Yoga Bear

Took my first yoga class last night in years--I usually practice at home with a DVD, but Living Social had a great deal at a local studio. I couldn't resist 10 classes for $30; $3 a class, are you kidding?
When my daughter was 10 or so, we signed up for yoga and enjoyed many weeks of relaxation. Part of my goal with her was teaching her how to calm herself when she felt stressed. She has always been hard on herself, and expects much from herself, and tends to panic in the face of a lot of homework--she's still like that in some ways (gee, where did she get those traits from? I can't imagine!). But I remember reminding her about her "yoga breath" as a way to calm herself down. Wonder if she remembers that?
It is beginner kripalu, which felt sort of basic. I know all the poses, but the continuing lack of flexibility in my foot means I can't hold them very long or very well. So it was a good choice.
And it was 75 minutes of pure bliss--forced calm breathing, the aroma of incense, relaxing music. Ahhhhh.
About midway through the class I said to the guy next to me, "I love yoga; it's so simple." He laughed: "Simple?" I think he misconstrued my meaning. Yoga is simple, in that it is not complex, but in no way is it easy!!!
I look forward to next Wednesday's class, a day after physical therapy, when my foot should be even less swollen and more pliable.

Ramblings

I find when I feel like I have nothing to say, there actually is a lot to write about. So, some general observations for the week.
1. The podiatrist pulled the pin out of my second toe on Tuesday, with tool-box type pliers stored in a sanitized bag, like dental implements.
2. We just had a debate about the spelling of "pliers." Depends on the dictionary, apparently.
3. On Wednesday, I did yoga for the first time in 6 weeks, hoping it would help with pliability (ha ha) in my foot; it worked! So now I am looking forward to joining a weekly yoga class on Wednesdays.
4. Never underestimate the joy of inserting a damp, warm washcloth between your toes, and moving it back and forth.
5. The school districts were stupid on Friday, closing early and canceling activities based on a snow-warning forecast that never materialized.
6. My hat's off to the hardy souls brave enough to run the Chilly Chili 5K tomorrow in Cazenovia; chilly, indeed! I will be there in spirit.
7. Sometimes you and your spouse really need to get away, even if for overnight, to recharge your relationship.
8. Winters are made more tolerable by in-season, juicy citrus fruits.
9. I really love pizza.
10. Going swimming this Monday for the first time in 6 weeks is going to feel like reconnecting with an old friend.

Boot Scootin'

I have been unable to use my right foot for nearly 5 weeks now, due to surgery. When I finally felt up to getting out and about, my first retail visit was to Wegmans. Since then I have shopped at other local retailers--the mall, Macy's, Price Chopper, Wal-Mart, Target, BJs.
At the same time, winter-wet floors are treacherous for people using crutches--slip, sliding away and all that. So, I have been getting around on those electric scooters you normally see "old" folks driving.
A sociologist could do a fascinating study of: human beings respecting the scooter rider, avoiding the scooter rider, refusing to move for the scooter rider, staring at the scooter rider. Now I know I don't fit the normal profile of a scooter rider, but do people really think I'm just taking a joy ride?
I have a new-found appreciation for people who use wheelchairs for their mode of transportation, and how various stores are easier to get around than others.
It's interesting to me, also, that different stores' scooters operate better or worse than their competitors'. All of them possess a quite-loud reverse warning beep, and all of them stop too suddenly. That was a lesson learned when I nearly got rear-ended by a tailgating cart-shopper at Wegmans on New Year's Eve! I have since learned to finesse the stop by easing my grip off the "go" lever.
By far the best scooter I've driven was at Target--this baby tooled right along, nice and smooth, so fast my 19-year-old son had trouble keeping up. This was a scooter that screamed, "respect the driver."
Wal-Mart's, on the other hand, dribbed and drabbed, making those behind you annoyed at how slowly you were traveling (are we really surprised I would get looks at Wal-Mart?). Hey, it's not the driver's fault the dang thing doesn't go fast! Oh, and I had my funniest mishap at Wal-Mart. Check out the photo!
In less than a week I won't be needing the Amigo, as the scooter brand is called, but I will leave its seat with a greater awe for those who depend on them for hunter-gathering eggs, milk and coffee.