I'm happy to report that I am home after several days away. I did nothing on the de-cluttering front other than keeping my travel gear organized and that I cleaned out the car BEFORE I left. It needs to be cleaned out AGAIN. I did some baby shopping, got new drinking glasses (what can I say, we have our favorites and are down to ONE....so I bought a bunch at one of my favorite out of town stores) and some much wanted (for YEARS now) OUTSIDE Christmas decorations (think oversized ornaments) to hang on the front porch as my husband doesn't like the lights.....so yeah...my car is full of gear that needs to be put away. I'll wait until tomorrow to do it...it was a long drive home.
The time out of town ended early so I would be able to attend the funeral of a dear friend tomorrow.
As far as taking care of myself, I went to 2 totally new yoga studios, tried 2 new kinds of yoga...the first was Sivananda yoga (very similar to Kripalu) and it was just the yoga instructor and myself. Generally this class is described as very gentle but the instructor saw that I knew the general principles and since it was just the 2 of us, we rocked it. Twelve sun salutations (part B), dolphins, kalabati (spelling is REALLY WRONG) breathing until my ribs hurt, shoulder stands, headstands....so yeah..gentle my ass...but it was FUN and a good workout!! The second class was ok...the instructor was REALLY focused in on alignment....almost to the point of being anal...your toes absolutely even kind of alignment. I understand alignment issues with major stuff but when it's that minor, I think it distracts from the practice....at least it does for me. I don't mind being realigned, don't misunderstand but um...it was a bit overkill. Also, her Sanskrit was goofy. And she was shoving stuff under my knees during sivasana...no no no. That just isn't my idea of a good yoga class. There was too much trying to be in perfect alignment to focus on breathing, sweating and inside focus was totally lost. It just isn't for me but I'm glad I tried it. It's good to know I can go out of town and hold my own in a yoga class. :)