Simple Joys of the Week, February 28th Edition

The last day of February 2014...ermahgerd!!!!  

Short months kill me. Not a fan. But you know what I am a fan of? SJOTW!

So here we are. How was your week? Almost everyone I've come across over the past couple of days has seemed really frazzled and stressed out. I don't know what's been going on this month, but people seem to have too much on their plates. Maybe it's the missing days at the end of the month? Whatever it is, I hope March holds a bit more space for us all. 

Anyways, lets get to it: What brought you joy over the past 7 days? My simple, sensory joys of the week are below...

HEAR: History of Rap 5
I just can't EVER get enough of these guys, or of the "History of Rap" concept, or really, of anything that Jimmy Fallon and JT do together. Or apart. So yes, the video below made me very happy this week. It's really both a "Hear" + "See," but, ya know... So if you haven't seen it yet, take a look! And if you missed the other 4 installments, I *highly recommend* that you watch them.

SEE: Dallas Buyer's Club
My first and only Best Picture nominee viewing! {Sigh.} One of my favorite things to do is watch as many of the Best Picture nominees as possible before the Oscars, so that I know who I'm rooting for (and so that I'm part of the cultural discussion), but alas, I've monumentally failed this year. And I failed last year, too. Dangit!  That being said, DBC was amazing! Jared Leto, honey, you rocked it out. And Matty boy, you will always have a place in my heart and you were fantabulous. Great movie that is definitely worth a watch. Now I've just got to watch the other 8 nominees before Sunday! [Not gonna happen...]

TASTE: Cough Drops
I've been under the weather this week. Not full blown sick, and not contagious, just my usual seasonal sinus infection. Fun, fun, fun! However, even though I've been sniffly and cough-y and sore throat-y, I've found myself able to function, teach yoga, and paint, a large part in thanks to cough drops and Mucinex (I know, yikes! Mucinex = crack cocaine of sinus medications?). Cough drops have helped me teach, sit on the couch and work, and talk like a normal human being. Very thankful for them--and especially for the sugar-free variety--this week! Not exactly delicious, but very effective.

SMELL: China Gel [Repeat SJOTW]
It's been a long time since I've talked about China Gel here on the blog, because it's been quite a while since I've used it. And that makes me sad. Background story: China Gel is a staple at my old studio, Tranquil Space. It's a menthol-based "topical pain reliever," similar to Icy Hot but much more effective and created using "the ancient pain relieving concepts of Chinese herbal medicine." I ran out of my personal supply shortly before we moved, and didn't remember to buy more until last week. But oh, it's so great! Ben and I have been practically bathing in it this week and YES. The stuff is magical. It really works on sore muscles (aka my whole body).

TOUCH: First bath in our new house!
Embarrassing but true. In my February Newsletter I said that one of my relaxation goals was to take 3 soaks in the tub this month. I didn't, and I didn't take my first soak until this past Wednesday evening (nothing like the last minute!), but hey, baby steps, right? As you know, I love baths (with Epsom Salt) and am promising, here and now, to make them a part of my weekly routine again ASAP. The one I took this week was really nice and my sick, weak body appreciated it. 

This weekend, I'm taking a training with Boston-based teacher Ame Wren, and am super excited. Everyone here on the Cape raves about her (I mean, RAVES), and I'm expecting to be blown away...if only my sinuses will cooperate during the long days of yoga-ing ;) 

Oh, and my March Newsletter comes out tomorrow morning! If you aren't signed up to receive it, you can do so here. I'm switching up the format slightly, so you'll have to share your thoughts once you receive it...

Have a great weekend! And don't forget to take a little time to reflect on the simple, sensory joys from the past week. It's a great way to refill your gratitude well ;)

PS. Starr Struck turns THREE on March 5th! Double ermagherd! Stay tuned for a fun online celebration ;)