Bending Back

I'm now in the home stretch of a month long yoga teacher training program.

This week was backbends and inversions.  I learned so much about what these extreme poses can do to the body and mind in depth this week.  Throughout the week, classmates would burst into tears, be kept awake all night, and have serious body aches.  As for me, the backbends caused a temporary fit of narcolepsy.  I would literally fall fast asleep in the middle of class for a few minutes at a time after we were done bending then wake up and be fine.  My teacher attributes this to the wringing out of the kidneys and the intense exhaustion this causes to the body.  Clearly after living in Costa Rica for over two years, I have my more than my fair share of toxins to squeeze out of my kidneys.

Just one example of the intensity of this program.  Yes, it's fun, inspiring, and healthful, but it's not easy.  Greg has been a witness to some wacky mood shifts and emotional explosions these past couple of weeks.  His patience never ceases to astound me.

Going West

Greg and I have set out on our new adventure together... we're headin' West!

Exploding Watermelons

Usually when I hear about exploding watermelons I think about the wonderfully classic comedian Gallagher. This time though, it's in China, and they're not exploding at the end of a sledgehammer. They're exploding because they're as juiced up as Jason Giambi.

Food in China is scary. Check out the spontaneously combusting watermelons.

You Go Girl!

Nancy Lieberman, coach of the Texas Legends in the NBA Development League, has played in both men's and women's professional basketball leagues. She played professionally until she was 50 years old.

This article from ESPN asks the question, "Can women play with the men?"


http://w.espn.go.com/espnw/news-opinion/6495612/women-pro-sports-women-play-men

Women have come a long way from Title IX, but girls and young women still need to see strong female role models in all kinds of activities. Women should participate in coaching, playing, cheering, wherever they fit best!

--
Photo comes from the ESPN website - credit O. Kitsinger

Living La Pura Vida

On the next season of Annie McNulty: Living La Pura Vida, Annie finds herself living in a small beach town in Central America getting into more zany antics this time with her new pet and sidekick Sammy the Sloth.

Date Night with Billy Blanks

I'm going back for Round 2 tonight of Billy Blanks. Not that last week's first attempt at TaeBo was an extreme success but I need to move and it's here for me. Tonight is one of those nights where I could easily lay down on the couch (or bench in the case of my apartment) with a bag of potato chips and veg out until it's time for bed. I won't give in though.

The upside of doing TaeBo is that I end up laughing my ass off at my jerky uncoordinated movements as I try to figure out the complicated choreography - though, I swear, Billy messes up sometimes in his demos and obviously that can throw a girl off when suddenly you're double-timing your way through roundhouse kicks and upper-cuts.

Also, due to my extremely competitive personality and in spite of last week's unsuccessful completion of the Basic level, tonight I am stepping it up to Advanced. Vamonos Billy!

The Real Heroes

Last week, when the news broke that Osama Bin Laden had died, I tried to sit down and write a poignant piece about my thoughts on the situation. I first heard via text message from a friend, but quickly was inundated with the thoughts and feelings of about 500 of my closest acquaintances via Facebook.

News stories showed people all over the US celebrating at various impromptu street celebrations. One interview at Ground Zero featured a reveler voicing her mixed emotions while drinking a Bud. I like to imagine her also wearing a bikini top on the shoulders of a shirtless festival-goer, but the story did not confirm those extra details.

The US has been fighting terrorists in Afghanistan for about ten years since 9/11. I suppose that by killing Osama Bin Laden, one objective in that war has been fulfilled. It means that the many Americans who have lost their lives didn't waste them in vain. I guess.

Basically, what I'm saying, is that just like the Bud guzzling young woman at Ground Zero, I'm not sure what this all means. I couldn't write the sincere heartfelt Op-Ed essay I was imagining because the strange mix of pride, disgust, relief, and wonder that filled my head was too much to put into expressive words.

So instead I popped in TaeBo and cracked myself up as I awkwardly punched and kicked alone in my living room with the company of the even more inelegant "TaeBo Heroes." Billy's words, not mine.

Back to work

After five exquisite weeks of vacation, it was back to the grindstone for me this week starting with a 7 am Monday morning class.

Surprisingly, it wasn't too painful at all. Returning to a regular schedule has actually been somewhat of a welcome change this week. Another welcome change will be a paycheck - oh, the innumerable perks of working!

One complaint about my vacation, if I may so indulge in just one, is that it took me away from Costa Rica in the most beautiful time of the year here. As I'm currently hearing thunder rumbling out my window, I'm left wondering, "How is it rainy season again so soon?!" Oh well, if that's the worst I have to deal with in life then I can take it.

Ceremony 2.0

After the storm chased the wedding back to the shed, Ceremony 2.0 was held and the marriage became official.

Bride and groom look on as the witnesses sign the marriage certificate, making it the real deal.
----

Erin and Rob exchange vows again, this time heard by all without the wind and rain whipping around them. Less exciting maybe, but much more romantic and official.
----

As guests watch the hail and thunderstorm from the tarp, the bride and groom are all smiles as they know it will pass soon and we'll be able to hold Ceremony 2.0.

----

Guests take shelter just as the storm grows ugly outside.

----

Erin and Rob are married under the rain in Ceremony 1.0.
----

Kyeema, Dorrigo, NSW, Australia - April 2, 2011

Racing the rain to the altar

After a day of gorgeous weather and relaxation in Dorrigo, dark clouds and thunder began to gather with the first guests. The winds picked up and the rain started coming down just as the bride came down the aisle. The celebrant moved quickly though and the ceremony was wrapped up before the downpour.

Reading with more fervor and passion as Zack, bride's brother, shields me from the elements.

----


Ben, the celebrant, maintained composure and kept the ceremony very special in spite of the looming dark clouds and drops of rain that were beginning to fall.
Ben was also explaining the tie he's wearing was worn by Rob's dad on the Cork's wedding day, and the flowers embroidered on Erin's dress were taken from the wedding dress of her mom.
----


The flower girl, bride, and father race the storm down the aisle.
----


Guests taking their seats while they hope the bride beats the storm.
----


The guests arriving to the paddock of Kyeema, the Cork family farm and wedding site.

----

Kyeema, Cork family farm, Dorrigo, NSW, Australia - April 2, 2011

Wedding Prep

Five flights in three days have left my head spinning a bit and my blog out of date, but here are some much requested pictures from Rob and Erin's big day.

Storm clouds rolling in as the guests head up the hill to the ceremony site.
----

The reception site which also became the site of ceremony 2.0. Beautifully decorated with handmade beaded stars and blankets from the mamas in Tanzania.
----

Guests arriving to the Cork family farm. Umbrellas lined up just in case - we are in a rainforest during rainy season after all.
----

The bride and her mama getting ready at the Hotel Dorrigo.
----

The bride getting her hair and make-up did in the bridal suite at the Hotel Dorrigo.
----

Dorrigo, NSW, Australia - April 2, 2011

Emerald Beach to Byron Bay

Here are some pictures from our journey from Emerald Beach, which is on the east coast of New South Wales, up the Pacific Highway inland through some small towns and back out to Byron Bay. Byron is a well-known backpacker and vacation destination on the east coast in northern New South Wales. The drive was gorgeous.

Between Nimbin and Byron

----

The Nimbin Rocks

----

More of the cute kangaroos

Emerald Beach, I get why the roos like it here

----

Not moving too fast out of our way

----

Emerald Beach headlands walk

----

Mama and joey

----

Cork Cannon Wedding

It was a perfect day for a wedding yesterday in Dorrigo. The bride was happy and relaxed and enjoying a peaceful morning alone. Friends were also equally enjoying a beautiful day to walk around town, explore rainforests, or sit on the veranda and enjoy good conversation. At about 3, we all set out in shuttle buses to head to the Cork family farm and site of the wedding. As we pulled up, unfortunately so did the grey clouds. We all headed up the hill to where there was a beautiful site set up for the ceremony. Then, just as Erin and her dad came over the ridge the first drops started to fall. The winds picked up and the celebrant started the ceremony. We ran through the first readings quickly then the rain started to really come down. We all grabbed umbrellas and made a run for the shed. The shed was equally as beautiful, decorated with handmade blankets and beaded stars from the mamas in Tanzania where Rob and Erin met. We re-did the ceremony so that on round two the readings could be heard and we could see Rob and Erin take their vows of matrimony without the wind whipping around us. It was a touching ceremony followed by a good old-fashioned bush dance (something very similar to a barn dance with square dancing and do-si-doing). Again, pictures to follow.

Wedding Day

Wedding bells are ringing in Dorrigo today! The sun is shining, all parties seem relaxed and happy, it will be just a few hours before we head over to the Cork family farm to celebrate the nuptials of Erin and Rob. Love is in the air.

Quick Dorrigo Update

I'm now sitting in the Dorrigo Hotel after a couple of days of roughing it in the Aussie bush. We met up with Erin and the rest of the gang - about 30 people - in Dorrigo on Wednesday. From there we went to Platypus Flats campgrounds and pitched a tent and a party to toast the bride and groom. We woke up Thursday and headed out on the river for an awesome rafting trip with cliff jumps and everything! Stories and pictures to come...

Road Trip

Here's us setting out on our random road trip from Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay. Blogs go backwards forwards, remember that...

Here's the team in Nimbin, a cute little hippie village where we stopped for lunch.

-----

Christine and Keith chilling on Ole Powdie, our cute and adorable powder blue bubbly car.

-----

Keith soaking up his Scottish heritage in the town of Maclean.

Our Car, "Powdie"

"Powdie" in the parking lot of the Dolphins Motel - how cute!!

-----

Loving our car

------

On the Run

Christine and I have really hit the ground running in Oz, trying to outrun the jet lag.

Tonight will be the first night we are sleeping in the same place twice. After a six hour walk/hike to the Byron Bay Lighthouse, I think we will sleep very soundly.

So far it's been:

Night One - Sydney

Night Two - Armidale (Erin's apartment)

Night Three - Coffs Harbour (Hens Night)

Night Four - Emerald Beach (Bro-in-law's house)

Night Five and Six - Byron Bay

More updates to come after a good night's sleep.

Emerald Beach

Erin's new brother and sister-in-law live in a community in New South Wales called Emerald Beach which is a national park and protected habitat for a lot of wildlife including kangaroos.

The kangaroos are everywhere and usually don't mind you getting close, they share the path. Every once in a while, a male stands tall on his hind legs or slightly beats his chest. This is when I was sure to go clear around them slowly with lots of distance.

Though kangaroos are not agressive, they can stand on their tail and kick you with their hind legs hard enough to break ribs. This is something I don't need to experience firsthand.

Here are some pictures of a picnic and walk on the beach in Emerald Beach before we split off to let Erin get ready for the big day.

---

A mob of kangaroos on the horizon

-----

Mrs. Cannon having a mom to mom chat with a roo

-----

Erin and her parents enjoying a pizza picnic on the beach.

-----

Me with Erin and Christine, still struggling a bit to recover from the Hens Night

Wallabies, Roos, and Hens

Mama Roo with Joey in pouch

-----

Kangaroo having dinner

-----

Close-up of the baby wallaby

-----

Mama Wallaby with a little one

-----

One last Hen Night shot to embarrass Erin thoroughly

Adventures with "Powdie"

Currently Christine and I and our new pal Keith are finding adventures in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Keith used to be a raft guide with the Cork brothers in Canada and it's also his first trip to Oz.

We set out yesterday from Coffs Harbour and got a really adorable bubbly powder blue car to take us up through Maclean on to Nimbin (or as Keith says it Niiiiimbiiiin, note hippie accent) and pushing along to Byron Bay.

It was very fun to be driving on the left side and I only turned the windshield wipers on 5 times when trying for the turn signals. Pictures of Powdie and the adventurers are to come.

Now we're off to hike up to the historic Byron Bay lighthouse and see some dolphins and sea turtles.

Tomorrow we head back to meet up with the rest of the wedding crew for a night of camping in Dorrigo!

Our first days with Erin

The girls at Erin's Mardi Gras Hens Night.
-----

The Raleigh Winery, on our way to Coffs Harbour for Erin's Hens Night. Dee and Kath, the Aussie party planner extraordanaires.
-----

A stop overlooking the Cork family farm and wedding site on our way to Coffs Harbour for Erin's Bachelorette, AKA Hens Night.
-----

Cheers the first toast on Erin's last night in her Armidale apartment after picking Christine and I up at the train station.

-----------
Meeting Erin in Australia, March 2011
----------------------------

Aussie Wildlife - Bachelorettes and Kangaroos

We've finally caught up with Erin!

After a quick zombie-like stop in Sydney, Christine and I headed by train to Armidale to meet up with the bride-to-be. It was a great reunion after years of not seeing each other. Wine was quickly flowing as fast as the conversation and we were all quickly up to speed on our daily lives and every juicy bit of wedding planning drama.

The next day we woke up a bit fuzzy but Rob, the groom, provided us with a delicious breakfast to fuel us up before Erin's Aussie friends whisked us off to Coffs Harbour for the very mysterious Hen's Night - the Aussie equivalent to the Bachelorette Party. Erin's friends Kath and Dee, with a little help from Christine and I, planned a fabulously over-the-top Mardi Gras themed girls

night, complete with boas, beads, and masks. We did a great job of fully embarrassing Erin and competing with other Hens in Coffs. Pictures to come!

Now we're in Emerald Beach at Erin's new brother and sister-in-law's place. They live just on the edge of a national park that includes pristine beach and kangaroo land. On our walk down to the beach for a picnic dinner, we ran into a mob of kangaroos who were happy to pose for us. Our first kangaroo siting ever was very exciting - they were eating and hopping and boxing with each other. There were dozens of them. Here, Christine and I are posing cautiously near these two who were nibbling on their dinner. We definitely were not disappointed.

Tomorrow, Erin heads off to Dorrigo to prep for the wedding and Christine and I are off to find new adventures in Oz!

San Francisco Pit Stop

On my way to Australia for my good friend Erin Cannon's wedding, I took advantage of an extended layover in San Francisco to see the city and visit my sister and friend Kelly.

I had never been to San Francisco before and whenever I told anyone that, including my 88 year old grandmother, they would say, "What? That's unbelievable!" So, needless to say, I knew I was missing out on a great city and had to soak up as much as I could in the 36 hours I had there.

Sadly, Pegs found out she had to work late for a special work event there was no getting out of. However, she armed me well with guide books, maps, and great suggestions of sites to see in the city. Kelly, being from Sacramento, also had a good idea of some fun to be had in San Francisco, so together we set off and found ourselves some of that fun!

First, we stopped at Fisherman's Wharf and got some much touted chowder in a bread bowl. This is the quintessential tourist stop but was well worth it, delicious chowder and great views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the Bay.

We then took a pedi-cab upon Kelly's insistence, over to the Enbarcadero area and stopped for a drink at the Ferry Building. After drinking wine only out of the box in Costa Rica, a carafe of some yummy California Zin was scrumptious and I savored every sip.

Then it was my turn to be insistent, and I insisted we go in search of Annie Street which I saw on the map. I made Kelly take a picture of me and a man passing chuckled and said, "Her name must be Annie." I guess I am not the first Annie to be proud of my street.

The next day, Kelly and her friend Hilary took me over to The Mission for some yummy authentic and very over-indulgent Mexican food. To walk off my 3000 calorie burrito, I then headed out alone in Peg's neighborhood, going up Union Street to the Presidio and coming back Chestnut. Then, Peg brought sushi home for a dinner in before heading off to the airport.

All in all, it was a very action packed but short trip that tired me out to sleep soundly on my 15 hour flight to Australia.

Down under

I arrived in Sydney yesterday safe and sound after 15 hours of travel and losing Wednesday, March 23, 2011. I will never get it back. The flight was amazingly empty though and I got tostretch out over three seats and really get some good snooze time in before landing in Australia.

I met up with my college friend, Christine, just off the plane in baggage claim. After navigating customs, we headed to our hotel in The Rocks neighborhood of Sydney and hit the ground running. Okay, well, I'm still not exactly running, but walking fast, oh and in a zombie state.

The Rocks is situated on the water just near the famous bridge and the Sydney Opera House. We went out to lunch and for a walk around the area. Luckily, we have some more time in Sydney at the end of our trip because I have no idea what we really saw yesterday.

We crashed for an afternoon nap and forced ourselves up and out to look for some dinner and a possible nightlife scene. Dinner was found - a fabulous tapas place with yummy sangria. The nightlife was a bit harder. We kept hearing about how everyone has to work on Friday so no one goes out Thursday nights. This was a shocker to me because I've never lived in a city where this is the case. Just as well, we had a few cocktails, luckily for us on the the Aussie doctor who struck up our conversation. (The Australian dollar is killing us.) Then we tucked ourselves in for a rich night's sleep.

Today, we're off to Armidale to meet up with the bride-to-be for some quality girl chat time. It's been somewhere around four years since we've all been together. I hope we find something to talk about and don't just sit awkwardly staring at each other.

Then, the big event for the weekend is tomorrow's Hen Party - my first, should be a good one!

As they say here (all the time), "Cheers, no worries!"