Puppies!

For the past month I have been fostering two puppies for German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption.  From the very beginning, I told the folks at GSRA to send me the old cooter dogs, as I am just not into chasing puppies or young dogs around.  That is how I ended up with Roxie and Jake...both 10 years old.

Well--the rescue became a little desperate, and because 2009 is my year of 'YES' I decided to take them in for a bit.  They have been EXHAUSTING, but Ruby (the dark one) and Hazel (the light one) are just so full of love--and they think I am awesome to boot :)

Roxie really has taken to the little girls.  She mothers them a bit--it is too cute.  Jake is terrified, and runs away every time one of them bites at his tail---I think he just doesn't know what to do with them.  I will say goodbye to these guys in 2 weeks.  Although I will be a little excited to have my life back, I'm going to miss these two little poopers!

BTW:  they have been names for my two grandmothers:  Ruby McLean and Hazel Anderson

Southern Style Dinner Party

Last Saturday night January 10th I had the largest dinner party to date at Chez Laurie--31 folks!  The theme was 'Southern Style' and my sweet mom and I spent two solid days cooking up a storm. Here was the menu:

fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, butter beans, corn muffins, potato salad, biscuits, corn pudding, mac and cheese and barbeque!

This was one of the best parties I have ever had--I had a blast!  I think this was because all the cooking was done beforehand, so I was able to relax, drink wine and really enjoy myself.  All the food went off without a hitch, and everyone really seemed to have a good time.

See picture link on the right!

My New Art

While on my recent trip to Prague I was wandering around the city with my friend, Sherry.  We stumbled upon an open market where we came across the art of a man named Tigran Sukiasjan.  We both fell in love with his work, and I picked up these three pieces as well and a piece for my friend, Lisa.  Now they are hanging on my living room wall, and I love them.  My conservative, Christian mother says 'well you sure are obsessed with butts!'.

I do have a thing for nudes, and have many around my home.  I can't help it.

The Holidays, Chez Laurie

I am working in the hospital straight through Christmas, so I had my mom and dad over for a holiday dinner tonight!  Here they are pictured by my little Christmas tree.

For dinner I made roasted chicken, truffle mushrooms and asiago polenta--it turned out great and was a real hit!  For dessert I had homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream--yum!  We sat around my table and talked about my crazy aunt Gerry.  Seriously, she is crazy.

My dad has alzheimer's disease, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to leave the house--he gets quite confused, and I think a little scared when

 he is not in a familiar environment.  He did pretty good, though.  Towards the end he started talking about how he wanted to get home to see the Lawrence Welk Show, and I felt like he was itching to be back at home where he feels safe.

To the right is a picture of them with their min-pin, Lily-bit.  Lily-bit is the fattest min-pin you will ever know.  My mom tries to put her on a diet, but my dad keeps feeding her bacon.

Prague--a magical place

Well, I just spent a wonderful week in Prague, Czech Republic. My good friends Shane and Barbara decided to get hitched, and do it up in style! Friends and family descended on this beautiful European city for a week of eating, drinking and debauchery. I made wonderful new friends, spent time with dear old friends, and generally got my Prague on.

The architecture in Prague is stunning. Most of the historic buildings are still true to original form, being spared during WWII. Styles include Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical and ultra-modern.

My friend, Sherry, and I arrive in Prague on Tuesday November 25 around noon to our hotel, U Stare Pani. This spot was located on an old cobblestone street very near the famous Old Towne Square. We were fortunate enough to arrive a day prior to most of the other guests, so we were able to

enjoy an evening out with Shane and Barbara, wandering around the city and drinking beer.

On Wednesday November 26 I celebrated my 38th birthday! Pictured here is me with my friend Sherry at the Palffy Palace Restaurant. This place came recommended to me by my dear friend, Tina...and was amazing. Sherry, Farley, Joe, Tim and I wined and dined in this 4 star restaurant sitting at the foot of the Prague Palace. It was truly one of the best birthday celebrations I have ever had.

Thursday November 27 was Thanksgiving Day, and after a day of touring around and having the best Thai massage of my life we had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner Czech style with the whole wedding gang at U Zlate Convice.

After dinner, some of us headed on over to the Prague State Opera House for 'Carmen'. Though I discovered that opera is not really my cup of tea, it was worth the trip to see the amazing opera house. I was mezmorized by the detail and beauty of this place.

Friday and Saturday were wedding festivities and more touring around Prague---see link to pictures to the right!

Ashtanga yoga keeps me sane...

In early 2008 I started to dabble in yoga. I stared with basic Hatha classes a couple of times a week. I instantly enjoyed the stretching and calm atmosphere, but I found that I really wanted to be challenged---I wanted to get a big fat workout everytime I practiced yoga. Someone suggested Asthanga yoga and I decided to give it a shot.

IT KICKED MY ASS. 15 minutes into the first session I was a sweaty pool of humility laying prostrate on the floor. I was attempting to move my body into positions that seemed obscene and unnatural--and I was hooked. By May I had committed to practicing 3 times a week for 1.25-1.5 hours at a time. By fall I had increased to 4-5 sessions a week.

The thing about yoga is that for most people it is a long and gradual learning curve---it truly takes years to become an accomplished yogi. For example, if you want to run a marathon you could start training 6 months beforehand and be ready to run--not the case with yoga. I think each running month is like a yoga year.

So, I started practicing a style of Ashtanga called Mysore--this is kind of a supervised self practice where all levels practice together and everyone moves at their own pace. This has been a great way for me to learn as I practice beside folks who have been studying for many years. I also made a little yoga room in my house so that I can practice at home.

Besides feeling fit and strong I have really noticed how much yoga has impacted my psyche. Life has thrown me a couple of curve balls this fall, and I truly believe that it has been the confidence and centeredness I have developed with yoga that has allowed me to bounce back quickly and calmly. I am more present, aware and at peace.

Namaste

And yes...that is my new yoga boyfriend, Peter.

Uninspired blogging...

Well, I haven't been inspired to blog lately...but I can feel myself breaking through the bloggers block.  

Next Monday I leave for 7 days in Prague.  I am going for the wedding of two good friends, and will be traveling with a close knit group of folks.  My excitement is growing, and know I will return with plenty of pictures and stories to write and share...so stay tuned!