January 16th, 2011
and i knew exactly where i was
“But I knew exactly where I was / and I knew the meaning of it all”
—Smashing Pumpkins, Muzzle
“You would play ‘Fantasy Hopscotch’ if it existed.”
—Jeff, 1/15/11
Nature … it’s funny.
I had a truly amazing, almost transcendental yoga class on Wednesday. I knew when the week started that it was going to be a good class, and when I got to it, indeed it was: my mind was focused and sharp, and my body felt like it was made to move that way. The biggest challenge for me in yoga is not the flexibility (duh; I have that in spades), but the mental component, the forcing of focus and clearing my mind of all other worries. I can’t imagine that a class like that comes along often, and I wish I could save that feeling somehow. But it was so good just to have.
I felt that all was right with the world, that I knew exactly where I was and that I was exactly where I belonged. Surprisingly, I still feel this way, or am starting to: that where I am is where I’m meant to be. It’s a good feeling, and another good sign of a hopeful 2011.
Anyway! Enough blather. I’ve had a pretty solid weekend as well, and still have tomorrow off, too. Yeaaaahhh. Friday I spent hardly a half hour with the high school gymnasts, but it was still worth it; then home for dinner and an early bedtime. Saturday got up early and shoveled and then went to Greg’s mom’s memorial in Elk River with Jeff and Erik. Always fun to hang out with Erik, and the memorial was very nice. We talked tea and counterfeit money—seemingly appropriate.
After the memorial, Jeff and Erik dropped me off at the U for the HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEKEND thus far which was seeing my cousin Lauren swim in her meet against the Gophers (she swims for Mizzou—go Tigers! she even got me a swim cap) slash spend time with my Iowa-loving family members. Roll call! Allison, Patrick, Jackie, (Uncle) Mike (Patrick)[there’s a lot of Mikes], Glenn, Barb.
It was so cool to see Lauren swim in the meet and see her name on the scoreboard and everything. She looked like a real professional! We got to give her a quick hug before they boarded the bus and even met her cute boyfriend. The swim meet was exciting overall, too, and it was fun to catch up with everyone during it too. I don’t see those Marshalltown folks enough and missed Allison at Christmas so that was especially nice. We chit chatted about our jobs and what WE would do if we were in charge. Hah.
My aunts and uncles then took us/me out to the Town Hall where I enjoyed a chicken pita and a coconut IPA beer (yes indeed). Glenn approved of Mike’s ordering choice and we then proceeded to eat all of Mike’s beer bread. Hah. The ladies discussed babies and weddings and the men discussed engineering and beer. (Sensing a theme to these events?!) Patrick quietly enjoyed his beer sampler. Allison and I commiserated over Lazy Younger Siblings and Patrick proceeded to amuse us with his declaration of ‘working’ on Wednesday for ‘the people, you know, who want me to work. The work people.’ ‘What will you do?’ asked Allison. ‘You know. Work.’ said Patrick. Allison rolled her eyes at me and I immediately died laughing. OH YOUNGER SIBLINGS!
(I had even more instruction on Younger Siblings on the ride home with Barb and Glenn, when we discussed Matt working over break. Ahhh yes.)
Came home and was supposed to attend a B52s Lava/Volcano party for A-K but could not muster it up to do so…just did not feel right! Plus, I’ll be honest, I’m having hard time leaving the house when it is so dark and cold. So, I’m sorry to everyone about that. Watched some of the Packers killing it and then fell asleep early. Up this morning and listening to The Social Network soundtrack, answering emails, and updating the blog. Today: cleaning, baking, cooking, running?, maybe WordPress. Tomorrow: shopping and drawing and sewing.
A grand weekend spent with family and Jeff and wifely/crafty things. Yessssss.