Is pilates the new yoga?

I have been a yoga enthusiast since I was 16 years old. Growing up in rural America, I watched "Lilias Yoga and You" on PBS; practiced from a book at 17; and took my first actual course in college at 21. When I was 30, a friend introduced me to Iyengar style and I was committed, for a long time, even continuing through a trial with cancer and several pregnancies and after. Pilates has been around forever, but I just watched and waited as it grew more popular and the mat classes became widely available and affordable. Until I started my private personal training on the pilates large equipment (reformer, cadillac) with MaryJo Falvey of Pilates Tutor Studio . . . and now, all I do is pilates! Maybe a little cardio, I know I need that too!

It began simply: I bid on a series of personal sessions with MaryJo at our school's fundraiser. She was also teaching the mat class at the Y, which I began taking. She said, "Susan, you have to come and take your personal sessions!" Isn't that the case . . . sometimes you just sit on these things for a year or two . . .

Well, that was a couple years ago, and while I am not her strongest, youngest, most flexible, or fearless student, I believe that I am the most committed. I'm at the intermediate level and can do some of the advanced moves, and I'm pushing 50. I believe in her commitment to the Stott method; she is professional, dedicated, and probably the most talented Stott instructor in Atlanta. If you don't believe me, you can watch as her practice has exploded and see how she is filling her classes as soon as she offers them.

She has the respect of other studios around Atlanta, too. Her work with me has resulted in the elimination of repetitive back and shoulder problems, increases in strength, even the awe of my children ("Mom, you're ripped!") Shouldn't we all get that from our teenage boys?

I certainly hope that Stott appreciates the attention that this go-getter has brought to them. There are plenty of generic pilates instructors all over the place. Stott demands intensive training, and fees for equipment, training, and certification are very high as a result. After all, STOTT PILATES™ is the only full service integrated pilates company offering equipment, education, videos, manuals, studios, licensing, and support.

You won't regret checking this out: go book your friends or your business for a private group class, or just sign up for personal training with MaryJo, Carla, or Elizabeth. She currently has a coupon for a free class. Special tip: hot yoga teacher/Invigorated Life wellness coach Kimberly Kirby is also teaching at Pilates Tutor . . .

Need I say more. Pilates is the new yoga. Or better.

The coolest anthropology experiment - ever! Mummified fast food!

My friend Kimberly Kirby, yogini, author, and wellness coach (see link to the right: Invigorated Life) indulged us last night in a preview of her talk that she will be giving at an East Cobb Town Hall meeting. You have to see this to believe it!! It was so cool!!! I don't know if kids or parents will be more intrigued . . . probably a tie!

We know that trans fats (aka partially hydrogenated oils and more hidden names) and preservatives are no-nos . . . but have you ever seen a one year-old plus fast food hamburger in its wrapper (we will not name the chain). Is it moldy? Has it decayed? Have any bugs invaded it (she keeps it in a highly accessible paper bag in her pantry)? Well, the answer is no . . . so why do we eat this stuff?

For all of you who plan to attend the town hall meeting, lucky you! Kimberly also has visuals and props, showing sugar content in 'healthy" drinks and foods . . . and more! She has a really sexy yoga teacher voice, so I highly recommend attending. She only gets 10 minutes, so be on time!! Carpool? Call me!

Here are the details:

JOIN A TOWN HALL MEETING ON CHILDHOOD NUTRITION IN COBB SCHOOLS

How much attention do you pay to childhood nutrition in our schools? The health and wellness of our county’s youngest citizens extends beyond the home. Parents, schools, teachers, elected officials, PTAs – and most notably, you – influence the daily nutrition of our children. This is a very important topic and one that has already gained national recognition.
A Town Hall Meeting has been scheduled to bring together elected officials, School Board, Cobb County Food and Nutrition Services, parents, PTAs, Administration and students for a healthy discussion, education and voice on the nutritional programs within Cobb County schools. Explore the results of successful changes in California and New York State Schools and learn from Diane Harris, Ph.D and Kimberly Kirby, two leading nutritional experts and East Cobb elementary school moms, as well as personal experiences from students Cooper Driskell (Sope Creek Elementary), Tiffany Mills (East Cobb Middle School) and Chandler Converse (Pebblebrook High School). Be a part of this unprecedented event and learn some easy tips on how you can take on responsibility for the betterment of Cobb’s youngest citizens. Parking is limited so plan to carpool.

What: Cobb County Town Hall Meeting on Modern Childhood Nutrition

When: April 17, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Where: Sope Creek Elementary, 3320 Paper Mill Road, Marietta, Ga. 30067

More Information: arasin5@bellsouth.net or fluffyjune@yahoo.com

What . . . you are still here? Incidentally, our middle school, Hightower Trail, is embarking on its own crusade against bad food. Ms. Tarbutton, the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher, has received a grant to purchase multiple copies of the book, "Chew on This", written by the same guy who wrote "Fast Food Nation." She is really doing her part to educate parents and kids on the harmful nature of bad nutritional choices. She is awesome!

(on a personal note, I could not put the proper punctuation on the book titles, which should be underlined, so I had to put quotation marks. I think it is glitch in blogger. My apologies!)

End of an ear-ah

Actually, can see the ear-ah's for the first time in year-ahs!

You guys are next!!!!

Hello from the Stimpsons

Our dear friends write to us from jolly old England . . . I am encouraging her to blog, because it is such a trip! We want to see pics too! We miss them terribly . . .

Yvonne writes: (and that is EEEEE-von, to you buddy!)

I’ve just manned the high school disco and I think I’m bleeding from the ears. Our computer continues to decide what we can and cannot see and often deletes emails before we get to open them – so, apologies if we’ve ignored anyone – its not deliberate. Haven’t been up to anything much really – Bob hasn’t been too well so have been nagging him back to health. Its difficult when he’s home – I feel like I have to be busy and interesting all the time, and I’m not really inclined to be either. He’s on the mend now so can resume couch-potato status. The kids (and me) just had a week off school, so I decided very last minute we needed a holiday – and headed off to Cornwall. We had a fantastic week – managed to get really lovely accommodation, had archery lessons, falconry lessons, how to eat and drink too much lessons. Cornwall is just amazing, and it really reminded me of New Zealand (yes, lots of sheep) and the yummiest ice cream. We got to spend a couple of days at the beach – the weather was actually brilliant for the whole week.

It was Alex’s birthday last week – 15 – can’t believe it. We went to London to see the Lion King musical for her birthday. Had a brilliant day – it was at Covent Garden which is an amazing place to spend a Sunday afternoon. There were loads of street performers, markets, shops, cafes. Really fun. We were all entranced by one street performer in particular, but all for different reasons. He was practically naked, totally sprayed silver, and could do the most outstanding things with his pecs. But the Lion King was good too.

Ben and Alex are tolerating things here, but would much rather be in Atlanta – especially Alex. Thomas has settled in really well. The menagerie is also doing well, although I do think English rodents are slower than American rodents – definite decline on the number of headless rats being dragged through the cat-flap – maybe its just too cold for them. Sam just continues to shag his way through life. I’m trying to be a little more adventurous in getting around, but I think I’m destined to forever go between the school and the supermarket. I got stuck on a huge roundabout last week, had not idea where I was supposed to go, and just ended up driving round and round the roundabout for ages.

Hope alls well with all of you. Please keep in touch – you know we miss you all.

Cheers, Yvonne

Transformational T-shirts

Yes, MaryJo, I did blog on this topic!! Had a little rough start to my morning, where I finally lost my temper big time, so into my closet I went and put on my Victoria Secret 'angel' tshirt for my pilates workout. . . . MJ commented on my pretty shirt and I told her it had special powers. It could change me from a screaming meemie into a placid saint. In fact, any tshirt in your closet will work just as well. If you are feeling frumpy, you just put on an old cool concert T and you will do a quick turn around (could also do a fake tattoo, or, a real one for that matter. Who's in?) Feeling out of shape, put your "pilates for hotties" tank on. Feeling unloved? Put on something that your friend or mom got you. (Jewelry works as well, especially like old boyfriend's items, etc. And you know who you are.) And if you are feeling financially stressed, fur works really well, best if it's right next to the skin! Like a Jane Fonda fur bikini. mm, hmmm.

Fashion is a right, not a privilege. And it's way better and faster than prozac.

OK. I'll be quiet now.

The Tao of Ordering Checks

Time is of the essence. . . time to reorder checks. I usually go with the standard issue . . . but I am so ready to break out! That is when all the trouble began . . . I can easily reorder online, choosing from an extensive list of symbols and fonts and fun backgrounds, even collegiate checks! (does that mean for every check that I write, a donation for my alma mater?)

I'll be honest, after spending about 10 minutes, I couldn't commit. While I could piece together a unique checkfront, it didn't fit me exactly or Steve exactly and definitely not us exactly. Did you know you can choose from all the monopoly characters to do a 'corner embellishment?" Who knew???

I think it is important how you represent yourself . . . don't want to offend or distress or even confuse someone when it comes to being financially responsible.

Well, I tried customizing - I panned through sports, didn't see anyone doing pilates or yoga, and no one on an elliptical machine (I guess that is what MJ meant about me not being athletic . . . ) Couldn't exactly identify with the watering can; I am totally a fair weather gardener and I blow it off when it doesn't suit me, plus it is sprinkler or nothing during this drought. Steve rides the bike, not me (although it is on my to do list to get my license this year). John plays guitar . . . Gavin loves scottie dogs; well, any dog for that matter; Cameron, cows. Religious symbols, didn't know about the yin/yang . . . maybe the hummingbird? No dragonflies that I could find.

Finally, I had the option of adding a one liner: namaste? hasta la vista baby? (talking to the outgoing funds). Keep on rockin' in the free world? Right now! (Van Halen)

Uh-oh - took a detour and went to another check website. Now I can choose from Barbie, Elvira, Kiss, and a whole host of country music artists. I can get a copy of the last supper! Shopping girlies, oh, I found dragonflies and fairies. This is insane.

Ah, let the kiddies and the hubbie get their own checks when they grow up (and/or if they are smart enough to know the password for my online acct!). Looks like I'm going with the martini glass on the animal print background with "shop till you drop" as my one liner.

TTFN!

Beating my head against the wall

I wish I could say that I bumped my head on the glass ceiling . . . but last Friday I actually walked into a really clean glass wall while I was working, not paying attention to what I was doing. I can't tell you how stupid I felt. I can tell you how much my head hurts, mini-possible -concussion all weekend. If Deepak Chopra weren't so enlightening, I would not have made it through his three hour presentation on Saturday. I felt completely at ease, like I had heard him speak before, even though I never have. Hubbie got a lot from it, excited and ready to put all his good intentions into his work . . . I, conversely, am thinking about my shadows. It dawned on me that perhaps I am literally banging my head against the wall, wasting my time. Eye opener! I was forced to self-medicate with wine on Saturday evening.

Maybe I take everything too literally, but I had to replace three light bulbs in my kitchen that blew all at the same time! Let there be light! Come out of the darkness!

Still managed to complete my "Sex and the City workout" on Sunday. More on that another time .

My friend H rocks!

Sometimes my friends won't post, so I have to post for them. It is a carry-over from motherhood, I guess. We were doing one of those "tell me something I don't know" fill in the blank questionnaires (favorite food, color, movie, song, etc.) and question #21 (out of 59!!) was favorite saying. If H wants to identify herself, she needs to come forward!!!! btw, we all need an H in our lives. Honest, confidant, evolved, friend that lasts forever. In fact, she doesn't have wrinkles and she looks better than she has ever looked. Plus, she kicks a** and is a fun gal to gallivant with!!! (is that where the word gallivant came from???)

First, H said" the best is yet to come," but then she sent me a separate email which is totally worth noting, which I shall cut and paste here:

In H's own words:

You don't look 47!! aka you look like you're in your thirties! aka you don't look old enough to have children. (seriously! I have gotten each of those in the last year. I must admit that the compliments mainly came from people who wanted generous tips.)

Would you like another glass of wine/vodka/scotch, etc?

Would you like that with ice cream/chocolate on top?

Have you lost weight ? (Haven't heard this in the last year)

Honey, you need a pick-me-up shopping spree! (OK, I totally made that one up).

No, you don't look fat in that outfit.

There's not a wrinkle on your face. (My friends are the biggest liars, aren't they?)

Do you want to go out for dinner tonight? (said on a night when I'm too tired/lazy to cook)

Can I clean up for you? (Said when the house is a complete mess -- that's a fantasy comment, too)

You've never looked better. (said by a woman, again, my friends are shameless liars).

You go, girl!

Solidarity, sister!

Peace, love and soul (what host Don Cornelious said at the end of every episode of "Soul Train" - I watched that and American Bandstand every Sat. when I was growing up - I love to dance, what can I say??)

I love you :-)

I'm coming for a visit (not spoken by my in-laws)

Yes, I can babysit on Saturday night

This is good, Mom (mumbled by a Schultz boy, with a mouth full of my cooking, followed by content devouring of the dinner that I took the time to make)

You were so right, Mom (spoken by my college freshman -- fantasy, pure and simple)

Thanks, Mom (also spoken by my college freshman -- another fantasy)

We WON LOTTO!! (yeah right!)

Later, gator - H

The facts about F.A.C.S.

Family and Consumer Science is a required class at my kids' middle school. Last night my youngest dutifully prepared his choice from the menu, "haystacks", which is a confection composed of peanut butter, butterscotch chips, peanuts, and crunchy chow mein noodles. It is also the height of the flu season. Within half an hour of eating his creation, my son rushed to the commode. Since his older brother was already down for the count, I just assumed we would have a sick day today. However, upon awakening, my youngest said he felt perfectly fine, so we completed his task by packing up the haystacks to take to class and filled out his form, signed by parent, to complete the assignment. With my "get in the car now or take the bus" sign (see previous post - stunned silence"), we started to head out with his little candy trophies to share and brother, who needed to go in early. But, we had got no further than the top of the driveway when youngest bolted out the door. I figured he was staying home so proceeded through the n'hood while he purged in the shrubbery. "Wait," he pathetically wailed as the neighbor walking his dog shook his head laughing. This kid is a trooper. He doesn't even like going to school. But he really wanted to share those haystacks with the class.

I am torn. Do you think he should still turn in the haystacks to get his grade? Does this mean a failing grade if you throw up your own creation? We may never know . . .

yoga latte, baby!

Who do you call in East Cobb for yoga, from kids to corporate wellness programs? Our own local favorite, Susan Palace. Don't let her diminuitive size fool you. Can I say kick *** on a blog? She currently teaches yoga M/W/Sunday at Sportsarama in East Cobb, as well as the East Cobb/McClesky YMCA. She emails weekly inspirations to her students to keep us centered. I know for a fact that she does yoga private instruction, small groups, and parties. Her KidVisions relaxation CD is absolutely delightful, for kids of all ages. 2008 is the year for her programs to take off! Stay tuned. We are patiently waiting for more to come.

And don't get me started on the yogasm. Need I say more? For more information, you can contact Susan at:

The Yoga Palace and KidVisions
www.cdbaby.com/sfpalace
spalace@bellsouth.net
770-977-0062
404-394-3985 (mobile)

Stunned Silence

I have had laryngitis for the last three weeks, and finally went to the ear/nose/throat specialist, who looked down my throat with a scope (can you say "eeeeehhh, aaaaaahh, oooooo?"). Nothin' but inflamed and swollen vocal cords, most likely caused by acid reflux and poor dietary/drinking habits. (?) It just sucks getting old. Now I have to avoid all my favorites, and how easy is it to do that with a superautomaticespressomaker staring you in the face every morning and a nice collection of flavorful Italian whites around happy hour? (well, at least it's not the other way around!) And don't get me started on the chocolate ban. The rest I can handle. Oops, forgot about that spicy Thai food I had on Tuesday.

In the meantime, I have been prescribed at least three days of total silence. It is not going well. I started by carrying with me a notecard that said "I can't speak for three days, dr.'s orders." That of course invited a stream of follow-on questions, with me trying to rapidly write responses. It probably would be faster to just text. I occasionally will whisper to my spouse or children and it totally cracks me up because they start whispering back. Then I whisper, you don't have to whisper, there is nothing wrong with your vocal cords, is there????? Or I make dramatic facial expressions, feigning disgust, mirth, wonderment, and apathy. As you can see, I haven't come even remotely close to five minutes of silence.

Here is my other favorite written line, which I carry around daily: "Get in the car NOW or you are taking the bus!" It even worked on Steve! In fact, I don't see why I shouldn't carry on in mode indefinitely. Why waste thy precious life force . . .

Tomorrow is the Super Bowl party at r o a m . . . don't know how to get through that without talking. I will probably want to get a good supply of paper or maybe just carry around a laptop. Or I could pre-record a number of responses in that Stephen Hawking voice. I still have a sneaking suspicion that all this started as a result of singing Rock Band xbox360 . . . another hidden danger of video games.

Enter roam

Do you have a spouse that works from home, taking over the guest bedroom, or perhaps lucky enough to have a designated office/corner? Or maybe you are SOHO (that's not an insult or part of NYC - it's small office home office). Tired of shouting: "I'm on a CONFERENCE CALL!!!" and smacking a broom into the ceiling/floor/wall? When was the last time cable/DSL went down? The last time you had to (get dressed) and go into the office anyway because you didn't have access to support that you needed. Perhaps you are a corporate employee whose workforce has gone 'mobile' - when you do go in to use the 'corporate facilities' - are they set up the way you want and do you have access to any support? (Who are these people, anyway . . . .)

Enter r o a m Atlanta. No, seriously, you can enter r o a m, well, in about a coupla months. R o a m is a new 'third place,' designed to perfectly meet the needs of you SOHO's, teleworkers, entrepreneurs, and yes, rock stars. The first location (hint) conveniently located in Alpharetta/north Atlanta off GA 400 on Windward Parkway, r o a m features:

* eight conference rooms, reserved by the hour or day
* large capacity theatre room/training center, with superb sound/video system
* library with share table and seating
*club area with comfortable chairs
*cafe with wireless internet, delectable drinks, treats, and meals; plus beer and wine for evening hours (does Starbucks have that????ha!)

Services include:
*business support, such as technical, printing, copying, etc.
*catering
*meeting planning/support

r o am's public areas (cafe, lounge, library and restrooms) will be initially (hint #2) open to the public, but members get benefits, such as discounts on room rentals, and access to networking, training, and special events, all at an affordable price.

We can't say enough about managing partner Jason Dauble - a major player in the Atlanta restaurant scene, he has a background in the culinary arts as well as design and you will see his impact on the menu as well as the walls at r o a m. Just google him if you want to know more! He has worked at top notch places like Canoe, Georgia Grill, South City Kitchen, Van Goghs, and most recently eleven50.

Have we discussed the coffee? R o a m will feature Lavazza coffee, touted as the best java in the world, as well as Italy's favorite coffee. http://www.lavazza.com/corporate/ So you can't make it to Rome, Italy. You can certainly make it to r o a m Atlanta.

http://www.roamatlanta.com/ under construction . . . keep checking . . . come up for a sneak peek . . .

Motorcycle Mama

I know what boys like . . . I know what guys want . . . they want to go to the bike show!

We went to the motorcycle show yesterday at the Georgia World Congress Center . . . they had a little section called the Women's Studio and I had a nice long chat with a pierced gal who gave me some great info, including recommendations on bikes (not what Steve would have me on), training, and how to pick a bike up off the ground (Steve learned something here!). Everything was going great until John decided to take off on his own when we were getting ready to leave - we eventually found him back at the Army tent (they had some awesome video games in there and no blood or gore!) and we had to fan out to find him. Unfortunately, they did not have a sign up for military school. Between that and the "Wheel of Toyota Tundra," we had a great time!

Vintage style vespa - 250cc










James, Gavin, and Cameron on a big hog w/sidecare










Steve & John, same










BMW K 1200 GT

How to Build a Georgia Snowman

#1. Rush outside in early snowfall

2. The one that got away!

3. A two-footer!

4. Two days later

roam - under construction

watch the transformation . . .a place for teleworkers, small office/home office (SOHO), entrepreneurs, and rock stars! Free wireless internet, delectable dishes, Italian coffee, work space, conference space, meeting space, high tech training space, tech and business support. Meet me in roam!

http://roamatlanta.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

B-52's Roam Lyrics

I hear a windWhistling airWhispering in my earBoy mercury shooting through every degreeOh girl dancing down those dirty and dusty trailsTake it hip to hip rocking through the wildernessAround the world the trip begins with a kissRoam if you want to roam around the worldRoam if you want to without wings without wheelsRoam if you want to roam around the world Roam if you want to without anything but the love we feelSkip the air-strip to the sunset Yeah ride the arrow to the targetTake it hip to hip rock it through the wildernessAround the world the trip begins with a kissRoam if you want to roam around the worldRoam if you want to without wings without wheelsRoam if you want to roam around the world Roam if you want to without anything but the love we feelFly the great big sky see the great big seaKick through continents bustin bountariesTake it hip to hip rock it through the wildernessAround the world the trip begins with a kissRoam if you want to roam around the worldRoam if you want to without wings without wheelsRoam if you want to roam around the world Roam if you want to without anything but the love we feelTake it hip to hip rock it through the wildernessTake it hip to hip rock it through the wildernessTake it hip to hip rock it through the wildernessTake it hip to hip rock it through the wildernessTake it hip to hip rock it through the wildernessTake it hip to hip rock it through the wildernessTake it hip to hip rock it through the wildernessTake it hip to hip rock it through the wilderness

I stole it

From my "Zen Daily Inspiration" calendar (from Kel): for January 2nd (yesterday - ha!):

"The best preparation for a better life next year is a full complete, harmonious, joyous life this year" - Thomas Dreier.

So, I'm done!!!!! (kidding). In reality, I am embarking on a new journey and not worried about getting in shape, finding my dream career, drinking less, etc. I didn't say I'm not trying, I just said I'm not worrying . . . big difference.

From Daily Candy, even easier:
KEEP: One Resolution
What: Make it one of the easy ones.
Why: You’ll feel better.
When: It’s never too late.
Where: Here

Here is a new tradition, well, kinda an old one. I always keep holiday cards, and I especially like the photos. I have been tucking them away in drawers and boxes and will occasionally stumble across them. I never have the heart to discard (except for those ridiculous, verbose newsletters. If it isn't a total spoof, I don't really want to read it!) So from now on, I am keeping them all in a box that says "grace", from friend Hilda. I just love to see you all. It brings me total joy.