Simple Joys of the Week, May 24th Edition

Soooo, I put out my back on Wednesday night and it is NOT. FUN. I feel like I'm 1000 years old and have been complaining like a banchee. I'm trying to be pleasant to be around, I really am (!), but I am not good at handling severe pain. I mean, I am when compared to most men (ahem, Ben!), but not when compared to the real sufferers in the world.

However, I will not let my spasming back keep me from acknowledging the simple, sensory joys of this past week! Ben asked me last night, "Is SJOTW going to be depressing tomorrow?" To which I replied, "No Way! Never! There is always something to be thankful for." 

So there you have it. Lets get to sharing before I have to hop back on my ice pack (!)...

HEAR: Phildel
I came across Phildel's music on The Hairpin this week, and was immediately hooked. As they mention in their post about her, she has some Florence Welch qualities, as well as her own really unique viewpoint and voice. I listened to her all day yesterday and am in love. Get ready for some Phildel music on next month's class playlist! 

You can listen to one of my favorites, "Beside You," below:

SEE: Alt For Everyone Goody Bag
OMG, you guys, I received my Alt For Everyone goody bag in the mail this week, and it is no joke. It was stuffed with some of the cutest handmade gifts ever from a bunch of adorable small shop owners. You can see these items pictured above, but here are some of the fun treats that were included: a vintage camera-covered pouch from Blue Q, super cute "hello" stationary from pixelimpress, handmade cupcake flags from lingering daydreams, a necklace from Zelma Rose, and much, much more. Thanks, Alt! One of the best investments I've made this year (it's up there with my scanner, my Manduka mat, and the various plane tickets I've purchased). 

TASTE: Butternut Squash
On Sunday, Ben and I made a bunch of food for the entire week. It was SO nice to have so much food on hand for meals, and it was also really delicious. Once of the things that we (I) made was roasted butternut squash, which I hadn't had in a while. Let me tell you guys, it was really good. I just cut it up into cubes, tossed it in olive oil, salt + pepper, and garlic powder, and baked it on a cookie sheet. I've been tossing it on my salads and eating it as a side dish all week, and we still have some left! Super easy and delicious. 

SMELL: BBQ 
Last weekend, our friends had us over for an amazing BBQ. We had tons of fresh veggies, tons of meat (they're CrossFitters, what do you expect?), and an assortment of fun treats for dessert. It was so much fun spending time relaxing and catching up with friends, while sipping a glass of wine and enjoying the scents of the grill wafting in through the windows (it was kind of rainy outside), and then sitting down for a big feast together. Looking forward to another weekend full of similar activities!

TOUCH: Chiropractor, Ice, KT Tape
What did you expect? My back issue has been a pretty big part of my week so I had to include it...but what I will say is this--I SO take my body for granted! Ahhhh! So much! We all need and want our bodies to function properly, but when you teach yoga for a living (or use your body a lot in your work), this takes on a whole different meaning. 

Although putting out my back felt/feels horrible, it's really made me think about some things:

1. I MUST take better care of my body. Must, must, must. This means warming up really well before I teach and being extra careful about my back when I practice. I do this, but I can do a WAY better job. I'm ashamed. 
2. I can't imagine how people with chronic pain do it. It makes me realize how strong our elderly and those suffering with injuries or illness that cause chronic pain must be. Wow. 
3. I'm very grateful that this is temporary. I'm grateful that my body functions well most of the time, despite my injuries (which, in the grand scheme of things, are very small).
4. I need to start going back to the chiro at least once per week. My recent hiatus = unacceptable. 

So yes, I'm very thankful for the things that have helped my back this week. TGFC!!!! (Thank goodness for chiropractors.)

What were your #SJOTW? I'd love to hear about them ;) And I hope that your long weekend is FULL of the simple pleasures in life. Don't forget to take the time to stop and appreciate them...

PS. Some of you have asked, so I thought that I should mention that our trapeze lessons were rained out last weekend (that's why you haven't heard anything about the adventure!). We're working on rescheduling for later in the summer...