Spring Break in Washington DC

This past week was my spring break, so Matt and I went to Washington DC. It is kind of a strange spring break choice, but my school was hosting an alumni networking event, so it seemed like a good time to see DC. Plus, Matt had never been to DC and he was about to leave on a long business trip to China. It was a good opportunity to treat ourselves to some time together.

We saw all of the obvious "Washington DC" sites...the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Memorial, the Capital Mall...but we we still have lots more to see! The weather was cold, but seemed great compared to Boston! Unfortunately I still had to wear my winter jacket...oh well!

After this trip, I am a firm believer in Hotwire. I booked out hotel through hotwire, and it was so cheap...like the price of Motel 6 in San Diego! Based on the price, I didn't know what to expect, but we ended up staying at the Omni Shoreham, and it was really nice. I felt like we were almost on a luxury vacation! The location was good too, right next to the metro and near Dupont Circle. We ate lots of good food while were there---Matt was like, "No wonder I am sucha fat turd!" Haha, he is not a fat turd actually, he just has the middle age belly thing going, which is sort of appropriate because he is about to turn 30. I don't feel bad saying this, cause he told me I should lose five pounds! (I do need to lose some weight; my clothes aren't fitting me! Maybe his words will be inspiration.)

I can now teach yoga!

Maria, Natasha and Meagan

This weekend I finished my Yogaworks Teacher Training. I have mixed feelings about this...I am happy that it is over, because it will really lighten my load. It is hard to do a teacher training while in grad school and working. It was surprisingly intense physically, emotionally and intellectually. There was a lot of homework involved...I still have to do the take home final exam, and I think it will take me all of next weekend to do it!

But I am also sad, much more so than I thought I would be. I didn't get a chance to spend a lot of time with the other students outside of class because I have been so busy with the wedding and everything. So, I didn't really expect to be that sad to leave everyone, but I was very sad the whole weekend. I was so sad the night before our last day that I made Matt let me use his car so I could drive to Target to buy supplies to make everyone a little gift. I channeled my inner "Jennifer Mahajan" and made little boxes filled with a candle and some chocolates and my favorite yoga sutra printed out on a little card. They came out really cute, actually, although not as cute as what mom probably would have done! Still, for a last minute, spontaneous thing they were pretty cute. My favorite yoga sutra is 2.42: "The result of contentment is total happiness." I have lots of favorites but I love this one because it is so optimistic and also attainable...anyone can be happy right now.



As part of our certification we had to teach the class a series of asana. I was really nervous, but when I actually got up to the front of the room I felt comfortable. I think it is because I love yoga...and also because I have probably taken so many yoga classes over the years!

Strangely, I have gained weight over the course of the teacher training...I don't think it is related to the teacher training, but to all the stress of being in school and working. It is too much! I am officially burnt out and ready to be done.

On a happy note: I saw my MS doctor and I have no new lesions! He said that all of the active lesions from my previous MRI have been resolved and things are looking good. YAY! And I start a new type of medicine, Tysabri, in a few weeks. It is supposed to be twice as effective as the betaseron. All I can say is "Yay, pharmaceutical industry!" I am happy and amazed and grateful that they have made these advances...hopefully since I don't really have any MS symptoms now, I will stay healthy for a long, long time.