Yoga.....a stretchy workout.

Under the advice of my chiropractor I started a yoga class tonight. I have only done yoga once many years ago, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I can tell you one thing, those yoga people are very serious! I arrived early and tried to chat up a couple people to pass the time. No such luck. They only wish to talk Yoga. I meet the instructor and finally we get started. I wasn't sure I could do most of it, but surprisingly enough, I was able to do most of the class with minor discomfort. One and a half hours of poses I never heard of and stretching until my body started to tingle. ( I do not think this was a good thing). It is a very slow process, this yoga.
I found it slightly drawn out and I could not gather the concept of breathing through the balls of my feet, or many of the other things she instructed us to do. But I kept up and I must say it felt pretty good. I will return. I paid for three classes up front to commit myself. After class, I found it hard to use my hands. I was all rubbery. It uses every muscle you have.
I think it will be excellent for my back pain, so It can't be all bad and I did feel pretty relaxed and ready for sleep when I got home. So, I will not knock the yoga, but I do think the yoga people need to lighten up. And I could live without the chanting at the end. I wanted to start laughing, but I knew this would be disrespectul.
It did feel like every stereotypical Portlander was in this class. But I will keep a more open mind as these people bend a whole lot better than I do.
jb

My mother..........

I went and saw my mother tonight. The purpose of this trip was to go through pictures for a memory book I am making for my step dad's 80th birthday.
After one of the worst days ever at work and battling Friday traffic to Beaverton, I arrive. I immediately go into a rant about work and traffic. I am looking at my mother standing in the kitchen and I notice how small and frail she appeared to me. I felt bad for my ridiculous rants. I wondered when she got so small. I asked her if she had lost weight, she said no.
We go to dinner. My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease several years ago. There have never been visible signs so it's never really talked about. As I sat across from her I realize she cannot stop moving. Her head and upper body are moving about constantly. I asked her when this started, she replied some time ago. I realize it has been way too long since I have seen her. I also realize "it is happening". The dreaded effects of this disease are here. We talked about it. She said with a laugh, "I am just like Michael J. Fox". I do not laugh. I asked if it hurt, she said no, it's just irritating. I suddenly feel guilt. I'm not sure for what. I do realize over my sweet and sour chicken, that I am not a very good daughter to her. I'm really not. I don't call enough, I don't see her enough, and I don't know how to react to her moving about uncontrollably. We go back to her house and dig through pictures. Pictures of her at a healthier time, pictures of my step dad and all of his kids, pictures of me in the 70's and pictures of my daughter. Some of the pictures of my daughter flashed visions of my granddaughter through my head. I finally see it. The resemblance I never saw before. This is sweet to me. In my head I am finally connecting the dots between families.
My mother continues to bob around while we are digging through pictures. It's not real bad yet, but I know it will be.
As I look at my family in these pictures, I am sad for times gone by, but I am happy there are so many photos of weddings, camping trips, beach trips, siblings, cousins, grand kids, houses and pets.
I will compile all these memories into one book. I do not know why, but this process makes me a little sad. A family that once was so entwined, seems to have gone it's separate ways. Where I was once so connected, I now seem to be looking from the outside in.
I pray my mom will not get worse, but know that she will. I cannot quite process this.
I will instead focus on compiling the happy times into one book.
jb

Sanford and Son

I just watched an episode of Sanford and Son. I havn't seen it for years. Man, oh, Man. It's hard to believe. A show like that could never be made nowadays. It is so politically incorrect. It is amazing that it once was on during prime time and we all watched it and thought nothing of it. Images of my father quickly fashed through my mind.
I'm going to admit though, I found it hysterical. Fred Sanford is absolutely a riot.

jb

The man behind the man........

I went to a memorial yesterday. It was a family friend. Actually, there are several connections to this man. He is my stepbrother's ex wifes father, my good friend from high school's father, my niece and nephew's grandpa, and has remained a family friend for years. He was a great guy.
I always knew this. When you think of him, you just smile. He was always happy and loved everything about you and everything about life.
I just didn't realize how great he really was until yesterday. My nephew went up and read something he wrote to his grandpa. This man seriously was Grandfather of the century. So many things I discovered yesterday touched me deeply. The momento box they found of his and the things they found inside made me realize how geniune and good he really was. The picture show they played prior to the service was a man who truly loved his family and everyone else who crossed his path.
The minister advised us all to carry the spirit of him with us. To enjoy life as he did and to love family as he did. If I could pull off 1/10th of this man's goodness, I would be pleased.
I always adored him. I adore him even more knowing things I know. Rarely do we come across someone who is so geniune in his life. I amdire this greatly.
I know this man did not plant things in his "momento" box with any intention of anyone ever going through it when he was gone. They were things that were precious to him and it spoke volumes of him.
It got me to thinking about my momento box. I wonder what it will say about me when I'm gone. I can only hope I am viewed as half the person he was.
Rest in Peace Fritz..........

jb