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!

Happy Birthday, Stacy!

This is my awesome friend, Stacy---she turns one year closer to 40 today :)  Stacy is married to Ryan and is a school teacher in Washington.  She has two daughters, Riley (see pic) and Erin.

I met Stacy in 1995 in Big Sky, Montana.  We worked together at the 320 Guest Ranch in Gallatin Canyon.  That was the same year we got to know our hot and famous friend Mark Norby who is Matthew McConaughey's stunt double and buddy.  We spent most evenings at the Half Moon Saloon drinking and carousing.  Sometimes we had to work the breakfast shift at the Ranch.  One night Stacy drank so much that she spent our shift the next morning puking in the bathroom, and I had to work all by myself.  Thanks, Stacy!

Stacy's grandmother always told her that she looks like Connie Selleca, and it is pretty much true--just check out this picture!

Happy birthday, Stacy :)

My girl, Angela

This is my beautiful friend Angela and her daughter, Clare. Angela and her husband Bill live outside of Roanoke, VA with their children, Clare and Will. Angela and I met while working at The Riverwood Restaurant in Blowing Rock, NC in 1991. I was a waitress and Angela was a bartender/wine expert. Those are what I would call 'the good ole' days'.

Angela and I have so many wonderful memories. This picture is from Halloween 1995 when we dressed up as midgets! Yes, indeed--we thought we were pretty crafty. Anytime I hang out with this girl my cheeks hurt from laughing--we have such a great time. On top of all that, Angela is one of the most non-judgmental people I have ever known, and a wonderful friend.

Happy birthday, Ang!

Timbo turns 36!

This is my baby brother, Tim (and his cat, Stella).  Tim lives in Brooklyn, NY with his boyfriend of 11 years, Jimmy.  Really, Tim is one of the funniest people I have ever known, and has a heart of gold.  He has a genuine and kind way that people fall in love with, and Tim makes lifelong friends everywhere he goes.  

Some of his passions include politics, Stella, music, his blog, my mom's homemade mac and cheese (and lasagna, smothered chicken,

 mississippi mud cake), travel and writing.  His laugh is completely infectious--I just love it.

Tim had a tough childhood.  He was a gay boy born in the south to conservative, religious parents.  He was preceded by 2 brothers who were diehard athletes (football, baseball, basketball) so when he opted for violin, homemade puppets and singing it was confusing for everyone.  On top of that, as a child Tim had his adenoids removed, had to have his sternum broken and reset because it was growing wrong

 (WTF?!) and then became an insulin dependent diabetic at the age of 15.  He was shy and awkward, but hit his stride in his late high school years when he embraced his uniqueness, and never looked back.

Most recently I have been included in an email correspondence between Tim and my mom.  My mom is trying desperately to evolve, but is still clinging to her right-winged conservative ways.  Tim has made it his mission to educate and challenge my mom, and always does so with love, kindness and plenty of documentation.  In his most recent email, he concluded by saying:

'Mom, you have always taught me to keep a teachable spirit.  That's one piece of advice I always keep with me, and it is so important.  Do not be lead by your fears, Mom.  I love you.  And I can't wait to see the Rockettes with you when you come up in December!'

Really, just so freakin' cute.  I can barely stand it.

I love you, Tim--happy birthday!