Happy New Year 2013!

In front of us - 365 days to make our dreams a reality.
Why not start RIGHT NOW?

We are heading to the park today and
grilling beef tacos this evening.
I will be finishing The Great Gatsby and
starting on a new read. Always looking
for excellent recommendations!! :)

Happy 2013!!

2012, It's Been Swell.

I have been reflecting on 2012 for the entire month of December, and it's hard to believe the final day of the year is before us. We are in the thick of it. 2012 has been quite the year...

1. We celebrated New Year's 2012 with many of our friends from Qi. Haha this picture looks like I am grabbing myself...

2. Costa Rica yoga Retreat in April. Talk about breaking open my heart... This retreat was a fantastic vacation, but more than that - it was an incredible learning experience. I placed things that no longer served me into the fire (self-doubt and negativity) and discovered a sense of strength and confidence I have always had deep within. Meditation every morning for 30 minutes, practicing yoga with a beautiful view of the Pacific, surfing lessons, everyday dips in the ocean, and new friendships. I cannot wait for this coming April to reunite with friends and go deeper intto my practice. One of the highlights was definitely the deep-sea fishing trip a few of us took (thank you, Sherry!) The funny thing about this fishing trip - it was just as heartfelt and eye opening as the yoga. We caught (and released) huge swordfish that day. Each catch was a conversation, a new layer of self revealed for all of us.

3. I said goodbye to Justin as he began his new career at University of Florida. Goodbyes really suck. This was actually the SAME DAY that I left for my retreat. Talk about transitions. Thankfully, we got through it and I was stronger than I ever could have imagined!

4. Hiked a Colorado 14er (and shared a tent) with Natalie and Chad.

5. I watched one of my best friends, Merissa, marry the love of her life, Jeremy, in Michigan in July. It was so nice to see Justin on this trip! I was also fortunate enough to meet Miss Addison, Ashley and Alejandro's daughter, who turns one in January!!

6. Had a wonderful goodbye party with our Colorado friends!! I miss everyone so much!!

7. I moved to Florida in August (leaving my design job and my yoga teaching position - {hard to call that a job!} behind me) - Justin and I finally reunited and moved into our downtown apartment in the heart of Gainesville.

8. This fall... we went to a UF football game, kayaked on Lake Walburg, visited local breweries, walked the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail, Halloween Horror Nights, and many more adventures!

9. We rented out our Colorado home prior to the big move. Renting out your home is a strange thing, but we are happy with our decision.

10. On the way to Florida, we stopped in Columbia, Missouri; Nashville, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; and Auburn, Alabama. We were able to visit family and friends on the trek to Florida as well as take a few days off of driving here and there!

11. In Florida, I began teaching yoga for 3 different groups - Alter Ego Fitness, Gainesville Area Rowing, and The Jam (the third one being no more). UF yoga classes begin in January! I have really enjoyed sharing yoga with new people in a new place this season. I learn something every single class, and I am thankful for each experience!

12. The past 6 months have been full of a lot of general reflection on where I am and where I might want to be in life! While working a non-stressful job, I have had a great deal of time to think. I am so thankful for this time. I am not completely ready to share with the world the changes I have in mind for myself in the coming year. As time progresses, I may share more, but currently I am keeping this side of myself private so I may really focus and meditate on all of my ideas!!

13. My Grandma's 90th Birthday Party in October! She's still got it! She was the queen of the party!

14. Our trip to Charleston in November. An absolutely dreamy city! We met Justin's Aunt Faye there as well as Amelia and her fiance! We will be heading back in May 2013 when Amelia ties the knot!

15. I witnessed my sister-in-law marry her fiance Coley in a beautiful ceremony in Auburn. This was a really fun wedding! We were lucky enough to stay in an Auburn mansion with family! I designed the guestbook and ceremony programs for the wedding. This was a really fun time in December! Kind of like an early Christmas...

16. We have been fortunate enough to visit with both sides of the family NUMEROUS times throughout the fall and winter! We have visited with Justin's Grandad in Georgia at least three times not counting seeing him at the wedding this month! I was able to stay with my Grandmother on North Hutchison Island for a weekend. I love staying with her - she has the best stories! I was able to see my mother twice in the fall and my sisters a few more times than that! We saw Justin's parents, sister, and Auburn grandparents a number of times throughout the past few months.

As I reflect, I can tell you I am so very thankful for all the friendships in my life. They are literally the fuel that keeps me going - my friendships keep me positive, keep me inspired, keep me smiling! With all of my geographic moves in life, I have met so many amazing people! And I have been lucky enough to still have such great friends from every facet of life so far. There must be a reason for all of the wonderfulness in life, that comes in the form of good, no, great friends :) 

Last but not least, I am so happy and thankful for my husband. He really is my rock, my strength... I am grateful for the laughter we share and look forward to our future together.

So, here's to the friends, the husbands, the people that keep us all up and smiling. I raise my glass to you, I am forever grateful for you.
Everyone - please stay safe this New Year's Eve.
Love to all, may your 2013 be filled with love, success, and dreams that become a reality!!

Hello, October.

I just adore the above photograph.
I took it yesterday. 
It is Lake Wauburg in Micanopy, Florida. We went out to climb a tower for a fitness challenge and decided to say 'hello' to the lake. There are alligator warning signs all over the place, but it really is beautiful, yes?! 
So, I have decided to pull together a nice list of October goals. But, 'October Goals' sounds kind of dull. Not really too much exciting about that. What about 'October Conquerings' or 'October - 10 Things?' Still not sure! Let me know if you have thoughts!
Here goes nothing-

1. Visit Sanctuary Yoga studio and take a class!
2. Continue cooking all of our meals and save eating out for the weekend nights.
3. Find a place that will teach J how to play guitar.... ;)
4. Paint something pretty for my Grandma's 90th birthday!
5. Try as many pumpkin beers as possible.
6. Go to Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando.
7. Continue being active / working out 6 days a week.
8. Pick up more yoga classes to teach. (I actually interviewed for a new one today!)
9. Visit Auburn.
10. Attend one Cinema Under the Stars event.

The Weekend in Photos

I am _______.

:: I am adventurous. ::

Lululemon Photo Challenge #wtfsept // Day 08

Hello, Next Adventure

We have finally made it to Gainesville, FL - our new home.

On the way from Colorado, we stopped in...
Columbia, Missouri :: for sleep
Nashville, Tennessee :: for college roommate reunions
Birmingham, Alabama :: for lunch with college friends
Auburn, Alabama :: for family fun

As of tonight, I have 6 yoga classes I am subbing starting this Saturday until the following Sunday ... Whoohoo! Sooo excited to share my yoga instruction with the Southeast!!

We are happy to finally be in FL.
Staying in a hotel until we move in Saturday;
so you can say it will probably not feel real for a few days longer...

Sweet Dreams from the Sunshine State...
Robyn

The Great Adventure

These days this is what is MAGICAL and serves as "The Great Adventure" for me...

1. Climbing mountains.

2. Patience, Pausing, and Preparing.

3. Helping, Mentoring and Giving Back.

4. Relaxing at a Jazz Fest in the Park.

5. Taking your dog to your friends' houses as your date.

6. Being silly and not caring so much about what others think.

7. Enjoying a crazy, sweaty 90 minute cycle class that completely changes your perspective on life teaching you that YOU CAN, SO YOU DO.

8. Sleeping in a tent next to a house, just 'cause.

9. Fruit, spinach, protein powder smoothies for breakfast.

10. Enjoying the journey to Hanumanasana (full splits).

11. Yoga Poses at 14,015 feet.

12. Jumping head first into a new adventure for your other half and their and your dreams!

13. Letting go of what no longer serves you in order to make room for the things that enrich your life and allow you to enrich others' lives.

14. Life Balance - physically, mentally, emotionally.

15. Adventure Every Day.

Xx

Robyn

Easy Saturday

I went to gymnastics class this morning, and Justin FINALLY got a membership to Qi just before class. :)
Picked up my new glasses!
Ate Pho and caught up with Catrina, Rokha, and Justin...
It's beginning to snow...
I'm listening to "Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasure," a posthumous release... so beautiful while cozying up on a chilly Saturday afternoon!
Pulling together idea boards for my sister-in-law's fall wedding...
Later :: Heading to Happy Hour and then a friend's for a get together this evening...


EnJOY your Saturday :)

QuickShape

This year and ongoing I want to be held accountable for my actions... Especially on the Nutrition / Fitness side of things. I teach yoga, I practice yoga, I spin, I "gymnastics," etc.... But I do not eat as well as I could. I am looking for a BALANCE between both Nutrition and Fitness. So, I have joined a a challenge at Qi Functional Systems called QuickShape... Four times over the course of 112 days/16 weeks, I will be measured by weight lost, inches lost, and skeletal muscle gained. The personal trainers will take photos of me each time I "measure in" in order to keep track of the physical changes... I will be given motivation from the trainers and other challenge participants over the course of the next 16 weeks...I will even be breaking on through to the "other side," trying out classes at QiRyders! Let's DO this!


Not just for 2012, I want to eat healthier forever. I want to be more mindful of what I put in my body. I may be working out a bunch, but what I put in my body affects everything. Eating right will make my workouts matter MORE.


Sarah Stanley, an amazing athlete and role model for me, put what I am trying to SAY and DO into the perfect words: "You can't have exercise without real, healthy food. It's like a car- you can't drive if it doesn't have wheels."


Treat your SELF right ::Mind and Body:: this year and EVERY year!! And remember to hold yourself accountable!
XO,
Robyn

Countdown to 2012: Sequins Encouraged

I cannot believe the year is ending in a matter of hours. Can you ?
This year has been full of many things... good and bad.
I am ready to leave it behind and leap into 2012 head first, but not without forgetting what I have learned.
I invite you to enjoy these last remaining hours of 2011.
What will you take with you, what will you leave behind ?


I will take with me....
...the love and continuous words of encouragement from my friends and family.
...great memories of my father and uncle who I lost this year. 
...all of the joys brought into this world - all of the friends who have added to their beautiful families this year.
...new found yoga awareness and knowledge, friendships, gratitude, confidence... There will always be so much to learn; and so much to teach. 
...the culture, the memories, the history, the friendships made from my experiences in Israel, Greece, and Turkey.
...gymnastics body awareness... I am loving this practice since I began in the summer. Yoga isn't the only thing or the only way; this new knowledge helps keep my mind open and my body surprised!
...a continuous love of photography... capturing memories and beautiful moments.
...a greater understanding to never judge anyone as we never truly understand what any person is going through.


Whether you are attending a New Year's Eve party full of glitter or staying home with loved ones, enjoying the last hours of 2011 by a glowing fire, allow yourself to sit back and take in all that you have learned, all that you have become in 2011...


Happy New Year with
Light, Love & Gratitude !!
Robyn


**above photo taken at Busch Gardens, December 2011 by me**

On My Bookshelf

Have you ever come across a few quotations from books and knew you just had to read THAT book ?


I have come across a book such as this...


A Natural History of the Senses - by Diane Ackerman


Cannot wait to start this one :)


photo via

Moab - Spring 2011

A few weeks ago, a large group of us road tripped it to Moab, Utah. We camped in the true desert as most camping spots were too small for our group and many were all ready taken because of Jeep Safari weekend. The weather was pretty perfect although at night it got a bit chilly... But we always had a camp fire burning and music blasting and lots of friends all around - so we didn't really notice the weather change!


I was told to buy a harness for the trip as we would be doing some rock climbing and rappelling. I really had no idea what I was in for, but I bought the harness and was excited to try something new, exciting, and kind of risky I came to learn. But that's what adventure is all about, right ??


The first full day in Moab we looked for a camping spot - but we met new friends and hung out in the mean time - so, this wasn't so bad. I had Baci along with us for the weekend - so that was an adventure all its own and another thing to keep me occupied and take care of!! But I am so glad we brought him, he had a blast I think.


Later, when the rest of the crew showed up at our desert camping spot, we piled into trucks and made our way to Wall Street. One of the guys lead climbed and set up our climb. I borrowed a friend's shoes, as I learned how important shoes are for climbing - they are everything!!! Justin did a wonderful job climbing! He has super long strides and made it up without a problem; I was pretty proud of him! When it came to be my turn, I put on Sarah's shoes and was told to "go." Easier said than done! For me, this was a lesson in body alignment - for climbing. I learned that my booty needs to stick back and I need not be so close to the mountain!! I think my muscle memory from dance was creeping up on me, because my hips wants to be above my knees. But I learned this does not get you anywhere - where is the power in your thighs ? How was I to go up if I was standing straight as a board against the mountain ?!


I made up further than I thought I would and knew that I wanted to get the body positioning sooner rather than later! The following weekend, Justin and I ventured to Rockn and Jammin in Centennial to take a beginners class. We passed and then climbed on our own - Justin and I switched off being the climber and the belayer. Taking this class allowed us to understand all of the ESSENTIAL safety precautions, knots.... This was so helpful and I cannot wait to go back!!


Back to Moab...


That evening we made a fire, cooked dinner, ate s'mores and just hung out!! I tried a friend's beer from The Moab Brewery and made it a point to remember to buy a growler for Justin and I to share for the following evening...


The next day (Saturday) we ventured to Negroville Park (I need to double check the name). We hiked for a while and took some pretty neat pictures in narrow areas of rock formations. Moab was absolutely gorgeous!! Our hike would lead us to two locations where the group would be rappelling down two different cliffs. The first was down through a cave-like formation and the second was off an arch. I kind of freaked out here, so I decided to be belayed down... Next time I return, I want to do it right and rappel, but I know I made the right decision if I was that worried about it!!


After the 2 rappels, which was much much later as there were about 14 of us rappeling each time on one rope, we were among beautiful fauna. I wondered if this really was a desert because it was SO green! During that weekend, it was super cold and gray in Denver, so this was a nice treat for all of us!


I am hoping to camp at least 3 or 4 more times this spring/summer. It is such a blast; every time I do it, I want to do it even more often :)


Happy Weekend!
Robyn

Honeymoon Dreams - COSTA

So, fingers crossed, we have finally agreed on a destination for our honeymoon in 2011 - COSTA RICA!!

I am so excited I am all ready reading all about it and trying to get an idea of what there is to do and see!! I am a big fan of lists... So, of course Costa Rica needs a LIST!

Here is what I have come up with so far, I will add more as I keep talking to friends about what they recommend... At this point I am trying to figure out which areas are less touristy, more unknown! Some say the South Coast ? Let me know your thoughts :)

1. Climb Cerro Chirripo

2. Bungee Jumping

3. Surfing Lessons (taught by Kelly Slater ;)

4. Beach - relaxation is KEY!!

5. Tenorio Volcano National Park / Rio Celeste

6. Scuba Diving

CHEAP THRILL

Today was our first long bike ride of the summer!!! Let's just call it a bike date, shall we? 26 miles out and back to Golden, Colorado. It's kind of fun not knowing exactly where you are sometimes, just riding through the forest over hills through different towns.

It was a bit hot today, but it was REALLY fun and that's really all that matters!! I got up to 22 MPH just on your typical bike trail, love it love it!!! We headed downtown and hit up Golden Capital Grill for a beer and a sandwich that we split. There aren't too many things I can think of that are better than riding your bike in the summer time with the breeze at your back!!

So, we are off to a great biking season and I cannot wait to get more miles in!! Happy Riding to all!!