Q & A on Yoga

By Chris & Clare

How did you get started on yoga?

Our Nordic Track exercise machine has worn out, and we can't seem to find the time to install the replacement part. That left me looking for other ways to get in a workout. So, I pulled out Patrick's old yoga tape (Ali McGraw) and gave it a try.

I got started after seeing my mom do it. The next day, I decided to try it with her. It seemed like a new way of exercise that would be cool to try out. I was kind of curious. Also, I was doing homework when mom started, and I would rather watch corn grow then do homework (unless watching corn grow was homework).

What do you like about yoga?

I suppose I like the music on the tape, and I definitely like when all the hard exercises are over and you get to the relaxation part (totally great), and I do just enjoy getting in a workout. Yoga is not heart-pounding exercise (I notice it takes a while before I warm up enough in our cool basement to start shedding layers), but it does stretch and strengthen muscles. I think it is probably quite good for promoting healthy joints.

There are lots of things I like. At the end of the movie, you just get to lie down, and you can't really explain the feeling, but it's really relaxed. The music and the setting on the movie keep it interesting. Also, it's not competitive. You don't have to worry about how good you are at it, just try your best. And finally, I like the breathing it teaches you.

What don't you like about yoga?

Some of the poses are downright ackward, and I think ... can this really be good for my body? One pose has you extending your left hand in the air then bringing it down and sort of twisting in to grasp the top of your right leg. From that extremely uncomfortable pose you go on to extend your leg into the air, twist up to the sky, etc. I think it wrenched my back a bit.

That's easy, when I did it for the first time, I was sore the whole next day. Although, the soreness will not happen when you do it more. Also, in the video, there are some poses that I just can't do. There's one where you are on one foot, one hand on the ground, sideways, and have to lift you leg all the way up in the air. I can barely do it, and not for the whole time. At the end, there are challenging leg strecthes. Hopefully, I'll improve.

Any other comments?

I like doing yoga with Clare. This is our second stint as yoga partners. When we lived in Chicago and Clare was wee one (not in kindergarten yet) we would go off to her swim class then attend a yoga class together. It was led by the wife of Patrick's former boss, and there we were with mostly a bunch of old folks at the Park District building. Little Clare would with go along with the exercises as best she could, which was actually quite good for a wee one. I wish I had a taken a picture, though I still have picture in my mind's eye.

I don't remember what mom said at all, but I belive it. All the old folks must have stared at me. I probably was silly and anoyed them. I would reccamend trying some yoga. Maybe you could even borrow our video! Don't get discouged at the hard poses; they get easier every time you do them. Also, it's really different from any other type of exercise. Kudos to anyone who tries it!

Technology!

I’m recuperating from a technology experience – a medical one -- this time. Started my spring break off with elective medical procedure to treat fibroids (hopefully you’ve had no experience with fibroids). My procedure lasted only one hour. In that time, they made a tiny incision at the top of my leg, sent a catheter up through the artery, pelted tiny plastic-like bits to seal off blood flow through this artery to the fibroids, and that was about all she wrote for those fibroids (well I hope: give it about 6 weeks for total effect). Now that’s dazzling technology! Of course, that wasn’t the hard part. That came over the next day and half as my body reacted to this procedure. Needed epidural to handle the pain and a host of other medicines for nausea, etc. Now that the day and a half has passed, I’m doing quite well. Should be able to handle full work schedule in two weeks (I think it will be sooner). I will say that day and a half gave me empathy for all those who suffer long, painful diseases. I felt almost sick thinking about Elizabeth Edwards and Tony Snow.

On the other hand, recently had a fun technology experience -- a ride in a hybrid Toyota Camry. Wow! Jetson-like. Sooo quiet!! Will be looking into hybrids for our next car purchase. Look forward to new breeds of cars in the future.

Trip to D.C.?????

Over the summer, dad is going on a business trip to Washington D.C.! It's a possibility that the rest of the family might get to go too! The reason for that is that D.C. is a really interesting place to see because of all the monuments, the White House, and really good museums. I also think that it would be cool to see a famous person from the government. I interviewed our family to see their reactions. The question I asked was, If you saw Condeleeza Rice, what would you do or say? I would say "Way to go Condy", and would be supportive of her. Dad answered he would say "I approve of you diplomatic actions in the Middle East." Mom reported she would say "What would you recommend we see in Washington D.C," and John said he would pretend that he didn't see her. They were all very creative answers. What would you do or say if you saw Condaleeza Rice?

It would also be a blast because we'd get to stay in a really fancy hotel for free! How cool is that! I want to go on business trips like that when I grow up. But, this is only a possibility, we might not go, but it would be great if we did.