Ichima & Shambhala: Personal Challenge, Day 109 (1.3.13)

January 3, 2013 at 11:56 PM (Food, Life, Personal Challenge, Spirituality)
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This morning I woke up with incredibly sore abdominal muscles.  I never even broke a sweat yesterday during yoga but I must have gotten one hell of a workout because I am feeling it today.  So I had to change my original plans of hiking a new trail to something a little less active.

With a craving for sushi, I decided to check out Ichima in Pasadena.  I usually see a packed parking lot every time I drive past it on my way to Ralph’s but I have never stopped in to check it out.

When I walked in, there was no one there to greet me and no menus to look at.  I was just planning on ordering take-out and I am very glad that I checked out the menu online because I was never offered one inside.  Someone finally came over to assist me and when I said I wanted take-out, they simply asked me what I wanted.  Not knowing the complete menu, I just went with staples like the teriyaki chicken, miso soup and a sushi roll.  They instantly corrected my order, “Oh, you want Bento box combo.”  I had no idea what that meant but sure.  He said it included the chicken, rice, salad, miso soup and sushi.  Perfect.  I waited for about 10-15 minutes and I was on my way.  Overall, it was pretty good.  The sushi was OK but I still think that Sushi Dan is the best sushi in town.

After Ichima, it was off to the Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles.  On Thursday nights at 7:30pm, they offer Intro talks free to the public.  Since I enjoyed the meditation session and video on New Year’s Eve, I thought it would be a good idea to check out the scheduled talk about the healthy mind, healthy body and healthy community.  The speaker, Jon Ransohoff, is a senior student who spoke more about meditation, contemplation and the need for a healthy community.  There were many people who were first timers at the Meditation Center and a few others who were there for the second time, like me.  Jon began with an introduction to the Shambhala meditation techniques.  I had learned the techniques on my first visit but was happy for the review and to hear another instructor’s perspective.  He then lead us into contemplation meditation, a first for me.  Then we partnered up to discuss our contemplation, practicing healthy communication and active listening skills.  Aside from meditation, Jon mentioned that being an honest communicator and active listener can create better relationships with the other members of our community, our friends, our family and our partners/spouses/significant others.

All in all, it was an interesting and “enlightening” evening.  Now I am just going to do some stretches and take a hot bath to soothe my sore muscles.

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Learning Self-Awareness Through Yoga: Personal Challenge, Day 108 (1.2.13)

January 2, 2013 at 8:35 PM (Endometriosis, Exploration, Life, Personal Challenge, Southern California, Spirituality)
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A while back, my acupuncturist, Dawna Ara, mentioned I should check out The Awareness Center in Pasadena during my personal challenge to try something new every day.  She mentioned that they practice Kundalini Yoga and that it could help me with the effects of Endometriosis.

A year and a half ago, my doctor realized that I was compensating for my Endo pain on my left side by favoring my right side.  My balance was off and over time, my right side became so much stronger than my left.  In fact, I couldn’t even balance on my left leg any longer and I was even walking differently.  I had started physical therapy but it was too costly.  Plus, my physical therapist had me doing the majority of the exercises on my own.  I was actually using my Wii and Yoga training through the Wii Fit.  But after my car accident last May, I stopped working on my Endo pain therapy and had to spend months focusing on recovering from my injuries on my neck and back.  Now that my neck and back are doing better, I can go back to focusing on my Endo management.  (I also need to work on losing the weight I gained from the depression following my accident).  Since Yoga was helping before, I figured I could start doing it again.  But this time, instead of only using my Wii and at home Yoga DVDs, I decided I would try out some classes.

Following Dawna’s advice, I went to The Awareness Center website to learn more about the Kundalini style of yoga.  According to the site, the history of this particular type of yoga is as follows:

Kundalini yoga is considered the most comprehensive system of yoga at is combines meditation, prayer, asana (physical postures), and pranayama (breathing exercises). “Kundalini” literally means “the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved.” This poetic metaphor refers to the flow of energy and consciousness that exists within each of us, enabling us to merge with the Universal Self. Yoga, literally translated as “divine union”, happens when the individual and universal consciousness are merged. The Upanishads, the sacred scriptures of Hinduism that date back to the fifth century B.C., provided a written description of Kundalini, although the oral tradition dates back even further. For thousands of years, this sacred science and technology was veiled in secrecy, passed along in the oral tradition from master to chosen disciple.

Kundalini Yoga was never taught publicly until Yogi Bhajan, Ph. D. challenged the age-old tradition of secrecy. In his compassionate wisdom, Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini Yoga to the United States in 1969. Since then, it has spread all over the world. He wrote, “I am sharing these teachings to create a science of the total self…It is the birthright of every human being to be healthy, happy and holy.” The master of Kundalini Yoga, and head of the Sikh faith for the Western Hemisphere, Yogi Bhajan also founded 3HO (The Healthy, Happy, and Holy Organization), a worldwide non-profit foundation that offers classes in Kundalini Yoga, meditation, vegetarian nutrition, and healthy life choices.

Kundalini Yoga was designed for the householder: those who live in the world, who have families and jobs, and who want to balance the inner and outer world. Kundalini Yoga fits the busy lives that most of us lead. It is effective, efficient and easy. People who practice Kundalini Yoga say they can feel changes in the body and psyche within a few minutes, and experience even deeper changes through regular practice. Although it can be practiced religiously each day, yoga is not a religion. A more accurate description of yoga would be to say that it is an ancient science.

The Awareness Center
Our mission is to provide you with a practice and technology to feel comfortable in your
body, connected and expressed in relationships, fulfilled in your life’s work and at
peace with yourself. Through Kundalini yoga and meditation as well as many other transformational practices, we are here to inspire, uplift and empower you.

Established in 1974, the Awareness Center began as a 3HO ashram in Altadena, run by founders Dr. Santokh and Suraj Khalsa. Everyone remembers the big white house on the top of New York Drive. It has been through many changes over the years, but the one thing that has remained constant is the offering of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation to the Pasadena community. Anyone who has visited the center knows that The Awareness Center is a family. It still evokes a comfortable feeling of “home”, a feeling that leads students to deeper states of relaxation and renewal. The Awareness Center affirms that by using the body and mind through exercise, breath, and meditation, you can balance and revitalize your nerves and glands, clear past blocks, and bring harmony and peace to your life.

The Awareness Center is now owned and operated by Wahe Guru Kaur/Gisela Powell. She is committed to honoring the wisdom and teachings from the past and to expanding our Kundalini Yoga family well into the future.

The Awareness Center is located on Foothill Blvd, just east of Daisy.  I actually passed the building when I first arrived and then struggled to find parking, making me late for my first class.  But now I know, for the future, that there is two-hour free parking on Daisy and the neighborhood streets just north of Foothill.

Class had already begun when I arrived but I was escorted into the Yoga room and quickly set up my mat, trying my best not to disturb anyone.  I was able to step right into the warm-up exercises.  During the relaxation time before exercises, the Instructor, Helen, came over to welcome me and give me a quick introduction.  She told me that Kundalini Yoga isn’t about perfection or competition.  It is very loving and forgiving, you just do your personal best.  There is no judgement, just a chance to relax and get to know yourself better.  The class represented all levels of yoga and we could adjust it to meet our own needs.

This particular class had a lot of abdominal work.  During some of the floor exercises, I became very aware that my left side is still incredibly weak compared to my right side.  I struggled with some of the leg lifts, realizing I really need to get back to my Endo therapy.  This class definitely helped.

When class ended, Helen came over again to talk with me and tell me more about her classes.  She said that every class is different.  There are so many different poses, stretches, and exercises in Kundalini Yoga that no class is ever exactly the same.  Being a Libra who easily gets bored doing the same thing over and over again, I really liked the fact that each class would be different.  I also liked the whole non-judgemental vibe.  You didn’t have to worry if you couldn’t stretch as far as the others or that you were struggling when others were not.  Everyone was focused on their own exercises.  It was a very relaxing and welcoming environment.

I am definitely going to return and continue taking yoga classes at The Awareness Center.

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Reflections & Meditations on New Year’s Eve: Personal Challenge, Day 106 (12.31.12)

December 31, 2012 at 11:11 PM (Exploration, Life, Personal Challenge, Relationships, Southern California, Spirituality, Universe)
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Well, today started off like any other day.  I woke up and had to figure out what I was going to do for my personal challenge.  I went to the Pasadena Weekly website and found my activities for the day.  Yep, that is plural.  I decided to end 2012 (a rather difficult year) with two new adventures.

The first adventure brought me to one of my favorite places in Los Angeles, The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino.  January 2013 will mark the second anniversary of my membership at the Huntington, my sanctuary.  You can never get sick of a place like the Huntington because there is always something new going on.  Right now, there is a “Viewing Stones” exhibit that is only open for a limited time (the last day is January 2nd).  There are viewing stones that are always on exhibit up by the Japanese Garden but the Viewing Stones show that is presented by the California Aiseki Kai is by limited engagement.  This is the 23rd annual show featuring numerous examples of Suiseki (landscape stones) and other viewing stones, an Asian “found” art that dates back for centuries.

The exhibit is at the Friends’ Hall, right next to the ticket booth at the entrance to The Huntington.  When you first walk in, there are a few examples of viewing stones and poster boards telling the story of what makes a viewing stone.  Viewing stones are considered “found art,” untouched and “inspire their audience to think and question.”  The stone could evoke a feeling or emotion and is often used in meditation practices.  (aka Zen Rock Gardens).  The Suiseki stones on display are meant to look like landscapes or landscape scenes.  There were rocks that looked like distant mountains, some with a waterfall cascading down the middle.  Others had markings that looked like a field of flowers and one of my favorites looked like the celestial heavens seen in the night sky.  There were even stones that looked like an animal, usually a bear or a dragon.  They definitely spark the imagination, reminding me of my times as a kid (and as an adult) when my mother and I would look for shapes or scenes in the clouds.

If viewing stones peak your interest, it turns out that there are groups of people who go out together, hunting for viewing stones.  The exhibit at the Huntington is presented by one such organization, the California Aiseki Kai.  They go out to the rivers, deserts and mountain areas looking for special rocks that spark their imagination.  They may not all travel together but they do have meetings where they can gather and share their findings.  I think I might just have to go to one of their meetings and learn more.  I loved searching for Petoskey stones in the Great Lakes so what an adventure it would be to find “viewing stones” in the many different terrains that make up the great state of California.

Ironically, the Viewing Stones wound up tying in with my next New Year’s Eve adventure, “Silence and Celebration: A New Year’s Eve Retreat (and party)” at the Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles.  I have read about the different meditations and classes offered through the center but never had the chance to go.  This seemed like the perfect introduction and the perfect way to start off the New Year.

When I arrived, I was greeted and presented a one-on-one tutorial of the Shambhala Meditation practices.  They walked me through the techniques and explained how their meditation sessions work.  Once I was ready, they led me into the shrine room where I was able to begin my meditation session with the rest of the participants, ranging from experts to first-timers like me.  During the hour-long meditation session, they broke up the time with sitting meditations and walking meditations.  It was very different from the Sahaja Meditation session that I had tried back in September.  There was no instructor talking you through every part of the session.  There was no music playing.  You didn’t even close your eyes.  You sat there, looking down about 2 to 3 feet in front of you and focused on your breathing.  You weren’t trying to move the negative energy out of your body, you were just learning how to “focus.”  I did notice that my mind stopped racing the more I focused on my breathing until eventually the only thoughts in my head were “Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.”  I wasn’t thinking about my to-do lists or hurt feelings or even the loneliness.  I was just thinking about my breathing until the gong sounded and we were told to move onto walking meditation.  Again, just like the sitting meditation, I found myself only thinking about the task at hand.  “Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot.”  I was pretty proud of myself for getting away from my “oh look, a chicken” moments and staying focused.

After the end of the first meditation session, they played “Creating Enlightened Society,” a DVD of a talk given by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche at the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.  Sakyong Mipham Rinopoche is the current leader of Shambhala and is introducing the Shambhala teachings of basic goodness and self-reflecting to help create an enlightened society.

I am the kind of person who looks to the Dalai Lama as my Yoda and I love listening to his talks.  I didn’t think I would ever enjoy listening to any other Lama but this DVD changed my mind.  I loved listening to Sakyong Mipham and couldn’t wait to hear or read more of his thoughts.  While watching “Creating Enlightened Society,” I instantly thought, I want the podcast of this talk so I can listen to it over and over again.  I even started to think of friends and family who could benefit from his wisdom and ideas.  Oh, I have found my Obi Wan Kenobi.  (Sorry, I am a Star Wars geek).  I have already started downloading podcasts on itunes.

After the DVD, we went into the second session of meditation.  I was doing really well at the beginning but towards the end, I was losing my focus.  My foot was falling asleep, there was a spider on the wall, I had to pee, and other thoughts interrupted my meditation.  I am still a beginner so I am proud that I made it through the first 45 minutes of the second meditation.  But there was no way I would last through the final two-hour session after the second screening of “Creating Enlightened Society.”  I left at the beginning of the dinner but took plenty of information.  I definitely plan on going back, perhaps this Thursday for the Intro session.  Yep, I have definitely found my Jedi Academy.

But overall, I think this was a good way to end 2012.  Even though I am alone and not out partying the night away, I am content.  I am so ready for 2012 to end.  I am beyond ready for a new beginning and since 13 is my lucky number, I think 2013 is going to be an amazing year!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

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2013 Forecast Horoscope for Libra

December 31, 2012 at 12:33 AM (Astrology, Spirituality)
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Well, the 2013 Horoscopes are ready and on the internet.  According to Astrology.com (via Yahoo.com), here is the 2013 forecast horoscope for myself and other Libras:

2013: Libra Overview

Libra

2013 brings you nothing short of a total rebirth, Libra. You can finally bid farewell to the heavy and austere presence of Saturn in your stars since late 2009. You have had enough lessons in love and commitment to last you a lifetime. Now you’re ready to put those lessons to the test by pursuing your true calling and passion. No longer will you be satisfied with simply scratching the surface of life. You’re prepared to go as deep as necessary to create something of lasting value. You want nothing less than the truth, and nothing short of profound meaning.

You’ll be putting more attention and importance on finances than you have in a long time now that Saturn has moved on to your money zone. This is the year to finally work on a budget and devise sound economic strategies for increasing your income without working yourself to the bone. This is an excellent time to get out of debt as much as you possibly can so that you can save your pennies for the whirlwind of change on deck in 2013. The eclipses will rock your money sectors, so be prepared for sweeping gains and losses, and plan accordingly.

You’ll continue to break out of any codependent relationship ruts with the ongoing influence of Pluto and Uranus sparring in the cosmos. You’ve certainly learned how important it is to value your authenticity and independence in all of your dealings with others. No longer will you fall prey to being too nice. You see how crucial it is to set your limits, draw your lines in the sand and commit without wavering. Saturn taught you to get off the fence and take a firm stand. This is how you gain respect. Your diplomacy and charm will always serve you well, but you realize now that they must be backed by the iron fist in the velvet glove.

2013: Libra Love

Your love life is finally getting a much-needed rebirth after enduring the heavy hand of Saturn since late 2009. The law of karma brought many painful lessons home, and you’re ready for a return to love. If you experienced crazy amounts of insecurity over the past year, you can also bid that farewell. Enough of the tears and heartbreak from giving too much to people who could not return your sweetness and light. Now that you’re clear about boundaries and refuse to lose yourself in codependent patterns, you can get on with establishing the kind of relationship that is healthy instead of detrimental to your health.

The eclipse points of 2013 are asking you to own your value as a partner. If anyone knows how to bring beauty, balance and unparalleled harmony into a union, it’s you, Libra. You’re finally realizing how irreplaceable you are as a partner. Very few are as easygoing and lovely to be around. You take everything in stride and bring the peace back to any discord that arises in your relationship. How many have the patience and tolerance to do this? Know how precious this is in maintaining a strong partnership.

The ongoing influence of Uranus in your relationship zone is helping you break free of any clingy patterns in love. You have a tendency to be drawn to strong but selfish partners, and now it’s time to own the selfish and assertive aspects of yourself so you can attract a different kind of relationship dynamic. In order to keep your scales balanced, you need a proper ratio of give and take. One-sided love affairs are no longer an option. You want a relationship with someone you can trust, and with whom you can build a solid and lasting foundation. You were born under the sign of marriage and companionship for a reason — you’re simply happier living life in tandem with another. This is the year of renewal and realizing your value, and there is no better arena to put these lessons into practice than in love relationships.

2013: Libra Career

Money and career are inextricably linked this year for you. Time is money, and you’re not willing to give away this precious commodity without proper compensation. You’re extremely driven by security and the desire to attain more financial stability for the long-term. With Saturn’s backing in your money sector until 2015, you’ll realize the value of saving and living within your means. Debt is no longer appealing, and you’ll no longer resort to it unless absolutely necessary.

The eclipse points are also impacting your money zones this year, which will help tap you into your resourcefulness. Even if you never thought you had a head for business, get ready to learn the ins and outs of making money. You’ll be eager to learn now that Saturn is applying pressure, along with the nodes of the Moon. This means you have the most room for growth and change in your financial arena than anywhere else during 2013. Use it or lose it.

Other career support and benefit comes during the second half of the year when lucky Jupiter moves into your career zone. This is an awesome time for expansion and taking a great leap of faith to push your career potential up a notch or two. Of course, this will put your scales out of balance — but for a very good cause. Risk-taking and breaking out of familiar territory are the prerequisites for greater success and a higher income. Plus, you have to shake things up sometimes in order to keep the creativity flowing and working in your favor.

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The Reindeer Moon: December 28, 2012

December 28, 2012 at 11:59 PM (Exploration, Family, Holidays, Life, Spirituality, Universe)
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Burning my past away

Tonight is the last Full Moon in 2012, also known as the Long Nights Moon.  But others also like to refer to tonight’s moon as the Reindeer Moon.

Reindeer are animals that are completely in tune with their environment, adapting their fur and diet for the cold winter weather.  So according to Kristen Madden in the Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook, we should use this as an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and our environment.  She suggests going out into nature (or the least undisturbed area close to you) and focus on the natural world.  Use all your senses to take in the landscape and reconnect with “All That Is.”

Others feel that the “reindeer moon” requires going beyond a connection with your environment and should be an opportunity to reconnect with those around you.  In Native American traditions, a reindeer on a totem pole represents the enhancement of communication, social skills and family ties.  With the holidays, we are presented the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, many whom we only see once a year.  Now is the time to play catch-up or maybe to even reach out to those who have drifted out of our lives.  It is never too late to reconnect with someone you care for.

And with the new year fast approaching, this is also a great opportunity to let go of the old so that the new can enter our lives.  I personally tried this last night.  For the first time, I decided to light a fire in my living room fireplace.  I had found a box of old letters and books from my past, a past I have had trouble leaving behind.  So I figured it was time to burn my past, the whole ashes to ashes bit.

Deborah Blake offers another past-cleansing ritual.  In Llewellyn’s Witches Datebook, she writes:

Dim the room lights, pour some water into a bowl, and place a white candle behind it to reflect onto the water.  Take some deep grounding breaths, light the candle and visualize the things you are letting go of.  Gently swish your hands in the water to release them.  Then visualize what you wish to bring into your life and say the spell …

I wash my hands of what once was
To make room for the future
Clearing off the past because
The present I would nurture
The old is out, the new is in
Shining bright before me
I open wide and so begin
Endless possibility

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Be Careful What You Wish For

December 13, 2012 at 11:08 AM (Astrology, Life, Relationships, Spirituality, Universe)
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Have you ever had an issue in your life where you were so confused about all the supposed “signs” given to you by the Universe?  You ask the Universe for these signs to help point you in the right direction or just to explain why certain things in your life occurred the way they did.  You just want to know why you have a connection to someone or why you are thinking what you are thinking or why you are getting so many reminders from your past.  So the Universe gives you signs, or what you think are signs but you are still confused.

For me, I am a Libra and I absolutely hate making decisions.  I always turn to the Universe for guidance.  I always ask for signs, clear signs.  And today, I got exactly what I asked for.  The clearest sign of all came down from the heavens, smacked me in the face and shattered my heart into a million pieces.  My mind is flooding with thoughts of stupidity.  How could I have been so stupid?  The signs all make sense now but I didn’t see it, I didn’t want to see it.  I wanted to enjoy my beachfront property along the river of Denial.   I wanted to live in my fantasy world where I imagined a future of happiness, a future that was never going to happen.

Now I sit here, on the verge of tears with an aching heart, scolding myself.  I should have known better.  I get myself into these situations all the time, thinking I have learned my lesson but I haven’t because I keep repeating the same mistakes.

But at least I do know, that in my time of pain, I won’t be alone.  My family will be here this weekend and I will have my mini-me as a reminder of the good things in my life.

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Learning How to Ghost Hunt in Southern California: Personal Challenge, Day 44 (10.30.12)

October 30, 2012 at 10:13 PM (Exploration, Life, Personal Challenge, Southern California, Spirituality)
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Tonight I went to a book signing at Vroman’s Bookstore on Colorado in Pasadena.  I have been to book signing’s before but this was the first books signing I have been to where the book focuses on the Paranormal and the author is a Psychic Medium Ghost Hunter.  The book is entitled “Ghosthunting in Southern California” by Sally Richards.

Unlike other authors who tend to read passages from their books, Sally started off the evening with a presentation about the history of spiritualists.  She talked about her own history and her experiences with death, drowning at  a young age as well as being struck by lightning during her adulthood.  Her near death experiences have opened her up to another realm where she can communicate with spirits and feel energies that the rest of us can only imagine experiencing.

She has her own team of “ghost hunters” that goes out and communicates with the spirits.  Sally works mostly with the photographic experts.  As a photographer myself, it was interesting to hear her techniques for capturing ghosts inside photographs.  I am personally skeptical when it comes to ghosts in photographs.  I teach my students how to “fake” ghost photos.  But some of the images that Sally showed us, I have no way of explaining the effects captured in her images, especially a few photographs of her daughter.  Dust, slow shutter speed, or a lens flare are the usual explanations for images captured by some of the famous ghost hunter crews (like Ghost Adventures) but again, these explanations don’t work with the photographs of her daughter where there is a strange lighting effect only on her face.  It was interesting to see.

Aside from her photographs, Sally has many fascinating stories and mentioned that she is currently working on a ghost hunting book for Northern California.  As for the Southern California edition, it does cover some of the most interesting places in Southern California, like the Queen Mary, Linda Vista Hospital and the Cobb Estate.  I first purchased this book at Vroman’s when I started my personal challenge, visiting the Cobb Estate on the first day.  Her book is a great resource for places I still want to visit and I can’t wait to see what she find up in Northern California.

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Fourth Free Friday: Personal Challenge, Day 40 (10.26.12)

October 26, 2012 at 8:32 PM (Exploration, Life, Personal Challenge, Southern California, Spirituality, Tourism, Travel)
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On the fourth Friday of every month, the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena offers free admission to anyone who wants to stop by and check out what exhibits they have to offer.  Since I didn’t get a chance to check out this museum during Art Night, I decided the Free Friday event would be the perfect opportunity to do so.

I managed to find a parking spot at a meter right in front of the museum.  I was greeted at the front desk and they instructed me to start to the left and work my way around until I returned to the sign at the entrance.  As someone who is fascinated by all things Buddhist and Hindu, this is the perfect museum.  The statues and artifacts drew my attention instantly.  I took my time, reading all the information on each piece, learning the differences between each Buddha and the poses and hand signals.  I could easily spend hours just studying the statues.  Unfortunately, I almost forgot about my plan to visit the museum on Friday and I only had 40 minutes before closing to explore.

Even though I love all of the Buddhist artifacts, I can’t imagine spending the $9 admission price.  The monthly Free Fridays will provide me with ample opportunities to explore and learn from the Pacific Asia artifacts.  I did grab a brochure of upcoming events but I do have to be honest, I hanot looked at it yet.  Perhaps there are events that are worthy of the admission price.  But this cash strapped teacher is going to stick to the free museum days.

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A Double Pleasure in Old Town Pasadena: Personal Challenge, Day 31 (10.17.12)

October 18, 2012 at 5:39 PM (Diet, Exploration, Food, Life, Personal Challenge, Southern California, Spirituality, Tourism, Travel)
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I love living in a big house but I really hate cleaning it.  I have friends coming to visit this weekend so I really need to clean house.  With all of my activities, I have let certain things go–like the dishes, laundry and dusting.  So once again, I have to opt for a quick food trial adventure today so I can spend my evening cleaning before my friends arrive.

My college roommate recommended that I try Father Nature’s Lavash Wraps and More in Old Town Pasadena, located on De Lacey, just north of Colorado.  Since my former roommate has never steered me wrong in the food department, I thought I would take her suggestion and try Father Nature’s on my way home from work.  And after a little research, I discovered that many people agree with my roommate.  Pasadena Views lists Father Nature’s Lavash Wraps and More on their 365 things to do in Pasadena list.

It is a small little place, not much to look at in terms of decor–extremely casual dining would be the appropriate description.  I asked for recommendations and the woman working there recommended the #8 wrap: The Double Pleasure.  First of all, I like that the title is a double entendre.  But it combines two food that I consider to be Mediterranean staples: Falafel and Shawarma.  Thanks to my students (and our PTSA) I am very familiar with Mediterranean food.  This warp seemed like the best option, and I got a kick out of saying “I’ll take a Double Pleasure to go.”

Double Pleasure Wrap at Father Nature’s in Pasadena

So my review, I was definitely pleased with my double pleasure wrap.  I am hooked and I would definitely go back.  Actually, I can’t believe I didn’t even think to order a side of hummus.  For me, the quality of the hummus says a lot about a Mediterranean food establishment.  I guess I am just going to have to go back.

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I’ve Got A Ticket To Ride: Personal Challenge, Day 23 (10.9.12)

October 9, 2012 at 11:27 PM (cars, Exploration, Life, Personal Challenge, Southern California, Spirituality, Tourism, Travel, Universe)
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Today started off great.  The weather cooled down and it finally felt like Fall.  I actually wore a sweatshirt this morning.  I was in a good mood despite my sore body.

But then the sun came out and my mood got worse (it must be opposite day).  I had a freak out about finances and rising gas prices.  Since my paycut this year (they changed my schedule so I can no longer make extra money doing supervision), I am struggling to keep up with the rising gas prices.  I do have to admit that I have spent more money than I planned on this personal challenge–most of the money spent on food and gas.  But over $5.00 a gallon for gas is ridiculous.  So I did what I always do when I get into panic mode, I went to see my therapist.

After a grounding 45 minute session, I had a new outlook on things, new solutions to my problems, and a smile on my face when I noticed that the clouds had returned.

And my perspective returned.  I am the queen of stretching a dollar.  So I had to look at what I have at my disposal.  I have the free Metro TAP card that I received, offering me the chance to try out the Metro for 5 consecutive days.  I first used it on Sunday and it is good until the 11th.  So I am going to use this pass as often as I can.  I tried to find a good route via the Metro to get to work but all routes point to an hour and a half commute.  Since I am not a morning person, that isn’t going to work for me.  (But I am going to try it out tomorrow to see if it is really possible).  So I will just use my car to go back and forth to work.  I can ride my bike down to the grocery store and use the Metro to go anywhere else.  A monthly pass on the Metro is $75–the current price of one tank of gas for my Cavalier.  This will eliminate the gas I waste driving to all my new adventures as well as the gas wasted trying to find parking spaces.  It will also eliminate the fees for parking.  But the best part, it will help me lose the weight I gained after my car accident.  Hopefully, I will work my way up to riding my bike to and from the different places as well.  (I really have to work on going uphill).

So tonight, I decided to give this new plan a try.  I parked my car in the driveway and headed to the closest bus stop.  I downloaded the Metro app on my phone and used that to track the local buses.  I hopped on the bus that took me to the Gold Line train station and I took the Gold Line to Old Town Pasadena (Memorial Park station).

Once again, I pulled out my phone and used my Pasadena app (and eventually Yelp) to find a place to eat.  I decided I was going to try this Vegan restaurant called Green Earth Vegan cuisine on Fair Oaks.  I am not a Vegan or a Vegetarian by any means but I have some friends who are hardcore vegetarians.  So I thought I would check out a place where I could possibly take them when they visit.

I made my way over to Fair Oaks and found Green Earth Vegan just south of Colorado on Fair Oaks.  I also discovered that it was closed.  Yep, it is closed on Tuesdays.  So I pulled out my phone and went to Yelp for assistance.  There are tons of restaurants on Old Town but they are too pricey for my taste.  So I filtered my search for a restaurant with a good rating and only one dollar sign.  It turns out that the number one choice is right next to Green Earth Vegan–El Toreo.  Mexican sounded good to me.

So I walked in and instantly I felt like I was walking into someone’s home for dinner.  Everyone in the restaurant seemed to know each other.  There was a group of guys at the first table watching a ball game, playing dominoes, and enjoying their tacos and cervezas.  I sat down in a booth, placed my drink order and started to browse through the menu.  I ordered the carnitas dinner and enjoyed my complementary chips and salsa.  I looked over at the TV and noticed that the baseball game playing just happened to feature my hometown team, the Detroit Tigers.  The Universe is so funny sometimes.

As for my meal, it was really good but it can’t beat the carnitas tacos at El Patron in Altadena.  But I would happily return to El Toreo to try some of the other items on their menu.

So with a very full belly, I made my way back to the Memorial Park Metro Station and hopped on the Gold Line train back to Allen.  But according to my Metro app, I had a 30 minute wait for the next bus.  I decided to just walk home, just like I did on Sunday.  It was a nice cool night and to my delight, as I approached my neighborhood, it started to sprinkle.  The drizzle felt nice and cool after the walk home.

Obviously, the travel time is longer than driving but overall, I found the bus and train experience to be so much more relaxing.  And it almost felt like the Universe was telling me that I made the right decision (about using the Metro) by giving me the gift rain in the last leg of my journey tonight.

As for my Metro adventure tomorrow, I am going to try out the suggested routes and see how if taking the Metro to and from work is a possibility.  Stay tuned.

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