Random ramblings

Since Cody and I went to San Francisco in October, we decided to place a limit of $50 on our Christmas gifts to each other. He got me a really beautiful turquiose and sterling silver ring from Sundance. Of course, I sent him the link to the ring so that he would not be confused. I got him a tool bag from Home Depot. Of course, he wrote down exactly which one I needed to purchase. Cody has a lot of tools. In addition to his talents in the kitchen, he also does beautiful wood working. I have to say that toolbag is pretty cool. But man is it heavy! I was on the computer the other night and he had been packing the toolbag with his numerous tools. He came in with it and said, "P.S. I love it." Then, like a child with a new toy, he showed me how all of his tools, plus his drill and something else, fit into the bag. I don't pretend to understand his love of the tool. I'm sure he doesn't pretend to understand why I wanted yet another chunky ring from Sundance. What's funny is that I was so entrenched with getting the Christmas presents wrapped for both of our families that I completely forgot to wrap his. I was mad at myself. Not that he wrapped mine, but at least the ring came in a box and he could stick a bow on it, which he did. P.S. I love that ring.

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I'm able to go to yoga in the morning since I'm not working until January 3. I used to practice in the mornings when I was waiting tables. It was a big adjustment when I went to practicing after work and at first, I didn't like it. But now, I feel so much more warmed up when I practice in the evening. I've been waking up in between 7:30 and 8:00 and then going to yoga at 9:30, so it's definitely a different feeling. I also went for a run yesterday. It was cold and super windy. I wonder if running on pavement is bad for your back because it kind of hurts today. Luckily, Margaret ended class today with legs up the wall, which I was planning on doing anyway. I made that decision during wheel pose. I've started incorporating a lot of Anusara alignment principles into my practice. I think it makes a difference. It's like my practice is new again and I think that's important.

Merry Christmas

This year is the first year that my parents have been without either one of their daughters on Christmas. To some, that might seem odd, but our family is very close and we were always together at Christmas no matter what...until I got married almost four years ago. I informed them that Cody and I would start alternating our Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday visits between our two families. Then, my sister got married last year, so she has had to do the same. And of course she wanted to be with our family when I'm there, so that leaves my parents without us every other year. They were and always will be invited to come here for Christmas, but that would leave both of my grandmothers without their kids and that just can't happen at this point. So this morning, my parents opened presents with my grandmothers, had breakfast, and then went to a homeless shelter to serve food for three hours. They've never done this before and I'm anxious to hear how it went. I have to say that it is odd not spending Christmas with my family. Two years ago, the first year that we spent with my in-laws, I was very sad. On Christmas Eve, it's just Cody and me, which I now find kind of nice, but it was just so weird the first time. Another Christmas has come and gone and I am finding myself feeling a little sad that I didn't get to spend it with my family.

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I feel as if I am in a turkey coma. I'm tired and bloated, but am so happy that I don't have to go back to work until January 3.

Geaux Tigers!

What a long, strange trip this college football season has been. The tigers managed to claw their way back into the national championship game. After that hideous game against Arkansas, I thought their shot was as lost as they looked while they were playing during that game. But the BCS has proven to be a big load of crap and frankly, I couldn't be happier. I mean, seriously, Ohio State hasn't played a game in like three weeks and where are they...sitting pretty. I hope so badly that the Tigers crush them on January 7. I honestly believe that LSU has just as much of a right to be in that game as any of the other top-ranked teams. All the arguments to be there were pretty thin, but the only team I feel sorry for is Hawaii since they are actually undefeated. I realize their schedule sucks, but I can't help but feel just a little badly for them. That said, I think OU will kill them in their bowl game. Anyway, I plan to root for LSU on January 7 and you should, too!