Today was yet another reminder of how much I like spending time with kids. We may not speak the same language or exchange words at all, but funny faces can go quite a ways! I still can't imagine having a child of my own right now (and I feel it's odd that so many mothers tell me I'm lucky to be without for the time being), but I feel some of the fear of parenthood melting away as time goes on.
I spent the morning with a client and her 3yo daughter- she was gorgeous... sporting a two-toned pink sweater and soft, brown curls in the Barnes & Noble Starbucks where we had our meeting. We had light conversation and I supplied her with drawing materials while her mother sorted out an issue over the phone. Nice.
Later, I was surprised by the presence of a 4yo at my sister's crocheting party. (sidenote: I realize Casey is only 24, but she is an old soul!) She invited neighbors and friends from church and work to teach them crochet basics and to help with more complicated patterns for the advanced ladies. :) It made me so happy to see how pleased Casey was with her party... I must admit, it was quite the success.
Anyways, I was doing my best to help out Casey's friends with the basics when Monsoui came in with her mother. She stole my heart right away. I felt like she probably would be quite bored without a playmate, so I stepped in and we had a ball! We discussed what sort of character was depicted in her shiny red shoes, we spied on people's feet from underneath the couch and we talked about how delicious broccoli is. Kids are awesome.
It began with my introductory session at a local yoga studio: Dahn Yoga. It was interesting- more of an analysis than an introduction. We began with some ballistic stretching (bouncing in each stretch to reach beyond your typical abilities... not recommended by OCU) and then continued to some balancing exercises. My instructor informed me that because I balanced better with my eyes open, it was a clue that I was externally focused. I'm fairly certain everyone balances better with their eyes open, but I tried to keep an open mind about his analysis.
After balancing, I laid down and concentrated on relaxing and breathing. My shallow and abnormal breathing was a giveaway that my heart chakra is blocked. This was apparently confirmed when Jason checked my internal organs. "And how might someone check your internal organs?" you might ask- with a very strong and sure hand. With each exhalation, Jason shaped his hand into a blade and wriggled it uncomfortably into the depths of my abdomen. I was sure I could feel popping sensations inside each nearly-punctured organ... I guess it was air trapped somewhere beneath the surface. I must say, more than a few doctor's would be impressed at how far Jason's hand traveled without breaking through the skin... He definitely could have wrapped his hand around my stomach or intestines; it reminded me of the scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom where some poor schmuck gets his heart ripped out while he's still alive.
Anyways, Jason was nice- and he gave me some insight to how balancing and opening my chakras will make me a happier person. ::sigh:: Perhaps he's right (I know Abel would agree), but the steady nature of his eyes didn't convince me that he believed everything he was saying. He spoke a little too calmly with a painted on smile... and his eyes never changed to reflect the joy or excitement of the concepts he spoke of. I just wasn't convinced.
After leaving the yoga studio, I decided it was time I search for a part time position to supplement my income. I drove towards the house (jobs that aren't dream jobs have to include minimal commute to be bearable), and stopped at a shopping center near the mall. There is a store called the Vitamin Shoppe that I supposed I could work at with a little pride, so I drove up to park. I passed the store three times before I convinced myself to stop and go in; there was an epic battle going on between my pride and humility. Humility finally won -for the moment- and I walked in with my chin up to ask for an application.
I drove a bit closer to home and entered the same shopping center that I used to serve organic pizza at. I applied humbly at a few restaurants and received some advice to head to the mall, "A few stores are always hiring: Victoria's Secret, Abercrombie, Hollister, the Buckle..." I nodded and thanked the lady at the cupcake shop for her advice before heading to the mall.
My pride is pretty crushed by this point, but I applied at Victoria's Secret and stopped in at the Buckle... I couldn't convince myself to step into the cologne-ridden caves of the other two stores.
On my way out of the mall, I decided to spend my Macy's gift card and was pleasantly surprised to find an all-natural, hand-made cosmetic counter. Well, it was really more of a section of the floor filled with a number of tables and counters than one actual counter, but it was magnificent. The shop inside Macy's was called lush. The lady at the front counter was very accommodating and explained all of their lovely, vegetarian and vegan products. There were huge wheels of natural soap on display that are cut to your needs (I've never seen anything like it). I received a hand-treatment and watched their solid shampoo lather in the water- that's right, solid shampoo. I am sure I sniffed every available scent at least twice. I was so overwhelmed by the diversity of natural products I wanted to try, that I must have spent an hour wandering aimlessly on that small piece of floor. I finally decided on a couple soaps, a solid shampoo bar, and a solid fragrance called "Breath of God." I inquired about a job and went on my merry way... this is a job I think I'd like.
