The Republic of Yogaland

When I was in high school, the gym program offered the then-novel option of yoga classes, and, as a sport-phobe, I gravitated toward it as a gym class alternative which seemed less intense and competitive than the team sports I would have otherwise participated in. I remember the class itself being pretty enjoyable; however, I didn't continue to practice yoga after my high school graduation.

Earlier this month, I came across the "Pocket Yoga" app and decided to try it out on a lark. I have been surprised at how much use I've gotten out of it already, and am hoping that I'll be able to make it part of my monthly routine.

The app provides five basic routines, including two sets of sun salutations and three different practice types (Ocean, Desert, and Mountain). The practices have different focuses, with Ocean as the "cardio" practice, Desert geared towards flexibility and relaxation, and Mountain geared towards building strength.

The "25 Things" Thing

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

If you got tagged on this one, write 25 interesting facts about yourself and tag other people (and the person who sent this to you) and pass it on.

25. I was in my all-girls’ high school’s production of the musical 1776. My character got rum for the founding fathers and said “Sweet Jesus” a lot.

24. I was a History major in college. I was also one credit short of a Math minor.

23. I used to be anti-sports and anti-athletics, almost as a matter of principle. So, I’m a bit surprised that I now keep a regular gym schedule.

22. When I was in kindergarten, I was obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. I even wore an “Alice” costume to school on several occasions.

21. I was on the debate team at high school, and was pretty horrible at it. Still, it was fun to attend various meets and debate topics like “Bert and Ernie are/are not Gay” and “The National Anthem should/should not be Changed to Gangster’s Paradise.” The highlight of the debate team experience was the annual tournament at UC Berkeley. We would stay at “Grandma’s Bed and Breakfast,” eat at the vegan diner, and walk around the shops near Berkeley. And, because I wasn’t very good and didn’t qualify for finals, I had more time to do the fun stuff.

20. A few years ago, I bought a mandolin on a whim. Sadly, I never learned to play it.

I am Cold

Let's see...

On Wednesday, I went to court to hear my dad give oral arguments (he had asked me to go earlier). I was a bit late, as I'm not a morning person and I hadn't really brought anything nice to wear over vacation and was desperately borrowing from mom. However, there were several appellate cases being argued and my dad's was the last one, so I didn't miss his argument. It was fairly interesting to hear some of the concepts that I've covered in new cases and contexts. Once I drove back, I did a few holiday chores before going back home.

On Friday, Chrissie and I went to Marlborough's WinterFest (for the uninformed, Marlborough is my high school). I hardly knew any of the current students (the current seniors were seventh graders when I graduated), but I ran into a few alumna and teachers. After that, we drove over to Candy Cane Lane (a street where the residents put up tons of elaborate holiday displays) before going to the Nortridge mall to search for holiday gifts.

Ms. Weatherup's Wild Ride

My mom let me borrow her minivan again (since Chrissie is using our shared car), ao I made plans to go to a movie on the other side of the hill. Of course, since I haven't driven much outside of the general area and didn't have a map that gave me an overview of major streets (Mapquest was out of the question, since I don't feel ready to tackle freeways in the minivan)... and because my sense of direction is still, uh, atrocious, I got lost to the point that I couldn't make the showing. Instead, I had lunch in Larchmont (which is right by my old high school) and went over to LACMA (which had a Murillo exhibit I was interested in). It's really pleasant just to be alone and able to think and remember without having to worry about or be distracted by the people around you; losing yourself in thought is really something to be cherished. It's one of the major reasons I enjoy having a decent amount of solitude so much. Anyway, I drove back home; though I took a different route, I had a much easier time of getting back home.

And, according to my sister, the air conditioning is broken again.

Sun and Moon

Wow, here's a change... I have some actual stuff to post about!

On Sunday afternoon, I went to the premiere of the Hey Arnold movie at Paramount - I know Craig Bartlett, who created the show, and he was nice enough to invite me. It was held in the main Paramount theater, which, as could be expected, was very large with nice seating. Of course, since it was a kids' movie, the atmosphere was low-key and sort of like a small carnival; there were people in Nicktoon suits greeting everyone who walked in the theater, and the post-movie party had moon bounces, dunk tanks, and the like (they also had Jamba Juice smoothies and other snacks).

A few hours later, I went with Chrissie and her friend Emily to the Westwood Brewing Company, where my friend Natasha was performing along with two of her friends. She did mostly Latin jazz and Brazillian music, and also performed a few songs she had written herself. It went off really well, and the three of us were pretty impressed by the performance.

Today, I finally began the arduous task of moving my desk to the other side of the room, which entailed moving just about every other piece of furniture as well. It's much more spacious now. It also gave me the opportunity to rummage through and rediscover old things dating back from junior high... lots of cards for various occasions, my Marlborough class ring (I couldn't find it for the longest time), the senior song Reena wrote to the tune of the Mexican Hat Dance, postcards, and even the 'senior letter' I had to write when I was in eighth grade (heh, I sounded like such a dork... but I probably still do anyway). I still have a lot to do, though. I'd like to rearrange and replace the posters on my walls, and I have barely touched the stuff I shipped for college. I'm just glad that I got the energy to begin the task.

Pomp and Circumstance

Today I went to a Marlborough high school graduation; for those who don't know, I attended Marlborough from 7th to 12th grade. It was the same as past ceremonies I've been to, though I think the fact that I just graduated from college and am currently a bit aimless made me somewhat depressed. It gave me cause to reflect on my own issues surrounding high school and my own inadequacies.

After the actual graduation, there was a 'garden party' (basically a glorified reception). I got to see a few familiar faces from my graduating class, though some seemed happier to see me than others. I was also able to say hello to a few of my old teachers. Walking around at least seemed to improve my mood a bit, so I'm grateful for that.

Reflections

I think part of the reason that I keep getting to bed so late/early is that 12-5 in the morning is really a conducive time for me to do random creative (or at least non-studious) things. The complete silence allows me to sit at my computer and really concentrate, even to the extent that my eyes water and I feel sick if I remain on the computer for too long (does this happen to anyone else?). Despite my knowledge that staying up late hinders my schedule and makes me sleepy the next day, part of me craves the peace and stillness of the late night hours.

I had a pretty late start today, and was further hindered because my yearbook co-editor slept in. Once three o'clock came and I had done my share of work, I left to study. I wasn't as motivated as yesterday, but I eventually was able to haul myself and my book over to Starbucks. Unfortunately, it was more crowded in the early evening than in the afternoon. In addition, this weird elderly couple was around for most of the time I was there; they spoke very loudly and kept speaking to people who were studying and didn't need the interruption. I read a couple of chapters before getting fed up and going home to read another chapter. I still have two chapters to read, but I can do them tomorrow in the morning or afternoon.

I came across the following Los Angeles Times article about my alma mater, Marlborough School, and it caused me a good deal of reflection and frustration, which I will detail here.

Marlborough 8th Grade Letter to a Future Self

[flower/star symbol] Hi! Right now I'm in English class, deciding on what to write. I'm so glad that the 8th grade is almost over!! I <3 art (look up!!!!)* & I <3 my dog Sunny!!!!!!!!!!!! 8th grade is an interesting year. :) I'm taking Dance, Algebra I, Spanish IB, English 8, Schience II, & PE 8. Last semester I took World Cultures.

My best friend is Natasha, who lives in the West Side. Last year, I was also friends with Lauren, but she left last year. Natasha's going to Crossroads next year. I don't know who I'll be with next year, but I'm guessing.

My favorite foods are plain cheeseburgers & cheese pizzas (no sauce). I <3 green & blue! Some of my favorite places are Johnny Rockets, Larchmont, Universal Citywalk, & home!!

I got back from Joshua Tree & I loved it!! I love the following symbols: [letter 'p' with a 'tail' consisting of a vine and flower] (opposed to [less complex version of the same thing]), [star/flower type symbol], [footer using the stars/flowers]. I LOVE SUNNY!!!!! I also like reading & books.

I enjoy creativity & am pretty creative. I also like dance class & don't like studying to 12:00 a.m. I am good at math, but hate dislike it. I <3 <3's!!!

My writing is illegible & needs to be translated :) :) !!

I love this type of capital W [Art Deco letter 'W']!!

My sister got in a commercial for Nature's Nursery [drawing of locket with plant], a really dumb product.

I LOVE SUNNY!!! Golden Retrievers are the best dogs. Soot is our outdoor cat, & she will soon have kittens. [cat face] (meow) I <3 my dog Sunny !! [bone]

Life is exciting! I can't wait till next year!!! [flower/star symbol]


* - This letter was originally written on Marlborough stationery, and I drew over the top third of the page. The text itself loops around the page.