Milestone

Yesterday was a big day. And not just because it was Julie's birthday, and not just because we got to go to Maraca's with Allison Gomer, and not just because I got to go to my favorite of all my favorite independent coffee houses, Joe: The Art of Coffee.

Yesterday, I did a handstand.



(Note: Please disregard my funny outfit and sweat stains.
A. a running skirt does not a good handstand outfit make.
B. We had just gone running and I am not pleasant after a run.)

Now, this may not seem like that big of a deal. I mean, little kids can do these things, and I'm leaning against a wall for Pete's sake. But, I beg of you, you go try to get yourself into a handstand. And then you'll see why I actually yelped for joy when I kicked up and my legs stayed there! And then I did it again! And again! And when I got home, I did it again! And again!

And now I've been doing handstands all the day and all the night. The people who can see in our windows probably think I'm a complete handstand freak, but I have to say- it is so liberating! I have been working towards one of these in yoga for months and I just can never get my legs up there. They have been the bane of my yoga practice, I'm telling you. But suddenly yesterday, despite this cold, this extremely annoying, never-ending hamstring injury, and my general nervousness of kicking my legs over my head and actually standing on my hands, I did it. And I'm still so excited I want to do one right now.

...

In honor of this very special moment in my yoga career and in my path to true fulfillment, I want to share this list of life rules that I found in my book this morning. They are so simple and so great and actually extremely difficult to achieve most of the time, and I think , because my handstand deserves it, I will try to follow them this week.

1. It is what it is.
2. Think for yourself.
3. Show up (on time).
4. Finish what you start.
5. Play hard, play fair.
6. Clear your desk every day (editor's note- have you seen my desk??? this is going to be the hardest one I think...)
7. Don't complain (editor's note- even about grad school.)
8. Be brave, be bold, let not your heart grow old.
9. (editor's personal addition) Sing, dance, floss, travel.

Inspiring, yes?

OH, and we achieved (or nearly achieved) another milestone today- we are SO almost done with our thank you notes!!!!! THIS is cause for a major celebration (but not more than handstands).