Adventures on the Christie LEE

       Welcome to my three-week fishing and fixing a commerical trolling boat adventure on my boyfriend's (Luke) boat the Christie Lee. Heading into this adventure I really did not know what I was getting myself into. Frankly I had no expectations, and nothing to really compare what pretty much living, fixing and fishing on the Christie Lee would be like. While I would conisder myself a decently "rugged" gal who is not afraid to get a little dirty...I was blown away with being submerged into the fisherman lifestyle where instead of getting dirty in some dirt or mud, they get dirty in oil and grease. I have never been around so much oil and grease in my entire life.
     I didn't know excatly what I was getting myself into as I volunteered to come, fish and stay with Luke for a few weeks as we won't see each other too much after this for about 4 months. I did not know I was volunteering to  become proficient in drilling, or helping to replace old wires so we could wire new wires throughout the engine room. I also did not know I would learn most tool names through rote memorization through handing Luke different tools that he needed. Heck I did not even know that three types of screw drivers existed! I also did not know that I would learn how clean up oil spills safely and effectively either, but I learned that too.
      I thought I was coming to do mostly fishing. Well we have done a bit of fishing, but I have done quite a bit of work helping Luke get ready to still go fishing. What has struck me the most about this whole adventure is how we work, and work, and work some more to fix things on the boat, yet there is still so much more work to be done. As Luke would say "there is always more to do." Yes I learned this very quickly.
   While I still don't think I could live the life of a fisherman, it has been kind of fun to experience this type of lifestyle. It also has been kind of stressful too in some ways and definitely takes some getting used too. I really wear mostly the same outfit everyday and am used to just being dirty now, but it did take a bit to get used to. I also had to get used to having greasy hands and sleeping on the boat. While the lifestyle takes a bit to get used to, it's a lifestyle that I have a ton of respect for. Fishermen work so hard, and are " do it themselvers." I am so impressed with how well Luke can solve most of the problems on the boat. He truly can fix anything! I must say I find it sexy! While he can fix anything...I have surprised myself with helping him with some issues. I guess I could do okay in this lifestyle. I have even helped put a woman's touch to the boat by suggesting a few ideas for ways he can make the house of the boat a bit more cozy.
    To wrap up, this experience has been humbling, a confidence builder, good for our relationship and more fun than I would be....but also more stressful than I thought it would be too. I have seen how great, tight and helpful the Oregon fishing community are towards each other. I have met some wonderful fishermen who I'll always remember and hopefully see again!
     Next post can hopefully be about my actually experience and thoughts of a multi-day salmon fishing trip and include pictures too.

Much Love from Florence, Oregon!

celebrating the festival of colors in Spanish Fork, Utah

Holi-the festival of colors- is the most fun-filled and playful religious festival that I have ever been too. In general, it is also the most fun of any Hindu festival as well. It is an occasion that brings joy, mirth, fun and play, dance and music, and, of course as seen in the photo lots of bright colors!

I went to the Holi Festival of Lights 2011 celebration at the Hindu Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah.

The saying during this festival is "Don't Mind, It's Holi!" Things that are done during this festival may seem offensive during any other time, however, perfectly accepted during Holi. Things like throwing colors at strangers as they walk by, or dunking friends in mud pool amidst laughter are perfectly accepted. Pretty much anything goes as long as you say "Don't mid, it's Holi!"

Holi like all Indian and Hindu festivals, has been linked to mythical tales. Three legends are directly associated with the festival of colors: the Holika-Hiranyakashipu Prahlad episode, Lord Shiva's killing of Kamedeva, and the story of ogress Dhundi.

Did you know that Holi is one of the oldest Hindu festivals and there is evidence of this festival on the  walls and sculptures of old temples. There are 16th century Medieval paintings depicting the celebration of Holi as well.

The colors of Holi, are called "gulai" and in the medieval times were made at home from the flowers of the "tesu" or "palash" tree. These flowers are usually a dark red or deep orange in color and were collected from the forest and then spread out on mats so they could dry in the sun. After the flowers were dried, they were ground to find dust and mixed with water to made a saffron-red dye. The red dye is quite beautiful. Holi colors, are good for the skin, and all natural.

Usually the festival lasts three days and it starts on the day of the full moon. The festivities start by the eldest male member of the family sprinkling colors on each of the family.

My first experience celebrating the festival of colors was absolutely an amazing one. It was so wonderful to see thousands of strangers come together to celebrate this special festival. It was fun having the opportunity to throw the colored powder on my friend, and other random strangers. Despite the cold weather, Holi is such a warming event to celebrate the beginning of spring. I found out the red powder is the color of passion and Lord Krishna is the king of desires. All of our desires should be diverted for the well being of our society, and for Krishna. I also loved how this festival put everyone in such a generous, loving, and caring mood. It was truly a beautiful and colorful sight that I hope to celebrate every year!

Travel for solely the option to learn!

I am fortunate to be an MAT (Masters Art of Teaching) program where a travel seminar class and experience is part of our graduation requirements.  They feel getting to know a different culture that has a big population in the states will only enhance and strengthen us as great teachers. 

With this, my program co hart and I are going to Nicaragua from April 7-14th and I cannot be more excited. During class tonight we were asked to journal about our thoughts pre-trip. I decided to focus on the question of why I am going on this trip?

For once I am embarking on an International trip to just learn- learn to understand the people, the culture and try to grasp the language even more! I am going to see the beautiful difference and similarities that make us all unique and different. 

For once I am traveling for an opportunity to better not just who I AM as a person but to become a better teacher. I am leaving my opinions out for once and opening my ears towards the stories, sounds and thoughts of the people and the country!

Oh excitement is taking over my body and my mind to really just learn and get enlightened about the  past and current Nicaraguan culture and attitudes of the country. To learn from the people that really know is such an organism idea, and one that I cannot wait to embark on. 

Adios amigos! 

what does yoga mean to me?

Today in my yoga class I was asked by my instructor "what does yoga mean to me?" Normally I don't take the time to answer these questions that are often posed to the class but this question struck me. Once I started thinking about this question I realized that yoga does mean a lot to me in my life.

Yoga is pretty much the one place, (althought I do try in the shower and definitely when I travel) where I can relax, clear my head and really be present in the moment. I wish I could say that I stay present all the time, but that would be a lie. It's a place where I can forget about all the homework I need to finish, or what will I have for dinner and really focus on me. It's a place where I am completely focused on my physical, mental and emotional needs as a person. It makes me aware of any imbalances I may have in those threee areas.

It allows me to go outside my comfort zone on a daily basis. I love yoga because it clears my mind and expands my creativity! Not only do I phsycially feel more energized, but my mind feels more energized thus helping to expand my creativity. Some of my most creative projects and ideas have come after I engaged myself in a yoga practice.

Yoga has taught me to breath! I am learning in every yoga session how to handle stressful and anxious situations better through using the breath. Engaging in yoga practices make me a happier person! It has even served as a mood changer for me.

So as you can see yoga is a powerful tool in my life! Yoga has taught me so much about who I am and who I want to be. But mostly yoga has served as this wonderful place where I can go to be completely free and completely present. I love yoga so much. I recommend that everyone at least try yoga if they have never tried it before. If you have tried it, then committ yourself to going at least once or twice a week because it can change or impact your life in a positive way.

CHEERS to yoga and cheers to life!

If you live in Salt Lake City and read my blog then I highly recommend you support this cause through eating delicious Indian food! 100 percent of the profit goes directly to the Wai community for educational supplies and towards building a library. This is a great partnership and one that really puts the money where it is advertised. Support a great cause in a time when we all can help each other!