Dolphin Time (part 1)

Everyone that asks about Hawaii, I say it was amazing. I do not know a better word to describe it. It was an amazing trip, amazing place, amazing people and amazing adventures. I knew that first day it would go by fast, so I jotted down words and experiences throughout the week to help me remember. I am not going to be able to capture it all in words, not even with all the photos I took, so here is my best shot.

Saturday, March 3 (PEACE)

After an early morning and three flights, I made it to the Big Island. I flew to Kailua-Kona with my final destination being the Hale Kai retreat in Honuanau. (Please do not ask me to pronounce these Hawaiian words as I would sound ridiculous.)

It was late afternoon when I arrived, so a quick stop at my room to drop off my stuff, then to the lava beach to set our intentions for the week. It was beautiful with the setting sun. We learned what Aloha means: Alo – first to see, front; ha – breath of life. Dinner and then I went to sleep to the sound of the waves. They did tell us that the next door neighbors had roosters and we may need ear plugs as they will wake you up early. I was already awake at 4am due to the time change and by the end of the week the roosters became background noise. I have a video of the waves and every few seconds you will hear a rooster crow – hilarious!

My roommate was Chrissy, a 27-year old mother of four from Riverside, CA. Her husband has leukemia and is doing better now that he had a bone marrow transplant. He found the retreat for Chrissy and wanted her to go do something for herself. I just love that story. Chrissy was so much fun, a kid at heart, with the best laugh. We were the youngest of the group and got along really well. She is so sweet too. She gave me a seashell anklet bracelet and underwater camera the first day we met. I have a new friend.

Sunday (PLAY)

The week really was a lot about play. I did so many things I have never done before with no fear. The first morning we learned about dolphin time. Colleen, the founder of Women's Quest, is a dolphin fanatic. She told a story about swimming in the ocean, practicing for her triathlons, and the dolphins started recognizing her and swimming with her. One day she lost her yellow swim cap and a dolphin swam after it and got it with the tip of his nose and gave it back to her. She now plays the yellow leaf game with the dolphins, which is basically a game of catch.

Dolphin time means wherever the dolphins are that is where we are going. That morning they were in Kealakekua Bay, which was about a 15-minute drive from Hale Kai. So we loaded up all our gear and headed for the Bay. It is considered one of the most beautiful bays for snorkeling. I had a lot of firsts that day including kayaking, snorkeling and swimming with wild Spinner dolphins. The water was crystal clear and the most gorgeous colors of green and blue. I saw so many amazing colors above and below the water. Chrissy and I were so excited to be in the kayak, in Hawaii, with the dolphins. I remember being out in the middle of the bay as half our group took the kayaks across the bay to Captain Cook Monument. I thought “Oh, I'll be fine” and “They won't be long,” however after a while treading water you do get tired and we decided to swim back to the shore. It didn't look that far, right? After I started swimming, I realized it was far and I would have to pace myself. All that I could think about was that line from Finding Nemo “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!” and that I did.

That afternoon we had our one and only yoga class. Yes, I know what you are thinking, wasn't this a yoga retreat? That's what I thought as well, however after that first day it didn't bother me one bit that we didn't do another yoga class. We did so much more than I ever thought imaginable.

Monday (TRANQUILITY)

A great way to start off a Monday is with a Lomi Lomi massage. It was very relaxing and healing. Julie, the masseuse, was amazing (there's that word again). My massage therapist said if I got the chance I had to get one, so I did. It didn't take much convincing.

After my massage, we headed to the beach that was about a five minute walk, for some more relaxation. Colleen was there and so were the dolphins, so we didn't stay on the beach for long. Off we were in the ocean on the boogie board to watch the dolphins swimming and playing. They became our friends quite quickly.

That afternoon more relaxing in the hammock and then Theresa came with her magical, healing crystals. She did a chakra healing ceremony for us. I wasn't really a big believer in healing crystals, however as she was putting the crystals on our chakra, I saw a flash of green. After she was done I looked for the green stone, malachite, which is the heart chakra. I thought wow, she might have something here.

Me & Princess Tam

That evening we learned some new dance moves from Tamara, or Princess Tam as Colleen nicknamed her (by the end of the week it was PT). She owns a studio in LA and teaches belly dancing and pole dancing. That evening, it was a little bit of yoga and a little bit of Pilates with a sensual flare. We had so much fun dancing and laughing on the beach! Ask me to show you how to get the remote control sometime. 

Jacqueline

We finished the evening with Jacqueline's story time. Her and Colleen met while doing triathlons and have been friends every since. She goes on as many retreats as she can. She is also a mother of two, has a pottery business and just recently got into the real estate business because she wants to sell her house. She laughs every time she says she is a real estate agent. Jacqueline is full of adventure and everything is FANTASTIC! She has infectious personality and will try anything once. The biggest thing I got out of her story telling was to be open to new opportunities. Jacqueline is not afraid to take off on her own and do her own thing without a real plan. She once cycled from LA to her hometown of Calgary, Canada as she thought it was a good idea. She is brave and strong and fun and yes, FANTASTIC!

Tuesday (FREEING)

I felt very free the whole week. I didn't wear make-up, do my hair or stress over the agenda for the day. It felt really good. Guess, how we started this day? Yep, that's right, we swam with the dolphins. Can you imagine waking up every day and the first thing you do is swim with dolphins? I was so grateful I got to experience that.

This was also our hiking day to the City of Refuge. We all partnered up and got to know a little bit more about each other. Chrissy and I partnered with Emily, Jacqueline's 17-year old daughter. It was like we were old friends taking a walk, enjoying the scenery. We stopped at a cliff and threw rocks in the ocean, which symbolized letting go of something. It wasn't that hard to do actually.

Me, Chrissy & Emily

By the end we were hot and tired, but we didn't care. We were in HAWAII! We snorkeled at Two Step Bay and searched for turtles. I didn't have much luck, but Chrissy got some awesome underwater photos of one. Then it was off to Kona Coffeehouse for lunch. Imagine about 20 women in a cafe, hungry, laughing, taking photos. We had a blast! And I had the best cinnamon, honey soy latte ever!

That evening to top it all off, we had hula lessons with Puna. One of my favorites experiences while I was there. Puna is a native Hawaiian and she brought her eight-year old granddaughter, Talia, with her. We changed into our sarongs, put a flower in our hair and we were ready to go. Puna was impressed with our moves and I had to thank Tamara who got us started off right the night before. Then Puna and her granddaughter performed for us and it was so beautiful. They stayed for dinner and Puna had so many wonderful stories. I wish I could of listened to her for hours, however after a day like that, we were all pretty tired. Puna is one person I will never forget and so thankful to have met her.

Colleen & Puna

Acceptance, Love, Gratitude, Peace

It's 2012 and already so much change. It really started the end of 2011, however I am now just figuring out what all this change means. I have met some amazing people, did some soul searching, and been able to open up to my family and friends. All in all, good change. However, emotional roller coasters and physical aspects have made it more challenging. I do know that everything is connected; mind, body and soul. And you have to work on each one to find balance.

I have been going to a chiropractor, Dr. Jonah Yakel, who practices “flow.” I was very skeptical going to a chiropractor as I thought it was all about cracking bones, however this is much more gentle. I was referred by two people I trust, so decided to give it a try. Here is a description:

Flow is a unique form of adjustment developed to help the body efficiently dissipate stress and begin to function with greater harmony, resiliency, and peace. Each session enhances the function of every tissue, cell and organ of your body by increasing circulation and the health of both your immune and nervous systems.

I am about done with my first set of sessions, I have been going 2-3 times a week for 8-weeks and this week I get evaluated. I do think this, along with drinking more water, watching what I eat and yoga have helped my body heal. I have less overall pain and the tension in my neck, shoulders and back has decreased. If you are interested, visit http://drjonahyakel.com.

This has helped my physical health and I am also working on mental health. I recently got a tattoo that says “i am enough.” It is located on my left wrist and is a constant reminder of just that. I am enough, I don't have to change for anyone, I am right where I am supposed to be and I can be happy. I am working on accepting myself and others for who they are. I was at a yoga workshop and the instructor said “Forget the story, see the soul.” I just love that.

I also adopted a new kitty, Hattie Socks. She is adorable, just the sweetest thing and so much fun to have around. She is about 16 weeks now and is very active. Having a pet is unconditional love. She needs me and I need her. I love that she is waiting for me when I get home and snuggles up to me as I sit watching TV or playing on the computer.

A New Year's resolutions this year was to start a gratitude journal. I have been writing in it daily. Before I go to bed, I'll jot down what I am grateful for that day. Most of the time it is the little things, talking with a friend, sunshine, great yoga class, laughing, breathing, etc. It helps me stay focused and realize how many wonderful people and good things are in my life. Try it. It's easy and you'll feel better about your day.

What it all comes down to is loving yourself, finding what makes you happy and being at peace with your life. I have my first adventure this year coming up in March – Hawaii yoga retreat! It is going to be amazing. I am looking at it like a cleanse for my body and soul - perfect timing, right? I'll tell you all about it when I get back.

Photo of Hattie

NYC Tourist

New York City in the fall has been a dream of mine since my first trip to the Big Apple three years ago. Unfortunately, the end of September was a little too early for the fall colors and we had to deal with a bit of rain. All things considered,, it was a fun girl's weekend with Clara, Angie and Becky.

We got in Thursday afternoon and a quick stop at the hotel and we were off. Lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe and then picked up our tour tickets. We thought we'd start off with a downtown tour, however once we got on the bus and started taking a few pics the rain started. Not just any rain, a slight down pour, which resulted in us getting off the bus at the next stop. Running towards the subway with our bright, yellow ponchos, getting drenched and laughing all the way. That evening we decided to try again and got on the bus for the night tour. No rain and the lights of the city were amazing!

Friday we got up early for the Today Show. Angie got a great pic of Al Roker. Matt Lauer and Ann Curry were out of town, so we hung out for a bit then went on our way. We realized we were very close to the site of the World Trade Center. When we got there my heart just sank. It's crazy to think that was 10 years ago and how many lives were destroyed. We were fortunate to be able to go into the memorial and see the north and south pools up close. It was eerie and quite and beautiful.

Next stop was the Statue of Liberty. Love that lady! That evening we met a fellow Kingmanite in Greenwich village at a nice, little Italian restaurant. Andrea has been in NYC for 7 years. She was able to get a job after college at the same place she interned and is having a blast! Part of me wishes I would have had the courage to do something like that.

Saturday we slept in, which was nice, considering we had been up before 6am the past two days. A harbor tour and Central Park were on the agenda for the day. Harbor tour gave us some great pics before the rain. We spent most of our time in Central Park in a pedicab – cart driven by a bicycle. We didn't get to see as much as we would of liked, but had a good time anyway. Highlight was taking a photo in front of the fountain from the TV show “Friends.” That night we spent in Times Square. A couple shots at Planet Hollywood, shared a dessert with a stranger and ate some delicious pizza at John's Pizzeria.

Last day in NYC and I did not want to leave. Clara and Angie had an early morning flight, so Becky and I were on our own. The hotel concierge helped us get theatre tickets to Rock of Ages. Before the show we had to get our shopping in and H&M was first on the list. The show started at 3pm, which we thought was enough time to get back to the hotel by 5:30 for the car to take us to the airport for our 7:30 flight. At 5:15 they were still rockin' through the ages and we decided not to chance it. As we ran out of the theatre the rain started again – how appropriate. We made it to the subway right before the train took off and made it to our hotel with a little time to spare. I was sad to miss the end of the show and sad to leave one of the most fabulous cities in the US of A.

I have been to NYC the past three years and really think I need to make this an annual trip. So much to do and so much to see. I've done a lot of the touristy things, so next time I just want to enjoy the city. Things on my to do list 1) walk across the Brooklyn bridge, 2) spend some more time in Greenwich village and SoHo, 3) can't leave without seeing a show, 4) Coney Island, 5) day at the Met and 6) picnic or winter wonderland in Central Park. See why I need to make this an annual trip?

Links to share from this trip:

Hotel http://www.gershwinhotel.com/

Tours http://www.citysightsny.com/tourpage.php?item=SNY

9/11 Memorial http://www.911memorial.org/

John's Pizzeria http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/index2.htm

Rock of Ages http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/

Forever Friends

I hope that we all have those friends that no matter how long it has been since we last talked, we can fall right back into a conversation without hesitation. I have been fortunate enough to find some of those friends through high school, college and now work. One of those friends I visited in San Diego this month and we had fun reminiscing about the old days.

Shari and I met freshman year of college in a leadership studies class. We both were pursuing degrees in the School of Journalism at K-State and had a few classes together and also lived in the same dorm. We quickly became friends and I have to say that my college years would be far less eventful if I had never met Shari. She has an infectious and adventurous personality and there is never a dull moment. We went through a lot those four years of college, the fun, the heartache, friends lost and classes skipped due to late nights out. We made it through and I learned what true friendship really is.

Even now that she has moved across the country and has her own family (she's a great mom!), I know I can give her a call anytime and she'll be there to listen. She will also be the first one to “like” a photo or post on Facebook and remind me why I love her with her witty comments.

Shari, here is to 12 great years of friendship and to the many more to come. Cheers!

California Dreamin'

I am a California girl at heart. Maybe it's because I've been stuck in the middle of the US and needed to get out, explore and see the coast. I am fortunate to have family in the San Francisco area and have traveled there many times. I believe the first time was when I was just one year. I recall a photo of me in my dad's arms wrapped in his coat on the beach. I love the quote “"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” however after some internet research there is some debate on who said it exactly.

California really does have it all with the mountains, coast and the perfect weather. I did a birthday trip to the Golden State, visiting San Diego first where one of my best friends now lives. She has been there just over a year and this is the third time I've visited. This time I wanted to check out a winery. We went to a nice, quaint winery and watched a beautiful sunset. The wine and pizza were excellent. We also spent some time by the water which is a must for me.

Then it was off to the San Francisco area where my aunt and uncle live. They have a beautiful home with a gorgeous view in Sebastapol, which is about an hour north of San Francisco by Santa Rosa. My grandparents were there as well. They visit each summer to escape the heat of Texas. I love spending time with them.

I honestly could just sit outside and enjoy the scenery all day, however we did have a nice itinerary planned. Dinner in the city Tuesday at a Peruvian restaurant, Fresca, where I tried ceviche for the fist time and really enjoyed it! Wednesday it was off to the wineries around Healdsburg with my aunt. I enjoyed driving around the area and we stopped at two beautiful wineries - Bella Caves and Ferrari-Carano vineyards. A day trip to San Francisco Thursday for some culture at the de Young museum where they were featuring a Picasso exhibit. And, I had to get some pics of the Golden Gate Bridge. Friday was my last day so we relaxed a little, had brunch at my favorite cafe Howard's in Occidental, a small town west of Sebastapol. Then grandma and grandpa beat me at bowling and archery on the Wii.

It was one fabulous week in California and I can't wait to go back!

To learn more about the places I visited check out these sites:

San Diego winery http://www.cordianowinery.com/

Best ceviche http://www.frescasf.com/

Sebastapol http://ci.sebastopol.ca.us/

Healdsburg http://www.healdsburg.com/

Occidental http://www.bohemianconnection.com/occidental.html

Perfect Space

A friend introduced me to the band The Avett Brothers and I have been listening to them daily ever since. It's not just the beautiful music but the lyrics are so well put together I just fall into the music each time I listen to them. One song in particular, just fits, for all of us I would think.

Here is a sampling:

I want to have friends that I can trust

That love me for the man I've become not the man I was

I want to have friends that let me be

All alone when being alone is all that I need

I want to fit in to the perfect space

Feel natural and safe in a volatile place

And I want to grow old without the pain

Give my body back to the earth and not complain

Just Breathe

Breathing is a very important part of yoga. I've heard an instructor say that if you do nothing else for the next hour, but breathe you have done more than most. So, before you read on take a minute to breathe. Take a big inhale and then slowly exhale. Doesn't that feel good? Do it again if you like and read on.

In yoga the poses, postures and movements are not as important as your breath. I really took that into consideration during my yoga practice. The instructor started us with our vinyassa for the class and then let us go. The challenge was moving with your own breath. It is a conscious effort for me to do this has at some points I find myself holding my breathe. Just let it out, I think. What are you holding onto?

The meditation part of yoga (savasana) is something we do at the end of each class. We take 5 minutes for ourselves with no agenda, no expectations and just breathe. Another instructors really has us think about our breath, the inhale and exhale. How we feel as we breathe, the cooler air of the inhale and warmth of the exhale. The air cycling through our body. This normal, every day act that most of us take for granted, is very powerful.

So the next time you are having a bad day, stressed and not sure what to do...breathe, just breathe.