazing. I think I was smiling and singing the whole 5 miles. Ya, I'm that crazy lady running down the street belting out a tune :). For the first time since my foot injury I had ZERO pain. I was in my glory. Words can't express.

And my Bikram yoga practice? What can I say? Loving it more than ever. Yesterday was one of those classes that leaves you elated. It was truly perfect in every single way. I was suprised to see so many people in class given the beautiful weather. But it was a good size class and still lots of newbies. I think I just appreciate my running and my yoga more than ever since having to take a break. Injuries will do that right? It's kind of like you never know how much you will miss something until it is taken away from you. I see how lucky I am to be able to run. To be able to practice my Bikram. I'm also very lucky to have great friends and family who had to listen to me whine the past few months! Thanks for listening to me guys...you know who you are :). Lucky...that's what I am. I know it.

Well...I hope you all have a great night and a great week ahead! Keep smiling guys. Frowning causes wrinkles and really...Who wants wrinkles? :) And if you are having "one of those days" look at the sunshine, look at the beautiful trees and green grass and I promise a smile will form on your face.

Cheers and Hugs and Smiles to you!
Traci

Body, Mind and Spirit

2010-03-21T19:00:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Hope you all had fantastic weekends!!! Weekend was good here. Boston temps were Ahmazing yesterday. I think we topped out around 75 degrees...WITH a perfectly sunny sky. Wow! Not typical weather around these parts in March for certain. But people are just so much happier. People are outside. My windows are open. Truly, this weather is good for your body, mind, and spirit. Today was much cooler at around 50, but sunshiny and nice. I'll take it!

Last weekend we had some terrible weather. We got over 10 inches of rain in 3 days. The earth, streams and brooks could not take any more water. And so then came the floods. So many people and many feet of water enter their homes. Roads were shut down. Destruction. Terrible. By Tuesday the sun came out and the clean up began. My heart goes out to all those affected by the rains.

I ended my wonderful weekend with a divine Bikram class this afternoon. After being disappointed with the studio being closed yesterday for renovations I was so looking forward to class today. And it did not disappoint. First, the studio looks so great. Second, there was a good amount of people in class, but not crowded at all. Lots of room to spread out. Third, the heat was good. You know it's hot when you are sweating before class even begins. And fourth, and possibly most important, I love where I am with my practice. Oh sure, my foot still hurts and yells at me sometimes. But I love that I am more controlled with the postures. That I do each posture with 100% effort. That the fans don't bother me. That peoples breathing and sighing don't bother me. Nothing bothers me. Really, I'm just as surprised as you! Truly I am. I love how happy I am to be back in that hot room. I love sweawting. Many times this is my favorite 90 minutes of the day.

On another note…And slowly but surely I’m managing to let that guard of mine down little by little. And you know what? The more you let it down, the more you allow happiness to enter your life. I'm done being afraid of being hurt again. Oh sure, it might happen. But we can't live our lives being afraid. We have to open up and just see where things go. Life is good my friends. And life is meant to be lived.

I hope you all have an amazing week ahead. Not sure how many days I'll get to the studio this week with work so crazy, but hoping at least 2-3 times. And then Friday....CELTICS GAME. Yay!

Enjoy the evening.

Cheers and Hugs! Traci

Time to Sweat! (and I did!)

2010-03-13T10:55:00.003-05:00

Good Morning to you! And Happy Saturday! Pretty gray out there today. Not exactly a nice sunny day, but at least we have a couple days off work to recharge right? Another busy week at work. I hired 8 people plus 4 temps. So Monday I have 13 New Hires starting with our growing team! Right now we are about 750 people in our company. No end to the growing in sight. Whew! Also planning a Granite Telecom Celtics Night outing for some of our team. I set up/organized a night where there will be about 100 of our employees going to the game on the 14th of April. Last home game of the year so it should be tons of fun! Not the same Floor seats I'll be sitting in on the 26th but Loge and still good.

Anyways...I slept in a little bit the morning and didn't wake until about 8:30. I lied there in my bed and started to bend my toes back and forth. Actually felt pretty ok. Since this injury happened my foot is usually so tight in the morning that it's tough to even bend the toes. Much better this morning. Much.

I was still in my cozy bed when I made the decision. Right then and there I said...Today. Today is the day. IT"S TIME. This is the day I head back to the Bikram studio I have missed so, so much. This is it guys! I need it. I know it won't be easy and I'll still need to modify certain postures but I'll be there. I think I'm actually a little nervous. I haven’t had a good sweat in weeks! I need to think about where to set up my mat. You know I am usually a front row kind of girl. But I think I might move myself to a nice hidden spot, as I’m not sure how my body is going to do today.

3:30pm is the class I'll be heading to. The class is with Zeb. He’s a newer teacher to our studio. He joined us while I was out on injury so I have not had the pleasure of taking his class. I have heard some good things from fellow students who have been so nice to keep in touch with me and update me during the past several weeks. Excited to see and practice on the new carpet in the studio too! Yay!

Ok people...Wish me luck. This could go either way. Either I'll walk out of the studio saying..YES, I'm back. Or I'll walk out saying...Ok, you tried but your foot needs a bit more time. Being the ultimate optimist I sticking with the "I'm back!"

Couple of errands to get done before class so I'm off to get those done. Trying to pack my yoga bag but it’s been so long I feel like I’m forgetting something!

One more thing...BYC: Remember how we had that pact about letting our guard down a little bit? Slowly but surely I've been doing it. So far so good. Still cautious but getting there :) .

Whatever you have planned for your Saturday I hope you enjoy it. And remember…Take time to breathe!
Cheers...Traci

***UPDATE*** Quick note...Went to the 3:30 Bikram class. How was it? One word...Divine. I have to go rush to get ready to go out but it felt so great. I felt strong and happy and nearly pain free. God have I missed that studio. Fill you all in on the details tomorrow. For now, have a fabulous Saturday night! Be safe. Love...Traci

Things just take time...

2010-03-11T19:21:00.000-05:00

HI! Hope everyone is having a fabulous week! You all ready for Friday? I know I am!!!

Still no yoga. Still no running. Been wearing my running shoes to work everyday this week (very nice look in a dress with sneakers!) and I seem to be getting around the building pretty good. But by the end of the day...OUCH! Our facilities guy George (who is AWESOME!) gave me some ice packs so I can ice my foot when I get a free moment (haha...what's that?). By the time I get home my foot is sore and a little swollen. This thing will just need a little more time to heal. At least I'm out of the boot!

Anyways...Hope you all enjoy your Friday tomorrow! Weekend is quickly approaching. Any good St. Patty's day events/parties planned? Luck o' the Irish! Maybe I can find a four leaf clover and wish for my foot to heal! Time....Things just take time.

Good night guys...talk to you soon.

Cheers...Traci

Wearing TWO shoes

2010-03-06T12:20:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! Have a great week? Hope so. Work was insane this week. I'm always busy, but this week was just NUTS. Multiple projects that needed to wrap up at the same time. Seriously didn't have a chance to breathe all week. Picture me flying around our 130,000 sq ft building from meeting to meeting in my air cast! Finally yesterday around 5pm yesterday afternoon I finally felt my body relaxing. My boss and I just looked at each other as if to say...we made it! We kind of have the same mentality in that we love organized chaos. We thrive on it. At some points this week I really thought my head might explode though! Happy to say I made it through.

For all my hard work this week I was rewarded with Floor seats, row A to the Celtics game (the game is on a Friday in a few weeks). These are amazing seats and you can literally fist pump the players as they walk by. So much fun. Thanks boss! I appreciate it!

You know what I could have used this week? A good sweat. AKA a Bikram class! That would have calmed me down, loosened me up and helped my focus. My head kept saying go, go, go. My foot kept fighting those words and saying no, no, no. So I did the right thing. I listened to my foot and continued the healing process.

And boy am I ever glad I did listen to it. I got home last night and as I took the air cast off I closed my eyes, crossed my fingers and held my breath. In my head I'm thinking...Please, please, please. Please let there be no pain as I put my weight on this foot. I place my foot on the floor, open my eyes and breathe. Hmmm, this feels pretty good! Perfect? No. Better? YES! So, So much better! Yippee. Not only that, but the hip? The hip is also a ton better. I can feel it guys. I can. I can feel my body healing. I can feel myself getting stronger and back to normal. And I'm happy. Oh so happy.

As for the air cast...I have clearance to shed it for the most part. Doc says it might be a good idea to have it at work as I am constantly on the go and I am not 100% healed. But today? No air cast for this girl today! I have not one but TWO running shoes on right now and it feels almost normal. Oh I wouldn't attempt a run or anything. No no no. But I am so pleased to say I do believe Bikram may be in my future this week. YAY!!!! Happiness. I just need to wrap it for class and ice it after. I'll need to take it easy, but at least I’ll be in there.

I'm seriously busting at the seams here in Boston. I cannot wait to jump into my yoga clothes again and SWEAT! Funny how much one can miss sweating :) I think this break really made me realize how much Bikram is a part of me. How I am meant to do it. How I need it in my life. You ready to welcome me back Bikram? Silly question. Of course you are. You always are. You just sit there waiting and when we're ready to come back you're there opening the door and saying, "welcome back my friend".

Thanks to every single one of you who offered me words of encouragement over the past few weeks. I truly, truly appreciate them. Honestly.

Franca: Thanks for the email and update on the studio. Made me even more excited to get back!!! I WILL see you very soon!

Ok! So what’s up for today? I have some errands to run (with two shoes on!) and then tonight I’m helping my sis celebrate her birthday. Should be a fun night! Have a great Saturday guys! And I just have to say…It’s good to almost be back.

Enjoy the day people!

Lots of Cheers and Smiles and Love to ya! Traci

Listening to my body

2010-02-27T12:10:00.000-05:00

Happy weekend! Hope everyone had a great week. It was good but a busy one for sure. I'm happy to say that all the snow the Northeast is getting these days is just hitting us here in the Boston area as rain. So happy!

I've been a rally bad blogger huh? Every time I open up my blog to type away I just look, grunt and close it. You see this blog was created to talk about my running, my yoga, my workouts. The past couple of months I have had more injuries than ever. I've been working out all my life (pretty much anyway) and have never had to deal with injuries like this. So needless to say, I have had a tought time dealing with them now. First my hip flexor in December (which is still not 100% healed), and now the stress fractured foot. So frustrating.

Speaking of the foot. It still hurts and the swelling is still there. BUT when I think how it felt 3 weeks ago, that's when I realize how much it is actually healing. I have been really good about sticking to the "resting the foot” part of the healing process. 3 weeks ago I couldn't walk across the room without intense pain. Now I can walk in my running shoes and manage ok. I really just want to run or go to yoga, but I am fearful. I just want to heal this thing right. I don't want to still be dealing with this when the nice weather comes our way.

Luckily I have been swamped at work to keep my mind off of it.

So my workouts these days continue to focus on upper body and core. This morning I worked through the entire Bikram series at home (sans the heat). I rolled out one of my yoga mats, the blue one, (you might remember I like to change it up and have 3 mats!) and from breathing to spine twist I did the series. Some postures were modified of course. The only posture I left out completely was Awkward. Other than that everything else felt pretty ok. I thought about taping up my foot and heading to class this afternoon. My head could absolutely us it! I would love to get that feeling of total peace when class is over. After running through it over and over in my head doing a mental checklist of goods and bads, I decided to give it another week. I'm already this far into it, what another week? UGH! I really think this is the best choice, for me anyway. I always tell people to listen to their bodies. Well, body, ya I'm listening. I hear you. You are not ready yet. Soon though, right? Promise?

For now, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing on the workout front. I'll keep resting this foot. I'll keep taking my vitamins. I'll keep eating healthy. I'll do all the right things I can to get this healed as fast as possible.

To my awesome niece Sarah who is in her senior year at University: Congrats on passing the Teachers exam! You are going to make an amazing teacher sweetie!

Have a great weekend everyone. Hope it involves lots of fun things!

See you back here soon…Cheers! Traci

Monday...At least it's over :)

2010-02-22T18:56:00.000-05:00

Hey there! Everyone have a great weekend? Weekend was pretty good here (I think) but went by way, way too fast (as usual). Ever get to Monday and you get those typical Monday questions at work? You know…How was the weekend? And... What did you do this weekend? Or... Do anything exciting? Well, as people were asking me that today, I just kind of looked at them and said.... uh, I guess it was ok, don't really remember! Either I'm getting old or it was a pretty uneventful weekend. Oh well, either way at least I am well rested! I was ready to tackle Monday.

This past weekend we actually had some pretty mild weather in the high 40's with sunshine, so it felt almost spring like! Good, but it really made me want to head out for a run. Soon. Not yet, but I see it in my future soon. Still have to remember to be patient and not push it too soon though. Don't want to take any steps backwards!

My foot: It's getting better and better every day. I just know I will be back to fighting form in no time. I just know it. Counting the minutes. Looks like I might be shedding this boot of mine in a week (or so). Woohoo! When I got home from work today I put on my running shoes and walked around in them. Still in them as I type. Verdict: Pretty good, so far so good. Going to walk around like this for a while to see how we do.

Speaking of the "boot". I'm not sure why but people keep telling me I look cute in it. YA RIGHT! Real cute. I swear at least a few people every day say it. I just shoot them a look as if to say...Uhuh, right, cute. Sure. Someone even told me I was the only person who could make it look fashionable. Well, just have to do the best you can with what you have to work with right?

Ok, I'm off to do an arm and abs workout, have some dinner, answer some emails, shower, bed...and then do the whole thing over again tomorrow.

What was the best part of your weekend? Can you remember or did it just fade into the background like mine?

Hope you all have a nice evening!

Cheers....Traci

Sliding into Sneakers

2010-02-18T19:31:00.001-05:00

Evening to you all. Tomorrow is Friday?!? That week pretty much flew right by. Guess that's what happens when you are straight out busy. Running from one meeting to the next all day long. Finally at 4:30 I sat down at my desk, which is in total shambles, and literally let out a huge sigh. My desk and office is usually very neat and organized. One of our Sales Reps came in today and said. Oh! This is not like you! I find while making a pit stop by me desk after a meeting all I have time for is to toss down documents, grab what I need for the next one and keep on running. So by the days end it looks like a bomb exploded. And all the papers strewn around are the aftermath.

From about 4:30 until about 7pm I was able to catch up tons of things. As always, I prefer to stay a little later than come in to a pile of work in the morning. And since I can't go to yoga or run, I really don't mind putting in some extra hours. I have recently taken on more responsibilities at work so trying to find a good balance with that right now. I'm pretty good at juggling so I know I'll work it out. Just have to make a few adjustments is all.

I just got home at decided to take the air cast off, put on the foot brace and slide into my running shoe. Just to see how it feels. Result: Not tooo bad. Not great and not ready to rock n roll. But honestly I don't have that piercing pain. How tired are you guys of hearing about my foot-healing saga? Promise it will be done soon. Or at least I hope it will be!

All right! I am about to do some light yoga and abs followed by some sort of dinner. Nothing is really sounding good right now. Leaning towards soup, garlic bread and a tomato, basil, mozzarella salad. Yeah, now that I typed that out...It sounds good.

Enjoy the evening! Cheers...Traci

I Miss, I Miss, I Miss

2010-02-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody! How’s the week going so far? Awesome I hope! Yesterday was a bit of a crazy weather day. Pretty much snowed on and off all day. That's the view from my office around 3pm yesterday afternoon. To get to my car after work I had to once again put my aircasted foot in a garbage bag and tuck it into the top. What a look! Very attractive indeed. And the bag was white so it really stuck out against my black tights. What a pretty girl! Actually, I looked a little bit like a freak and made some co-workers laugh, but I didn’t care. At least my “boot” stayed nice and dry. I have come to the conclusion there is no way to look good wearing this thing on my left foot and a shoe on my right. Just not a good look folks. Alls I can say is better now than in the summer! I even asked one of my guy...um “friends?” (don’t ask) to come to my work, clear my car off and pull it to the front of the building for me. No such luck. I was kidding of course. Well, half kidding. I was secretly hoping he’d show up. Not just to clean off my car but because I really wanted to see him. Sighing...

Anyway...by the end of the day after running all around this 130,000 sq foot building of ours, my foot generally throbs. Today, not as much. Hmmm...healing perhaps? One can only hope. And my hip flexor? Although it is not 100% pain free, it seems to be about 90%. I noticed the more I stretch it out the better it feels. Stretch, stretch, streeeeetch! One of the candidates I was interviewing the other day looked at me and literally said “you’re kind of a mess”. Normally I would take offense, but I had to laugh. Right you are candidate, I am a mess! But the mess is temporary. I’ll be back soon!

I get home last night and decide to do some easy yoga poses (did some in my office earlier too). I love how it opens you up and how you can feel the blood pumping through your body. Also did some ab work and pushups. Not a fancy, hard core workout but at least I felt like I moved my body!

Things I miss...and miss...and miss...insert big sigh here:
You know what I really miss? Of course you do. This is no secret. I miss my yoga studio. I miss the hot room. I miss the heat (oh how I love that heat), I miss the feeling of sweat first breaking during the first couple of postures and how you make note of when you start to sweat (I always make a mental note of this for some odd reason). I miss when the sweat first starts to drip off your body. I miss how when it’s a really hot room and you can hear the sweat dripping on the mats and it sounds like a rain forest. I miss standing on my yoga mat, MY little space for the next 90 minutes and challenging myself. I miss looking myself in the eye in that mirror and saying “get after it”. I miss the amazing energy that comes from the other yogi’s in the room. I miss the seeing the faces of newer yogis in the room as they try and try and try (don’t give up yogi’s). I miss giving them positive feedback and encouragement. I miss teachers telling me they know I can do it right so DO IT RIGHT! I miss my yoga clothes. I miss my yoga friends. I even miss the things that sometimes irk me. Like the tiny locker room and jockeying for a little space to change (one time there were so many people in there I just said...Oh damn and changed right in front of the door. No time for modesty in Bikram). I miss the sounds of people’s water bottle caps turning (ok I really don’t miss that one), I miss dragging my weary body up the long staircase to the studio. I miss the orange walls. I miss falling out of postures and having the determination to jump right back in. I miss battling for a parking spot near the studio and the odd sense of satisfaction I get when I secure a prime spot out front. I miss the rush of getting to the studio after work. I miss my routine, my schedule, my passion. I miss the feeling of euphoria after class. I miss that feeling of pure happiness. I miss, I miss, I miss....I miss...it all. My heart, my mind, my body...All are aching to practice Bikram. To feel THAT feeling we get after 90 minutes of class. I am going to be one very happy girl when I finally get back. One very happy girl. My other love, running. Well, he's still a ways away. Yoga first, then running.

Random Act of Kindness Week: How ya doing with it?Last night I simply handed a basket to a guy at the store before grabbing one for myself. He looked confused and shocked and said “oh...thanks and smiled” Your welcome, as I smiled back. As I passed by a co-worker in the hall today her head was down and she looked pretty sad. I simply said...I love your outfit today! Very cute! With that her head popped up and I swear walked away with a pep in her step. You see, the acts, they needn’t be big, or costly. Just a couple of words, a simple gesture. That’s it. And bonus: It will make you feel good too! Give it a shot.

Thought for the day: You can’t force flexibility. It’s about releasing and opening gradually. Body + Soul, March 2010

Ok friends that’s about all I have for today. Can’t wait until I can actually talk about my Bikram practice again. I sense it will be like learning to walk all over again so I should have all sorts of interesting things to say! Hoping for only another week in the boot so keep your fingers crossed for me, ok? I can use all the positive energy I can grab!

Good night all and of course...Cheers...Traci

Monday....

2010-02-15T19:09:00.000-05:00

What's up guys? Did you have to work today or did ya have the day off? We worked. Typical busy Monday.

Today, as I am getting through my interview schedule, I started thinking about how my job actually makes a difference in many lives. I think we all want to feel like what we do makes a difference in some way. I looked at how many people we extened offers to and hired during the past year. It's a fairly big number, well over 100. That's over 100 people who have been laid off, downsized etc. I never really stop to think how by hiring them, we have picked them up and given them a chance to start again. And how they can feel confident when they join the Granite Telecom team; they will be joining a solid, growing company. Pretty good feeling!

Anyway, talking about good feelings, do you know what this week is? Today starts Random Acts of Kindness Week! And it doesn't have to be anything major. Simple things like: Holding the elevator for someone instead of letting the door close, smiling at a stranger, letting someone in line at the store who looks rushed & stressed go in front of you, paying a compliment to a co-worker on a job well done, email the corporate headquarters and let them know what a great job the barista team at your favorite coffee shop is doing (believe me this goes a long way). There's tons of things you can do. Most take but a second of time, but to the recipient it can change their day. It really can. Your simple act might be the thing that puts a smile on their face for the rest of the day. Let me know if you have any good experiences experimenting with it this week.

Still no workouts for me :( .... Need to get this foot healthy stat!

Enjoy your evenings everyone!

Cheers...Traci

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T18:10:00.000-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Lot's of love to you all. Hope your days and nights are filled with lots of hugs and kisses.

Kiss, kiss, hug, hug. Have a great evening!

Lots of Love...Traci

Good Luck!

2010-02-13T12:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday! I haven't ventured outside yet, but it looks pretty nice. Some sun, temps in the 30's...I can deal with that!

First and foremost I have to send a big old GOOD LUCK to Chris Bopp, owner of the Bikram studio in Quincy where I practice. He's out in California for the International Yoga Asana Championship this weekend. Good luck Chris! And congrats on making it there.

Sometimes I look at the postures these people do and sit there thinking....Good God! My body will never do that. And you know what? That's ok, because yoga is personal. It's about you, not what the person beside you is doing. It's you, on your mat for 90 minutes. A "moving meditation" as they say. I was thinking about that the other day. We rush around all day long, running from one point to the next. Talking, talking, talking. Sometimes forgetting even to do the most simple thing, breathe. And then for these 90 minutes we literally stand on this little mat and say zero words. Oh sure, most of the times we have lots of words running through our heads. I think we all have had some pretty spirited silent conversations. Sometimes they are pep talks, sometimes they are fights. But no words are spoken out loud. These 90 minutes are all mine. 90 minutes just for me. How good is that? Pretty damn amazing if you ask me.

As you know I have been sidelined with injuries the past few weeks. I feel like when I get back to the studio I'm going to be a beginner all over again! And when I tie my running shoes and hit the streets, it will be a struggle to find my breath. I'll get it back though. I will. That's a promise.

This morning I ran through the Bikram series at home (well, I did what I could anyway with my foot). Breathing, half-moon, eagle, standing separate leg stretching, triangle (modified), tree (modified), cobra, locust, camel. So I had to pass on many of the postures. But the ones I could do I held extra long and boy did it feel great! My body is getting tighter and tighter the longer I'm out of the studio. Can't wait to get back. I have to loosen this baby up!

My foot by the way? After one week I can feel it getting better already. I have been extra good about letting it heal. I just know I will be ready to ease back into my workouts in no time. I just know it. Can. Not. Wait!

Enjoy your Saturday, people! I'm really hoping to be back in the studio by next weekend. I would love to be able to post about a workout! Oh, I'll set up in the back of the room and do modified postures. But at least I'll be back in my yoga clothes, back in the studio and back to practicing our beloved Bikram. Running? Well that's still a ways away. One thing at a time.

Smile and hugs...Traci

Happy Weekend!

2010-02-12T18:57:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Hope you all enjoyed your week. It's finally Friday and we have all earned a relaxing weekend haven't we? We're working Monday, but hope you guy's can enjoy a long weekend!

My foot is still on the mend. I am absolutely going out of my mind not working out. Doing what I can to keep limber but I can't wait to get a real workout in! Patience right? The more patient I am the better and faster I will heal.

Right now my foot (and my whole mind and body) is tired. I'm constantly running all week long around the building from meeting to meeting. Which normally I love, but by the end of the day today I was done. Drained. I was tired of carrying this air cast boot around. By the end of the day it felt as if it weighed 50 pounds. And I was tired of answering the question "what happened?" I know everyone was just being nice, but people who know me know enough to just keep moving along. The last thing this girl wants is attention because of an injury. The weekend sure showed up at the right time. Couple of days of rest and I'll be good to go again! That much I know. Right now I'm looking forward to a nice quiet night at home with my leg propped up on a pillow and possibly a glass of cabernet in my hand.

Enjoy your Friday evening everyone! And Challengers...Thinking about you all and hoping you are staying strong! Cheering you on from Boston :0)

Hugs...Traci

A Beautiful New Boot!

2010-02-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday all. Welcome back to the work week. Hope everyone had a fun and rejuvinating weekend! After all that's what it's for right? My weekend? Eh, just ok.

I thought I would show you the perfectly lovely boot I am sporting on my left foot as of Saturday. Isn't she a beauty? Looks like this will be my stylish footwear for a couple of weeks. Lovely. I do hear they are all the rage. Seems that wearing heals and limping around for a couple of months wasn't the best idea. This left foot of mine really wasn't happy about it. Sorry foot. This thing is actually amazing. My foot doesn't hurt one bit when I walk in it. Something about immobilizing it and not letting the foot bend. I don't know, as long as I can walk and it gets better, that's all I care about. It's kind of heavy and clunky though and I feel like I’m walking around in a ski boot (I'm a terrible skier by the way!). I keep thinking...Ok, I just need to get through the next few weeks of all these pains and injuries, then it'll be spring and my body will be back to normal! The art of positive thinking is powerful and can create amazing results. I'm a true believer in that. Really am. Just need to kick out those "woe is me" thoughts that keep creeping into my head though! Just have to rock on, right kids? No time for self pity.

I've been letting myself get down about not being able to workout for the last 2 weeks. Finally over the weekend I knew I needed an attitude adjustment...FAST. I pride myself in being a positive person. So I said to myself...Well, Traci, you can walk around with a frown on (which creates wrinkles!) and stew about all of this OR you can accept it, deal with it, get well and move the hell on. You can't wish it away. Sounds better to me! So that's where I am. I'm going to do all I can to get these injuries healed as fast as I can. I'm going to do what I am told (rare & hard for me!) and listen. In the meantime I'll keep working my upper body. And halfmoon poses actually feel so good on my spine. There's lots of stretching, arms & ab work I can do. For now it will have to be good enough. Besides, summer will be here before we know it and I'll have these amazing arms from all the arms workouts! Tank tops here I come! And when I do get back to the Bikram studio (MISS IT!) I’ll still be nice and strong. See...there it is. My positve attitude is still lurking around.

Ok people! That's it. That's all I have for ya. Busy day here at work. I might have to ask them to bring my candidates up to me. Going up and down multiple times today with the boot thing might get pretty exhausting. Or...Maybe it will be good for my body to move? Don't know, we'll see how it goes. Hope every single one of you has a perfect day.

Cheers...Traci

Hip to Foot? Now What???

2010-02-05T12:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday to you! What a week this has been huh? Whew! Really ready to get the weekend started. Just need to get through the next few hours...

So get this...now that my right hip is getting better out of nowhere my left foot starts hurting. I give up. Throwing my hands in the air. I don’t even know what happened to it. I have a few thoughts on this. 1. All the limping around I have done since December has taken a toll on my left foot. 2. The other night I was stretching and I might have pulled my feet back too much and pulled a muscle in my foot. 3. I wear heals every day and run around the building for like 11 or 12 hours a day. I can’t imagine that is good on the feet. For the first time I can remember at work I am wearing flat shoes today. I feel like such a shortie! I’m such a mess. I think I’m falling apart. I never had all these issues in my 20’s and 30’s! Welcome to 40 I guess?

Work has been busier than ever this week. For the most part I handle stress very well. I can juggle with the best of them and tend to be a bit of a perfectionist. Pretty much your typical Type A. I actually prefer to be crazy busy. Right now I have about 12 roles I am recruiting for. Some of the roles need multiple hires (one role needs 6!). It’s great that we are still hiring so many people in this economy! Last night I sat at my desk after pretty much everyone had packed up and left for the night. I sat there staring at my To Do list and decided to practice some deep breathing. I closed my eyes and pictured myself doing pranyama breathing in the yoga studio. It did help to calm me down. When we run around like crazy all day, I think this is a great way to pull it all back, calm down and refocus.

I didn’t feel up to an arm or ab workout last night when I got home from work so I just had some dinner, ran a bath, lit some candles, read a magazine and called it a night. Sleep. Sleep felt so good last night. I woke up this morning feeling totally rested and refreshed. Ready to start the day. Until my foot hit the floor and then OUCH. I feel like I just keep shifting the pain from one part of my body to the next! Stinks. Honestly, I don’t know if my hip seems like it feels better because my foot hurts now or if it really does feel better. I need my strong, healthy body back soon! And the thing is I have a high tolerance for pain. So if I complain, it really hurts.

When I get a little stressed out it changes my voice. Stress goes right to my vocal cords. So I’m in my weekly meeting with my boss this morning and says...do you have a cold? I smile and say...no that’s just where my stress comes out. Currently sucking on some Bee MD Organic Honey Throat Drops. Soothing. Looks like I have 5 more interviews to get to this afternoon and plus sourcing candidates for a brand new role for our company. New roles are fun and challenging to recruit for.

What’s up for tonight? I was supposed to have drinks with a certain guy tonight but he cancelled on me. Oh well. So looks like I can either enjoy some nice quiet time and decompress at home (sounding very good right now!) or head out with friends for some appetizers and drinks. Not sure which path I’ll take...

Anyway, you guys have good plans for the weekend? I plan on getting some rest, recharging and most of all I plan on doing lots of laughing with friends. Laughing fixes everything yes?

Enjoy the rest of your Friday. Thanks again for listening to me whine guys!

Cheers! Traci

Still a Hitch in my Giddy Up

2010-02-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Nice sunny day out there today. Not exactly a heat wave at 27 degrees, but I'll take the sunshine.

Whew! I seriously over booked my calendar this afternoon! I hate when I do this because it's almost a given that I will be running behind all afternoon. Oh well I'm sure the candidates won't mind sitting tight for a bit. I'm usually right on time for all my meetings. Hate to keep people waiting. I just really like to see as many people as I can manage to fit into my schedule. The more people I see, the quicker I can find the right candidate to hire!

Injury Update: The hip flexor is still better than last week, but not any better than how it felt on Monday. At this point it is just totally frustrating. Last night I did some arms and abs as well as some yoga poses. I miss doing my favorite Camel posture so decided to give them a shot after doing some stretching. I think that was a mistake. The hip kind of yelled at me. Lesson learned I guess.

Here at work today I was walking down the hall and I said to one of the guys (he practices yoga too!)...I'm walking better huh? He replied...You are but you still have a little hitch in your giddy up! Yeah, I know, I know. But at least I don't look like that penguin anymore! I like penguins and all, I just don't want to walk like one, ya know?

So lunch was approaching and what's a girl to do? I wasn't really hungry but knew I need something to take me through the busy afteernoon. The guys are ordering sushi again...Sounds good to me! Plus had an oh so lovely Honeybell Orange...Isn't it a beauty! Delish

You guy's ever notice that when you can't do your normal cardio workouts your appetite pretty much disappears! I hate that. Truly do!

I sense an afternoon latte is in my future if I can find a few minutes to step away. I wish Startbucks delivered!!! If not I have some devine Dark Hot Cocoa that I could substitute. We'll see how it plays out.

Have a great afternoon. And I have to say thanks to all my bloggie friends for your encouraging words. You guys all totally make my day! Seriously, you really do. Your words mean more than you know. What a great community we have!!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!

CHEERS! Traci

Cardio I Miss YA!

2010-02-03T16:49:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Happy middle of the week. Hope your day is going swimmingly wherever you may be. In Boston we woke up this morning to a bit of snow falling from a gray sky. Wasn't expecting that! Just a flurry but enough to create a white blanket on my car. I was too cold and lazy this morning to brush it off so I did the old trick of putting the windows up & down and turning the windshield wipers on. HA! Look at that...Good to go and I didn't even have to brave the cold! Thankfully the snow was really nothing to speak of. I kind of feel like we are about due for another storm soon. Ugh!

Crazy busy day again at work. I was talking to my mom last night and she says...When do you think it's going to quiet down for you? Ha! What a funny girl you are mom! It's not going to slow down and I like it that way. Busy is good! Sometimes I feel like there are so many people trying to get just a little piece of me all day long though. Just one Traci to go around. Maybe I should clone myself? And I have run out of room on my desk today so the floor of my office is littered with folders. Seriously, I need to organize big time before I leave tonight. I thrive on this though. Good stuff!

I took a few minutes away from the action to grab some lunch at Panera though. Had a delicious Tomato & Mozzarella on Ciabatta. So good. One of the guys wanted me to be in on the sushi run again today but I like to mix it up a bit.

And of course this delish afternoon treat! That would be a tall non-fat pumpkin spice latte. It was really good but I think there must have been an extra shot of espresso in there. Left me a bit hyper! I just might be addicted to them...

WORKOUTS:

Not exactly what I love but got in my arm workout last night along with some of those planks that I love. You really can feel them working!

Wish I had a crystal ball and could see when I would be pain free! This hip flexor/psoas is driving my insane! Oh well, could be worse. Could always be worse right? Need to do cardio soon! I miss my cardio!!!

Have an awesome evening all. Keep on staying strong 101's dayers! Enjoy a pose or two for me :).

CHEERS! Traci

Wasabi!

2010-02-02T16:47:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon all! How was the day? A good one I hope! I honestly feel like we should be much further into the week than Tuesday. I have been asking my candidates all day how their week was going. Finally in my last candidate meeting of the day my candidate says...well, it is only Tuesday but I guess it's going well so far. Wise guy. Great candidate though and has my thumbs up to hire!

What a whirlwind of a day. Ever get to the end of the work day, the sun is just about set and you are just like...How did that happen? Where did this day go! One of those days today. It always cracks me up that as fast as I fill an open requisition there's another new one right behind it. Working on a couple of roles here that are brand new to our company, so trying to find my way to the right candidates for them is kind of a challenge. Makes it fun though! Always up for a challenge. I love the fact that I hire for so many different positions, divisions and levels here. So interesting to meet with candidates from new college grads all the way up to Senior Level Management. People are just so interesting.

Lunch today was oh so lovely and that set the stage for a great afternoon. Me and 3 guys I work with decided to order Sushi from a great local place called Beni Cafe. Of course once some others got wind of it they wanted in. Next time guys...sorry. I got the Spicy Avacado and Cucumber Maki. I love spicy and used so much wasabi my face was bright red and my mouth was on FIRE. A little wasabi goes a long way doesn't it? I got 6 rolls and finished every single one of them. Yum! Just the thing I needed to boost my energy to tackle the afternoon. Our conversation the enitre time revolved around running and working out! The whole time I kept thinking....Oh I miss it so! For an additional boost of course I needed my afternoon latte fix too. Naturally!

So how's my hip? About the same as yesterday. Last night I tried doing some yoga poses to test it and I think I might have over stretched the hip flexor a bit. I tried some Trees, Eagles, Triangles, Half Moons and Bows. I just wanted to see where my hip was at. Conclusion: Not Ready! Need a few more days of being patient with the healing process. Wish I could just hit the fast forward button though! Soon enough.

So I have a planned upper body workout tonight: Biceps, Triceps, Shoulders, Push Ups and also some Planks. Going to toss in some yoga poses to stretch out. Think I'll give pull ups a shot too, but really not very good at them. Love, love, love Planks though!

Have a fabulous evening everyone! Enjoy your workout/Bikram practice and remember to have fun with it. We do this because we choose to. Because we want to...Remember that.

CHEERS! Traci

Healing is Happening!

2010-02-01T10:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Everyone have a great weekend? As usual it went by way too fast.

Isn’t it funny how our dreams are so related to what's going on in our lives? Since I can't run or practice Bikram right now I had a dream last night that I said...Oh the hell with it! And decided to jump in at the last minute and run a marathon. The starting line was set up in a department store and there were only a handful of people running it. See, I have been so upset the past few days about not being able to workout and this is how it played out in my head. Funny.

Anyway, it's so cold out and I really just wanted to stay in my cozy bed under the nice fluffy covers a little bit longer this morning. I thought about rolling over to grab a few extra minutes of coziness. Then I figured that would only make it more difficult in the long run. Sigh...I threw of the warm covers and picked my body up.

As I hung my legs over the side of my bed I started talking to myself....Please, please, please let my hip feel better. PLEASE. I have been so good about resting and icing it this past week it just HAS to feel better. My feet hit the floor, I take a deep breath and stand up. Keep in mind that for the past several weeks the simple act of getting out of bed and moving my legs across the bedroom every morning has been a very difficult task. When my right leg would go to push off the floor and move my body forward...nothing less than sheer pain. So this morning I stood there a second before moving forward, almost waiting for the pain to come. Hmmmm... not too bad. I start charging (ok, not charging so much. More like inching) forward and while there is still lots of tenderness there is not that sharp shooting pain I had become accustomed to! Progress...I think! Definite progress.

As I'm getting dressed I also notice how I can stand on my right leg without wincing. Oh it still hurts but I think I have turned the corner. This hip? I do believe she is healing!

Why oh why didn't I take the time to rest it earlier? What did I do instead? I thought...I'm strong and tough. I'm not fragile. I can work through the pain. But guess what? You can't work through a real injury. Injuries need time to heal. You have to take care of them. They won't just "go away". When I look back over the past several weeks I'm so mad at myself. I'm mad I didn't listen to my body. That I walked around limping, walking like a penguin. Fighting back tears at points.

Why did I think this was ok? Why did I think it would just get better without time to heal? Why didn't I listen to people when they kept telling me rest was the only way to heal my injury? And most importantly, why didn’t I take the advice I so often give to others? Rest equals healing. It just does. Practice what you preach Traci.

Well, no sense in beating myself up now. Past is past I always say. The good news here is I did come to my senses. I realized I would rather take a week or 2 off now and heal it properly than end up with permanent damage. In some ways I think this sort of "work through the pain" mentality stems from years ago when I was a gymnast. That's what we did, we worked through the pain...Back pain, torn hamstrings, palms of the hands so torn and bloody from the bars (ripped palms were a like a badge of hard work), bruised bodies from falling off the bars and beam, on the floor and off the vault...on so on. We just rocked on. That was expected and that's what we did. I guess it made us mentally tough, but wow! Crazy stuff when I think back.

So here I am. I haven't run or done yoga since last Sunday. While it certainly doesn't make me happy (possibly even a bit cranky), I know this is what my body needs to heal. I'm on my way! Isn't that great news? I'm not quite there yet, but I would say I'm better than 50%. Lots of healing in one week! I just get all excited with the anticipation of getting back to my practice first and then my running. I think a few more days and I might, I just might be pain free. And that will make this girl very happy!

Hope you all have a fantastic Monday and start to the week!

To the 101 Challengers...Congrats on 1 month done and good luck with month #2. You guys totally rock!

E...Hope your leg is feeling better!

My niece Hannah: Congrats on your 1st place All Around finish! Ah, yes, yet another gymnast in our family!

Cheers! Traci

Not ready yet...

2010-01-30T11:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday people! I know I say this all the time, but I really love Saturday. I just think it's the best day of the week. Boston weather today.... 11°F Real Feel® -10°F Brrrrrrr! Too cold!

I woke up this morning and for some reason in my head I started to think...I'm going to jump out of bed and my hip is going to be miraculously healed, there will be no pain damn it. Well, unfortunately that's not exactly the case. Better though. I notice that I can get out of bed in the morning and put weight on my leg and walk without wanting to cry. That's good right??? This is just a slow healing injury but since I have taken the last 5 days off (ugh!) I notice a marked improvement. We're getting there. I wish I had done this sooner rather than trying to work through it. But at least I'm doing the right thing now. It's just not ready yet. Have to keep repeating that word in my head...Patience.

Today? Today I really have to urge to put yoga clothes on and head to my Bikram studio for a nice Hannane class. It's like I have the angel and devil on my shoulders. The angel is saying...Your hip is still healing; you are doing the right thing and resting it. You have taken steps forward in the healing process and don't want to take steps backward at this point. The Devil? He's saying.... Oh, just go you wimp! You haven't been to yoga since last Sunday...Almost a week! You'll be fine. Just go.

Hmmm....Whom should I listen to? I know, I know. I should be smart about it and not head back yet. It's hard though! Don't you guy's find the less you workout the less energy you have. I feel like a slug today and just know a good Bikram class would take care of that. Oh well, soon enough I suppose. I'll just need to find another way to pump up my energy!

I did some easy yoga postures to loosen up this morning. Just had to stay away from any postures that use or stretch the hip. Ever notice how many postures use the hip? ALOT! Anyway, what I could do felt good.

Hope you all have a great Saturday. If you practice Bikram today enjoy some postures for me, okay? Typical Saturday chores and errands to do and then I'm looking forward to a fun girls night tonight! Bundle up out there!

Cheers all! Traci

Happy Friday!

2010-01-29T14:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!

Not much to say today since I can't really work out much. So sad. I think my hip might be getting a little better. The worst part is when I first stand up from my desk. Once I get moving it loosens up and feels somewhat better. A couple more days of rest and hopefully it will feel much, much better. The good news is I don't think I have the penguin walk any more! Still limping, but a little less I guess. Any improvement is good at this point!

I really, really, really can't wait to get back to my Bikram practice and my running. I miss both so much. I honestly do. And as I read all the other blogs about your great, challenging classes the green monster appears and I get so jealous. Injuries...they just suck. Oh well, I know I'm doing the smart thing now so I can be back in action soon. Patience. Not exactly one of my strengths, but that's what I need right now. Patience.

Hope you all have a great rest of your Friday and have lots of fun things planned for the weekend!

Cheers...Traci :)

Jolted out of Bed!

2010-01-28T09:13:00.000-05:00

Morning to ya!
Early this morning I was jolted out of bed by an extremely loud horn sounding. It sounded like a freight train was going through my bedroom! After my eyes popped open I looked out the window to see the biggest tanker I have ever seen leaving the harbor escorted by tugboats. Tankers come and go all the time, but this thing was gigantic and loud! Not an ideal way to usher in the morning, but at least I was up nice and early to do some light stretching. Always a bright side of things, huh?

I was at the office late last night. I was here late probably for 2 reasons:
1) because I was catching up on things and I like the quietness to do that after hours and 2) because I knew I couldn’t workout. I was procrastinating leaving because I was sad about not being able to run or go to yoga! And much to my chagrin I stuck to my no running/no yoga last night. Instead I did some arms & planks. Here’s what I did:

1. Pushups
2. Bicep Curls
3. Shoulder Presses
4. Tricep Dips
5. Overhead Extensions
6. Planks
7. Side Planks
8. Stretching

I wanted to do some Bikram postures but I realized pretty much all of them seem to pull at my hip flexor. Decided not to.

We have a great gym in our building here at work. I don’t really use the one here but it’s actually excellent. Weights, about 20 treadmills, elipticals, bikes etc., tv's, locker rooms & showers...We are definitely a company that believes in fitness and want to support those who want to be healthy. So there’s a group of trainers and one of the benefits for our employees is we can have an assessment done by them. They’ll create a plan specifically for you. The owner of the training company is awesome. Former Captain in the Marines, Triathelete (Iron Man and others), Marathoner, has climbed various mountains...really just the fittest guy I have ever met. Pretty hard core. He also leads our Boot Camp on Friday mornings. Outside. Rain or Shine. In snow, in rain, in single digit temps, whatever. They are out there. Crazy stuff.

Anyway, I think I might go see him to set me up with a good routine while my hip heals. I sense it would be helpful. Have to keep the body moving!

Well, hope you all have a great, productive Thursday. Have to get to work at checking lots of things off my “to do” list!

Cheers...Traci

Injuries Stink!

2010-01-27T09:10:00.001-05:00

Good morning everyone. Hope you all had good Tuesday's. Mine was pretty good . I was here at the office until around 7 last night finalizing things with a candidate. Makes me happy because I filled a high level open requisition with an awesome candidate. He's a great fit for the role. And I love how excited he is to be joining our team. I know I've said it before but that is truly the favorite part of my job. Matching candidates to a role. Such a great feeling presenting an offer to someone and seeing how happy they are. Especially in this economy!

Anyway, about this morning. This morning I'm not such a ray of sunshine. I’ve come to the realization I finally have to give in and listen. I tell people all the time: Listen to your body. If it's in real pain you need to pull back. Now it's my turn to listen and take my own advice. I need to take a break from my workouts and rest my hip flexor. I realize this is not something you can just work through. It's just not getting better and I don't want to end up with a problem that will be permanent. I need to listen to the docs and my body and rest this damn thing.

That means no running, no yoga for...well; I'm exactly not sure how long. Going to give it a few days and reassess where I'm at. They tell be this could take weeks to heal. Not sure I could handle that! It's going to be truly difficult for me to not workout. It's such a huge part of my life and I love it. But if I don't take care and get my hip better, things could end up worse. During this break I'll just concentrate on upper body exercise. Not my favorite but it’s something.

Oh well, that's my story. Not great, not making me happy. But life is not all sunshine and tulips everyday right? We just need to take the situation and make the best of it. It could be worse. I know this will heal in time. That's just what I need to give it. Time.

Like the quote hanging on my wall here at the office says "Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results." I'm sure I've posted this before but thought it was appropriate today.

Have a great day everyone. I'm off to try to find a way to be positive!

Traci

Rain gives way to sun...

2010-01-26T10:27:00.002-05:00

Life is kind of like too isn't it? You could be having the darkest of days and then all of the sudden the sun is shining on your world and all is good!

Good morning. What a difference a day makes! Yesterday we had some wild weather around here. Tons of rain and high, high winds. Lots of broken umbrellas (no not like in balancing stick!) strewn about the streets I thought I was going to get blown over as I walked to my car last night!

Which reminds me of a little story...

A few years back I actually did fall down on a very windy day in the Financial District in downtown Boston. I went down pretty hard. I opened my eyes to see a small group had formed around me. I popped right up, bruised ego, body and all, gathered my bags and was on my way. Quickly.

A friend of mine living in another state heard the story from a friend and thought it would be funny to send me ankle weights in the mail and told me to wear them on windy days to keep my feet on the ground. Nice huh?

Have I mentioned how seriously clumsy I am? How people here at work say I should be wrapped in bubble wrap? How when someone falls they say to me "Oh, I just had a Traci moment". And they always seem so excited to tell me about their mishaps! People always say to me...How can you be such a clutz? You do yoga and were a gymnast! Don't know...just am. Always have been and probably always will be. Adds to my charm, that's what I say.

Oh I could honestly write a book on all my clumsy moments. Some of my favorites happened during first dates! And they actually came back for a second. I think the most important thing is to be able to laugh at yourself. If you’re laughing everyone else will too right?

Anyway...The sun is shining and the wind is lower today. Thank goodness!

Last night I made it out of the office around 5:30pm! Not bad huh? I had a serious case of the Mondays. With the weather and all I really just wanted to go home. I knew if I went to yoga I wouldn't get home until about 8:30pm. So I scrapped yoga and pointed the Jeep in the direction of home. On the short drive I had to develop my workout for the night. I decided to roll out one of my yoga mats, turn up the heat in my home office and do the Bikram series at home. Actually felt pretty good. Of course not as good as in the studio, but good to get the blood flowing and open up some muscles.

I'm going to try really hard to take a break from any running this week and be more consistent with icing my hip. I have come to the sad conclusion that running is only making it worse at this point. I almost get teary eyed when I'm driving along seeing all the runners hitting the streets. Just need to heal and I'll be back out there soon! I'll be back. Injuries are so freaking frustrating aren't they? Grrrrr!

My yoga bag is sitting here with me in the office waiting to go to Maria's 6:30pm class this evening. I think I need a good yoga session tonight! Looking forward to a good sweat.

Shout out to Michelle @Bikramyogachic: Chin up girl! Things always have a way of working out. They just do :)

UPDATE: Just ran to the market to grab lunch and a water bottle comes crashing down onto my cheekbone. Leaving me with a little bruised swollen patch on my face. Lovely. See...I really am clumsy! OUCH!
Have a happy Tuesday everyone! Until next time...Traci

Sore Muscles...And That's a Good Thing!

2010-01-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

Good Monday morning everyone! I slept like a log last night. Usually I’ll wake up a few minutes before my alarm sounds, but not today. When the alarm went off I just rolled over and was like...Ugh, I’m still tired! I think it’s in part because of the really dreary day outside. It’s warm though. They are talking about near record temps today of around 57 degrees! Too bad the sun wasn’t out for us to enjoy. Oh well, can’t have it all right?

In yesterday’s post I talked about working to my maximum in class. It felt great to do that in class yesterday morning and I could notice a huge difference. Things opened up more and I could feel the muscles doing what they were suppose to. Sometimes I hold back in class and don’t really go to my maximum right away. That’s not a good habit and it’s something I’m trying to get better at.

Well, let me tell ya, this morning I noticed the difference even more! I can’t remember the last time my muscles were truly sore from a workout. Today? Oh yes, today I have sore muscles. Sore in a very good way, mind you. Just slightly sore, not painful. When I got out of bed this morning and felt the soreness as my feet hit the ground I smirked. Soreness in my back, in my abs and in my legs. This was validation to me that I worked my body hard yesterday. That I worked to my edge.
The soreness is kind of like the prize. Sherie keeps telling me to work harder. Yesterday I listened and did. And today I’m happy for it. My body is happy for it.

I stretched out this morning before getting ready for work. That’s really all it took to make my muscles feel nice and loose again.

So next class no slacking for me. Not that I ever sit postures out, but I DO just go through the motions at times. I know where I can get to in postures and that’s where I need to get to right out of the gate. Stop holding back Traci. No saving it for second set. Any other 2nd setters out there? Just go for it. That’s why we’re there, that’s why we’re practicing this yoga right? To get the most out of it that we can. If I don’t give it my all while I’m in that room, why am I even there? And on any given day my all could be different depending on what happened outside the studio. Busy day at work, not enough sleep, not feeling well. All play a role in how my practice will go. The point is to work to your edge, wherever it’s at that day. Oh sure we hear leave all that stuff outside the studio. But sometimes I think it’s ok to bring it in with you and work through it.

Here’s what I know: To get the most you have to give the most. And of course that goes with each and everything in life. If I want a relationship I have to be willing to let my guard down a little and let someone in. If I want to advance professionally, I need to work hard and show my dedication. If I want my Bikram practice to be at the level I want it to be at, I need to work hard. No fears. No excuses. Just get it done.

Well, I’m off to focus on my Monday now. Lot’s to do! I had planned on Bikram this evening but I’ll just have to see how the day goes.

And remember “A great flame follows a little spark” Dante ...Always does.

Cheers! Traci

Working at my Maximum

2010-01-24T18:18:00.000-05:00

Hi! Hope you all had an awesome weekend. It actually felt pretty mild out there today, warmer than it has been in a long time. No sun, but I wanted to look like a cool chic so I still sported the shades anyway. :) Weekends are just so recharging aren't they? It's like we get to Sunday evening and I'm ok with the fact that it's Monday tomorrow. Well...Almost ok. Of course it would always be nice to enjoy a 3-day weekend EVERY weekend.

Let's talk Bikram shall we?

Saturday's 3:30 class with Hannane. Oh Hannane...How are you doing it? Hannane is 30 weeks pregnant and still teaching like a rock star. She cracked me up yesterday though. I enter the studio, she looks up from the desk, smiles and says...I was going to ask you to move your car so I could park there. See, I had secured a nice prime spot directly in front of the studio and she had to park all the way up Hancock and waddle....um, I mean walk...down. I wish she had tapped on my window. I absolutely would have moved for her! Next time, Hannane.

Class? It was good. Nothing really stands out as notable. Maybe just the fact that the pace was very quick. Her classes are like that. She holds you in postures for a little extra time and then moves quickly on to the next. No rests in between. As I type this I can't really remember class. It's so odd. Usually I can remember the entire class from breathing to final Savasana. Or at least pieces of the 90 minutes. I honestly can't even remember who was practicing around me. Very strange. Oh well. I just know I felt good after.

Sunday's 10am class with Sherie. It was awesome. My stomach felt a little off this morning so I didn't have a snack before class. Made sure to hydrate well before though. Set up in my favorite corner with Yong and her husband Mark. These two are an amazing pair. Such great people to practice beside. I love their attitudes, how they can laugh at themselves and at the same time I love the determination in their eyes to just keep on going. They make class fun. I guess I hope that's what people say about me too!

Anyway, it's about 9:50am and there are still PLENTY of open spots on the floor. It has started folks. I was wondering how long it would take. The New Years Resolutions people are starting to drop off. Slowly, but it's definitely happening. By the time class begins in very full, but not packed like the past couple of weeks. Still good room to move a bit. Actually it was a pretty perfect size if you ask me.

Class begins and as in every morning class my shoulders feel tight during the opening breathing series. But my body and mind feel strong. Half-moon...Sherie has a way of getting me to my maximum. And she knows it. So if I am hanging out and not going deep enough she definitely lets me know. It feels so good when I drop all the way down. Mental note here: Go to your maximum right away Traci. Every time!

Class cruises by nicely. I worked hard and with purpose. Sherie did and awesome demo for Standing Head to Knee using 5 yogis. All are at different points in the posture. Great visual. How impressed are you guy’s that I accept the stop and start now? Second set Sherie tells me to just go, don't think. So I do and forehead is on my knee. There ya have it. Just get into the posture!

Notable on the floor: Cobra pose. Sherie kept giving me great direction the entire pose. And I tell ya, this posture never felt so good. I could feel 100% of my back muscles doing 100% of the work. Left me open and happy. For the first time in a while when we hit Camel I was tired. This was a good tired. I knew I had worked my body hard. And Camel felt lovely as it always does.

Class ends and I take my time in final Savasana. I let my body sink into the floor and totally relax. It felt amazing. I look in the mirror as I stand to exit the Hot Room. I’m drenched. There's not a dry inch on me and my face is red as can be. What a great thing! I smile ever so slightly knowing I had put in a good practice today. Thanks for getting me to work to my maximum Sherie! What a difference!

So that's it. It was a good couple of days of Bikram. Some fun with friends. And now here we are at Sunday evening, preparing for the busy week ahead. I'm hoping to get to the studio Sunday (Sherie DONE), Monday (Mimi), Tuesday (Maria), Wednesday (Sherie), Saturday (Hannane). That would put me at 5 practices for the week. I'll get in 4 for sure, 5 if work isn't so crazy. Day at a time. No stress. No pressure.

Have a lovely Sunday evening all, take a deep breath and let's get ready for the week ahead of us! Oh...and smile...never forget to smile! Challengers: That goes extra for you! SMILE, BREATHE, HAVE FUN.

Cheers! Traci

Saturday, Sunshine & Bikram

2010-01-23T11:45:00.001-05:00

Saturday. Don't you just love Saturday's? I love waking up with nowhere to rush off to. To just get up when my body is ready to pull itself from a comfy bed. Enjoying a leisurely breakfast along with some caffeine. I don't drink a ton of caffeine, but I do need a cup a day (sometimes 2). I know a lot of people try to give it up completely, but I can't. Saturdays…they do a body good. Chance for us to re-energize!

Anyway, last night was a lovely night with friends. Always a great way to wrap up the week. Lots of laughs (as usual), silliness and fun. And that margarita I was looking forward to? Yes, that showed up for the fun along with the pizza I was craving. Got home and had a wonderful sleep last night.

I use to be such a terrible sleeper. I would have the hardest time falling asleep because my mind was going a mile a minute (typical of a Type A personality like myself). Once asleep I'd wake up and not be able to get back to sleep because I’d start thinking again! All this would of course leave me tired the next day.

Now? Now I pretty much am out the minute my head hits the pillow. Unless there's some sort of loud noise or something to wake me up I'm fast asleep until it's time to get up. I only need between 5 and 6 hours of sleep a night and I'm good to go. I don't know, maybe our beloved Bikram has helped with my better sleeping? Maybe. Score another point for Bikram.

What a lovely day it is out there today. The sun is shining bright, temp is around 30 degrees as I type, and I hear it's suppose to warm nicely into the 40's. When we get to this point in winter as long as I see the sunshine I'm good. Sun just helps so much doesn't it? I swear when the sun is shining people are just happier and nicer. Nothing worse than all those cold, dreary, dark days. Sunshine I love you! You make me happy.

So what's on your agenda today? For me: A little work to do which I'll do from home this morning. Has to be done before our 8am meeting Monday morning so no procrastinating! Then of course I have some errands to run early this afternoon, as I do every Saturday.

After that I'll be heading to the 3:30 Bikram class with Hannane! It's been a couple of weeks since I've taken a Hannane class so I'm looking forward to it. 2 days away from the hot room in a row and I feel like I really need this practice. You know when you take a couple of days off from any sort of workout and your body just starts talking to you? Well, mine is saying...Uh, Traci? Please get moving. Get into the hot room or tie the running shoes in those double knots and move! Can't wait to get to the studio this afternoon. I'm interested to see how my class goes since I had that big AHA moment this week. I'll have to be sure to fill you guys in later on how it went.

So how'd I do with my workouts this week? Not bad, could be better. I'll hit my minimum goal of 4 Bikram classes.

Sunday: Bikram; Monday: Bikram; Tuesday: Run; Wednesday: Bikram; Thursday: OFF; Friday: OFF; Saturday: Bikram (this afternoon). Light on the running this week but I think this is best for my hip. I have to get this damn thing healed. Driving me insane!

Well all, I hope your Saturdays are great! Bikram on your schedule? Enjoy the class and remember to smile. Look at yourself in that mirror and smile. The rest will just happen.

Cheers!!! Traci

Not just aha but...A......HA!

2010-01-22T13:22:00.000-05:00

We have arrived at Friday my friends! Welcome and happy freaking day! This has been a very long and busy week at work. Not complaining. Busy is good! Especially when so many companies are struggling. Busy is good! But whew, it’ll be good to catch my breath for a couple of days. Don’t you agree?

Last night I was here at the office until just about 7pm. Bikram wasn’t on my schedule last night so at least I don’t feel like I was missing out on it. Isn’t that the worst? When you have your bag with you and you miss class? Hate that. My plan was to head out for a scheduled run once I got home. But I did what I usually try not to do. I gave in to being tired. Sorry, but sometimes you just have to. Schedules and plans are great starting points to get us organized but it’s ok to make adjustments as needed. I decided if I did get into my running gear and head out for a run it wouldn’t be pretty. Still in my work clothes I flopped down...seriously flopped, as in totally collapsed...on my cozy, fluffy bed and returned some calls.

Every day this week I have interviewed between 6 and 8 candidates (as you can see we are still hiring like crazy here!). That’s a lot of talking! I never tire of talking about our company and learning about candidates. People are so interesting. And I have even met a few candidates who practice Bikram! Imagine that.

Last night my vocals cords were shot. Even today my voice is a bit scratchy...hmmm maybe I kind of have that sexy voice now? Ok, maybe not. I returned calls, but my calls were brief. I felt somewhat rejuvenated after about half an hour. Made myself some gnocchi topped with vegetables, some butternut squash sauce and tons of fresh ground pepper (I’m a pepper freak, took a nice long bath, watched a little TV (though I can’t even recall what the heck I watched), and called it a night. It felt so good to crawl into bed. The minute my head hit the pillow I was out like a light. Good. Night!

Woke up this morning ready to go! Bring it on world. Show me what ya got! Today is a total catch up and reorganizing day for me. I’m close to filling a few key roles here. Couple of offers to present, one offer was just accepted, candidate searches, paperwork catch up, special project, new hire paperwork for Monday...that’s kind of my agenda for today. Little bit of everything.

I just went out to grab lunch as was thinking as a drove along. Every once in a while in our practice we have a BIG “AHA” moment. I had one this week. I think it was actually lots of little ones that added up and came to me as one big one. Something just totally clicked and it felt like a light went off in my head. You hear the words the teachers say so often, but many times never really listen to them. We’re on auto pilot. But this week I listened. I heard. And I got it. What I finally get is what this practice is all about. Sure, we put ourselves in that room and work so hard to make our butts cute, to create tight abs, to get that yoga glow and to sweat. And initially that’s probably the only reason we start this practice. Oh but wait! It’s so much more. It’s about the mind. It’s about learning to deal with situations as they are thrown at you, accepting things and knowing you have the power to change things, learning how to be calm and peaceful, learning how not to let little things bother you. I don’t know what triggered it, but it clicked with me. I almost feel like I’m at a different place in my practice now. A good place. Oh yes...I still love the positive effects it has at toning up the body. But I also love how I can be in that room and let less and less things bother me. How I can be an encouraging source for another person. There’s just so much to this Bikram we practice. So much. This is powerful stuff for certain. I am truly thankful to have it as part of my life.

So here we are. Friday. Good plans for the weekend? I sense there will be a little recharging, re-energizing in store for everyone.

No work out yesterday and today will be another day sans workout for me. Looking forward to a great Birkam class tomorrow afternoon though! Meeting friends out after work for some food and drinks. Perfect way to end the week. I see a nice margarita in my future this evening. On the rocks, salted rim please. And I’m craving pizza too! I truly think pizza is the perfect food. So good. Has to be a nice thin crust, light on the cheese topped with black olives and sliced tomato though. Perfection.

Enjoy your Friday everyone! Do something fun and surround yourself with people who make you laugh. And smile. Just the act of smiling has a way of making us feel instantly better.

Cheers! Traci

Staying Present, Having Fun

2010-01-21T14:09:00.000-05:00

Hi! What a beautiful sunny day out there today. The sun is beaming in my office and feels so good! Sunshine just has a way of making you happy doesn’t it? And of course something else makes me happy...ok a few things actually make me happy...One of those things just happens to be a great Bikram class.

Last Night: 6:30pm Bikram with Sherie: Fun Class!
As I mentioned last night my 5:00 meeting was rescheduled so I was able to skip on over to the 6:30 class with Sherie. Made it to the studio with plenty of time to spare. I had the feeling it was going to be another crowded class. And it was. Set myself up in a nice hot spot way away from any doors. One girl comes in with like 5 minutes to spare. Looks around and tip toes up to the front. People were avoiding the hot corner for some reason last night so the last really open spot was right up front with me. She said she hates the front. I tell her we’d have fun. We could work off each others energy. It’ll be great! She gingerly unrolled her matt looking unconvinced, fixed her hair in braids and sat looking nervous. People were still coming in so class gets started late. After 1st set of breathing class stops to shift mats around to make room for some last minute arrivals. Usually this would really bother me, to start and stop, but I have really been trying to let things go a little more. So I just stood and smiled. Oh and breathed too.

Class was full so of course there was awesome energy. I don’t think there were any 1st timers but there were certainly PLENTY of people on their 10 day intro. The two guys behind me who are about a week or so in really have taken to this yoga. They look almost like pros. I think they’ll be sticking around. They still get the scrunched up face from time to time but they’ll be ok. Since there were so many newer people Sherie stopped class (I think that’s why) after 1st set of Triangle to do some demos on how it should really look. Again, you know this would normally annoy me, but for some reason last night I just tried to roll with it. I tried to take class in stride. I think I did a pretty good job of keeping my mind present. Not getting ahead in postures. Staying present and just having fun. Yoga is fun guys, we need to remember that. Sometimes I forget.

And the heat? It was GOOD! The heat was pumping so much so that the fans didn’t bother a particular yogi who hates the fans...ahem...that would be me. Standing series is good, except for the fact that my hip was killing on certain postures so I had to pull back a bit. Really only hurts in Standing Head to Knee, left leg kickout; Toe Stand and wind removing on the floor. Odd. Oh well.

Sherie announced that one of the girls practicing last night is a cancer survivor. She took no treatment but kept practicing yoga. Today she is doing great and cancer free! Right in the middle of class all 40 plus of us broke into applause. There I am thinking...And I’m complaining about a little hip pain? PLEASE Traci!

Rest of the class rolls along nicely. I get a few corrections from Sheri. Of course I love and always listen to corrections. This is how we grow and get better! And the girl beside me who hates the front did great. I could see she was pushing herself to her edge. She looked tried in the end, but I sense she will be pleased with herself today.

Class ends and I am happy and I’m drenched. I note again how I always bring water in with me but never drink it. I just have it there by my side “in case”. Kind of like my security blanket. I also noticed how I use to wipe the sweat away more; no I just let it roll. It’s just sweat right? Sweat is good!

In final Savasana Sherie was telling us how yes this yoga is great for our bodies, but just as great for our minds. I loved when she said “maybe next time you go to say something really mean to someone, you’ll say something really kind instead.” That’s what Bikram helps us do. It helps us be calmer, happier, gentler human beings. It just does. Or at least I think it makes us more conscious of decisions we make and how we act. How we handle situations that are stressful. And don’t forget the muscles, have to love them too!

Tonight is a scheduled run. I have another 5:00pm meeting today that I sense will go well over an hour. Hoping to get home by 6:30 or so I can head out for a light run. If it gets too late I might just hop on the treadmill. Just have to see how I feel. I’m already looking forward to my next scheduled visit to the Hot Room!

Ok people that’s all I have for today. I truly hope you all have a fab rest of your day. If Bikram is on your calendar please have a great practice. Just remember, it might not always be perfect, but it’s always good! Always. Like they say, just show up to the studio, get in that hot room and the rest is optional.

101’ers Stay Strong and Smile! You are all doing amazing!

Cheers...Traci

Nobody is Perfect

2010-01-20T11:42:00.002-05:00

Hi all! Mid week already. Can you believe it? Week is zipping right by.

Here in Massachusetts an amazing thing happend last night. Republican Scott Brown was elected to the Senate! Brown will be Massachusetts first Republican Senator since 1972! Wow! I couldn't be more pleased. His speech last night was amazing. Full of energy and talking to the crowd like he was on their level. I think he's going to rock Washington! Congratulations Scott Brown.

As suspected I never made it out of the office until late last night, after 6:30pm. So Bikram was out. Sadly. I probably could have used it for my pounding headache too. By the time I got home alls I wanted to do was lay down and close my eyes. The headache started to come on early in the day and got worse and worse. i seemed to be pulled in a million different directions yesterday. Oh I hate headaches! Rather than giving in I decided to just do a very easy treadmill run. Very easy. I hopped on for 30 minutes at a nice easy pace. Really I just wanted to see if it would kick the headache out. Nope. Pretty much lasted all night. Oh well a little headaches not going to kill me. I could not even decide what to eat for dinner. Nothing sounded good. I ended up with Amy Vegetarian Vegetable soup and a green salad. Easy and quick.

I was keeping an eye on the poll results all evening and it was clear Brown was about to win the election. Scott Brown came on TV with his speech at around 11pm and it was fantastic. My friend and I were texting back and forth. He thought it was just as amazing as I did. Let's hope he can do some great things for us!

So at Bikram the other day in the locker room I'm waiting for the bathroom right before class is set to start. I notice this woman kind of staring at me. She's new to the studio. So I kind of smile at her. Then she says...If I was skinny like you I'd have the guts to wear those tiny little shorts and tight tank too! There she was standing there in her "Bikram Snowsuit" aka, long pants and long t-shirt. Not looking comfortable.

OH! I say...The key is to be comfortable in there. I told her to look around. There are people of all shapes, sizes and ages. No one is judging. Really, they're not. I told her how I use to feel self conscious of being too skinny, how I use to hate exposing my thin arms (now with nice little muscles thank you very much Bikram) but you get over it. I would rather be comfortable. The more comfortable you are in your clothes, the less tugging and pulling you'll do. The more you will be able to concentrate on your practice and stay still and just breathe. She kind of smirked and said ok...hoping I got through to her.

It makes me sad when people compare themselves to others. None of us is perfect. NONE of us. We're all different and unique. Different is good. Imagine if we all looked the same! How boring would that be? So please, shed the Bikram Snowsuit, walk into that room with your head held high and be proud of yourself. Be proud that you are there in the hot room doing something very good for yourself.

Update on my hip: Still hurts, but I think it's slowwwly getting better. Someone commented I was limping a little bit less today so that's a start! Been rubbing Badger Balm on it (sore muscle rub) which feels pretty good. In class on Monday I couldn't go down in Toe Stand left side. Just hurt too much, so I stayed in Tree pose. I think that's the first time I didn't go down to Toe Stand. Felt kind of wimpy but I always preach to people to listen to their bodies and I guess that's what I was doing for myself.

So my friends, I hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday. Hoping like hell to get to Bikram at 6:30 with Sherie tonight. Have another 5pm meeting so I'll just have to see how it goes. If I can't make it to Bikram I'll be heading outside for a run. Honestly Bikram sounds much more appealing to me right now.

"Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.”Winston Churchill: In Bikram the only tools we need is our bodies. We've got them so let's go use them!

BIG UPDATE: Just talked to my 5:00 meeting and he needs to reschedule until next week. So you know what that means? BIKRAM tonight! So happy. That just made my day :)

Cheers! Traci

Bikram tonight? Hope so!

2010-01-19T12:57:00.001-05:00

Hello! I'll give you one guess what it's doing outside. Good guess! That's right, snow is falling from the sky here yet again. Someone just stopped by my office and said...I didn't know it was suppose to snow today. My response: Just bank on it snowing everyday and if it doesn't, then great, a bonus! It's not really sticking even though it's been snowing since I arrived at work at 7:15 this morning.

I hadn't looked at my Outlook calendar since I left work on Friday so I was surpised to see my very packed schedule for today. I forgot I had scheduled 8 meetings for today. Flying from one to the next today with my last one starting at 5:00pm. Oh No! That puts my Birkam class in jeopardy tonight. I have my bag right beside me here ready to go. So if the meeting is brief I can still make it. I adore Maria's class and would hate to miss it tonight. Even if I run into the studio 5 minutes before class, it'll be worth it. Wish me luck!

The co-workers who are suppose to come with me. Yeah, they're not. Rachel has a bad cold, Mike came to me and said he's not mentally ready and Dave is avoiding me. I don't want to push them. When they're ready to go, that's when they'll come. Until then I'll just keep planting the seed. I remember I was the same way before my first class.

I just received another requisition to fill. Usually the Hiring Managers will give me plenty of time to fill the roles but this time they need me to hire 12 people for a Monday 1/25/10 start. Whew. I generally like a bit more notice. I'm working with outside agencies to help me get it done. It'll get done, just going to be another one of those weeks. Deep breathing, lots and lots of deep breathing!

My Workout Plan for the Week:
Sunday: Bikram: Done (10am Sherie)
Monday: Bikram: Done (4:30pm Chris)
Tuesday: Bikram (or run pending schedule) (6:30pm)
Wednesday: Bikram (6:30pm)
Thursday: Run
Friday: Run
Saturday: Bikram (3:30pm)

Oh and before I forget. I had picked up a lasagne in the prepared foods section at Whole Foods. One word. Yum! If you like lasagne be sure to check it out. Pair it with garlic bread, greens salad and a glass of wine. so good.

Ok I better get going since my next meeting is right around the corner. Hoping I can make it to class this evening. Have an awesome day all!

Cheers...Traci

Hot Room I Love You!

2010-01-18T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Did you all enjoy your Monday? We had a day off for the Martin Luther King Holiday today. Even though it was cold, sleeting and flurrying I didn't care. A day off is a day off. Am I right? Kind of weird because most people were actually working today, but good anyways.

I toyed with either the 9:30am Bikram this morning or the 4:30pm. I felt like being lazy this morning and easing into my day so I opted for the 4:30. I have no idea where the first half of the day went. Honestly, before I knew it, it was 1:00pm and I was still puttering around the house. Yikes. I better get moving or the whole day will be a bust. When I actually have a free day I hate to waste it doing nothing. Does that sound weird? Anyway, so I grab my yoga stuff and head out. And I have no plan on where I'm going. If you know me well you know this is not like me at all. I always have a plan. A list. An agenda. I found myself at Sports Authority where they were having a great sale. I was in there for a pretty long time and I was happy to see it was time to make my way to the studio. I came to the conclusion I'm no good without an agenda or a plan of action. I just feel lost. Good God I'm such a structured person! Too structured perhaps? I don't know. It works for me so I guess it's ok.

Anyway, the 4:30 class with Chris. Get there at 4:00 and set my mat up in the front corner. Unfortunately the smelly guy (I hate to be mean, but them are the facts folks) sets up beside me and is lying there with his legs wide open making some strange noises. I guess warming up? Hmph. Not good. I decide I can't deal with it so I move my mat over a few spots. Ahhh much better. Out in the lobby I'm talking with Phyllis whose saying how she had a migraine but forced herself to come. We both agree it was a good decision to come. We always feel better after class. As we are chatting people are piling into the studio. Chris tells me there were 51 people in the 9:30 class! Now THAT'S a full class. We ended up with I would say maybe 42 in our class. Still lots of newbies. One new guy beind me totally rocked his first class. He looked like he knew exactly what he was doing and flowed through the postures. I think his name was Anthony...Bravo!

My practice today: Was good! I'm in love with the fact that I adore the HOT room again. For a few weeks I was a bit cold to it but I'm back. I'm back to really just enjoying the hell out of every single second of those 90 minutes. Oh! And Full Locust! Something totally clicked second set and up my legs went. Chris was in he back of the room and said, there it is Traci, go higher, higher. That's it! Go right there everytime. It felt so good. And as I turned my head in Savasana, I smiled at myself. I kept hearing BYC's helpful hints. Guess what, it worked! Thanks Michelle :). Class was great. It ends and I'm in final Savasana wishing I'd brought another set of clothes. I would have done a double (never done a double!) if I had dry clothes. Maybe next time.

What an absolute perfect way to end my day off. Chris, your class was fab today. Thanks!

To the 101 Day Challengers: Stay strong, smile and take it one day, one practice, one posture at a time. You all are amazing me! Truly.

Have a fantastic rest of your Monday everyone and tomorrow is already Tuesday. Which reminds me. 3 co-workers are suppose join me for class tomorrow. Hmmm, I think I've heard that before. Rachel, Mike and Dave...you reading this? This is me holding you guys accountable. I know you guys will love Bikram. I just know it! Look forward to practicing with the 3 of you tomorrow at 6:30! Ok?

As usual my stomach is talking to me. it's telling me it's time for dinner and who am I to deny it! Good night guys!

Cheers...Traci

Bikram Kicks Cold to the Curb

2010-01-17T19:07:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! Hope your Sunday is going well so far. Little rainy out there right now and I guess it's supposed to switch over to snow later. Whatever. I've surrendered to winter knowing that it won't last forever.

Anyway, so if you read my blog yesterday you know I was not feeling well. I was having an internal fight with myself about whether I should go to Bikram or not. Well, as the day went on I felt worse and worse. My head felt like it might explode at any minute. Not a particularly good feeling. So I decided against yoga.

This morning? Well that's a whole other story my friends! I woke up still not feeling great but decided at this point the very best thing I could do for myself was head to class. So off I went to the 10am with Sherie. I arrived at 9:30am and could already tell this was going to be yet another packed house. Still lots of new people hanging on. Mat to mat with I would say around the 48 mark again. Got a nice spot up front in the corner. Class was very good. It was hot. Very hot and there was amazing energy in the room. And these new people? They are good! They try so hard and I didn't see many of them sitting out postures. Good for them!!!

Due to my little cold I was feeling a little weak at times but pushed on. i've never sat out a posture and a little cold was not about to make me do that now! Sherie gave me some awesome corrections. I love corrections and will always listen and try my hardest to get it right. By Tree/Toe Stand you could just hear the sweat dripping off people onto their mats. We were raining. Sherie commented it sounded like the Rain Forest. And it did! It's a good sound. Fans came on and you know what? It didn't bother me at all! Felt good not to be fighting with them. I was happy to hit the floor for Savasana. I totally let my body sink into the floor and recharge.

Floor series was good if a little weak for me. Just make it Camel...I kept saying...and all will be good. And it was. We arrive at final breathing and I'm thinking my body is very happy to have sweated out some of this cold. I swear I always come out of that room feeling better. When I got home I was a touch more tired than usual, but many of the cold symptoms have all but disappeared. My shower felt so, so....soooo good. Yes it did. Oh Bikram...I love you so. Have I said that lately? Because I really do. And good, solid, strong teachers, you got give them credit too! They are the ones who lead us through our practice, who motivate us, who joke with us, who make us smile when we want to frown. Class after class they are the ones who say such inspirational and thought provoking things. Quincy Bikram Yoga teachers...Thank you!

Mimi, Maria, Chris, Audrey, Hannane, Sherie...You all rock and deserve a big thank you from all of us! You truly touch lives and help so many. You probably are getting through to more people than you know.

Alright people I do believe that's a wrap. Our company has a Holiday for Martin Luther King tomorrow. Yay! A Monday off! Right now the biggest decision I have to make for tomorrow is whether to head to the 9:30am Bikram or the 4:30pm. I'm aiming for the 9:30 but we'll see what the morning brings.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday evening!

Cheers and hugs from Boston...Traci

To Sweat or not to Sweat?

2010-01-16T11:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday! Looks like we have a beuatiful day out there in the Boston area today. Right now it's 38 degrees and sunny, but I hear it might be pushing 50 later this afternoon. Yay!

My head is a bit foggy this morning and I'm feeling a bit under the weather. I think. Either that or I'm just tired from a stressful week at work. I feel like I have been fighting a cold for a week now. It's never really come out fully but I know its there. I really think Bikram and EmergenC have been keeping it at bay. As I type this post I'm trying to decide if I want to head to yoga this afternoon. Part of me is saying go! That's the part of me who immediately put on some of my yoga clothes after my shower in preparation. The other part of me is saying...oh please don't go. This body of yours is tired and doesn't want to move and sweat. Your mind doesn't want to be aggravated when the room is too cool and the fans come on. I honestly don't know what I'll do.

So if you've been reading this week you know I had a big project deadline yesterday. I'm so happy to report that I completed the project on time and didn't have to get an extension. My goal was to finish it up and not carry it with me over the weekend and into next week. There will be a follow up part of the project but the hard part of it is done...Thankfully! I hit the send button and off my report went at 4:30pm. What a great feeling. Naturally I decided to stick around the office a bit late to clean some things up I have been neglecting all week. Hate coming in to a pile of unfinished work on Monday (or Tuesday this coming week!). I almost always try to leave on time on Fridays. Didn't exactly work out that way again this Friday . Managed to head out around 6:30 last night. Later than I would like but no too bad.

After a trip to the market I got home and had a pounding headache. The kind that makes you feel sick to your stomach. I figured it was a stress thing so worked the pressure points to release it. If I can take care of a headache this way I rather do it than popping an Aleve or such. I'm not against them, just don't like to take them that much. I did manage to release the headache and felt a little better. Decided at this point hanging in would be the best idea.

So here I am still unsure...Will I go to 3:30 Bikram, will I sweat or will I listen to the part of my head that's saying your body is tired? Don't know. I need to head out and run some errands and will bring my yoga bag with me. If my car heads in that direction and stops infront of the studio around 3:00, then I'll go in. If not, that's ok too. No pressure.

I know many of you out there are nursing colds so I hope you guys are feeling better. Take care everyone and enjoy your Saturday!

Cheers...Traci

Serious Case of the Giggles!

2010-01-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! And welcome to Friday! So happy and we have a mini January thaw today. Looks like we will be in that 44-46 degree range today. Which of course after the last few cold weeks will feel like a veritable heat wave.

I did in fact make it to the 6:30 Bikram class last night with Chris. I changed here at the office before heading out. Not too much traffic getting across the city but it took me 20 minutes of circling the street to get a parking spot. Ugh! I finally secure a spot. It’s a little bit of a walk but at least I found a home for my car. The whole time I’m circling of course I’m thinking...I better hurry up or I won’t have time to eat my snack! I really can’t practice without something in my body right before class. I just find it gives me more energy.

I jump out of the Jeep, hike over a snow bank, grab my red mat and black bag out of the passenger side door and make the trek down the still ice covered sidewalk. Arrive at the studio door to find it’s not open yet. It’s cold so I start jumping up and down to warm up. What a sight I must have been jumping around with my yoga mat. One of the other girls took the towel from her bag and wrapped herself in it. Not a bad idea! Finally the door clicks and in we go. It’s the best sound when that door clicks open!

Sherie’s 4:30 class is just getting out and looks like it was pretty packed. Secure my nice hot corner and go and talk to some of the others while we wait for class to begin. You’re probably not surprised by this but I like class to begin on time. I’m actually like that with everything. Don’t like lateness. And most teachers are good with this. But tonight class didn’t get going until late. Never sets a good tone for this yogi. The other thing that never sets a good tone? Fans! I just don’t like them. I know people at the studio and teachers tease me about it, but I really just don’t like the feeling of wind on me as I standing there sweating. Not a good feeling for me. Poke fun if you will, but I will never embrace the fans.

Anyway, class gets going and I’m not sure if he was trying to make up time or what but we raced through the first few postures. I mean seriously fast! One of the girls looks at me and says “What’s he doing?” Then just like that class, for me anyway, took a turn for the worse. There were a lot of new people again last night and I feel like class was catered to them.
Class was stopped at least 4 times to do demos. I hate demos. Let’s keep the class flowing. Don’t like all the stopping and starting. I equate this to being out on a great run and stopping and walking. It kills the momentum. I was just aggravated and trying to calm myself. Inside my head I was screaming.

Then it happened...The girl beside me is a bit of a firecracker. So funny. She says whatever is on her mind. So during sit up she looks at me and (excuse the language) says...”What the fuck!?” “Is he drunk?” No, he wasn’t...but OH MY GOD! I got the giggles which made her start giggling and then I was just full out laughing. There she is saying stop! But as soon as we looked at each other the giggles would start again. I felt like such a little kid! A sweaty, giggling, red face, little kid. So freaking funny. And it was just what I needed. I was so annoyed with the slow pace of class, with the fans, with the doors opening etc...that a laugh made me feel so much better. It was almost a release of all this bad energy that had built up.

Class ends and sadly I feel like I didn’t even practice. My mind is not happy and my body doesn’t have that nice tingly feeling. Just not a positive class for me. And not because it was a tough one, just because I got a bad vibe and didn’t like the way class was run. I let it get into me head and ruin my class. The starting and stopping thing, it just kills me.

Ok! Sorry i'm not exactly a ray of sunshine today! My project deadline is hanging over me today. I foolishly scheduled 3 other meetings today while I should be concentrating 100% on getting this thing done. Oh well, I’ll manage.

No yoga tonight and might take a night off of running too. Shocking! I think a night off is just what the doctor ordered (for my hip). Can’t be walking like a penguin and look cute at the same time, ya know?!?!

WORKOUT STATS:
BIKRAM: Practiced 4 (Sat, Sun, Tue, Thurs) out of last 7 days. Not bad.
RUNNING: Ran Monday (treadmill) & Wednesday (outside)
DAY OFF: Friday!

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do you have any tattoos? Would you recommend getting one?

Have a fabulous Friday people and thanks for listening!

Cheers...Traci

Bikram!

2010-01-14T17:14:00.002-05:00

HEADING TO YOGA NOW AND SO EXCITED! YAY! Happy workout everyone!

Heading to Sweat Later

2010-01-14T11:21:00.000-05:00

Hi guys! Thursday already, isn’t this week flying by?

Feeling a little tired this morning. I woke up 3:30am and work immediately popped into my mind. Once that happens there really is no way to shut it down. So there I am lying there thinking about all I need to accomplish in the next 2 days at work. Friday is the deadline for my project and I just feel a little overwhelmed right now. It’ll get done, just need to block everything out around me. Concentrate. Focus. Have to remember my "live in day tight compartments" rule!

Even though I had planned on not meeting with any candidates this week so I could concentrate on the project I didn’t stick to that. Some of the divisions I hire for were pretty much begging me to interview people so I broke down and fit it in. Kind of my personality to want to help everyone. I think I might have closed out 2 positions yesterday and found solid candidates so it was worth it. Just meant that I stayed a bit late last night to get some work done. Which I didn’t mind. It was nice and quiet and got a lot done. It wasn’t a yoga night so I was ok with being here. That’s the good thing about my running nights. There’s no schedule so whenever I get home, that’s when I go. No pressure, no stress to get there.

By the time I got home I just changed, ate a PowerBar and headed out for a quick run of 30 minutes (found my hats!). That’s about all I could muster last night, and even that felt hard. Winter is getting to me. I need warmer weather soon! My legs didn’t feel great, didn’t feel strong. I actually probably should have taken the night off to rest my hip. And my head wasn’t even 100% into it. But it was on my schedule so I stuck to it. Dave, a guy I work with, said I’m walking like a penguin. Great! Just the look I was shooting for. Really once I get going I walk better. But if I’ve been sitting at my desk for a while and stand up and try to walk, THAT’S when it kills. I don’t know. I don’t think I’ve given it a chance to heal properly. When working out everyday is part of your life, it’s just really hard to stop. You know? Oh well.

Tonight’s a Bikram night. 6:30p class with Chris and I CAN NOT wait to go SWEAT. I’m pumped. Wicked excited to get into the hot room tonight. I hope it’s another one of those rocking classes for me again, but you never really know what’s going to happen in there right? We can go in all revved up and ready to go and then something happens and it’s like all the air is sucked out of you. Then you can go in there dragging and have the best class ever (like Tuesday night). So we go and listen to our bodies and give what we can that day. Going to work on some of the postures I have set goals for. The biggest challenge tonight I suspect will be Savasana. With work being so busy and the deadline looming on Friday I just know it’s going to be very hard to keep my mind in the room. That will be my #1 challenge this evening: Staying present in the room. Trust me that WILL be a challenge tonight for sure.

Haiti Earthquake: We’re having a Jeans Day here at work tomorrow for local families affected by the terribly tragic earthquake in Haiti. Every Friday we do a Jeans Day for a benefit. 100% of the money we raise goes to charity and our president matches it. Charity changes weekly and we generally end up contributing a few to several thousand per charity. Nice way to give back to those in need. My heart goes out to all those poor people. Horrible.

Ok so I’ve got tons of work to get to day and I WILL be heading to the 6:30 Bikram class. Shutting it down on time and heading to class. No question about it. No excuses. Isn’t blogging great for that? It holds us accountable. Once it’s out there for all to see we almost have to follow through. Good stuff.

One more Audrey for you since me & BYC adore her: “I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.”

I love this little book of happy I have. In coming posts I'll give you a glimpse of what's inside.

Have a lovely day! Cheers...Traci

I'm Just a Bundle of Energy!

2010-01-13T11:13:00.000-05:00

What's up everyone? Isn't it a great day? The sun is shining and I'm still feeling the amazing effects of a lovely class last night. So much great energy racing through my body.

So last night I did indeed make it to the 6:30 Bikram class with Maria. And good God I was glad I did! I knew it was going to be a great class when I pulled up to the studio and secured a parking spot right out front. No circling Hancock street tonight. The doors open at 6pm and in I go. At this point I was dragging a little, had a headache and my nose was stuffy. I think I'm still fighting off that cold. Bikram's helping keep it at bay :). Anyway, so I open the hot room door to put my mat down in the hot corner and am immediately pleased. It's nice and hot & humid. Loving it already. That put a little pep in my step. Isn't it funny how sometimes even just being in the studio can make us feel better? I completely forgot about my head and nose. Class was so amazing. I don't think my words on this post will convey just how great it was. But I'll try.

Before class I was talking to Krissy about work. She had to fly out in the morning to Dallas to give a presentation and was really nervous. I'm actually one of those people who love presenting. I love the preparation, the practicing and the delivering. I love clicking with te audience and engaging them. I was giving her tips from the Dale Carnegie 12 week course I finished up a year ago. We gave 2 presentations a night during the 12 weeks. I was telling her the key to any good presentation is preparation, knowing your material and being confident in your delivery. Engaging the audience is important. I suggested she go home after class and practice her presentation OUT LOUD. Pretend like she was in front of her audience and run through the presentation a few times. To me this is the most important part of prepping. Anyway, Krissy, you’ll do great. You've got this! Good luck!

Class last night was crowded, but not really mat to mat. I didn't look at the sign in sheet after class but I am guessing maybe 36-40? Good size. Lots of newbies in the house last night. It’ll be interesting to see how many of them stick around after their 10 day intro special is up. Two newer guys who are in good shape set up behind me and Krissy. I could tell they were looking at little old me and thinking...This girl is little and looks weak, let's get behind her. Well, they would be wrong. Watch out guys, looks can be deceiving. Class starts right on time and I immediately know I'm going to have one of those classes where you feel like a Rock Star. Yay!

Right from breathing I was happy...energized. My mind and body were 100% in the hot room. These are the kinds of classes we love so, so much. It felt like old times when the studio use to be hotter than hot. I was sweating out of the gate, as I should be. I flowed through the standing series and really gave my 100% effort to each and every posture. Thinking about the goals I have set for myself during class and working on them.

Standing Head to Knee: I really love this posture now. I do. The guys behind me at this point were now looking right at me almost looking amazed at me kicking out, pulling my elbows down below my knees and touching my forehead to me knee (though I did loose balance at the end of first set). Well, right side anyway. Left side my hip just would not have it. It just said, not today Traci. I tried though and felt shear pain as I kicked out. Not good pain either. Ouch. Ok, ok hip...relax. I hear you yelling at me not to push it. That was really the only point in class where it hurt.

By the time we hit the floor I was in my glory and having a fabulous class. Devine. I did a pretty good job in Savasana keeping my head in the room. Not perfect but better. At one point I realized I was smiling as I lied there. Lots of sighing from other people in the room...And it didn't even bother me. I didn't let it steal my peace. I worked the standing series hard and I was going to enjoy these 2 minutes to re-energize my body!

Floor series was good. Still no luck with Full Locust. Ugh! Legs get up there! Oh well, keep working on it kiddo.

Camel, oh Camel, I adore you so! Something about this pose I just embrace. I love the feeling in the pose as well as when I come out of it. I was disappointed to see so many people giving up on it last night. I know it's hard for many, but they are missing out on something great! The two guys behind me by this point were just done. Cooked. You know when someone is flopping their arms on the ground and panting...they’re done. Poor fellas. I hope they come back because you could see in time they’ll be good. This Bikram we practice is not like anything else. It's not easy. It takes strength, determination, focus, concentration, flexibility and so on. Mind over matter. We hear that a lot in that room.

Class ends and I'm sad it's over. Truly. It was a nearly perfect class in every way. Maria, you rock as a teacher! The guys behind me say "let's get the hell out of here!" Made me chuckle. Come back guys, it will get better. Promise.

I'm drenched in sweat, my towels are soaked, and I’m a complete bundle of energy after class. Seriously bouncing off the walls. Looking around the studio it looks like most had a tough class. I was kind of in the zone during class so didn't really pick up on it during the 90 minutes. I felt like I had just had about 5 cups of Startbucks coffee! You know you had a great class when it leaves you that energized and elated. You know you opened up what you were suppose to open up. Pure and absolute bliss.

As I’m exiting the studio onto the street, Chris (owner) is coming in. I smiled and said...Now that was a perfect class. So happy. He just smiled back and said...That's great! I get home and the energy is sticking with me. I had to tell myself to bring it down. I thought I would have trouble sleeping because I was so hyper but after dinner and a nice bath I slept like a baby. And here I am today...Ready to go! Bring the work on! Lots of meetings plus my project deadline approaching in 2 days? No problem!

I'm so happy I shut down my computer a little after 5pm and made myself get to class. Like they say in class, it's never a bad idea to show up. Never. I have practiced 3 out of the last 4 days, so not bad. I want to get back to consistently practicing 4-5 days a week. I think that's where I’m happiest. 2-3 is not cutting it for me. I'm not an every day Bikram girl, but I think this is a good target. Still have to get my running in, ya know? So 4-5 days of Bikram is good.

I hope you all had great practices last night too! And don’t you just love the fact that the great feelings Bikram gives us lasts for like 24 hours? I wish everyone could experience this.

Another Audrey Hepburn Quote for you today: “Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.”

Tonight will be a running night for me. Tomorrow will be another Bikram class.

Wishing you a day filled with smiles!

Cheers...Traci

Listening to the Alarm

2010-01-12T17:09:00.002-05:00

It's 5:10, I'm shutting down and going to yoga! Happy practicing everyone! Thanks for the mini Challenge BYC!

I Need to Sweat Tonight!

2010-01-12T09:02:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone in bloggie land! Hope your Tuesday is shaping up nicely. Can it just get to Friday already? Not trying to rush my life here but the weekend would be nice. AND it's a long weekend coming up for us as our company is closed for the Martin Luther King holiday Monday.

Anyway, so how was your practice yesterday? I was really hoping to get to class last night, had my yoga bag with me and ready to go! Mimi's class was last night and she's just awesome. Truly one of the best. Sadly, I left the office fairly late so switched the workout to a running night. We have to be flexi with our bodies in yoga and we have to be flexi with our workout schedules in life. Sometime life just gets in the way. Unless of course you're doing a Challenge, then you know where you must be each day.

I miss that about the challenge. That feeling that it was just a fact I would change at work a little before 5:00pm and head to the studio for class. It was just part of my routine. It's a good feeling when I look back on those days. Sure some nights it was down right hard as hell to drag my butt to the studio. There were nights I didn't want to walk through the studio door, I didn't want to put yoga clothes on, I didn't want to see anyone at the studio (even though they are truly amazing people!). But overall, what a great experience. And sweating always felt great. My body felt great, my mind felt great. Maybe I'll take part in the next Challenge. We'll see.

I'm rambling again huh? Yeah, I get like. My thoughts just flow and my fingers go click, click, click. So last night's run. Too cold by the time I got home and I have no idea where my 2 running hats went (I think they must have grown legs and walked out the door) so I decided it was a good night for the treadmill. Still will never like it but it gets the job done. I will never ever feel like I have the same workout on the Tmill. A huge part of the awesome feeling I get on my runs is the outside factor. Just makes me so happy! I hopped on the conveyor belt for the feet and ran for 40 minutes. Ended with some nice stretching. Fixed Firm pose feels so good for my hip (hip? Please heal, ok?). Also did some Camels because, well, I truly love that pose. I adore how it opens up my whole body. Anyone else with me here? You love that one too?

Random....When I run outside the pic below is the absolute coldest part of my run. Brrrrr! Wind just whips off the icy waters and onto my face. In the summer though this route is perfect!

Workout Scheduled: Tonight calls for a nice hot Bikram class at 6:30 with Miss Maria.  And you know what I'm going to do? I am setting that alarm on my computer and I AM getting to the studio. My mind will be more refreshed Wednesday morning and I will, in turn, be more productive. And the guys here at work are suppose to join me, but I have this feeling they are going to ditch me! When they walk be me this morning they're trying to avoid eye contact. So funny.

Feel free to shoot me a message and nudge me out the door to the studio. And no need to be nice.
Us Bikram people? Yep, we can handle a little toughness, right?

Have a fabulous Tuesday all!

Update: Our VP (who's a very funny guy & one of my bosses) just walked into my office to find me doing yoga poses (was in Tree Pose) and he told me I need to have my head examined. I told him to join me! Then I proceeded to do Standing Bow and hold it for a really long time while he was trying to make me fall out. II was so determined and finally slowly came out of the posture.  Just funny.

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm possible!"
                                                                             Audrey Hepburn
Cheers! Traci

Perfecting Savasana...Or Trying

2010-01-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

Good Monday morning everyone! Oh it's a cold one out there for sure. And in my office the thermometer on my desk said 63 degrees this morning. Too cold for me to work in! I think I heard on the news this morning we are in line for a warm up to the 40's sometime later this week. Yes please. That would feel good!

I figured I would write a quick post before getting my day going. Actually I think I might just be procrastinating delving into my work!

Anyway, I mentioned yesterday there are some postures I really want to work on during the next month. Our studio is beginning another Challenge today. I'm not doing it this time around, but I thought it would be good to have my own litttle Challenge. Not a Challenge for days practiced, but a Challenge to get better at a few postures. Of course I could work on EVERY single posture. But I decided to focus on just a few right now. So without further delay I present to you the poses:

Standing Head to Knee, left leg kick out: This one hinges a lot on my hip getting better, but I want to work on kicking out the left leg again. Before I injured my hip flexor I could kick out, legs locked. Now I can only kick out the right leg. Hopefully once the pain eases I can start to work on it.
Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee: I know, not the toughest posture. But for some reason I just can't seem to balance to get my hands in prayer, right side. Left side? No problem. Both sides forehead is on the knee and legs are locked, but on that right side I just can't seem to go back to prayer without toppling over.
Full Locust: Get the legs up! Try as I might I never get them up high enough. Think I need to work on the set up a little more maybe? This is a toughie for me.
Bow Pose: Mine is not bad, but could be so much better. When I look at some other people's Bows I'm like...Oh, that's how it should really look.
And rounding out the list of 5 is...Savasana. Silly right? But this is honestly a hard one for my personality type. My mind is constantly going a mile a minute. So to shut it down for even two minutes is a big challenge for me. Teachers know this and can probably see my mind working and always say...Let it go Traci. I just smile and look up at the red stars on the studio ceiling.

Obviously there are so many more things to work on, but I'll be taking them on in groups of 5. Once I get to where I want to be, I'll move onto another goal.

Oh, when I came in this morning Pink was still in Savasana and looking oh so rested! Here he is waving at ya'll and saying Happy Monday! And isn't that a cute pic of my nephews in the backround. Oh how I wish it was beach weather right now!

Ok guys, enough procrastinating. I'm off to a 10:30a strategy meeting now. Wishing everyone a great day and start to the week. If you're doing the 101 Day Challenge I hope you're having a great experience so far and staying strong (mentally & physically)! Think of me as the Cheerleader cheering all of you on from Boston. Go Challengers!

Cheers...Traci

Full House and a Pat's Loss

2010-01-10T19:48:00.000-05:00

Hello! Hope you all had a nice Sunday. Sadly our Patriot's lost to the Baltimore Ravens in a season ending game. And they lost bad. I can't even bring myself to publish the final score. Oh well, we still have the Celts, Bruins and believe it or not Spring Training for the Red Sox is just around the corner. As soon as that starts it kind of gives us hope around these parts that warmer weather isn't too far away. Right now I feel like it's never going to get warm again. Every year around this time it just feels so dark, so cold, so frozen. We need a January thaw...badly. Please oh please give us a thaw. Enough with the 10 degree mornings.

Before the disastrous football game this afternoon, I enjoyed a devine Bikram class! I got myself up early for the 10am. I was puttering around the house, taking my time and pulled out of the driveway around 9:40am. Keep in mind I am ALWAYS at the studio :30 before class. I have no idea what I was thinking this morning. I pull up to the studio at 9:50 while talking to my mom on the phone. Finally at 9:55 I realize class starts in 5 minutes! Crap! Gotta go mom...click. I think I thought class was at 10:30 for some reason. Don't know. Anyway I sign in, tear off my shoes, grab my mat and open the Hot Room door. Wham! What the....I have never seen that many people there on a Sunday morning. Seriously looked like Thanksgiving morning again. Actually less bodies than that but there were I think 48 people? Ugh.
I was now one of those late people entering the room with her mat looking around like hmmmm...where to set up. Looking like a lost little girl. Anyone feel like being nice and helping me squeeze in? Or must I gently force myself in somewhere. People made room. But I was wayyyy in the back. Been a really long time since a took a spot back here. This will be good, I thought. Will give me a different perspective and make me challenge myself. Yep. Completely different when you are looking at lots of backs rather than yourself.

Class was lovely. Lovely I say. Just one loud breathing guy which is always funny. The entire room was silent sans this one loud guy. He's going on a month practicing I think. He even talked a few times. People...Shhhhh...Please. Thanks.

I think my hip is starting to get better slowly. I notice it most on Standing Head to Knee. Right side I can kick out no problem, no pain and pull my elbows down. Even got my forehead to my knee. Left leg? Nope. Not happening. Pain, pain, pain. So I just stood holding my foot up. No kicking out on that side until this thing heals. Overall class was great. I made a mental note of some postures I really want to work on. I'll save that info for another post as this one is getting pretty long.

Ohhh guys...It's Sunday evening and that can only mean one thing. Tomorrow is Monday. I love my job, I do, but I could always us one more day of rest. Don't you agree? Would 3 day weekends rock or what? Have a very challenging work week ahead of me. Already stressing about the sheer magnitude of work ahead of me. One thing at a time. Just take it one thing at a time right? Not sure what that means for Bikram this week. I'm going to bring my yoga bag with me and just see how the days play out. Best I can do. Don't want to over promise or commit myself.

Well, Enjoy the final hours of your Sunday. I just got home a little bit ago and I plan on totally decompressing with a magazine (Yoga Journal...of course), a bath and I think some bad TV. I should mention I might just be a magazine junkie but that's our little secret, ok? Shhhhhh!

Happy night to ya'll! Until tomorrow friends...
Cheers! Traci

It's Getting Hot in Here...

2010-01-09T18:44:00.000-05:00

...As Nelly says
Hey guys! Just a quick update. Went the the 3:30 class this afternoon. I had a few errands to do before class and was seriously dragging. I was actually thinking about ditching class but then...then I called my Mom. Here's how the conversation kind of went. Me: I'm really tired and think I might be getting sick. I think I might pass on yoga. Mom: No, go to yoga. You need it and it will make you feel better. You always telll me how much better you feel when class is done. Don't think about it, just go. Me: Ya, ok...I'm going. No whining allowed today with Mom. She knows I have a lot going on at work right now and I think she knows class today was the perfect way to release the stress. Whatta know! The woman was right...again....grrr! Why is she always right? Thanks for being that nudgeI needed today mom.

Class was just what the doctor ordered indeed! I actually felt the energy kicking in even before class began. Thank goodness because I so needed a strong class today. I needed it hot and I needed to sweat. Well, it was hot (I actually could have used a bit more heat but I'm a bit of a wacko when it comes to that) and I did sweat. Felt absolutely divine. And to make it even better I practiced side by side Franca. Franca is one of the coolest, sweetest yogi's at the studio. She has an amzing and strong practice. She's very focused and determined as she moves through the series. Awesome practicing beside you today Franca. I felt great energy coming from you!

The studio has another 30 Day Challenge starting on Monday. The board is up but not many names on it just yet. Really just 2 plus Chris the studio owner. I actually would love to do another Challenge to make me get there every day. But I have to be realistic and honest with myself. There is just way to much "life" happening right now to make the committment. Perhaps another time my friends. Another time.

Ok, since yoga made me feel a bit better I think I might venture out with friends as planned. Right now I'm in desperate need of a shower then it's off to meet the girls for drinks. I plan on being home early tonight, don't want to wake up feeling icky...I think I am still on the verge of a cold. Going to either the 10am or 3:30 pm tomorrow. Leaning towards the 10 so I can enjoy the Patriot's game tomorrow! GO PAT'S!!!

Well folks, I hope ya'll have a perfect Saturday evening filled with lots of laughs and maybe...maybe just a bit of mischief! ***smirking***

Cheers! Traci

Wicked Tired

2010-01-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday all! I don't know what's wrong with me but I woke up wicked (like that Boston use of the word?) tired this morning. You know the look? Even after you have shower and get ready you still look half asleep. Seriously...my eyes look like little slits. I look like I was out partying all night (wasn't by the way). I haven't really been sick in about a year, so hopefully I'm not coming down with something. Tons of people at work are nursing colds and such. I've managed to escape all the bugs and viruses floating around there so far. Going to have a couple of EmergenC packets today just in case.

I think I need Bikram bad today. Which I'm going to at 3:30, it's Hannanes class. Hopefully I'll be able to find some energy to get through class. I hate being tired like this. I usually pop right out of bed ready to go. Maybe it could be work. This week was insane and yesterday a couple of extremely important projects were dropped in my lap. Usually I try to get out of the office by 5pm on Fridays to set the tone for a great weekend. My last meeting didn't end until about 5:40pm so needless to say I was at the office until about 6:30 or so. Going to take the next couple of days to recharge!

Bikram is great about helping us find our energy isn't it? You can be dead tired, dragging your way through the day. You really don't think you will even have the strength and energy to make it through the first breathing exercise. Then something always (or almost always) seems to happen. You get through that breathing and you feel this new energy racing through your body. Your body has the fresh oxygen it needs to have a great class. You get to Camel and it feels so good to open your whole body up. Good stuff. Class ends and you feel great. You are so happy you showed up. Hoping this is what happens this afternoon. Fingers crossed.

Last night before I left the office I put Pink in Savasana (I actually really did!). I figured it would be a good pose for him for the weekend. Didn't want to leave him in Locust all weekend. That would suck, huh?

Oh, and yesterday I did not have a workout. Took the night off from any sort of exercise. I think I needed it. Or maybe THAT’S why I am dead tired? My body is saying.... Uh, Traci? Did you forget something? I don't know, maybe? I didn't even go out last night or have anyone over. By the time I got home I just wanted some quiet time, some candles, a glass of wine, some dinner and a bath. So that's exactly what I did.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to sweating in the Hot Room this afternoon. I really, really am. Before I head to class I think I'm head to the Athletic Club to check out the facility again and maybe join. I mentioned in a previous post I'm thinking of adding Pilates, Zumba or Body Pump to my workouts. We'll see....

Hope you all enjoy your Saturdays. Make sure to do somethig great for yourself today. You deserve it!

Cheers & Smiles! Traci

Pink tries some poses...

2010-01-08T15:48:00.000-05:00

He needs to work on his postures...but he's giving it his best! Here he is trying Standing Separate Leg Stretching and Full Locust. Go Pink! See my messy, messy desk in the background. Well, if you could see it, it looks like a bomb exploded. Running from meeting to meeting and literally throwing stuff down in between. Off to yet another meeting (my last one today!) then it's time to tri to clean this place up! No way I can come into it looking like this on Monday morning. Enjoy the afternoon! Hugs....

"Friday, I'm in Love"

2010-01-08T11:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm not really in love but I am in Love with the fact that it Friday! And I love The Cure too.
Happy Friday! Looks like we did it...We made it through the first full work week of the New Year! And as I write this post, looking out the window there is the lightest little snow flurry falling from the sky. The tiniest, weakest snowflakes drifting down from gray skies above. It's the kind of snow that keeps falling but is so light it never really adds up to anything on the ground. I think we are only supposed to get an inch or so today. Not bad.

This is the first Friday I've been in the office since the end of November. Feels strange to be here. Of course it would be just lovely to be off, go to an early yoga class, and enjoy the day. I'll admit that when my alarm went off this morning I shut it down thinking I was staying right where I was in my cozy bed. Needless to say I woke up again about 30 minutes later and quickly realized my mistake. Panicked, I bolt out of said cozy bed and the mad rush to get ready begins. Thankfully, every night I prepare my clothes, food etc. for the next day. Saves valuable minutes in the morning. I literally have my mornings down pat. Seriously, I leave the house at the exact same time every day. One day I left like 4 minutes late and my neighbor actually said...A little late today huh? I had to chuckle at that one. People could set their watches by my schedule! Whew... Not a good way to start the day off. Whenever I get up late my whole day just feels off. It's the worst! Hopefully it gets better :)

At the office just a touch late last night. Made it out of here by around 6:15. It was seriously like a ghost town, felt like it could have been 9pm! I'm actually happy to see people get out of here on time. The whole work/life balance thing is so important. I need to remember that sometimes.

Made it home and headed out for a 4 mile run. Was a bit warmer around 32 degrees and actually thought I could have shed a layer. Sad when 32 feels like a heat wave! 60 would feel like the Hot Room right now! My mileage has been light lately but I'm trying to get this hip better. It's taking so freaking long. Hoping I can get some longer runs in soon. The longer runs feel so amazing. I can't wait for the spring when it's light out and warmer for my runs. Can Not Wait. Dinner, shower, catch up on emails bed. Exciting Thursday night huh?

Been thinking about mixing up my workout routine a bit. Things I'm thinking of trying out and adding into my routine. Pilates, Zumba (I LOVE to dance) and Body Pump (the core can never be too strong!). All are offered at the Quincy Athletic Club so that’s where I'll be trying them. Of course I'll also be doing Bikram and running. Just want to spread the love around for my workouts. I'm an equal opportunity workout girl!

And guess what? I finally have convinced 2 of the sales guys I work with to join me for a Bikram class! These guys are in top shape and work our pretty hard core everyday. They even do our company Boot Camp on Friday mornings at 6am. Tough, tough class with a former Marine Captain and TriAthelete leading the charge. I'll just say there's telephone poles and sandbags involved. Outside...Even in the single digits weather. They tried to get me there...Ummmm no thanks, I'll have to politely decline that invite boys. And when I told one of our Premier Account Managers about the boys joining me she said she might too! She worked out all the time before she had baby Ava last year. Currently she's on a diet and I told her she might just fall in love with Bikram! She was a total cheerleader for me during my Challenge and her interest is piqued. So next Tuesday at 6:30 with Maria is the day they'll be joining me. So much fun! Of course boys being boys they say...Can we set up in the back and just watch the girls. Ha-ha guys...Nope! They're both ultra competitive so I know they'll give it their all. Can't wait!

Ok, I think I 'm finally settling into the day since waking up late this morning threw me all off! This afternoon I kind of packed my schedule again with meetings: 1p; 1:30p; 2p; 2:30p; 3p & 4p. I'm sure I'll be running late all afternoon since I scheduled them so tight. Happy Friday!

Any good plans for the weekend? I'm actually looking forward to the first weekend in a while that hasn't been mapped out yet! I do know that Bikram is on my schedule for sure. Looking forward to a couple of good Hannane classes. I feel the need...to Sweat that is!

Pink Panther Yogaism "Dream big, but don't forget to help other achieve their dreams, too"

Oh and Pink is currently practicing Standing Bow Pulling on my desk.

Cheers and hugs all!
Traci

Pink's into Yoga

2010-01-07T11:05:00.001-05:00

Good Morning guys! So the good news? Sun is still shining here in Boston. Not so good news? Still cold. But looks like we are going to miss that storm tomorrow so we’ll have a snow free weekend! Yay.

Just got out of my weekly meeting with my boss and look what I got! It’s Pink Panther Yoga. Complete with yoga cards and a little Pink Panther to put in positions! He’s going to sit right on my desk and make me smile all day. As you can see I had him hanging out on my keyboard for a little bit. And look he even does my favorite pose Camel! I know, I’m a complete geek right?

Anyway, I decided to start my computer alarm clock idea next week. Just too much on my plate here at work this week to make sure I leave in time for 6:30 yoga. It was about 6pm last night and my boss was still here too. Looks in and says “burning the midnight oil huh TK”. Packed up and left around 6:30. Which isn’t too late but it’s funny that our office is like a ghost town after 5pm. Seriously, there are 700 people here and the mass exodus cracks me up everyday from 5:00-5:15pm. I always seem to get so much done from 5-6 because it’s so quiet.

I get home and decide to head outside in the cold, dark night for a run. Brrrr. Once you get out there it’s not so bad. Really. The hardest part is getting your HEAD out the door. So as usual I drop my bags and immediately change to brave the elements while eating a PowerBar. Got some really awesome cold weather running tights, hat and gloves for Christmas presents (I’m so easy to buy for: Get me running or yoga gear and I’ll love it! Oh, jewelry works too, no doubt). Jumped into all the gear. Strapped on my new reflector. This thing rocks. Its battery operated and glows bright orange. When I say bright I mean BRIGHT. You can also set it to blinking, but I just use the solid light. On come the tunes. Carefully stretch out my hip and I’m off. Not the best run, but winter runs are like that for me. Give me summer time hot runs any day! Got in 4 miles in about 36 plus minutes. No speed records set for sure but good to get the run in. This morning the hip was not happy though.

Last night it would have been so easy for me to just get home, make dinner and call it a night. But on my drive home, on my running route I came across a guy running with what looked like the same reflectors as mine. Soon as I saw him the motivation kicked in. I sat up a little straighter in my car, grasped the steering wheel, turned up the radio, car danced to Britney’s “3” and committed to a run. Doesn’t take a lot to motivate me. I tend to be pretty competitive. So if he can do it...Well then so can I!

Whew...Today I have packed my schedule with meetings. Meetings: 9:30 (done); 10:30 (done); 11:00 (on my right after I hit Post); 1:00; 2:00; 2:30; 3pm; 4pm. Lot’s of talking today! But tomorrow is Friday....

Pink Panther Yogaism: You may not have your own finger-snapping theme music, but follow the Panther’s lead and always do your own thing!

Cheer to a good day guys!

Traci

"I'm Shipping up to Boston"...

2010-01-06T11:34:00.000-05:00

Love that song!
Hi everyone! What a pretty day out there. The sun is so beautiful with not a cloud in the sky. Pretty to look at, but still cold. We’ve warmed up to about 20 degrees so far. Not exactly beach weather.

This morning we started our work day off with our Annual meeting and it actually only lasted about 2 1/2 hrs. As I knew it would be, the meeting was very positive. We hit and exceeded all our monthly and annual goals for 2009. Even given the state of the economy we had our 2nd best year as a company ever. So we stand today at a 7 year old $480,000,000 private company with zero debt. We started with 7 employees and today have 700. Not Bad! We also went over several goals for 2010, it’s going to be a big year for us! The first goal is to become a $500,000,000 company by March. When that happens every person will get a bonus. In August if we hit another goal there will be and additional bonus. What motivates people more than money? I don’t really think anything motivates like money. Great meeting, good energy, and people left feeling positive and ready to take on 2010!

Was here at the office until well after 6pm last night. I just had so much paperwork to get through and really didn’t want to face it in the morning. With the morning meeting I knew I would be loosing a few hours. And I knew I had 3 hour long meeting scheduled for the afternoon. So I stayed.

Also, I Co-Chair our company’s annual charity event in June and planning actually starts now for it. Just another thing to add to the list. Always a great event though. Last year in tandem with the event we raised and cut a check for over $160,000 to Dana Farber Cancer Institute & the Jimmy Fund. Lots of work but so worth every minute of it.

On my way home I needed to stop to fill up the gas tank in the Jeep. The Bikram window had closed so I was planning on hitting the road for a run (so much for resting the hip, huh). But as I stood there refueling, jumping up and down to stay warm, trying to make the gauge click faster, (come on gas pump faster will you!), looking at my black Jeep that appears gray from the salt on the roads, I started to think; Oh it’s just too cold. I can’t get out there tonight. So when I got home I changed into my running gear...my indoor running gear that is. I hopped on the treadmill and did about 4 miles (I say about because I don’t trust the mileage clocked by it). Eh, you know how I feel about the treadmill, but got it done. Hip was ok, not great but I think it’s healing. Song of the day I love to run to “I’m Shipping up to Boston” Dropkick Murphy’s. You like that one too?

After the run and dinner I decided I needed a treat. My throat was feeling scratchy and I figured this would help! ;) Delish.

Ok everyone, I brought my yoga bag with me again and am going to try my very best to get out of here in time for the 6:30. After this week I'm making a commitment to myself: Not matter what I will leave the office in time for class. I need my Bikram. It makes me feel good and energized. The work will still be there, so I need to do this for myself. Sound good? I think I need to set an alarm on my computer and have it say to me: SHUT DOWN AND GO TO YOGA...NOW!

Have a happy day people. “If you truly don’t like something, change it.” Maya Angelou Going to try my best!

Cheers all! Traci

Arms & Abs

2010-01-05T11:56:00.000-05:00

Hi guys. How is it that getting up for the 2nd day back to work after vacation is harder than the 1st? I really didn’t want to get up this morning. Usually once I’m up I hit the ground running. This morning? Well, this morning I was dragging. Actually was dragging until about 9:30 this morning. Right around that time it was like this fog lifted and I felt like I was getting back into the groove here at work. Maybe it was the nice Teekane Energizing Cinnamon Apple Spice tea? Seriously have accomplished a lot this morning and I have to say it feels good! Still...it’s so hard getting back to normal after the holidays huh?

Pretty non stop all day yesterday and was honestly a little spent at the end of it. Managed to get out of here around 6, so not too late, but I was tired. Funny thing happened though. By the time I reached home I somehow found this amazing energy. No idea where it came from. On the drive home I could actually feel myself re-energizing. I felt like all this fresh oxygen was rushing through my body. I really wanted to hit the road and head out for a run. The music was getting me pumped and I could see myself cruising along the streets. If you run don’t you love that song “Empire State” to run to? Really gets me charged.

Checking out the sidewalks...hmmm still looking a little snow packed and icy. Not ideal for running, but as you know that doesn’t hold me back. Wait. Stop. Time to rethink where I was going with this. I told myself I would give the street running a break for a couple of days to see if I can get this nagging hip flexor problem better. I pretty much either run or practice Bikram every night, so not to do either is really hard for me. I did the short 2 miles on the treadmill in the morning, but really that was just like a little warm up. Anyway, I decided to stick to my plan and rest my hip. A couple days rest won’t kill me, hell might even help the healing. Hope so.

Given the fact I’m really not the type to sit on the couch when I get home I decide it’s a good night to work arms and abs. Turn on the Bose and bang out just a quick 30 minutes or so at home. When I work out at home I use strength bands. Love them. Anyway, just felt good to move the body. After dinner and a bath I settled in to watch the guilty pleasure TV... The Bachelor! Anyone else want to admit it?

This show is hysterical. Sucks me in every time. What are these girls thinking? You know a guy for a couple of hours and you’re crying over him. Good God ladies. That was followed by a show I really thought was a joke. Anyone catch this one last night... “The Conveyor Belt of Love” YIKES! Bad, bad, bad. These girls sit on chairs and watch men go by on a conveyor belt and select the one they want a date with. Not good. TV programming at its best I guess. Oh, I don’t know maybe that’s how I can find my soul mate!

Random but it’s cracking me up. Here at the office everywhere I go I hear people talking about their New Year’s diets. People are talking about how much they need to loose, how they can’t believe how much they have gained. One guy’s on Nutrisystem (he gained 14 lbs over the holidays!), one girl’s on Southbeach other people are just having skimpy looking salads for lunch. I don’t like to preach (ok, I actually do, and might just be just a tad opinionated, but I’m trying to hold my tongue) but I would love to tell these people they shouldn’t look at it as a diet. They need to look at it as a lifestyle change. If they do these diets and go back to old bad habits it’s just going to be the same cycle over and over again. I’ve seen some of these same people loose and re-gain the same weight over and over and over. Not only is that not good for the body it can’t be good for the mind. Just eat healthy, move the body, be happy and everything will fall into place. And it doesn’t matter what type of activity: Running, yoga, biking, swimming, tennis, pilates and so on...doesn’t matter. The key is to move the body. Our bodies were meant to move. And moving feels so good.

And that’s part of the reason I place my workout schedules on my office wall. Sometimes when others see it, it motivates them to get moving too! Can be kind of contagious.

Ok I think that’s all for today. Looks like I have Bikram on my schedule at 6:30 tonight with Maria. Many people are concerned at our studio because the teacher rotation is getting smaller and smaller. Not sure what’s happening but would like to get a clearer understanding this week. I guess that’s one of my mini goals for the week. Also, I think it’s odd what they are doing with the heat. It’s like they shut it down halfway into class. One of the girls commented they are trying to save money. Just so many questions about the studio right now. Hoping to find some answers. You guys know I love my Bikram and would hate to see anything happen to the studio.

“They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” Yeah, it’s true. Time won’t change a thing, I have the power to change things. Me. If I want something I need to go after it and make it happen.

On that note...Hope you all have an awesome Tuesday!

Cheers...Traci

Back to Reality

2010-01-04T11:27:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! Monday. Why is it that vacations always go by way too quickly and we always could use "just one more day"? Oh well, back to reality.

Guess what's blazing in the sky? Ok, maybe not blazing but it's there nonetheless. We've got sunshine today folks. No snow, and it might be blocked a bit by big fluffy clouds but it's there. Oh, but check out the the headlines from Accuweather this morning: New England Snowstorm Heads Out; Bitter Cold Settles In This Week. Great! Thanks for the heads up weather people! Just a few more months before we turn the corner and head towards better weather :)

I was up early this morning and decided to hop on the treadmill (yuck) for a quick 2 miles to get the blood flowing. Felt just ok. Hip flexor still not good. I was ready super early this morning so made it to the office just after 7am. I've been off work for so many days my whole schedule is thrown off! Started the day right off with an 8:00am meeting. Nothing like an 8am meeting to pull you back to reality real quick! Meeting was fine, quick and only went for about 30 minutes. Our Annual meeting is on Wednesday which starts at 8:15am and will be much, much, much longer. We hit all sorts of awesome goals this past year so the 2009 wrap up and recap will be a good one for sure. I already know we have some lofty goals for 2010 so getting mentally prepared for that! I'm so lucky to work for a company that's thriving and growing and overall doing very well.

So here I am in my office at my desk this morning trying to get back in the swing of things. Why is it always so challenging to come back? Looking at the clock and thinking, hmmm this time last week I was in the wrapping up my Bikram class with Hannane. That would be a great place to be this morning! My To Do list is rapidly growing. Don't you love making lists and checking the items off once you've completed them? Something so gratifying about it. Silly huh? But I need my lists. Even if I'm just heading to the market for a couple of items, I make a list. I'm just a list kind of girl.

Funny story from Friday: A couple of hours before class I was walking across the Starbucks parking lot. My hip was bothering me so I was walking and pulling me knee up to my chest to stretch it out. I'm always in my own little world and kind of oblivious to what's going on around me. All of a sudden a woman is standing in front of me saying "Traci?" "I thought that was you, only a former gymnast would walk like that!" Turns out it was my former Gymnastics Coach Janice! It's been years since I've seen her. She looks the exact same! Still unsure why but she says...So you're doing yoga right? Not idea how she knew that, none, but I tell her yes...BIKRAM. Turns out she teaches yoga and really wants to give Bikram a try. She asks me to show her some postures. There I am in the middle of Starbucks parking lot doing Bikram poses. Halfmoon, Triangle, Tree etc. Silly yoga girls! I told her she MUST come to our studio and give it a shot. Janice would be amazing. She's flexible, strong and has fierce determination. Yeah, gymnastics will do that to you. You never really loose it.

Ok guys, I really should go concentrate on checking some things off my To Do list. No more procrastinating. I brought my stuff with me for the 6:30p yoga class with Mimi. Looking at my list though, I know I'll be here for a while cleaning up. I figure if I suck it up tonight I'll be in great shape for the rest of the week. So sadly no Bikram tonight. But tomorrow? Oh tomorrow there will be Bikram! Did my quick 2 mile treadmill this morning and might head out for a couple more after work. We'll just see how I feel...

Workouts scheduled this week: Sunday: Bikram (done); Monday (run); Tuesday: Bikram; Wednesday: Run; Thursday: Bikram; Friday: Rest Day; Saturday: Bikram...Of course nothing is set in stone and always subject to change :)

"Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work." Horace So, so true. Nothing is just given to us, we have to earn it. That being said, I better get back to work!

Have a great Monday everyone! And don't forget to find a few little things to make you smile :)

Cheers...Traci

Snow, Bikram, & Tulips

2010-01-03T19:39:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday evening everyone! Have a good Sunday? First things first. I really have to say a very big CONGRATS to Franca! Franca practices at the same studio as I do but because of the Holidays and everybody’s schedules being mixed up we haven't seen each other in weeks. Well, as I was getting my bag & mat out of my car and tromping through the snow I look up to see Franca in the doorway with her big, warm smile (Franca has the best smile by the way). And just like that she lifts up her left hand...and there it is! A beautiful, sparkly diamond on her finger! Shriek! Congrats on your engagement Franca. Your fiancé is a very luck man. And Franca, following up on our conversation after class...I think all is fine, but we should do some research.

I can't believe it's already 7pm. I have no idea where this day went! Well, since I lived it I guess I actually do have some idea. Let's seeee....Wake up to a text from my sis asking if yoga was open or closed due to snow (didn't get to bed until about 3am this morning which leaves this girl a little sleepy), tell her to call...stretch, stretch, stretch, pull open the curtains in my bedroom and...ooohhh surprise, surprise, more snow. Sigh. After easing myself into the morning I put on my winter gear yet again and decide to get the chore of clearing the car and shoveling out of the way early. Not many neighbors out yet. Maybe because there's still snow falling from the sky? Maybe they will just hibernate today and deal with it tomorrow? I always say...don't put off until tomorrow what you can do right now. So all clear, for now.
Once back inside I make myself a warming cup of cinnamon apple tea (yum) and granola with yogurt. Before I know it it's already 12 noon! Shower, get my yoga stuff pulled together and set out to do some errands before 3:30 Bikram class. For a brief moment while running my errands I glanced up and had to squint. Could it be? Is it really? Sun? There it was in all it's glory, so proud shining in the sky. Hmph, no, no, wait...don’t leave us just yet! You see it lasted only about 20 minutes before the clouds rolled in again and brought yet more flurries of snow with them. The sun, as it turns out, was a mere tease. Mother Nature, we really need to have a serious talk about this. Soon. I'll send you an invite to schedule a time!

Anyway, get to the 3:30 class at 3pm. Hannanes teaching again. Very full class for a snowy Sunday afternoon. Maybe 30 or so people? I was so happy to see Janet again! We did the Challenge together and she's one of my favorite people to practice beside. We set up in the front right corner. I had set up in this spot yesterday too but had to move. The noisy guy set up directly beside me and I just couldn't deal with it. So yesterday I ended up moving a few spots to the left. Which was fine. Back to this afternoon...Class was good. Hannane always keeps class moving nicely. Heat was good but the doors popped open multiple times. I just don't understand this. The classes use to be nice and hot to the point where it really challenged your mind. Now, not so much. Not sure why? Maybe catering to those who can’t take the heat as it is meant to be? I really wish the teachers would just keep it hot in the room. If I did have a complaint, that would be it. Please Bikram Yoga Quincy, let's get back to hot. Let's get back to how it use to be. I know there are lots of us looking for it again. Thanks!

Class ends and I end up sitting on the benches talking to Franca, admiring the new bling she sporting on her left hand, chatting about the studio etc. Catching up with the others after class is always a great end to the practice. Walking out of the studio I look up and yes, the snow is still snizzling (NE word I think?) from the sky. Tomorrow. Tomorrow it will stop I say out loud.

On my way home I realize I neglected to buy myself flowers this weekend! Gasp. Would not set a good tone for the work week ahead if I went without them so I make a pit stop on my way home (sweaty and all, got lots of, well, interesting looks from shoppers). Went with 3 bunches of my favorites...pure white tulips. I would go with tulips over roses any day. So, so pretty. I'm telling ya'all, having fresh flowers in your house really makes you happy. It's almost therapeutic, trust me on this and try it!

Going into the week...."Believe you can and you're halfway there." Theodore Roosevelt ...Believe in you. Be your biggest cheerleader. If you believe in yourself, others will see your confidence and have no choice but to believe in you too. Success and happiness are waiting for you. Go get it!

Have an awesome rest of your Sunday evening everybody. Back to work for me tomorrow after having been off since Dec 23rd. Already thinking about all the work I need to catch up on! One thing at a time, Traci, one thing, one task, one email, one meeting etc…one. at. a. time. All right…time to go search the kitchen for dinner as my stomach is speaking loudly to me!

Cheers! Traci

Bikram Yoga Love

2010-01-02T11:49:00.000-05:00

Good morning! Here we go again...More Snow! It really just needs to stop already. You listening Mother Nature? Woke up this morning to the white stuff falling from the sky again. I feeling like I live in one of those snow globes you shake up. I'm trying not to listen to the news because it's making me sad but looks like we are in for another Foot plus of snow today into tomorrow. And just to put a lovely spin on the whole mess there's another storm backing in off the water too that will be bringing with it winds of 40 to 50 MPH along with yes, more snow. Just another beautiful day in the the neigborhood my friends. A friend of mine keeps texting me from Flordia where he's on vacation. It's beautiful and sunny. One more pic of a palm tree and the sun shining on the ocean and swear I'm going to block him from my phone (just kidding...happy your having fun). I guess the fact that he has to come back to all this tomorrow makes me feel a just little better :).

Ok, now that I've vented about the weather, on to the good and positive stuff. Yesterday I went to the 4:30 New Year's Day class with Chris. One word...Devine. A few new people in class, which is to be expected with the New Year's resolutions people set. I trust there will be lots of new people during the next couple of weeks. I actually like helping the newbies along during class. Encouraging them. We've all been there right?
Set my mat up in the far right, front corner. Before class starts this guy I don't recognize sets his mat up between me and another girl. I could just tell he was going to be trouble. Oh yes, I could see right away he was going to be a loud breather and fidgety (he was both by the way). I even toyed with moving my mat spot but the girl on the other side said...Nope, you're staying right there, will be a good test of your mental strength. I laughed and said ok, ok. A test...yes, indeed it would be!

Class was great. I felt strong and happy and class flowed nicely. Chris, as usual, was his wonderful self. Such a great teacher. During standing head to knee I was thinking about how I use to hate this posture. Now? Now I look forward to it! Love the challenge of the pose. The temp was good and I was so happy the doors didn't opend and the fans didn't turn on at all. It stayed nice and hot in the room for most of the class. Heat is good folks! We've only got spine twisting and breathing left now and there I was thinking...We're done already? No way! Maybe I should hang around for the 6:30 and do a double? I didn't, but I really could have. I left the studio so happy. I've been having good classes lately but this class? This class left me feeling elated. I haven't had this kind of yoga high since the Challenge. I felt like during this class I found my Bikram Yoga love again. So good to see you again my friend, I've missed you! So good.

Today I'm off to the 3:00 with Hannane. I really, really hope class is not cancelled due to the snow! Chris is teaching the 10:00 right now so I plan to call when that gets out to confirm they will be there. Being in the hot room while you can see the snow falling outside the studio windows is a lovely scene.

Oh! And guess what? Remember how Sherie came to our studio to guest teach a few weeks back? She's coming back to Quincy Bikram Yoga Full Time! Yay! Such a great teacher and wonderful addition to our already awesome teacher rotation. Welcome back Sherie.

To think about on this Saturday..."You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt. Don't be afraid to try new things guys. Go after what you want. The only failure will be if you do not try. Let's all do something outside of our comfort zones. To really challenge ourselves. I know myself I tend to stick with things that are comfortable to me. I plan on changing that!

Ok guys, just took a break from this post to clear the snow off my car and I'm back in my nice warm house again. So much fun (not really). Just called the studio and they will be open for the 3:30 this afternoon. So that's my plan. 3:30 class after I make a pit stop at a friends house. Hoping I have another great class today!

Hoping you all have a great Saturday! Enjoy the sun or snow, depending on where you are.

Cheers...Traci

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Hope you all had an awesome night last night. Last night was fun, no doubt, but this morning I was in slow motion for sure. Eased into the day and now I'm feeling great, refreshed and ready to take on the day (and the New Year!). Have some visiting to do with friends early this afternoon then I'm heading to the 4:30 class with Chris to, well let's be honest here folks, to detoxify! I had this great plan in my head that I was going to be up and ready to go for the 9:30 class this morning. Uhhh, yeah, clearly that was not ever going to happen right after New Years Eve. Oh well, it was a good plan. And the 4:30 will be great.

Off and running nowbut just wanted to quickly wish everybody a very Happy New Year. 2010 is going to be outstanding! 101 Day Challengers...are you read to go? GOOD LUCK!

Enjoy your first day of the New Year!

Cheers...Traci

If you can, you must!

2009-12-30T19:48:00.000-05:00

If you can you, must! If you can, you must! Those words play out in my head in teacher Hannane's accent almost every Bikram class now. Hannane will say this over and over during class. The other morning in class she stood directly infront of me during Triangle and said those words. The teachers obviously know I can do the poses the right way, so when they see me slacking and drifting away they have no problem letting me know to get my head back in the room. I always just smile and do it. I truly, truly appreciate corrections. Sometimes our minds (well, mine anyways) travel outside the room. I love when they pull it back for me. 90 minutes in the room. 90 minutes in the room. Stay present. Concentrate, Meditate, Focus!

Anyway...How was your Wednesday? I took Audrey's 9:30am class this morning. Great way to warm up on a frigid East Coast morn and perfect way to get the day started for sure. Audrey's amazing and class was fantastic. She's tough and knows how to get you to go to your maximum, but she adds tons of humor into her class. I think Audrey got me to do my best Triangle ever. Can't you just feel the positive difference when you do it right and give 100%? So, so good. Class was great, just wish my hip flexor (ugh!) would heal already. For the most part it doesn't bother me in yoga, only running. I think the only really uncomfortable posture for the injury is Wind Removing, right leg. So I just pull down slightly rather than all the way to my shoulder.

Guys, can you believe New Year's Eve is tomorrow? How fast did this year go by!? Well...Maybe because I spent the first half of the year dreading my...gulp...40th birthday that passed in July. It was a biggie and I was not handling it well. People would say, oh please you look like your in your late 20's so who cares. Uhhh, that's not the point, the point is 4.0. Fourty? I'm, like, old? But you know what? That day came and went and all that happend was the number changed. I was still me. Seriously, right after my birthday passed I felt almost empowered, like I could do anything. Oh sure, I would honestly love my 30's back. 30's are awesome! But 40's...I'm determined to make my 40's even better.

Tomorrow's the day I want to make my post about my goals for 2010 (and for the years following). As a prelude I'll let you know they include the following topics: Beginnings, Love, Challenge, Adventure, Changing People's Lives, Leadership, Moral Courage. Have many personal and professional goals for myself this year. How about you guy's? Given it some thought? 2010 is going to be outstanding for sure! Get ready to rock!

And for you 101 Day Challengers...You are almost to the starting gate...Are you ready? Wish I could join you all but I don't want to commit and have to stop because of work. Anyway, I look forward to living vicariously through you all!

Enjoy your evenings and I'll catch up with you here tomorrow!

Cheers and Hugs! Traci

Love the Spa!

2009-12-29T19:40:00.000-05:00

Hi all. Have a good day? Hope so! Today the cold weather come back to visit with us here in the Boston area (hope it's a short visit). Not only the cold, but also the wind. Just checked the weather conditions and it's currently 10 degrees with a wind-chill of minus 21. Blink, blink, blink...Are you kidding me? This is just not right. So not right. Oh well, that's what warm winter clothes are made for I guess. Just makes me look forward to the Hot Room at the studio tomorrow even more. What's better than a good Bikram class on a cold, bitter day? Certainly not a run outside, I can tell you that from experience!

Today was an ultra relaxing day. Still on vacation. Got myself up to head to yoga but decided on a run instead to mix things up. Pretty good run, or at least as good as it gets in the weather. Got in my 5 miles. The only really good thing about the run is my sidewalks are back. With all the rain we had the past couple of days the snow is pretty much gone...for now anyways.

After my run I had a lovely (and needed) spa day. Actually ran into a friend there which was a very nice surprise! We got to sit side by side and talk (ok, ok and gossip a little) pretty much non-stop the whole time. Went a little blonder with the hair this visit. I'm always blonde but lately have been on the darker blonde side. I'm back to really light now and totally loving it again! Ran some errands after the spa and couldn't wait to get home to a cozy warm house.

Tomorrow is Bikram 9:30am with Audrey. Should be an awesome class for sure.

My sister Robin and I practiced yoga yesterday together, which of course is always great. Ok, let me just tell ya'll about a pet peeve of mine...This guy (never seen him before) walks into the hot room 2 minutes before class starts...with his shoes on! Yuck! It's pretty much common sense to take your shoes off. Ok, so then he comes in and decides to set up his mat directly in front of my sister and doesn't even turn to ask if she can still see the mirror. Nothing worse than a rude bikram yogi. Then he proceeded to sit half the postures out. I told my sis she could fix that problem if she would be brave and join me in the front row! Maybe next time...Right Robin?

So after class my sis had to go to the dreaded DMV....Shutter...You know what that means right? Lines and waiting. Lots and lots of waiting. There she sat and sat and sat with masses of people renewing their license and registrations. She sat for nearly 2 hours! And you know what she told me? She says that because she practiced Bikram that morning she was ok with it. Even with all the screaming kids running around the place and loud, cranky people all around her. She just sat there. She was calm. That's it! That's what Birkam does for us. That's why everyone should practice Bikram!

And my other sis Kellie sent me a text today that says "Thanks! Hannah is always doing yoga poses now...And I pulled an ass muscle doing it with her! Namaste!" Hannah is my 6-year-old niece I taught yoga to her the other day. You should see her standing head to knee. Almost perfect! I swear I will get my other sisters into the studio this year! One of my goals. By the way, I have lots of goals for 2010 I will be talking about in the next post. I don’t call them resolutions, i fance goals much more.

Ok guys...Have a truly awesome night. If it's cold where you are stay warm and get yourself into one of those crazy looking Suggies and if you're lucky enough to be enjoying nice weather, well I don't want to hear it! Just kidding of course...Enjoy it!

Cheers guys! Traci

Good Monday Morning!

2009-12-28T08:31:00.000-05:00

Morning All! Hope the weekend was great for everyone. Just a quick fly by post this morning. I'll be back later with more.

Ahhh...It felt so great to wake up this morning and not have to get to work for my 8am Monday meeting! Instead I'm heading shortly to the Hannanes 9:30am Bikram class with my sister Robin. What an awesome way to get he day and week started, yes? Took her class yesterday too and it was just an awesome, challenging class again. Lots of people seemed to be struggling. Not sure why? Maybe because of all the holiday festivities. One girl even said she could smell all the bad food and drinks coming from her pores!

I think Hannanes becoming one of my favorite teachers now. I love how she tells people she likes it hot and humid in the room, like it's suppose to be, and that's how it will be. My kind of teacher! Hannane is strong, focused and gives great corrections. Ok, I better go get ready for class now!

Have a fabulous start to your week guys! See ya'll later.

Cheers...Traci

Crreating Memories...

2009-12-26T12:55:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Hope you all had an awesome day yesterday and created some wonderful memories. Goes by so quick doesn't it? Yesterday was such a great day filled was tons of laughs with my crazy (in a good way) family.

My day started off with a nice Christmas morning run to get things going. Had a pretty good run (aside from my sore hip flexor…please get better!). The temp was warmer in the 30's with tons of melting on the sidewalks. Still spots where the snow is packed down but I'm hoping after some rain this weekend we'll get our sidewalks back. Just makes for a much nicer run. Although...I do seem to be getting pretty good at the sport of snow bank hurdling! I hear it's a new Olympic sport this year (ok, maybe not)

Managed to get in about 5 miles yesterday. Came home and made myself a lovely Christmas breakfast and had it along with some tea. Got ready and headed over to my parents around 12 noon. Decided to make a stop at the only Dunkin Donuts open for miles and miles (sadly no Starbucks open at all!). The line was out the door...oh what people will do for coffee! Seriously guys, I was actually waiting on line outside for like 10 minutes before I even made it into the store. I even said to the girl in front of me...I don't know if it's worth it; think I'll give up. She says...OH! It's worth it; it's going to be a long day! Just stay. So I did. Got my latte and I was on my way. Made it to my parents around 1pm. I was the first one to arrive. My family exchanges gifts in shifts. We don't do it all at once, we do it by family. Weird, I know. But there are just so many of us now it would be a madhouse to do all at once. Robin & her family early in the morning. Me, whenever. Kellie and Bill & the girls right after me. Erin, John & the boys last around 3. It works for us.

Santa (well...my parents actually) was great to me as usual. My parents adore Christmas. Ever since we were little they have gone above and beyond to make the day special. Truly have so many amazing Christmas memories. Even my nieces & nephews shake their heads and say...Way too much! My 6 year old niece Hannah said to my sister Kellie…I figure I don’t really have to be good for Santa because Nana Clause always knows exactly what to get me! Hannah’s a bit of a spitfire. My sisters say she just like me!

I know our parents really enjoy doing it and it makes them happy to see everyone's smiling happy faces. Thanks Mom & Dad for always making Christmas so special! Gifts included money (always good!), jewelry, gift cards, North Face gear, lots of running gear etc. My mom even threw some really cool new reflector armbands in with my new running stuff. The bands are great and are battery operated and really bright! So excited to try them out. She looked for a new Road ID but could find it. Think she’s ordering one online for me though.

So my parents… Yeah, it’s pretty impossible to buy for them, really nothing you can get them. So I usually end up getting them a gift certificate to the hotel they always stay at on Cape Cod. Practical. At least I know they'll use it since they stay there tons of times during the year. Of course I filled in with little extras for them as well...Yankee Candles, wine, wine glasses...just little things.

The day was great. It was loud and crazy. Just as it should be. Our family is now up to 16. At one point as we were all seated at the dining room table and enjoying the beautiful sit down dinner my mom says...Wow, remember when it was just the 6 of us! Seems like forever ago for sure.

The day and dinner equaled pretty much non-stop laughing. You put my 3 sisters and me together and forget about it. We just get so silly. My brothers-in-law all just shake their heads. Now that my oldest niece is 22 she's pretty much like one of the sisters too and gets in on the silliness. Fun, fun, fun.

After dinner my nieces and nephews coaxed me into a game of Simon Says. I, of course, was Simon. Felt like I was10 again! My nephew Ben finally says...Traci, are these yoga poses? Ummm, maybe? ;) Then the little guy Noah says...I want to play red light green light. No clue about this game but gave it my best shot. My parent’s family room is 30 feet long so pretty good running room. I just kept picturing Noah running straight into the hearth and into the fireplace so I kind of stopped the game. Then he wanted to wrestle. Ugh...boys! Non-stop!

I wrapped the night up and left my parents around 8:30 or 9:00, somewhere around there. Long but fun day. Came home and of course had to look at all the gifts again!

The day was perfect in almost every way. Thanks Mom & Dad for creating another wonderful Christmas memory for all of us. You two truly are amazing and I love ya both tons!

Today I am heading to the 3:00pm Bikram class with Hannane. Should be a great class.

Hope your day was just as you wished for yesterday. Enjoy your Saturday!

Oh...and RT if you're reading...good to catch up with you, don't be a stranger!

Cheers…Traci

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T11:50:00.001-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Nephews Noah, Ben & Luke spreading reindeer food last night (yup still lots of snow). Little Noah is 3 and was so excited! Cute. Cute. Cute. Enjoy your day people! Record short post for me huh?

Holiday Hugs...Traci

Totally Perfect Bikram Class!

2009-12-24T13:40:00.000-05:00

Hey All! If you celebrate Christmas, I hope your holiday is off to a great start! I'm on vacation from now until January 4th. Yay! Looking forward to lots of downtime over the next several days...And Bikram and Running!

This morning I was up nice and early to get some last minute things done before heading to the 9:30am Bikram class. My sister Robin was meeting me at the studio today for class so I was extra excited. Isn't it always better when you practice side by side your favorite people? It's not like you even speak a word the entire class but you can just feel the positive energy. Love it. We actually both pulled up to the studio at the exact same time. Of course from the minute we see each other it's like a gabfest. Catching up on the entire goings on in our lives. We got there at 9:00 so lots of time to chat prior to class. We anticipated the class being packed like it was on Thanksgiving so immediately set up our mats. We open the hot room door, walk in, look at each other and...Smile! It's nice and hot in the room today! Set up in the hot corner of the room (my fave) and we decide to take a peek at the temp. Already 108 degrees 30 minutes before class. That's a good sign. A very good sign. Have I mentioned we like it extra hot. The hotter the better!

Hannane is teaching class this morning. She's pregnant and due in March. Can I just tell you how amazing she looks? Great! And not only is she still teaching, she's also still taking classes and rocking them out. Wow. Just wow.

Class begins right on time and ends up being a nice size. Just enough people, maybe 25? As class begins and I hear the strong energy in Hannane's voice I just know this is going to be a great class. And it was. I love how she keeps the class flowing. No breaks. Just moving from one posture to the next with strong dialogue. Also gets some jokes in there as well. My hip flexor is still bothering me so I didn't go as deep into some postures. Felt good to loosen it up and stretch it out. At one point, as we stood up on our knees for Camel I caught Robins eye and we both smiled as if to say "awesome class!" Isn't it funny how in class you can understand what someone is saying just by a smile? Class was perfect. Perfect heat, perfect pace and flow, perfect energy, perfect teacher. Class felt good...no wait, class felt great! After class Hannane cracked me up. So as you might know I was a gymnast. Hannane says...Traci, you just can't let the fancy gymnast arms and toes go can you? Try as I might to stop, my Bikram still has an added flair to it.

After class I change quickly, say my good bye (until this afternoon) to Robin and head out to run some last minute errands. First stop...STARBUCKS! Crowded? Ummm, yeah, just a little. Line was like 20 deep but needed my latte! Pumpkin Spice will be leaving us in a couple of weeks and won't be seen again until next October! Sadness. So I waited. But that's the thing about after a Bikram class...lines don't bother you. Really, they don't. So weird. Next stop the Market. If I thought Sbucks was crowded, this was OVER crowded! So many people. Picked up the things I needed along with some great Pinot Noir and some lovely red tulips for this evening and stood on line. In each line, 30 people at least. No exaggeration folks. No worries. We'll get to the front sooner or later. And wouldn't you know I did make it to the front...like 30 mintes later. Sigh...Ah, the Holidays. We rush, rush, rush for days and days. We battle traffic and cranky shoppers to enjoy one day. Sometimes I wish the holidays were less commercial.

So now I'm just about to hop in the shower and get ready to head to my sister Kellies Christmas Cocktail Party (usually at my sis Erin's house but Kellie wants a crack at it this year). Picking up my sis Robin, niece Sarah and nephew Sam at 3:30pm and we'll go together. Should take us about 45 minutes or so to get there (pending traffic of course). Not bad.

Ok everyone! If you’re celebrating this evening I wish you the best of times. Have fun and be safe. Enjoy spending time with your families and friends. And most importantly remember to smile (BYC hope your sporting that beautiful smile today!), breathe and to just be happy. As the song says...It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Merry Christmas Eve all!

Cheeeeeers! Traci

High Energy Kind of a Day!

2009-12-23T13:42:00.000-05:00

Hello, Hello, Hello guys! Tons of energy today! What a crazy week it's been. So much work to get done in 3 days! After today I'm not back in the office until January 4th. Just saying it sounds weird. I'm definitely the type that has a hard time mentally taking time away from work and disconnecting myself. So of course I'll still be logging in from home. Crazy girl, I know. I'm pretty sure the company will be just fine without you for a few days Traci! As one of my guy friends says to me "you’re a gooba". Don't know why but makes me laugh every time, and still have no idea what he means by it :)

This morning started off fabulous. Came in to work about 7:30am to find lots of cards on my desk. Gift cards in all of them! Presents are so much fun (still waiting on a little blue box though ;). Mall gift cards, Starbucks (yummm) gift cards, Amex gift cards. Gift cards rock! Love to shop so what could be better to give me right? Perfect gift if you ask me. Anyone out there still looking for a gift for me? Two words: Gift Card...or a little blue box (I mention that one a lot huh?) http://www.tiffany.com/?siteid=1

Had my weekly status update meeting with my boss at 9am. I actually love this meeting. We don't really talk much during the week since we're usually running like crazy, so it gives us a chance to catch up, both on work and personal stuff. Always lots of laughs and stories. Have I mentioned I work for the best people? I really do. I feel so lucky. Oh sure we all have a bad day every now and then, nothings perfect, but 99% of the time, it's all good. BUSY, but good. I always tell my candidates & potential new hires this: If you can get up in the morning, get ready, get in your car, drive to work and never think about it, just do it on auto pilot...That’s a good thing! It's a bad thing if you’re constantly thinking...UGH work tomorrow! Or if on Sunday you hear the 60 Minutes clock tick tick tick and you think...Oh no! MONDAY tomorrow, also not so good. I can honestly say I almost never feel like that. Something so good about having an amazing team to work with isn't there?

Funny story that I’m still laughing about! One of our Directors sees me walking by and says "TK wait!" and comes running over. Pulls me into one of the conference rooms and tells me he needs me to walk on his back to work out a kink! What?!?! NO WAY...Come on, he says...Please! Says his daughter usually does it and since I'm tiny I'd be perfect. I concede. Off come the4 inch high heels (should have kept them on, THAT would have been funny). There I am walking up and down on his back as he lies on the conference room floor. He’s making all sorts of noises. Finally we hear his back pop back into place. I'm now laughing at the situation. Step back into my shoes, he pushes himself back up to standing and straightens out his pants. With that we turn and walk towards to door. It's then we see like 5 co-workers looking in. We open the door and they just say, Really don't want to know what just went on in the there. Lots of smirks and by now I'm belly laughing along with my co-worker. He says...Oh the rumors are going to start flying now! Maybe you had to be there, but I'm just saying it was hysterical. I work with some very silly guys... indeed I do.

That's the kind of day it is around here today. Lots and lots of smiles and laughing and overall good spirits. "Comfortable, easy, flexible"...oops sorry about that...the Bikram dialogue just popped into my head. That ever happen to you Bikram guy's? You’re having a normal conversation and there it is playing out in your head...Bikram!

Workouts: Guess what? Yesterday I had so many people yipping at me all day long about my hip flexor. I was limping around the office all day. Everyone was telling me, don't run, don't run, don't run. Well, it's so unlike me to listen and take advice (I can be just a bit stubborn at times) but I did! And you know what? It feels a tad better today. The rest was good! Still there but at least I can walk normal.

Alright...so tonight I'm off to have holiday cocktails with friends. Tomorrow's Christmas Eve! Huh? What? Well that really snuck up on us now didn't it? Anyway, my sis Robin texts me this morning at 7:45 making sure I was going to the 9:30am Bikram tomorrow. Yup. I'll be there. That's right. A good old morning class. Don't like em, but tomorrow it's the only class of the day so morning it is. I anticipate a full ~~house~~ studio.

After that my family does a Christmas Eve cocktail party at my sister Kellie's house and Christmas day is at my parents. Busy time of the year! Fun to spend it with my fam that I really don't see that much, but whew! Always good when the holidays are over.

Bloggies, hope you have an awesome afternoon filled with smiles and sunshine!
See ya back here tomorrow!

Cheers...Traci

Running through the Snow

2009-12-22T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hi Guys!
First, a very Happy 25th Birthday to the awesome blogger over at Everythingtarian! Happy belated Holly! Hope you had a great day.

I'm not sure if I'm getting use to the winter air or what but when I left my house this morning I thought...huh, it feels warmer! Took a look at the temp and it was only 15 degrees. Nope, not warmer. I think a little warm up is in the cards for us sometime in the next few days. Looking like it could be in the mid to high 30's and pushing 40. 40's will feel like spring time!

Work out update: Last night I wasn't at the office very late at all. Made it home by 6:15. On the way home I had to blast the music to get myself pumped for my run. Cold, dark, snow covered streets. I was hoping to see some other runners out there on my drive home to motivate me. Nope. Not a one. Didn't see one runner, walker or anyone braving the elements. Oh well, guess I'll just have to motivate myself.

It would have been so easy to just change into cozy clothes, make some dinner and call it a night. But already scheduled a run and I knew if I didn't go I'd regret it. So I unlocked my front door, stepped in, dropped my bags and immediately got changed. I knew the key to this run would be gearing up properly. Pulled on my Under Armour Cold Gear running tights (these things are amazing! You can't even feel the air on your legs at all. Love them.) running turtle neck, running zip up, running jacket, gloves, hat, running scarf, music...stretch, stretch, stretch...take some really deep breaths and I'm off. Soon as I got outside I realized I forgot to put on my reflectors and ID. I knew if I went back inside it would be really hard to head back out. So I did something I would yell at people for, I ran at night with no relectors, no ID. Don't do this guys, not safe!

Didn't take very long before I realized it was going to be, well, a challenging run for sure. The sidewalks that appeared to be cleared? Yeah, not so much. Just had to smile and make the best of it. At least I was outside, running, getting fresh air and rosey cheeks. I kept think the whole time...Cleats...cleats would be great right about now to dig into the ice! The sidewalks were icy and snowy. Id' be running along and then wham! Another snowbank to traverse. I must have looked crazy jumping up and over all the snow banks.

I decided to just run up and down random streets. Easier because I could just run in the street. Again, not the safest thing I've ever done. But taking all random streets was kind of fun. Saw some really pretty light displays. And it was so, so quiet out. Even though it was about 20 with wind chill in the single digits I didn't feel the cold with all my gear. It did it's job. Because of all the random streets I took (and because I don't have a Garmin...Christmas present maybe???) I have no idea of the mileage. The run was so random I don't even think mapmyrun.com would help. Was out there for about 40 minutes. Got it done.

Still having a problem with my hip flexor. Iced it when I got home from my run. But still hurts alot. Aside from resting it...UGH, don't want to...Not sure what else to do. Thinking a trip to the doc might be next. Just very frustrating. Anyone ever have the same issue? Advice?

Ok guys! Hope you all have a great Tuesday and workout if that's on your agenda today. I have another run scheduled for this evening. Thinking I might hop on the treadmill though. We'll see how I feel after the sun goes down. As always, prefer to be outside!

Cheers to ya! Traci

Sidewalks Cleared?

2009-12-21T13:47:00.001-05:00

Hi all! What a difference a day makes huh? Yesterday was dark and cold and snowy. Today is bright and sunny. Still cold but good to see my friend the sun again. The sun is so bright it's glaring off all the white snow! The day after a snow storm it's always so beautiful out. You can pretty much bet on it being sunny the day after. Albeit cold, but sunny.

Already tired of this weather and it's only December? Long way to go. Don't even feel like venturing outside for lunch so just grabbing something from the cafe in the building. Soup's sound really good right about now. I usually like to get out and get some fresh air but I'm not wearing sensible shoes today for the snow. Don't need to fall down yet again. Note to self: No 3 inch heels in this weather!

Driving to work I was checking out the sidewalks for running. Not bad, not bad. Not great, but still good enough to get a run in. Must be careful though! Along the water they plowed the sidewalk nice to the pavement which is great. I actually saw a woman out there this morning for her run at 7am. Brrrr. She had the full face mask on and everything. I just can't do the morning workouts. Can't do it but admire those who can. Night time is best for this girl.

I have tons to get through before my holiday vacation (off Dec 24th-Jan 4th!). I've prepared mentally for being here at the office late every night until then so I can leave here Wednesday evening knowing everything is taken care of. Have to work on a position that has been a real challenge to hire for. Looking for a very specific candidate. Goal I have set for myself this week is to at least get some solid candidates in the pipeline for it. Anyone out there looking for a Carrier Relations Analyst (telecom experience) position? :)

Workouts planned this week: So since I already know my work week looks crazy I'm scheduling my runs Mon-Wed; Thursday 9:30am Bikram (me and my sis Robin are going together...yay!). Christmas morning run with my parents. I love running new routes so it should be a good run. They live by the water as well so hopefully the cold wind is not coming off the ocean that day! Saturday Bikram 3:00 and Sunday Bikram 3:00.

And yes, my parents still like me to come and stay at their house Christmas eve so I can wake up with them Christmas morning. Silly at this age isn't it? I only live about 15 minutes away from them but they like me waking up in their house to see if Santa came. And my Mother actually still says that when I come down in the morning. They're just being silly. Makes them happy, which makes me happy too. Always funny to sleep in my childhood bedroom.

To think about today...actually always: Try to be the best you can be. Ask yourself "Is what I'm doing going to help me become my best?" Simple question, but I think it can help keep us anchored. Especially this time of year when things get so hectic!

Side note: Our Corporate Attorney is wearing a tie that plays Christmas music. I keep healthy treats at my desk to share (almonds, walnuts, trail mix, Cascadian bars...And of course some chocolate). Every time he comes to my office he starts playing playing it. Trying to decide if it's funny or annoying :)

Have a great rest of your Monday guys!

Cheers! Traci

18"...give or take an inch or 2

2009-12-20T18:28:00.000-05:00

My hand after playing in the snow...Brrrr.... Snowball!

My wintry backyard & icy-cold looking water! Big, big snowbank at the mall!

Snow fall totals where I live: Looks like we're at around 18 blissful inches. There go my sidewalks for running!

Guys, given how ugly the day was today, around sunset the sky actually looked quite beautiful. There were colors of orange and red and pink spanning the sky against an amazing canvass of stark white. Couldn't stop staring at it. So pretty. I did make a trip to the mall where a nice front row spot was waiting for me. Needless to say there were no crowds to be had there this afternoon. Just my kind of shopping! And the people working in the stores were more than attentive...I think they were actually bored. Made a visit to Teavana and sampled some spicy, cinnamon tea. Warming & delish.

Oh, and on my way home I made sure to check out the sidewalks (crazy runner girl, right?). Guess what?They already have the little Bobcat out clearing the sidewalks just for ME so I can get my run in. Awww, thanks DPW guys! Ok, Ok, so it's not really for me, it's actually for the kids walking to school. But I'll take it!

Ok, my stomach is telling me its time to make dinner and then get cozy. These are the kind of nights fireplaces are made for. Lighting some candles and putting on Christmas music while I make dinner. Do you guys have a favorite Christmas song? There's many on my list but I love Santa Baby!

Enjoy your evening all....TK

A Beautiful Blanket of White

2009-12-20T11:46:00.002-05:00

Hi Guys,
Sorry for being MIA yesterday! The weather forecast was calling for tons of snow here in the Boston area so I wanted to get as much as I could done yesterday for Christmas, which by the way is coming way to quick! It sure is pretty out there right now.

Yesterday: My plan was to go to the 3pm Bikram class. Sadly it didn't happen. My parents have an apartment building (132 units) and needed me to do some showings for them. So I was doing that until about 1pm and with everything that needed to get done I decided to get a run in instead. The whole time on my run I'm thinking...Well, this is going to be the last run for a while on bare pavement. With the snow coming the sidewalks will be snow covered for a long time unless we get a few warm days (warm days please come see us soon!). I still run in it but it just increases my chances of falling even more! Like I need that right?

It actually felt a bit warmer yesterday, I think it was about 28 degrees? Better than the teens! Run wasn't bad. I actually saw lots of other runners out there getting their run in before the storm. Seeing other runners out there is the best. Love it. Kind of pumps me up. Cracks me up how we all do the runners nod or wave as we pass eachother. Runners, like Bikram praticers, are a breed like no other. Love being part of both groups!

I was dreading hitting the stores yesterday. I hate crowds. Don't like them AT ALL. Sometimes I think I'm invisible, like people just kind of try to walk right through me. Come on people...I know I'm small but you can still see me right? And at least say excuse me if you hit me. The other day a lady who's coughing walks directly into me, sighs and gets all huffy. I said, excuse me would be nice. Her response to me "Why don't you just leave the mall!...Cough, cough, cough" I just smiled and said...I hope you have a happy holiday and walked away. Funny how what's suppose to be a happy time of year turns into a grouchy time of year for so many people. Think I'll start handing out buttons to cranky people that say "Just Smile".

Oh, and it seems that no matter how old we get our parents still think we're kids. Before I head out I call my mom to talk about the potential renters for her units. At the end of the conversation she says (with my dad talking in the background) swing by our house before you go shopping. I got you some new gloves and scraper for your car. And I got a shovel for your sister that I want you to drop over to her house. Seriously, sometimes I feel like my parents would love to have kids at home to still take care of! The gloves were awesome and made for the cold and snow (even in my favorite blue color) and the scraper was perfect. Has the extender and brush so I can easily reach the roof. Then of course they tell me to make sure my gas tank is full. Thanks for taking care of us as usual Mom and Dad!

Anyway, so about shopping yesterday...It wasn't bad! Not at all. The traffic getting from one place to the next was the worst part. But once I was actually where I needed to be I was pleasantly suprised. I went to the Derby Street Shops rather than the Mall. It's nice with all the stores, but outside. I figured on a cold day like yesterday people would rather be inside an enclosed mall. It was still busy but not bad. And Whole Foods is there so I could get that done too. Pretty much got everything done on my list. Just need to pick up one more gift card to a specific skate store and I'll be done! Productive day for sure.

Came home and oraganized my gifts. Everythings ready to go to all the recipients! Didn't feel like going out last night so just had a couple of friends over for appetizers and some wine. Lit lots of candles and had a pretty relaxing night. Forgot to buy my weekly flowers though...Need to get some today :)

All right folks...There's about 13-15 inches of snow out there so far to deal with and temps hovering around 18 dgrees. Got my gear on and heading out to do some shoveling. I'm actually one of those crazy people who likes to shovel. It's a great workout and anytime I can sneak in a workout is a good thing!

I'll check back with ya later, but me and my sis might try to get to a 3pm Bikram class if the studio is open. Cross your fingers for us!

Guys, be safe out there if your heading out. The storms just about over but the roads are still slippery I'm sure. So thankful for 4-Wheel drive on days like this!

Pretty random post huh? Sometimes that's how my head works, jumping from one thought to another. Oh well. Enjoy your Sunday everyone! GO PATS!

UPDATE: I just checked the studio website and classes are cancelled today. No Bikram, can't get out for a run...looks like treadmill here I come (yuck).

Welcome to Bikram Yoga Quincy

Weather Update/Class Cancellations:
Due to inclement weather & parking ban: No 3:00pm class on Sunday December 20th.

Cheers...Traci

Clumsy Girl!

2009-12-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

Hi guys! Happy Friday! I have the day off so I've just kind of been easing into the day. Actually I think I'm procrastinating going outside in the cooold. I just wish it was in the 40's. 40's I can handle. Single digits, teens and 20's I can't. Just can't

Anyway, last night being the silly girl I am I decided to go for a run. Lot's of branches and stuff on the ground. Lot's of things to trip on. Not good for a clumsy, accident prone person such as myself. I should probably mention, I tend to be a little...ok, ok alot...clumsy. Always have been. Anyone who knows me is never suprised when I tell them I fell down, walked into a wall, tumbled down the stairs (people at work always want me in front of the m in the stairwell because I might fall on them if I'm behind them!) or the like. Pretty funny actually. They are not suprised but they always say, you were a gymnast and you do yoga, HOW can you be such a clutz? People at work tell me I need to be wrapped in bubblewrap! My family and friends shake their heads when I fall and say...Oh, why am I not suprised?

I've even fallen flat on my face on dates...FIRST dates! That's right. Walking in Boston in the North End after an awesome meal and some fabulous wine, I step off the curb and...oops! Down I go. My date didn't realize it and was still talking away. Finally he notices I'm not beside him. Turns around and sees me there. We both start laughing. What else can you do right? Good thing I can laugh at myself. I once read "You grow up the first time you have a real laugh at yourself." Well then...I must be really grown up! My date kept laughing about it at random times of the night. So funny. Oh I could write a book about all my stories. I'm not kidding, I really could! One of the guys I dated in the past still texts me about some of the silly things I did. Always makes me laugh. Laughing at yourself is good!

Where was I going with this? Oh, last night I'm out on my run and I trip on some branches and debris and down I go. Not the first time I've fallen on a run, last time was in front of some really cute firemen! Ugh! But last night I really thought I broke both my kneecaps. OUCH! Thankfully I wasn't far from home. I limped home and was scared to look. I did and what I found was 2 very bruised and swollen knee caps. Oh Great! I could tell they were just bruised. No problem putting pressure on them. So I iced them (more cooold, teeth chattering). By this time they were already so bruised! Not pretty. Thank God it's winter and I can hide them!

I woke up this morning and gingerly put my feet on the floor. I was scared my knees were going to kill. But was happily suprised when I felt almost no pain! I took a look and you would never even knew I fell! So wierd. No bruising or swelling at all. I tend to heal very quickly. Which is a good thing given my track record! I always say it's all the vegetables I eat! Have I mentioned I have not eaten meat in about 22 years? Just never liked it, not even as a kid.

Ok guys, have to go finish up my Christmas shopping. I've been such a slacker this year with it. Usually I'm better but this year...not so much. List Traci, List. Must bring a list with me. Hopefully I won't fall or walk into any walls! Wish me luck! And I think I might take a day off from any workout to let my knees recover. We'll see how that goes.

Have a great Friday and stay warm out there!

Cheers...Traci

15 Degrees...Windchill -7...Yikes!

2009-12-17T11:23:00.001-05:00

Hi all! It's not good out there. Anytime the air hurts your face, well it's just not a good thing. Need.Warm.Weather. Well, at least I'm getting some nice rosey cheeks!

I don’t know what it is about this week but the days are just seeming to blend together. Really happy it’s Thursday today! Why? Because tomorrow is Friday and you know what that means! Yup, another Friday off for me. Lots to do today before that can happen. My morning is ok. My first meeting is not until 9:30am then I have 7 candidate interviews scheduled after that! That’s a lot of talking to do in one afternoon! I’ll have to make sure to do some yoga poses in my office in between to rev my energy up! Do you guys ever try that? If your day is really busy and you're dragging try to throw some postures in. Really gets the blood flowing and recharges you. I might look kind of silly when someone walks it but then I just have them join me! Even better than caffeine. Oh, still need my latte though. Can’t, won’t, give them up. Love them too much.

If you’ve been reading my blog this week you know it’s been a really busy one for me here at work. Good busy, but busy and non stop. I bet I put in a few miles of running around the building, up and down the stairs every day. I always try to take the stairs when I can and avoid the elevator. Of course I don’t want to scare my candidates so I do take the elevator if I have them with me. Although, that being said I will take the stairs with them if we’re just going up to the next floor. I use to have a terrible fear of elevators. Back in college I kind of got over it a little bit. I lived on the 11th floor in the dorms and walking up 11 flights multiple times a day got old. But even still to this day I have a little nervous feeling as the doors shut and I’m in that box. Crazy, I know.

Last night I was here at the office a bit late...again. I was actually just preparing for my busy day today. I like the feeling of coming in and being ready to go. Reviewed the resumes for the candidates I’m interviewing today, prepared the bios for the Monday announcements for the 5 new hires I have starting, prepared an Offer I need to present today. There’s never enough time in the day to do all these little extra things so after 5 things get very calm and it’s easier to get done.

By the time I got home it was cold, dark and windy again. But I suited up in the running gear and hit the road. The very cold road. I wasn’t going to. I was going to be lazy, but felt I needed to move. Didn’t see one other runner out there. Hell, I didn’t even see one other person walking a dog. Stuck with 4 miles and really I just wanted it to be done. To me running in that type of cold is not fun. You just get it done. After the run I had the little cough you get when you run in the cold. I hate that. The cold air just kind of hangs out in your lungs for a while.

Sighhhhh...Closing my eyes picturing summer time and me cheerfully running down the street. I have on my favorite black Nike running skirt with my smiling happy face (get that one Bikram lovers?). The sun is blazing and temp is in the 80’s. Lot’s of people out and about running, biking, walking. Perfection. Wake up kiddo! Eyes are now wide open and seeing the reality. Me in my running tights, hat, gloves etc. Layers! This is the Boston running reality for the next few months. Wake me up in April (well, maybe May!). Another cold snap for the next several days and this morning on the news I heard the 4 letter word...SNOW...for Sunday. Hopefully just a flurry.

Weekend Workout Plan:
I’m so looking forward to my workout plan for the weekend: Bikram, Bikram, Bikram! Friday: 4:30 with Audrey; Saturday: 3:00 with Hannane; Sunday: 3:00 with Hannane. Perfect!

Thought....You are what you think. You feel what you want. Aim high and do your best!

Stay warm out there people!!! Gloves and hats are your friends today! Actually, I think a full face mask would be even better ;)

Cheers! Traci

Out for a Run

2009-12-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone. Mid-week already! Unfortunately our high 40’s temperatures have gone into hiding. Hoping they visit us again soon. This morning it’s about 25 out and it’s not really expected to warm up much more than that. Please tell me again why I live here? Florida’s nice warm weather is sounding pretty good to me!

Anyway, so yesterday was another very busy day at work. Not complaining, I like being busy. And fell lucky to be so busy. But once again I was here at the office late and missed my yoga class. I’m just accepting the fact that sometimes life gets in the way of our yoga practice. And you know what? It’s ok. Just makes me look forward to getting back there even more!

I live really close to my office so when I leave I’m home very quick. And even though it was dark and cold and windy out and I’m tired from running around like a crazy chicken all day, I give myself a pep talk on the drive home. I start pumping myself up for a run. Listening to good music always gets me ready, so I cranked up the radio. Might have even been singing oout loud ;) Since I’m bummed about missing Bikram I know a run will re-energize me.

I walk through the door, I drop my bags and immediately get changed and ready to go. Running pants, Nike Fit turtle neck, Nike Fit pullover with high neck, hat, running gloves, reflectors, Ipod and I’m ready to go in like 10 minutes flat. While getting ready I munch on a PowerBar. Oh and I have this weird thing where I have to tie and untie and retie my running shoes about 5 times before it feels comfortable. It’s either too tight or too loose. I seem to obsess a bit much about getting it just right! I’ve even been known to stop a few steps into the run to adjust the laces. Must stop obsessing! Must stop obsessing! It's like in Bikram when people keep tigging at their shorts or fixing their towels!

When I’m first heading out the cold wind hits me in the face hard. Oh boy I think. I clap my gloved hands together, pull down my hat, crank up the tunes and take off. I actually stayed a cold for about the first 10 minutes and then started to heat up nicely. I have my set, clocked (for mileage) routes. But I also love mixing it up and taking different roads. That’s what I did last night. I decided to weave in and out of and up and down some side streets, which is probably not the safest or smartest thing to do when it’s so dark out. But there are tons of houses with beautiful Christmas lights on display and I was really just enjoying taking it all in. I think peoples personalities really come out in how they decorate. My favorites are the ones all lit up it white lights . Lots and lots of them. Don't you guy's love Christmas lights?

There’s one house that’s right on the seawall. Use to be an old house but someone bought it over the summer and did a tear down and rebuild. I love running by to see the progress. Last night I noticed that the house is pretty much done but still dark and empty. I see there’s a Christmas tree in the front window. It looked a little lonely!

Run was good and I actually worked up a nice sweat. Hip flexor is still giving me problems which stinks. It really hurt in the beginning then I just tried to put it out of my head. Ran 4 miles in about 35 minutes. Running always leaves me feeling so alive and happy. A bit like Bikram but different (I know...that makes no sense, but hard to explain). By the time I got back home it was after 7:30. Hopped on the computer to finish up some work, iced my hip flexor, made a quick dinner, took a nice hot shower and relaxed a bit before calling it a night.

Never really looked at my phone until late and saw I had lots of texts. One was from my friend Eric who read my post yesterday and wanted to send me a “simple smile”. Thanks E! You’re awesome!

Another was from my sweetie pie niece Sarah. She had just received an email from her Professor. Turns out not only did she receive the highest grade on her mid term, she also got the highest final grade! Sarah’s such a hard worker and loves to be tops in everything. Bit competitive are we? Hmmm... wonder where you get that from? Anyway...Congrats Sarah! So proud of you!!!!

Ok guys. Hope your Wednesday is a happy (and warm) one!

And remember...The life you imagine is the life you live. Use your imagination to direct your life in the direction you want it to go. To get what you truly want. Imagination is a very powerful tool.

Cheers...Traci

Busy Busy Busy

2009-12-15T16:42:00.000-05:00

Hi guys! Looks like we have another day in the 40's before we go back to the 20's tomorrow. It really cloudy but at least it pretty warm. Crazy that 40's feels like spring, huh?

Last night my plan was to go to the 6:30 with Mimi. It's pretty much my favorite class of the week and I was looking forward to it so much. Had my bag of yoga gear all ready to go with me here at the office. The more the day went on the more I came to realize there was no way I would make it out of here in time for class. I just had so much work to catch up on. I never left my office until after 6:30. We're still hiring like crazy (we've added well over 100 people to our team this year) so of course in my role as the Corporate Recruiter, there's lots to do. Between candidate searches, phone interviews, live interviews, presenting offers, meeting with hiring managers for all divisions, background checks etc. it's just been nuts. I'm the type that likes to do it all myself too and not hand it off to an assistant. I just feel like I was the first person the candidate met here and I want to complete the process with them. I truly take an interest in my candidates. My favorite thing is when candidates send me thank you notes for being so great during the process.
The best part of my job? Presenting the Offer. Hands down. I love seeing the excitement and relief on the candidates face. So good! With the terrible economy some of my candidates have been looking and interviewing for months. It's competitive out there for sure. So when they make it through our interview process and I present an offer there is such a look of thanks on their faces. Makes me so happy! In one of the roles I recruit for we hire a lot of young college grads, so this might be their first real job. Love the energy they bring to our team.

Ok so I love what I do right? What I don't love is when I miss my favorite Bikram class. I had to though. I guess I could have left everything on my desk for the morning but I hate that. I hate coming in to unfinished work. Still has to get done right? These next few days are going to be like that. Kind of crazy. Next week being the week before Christmas it should be a bit calmer for me. And then I'm off from the 24th through Jan 4th. I plan on doing LOTS of yoga on those days off!

A thought to leave you with today: Appreciate the little things. Sometimes the little things are the things that will make you the happiest. Focus on the joy of everyday things. Try to notice 3 simple things that make you smile during the day...A text from a friend, your co-workers silly belly laugh, a really good latte (yum!). You choose. Happiness.

Hope you all have a great rest of your day!

Cheers...Traci

Bikram, it's so good to see you again!

2009-12-14T13:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday bloggies! Hope you all had great weekends. How is it that even when you have 3 day weekends it’s still just too short? Another day off would have felt great!

First things first! I need to wish my niece Sarah a very Happy Birthday. She turns 22 (what?) today and is truly amazing. We’ve always had such a special bond and she’ll always be my little girl. Happy Birthday sweet pea. Love ya!

Ok onto the yoga! Yesterday as planned I went to the 3pm with Sherie. Awesome...but well get to that in a minute.
I was so happy to be getting back to the studio! It felt good to walk up the long staircase, pull open the door and immediately feel the positive energy floating around. The 30 Day Challenge board is still hanging on the wall with a big Congratulations sign above it. Good reminder of what I just accomplished. Sherie was at the desk with Chris and I knew immediately this was going to be a great class. Lots of unfamiliar faces moving about the studio. Figured out pretty quickly many people came from all around to see Sheri and take her class. The class was packed, especially for 3pm on a Sunday afternoon right in the middle of the Pat’s game!

I set myself up in the front of the room far right corner (or the hot corner as some call it, though it doesn’t feel much different to me). I think it’s my favorite spot in the room. Before class begins I hear Sherie talking to a guy and called him “Charlie”. I looked at him and figured out pretty quickly it was Charlie from Noho Yoga! I tiptoed over to his mat and introduced myself. It’s so fun actually meeting another blogger in person. Before class begins it was really loud in the studio. I think people were seeing people they haven’t seen for awhile so it was like a reunion. Some of the unfamiliar faces looked confused by the chatter. I think they prefer it to be silent in the room. I’m actually ok either way. I just can’t take talking DURING class or in final Savanasa. Other than that it’s ok with me.

So as I mentioned class was awesome. words can not explain. I was just so happy to be there, to be moving through the postures. And to be taking the awesome Sherie’s class, well that was the icing on the cake! She moved throughout the room the entire class. Weaving her way around all the bodies. Making corrections. She never stopped talking, her energy level never waned. There was just one first timer in our class of 50 or so. Sherie made certain to keep giving him positive comments all along the way. He did great! The back row was a group of girls still in their 10 day intro. They seemed to be doing ok, but one girl looked like she was struggling the entire class. Sherie was good about giving her encouragement too. Though when she went for her water after half-moon, Sherie said, No, not yet actually. The girl looked stunned, but did put the water down. She'll learn.

It was just one of those classes for me that I didn’t want to see end. Honestly, you know the kind of class....when you get to head to knee pose towards the end and your saying in your head...I wish there was another class because I would love to do a double! During head to knee Sherie walked by and gave me a great correction. She pulled my ponytail up so my back was more rounded than straight, so my forehead was higher on my leg. Wow! What a difference. And then she says “you have beautiful postures, but I won’t be here everyday to pull your ponytail up!” Love corrections and compliments equally.

During class my contact lens ended up in the back of my eye. I know...more eye issues! I just tried to forget about but with one posture left I looked in the mirror and tried to fix it. Sherie say “Glitter girl, forget the eyes and get in Savasana.” I just laughed and of course did get right into Savasana. Class ends and I’m not tired at all. It was an absolutely perfect class. Perfect. It was that kind of class. I felt so alive and energized after class I could have run a race.

After I change I walk over to thank Sherie for an amazing class. She asked if the corrections helped. Yes, for sure they did! Then she told me I had a beautiful spine! Love, love, love that compliment. Only someone that practices yoga could really understand that right? A beautiful spine. So good. Floated over to my nieces to give her the birthday presents. She’s really easy and always loves everything! What a great Sunday! Oh and the Patriot's won!

Going to the 6:30 tonight with Mimi. And I can’t wait.
Hope you all have great Mondays. Don’t forget to smile! One thing I do for myself is buy flowers weekly. Trust me, it makes you happy. This is a pic of the ones I bought this weekend. I love this pic. I put them on my white carpet and took the pic from above.

Cheers...Traci

Change of plans...

2009-12-13T12:28:00.001-05:00

Having a good Sunday everyone?

Ok, I know yesterday I said Monday would be the day of my return to the Bikram studio. But you know what? I guess I lied! I decided to go back today. Yup. I'm heading to the 3pm class with guest teacher Sherie.
I was talking to my sister this morning and she said I'll love her class. Likes it hot, is a no-nonsense, tough (in a good way) teacher. Can't wait! Will feel so good to get back in the hot room. So good. Since I haven't been there for over a week I'm a bit nervous. Weird, huh? I feel likes it's the first time all over again. So be sure to check back tomorrow to see how it went. Of course I'll be missing most of the Patriots game but given the teams performance in Miami last week (not good!), I'm fine with it.

After class I'm heading over to visit with my oldest niece Sarah. Her birthday's tomorrow so I want to get her present to her today. I can't believe she's turning 22! Sarah! How did that happen? She's in her last year of college and will be a teacher before I know it! Anyway, don't tell her but I got her a Kate Spade bag (her favorite color pink), a silver cashmere scarf, some makeup, some workout stuff, her annual ornament (been giving her an ornament every year since she was a baby, this year's is shown below), a scent diffuser (snowflake scented) and some other little things.

Enjoy your Sunday people! Hope your doing something fun. And remember what I said in a previous post: Make someone else smile and you'll smile too! Wish me luck at Sherie's class this afternoon, I think i may need it!

Cheers...Traci

Going Back to Bikram

2009-12-12T11:54:00.001-05:00

Good morning and happy Saturday everyone! Little better out today, 25 degrees. Better...right...rolling my eyes.

So I just finished my schedule for the week coming up and Monday is the day. Monday, Monday, Monday. What's happening on Monday you ask? What could possibly be so good about a Monday? Why, it's the day of my return to the Bikram studio! Finally right? I picked Monday for a few reasons. 1. Because I always have really good workouts on Mondays. 2. Bikram is a great way to start the week. 3. Because I don't want it to go 2 weeks before I'm at the studio and 4. Because one of my favorite teachers, Mimi, is teaching. So there it is. And if you know me you know that generally once I make a commitment to do something like this I'll follow through. Especially now that I put it on here to hold me accountable. Thanks for telling me to get my butt back to the studio Dan :) Maybe I'll see you at the 6:30 Monday night!

Oh, and check out what a cutie pie my nephew Noah is. Those are a couple of pics I snapped while we were hanging out yesterday. We played all sorts of very exciting games to pass the time: Candy Land, Chutes & Ladders were among them. Is it crazy that I had no clue how to play Chutes & Ladders? Not a clue folks. I lost every game we played. He's a pretty competitive 3 year old so if I even thought about winning the tears would have turned on.

In deep thought...

"Hi guy's...I'm Traci's nephew Noah!"

After a snack we were talking about his favorite sports: ranked in this order his faves are Lacrosse (been carrying a lacrosse stick all around Duxbury since he could walk), baseball, football and soccer. Can you tell he has 2 older brothers who are total sports kids? Then I tell him MY favorite sport is Yoga. He grinned, looked at me, shook his head and says TT (when he was a baby he couldn't say my name so started calling me TT and it stuck) that's not a sport! Yes it is, I say. Now he's giggling and says, What kind of a sport is yoga? So I say, let me show you. So we jump up off the cozy couch and I start to show him how to do some postures. It was pretty funny and he was actually pretty good! For Toe Stand I put him against the wall to balance then stood in front of him to show him how to do it. He did the posture perfectly with both hands together in Namaskar! So freaking cute. And I'm telling you he was more focused than some people who have practiced for years. He also does gymnastics so I'm sure that helped. We might have another Bikram lover in the family! Of course he got bored after a bit and just wanted to play trains so we headed to his playroom where the Thomas table is set up. Wasn't long before my other nephews Ben & Luke returned from school and it got really loud! 3 boys...I don't know how my sister Erin and brother-in-law John do it. Whew!

Ok guys off to enjoy a Saturday afternoon of shopping and lunch with a friend. Hope you all have a great day...and I really hope it's warmer for you than it is for us here.

CHEERS! Traci

Friday's off are the Best!

2009-12-11T10:06:00.000-05:00

I thought it would warm up by now. It's 10am and still only 21 degrees with a real feel temp of -1 deg. Meaning that not only is it really cold it's also windy. Great! Well, at least the sun is shining.

Enough about the weather right? Sooo...Morning all and welcome to Friday! My Friday's off in December continue. Because I'm one of those people who neglect taking vacation during the year I have lots to use up now. So no work for me today. No work next Friday and then I'm off Dec 24th and don't return again until Jan 4th 2010. THAT will feel great! Of course me being me I still log in from home and work a bit. Unless I'm in a place with no internet and no cell service it's tought to disconnect myself from the office.

Ok so no workout last night due to a fun Holiday party. I think my hip flexor thanked me. This hip flexor has been giving me trouble for over a week now. It's pretty aggravating. It doesn't hurt when I sit or even walk up and down stairs. It only hurts when I walk or run forward. So my runs have been a bit wierd this week. I wrapped it tight to compress it during my runs which seemed to help. Making sure to ice it after a workout. Still haven't been back to the studio but only because life is busy. I can't wait to get back there. Especially when I read all your blogs about your practices. Is it ok to say I'm jealous? It's kind of like there is a void there without it. I think now that the weather is so freaking cold and running gets harder outside it makes me want the hot room even more. Tell me to get my butt back there!

Today I'm heading to Duxbury to my sisters. I told her I'd babysit my nephew so she could step out and get some Christmas shopping done. Noah's my youngest nephew, 3 years old and cute as can be. When he was younger he looked exactly like baby Shilo (Brad & Angelina's little girl). Not only is he really cute he's alot of fun. So we'll just play for a few hours. Maybe I'll teach him some Bikram poses to keep him busy! He's a total sports kid already so I bet he'd love it. Ok, wish me luck babysitting!

I'm off to brave to cold outdoors! Stay warm out there everyone!!!
Cheers...Traci

Bikram I Miss You; Pink Ribbons

2009-12-10T11:28:00.002-05:00

What going on guy’s? You would never know we had snow yesterday. Later in the day the snow turned to a beautiful rain/sleet mix. I got to the office at 7am and didn’t step a foot outside until I left around 6pm. I generally like to get out for lunch and get some fresh air. Yesterday? No way. Such a weather wimp.

A very important CONGRATULATIONS to my mom Judy. Today marks 5 years since she finished her very last treatment for Breast Cancer. I consider today her “cancer free anniversary”. Every year I remember it with a special treat for her. It’s a big day!

I snuck into her office last night (don’t worry no breaking and entering I have keys) and left her some pretty, vibrant pink flowers and a card so when she gets there this morning she’ll be greeted by them. What a trooper she was through the whole experience. Oh sure it was a shock during the initial days. I can still see her face when the doctors told her. She had cancer. That she needed to go through treatment. She shocked, then scared, then sad, then angry. How could this happen she thought? Nearly perfect diet and exercise program. Because that’s just life. Sometimes life throws us challenges. Sometimes those challenges are small, sometimes they are the size of a mountain. But each time we need to accept the challenge. Face it head on and take it down.

My Mom is a one tough cookie originally from South Boston, we call her Judge Judy. She's always been my rock. For the first time in my life I needed to be hers. I needed to step up and be her support system. To be there any way she wanted or needed. And that’s what I did along with my dad, three sisters and 7 nieces and nephews. She was a model patient and doctors actually loved seeing her come in because her positive attitude was good for the other patients. Once she got over the initial shock she adapted the attitude of...I'm ready to kick cancers ass. She’s been a runner for about 30 years and she was not going to stop now. So when she could, she would get out there. She was, is, amazing. I remember that day 5 years ago. It was a cold Friday afternoon. I met her at the doctors for the final treatment. When she came out the nurses threw confetti at her and presented her with a certificate. Smiles and laughter and relief. As happy as that day was, today 5 years later is even better. 5 years is a milestone. Amazing. You are amazing mom.

UPDATE: After my mom read the entry she emailed me the following "Nice, thanks, made me cry! But really appreciate you and what you always do. Made something really frightening - manageable. Thanks for being YOU!!"

Last night was not nice out, cold and wet, so I was sentenced to run on the treadmill. You know how I feel about that! Don’t love it. I do it, but not happily. As I was running along I realized it’s now been over a week since I have been to the studio. And I miss it. I miss my Bikram practice. I really, really do. I miss the people, I miss the postures, I miss the heat and I miss the feeling you get when class is over. After class I always feel like I could float. Just feels so good. Nothing like it. And I also notice my back feeling tight and sore. So I need to get back ASAP. I think this weekend I’ll ease myself back into it. Can’t tonight, Holiday team party, which will be fun. We don’t do a company party (700 people) so we end up doing team parties. So Bikram, I know you are still there. I know you’re not going anywhere. When I’m ready you welcome me back with open arms. Can’t wait!

And I just listened to a voice mail from my sister Robin and she was laughing. She had a dream last night I went to teacher training and opened up an awesome studio. Too funny. See...That’s a sign a need to get my butt back to the HOT ROOM!

Enjoy the day all!

Cheers...Traci

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-09T08:11:00.002-05:00

Morning all. Just thought I'd start the day off with a pic of the lovely (sarcasm) snow that formed on my passenger side window on the way into work. Looks like a winter wonderland out there right now. Really does look pretty out there.... for now anyway. Drive safe if your local. If your'e out west...Enjoy your sunshine!

Finding my smile

2009-12-08T14:56:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Hope you all are having a good day! The sun is shing really bright outside and it actually feels a bit warmer, although the temp still says only 37 degrees. No clouds, no rain and no snow! Tonight and tomorrow? Well that's a whole different story!Forecast***Tuesday Night, Dec 8 Low: 33 °F RealFeel®: 18 °F Increasing clouds and breezy; rain and snow toward dawn*** Have to love New England...or not.

So I had one of "those" days at work yesterday (BYC you know what I mean right?). It was just really bad, no sugarcoating this one. There just isn't. It the kind of day that makes you feel sick to your stomach. The kind of day where you shed a tear or two on the way home. When I left the office around 6pm I just wanted to go home. I didn't want to do yoga, I didn't want to run, I didn't want to do anything accept take a deep breath, plop down on my couch and chill. I haven't taken a night off from working out in months so I figured it was ok.

I got home and called the person I always call when I'm upset. Mom. I have another person who knows how to make me laugh. But mom, she's the one who really knows how to make me feel better. No tough love from her tonight, just a big strong shoulder. Thanks, as always, for listening Mom.

After talking to her I dediced it might be best to try a short run. It was dark and cold out and I really just wanted to move a bit so I hopped on the treadmill for 30 min. Just enough to open me up. Moving the body always helps clear the mind doesn't it? Did some stretching after and felt a little rejuvinated.

Bad days stink. Still trying to find my smile today. It came for a moment with a text from my friend, but it's gone back into hiding again. Hoping to find my smile again soon!

Hope you guys have a great afternoon and evening! I'm looking forward to a run tonight to clear the cobwebs out of my head. I think I really need to get back to the studio. It's been 1 week and I just feel like I miss it so much. I know Sherie is there this weekend so that might be a great thing to go back to!

Cheers and Smiles...Traci

Baby it's cold!

2009-12-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

Looks like the party is over and weather reality has set in. It’s freaking cold! The kind of cold where it takes your breath away for a second when you step outside. Bone chilling even. Ok, ok I’m being a bit dramatic and I am a weather wimp but nonetheless it’s COLD. And we did end up getting a little snow on Saturday night. Not a lot but the grass is still white. That poor little bush is all covered in snow. I think it needs a nicewarm blanket!

When I left my house for work this morning it was about 25 degrees. It’s 9am now and has warmed up nicely to a balmy 28! They apparently shut down the heat in my office over the weekend and the thermometer on my desk is reading 59 deg. So currently I’m typing in my gloves, coat and scarf. Winter, isn’t she great? Going to be a very, very long winter indeed. People ask me all the time...Why did you ever move back from California? The only answer I can come up with is that I was born here. This is where my roots, my family, my friends are. Sigh. You west coast readers...please send sun and warm temps ASAP!

On a warmer note I give you my weekend workouts:

Saturday was just miserable. Rainy, cold and raw during the day with the rain changing to snow around 7pm. Running outside was out of the question. I kept holding off thinking maybe the weather would get a little better but it didn’t. I knew what I had to do. I don’t love the treadmill, don’t even like it, but really had no choice. Treadmill it was. Ran for 50 minutes. Good God! Time goes by so slow on the t-mill. Outside there’s so much to look at and the fresh air is awesome. On the treadmill it’s really just about getting it done. Worked up a good sweat but my hip flexor is still giving me some trouble. After the run I got in some strength training (arms), abs and then decided to work on some Bikram postures. Running tightens up my muscles so felt good to stretch them out. Pretty good workout overall.

Sunday: This morning the sun was back out nice and bright! It looked like a beautiful day! When I pulled the curtains back in my bedroom and looked out the window the sun was shimmering off the choppy water. Yeah! Oh... but wait, as they say looks can be deceiving. It was really cold. Bitey. How am I ever going to make it through Dec, Jan, Feb, March etc.? How? Normally I would have gone to the 10am Bikram with Sarah but I’m still on the fence on what I am doing. Decided to hop on the treadmill again. Did 40 minutes plus some stretching. Ice the hip flexor, shower, grab breakfast, STARBUCKS, Whole Foods, and watch Patriots game at friends (ugh...just a terrible, sad game). Once home I decided to bump the heat up in the home office again and do some Bikram. I can get it up to 90 which isn’t the 105+ but still warm. I went through the entire series. Finished up much quicker than in class though. I think my time was just over an hour. I know I shortened or skipped some of the Savasanas. I know, not good. Savasana in class is hard enough for me, but by myself is even more challenging.

Not sure what’s up for tonight’s workout. Pretty sure a run is on tap. If the temp can get up to 40 that would be great. Forecast calls for a high of 42. By the time I get home from work I’m guessing it will be about 38, then factor in the wind chill from the wind coming off the water and we’re looking at a real feel in the 20’s. Bundle up Traci! Honestly, once I’m out there I’m ok. Dressing right is the key. I just need to give myself a pep talk. To motivate me I saw one lone runner out there this morning. Definitely have to give him credit. That’s dedication for sure.

Hope it's warmer and sunnier where you are today than it is here in the Boston area! Have a great Monday!

Cheers...Traci

Another Run...Snow on the Way!

2009-12-05T11:40:00.001-05:00

Hi! Hope your Saturday is shaping up to be a great one so far! It's looking pretty gray out there this morning. The weather people are calling for some snow in the Boston area later. Nothing major probably just like an inch. I think they're just struggling because our weather has been so quiet so far. They need viewership. And what gets people watching the weather around here? A forecast of Snow! ***Update...just utrned on the weather and now they say 2-4"*** I have my doubts though. I'm calling for all rain.

Anyway, yesterday I took advantage of the last of the warm(er) weather days around here to get in a run. I'm still nursing a muscle pull I think happened during Fixed Firm Pose a few days ago. It's the hip flexor so pretty uncomfortable. Once I get going I honestly forget about it for the most part. Iced it when I got home. I ended up doing 4 miles in about 33 minutes. I was happy when I got to mile one and saw I was in the 7 1/2 min mile range. For me that's a pretty quick start. Still trying to navigate the sticks, leaves and puddles. So still slowing me down a bit. How can puddles take so long to dry up! Once I get use to the dark again hopefully I can work on speed. Came across 2 other girls out there running too! The past few days I haven't really come across any other runners. It's funny how during the summer how many more people are out there. I always find it motivating to run by another, give the runners wave and nod and then kick it up. I've been known to "compete" with teh person running ahead of me. Something just click in my head and says...You Have to catch him. Awesome feeling when you do!

Ok, so what's up with my Bikram huh? Where have I been? I know, it's crazy I haven't been to the studio since Tuesday. My sister even texted me this morning asking to go to the 3pm. Ok, maybe I'm being silly but this is something that's been bothering me for weeks. When our new studio owners took over they raised the prices. The monthly membership went up just about 30%. At very first glance it didn't bother me. I love the studio, love practicing and so on. But the more I thougth about it I started thinking... 30%? Really? That just seems excessive to me. The rational side of me kicked in and said 30% is too much. And so now I'm am struggling with going back. I just don't like being taken advantage of. I don't think it's smart for any business to have a 30% increase in this economy. Ok, am I being silly? Please be honest with me.

So for now until I sort this all out in my head (if you know me you know I analyze the heck out of things sometimes) I'll just be a runner again. I practiced Bikram in my home office this morning which felt great. I closed the door, got it up to 90 deg, I could hear the dialouge in my head. Not the same as practicing in the studio. But for now it felt good to loosen up.

All right guys. I'm off to enjoy my Saturday afternoon. Really didn't accomplish much yesterday shopping so think I'll try again today. Run later then just hanging with the girls (I didn't take the road trip).

Have a great day! Cheers...Traci

Savasana on the Sidewalk?

2009-12-04T12:08:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone. A very happy Friday to you guys! Even a better Friday since I'm on a vacation day. I still have so much vacation time left at work so I'm off a lot this month.

It was nice waking up and leisurely easing into the day. We spend so much of our time rushing from one thing to the next don’t we? Sometimes I find myself rushing so much and I forget to breath! I’m serious. That ever happen to you? You have such a packed schedule and constantly running and then you realize…Uhhh why am I holding my breath. Weird but happens to me all the time when I’m super busy. Sometimes it’s nice to just take it easy. To relax. I say that, but in all honesty I have that personality where I can’t sit still for long. I’ve tried. I have. But I just have to be moving all the time. Energy is definitely something this girl is not lacking. This morning I did to pick up around the house, have a nice breakfast and latte before getting ready to head out for the day. (Heading out after I post this)

Let’s talk about yesterday’s workout. A run was on tap for the evening.

Miles: 5.5 Time: 48 min (I use mapmyrun.com for mileage but would love a Garmin!)

As I mentioned yesterday we had truly amazing weather here in Boston yesterday. Once the morning rain/wind storm blew out by around 9am or so we were left with a picture perfect afternoon. Bright blue skies, sun so bright it hurts your eyes. And the temp? Well I think it might have reached 70! Where the heck are we? As we say here in Boston though, just wait 5 minutes it’ll change. They’re mentioning the 4-letter word for the weekend…SNOW that is, just flurries but I still hate it. The thought of hail, sleet and snow coming out of the sky sideways in true Nor’easter fashion sends shivers down my spine. Yuck. With all that being said HOW could I possibly not take advantage? I just had to head out for a nice run after work. Got home and hit the street around 6pm sans my running hat! I still pulled on my gloves because I hate cold fingers. And man, it felt great last night.

Small problem though. Due to the storm that passed through earlier there were tons of tree limbs and branches, leaf filled puddles and the like littering the sidewalks. Made for a pretty interesting run. At times I felt as if I were doing a trail run! What looked like piles of leaves turned out to be big old puddles. Soggy feet much? I have a few different routes I run and decided to do one of my favorites. In the light of day it’s great, but at night a bit scary in some spots. About a mile of the stretch goes by a graveyard and it was DARK. Think it actually made me run faster which I guess was good.

During my run I started thinking about how funny it would be if I took a Savasana in the middle of the run. Picture it, running along I just stop, drop and lay on the sidewalk in dead body pose. Heel touch, toes fall open, arms close to my sides, totally relaxed. Eyes open, breathing normal. I’m thinking before too long there would be a crowd around me…along with an ambulance! Funny what pops into our heads huh? Made me laugh out loud though. Yeah, I’m that crazy girl running down the street who entertains herself and is not too shy to laugh and sing out loud if that’s what I feel like doing. Life is way to short to be serious all the time, yes?

Ok folks, today I need to jet and try to do a little Christmas shopping. I’m thinking gift cards is a great way to go this year. Easy and people love getting them! For myself I need to head to Sports Authority and pick up a reflective running vest. The reflective bands I have just are not visible enough. Been off from the HOT room for 2 days now and it feels like it’s been 2 weeks! Need to get back soon, but I think I needed a couple of days away. All in good time. The yoga will be waiting for me, right? Planning another run later today to take advantage of the nice weather. I’m suppose to visit a friend out of state this weekend but not sure if I’m motivated to take a long drive. If not I think dinner and drinks with friends is on tap for the evening. Wine, dinner and good company….what's better than that?

Have awesome Friday’s guys. I'm off to shop! Hoping I don't meet up with many crowds

Cheers…Traci

A Date With My Other Love...

2009-12-03T10:21:00.002-05:00

Not the best pic but this is just part of the atrium in our lobby here at work.Our Facilities team does such a great job decorating for the Holidays. So pretty.
How's everyone doing? Pretty quick week huh? Crazy weather out there for sure this morning. Leaving my house this morning I realized an umbrella just wasn't going to work. Nope. The rain was coming down in sheets and sideways and the wind gusts had to be like 30-40 mph. I'm sure I looked silly but the best option was to pull on my running hat and rain coat and make a mad dash for the car. More of the same getting from the car to the office. And now on hour later what happens? The sun comes out. New England weather is bizarre for sure. Trust me, the sun is out and I’m not complaining! I’ll take it.

Yesterday was a busy day for me here at work. Tons of meetings and running around like a crazy chicken all day. Late in the afternoon I’m sitting at my desk and it pops into my head...I need to run tonight. I don’t want to rush across the city to the studio. I don’t really want to put yoga clothes on. I want to run. I really, really do. I wanted to go home, put my running gear on, and hit the streets. I wanted to listen to some great tunes, breath in the fresh, crisp late fall air and run. That’s precisely what I did. I had a date with my other love...running.

I have to say it felt unusual not to head to the studio from work. I packed up and got out of the office by 5:15. Not bad! I live about a 10 minute ride from work which is great. You have to love the quick commute. Get home and change into my running clothes right away. The thing about running in the winter here as opposed to the fall is there’s so much more clothes to put on: Running tights, Under Armour shirt, running jacket, socks, running shoes (I’m a Mizuno girl), gloves, hat (with that great ponytail cut out...love that!) my IPod...whew think I’m ready to go finally. Wait, it’s really dark and I almost forgot my reflectors! Wrap a couple of them around my arms and NOW I’m ready to go. While getting ready I was laughing at the fact I have a whole dresser dedicated to workout gear. Half running; half yoga and the two never mingle. Yeah, I’m one of those organized types who even color codes her closet. Just like to know where everything is!
Quick stretch and I’m off! By the way, I really need to stretch better before I get out there. Yoga has taught me how important stretching is for sure. Better to spend a few extra minutes before and loosen up the muscles.

Here’s my stats: Miles: 5 Time: About 41 Min. So averaged just under an 8 and a ½ minute mile. I’m ok with the time given the dark. I need to get use to running in it again. Runs in the daylight are just so much easier. Had to take it slow in some spots because it was really dark and I didn’t want to trip on anything. Other points in the run I felt like I was flying. At around mid point through the run I see my sister (the one who does Bikram) and nephew driving by waving and beeping. Energized me even more! Great run over all. Always feels good to get out there. Like we say at the studio, it’s never a bad idea to come to yoga, it’s also never a bad idea to head out for a run. And it turns out it wasn’t that cold (maybe 49 deg?) so my lungs felt great and my legs felt strong. I think Bikram plays a big part in that too.

I get home to a text from my niece Sarah. She’s in her last year of college (education major) and truly is just an awesome girl. I’m so lucky to have a niece like her. We’ve always had such an amazing relationship. Love ya Sweet Pea! Anyway, she’s doing a PowerPoint presentation and has to sell the class on something. And guess what topic she picked? Bikram! She said she listens to me and her mom talk about it so much it was only natural to pick it. So funny. She wanted to borrow my Bikram book and said she would swing by tomorrow to pick it up. But I was so excited I decided to hop in my car running clothes and all to hand deliver the book to her. Also wanted to tell her in person all the benefits of the yoga and postures. Good luck Sarah! As always I know you’ll do a great job. Robin was cooking fajitas and it smelled so good in the house! Enter my growling stomach. We actually talked about Yoga and running for a bit before I needed to jet and get dinner going for myself (should have just stayed and had fajitas there). My stomach was definitely talking to me by this point.

My run was great. I even listened to some jazzed up Christmas music during the run. Fun. And now I’m looking forward to getting back to the studio soon to sweat with all my yoga friends! Hope you all have a happy day today.

Yet another quote I have on my office wall. This one cracks me up. “A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.” Herm Albright (1876-1944). Love it! So if anyone is being completely negative around you today don’t let them suck you in. Counter back with being over the top positive. Works almost every time.

Cheers! Traci

It's a Full Moon!

2009-12-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

Hi guys! Half-way through the week already. Hope it’s been a good for everyone so far. Did you see that moon last night? I couldn’t stop staring at it so big and bright in the dark night sky. It’s completely full tonight so should be even more amazing. Take a look up later. That's a pic I snapped right before heading into the studio last night. Some people (my sis Robin) hate full moons and feel out of sorts. I love them! I think they give me extra energy. Oh, great, I hear lots of people mumbling. Just what Traci needs...more energy!

So don’t you guys love when you’re talking to someone and discover ***shreeek*** they practice Bikram too? As you probably know I’m a Recruiter. Yesterday afternoon I was interviewing a candidate for a Senior Project Manager role. I always make small talk in the beginning to break the ice, put the candidate at ease. We’re talking about fitness so I brought up how I just finished a 30 Day Yoga Challenge. He stopped and said Bikram? YES! Turns out both him and his wife practice. Well, mostly his wife but he loves the feeling when he does get to go. His wife was even thinking about doing teacher training before she had their baby. He told me about the postures that give him trouble and how he loves watching the front row people flow through the practice. Could have talked about it with him forever but had to move on to the interview! Which went very well by the way. Very focused and driven guy...Well of course he is silly, he does Bikram!

Monday marked the end of my 30 Days and guess how I celebrated last night? That’s a pretty easy one huh? With another Bikram class of obviously! And not just any class but class with Maria. Yay!

Traffic was so bad across the city. Bad, bad, bad. A 10 minute drive took me 40 minutes. I think the holiday shoppers are already hitting the streets! Ugh. Still made it with plenty of time to spare though. That’s why I love the 6:30 class. Even with tons of traffic I know I’ll make it in time. I get to the studio and was so happy to see 3 other challengers made it back for class tonight! Chris wanted to take a picture of us in front of the challenge board. Hmmmm. I really don’t like pictures but decided to be a trooper. We set up the pose and...ooops. Battery in the camera is dead. :)

Maria's class was of course nothing short of fantastic. Full class, but not overly crowded. I loved that before we began Maria announced that she likes it hot and the temp will never fall below 105 deg in her class. Thank you! I think there are some people who don’t like it hot so teachers sometimes bring the temp down for them. I always say, this is Bikram and it’s suppose to be hot, not merely warm. Class felt great. I was just so happy to be there practicing. I think I was smiling for much of the class. My back was a little tired in spine series, but truly a happy class for me for sure. Like Janet said last night, the stress of thinking I HAVE to get to class is gone. She use to call it her Yoga Rage. Now we’re just back to going because we want to. Because it’s what we do, what we love to do. A perfect way to wrap up a day I always say.

Right after class I was telling Janet I was starving. She said she loves food but is never, ever hungry after class. Me, I can never wait to get home to eat dinner! Last night I made a quick tortellini with fresh veggies topped with some Dave’s Gourmet Butternut Squash sauce. Yum! Guys, this sauce is amazing. Please check it out if you can. I know you’ll love it! http://www.davesgourmet.peachhost.com/ct_PRdabps.htm So good especially this time of year. Also had a little bit of frozen custard to fill my sweet tooth. It can be 20 degrees out and I’ll still crave ice cream! Why is that? Last night the temp got down to about 30. Brrr. Don’t worry though looks like we have a day of 66 deg on tap for tomorrow!

Finally, my boss at work (also the President of our company) is really big on goal setting. I actually have never met anyone more driven by goals than he is. I guess that’s a large part of what's made our company so successful. He loved my challenge and asked about it all the time over the course of the 30 days. Yesterday he asks, what happened with the 30 days TK (that’s my name here at work, very few people call me Traci here)? I point to the board in my office with all 30 days highlighted. Done! I say. He smiles and says nice! With that he says, in true fashion for him, now go for 30 more. Ha! Day at a time I say. I had already changed into my yoga gear and tied my hair up yoga style, aka a ponytail :), so I said off for more yoga fun tonight and then we’ll see. It’s great when you know other people take an interest in what you do, that they’re pulling for you. I think the more cheerleaders we have in life the better!

Last night I packed my yoga bag and I'm ready for class again tonight. I plan on heading to the 6:30 with Jackie. With this cold weather the HOT room sounds oh so good!

So when do you think I'll take a day off? It feels kind of wierd to think of a day off from the studio now. I feel like that's where I'm suppose to go everynight after work. Like my car automatically goes in that direction. Fellow challenger Janet's taking tonight off (getting a well deserved manicure and pedicure) and I said I might not go Thursday. She smiled and said, you'll be here. Yeah, she just might be right. :)

Have an awesome, sunny day filled with lots of positve thoughts everyone! And if you are having one of "those" days just try to smile. Sometimes just smiling a little bit makes all the difference in the world. Talk to ya later.

Cheers...Traci

Goal Accomplished

2009-12-01T09:48:00.001-05:00

Your core supports the whole body. Explore ways to keep it strong. I say...Explore Bikram!

Hi guys! Last night I completed Day 30 of the Challenge. Yay! Below please enjoy a recap of my experience.

November 1st 2009 the new owner of our studio, Chris, asked if I would be participating in the 30 Day Challenge starting on that day. He said you’re here all the time anyway. I said I’d love to but couldn’t because the latest class on Friday is 4:30 and I can’t make it there by that time with work and all. Stacey agreed and we were both like...Damn! Oh well. Too bad. Secretly thinking, WHEW dodged that one. And just like that Chris says, well then I’ll just add a 6:30pm! All this happened before class that Sunday morning. Uhhhh, yeah, let me process that. I’m the type that if I accept a challenge or set a goal I won’t give up. So before I accepted the challenge I needed to be 100% on board in my head. After class the teacher Sarah and I were talking, she stops mid sentence...Wait, why isn’t your name up there? And just like that I write my name below Stacey’s and also add Sarah’s to the board. Call it a little peer pressure, perhaps, but it was the push I needed. I wanted to do it, but was honestly a little worried about committing myself. Every day. Every single day. No days off. All right Traci let’s do this!

And so it began. I remember how lonely that single red check mark looked beside my name on the big board at the studio that 1st class. Only 29 more! One day at a time, one class at a time. That’s what I kept saying to myself. Would I recommend this to anyone else? Well, you’ll just have to read through this post to get that answer my friends.

Here’s how the month went. I printed out a Challenge calendar and hung it in my office at work. Every day I’d highlight in pink the day that was done. Everyone coming into my office asked what it was. Now I had all these people knowing my goal and asking about it almost daily. Accountability folks! Every time I’d have a weak moment and not want to go to class after a long, tough day at work, my colleague Rachel would exclaim “Traci you have to...Your Challenge!” Kind of became a running joke, but really it did motivate me to keep on going. Thanks Rache.

In the beginning my Mom thought I was crazy, that it was too much. I tried to explain that you can’t do too much yoga. As some of you know I have had really bad back pain for several years. Nothing alleviated it. I just lived with it. Ran through it 5-6 days a week anywhere from 20-40 miles a week. But during the challenge a wonderful thing happened. One day I realized...Wait, I’m not in pain. I could get out of bed like a normal person! Wow! My little sis Erin told our Mom...Let her go, this Bikram this is working magic. It’s good for her! And so my Mom became my Bikram Cheerleader! She’d hear none of my weak moments from here on. Nothing but tough love and motivation. Thanks Mom, you know you’re my favorite person in the whole world, right?

Let’s talk about some goals I set for the challenge. Goal setting is important to me.

One goal I set for myself was to do 30 CLASSES in 30 DAYS. That meant no doubles. I needed to get to the studio everyday, no excuses. I know it’s different for everyone, but it was an important one for me. To prove to myself that I could practice every single day. That both my mind and body were strong enough to do it (or at least would be!).

2nd set of Goals: To target certain postures. Standing Bow was #1. My goal was to hold it longer, kick out harder, kick back and up correctly, to get my chest and body down, to get my chin over my shoulder (ok really just to do the posture the right way I guess). Standing Head to Knee (added this a bit into the 30 Days) and Triangle rounded out the standing series goals for me. Floor series, I quite simply wanted to get to know and love the entire spine strengthening more. So much to work on!

So how’d I do? Let’s take a closer look and find out shall we?

30 classes. 30 days. No days off and no excuses. 30 days in a row. Done! I think I feel best about accomplishing this goal. In all my years of working out and running I have at a minimum always taken at least one day off a week. 30 days, no breaks seemed a bit daunting to me in the beginning. But you know what? The more I got into it, the easier it was. Oh sure some practices were better than others, some days just purely, well let’s be honest here, they sucked, some days absolutely rocked and left me feeling I could take on the world! And really when I think about it I needed those though days to give me the strength and determination to have those rock star days. To look myself in the eye in that studio mirror and say...Do NOT give up on the posture. If you fall out, ok. That's cool. But don’t just give up.

People practicing behind me in class began telling me they love watching me, that I motivate them and give them the energy to keep going. God I love that. That just gives me more motivation to practice stronger, better and continue to be that motivation for them.

2. Posture goals: Yeah, still working on ALL of the above. But I’ll definitely say I have made big progress. Just when I was so frustrated with Standing Head to Knee, a guy in class complimented me on it! I’ll take it...and keep working on it! As we say we have a lifetime to work on our yoga. There’s no rush. I use to dread the spine series on the floor. I've come to terms with it and now embrace it. Love what it has done for my back so far.

I’ll bottom line it folks. I just completed my 1st 30 Day Challenge. When someone recommends something, anything, it’s very telling. It tells me they had a great experience and got a great deal of satisfaction from it. So am I recommending a 30 Day (or 60, or 90 or 101 Day) Challenge to anyone who has not yet done one? I’ll answer that with a very BIG YES. Give it a shot, what do you have to loose? It’s a great personal accomplishment. It truly is. Not only is it a great accomplishment but you’ll notice changes in your body. Just another added bonus for this great thing we do every day. I haven’t seen my family since beofre the challenge began and they were surprised on Thanksgiving to see the muscle in my arms and legs. To quote my sis Kellie “Look at the arm muscles coming through her sweater (as she squeezes my arm). Who would have thought Yoga could do that? Huh!” Kellie cracks me up. It’s like she doesn’t have the edit function sometimes, but you know what she says is what she means. Great. Love ya Kiki.

A final note on the Challenge and our studio. And maybe I am being a tad picky here. I know this Challenge was a personal goal, but I was a bit disappointed our Studio didn’t even announce congrats to those who completed it. If I didn’t mention it on my way out the door last night to the studio owner it would have never been brought up. Struck me as odd. Dale Carnegie taught us how far a little praise and acknowledgement can go. People generally like to be commended and recognized for their efforts. So for it not to even be mentioned just seemed unusual to me. The studio should try some different things during the next challenge. Just a suggestion. I make a point to commend people all the time for the smallest things at work and trust me it goes a long way. It makes them feel they accomplished something great. Who doesn’t like to hear they did a great job? But you guys know I love my studio and all the great things I've said about it so this is minor.

Bikram is a gift. A beautiful gift we give to ourselves. No, there’s no little blue box (still love the little blue box though and would LOVE one for Christmas) or fancy ribbons or sparkly glitter. Just hard work, determination and sweat...Lots and lots of sweat. It's not easy, not at all. I know how lucky I am to have found Bikram, how lucky I am to be able to practice it every day, how lucky I am to sweat every day, how lucky I am to see all these people I practice along side of working so hard to better themselves.

So what’s up next? Well, I’ll of course continue to practice my Bikram. And run. I need to create a good balance and mix of my two loves. Maybe do another 30 Day Challenge after the first of the year? I have to say you guys in the blogging community are truly amazing. You all motivate me every single day with your practices and your dedication. I plan on continuing my blog, sharing my experiences in the HOT room with you all, asking for suggestions on my practice etc. Hope you don’t mind but I’ll also talk about other things that pop up in life from time to time. Thanks to all for your support theses past 30 days!

Final words today...“Resist the urge to overanalyze every experience. LIVE each moment instead.” I tend to overanalyze everything, so this is a great one for me!

Cheers to all....Traci

Almost Done...

2009-11-30T10:25:00.000-05:00

Really? Is it Monday already? It was so nice to have a 4 day weekend but it went by so fast and now it’s back to reality! But what a great weekend wasn’t it? The weather has been really warm here (well, for Boston in November anyway). And the week looks like 40’s and 50’s all week! No complaints from me! Well, 20’s at night but that doesn’t bother me so much. Getting cozy under blankets with a fire burning is great.

This morning I walked into my office at 7:30am to be greeted by a fully decorated lobby. The Facilities team was busy over the weekend. Lots and lots of beautiful shimmering lights and cheer. So pretty to look at and get us in the spirit. As an annual tradition here at work, we also put up 10 Holiday trees around the building to benefit families of a local shelter. Our employees decorate the trees, place presents underneath for the families and then we cut a check for each family. We deliver the trees, presents and check to each family named by the shelter a week before Christmas. It’s our way of giving back to those less fortunate. These are tough times for many in the community and if we can help put a smile on their faces, well that makes me happy! Charity work is important to us, to me, here at Granite. I Co-Chair the Granite Day Committee and love seeing how good people feel when they get involved.

Ok so what about the yoga huh? Here’s a recap of Saturday and Sunday (Days 28 & 29):

Saturday: Day 28, 4:30pm with Hannane. Went to the spa and got my hair done earlier in the day so I was totally relaxed and ready for my yoga! Stopped by the Good Health store right before heading to the studio. I could spend an hour here. Always find some new product to try! Class was a good size but not too crowded. I set my mat up in the hot corner of the room and when we start it’s nice and hot. Loving it! Then we hit the floor and the fans come on and the heaters shut off. I hate going from full out sweating to fans blowing on me drying me off. Just really chills me and makes me uncomfortable. So I rub my arms and Hannane says...You cold? I tell her well I wasn’t until the fans came on. Ok Traci, she says, I’ll take care of that! You know I like it HOT! She really does like it hot. She’s known for that. Rest of the class is good. Honestly, nothing really stands out. Hannane can be tough, but truly always has really good corrections. I always take something away from her class. Thanks Hannane.

Sunday: Day 29, 10am with Sarah. Woke up to a picture perfect late fall morning. The sky is so blue and the sun is shining bright. It’s a bit windy so the water looks a bit rough but lovely. Great way to start the day! On my way to the studio I remember the Annual Quincy Christmas Parade is today. The studio is directly on the parade route which means no parking. So I park in the lot a short walk away and make my way up the hill and down the street. I arrive and see Janet coming out of the 8am class. We catch up about our holidays then she tells me it was just luke warm in the room. Oh no, I think. Anyway, set up in the front right corner again. It was warm and the fans never came on, which was good. Had trouble with standing bow. Could not seem to kick up right. Just felt out of alignment and pretty tight. I made the mistake of not eating anything before class so I was a bit tired. I need fuel before class or I just feel weak towards the end. Overall a pretty good couple of classes.

Class ends and I take my time changing before heading out. I peak out the window and see Hancock Street is already lined with Parade goers anxiously awaiting the Parade to begin. As I exit the studio I hear a guy say “Oh it’s the yoga people!” Holding my yoga mat I smile and say you should have joined us for class!

Guys, this parade has been an annual event in Quincy for 57 years! I have such great memories of it from when I was little. The Parade always happens the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I remember my parents bundling up me and my three sisters, loading us into the car and heading to the parade (we lived a couple of towns over). We’d always get there early to secure a good spot. I remember the day was always freezing and some years, it was even snowy! We’d pull out our beloved “Horsey Blankets” and set up on the curb. Erin, Kellie and Robin...Remember the Horsey Blankets?! I know nobody else will get it but Oh My God! I wish we still had them today. These blankets went everywhere with us. Parades, our annual 2 week drive to Florida and so on. Just thinking about them brings back such warm memories and puts a smile on my face. Kind of like 2 big security blankets for 4 girls! After the parade it was always time to head back to the house for football and Turkey soup prepared by Dad. This happened every single year. It was always a great way to kick of the holidays. Of course it’s been many years since we’ve done this but I can still remember it like it was yesterday. I can see us sitting there on the curb sipping hot cocoa and waiting for the big finale, SANTA! Aren’t memories great? And that’s the thing, we all have memories. They are ours forever. Part of who we are. Sometimes we need a spark to remind us, but they’re always there. Enjoy your memories!

Most importantly today is Day 30 of the 30 Day Challenge. That seemed really quick! 6:30pm with Mimi. I’ll be back tomorrow to recap the 30 Days and what I think a got out of it. I know many of you do way more than 30 days in a row, but to me this feels like a great personal accomplishment. I think anytime we set a goal and reach it is a wonderful thing. Alright guys hope you all have a great start to the week. See you back here tomorrow.

Final thought: I read this in Health magazine and love it: Embrace right now. Enjoying the moment rather than dwelling on future worries is a lasting mood-booster. If you start to drift, say to yourself, “Focus on the present.” That will snap you back to the good stuff in front of you.

Cheers! Traci

Recruiting the Family

2009-11-28T11:18:00.000-05:00

Hi Guys! Everyone have a great Thanksgiving? What a great day it was here. Everyone tends to be so busy these days so it’s only a few times a year when my whole family has a chance to get together. But when we do picture laughing from beginning to end. Pure silliness. My 3 sisters, parents, 7 nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law, my sister’s in-laws. Think we were about 21 or so for dinner. Picture 4 silly girls (as my dad still calls us) just having fun. Even at this age we still find complete pleasure in teasing each other. So much fun. Wine, laughing, candle light dinner, dessert….Day went by so fast.

As you know my sister Robin and I both practice Bikram. And we found ourselves talking about it A LOT on Thanksgiving to our family. I was trying hard to recruit (pretty natural given my profession right?) them into this thing we do that we love so much. I was talking to my sis Kellie about some postures and showing her Tree pose and she cracked me up. I get my leg into position and put my hands together in namaskar. And she says…Oh look her foot even stays right there! Just struck me funny. My niece Emily (12 years) is a competitive gymnast so she was loving the postures. Then I get to my mom. Mom’s a runner and nursing a stress fractured foot. Been trying hard to get her to come to Bikram once she’s healed. She use to think what we do is crazy, but she’s coming around.Was teaching her some postures and planting the seed. Mom, if your reading this…WHEN are you coming for your first class? Don’t you guys find yourselves talking about Bikram wherever you go? It’s like we have this great secret we just need to share with the world!

Ok. Yesterday was Day 27 of my Challenge. Went to the 4:30 with Sarah. I thought about going to the 9:30am but honestly I just wanted a lazy morning and relaxed afternoon. And that’s just what I had. The class on Thanksgiving morning we were packed in like sardines, last night there was maybe 20 people in class. Lots of room to spread out and a nice pace. As always Sarah had a nice, easy way about her. Standing series was great, pretty hot but not boiling. But as soon as we hit the floor I felt like the air condition was on. Not a good feeling to go from sweating to chilled. I honestly thought about going to grab my shirt from my bag. I decided to just work the postures harder. Talked to Sarah after class and she said she thought I was standing in front of the spot where there’s a draft. OH! Won’t stand there again. Class was good though. A nice and relaxed class. Talking to some others after class again about how doing the Challenge really isn’t hard. Your body gets use to it and actually craves the Bikram everyday. I recommend anyone who practices to try a Challenge. It will change your practice for sure in a very positive way.

This afternoon is Day 28 at 4:30pm with Hannane. Looking forward to a tough class. Before that I’m off to the spa to get my hair done. Spa and Bikram? What could be better I ask you? Then it's off to see a friends band later (if I can keep my eyes open long enough!)

To leave you with, Found in Yoga Journal: Don’t Worry do Yoga: During uncertain times, yoga provides welcome stress relief. The tension taming postures will help you find inner calm and looses anxieties grip on your mind and body….Yep! Sounds good to me!

Hope you all enjoy the rest of the long weekend!
Cheers,

Traci

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T11:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! I know we all have so much to be thankful for today. I’m thankful for my amazing, supportive family and friends (love you guys), my health, for a job that I love going to every day, for being able to practice Bikram Yoga every day, for this blog where I can get my thoughts out…and on and on. There are so many things to be thankful for! What about you guys, what are you thankful for?

I’m also thankful we had an 8am class this morning! Traci? Thankful for an 8am you say? Ok, you guys know how much I love morning classes (did you catch the sarcasm there?). But this was the only class today and this is Day 26 of my Challenge. Have to go. No choice. I make sure to arrive at the studio nice and early because I just new it was going to be absolutely packed. I get there around 7:20 and already people are setting up. Oh yeah, going to be a full house for sure! My sister and I have very different schedules so we never get to practice together. Imagine my sheer delight when I see her walk up the stairs mat in hand ready to go. I jumped up off the bench and squealed and gave her a big hug! Yay! This made my morning. Robins practice is very strong and determined. Love practicing with her. Class was indeed mobbed. Over 50 people mat-to-mat, toe-to-toe. Tons of good energy. I felt so strong and happy to be in the room this morning. The fact that it was 8am never even was an issue today. Wow. I just had one of those practices that leave you tingling. No words to describe. Just pure happiness.

Class ends. My sis and I sat for a while in the lobby chatting about the rest of our day to be spent with the family in Duxbury. As we were chatting a few people broke in to tell me I gave them the extra energy they needed to keep going. That my practice is beautiful. Huh? Me? I had no idea. I loved it though. See we really are all there for each other in that room. Urging one another on. Silently many times. Sometimes alls it takes is a slight smile as if to say you got this…go for it!

And get this. One guy commented on my…ahem…Standing Head to Knee! What? Who I am I? He said it’s amazing how I kick out so solid! Realllly? This is the posture that has been my nemesis lately. Needless to say I left the studio on cloud 9. On the way out me and my sis could not stop talking about how much love our Bikram. How everyone should experience this feeling.

Ready to go shower now and then off to enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving with the family I love so much. I truly wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs and hugs and hugs to you!

Cheers,
Traci

Good to laugh at yourself

2009-11-25T09:34:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! Day before Thanksgiving and everyone here at the office is in great spirits. Holidays just seem to have a way of doing that huh? Definitely a good vibe here, dreary rain outside and all.

Let’s get right to the yoga shall we? Day 24 last night with Maria. I think Maria might be my favorite teacher . Just truly awesome. Though come to think about that, I probably say that about every teacher!

I’m driving across town after work to the studio doing a mental checklist in my head to make sure I brought everything I need for class. Towels: Check; Mat: Check; Water: Check; Outfit: Check; Contacts: OH NO! Oh great! I left work with my glasses on and just realized I left my contact lens case on my desk. Not good. I’ve never practiced in glasses. Always wear my contacts. Some of the postures are pretty impossible to do in glasses. Going without is not an option. It’s just not. I really can’t see a thing without them. I even sleep with my glasses in bed with me (I’ve only rolled over once and broke a pair). Oh well, just have to deal with it. I’m in a really good mood and so ready for class. I set up nice and close to the mirror because I know at some point the glasses will need to come off. Sweating and glasses, not good.

So it’s always good to laugh at yourself right? I realize I left my water in the car and need to run out. Without thinking about it I run down the stairs and out onto the sidewalk. Keep in mind folks I have already changed into my yoga outfit. Yeah, you can start laughing now. So there I am standing out on a busy city sidewalk in flip flops, tiny little Lululemon Hot Set Shorts and a little top. And it’s about 40 degrees and drizzling. Nice, huh? Well, I think, I’m not running back up to throw pants on now! Suck it up Traci. So I head to the car down the street. I notice people giving me very strange looks. It’s all I can do to stop from bursting into a full out laugh. One guy literally stops and says a bit cold for that outfit huh? I just smile and say “Sorry...Yoga clothes.” He smiles back and says...No need to be sorry! I laugh and run...QUICKLY...back into the studio. Note to self: Remember to bring in all your stuff in with you Traci! Maria laughed and said we’re so use to walking around the studio like that we forget! So funny. That’s one thing about me; I can always have a good laugh at myself. A quote I once read says something like You grow up the day you have your first real laugh at yourself. I don’t embarrass easily.

Except for the fact that I had to keep taking off and putting on my glasses class was great. Oh, my postures weren’t the best, but I just felt so alive and happy. So pleased and lucky to be at my studio practicing with all these great people. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my studio? Just truly awesome people. I must have fallen out of standing bow like a million times. But I kept jumping right back in. My Cobra was a bit weak. And sad to say I still dread standing head to knee. Just can’t seem to make friends with it. I’ll get there though. There’s always time, yoga will always be there. Class flew by and before I know it we just have spine twisting and breathing left! Crazy how fast 90 minutes goes by in that room. Class left me feeling amazing. Isn’t that the best? You’re driving home and you realize you are smiling for no reason at all. So good.

Ok, 6 more days left of my Challenge....then what? I was thinking about this last night. What happens after I finish this “challenge”? How do I go back to a normal schedule. I was talking to my little sister Erin (she’s 13 months younger and kind of like my twin) yesterday and telling her that it’s weird. I know I’m at the studio every single day, but for some reason it doesn’t feel like I am. Oh sure the classes challenge the hell out of me at times, but being there just seems so normal. It’s just part of my daily routine, a very good part of my routine. My colleague Rachel asked what happens after the challenge ends? I say, I get a day off! She replies...yeah I doubt it! You’ll be there the very next day. Hmmm maybe she’s right? And so I guess I'll just see how I feel on December 1st . I suppose if I want to I’ll just keep going until my body says, Traci, please take a night off. Sound like a good plan to you guys? Day at a time, always take it a day at a time.

Tonight is Day 25 with Jackie. Should be a demanding class so better get myself psyched up! Then tomorrow Day 26, Thanksgiving morning at 8AM...Oh that’s early for my body to be in the Hot Room! Should be interesting for sure.

That’s a wrap. If any of you are traveling today or tomorrow for Thanksgiving please have a safe journey. Enjoy your time with family and friends. Hoping you all share tons of laughs with your loved ones and create wonderful memories!

Thanks for reading my blog and thanks to all who comment. Comments are great, even if you don't agree with what I say, it's all good. You guys are the best!

Cheers,
Traci

Is Whining Allowed in Yoga?

2009-11-24T10:50:00.003-05:00

That's my quick snack 5 minutes before I headed into the studio last night.

Hi everyone! Hope you're having a great start to your Tuesday. Pretty dreary today here in Boston. Drizzling, cold and raw. I think that might be a Northeast word to describe the weather. Raw. Sums it up though. The kind of cold, damp weather that gets into your bones. Know what a great fix for it is? HA! The hot room of course. Cures it every single time. Well, that and a glass of wine by a fire burning in the fireplace too of course ;) And thank god for scarves. I seem to always have one wrapped around my neck from now until April! Cozy.

Now for a Day 23 recap. 6:30pm with Mimi. There’s a difference between hot and REALLY FREAKN HOT. Last night it was the latter. I knew it was going to be like that. For some reason Monday nights have been insanely busy at the studio. Busiest night for sure. All these people trying to sweat out the weekend toxins perhaps? First things first though because this made me so happy. I walk up the stairs and am greeted by 2 smiling faces: Mimi (teacher) and Chris (owner). I sign in and Chris is all smiles and says look at that Traci. It’s the December schedule and guess what? It works for me! Set my mind at ease and put me in great spirits. Thanks Chris! Talked to a ton of people before class. Everyone was in such a good mood creating some very positive energy. Set up in the front, far right corner with Janet. This just happens to be the hottest spot in the room. Oh boy. People keep filing in, setting up and quickly there’s like 60 of us packed in. Well, probably less but that’s what it seemed like. And it’s hot right out of the gate. I had a pretty strong standing series, although I was still so happy to get to Tree/Toe Stand. Even with a class this size I was surprised to see there was just a handful of us doing Toe Stand. Give it a shot folks, you might be surprised. The feeling of being down in toe stand, slowly bringing my hands together in prayer and bringing my eyes back to gaze in the mirror. Such a feeling of control and peace. And if you fall out? No problem. It's just yoga.

Floor series was tough. By this point the room was not just HOT but steamy. My towel was hot to lie on. I just kept thinking of my breathing to keep me going. We get to camel and I think I can’t. I just can’t. My body is fried. But my Bull Dog Determination kicks in and says Oh Come On! Are you kidding me! It’s like 30 seconds, do the posture already! So I did. Probably wasn’t my best Camel, but I did it.

With two postures left I pull my now sweat drenched pink headband from my head and for some reason decide to wring it out over my towel. Janet catches me doing it and cracks up. Now here’s the 2 of us, tired, so hot our skin is on fire, red faced and laughing. And I can’t stop. I feel like I just released and kept giggling, trying to hold in my laugh. Then Janet says...Can’t breathe...Need air. Open the door! Class ends, short Savasana before I head for the door. Still lots of bodies to step over. Tiptoeing around them in the darkened room it felt like forever before I reached the door. I swing it open and suck the coolness into my lungs. And just like that the fact that the class was so hard starts to fade. It’s amazing how quickly our bodies recover. I quickly change, check off my name on the board and I’m off. I’m parked pretty far up the street and it’s raining. I looked up at the rain falling from the sky and smiled. It was like I was in a big shower. Felt good until I realized I just went from being extremely hot to now chilled to the bone. Ok, Traci speed it up. Get to the car and get home. I’m telling ya, my shower and warm house never felt so good folks. So good. This is hard work we do, it really is.

I was talking to my mom on the phone this morning (we have a standing call every morning around 7:30am to catch up). I was telling her I was tired and could use a day off from yoga. That last night was really hard. Most of the time she’ll indulge me and say, listen to your body and do what it needs, or that guy wasn’t good enough for you anyway :). Well, this morning I was looking for a little mom sympathy and you know what I got instead? Tough love! That’s right kids. I start whining (yes, even at this age we can still whine to our moms). She waits for me to finish and says...Traci, think back to gymnastics when you would spend 3-5 hours a day in the gym. Did you always like it? No. Were you so tired at times you could even lift your arms? YES! Remember the tears on your palms from the bars and how you still had to jump up and do your bar routine? You knew what your goal was and THAT’S why you kept going. Same with this yoga challenge. You have a goal; you will reach it and feel great. This is for you, nobody else. Then she talked about my dad who has run 20 plus marathons and how his training and dedication is similar to mine. She continued on saying how my sister Erin (who was a REALLY good gymnast, much better than me) was also saying this challenge will be a great accomplishment when completed. That I should be proud. Thanks E! And ah yes, mom, thanks for setting me straight this morning and giving me some much needed energy to recharge. How in the world do you always know exactly what to say to me? Thanks for you’re never ending support and motivation on so many levels. Love ya so much!

Guess that’s a wrap for now guys. Day 24 tonight with Maria. Should be great as usual. Hope you all have great practices if your heading to the studio. See ya back here tomorrow for more talk about the Hot Room!

Oh and below is the Cranberry Bliss Bar from Starbucks I just might have snacked on last night ;).Only had a piece of it but needed a little something sweet after dinner. These are so good!

Something to think about today: Every moment of suffering brings an opportunity to build relience. Indeed!

Cheers,
Traci