Hello From Cornell

Here I am in the Ivy League-whooda thunk it?!

I'm here at Cornell for a two week Executive Leadership program. It's a pretty intense program-a lot of work! There's about 60 people in the program from all corners of the world, New Zealand, Australia, Panama, Columbia, Venezuela, Egypt, Croatia and of course the USA.

The presenters have been outstanding. Today, I was privileged to have lunch with one of the presenters, Ken Blanchard, author of the One Minute Manager and about 60 other books. He gave an awesome presentation on Leadership. I can't wait to bring some of his ideas back to my company.

I practiced at Bikram Yoga of Ithaca last night. Whew!! An amazing class-I think I lost ten pounds! The instructor, David Corson, had a dialogue that sounded as if Bikram was in the room, including the language and phraseology.
Since the class was relatively small, he gave a lot of personalized instruction (unfortunately much of it directed at me! :) ) He was very strict on exact postures. I made some great gains. For the first time I was able to completely straighten my leg in both Standing Head to Knee and Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee, thanks to David's guidance. Unfortunately my regular studio has too many students to provide the type of instruction I received in Ithaca. I have not been that worn out after a class since the first week I practiced. I thanked David after class for his instruction. He called himself an "old school"style instructor, with a smile on his face. I can't wait to get back there tomorrow.

Well, time to run, I've got finance homework to get done.

Joe

One month later-again!

Ok-I'll admit-I'm a slacker! Over a month since my last post-again!

It's been a busy month. Oh yeah-I graduated! I now officially have my masters! A great ceremony on the water (Boston Harbor). Of course, it was about 95 degrees-but luckily my 89 year old mom was fine with it! It was a great time to celebrate with my fellow sufferers (I mean graduates). We went through a lot over the two years (every Tues and Wed night, for the most part) that the program entailed, but we did it!!!

I've been in contact with a few people who have given me advice (and hopefully will be willing to continue to give me advice) about the next step-opening a studio. Of course, the next step is going through Teacher Training. I can't do this for at least one more year (if not two). I have some serious commitments to my "real job", which I can't short-cut. But I will still do it (despite the newly created "franchise fee" which has really bummed me out!)

I have been enjoying my practice. I practice at Yoga Crossing in Waltham. Ma, a totally awesome studio with amazing instructors. I'm still doing 5-6 times per week, when my schedule permits.

I'm actually on vacation right now on Martha's Vineyard. (definitely google it if you aren't familiar with the location-it's one of my favorite spots). I've been practicing on the island, but am leaving tomorrow and am looking forward to practicing at home.

I'll be spending the next two weeks at Cornell University in a Leadership program. I've done the research :) and have discovered a Bikram studio outside of Cornell in Ithaca, New York. I'm hoping that my schedule will allow me to practice (otherwise I'll be a bear for two weeks).

Ok-I have to break this habit of only doing this on my vacations. Good bye for now, and hopefully I'll be able to say hello while at Cornell, working!

Joe

One month later!

Well...here it is, June 1. Over one month since my last post!

One week to graduation. It has been really weird this last month, not having school two nights per week. All this free time!! It's really helped my practice, having all this free time.

I'm in the process of deciding what I'll be doing with all this free time. Some options include:
a) Teach one night per week as a professor, as my faculty advisor recommends b) Enroll in a PhD program (I'm doing the research now) c) Help my advisor write a textbook d) Slack off for the summer and go on vacation (except for two weeks in July when I'm at Cornell for an executive leadership program).

I'm trying to put together a Mediterranean cruise in August to Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Unfortunately, I'm meeting resistance from my friends who don't want to travel that far-they're getting old!
Anyone want to go?!

My Bikram practice has been going well. Good days and bad days, of course, but I can feel the improvement in myself. Lock that f****n knee! The healthiest addiction one can experience.

I've been seriously considering teacher training (just not sure if I'd be able to get the time off) as the first step to opening a studio. There's an outstanding blog on teacher training that I've been reading the last couple of months:

http://yogabootcamp.blogspot.com/

This blog, by Jenn from Seattle, gives an incredible inside look at teacher training. I've gotten a big kick out of her accounts of the program.

A friend of mine was a guest instructor for teacher training-she said it was incredible. She was also mentioned in one of Jenn's blogs. Jenn's opinion was the same as mine for Terri- an awesome, high energy instructor!!

Signing off...next time we speak I' ll have graduated!
Joe

Three Weeks Later!

Wow- three weeks since I last posted!

I returned from LA-more or less in one piece. What a city-a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there (OK-maybe for a year or two!).

I went to a Bryan Kest power yoga class in Santa Monica as I mentioned I was going to do in my last post. It was my first non Bikram yoga class. It was a great experience-I really enjoyed it. Ami introduced me to him after class-he's a really nice, regular guy. I plan on downloading his class onto my ipod so that I can practice while I travel, a flexibility that you can't get with Bikram.

My Bikram practice has been pretty steady, 5-6 times per week (it's amazing what you can do when you have time). I'm experiencing some great improvements (I can actually see my foot over my head in standing bow-something I never thought would happen). Now that school is almost over (two classes left-tonight and next Tues night), I plan on doing a thirty day challenge. The closest I've come in the past is 14 days straight.

Graduation is getting closer-June 8. We just ordered our caps and gowns.

Life in LA

What a city! I love it-except for the bumper to bumper traffic on the freeways, the smog, and the lack of parking!

Great nightlife, great restaurants, friendly people, beaches...I could definitely live here (ok-maybe not-the real estate prices are outrageous).

I've practiced at Bikram's headquarters the last few days- an interesting experience. I started out by standing at the front door on La Cienaga Blvd, reading the sign that said "this isn't the entrance, stupid-go around back" ok, so maybe I'm paraphrasing a bit :). After parking on the street and worrying about a ticket, I discovered the "secret "entrance around the back of the building and down an alley, where the private parking lot is located (for a one dollar fee). It's actually pretty convenient, once you find it (I wish they listed that info on their website though).

Great facilities at the studio-multiple showers in the locker rooms (why was that women in the mens shower area though? not that I'm complaining! ;) ) Free towels (two for class and one for showers) and a free mat all come with the twenty dollar entrance fee for class.

The studio was enormous ( a sign was posted that said that maximum use is 300 students-yikes!) There were about twenty students in each class that I took, which was a surprise-maybe I was at off peak classes. There was the usual heat and sweat, but I didn't really feel the humidity that I feel in other studios-they must have primo de-humidifiers.

I was pretty shocked at an incident that occured in the class this morning. A couple were complaining about the heat (I actually heard them huffing and puffing when they came in the room). The woman stuck a towel in the door to get a cool breeze, which frankly, I didn't like (along with a few other students). When the instructor asked her to remove the towel she refused, saying it was "too hot" in the room. Huh? The instructor explained the problem, but the woman was having none of that. It took the focus away from everyone in the class. I've never seen a more obnoxious display of disrespect. My thought was that she should return to the trailer park she was from (ok-not a zen-like yoga attitude) A really big student explained to the women that if she couldn't take the heat she should get out of the kitchen (since he was about 6'2", 300 pounds she didn't respond to him and left the class soon after-her boyfriend had left a few minutes before that). I've never experienced anything like that in a Bikram class.

I'm meeting up with a friend tomorrow who's going to take me to a power yoga class. She's a Bikram instructor who moved back to LA and also does different types of yoga. I'm looking forward to trying it out since I've never tried any form but Bikram

Ok-what am I doing typing away whle I'm on vacation? See ya!

California

I'm out in California for a week and a half-life is good!

It's my first time in Monterrey and Carmel, and definitely not my last. It's an incredible area, so much natural beauty. I think I've taken over fifty photos already! It reminds me a bit of a tropical Newport, RI-incredible coastlines and quaint streets.

I practiced at Bikram Yoga Monterey yesterday, and met some great people. I had a great conversation with the owner, Emily and her husband Billy. Emily is originally from Marblehead, Ma and is a diabetic like myself, so we had a lot to talk about. Her husband gave me some great tips about Monterey.
The instructor for my class, Terry, was an amazing woman. I fed off her energy during the class. I needed that energy since I hadn't practiced in over a week (that whole "work" thing got in the way). She told me that she is going to Acapulco to help instruct at Bikram's next Teacher Training session. I'm not surprised, she's that good! A very motivating person with a great personality.

It's pretty amazing that at every studio I visit, people have such a positive attitude and friendly manner-I definitely attribute it to what they're doing with Bikram!

I'll be working the next few days at my conference, but will hopefully still be able to practice there. I had to blow it off tonight since we're having a group dinner in Monterey.

I'm heading to Los Angeles on Sunday, the start of my vacation. I'm going to go to Bikram's headquarters for classes-that should be interesting.
I'll be hanging with my buddy John, who's a doctor of accupuncture in LA. Knowing John, he'll have some fun things set up to do there. We're actually heading out Sunday night when I arrive, so I'll be experiencing the LA nightlife immediately!

A light at the end of the tunnel!

My thesis has been submitted, three classes left, and I'll have completed the coursework for my masters. To use a very tired cliche, the weight of the world is off my shoulders! It's an incredible feeling! Another great feeling was deleting the software and research sites that I used for my thesis...ahhh, what a great feeling!!

Back to a regular routine for Bikram also. 110 degrees in class the other night, and it felt great. I feel like I've improved greatly in some of the postures, especially standing head to knee-even though I can't get my knee straight or my head to my knee-slowly but surely I'll get there.

I'm heading to Monterrey, California for a conference next week and am definitely going to get to a Bikram studio there-I'll have more time than I did in Seattle last week.

I'm flying down to LA for vacation after the conference and will definitely go to Bikram's headquarters in LA for a few classes-I'm hoping I'll be able to find a class that Bikram is teaching (if he even does that anymore-I'll find out when I'm there, I'm sure). I'm also going to see an old friend from Boston who just moved back to LA and hopefully will be teaching in a studio there-she's a Bikram instructor.

I'm visiting an old roommate/friend that is a doctor of accupuncture in LA. He said he'll try a class with me. Of course, after he introduces me to the wild nightlife in LA, the class could be torture!

I definitely need this vacation!

A great week

Back on the blog after a week away.

Seattle was pretty nice for a work trip. Great restaurants for business dinners, which meant I couldn't get to Bikram. We were tied up in meetings all day, also.

But I got my thesis finished!!!! (thank god for cross-country flights) It's been approved and is now sitting in an envelope, waiting to be given to the professor on Monday night. It's been a long year! But, actually fun also.......I can't believe I just typed that!

I'm off to Bikram tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time, if you know what I mean.

And I got an A for this blog!

Great week!

Off to Seattle

I just finished packing, and here I am, home on a Saturday night! I'm leaving early (7am flight) tomorrow on a business trip to Seattle, which is cross country for me (I'm in Boston). Hopefully I can get some sleep.

I've already scouted out two Bikram studios near my hotel. I'm looking forward to trying another studio-I've never tried one out of the state of Massachusetts. Of course, there shouldn't be any difference-the dialogue is the same worldwide.

I still haven't gotten a grade for my blog, but hopefully that will appear soon.

Back Again

Back to the blog after a week's absence. My Information Research and Technology course ended last week, but I've decided to continue the blog (at least until I finish my thesis).

I just got back from a great Bikram class-the room was packed and I enjoyed the extra humidity (boy-I can't believe I just typed that!). I spent the day at a seminar that ended ended early, so I was able to go to the 4:30 class. I like the instructor for that class, Marina. She's got an incredibly soothing voice that really helps you flow through the class.

I brought my brother to class with me a couple of days ago. He's done yoga for years-in fact he's tried to get me to go to class with him for years. This is the first time he tried Bikram, and he really liked it. With his yoga experience, he had the postures down pretty well-he just had to get acclimated to the heat. He said he liked it and will be back.

I've got two business trips lined up this month-one to Seattle and one to Monterrey, California. I've already scouted out the Bikram studios near my hotels and am hoping that my practice can continue out on the west coast. I'll keep you posted on the studios out there.

I'm still working on my business plan for a Bikram studio and am actually psyched for the long plane rides to the west coast so I can finish up the paper on the plane.

Well, enough typing. Time to start back on the paper.

Back to Regular Bikram Practice

As my paper production winds down, I'm able to get back to my 5 times per week practice..and boy can I feel the difference!
With all my time being taken up with school and only being able to practice once a week (if that), I hadn't realized how much it had affected me physically, mentally and emotionally. My stress levels had reached an all time high.
I'm now back to my regular schedule, more or less, and, after 4 straight days of classes, I feel so much better-no more road rage, short tempers or stress. It's almost magical the way this practice affects you. I'm sure my friends will all be happy that I'm doing this again! ;)
My Information Research and Technology class ends tomorrow night and this Blog is my final exam. I'm pushing for an A-so wish me luck!

Winding Down

I'm definitely in the home stretch. After busting my butt for the last week, I just have some financial work to adjust, and then I'm done (I hope I didn't just jinx myself again). I'm actually finding time for yoga again, which is a good thing.

I had a great class yesterday. After being away for a week, I was afraid that I would collapse in class-it didn't happen! Of course it helped that the window was accidently left open for half the class, so it was only about 100 degrees instead of 105. I'm going back this afternoon-maybe I'll see if I can open the window myself today-only kidding.

More paperwork

A lot's gone on in the last few days... I submitted my final draft a few days ago, had a few beers, relaxed...got more corrections e-mailed to me, and am now typing again!

I have my computer class tomorrow which is perfect timing, since our faculty advisor has given us stuff to correct and hopefully, i'll have some of it done by then. I'll keep you posted..

Almost Done!

The good news is that I'm finishing up my Master's thesis, the bad news is that I've been locked up in my house typing and am unable to get to my favorite Bikram studio.

I have to turn in my final draft by Tuesday evening, so I'm packing a lot of activity into a small period of time-so what else is new, I guess.

Once I finish this thing I'm going to try to get to yoga every day for at least a week to reward myself and hopefully get back on track with my practice. It's certainly hard to maintain your level of practice when you only get to the studio once or twice a week.

Back to the paper- See ya!

Whew!

Well, the yoga worked again! I came home from class last night relaxed and stress-free and was able to fix my computer issues-to a point. I'm sitting in class tonight waiting for my professor to fix the other issues. Our Research and Technology professor has beeen invaluable in helping us with our papers. She sets aside part of our class as a computer lab to give each one of us individual attention for our Master's theses.

The pressure is on us, since our Faculty Advisor is requesting our final draft to be turned in to her by next Tuesday...tick..tick...tick. It's actually not a bad thing, especially for people like myself who need deadlines and do better with a little pressure. I hope I didn't just jinx myself!! :)

Oh sh****

Well-it's turned into one of those days. I've spent the day working on my paper and just realized that I've somehow deleted my entire Appendix section-I would have rather had my real appendix removed. I'm trying to find it somewhere on my computer, which has led to the urge to throw my laptop through the window.

Luckily I'm leaving for yoga in a half hour, which will certainly calm me down and will probably give me the mental focus to solve the problem.

Wish me luck!

Back to "typing away"!

Had a great class tonight! The room was packed, but it wasn't as humid for some reason. The energy in the room was motivating-it encouraged you and seem to give you strength.

Now I'm at home and am typing away on my paper (I just snuck away for a minute to write on the blog). As I thought might happen, I'm energized by this evening's class and am barrelling through the business plan-hopefully the numbers work out okay!!

Need to get back!

I haven't been to Bikram for a few days and can feel it-I'm a lot more sluggish. I'll be able to go tomorrow night after work so that'll revitalize me and help me get my paper done sooner.

I'm working on my financials this evening, which is probably why I'm typing on this blog (yes, I'm a master procrastinator). Maybe I'll do laundry after I finish typing on the blog. :)

Bikram Yoga

I’m sitting in my computer class studying the blogs we’ve created in class.

I’ve just realized that I keep mentioning Bikram Yoga in my posts but have never explained exactly what Bikram Yoga is!

Bikram Yoga is a 90 minute yoga class performed in a room heated to approximately 105 degrees. Twenty six postures and two breathing exercises(each one performed twice). When I first tried it I thought it was extremely difficult and painful (I still feel that way sometimes!). I was told by a friend that it can be incredibly addictive. After my first class I told my friend that he was crazy-who could get addicted to that torture? Twisted into various pretzel shapes, completely drenched in sweat, who could enjoy that? Well, now I understand and even revel in the addiction.

I have learned so much in these classes. My type A personality has certainly mellowed out a bit. I can leave class, drive home, get cut off by a crazed driver on rt. 128, and just shake my head and smile-no swearing, hand gestures, horns, etc. It has helped so much with my stress levels. Physically, I have also changed-20 less pounds, three inches off my waist, no more back or knee pain-it’s almost miraculous!

January has been an interesting month for practicing this form of yoga. The New Years resolution crowd has filled each class to almost overflowing. It really bothered me during my first few classes in January-the humidity almost overpowered me. I realized, though, that I had no control over that. During the next few classes I tried to embrace the humidity and use it in my practice-it actually worked! I was able to improve my focus and my breathing.

My studio currently has a 30 day challenge going on. This involves attending class for 30 days straight. I can’t do that now with my school schedule, but will do it once I graduate in June.

That’s all for now…Good night!

Testing BlogJet

I have installed an interesting application - BlogJet. It's a cool Windows client for my blog tool (as well as for other tools). Get your copy here: http://blogjet.com

"Computers are incredibly fast, accurate and stupid; humans are incredibly slow, inaccurate and brilliant; together they are powerful beyond imagination." -- Albert Einstein

 

Another exercise for our class!

Bikram class

I went to a class today and was energized...as usual. I know people can experience different things during and after a class- I'm always energized and clear headed for a long period of time after a class. This state can be very helpful when putting a thesis together!

I'm making great progress in the paper-I'm almost done with all of Dr. Wulf's suggestions. I'm saving the financials for the end-an excellent example of procrastination.

Typing away

I'm on vacation this week and have spent a lot of time working on my paper. I've also been practicing Bikram Yoga each day, which has been helping my energy (and frustration) level (which I really need when sitting at a desk typing all day).

The business plan has been the toughest part of the process for me. Not being a gifted "numbers" person, I'm slogging through this part slowly, but surely. I do have some great sites that are helping me with this, but if anyone has any tips on business plans, I'd love to hear from you.

welcome

Well, here I am, sitting in my Information Research and Technology class, developing my first Blog, courtesy of my professor and Blogger. I'll be writing about my efforts in producing my master's thesis (also known as an ILP). My ILP is a feasibility study on opening a Bikram Yoga studio.