Yoga Boot Camp

Part of my Christmas present to Mike was a weeklong unlimited pass at Epic Yoga since he's looking to expand his workout to improve flexibility. I have a pass there so we went to 5 classes this week to get back in shape after winter break. Woo, it was a challenge for both of us, especially after full work days!

I have a confession: I detest yoga (except for a few poses). Hated it the first time I tried it, but I kept going to classes because I think it'll be "better this time". But nope, I still find myself becoming irritated by the repetitive/boring/uncomfortable poses, the excessive philosophizing by the instructors, and the "ugliness" of outspread and flexed fingers & toes. Gimme the grace and variety of Pilates, ballet/dance, and free weights instead!

With that said, I did learn a few poses that feel good...don't remember what they're called.

And it was fun to spend time with Mike while improving our fitness.

I felt a sense of relief and accomplishment after our last class. I still have 3 more classes on my pass, which I'll use for Barre Yoga (it has ballet elements in it)...but not for a looong time.

After our last class on Saturday, Mike took me out for a celebratory lunch at Brasserie Creperie, an absolute gem at Pentagon Row (no, I didn't do my hair or put on makeup)

Their crepes are fresh, packed with flavor, with the perfect density and texture...

...and gorgeous works of art (this one's definitely Jackson Pollock-inspired). Highly recommended!

Rewind to Friday, Mike and my 2 month anniversary! Mike surprised me with a chocolate rose :)

After our yoga class, we got dinner at Bob & Edith's Diner, a great family joint in Arlington. Dessert first - Mike got his eccentric apple pie with melted cheddar on top (he had me try it and it wasn't bad), and I was delighted by their voluminous coconut creme pie (almost 4 inches high).

I got a childhood favorite: corned beef hash, along with some great grits and eggs. Mike got a tasty sausage, eggs and potatoes. All were very well-executed; wouldn't expect anything less from a family business that's been around since 1969!

Then we went to The Salsa Room to dance and get our VIP cards (they only sell it a few times a year), which gives us huge discounts for the rest of 2013!

Back to Saturday - after catching up on all the errands/chores of the week, I met up with Britt to try a charming eatery on my list - Bayou Bakery, which serves Southern cuisine.

We both got their popular gumbo, and I got their very interesting endive side dish, topped with feta and candied pecans (pretty yummy).

Britt also shared her cheesy bread with me :) Grateful for good gal pals

Ran into an old BYU ballroom dance team partner there! The semester I quit team, my coach called me last minute to fill a spot in the Lindy Hop routine. Good times :) and what a small world!

As you can see, I definitely made up for all the calories I burned at yoga with all the delicious food I ate at the fun new restaurants I tried this week!

I'm grateful the weekend ended with spiritual highs with the two LDS young single adult firesides - a regional one and an international one. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's wonderful CES Fireside is available online. I am SO THANKFUL to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which I can learn principles of truth, happiness, and salvation. I'm grateful for all the tools and resources the Lord gives us to guide and comfort us through these times of moral relativitism, political upheaval, economic chaos, social evils and tragedies, and daily stresses. I have really felt the burdens of the world this week, but the gospel of Jesus Christ offers me peace, comfort, and hope...especially as school starts again tomorrow!