Yoga Math Update

Pic from here

7 classes down
Which means my total per class so far I have down to $5.37/class.
This Passport to Prana deal is super amazing!
Especially for this budgeting gal.

Yoga Math

Pic from here

I first wrote about the Passport to Prana here.
Do you have it in your city?
Here is the current list of cities...

In the USA.
ATLANTA
CHICAGO
DENVER
LOS ANGELES
MIAMI
NEW YORK
PORTLAND
RALEIGH
SAN DIEGO
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
TAMPA BAY

In Canada
CALGARY
EDMONTON
MONTREAL
OTTAWA
TORONTO
VANCOUVER
VICTORIA

In Australia
BRISBANE

So I went to class number two at Moksha Scarborough.
Bring my yoga math down to $18.79 per class.
Not too shabby because this is the price of one class in the more expensive studios downtown Toronto.  Here's hoping I keep getting that number lower.

Do you passport to prana?

Passport to Prana

Pic from here

So in wanting to be more active in 2013 (ummm who doesn't?) I got a passport to prana.
Also after being in a bathing suit all day yesterday...feeling like I need to put in some hardcore gym time.
Not feeling the greatest about how I'm looking at all.
Thank goodness for the cold weather here right now so I can hide under winter layers lol.

So have you heard of Passport to Prana?
Which is amazing and reasonable if you actually use it.
So it was $30 (+ tax in Ontario + shipping) which came to $37.57 which grants you ONE class in each studio listed (in Toronto there are about 70 studios).
It expires one year after you activate it.

So I'm going tonight (Sunday) to unwind before the start of the week.
So right now this one class cost me $37.57.
I'll keep you posted as I'm (hopefully) able to bring the price per class lower and lower.

My bargain for myself is to attend at least 3 classes in the year.
Which would make each of the 3 classes $12.52 (cheaper than any drop in regular price class in the city).
Which is how I justified buying the Passport to Prana.

I'll keep you posted.
Namaste.

a few Mondays ago

So a few Monday's ago (the first one in August...boy I am super behind in posting)
I was supposed to go on a date with MrConsultant.
But I didn't really feel like it.
Plus I had been sick the day before (from the ill effects of Chicago trip).
So I bailed on him.

Instead I met up with Val.
We decided we were up for an adventure.
And tried our hand at SUPing aka Stand Up Paddleboarding.
You know the new celebrity friendly water sport.

Nicole Ritchie does it (pics from here).

Cindy Crawford too.

Matt McConaghey (however you spell his name....he is yummy even if he acts like a dirty old man in Magic Mike!)

And let's not forget Brody Jenner who may be the hottest guy ever.  Seriously I can't even wrap my head around Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger right now...really from Brody to THAT guy?! Gross!

Anywho we may have lied about our experience a little.
I've never been and she has been once in Hawaii.
The current was pretty rough.
So much so that they weren't allowing Canoes out anymore on the lake.

So I was a little worried.
One of the flirtatious boat boys though suggested he boat us to the Toronto Islands because the waters would be a lot more calm out there.
So we agreed.  

And it was way calmer.
I didn't even fall into Lake Ontario once!
So we pretty much looked just like this...

Pic from here.

Pic from same as above.  Some amazing views of the Toronto Skyline.

We may have also stopped for a suntan break haha.
And had a booze cruise boat blow its horn at us and then got catcalled...that's when we decided we probably should get moving again and stop sun bathing.
It was super fun and is now definitely one of my new favourite water activities.

After just over 2 hours we worked up quite an appetite so we headed to try a patio.
A place that was just okay.
I can't even remember the name of it.
Then we headed to Val's because we wanted to try and make a cocktail.
This one...

Umm we soaked the cucumbers when the drink was made...oopsie but seriously who has time to soak cucumbers for at least 8 hours!!!

We thought it turned out pretty delicious and is our new fav.

All in all it was a fantastic holiday Monday :)

Scary Sunday

So Sunday I had this CRAZY day.
Because I had signed up to do something.
Only I was so terrified I didn't tell y'all about it.
Because I was worried about failing.


You see I enjoy working out.
However, I don't consider myself to be in great shape by any means.
I'm not an athlete with an amazing flat stomach (I'm talking about you SoMidwestern).
Or a fabulous swimmer with the best back/shoulder/tiny legs ever (like MrsArchitect).
Or just really the overall petite pretty package/amazing body of AustinSunDrops.


Anywho.
So I did something unthinkable for me.
I signed up for a 5K.

Not just any 5K but an obstacle 5K that seems to be all the rage right now.
The Best Obstacle Race Outside for 2012.
And one that actually penalizes you for incomplete obstacles.


The SpartanSprint.
I know I know what was I thinking?!?!
I hate dirt and mud.
I'm girly and I like sports that allow you to wear makeup!


I signed up with Val (who happens to be a phys ed teacher).
Which meant she would be really good.
So I was super worried about dragging her down.


She tried to calm me down.
We started with a BIG breakfast.

Took some ridiculous posing before shots.

And than the rain came SLAMMING down.
And as we shivered in line waiting for the start announcement.
I panicked.
I thought there is no way I can do this!


I dragged Val 2 hours north of Toronto to participate in something 
I'm not going to be able to complete.
And Val saw the look of panic in my eyes.
High fived me and said "we can do this".


And as I blinked through the pouring rain we started off.
And I thought.
Okay I can do this.

Then the hills started.
And I was going to fast.
And all of a sudden it was like my heart rate got too fast.
I totally gassed out within the first 2km!


And I couldn't.
And I panicked again.
And I was humiliated and frustrated and embarrassed.

And I thanked God for the rain because then you couldn't tell I was crying.
And as I sniffled and tried to pull myself together...
Val slowed her pace and said, 
"its okay just keep running, we'll go at whatever pace you need".
And I trudged.


And with each step I thought.
I can't do this.
I'm not made for this.
This is not what I'm into.


Then we got to the first obstacle.
Under netting dragged down with mud and leaves and rain and straight up hill.
And for every crawl step forward I seemed to slide down even more.


But I could hear Val ahead of me... "come on Teagan".
And with the first obstacle done I thought "okay here we go".
And as we knocked down the obstacles one by one. 
I grew a little stronger with each obstacle.


By the end I was exhausted and covered in mud.
And I almost didn't make it over the last obstacle.
Val literally yanked me over.


So so lucky to have an amazing friend like her.
And as I bowed my head to have a finisher's medal placed around my neck.
I practically sobbed (again good thing for the rain).
I did it.


I did what I thought I could not do.
All the way along I told myself I couldn't.
Then I did.


I had one of my best friend's Val by my side the whole time.
Even though she had to sacrifice her challenge for me.
(It was one of my worst fears...that I would drag her down.)


I know she sacrificed running her race so that I could complete mine.
I try not to let the guilt get to me.
Instead i'm trying to focus on... that is what true friend are made of.
And as I sit here with my banged, bruised and battered legs.

Gross evidence of a race.

I know I shouldn't be so afraid.
I should go for the things I want.
Even when I don't have faith in myself.
My ability is there.
It is within my grasp.
I just have to dig deep.
(And having a few good friends sure does help!)

Yipes how did this week fly by?!

Yikes how did this week fly by?
Which I suppose is a good thing.
It seemed kind of rough.

I had sort of a stressful time at work.
Many factors but mainly I'm just stressed about being able to generate enough income for my work to justify having me there.
And this has me stressed to the max.
AND they JUST added someone else in my division (not my position).
However, I am perplexed as to why add on at this point when I clearly haven't generated enough growth.  Ack!!! So needless to say I have been on edge.

So this week sort of went like this...

Monday was ridiculously fun.  I met up with Eva and we met up with Val and Quinn for a quick dinner than Harry Potter 3D IMAX and it was awesome.   I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed it immensely.

Funny to think that it has been 10 years in the making.
Funny how that is a longer relationship then both Spencer AND Jacob.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday was pretty much work and home and stress

Friday Eva and I went to a hot yoga class and it was GREAT.
It has been the first time I've done something since taking a break (due to my knee).
Though it was noticibly weaker when my left leg had to do the supporting things on it...it seemed okay.  Well it is still swollen and stuff but it worked.
So it makes me excited to possibly increase yoga and see how it goes.
I'm also have felt in a funk because this crappy knee injury has me on 0 activity.
Then we made Chicken Parmagian and watched 500 Days of Summer.
Which I liked even though parts made me mad.

Today (well tonight) I am in my hometown.
Tomorrow morning is my cousin's baby's Baptism.
I got the guilt tripped into coming.

Why was I planning on avoiding it?
Because it will be my whole large family.
And there will be many rounds of "How can I one up you?" and "Backhanded complements"
I'm secretly terrified.

It began as any other family event began.
My mum thought I should get my hair done (so I did).
And that turned into a manicure and then a pedicure...that I talked myself out of and just did a file and fresh coats of nailpolish.
Suzi  & the Lifeguard in case you were wondering.

I know I shouldn't whine about these things.
It is just the way that if I didn't I would be not good enough or not up to par.

Then I grabbed my dog and headed to my brothers for the night.
Part of me thinks I should have tried to be more social being in town.
Maybe call my cousin Bella or my friend Shelby.
But instead I am watching Tangled with my dog.

Sometimes I put myself right into the position I detest the most.
It's totally my own fault.
To put a positive spin (obviously desperately needed)...I think things will change once I move next weekend into my new place.
In all reality I am in control of where I am.
I just need to remember that more often.

Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her.

But once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.

- Voltaire

I need to stop playing like I've already lost...
Just saying.

Pics from here, here, here, here

Dwell Dwell Dwell fattyfattyboombatty

Okay I hope this is my last dwell.
I am for some reason SUPREMELY bothered by MM and his "abrupt disapperence".
(see previous post)
I don't get it.

How do you go from asking for someone to move in with you (albeit only for 6 weeks...and this totally had me FREAKED out...and that is why I declined in the nicest way possible 4 times!  Well and I was way more comfortable moving in with Eva and her husband...but really that is really here nor there).
How do you go from that...to straight up ignoring ...to a gmail chat rejection?!?!?!
I am so annoyed.

I am so annoyed because I don't understand people.
Maybe I do wear my heart on my sleeve.
But in general I say what I mean and I mean what I say.
And I hold probably too fiercely to it.

I have since I was little.
Call it fear of abadonement etc.
But I remember being 6 and asking my dad repeatadly if he said something...if he PROMISED something.
And I would hold him to it because I remembered everytime.

I understand people are entitled to change and grow but seriously have some compassion for me (someone who doesn't flip flop or change their mind about many things).
It has just seemed to happen a lot for me...abadonment.
And really the common denominator...me.
It is so darn frustrating.

I am so perturbed.
And you know what...running does not help.
I just started running again.

I was keeping it a secret in case I failed at that too...grrr.
It has been a long time since I've run.
Main motivation...

Watching Eva's wedding video and I think I look massive.
I don't think I've ever been this big.
I know what it is lack of activity and being a big stressball.

I hate the way I looked there and in pictures lately I find myself trying to find the right angle and sucking in with all my might.
My own issues.
But I also do bad mentally without exercise.

It all adds up to one big negative experience.
So run I must.
I thought I needed a new strategy.
Because I detest running.
It is not fun and maybe it is because I find it hard.
And really do you want to know when something is fun?
When you are good at it.

So I'm going to try and become good at running because it has always been a struggle for me.
So I did some searching and have read on other people's blogs about the Couch to 5K.
I started and today was Week 2 Day 2.
Verdict?


Pick from here

 Running still blows.
I hate every pounding minute of it.
I did make it easier by downloading an App onto the iPhone
(can we say obsessed much with Apps?)
Anywho...this app traces your route on a map and times you, and tells you when to run/walk (it is an interval program) etc.
Here are screen shots from this website.
To show you what it does.

For the record...I have yet to select the Smiley face when I run.
Today was hard because it is cold and rainy.
And when I read what other people run...I want to hang my head in shame.
I think I must be the slowest runner in the entire world.
I won't tell you my run pace or walk pace or distance but think of a number in your head and add like 5 minutes and subtract like 2 miles...so annoying.

And I also thought running cleared your head!
Ummm...heck no.
I have an endless stream of thoughts. 

like...ughhh it's rainy...why did I start the run parts on this uphill?  My feet hurt...at least I'm not as sweaty today as Monday...Okay this 90 seconds of running is okay and not as bad as I thought (being bumped up from 60 seconds)...I'm a total beginner...I wonder what you are supposed to do with your hands...I feel like I run sort of like Phoebe from friends...okay park time ...avoid all the goose poop...almost...turn onto another street and gosh the 60 seconds of walking is over again?!...maybe I should look at the ground less ...look ahead...is that...no...it can't be...oh my gosh that is total MM's car...yup it sure is...what is he doing in this neighbourhood he lives downtown...hmmm his parents do live in this general area...oh gosh he is backing out of that driveway...turn around turn around fast...increase running speed...oh my gosh...seriously?!  don't turn around and look over your shoulder ...don't turn around...dart down this street...what the heck???...thank goodness I'm supposed to walk again...I am always so happy when the dude says...walk...or workout complete...that was a close one...especially looking like this...not so awesome...I can't wait to get home...

So you can clearly see there is nothing about running that clears my head.
And how do I know that it is MM's car you may be thinking?
Without giving away what it is...
I have only ever seen this car twice.
His is gray and the only one I have seen ever in my life was blue...in Texas.
It is very distinct and instantly recognizable.
So much so that once we were out for dinner in Toronto and his friends played a joke on him and called him and told him his car was being towed...so he bolted out of the restaurant to check and they were all having a good laugh about it...because they had randomly walked by a street in Toronto (Canada's New York) and recognized it (by model because he has no like bumper stickers etc that would make it recognizable).
He was probably picking up his date.
I kind of have the feeling he is used to dating a lot.

I feel like a total lame nerdy person.
I want to be social again and go on a million dates.
And be this flirty vivacious person.
I have some friends that are SO SOOOO good at this.

I've never quite gotten it down.
MM was the first person I "dated" after Spencer.
Not the first person I kissed though...hello chef hottie...haha
Eva joked that her bachelorette and wedding were good times for me.
At the time...totally.

So anywho here are the things that I want to do in the next couple of weeks.
1. go on lots of dates (just have to figure out exactly how someone goes about getting dates).
2. make more girlfriends (I love my girls that are here but I think I need some of the single variety...and I need a much busier social calendar to be happy).
3. kick butt at work (I'm not at all right now).
4. stop thinking fattyfattyboombatty when I look in the mirror.
5. find a 5 K to run after this tortuous couch to 5 K program so that I do fully commit to it.

In the words of Drake...
I'm more than just an option...hey hey hey...refuse to be forgotten...hey hey hey
Don't know it...highly recommend it...the video is a little "rough" for my liking but its a way to hear the song which I love...

So moving running on...