Simple Joys of the Week, February 24th Edition

Um, PHEW! What a week! The past 7 days have been full of surprises, yoga, and lots of hard work, but, among the hustle-and-bustle of daily life, I was still able to enjoy many simple, sensory pleasures... 

Oh, what's that you said? Why yes, thanks for asking! I'd love to share them with you today :) Some of my favorites are below:

Hear: The Lion's Roar by First Aid Kit

One of my students (who is always amazing at recommending music to me), told me about First Aid Kit this week. Since I totally trust her taste, I bought their latest album yesterday and listened to it while I painted. She was right...they're amazing! They're a Swedish folk duo composed of two sisters, who are (get this!) 22 and 19 years old. What's with all these young women taking over the music world lately? I love it. Such talent at such a young age...and they make me feel SO old! Anyways, I think their songwriting is brilliant and I can't wait to add a First Aid Kit song or two to my March class playlist :) Take a listen to two of their tracks below (I couldn't pick a favorite to share!):

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1. "In the Hearts of Men"

2. "King of the World"

See:  Being Featured in the "8 Yoga Bloggers to Know in Washington" article on Washingtonian.com!

So exciting! I see that I had a LOT of new visitors to my site yesterday, so if you're a new reader, WELCOME!! Also, for those who haven't read the article, be sure to check out the other amazing bloggers who are listed. I know quite a few of them, and am a big fan (3 others are also Tranquil Space Teachers!)! Thanks for the great shout-out, Washingtonian!

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Taste: "Sex, Tea, and Rock'n Roll" Tea Bags by Donkey Products

Um, can you believe this!?!?! How hysterical is it!? 5 of these amazing teabags (others are Janis Joplin, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, and Jimi Hendrix) were sent to me in a care package from a good friend who just moved to California (so sweet!!!). Using the Elvis one brought a HUGE smile to my face this week, as I think they are just too funny. Oh, and yes, the tea tastes good, as well, but I have to admit that the taste isn't the main event here (!). And isn't the wide-brimmed teacup just perfect for it? I think I'm going to have to hoard these little guys and only serve them when I have special guests visiting ;) Thanks, Amanda!

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The last 3...

Smell: Grapefruit

I know it's hard to believe, but I've eaten almost two bags of grapefruits this week. I bought a bag of 5 last Friday, bought another bag of 5 on Sunday, and only have 3 left (one of which I plan to eat this morning!). I'm totally obsessed. You know when you just get a craving for something and you want it all the time? That's what's happened. I honestly think it was prompted by my smell SJOTW last week, the Antica Farmacista Pompelmo Oil Diffuser. Isn't that funny? But yes, I've been attacking grapefruits like a starving wolf this week, and it's been magical. At least they're good for you, right? It's like I'm accidentally on the grapefruit diet (hehe)! If only I wasn't eating SO much normal food, as well ;)

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Doing burpees at the Smackdown...

Touch: Completing WOD #1 of the CrossFit Open

Yes, you read that right--I'm signed up for the CrossFit Open :) Now, I have to explain that I'm doing this JUST for the fun of pushing myself, joining in the competition, and getting an extra workout each week; I'm not doing it because I think I have a chance at making it to the CrossFit Games...or to regionals...or really even through the entire Open, as I'm sure something will come up in the next few weeks that I just can't do (um, pullups, anyone?). But, in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy it. And last night, I did. Since I won't be around this weekend, I did the Open workout early, and it was killer. 7 minutes AMRAP (as many reps as possible) of burpees. Sounds straightforward, right? Um, I almost died. They made it a LOT harder by requiring all competitors to jump up and touch a bar 6" above you head every time. That's what got me. But anyways, I had a blast and got 82 burpees in 7 minutes--a score that I'm good with. I'll keep you updated as the Open continues, as it's 5 weeks long (yikes!?!)...what have I gotten myself into?

So that's it for this week! Take a moment to think about it: what made you really happy--even if only for a moment or two--over the past week or so?  Be sure to take some time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life...

I'm back in Advanced Teacher Training this weekend, so I'll be sure to think of you and bring back (and share) some of the good stuff that I learn. In the meantime, here's to a wonderfully relaxing--YET active--spring (I know!?) weekend!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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