2010!

I can't believe we are days from 2010! This past year has been great overall. I have had so many good times with good friends and I have gotten alot done.

The economy has been awful and there have been some bad days. Unfortunately, we lost some good people too...

Some of the good stuff from 2009:
* Became a Licensed Massage Therapist ... took 15 months of working full time and going to class part time... pretty exhausting...then took another 2 or 3 months to test and receive my license
* Laid off from my full time job... blessing in disguise... got laid off the same week that I received my massage license...this let me focus on massage and took away the stress of an unfulfilling job
* Started volunteering weekly at Fayes Light... gotta give back :)
* Travelled more than I ever have before...one of the biggest benefits of being laid off was having the freedom to do whatever I wanted... me and my love were lucky enough to be able to drive to the East coast (CT & MD), the West coast (Pheonix & Indio, CA), and a few places in between (WI, MI, OH & all the states we drove through to get to our destinations)
* A year of amazing music... saw 10 Phish shows...can't wait for more
* The new addition to the family... Wahyeh...our adopted husky boy has made himself at home with us and our animal family
* Ran a 5k... finished my first 5k in just under 36 minutes...not bad for someone who didn't start jogging til this year

There have been countless other good things and great times. I look forward to good health, lots of energy, and an overall wonderfull 2010 :) and wish the same to all my family and friends.

BELLYDANCE AT THE PARK DISTRICT

I am teaching bellydance at the Blue Island Park District this January. Classes are every Tuesday and Thursday from 630-730. The session runs from Jan 5th to Jan 28th. If you'd like to join us check out the Blue Island Park District website or email/call me. Its a fun way to keep in shape and avoid cabin fever this winter. :)

Happy Holidays

Hope everyone has a wonderful christmas and amazing new year. 2009 has been great and i expect 2010 to be even better.

:)

FREE YOGA

Sunshine Yoga in Orland Park is offering two free community yoga classes in Jan: Jan 9th & Jan 23rd. The classes are from 10-11a and they just ask that you call and register if you are going to show up. 708-873-6030

This Friday

Make it out to the Loft this Friday for good music, drinks (thanks to Eric), and dancing!

A TRIBUTE TO TARIQ ALI

Tomorrow night is Tariq's Tribute. I still can't believe that he is gone but what better way to celebrate him.

Really???

Come on people - 6 followers??? really? tell your friends- check out this blog- you might learn something... :)

Watch It

So you are sitting around bored and want to watch a funny movie- find Smiley Face- its on cable all the time. Its hilarious. I think I could watch it a dozen times which is a pretty rare thing for me seeing that I nap through most movies. And watch The Last Waltz while you are at it. If you are lucky you may get to watch the Last Waltz with me. :)

Ive been missing out on these beasts???

I've never been a Walmart shopper but peopleofwalmart.com has brought it to my attention that I'm missing some funny shit.

Seeing that my brain is still on vacation I have been busy trying not to use it too much. Check out this website for a good laugh (or scare).

B17

As many of you know I love learning about nutrition and health. And like most topics it is often hard to get factual information about things that seem like they should be pretty black and white.

A few years ago, I learned about vitamin B17. A natural occurring substance, B17 is found in seeds within the Apricot pit. B17 is interesting to read up on because some claim that it cures cancer while others claim that it will kill you.

According to HealthKeepers magazine (Vol 11, Nov 2009), B17 (Laetrile) in conjunction with betaglucosidase, an enzyme only found in cancerous cells, unlock cyanide and benzaldyhide within the cancer cell, killing it.

The US FDA has numerous articles and information on B17/Laetrile but they view it as a dangerous product that can do more harm than good. They claim that studies prove that it has no effect on cancer and can poison people and cause death.

I read a few articles from both sides regarding B17. Most of the articles claim that people can ingest too many apricot kernels and experience side effects such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Some articles say that no one has ever died from apricot kernels while other articles claim that there are reported overdose deaths.

I don't know anyone who has ever taken B17 or munched on apricot seeds but I know plenty of people with cancer. I'm sure this topic will remain controversial for some time. A safe, effective natural cure for cancer would seem like a god send to everyone but the pharmaceutical industry would take a huge hit if no one needed their drugs that seem to often make people even sicker than they were to begin with.

So, next time you are bored read up on B17 and let me know what you find or what you think. thanks :)

Free Yoga

Beverly Yoga Center's monthly free community yoga class is this Friday 11/20 at 7pm. Its a great opportunity to bring a little relaxation into your life at no charge. They do ask that you bring a non-perishable food donation. Check out their website for more details.

More Free Yoga! (but you've got to hurry)

While I found out a little late, there is still time to check out their free Yoga classes and they are offering free Nutrition classes.

The following free Yoga classes are this week:
Thurs 11/12 5:30 - 6:30
Sat 11/14 8:45-9:45p

Check out their website for more details regarding their yoga classes and details on the upcoming nutrition classes. They do ask that you give them a call and let them know you are coming.

Holistic Happenings is located at 7925 W 171st St, Tinley Park; 708-429-3052

Later everyone!

California Dreaming...

I just returned late Friday night from an amazing two weeks out West. Me and my baby drove southwest through Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and stayed with family in Pheonix for a few days and went on to Phish's Festival 8 for 3 days over the Halloween weekend in Indio, CA. I have alot to do since returning and can't thank enough all the friends and family that helped us out with our pups and bunnies while we were gone. I had more fun than I have had in a long time and everything was beyond wonderful- the weather, the family, the ride, the music, the new friends...

Now that Ive returned, Im trying to get back into the rhythm of everyday life and responsibilities. Hope everyone had a fun Halloween :) I look forward to new blog entries and keeping busy all around -

FREE YOGA!!! and then some...

More good stuff - Sunshine Yoga Studio in Orland has some upcoming classes that sound great.

First off, they are offering a Free Community Yoga Class on Sat Nov 7th from 11-12. I think everyone should try free yoga classes. Whether you are a beginner or have been practicing for years, it never hurts to try a new teacher or studio.

They are also offering a 'Twister Yoga' class on Sat Oct 24th from 1030-1230. This class is $20 if you pre-register and $25 drop-in. I have never heard of Twister Yoga but according to Sunshine this yoga emphasizes full rotation of the spine, cleanses your organs, and promotes circulation. It definitely sounds worth giving it a shot.

I have taken a few classes at Sunshine and the teachers are amazing. They are the real deal...they make sure you are doing the poses correctly and answer any questions you may have.

Give it a try :)

!Evitas!

Hey Ladies---

If you are in the neighborhood stop into Evita's Bridal Shop at 12824 Western Ave (708-389-6044). I was in there the other day (dropping off posters for BI fests, not looking for bridal gear ;) and they have some great dresses for going out- or for fancy parties- or for NYE- or for the Blue Island Prom that Annie West is going to throw! Stop in there and support a local business while picking up something nice for yourself. And tell them Colleen the massage therapist sent you in :)

Community Yoga

Tomorrow, Friday Oct. 16th, is Community Yoga at the Beverly Yoga Center. They offer this free yoga class to all once a month at 7pm. All they ask is that you bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Chicago PADS. I attended last months class and really enjoyed it. Try to get there 10-15 minutes early as the class can get pretty packed. Enjoy!

BI Fishing Derby

I don't fish anymore but I think I have to check this out. For the first time in about two decades, Blue Island is filling the Memorial Park District Pool with rainbow trout and inviting everyone to come fishing. It begins on Oct 17th from 12p-7p. There are prizes for the 'Big Catch', a fish fry from 2p-7p, and kids movies. How could this not make for a good story...

Celebrate Fall

The Harvest Moon Carnival is coming up at Memorial Park in Blue Island. It starts on Oct. 14th and ends on Oct. 18th (Weds - Fri: 5p-11p; Sat & Sun: 12p-11p). On Oct. 17th there are a number of things going on along with the carnival: Hot Rod car show, Fishing Derby (more on that...), Fish Fry, & pumpkin carving.

Who's that girl

This little sweet pea here is Lilah. As you can see she is totally adorable and we need to share her big smile with as many people as possible. That is why her awesome parents, Jen & Dave, entered her in the Gap Casting Call.

Take a minute to register on Gap's website and vote for Lilah. You can vote everyday, so make sure to keep checking in. Her ID for the contest is 474819634.

Thanks!

BTW- If you need anymore reason to vote for her (as if her cuteness isn't enough) she can outdance and out hula hoop you :)

Why you should read blogs...

for the pictures of course. One of my favorite ways to kill time is checking out ugliesttattoos.com. Some are hilarious and some are just downright cute. Like this one.

Halloween in the Island

There are alot of fun things planned over the next few weeks to celebrate the Fall season and Halloween in Blue Island. I will be posting about a few of the different events over the next few days. Check out the city's website for more details.

On Oct. 24th, there is a Bark in the Park Parade starting at 4pm at Memorial Park. Prizes will be awarded for Costume Contests and an Agility Fun Course.

Hope you and your pup can make it :)

Get your running shoes out :)

Hi Everyone!

So, there is another 5K on the horizon. St. Stephens Lutheran Church (www.saintstephenschurch.com) at 147th and Kildare in Midlothian, IL is holding the race on Nov. 28 to benefit their food pantry. Registration is only $15 prior to Nov. 18th and $20 after Nov. 18th. They also ask that participants bring a non-perishable food item to the race that day.

This is a great cause and I look forward to jogging in it (I don't know that Im fast enough to say Im running ;). Please spread the word to any friends and family who may want to partake.

If anyone is willing, I would like to trade a one hour massage in exchange for anyone who would be kind enough to sponsor me in this 5k. thanks!

Faye's Light

So I thought I would take a minute to tell you all about Faye's Light.

Faye's is a wonderful organization started by Vicky Weis. Faye's Light provides cancer comfort treatments such as massage therapy, energy work, facials, and mani/pedis at no cost to anyone undergoing cancer treatment. Faye's Light is located in East Hazel Crest just East of Ashland on 175th St. Its a beautiful space with treatment rooms, a relaxing common area, and a full stocked kitchen where everyone is welcome to have a snack and talk with other patrons. Faye's Light also started an organic vegetable garden on the premises, where the produce is brought in for lunch salads and to be distributed to the patrons. Faye's Light also provides cancer comfort treatments out of Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, IL.

If you or anyone you know is currently undergoing cancer treatment and are interested in checking out Faye's Light please check out their website. I am at Faye's in East Hazel Crest every Thursday providing massage therapy.

While we're on the subject...

Just a reminder to help those in need

Bow Wow's Pet Laundry (2406 Union St, BI, 708-388-7387) accepts items to be donated to pets at local animal shelters. They take cat & dog food, treats, toys, towels, and blankets. Thanks in advance :)

I HEART THE BI BARK PARK

The Blue Island Bark Park is the best.

The grand opening was great. Lots of friendly people showed up with their pups. I had so much fun playing with all the dogs and talking with neighbors. The town did a great job with this one...its a big park with nice trees and benches to relax. I can't wait to go back.

Blue Island Bark Park Grand Opening!

Tomorrow is the grand opening of the new Blue Island Dog Park located on 119th St a few blocks west of Western. The party is from 1-5 and there will be a number of animal related businesses promoting their products and services. I can't wait to go in support of the city of Blue Island as a resident and pet owner. I'm proud to be friends with Annie West who has done so much to get things going in the city and has been reaching out to get residents involved in their town.

by charles dickens

Have a heart that never hardens
A temper that never tires
A touch that never hurts

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