Worth the Wait

FINALLY!!!
The long wait is so worth it!
Thank you!!! (you know who YOU are!)

26 Positions of Bikram Yoga

Here are the 26 positions of Bikram Yoga and their benefits:

1. Pranayama - standing deep breathing

• Good for lungs and respiratory system
• Helps with mental relaxation
• Helps high blood pressure
• Relieves irritability
• Good for detoxification
• Exercises nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems

2. Ardha Chandrasana with Pada Hastasana - half moon pose with hands to feet pose

• Works into the whole skeletal and circulatory systems
• Opens shoulder joints
• Good for frozen shoulder
• Reduces or eliminates pain in the lower back
• Good for abdominal obesity
• Improves and strengthens every muscle in the central part of the body. Increases the flexibility of the spine
• Tones the spinal nerves and abdominal organs improving the working of the bowels
• Increases flexibility and strength of rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, oblique, deltoid and trapezius muscles
• Helps with sciatic problems
• Alleviates anxiety and reduces mental stress
• Stimulates pituitary gland
• Exercises colon, pancreas, kidneys, muscular, skeletal, respiratory and glandular systems
• Firms and trims waistline, hips, abdomen, buttocks and thighs

Ardha Chandrasana - back bend compression of spine

• Stimulates proper function of the pancreas, kidneys and liver
• Stretches and stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands
• Regulates hormone production
• Relieves back pain
• Improves and strengthens every muscle in the central part of the body
• Increases the flexibility of the spine
• Corrects bad posture
• Increases flexibility and strength of rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, oblique, deltoid and trapezius muscles
• Good for frozen shoulders
• Good for abdominal obesity
• Helps with sciatic problems
• Stimulates digestion
• Firms and trims waistline, hips, abdomen, buttocks and thighs

Pada Hastasana - hands to feet pose

• Works into the whole skeletal and circulatory system
• Lengthens the spine making it supple and elastic
• Increases flexibility of the spine and the sciatic nerves
• Improves flexibility of tendons and ligaments of the legs
• Strengthens the biceps of thighs and calves
• Strengthens rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, oblique, deltoid and trapezius muscles
• Firms and trims waistline, hips, abdomen, buttocks and thighs
• Opens shoulder joints
• Good for frozen shoulders
• Relieves lower back pain
• Good for abdominal obesity
• Greatly enhances concentration
• Helps with sciatic problems
• Stimulates pituitary and pineal glands
• Exercises colon, pancreas, klar systemsidneys, muscular, skeletal, respiratory and glandular systems

3. Utkatasana - awkward pose (in three parts, see pics below)

• Improves overall body strength
• Opens pelvis
• Strengthens and tones leg muscles
• Relieves menstrual cramping
• Reduces fat pocket under buttocks
• Aligns skeletal system
• Good for arthritis conditions
• Good for digestion
• Relieves joint pain
• Relieves sciatica
• Improves flexibility in toes and ankles
• Exercises liver, intestines and pancreas

4. Garurasana - eagle pose

• Works into twelve major joints of the body

• Good for central nervous system
• Facilitates lymphatic function, improving immune system
• Improves mobility of hip joint
• Improves balance
• Strengthens legs
• Good for varicose veins

5. Dandayamana-Janushirasana - standing head to knee pose

• Builds mental strength
• Improves concentration
• Unifies mind and body
• Uses all major muscle groups
• Exercises digestive and reproductive organs
• Good for diabetes
• Strengthens back muscles

6. Dandayamana-Dhanurasana - standing bow pulling pose

• Stimulates cardiovascular system
• Increases circulation to heart and lungs
• Opens diaphragm
• Opens shoulder joint
• Helps frozen shoulder conditions
• Improves spine elasticity
• Improves strength and balance
• Reduces abdominal fat
• Helps regulate ovaries and prostate gland

7. Tuladandasana - balancing stick pose

• Increases cardiovascular circulation, especially to the heart vessels
• May help clear blocked arteries
• May help prevent future cardiac problems
• Creates a total spine stretch. Relieves stress from spine
• Good for varicose veins
• Builds strength in legs
• Exercises pancreas, spleen, liver, nervous and circulatory system

8. Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada Paschimottanasana - standing separate leg stretching pose

• Increases circulation to the brain and adrenal glands
• Centers nervous system
• May be good for depression
• Good for constipation
• Helps reduce abdominal obesity
• Helps with diabetes and hyperacidity
• Releases lower back
• Exercises muscular, adrenal and reproductive systems

9. Trikanasana - triangle pose

• An excellent cardiovascular workout
• Intensely stretches each side of the body
• Opens and increases flexibility of hip joints
• Reduces saddle bags
• Good for kidney, thyroid and adrenal glands
• Opens shoulder joint, good for frozen shoulder
• Strengthens and tones legs and buttocks
• Helps regulate hormone levels
• Works all muscular groups simultaneously
• Helps conditions of constipation, colitis, low blood pressure, appendicitis, spondylitis, menstrual disorders

10. Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Janushirasana - standing separate leg head to knee pose

• May be good for depression and memory loss
• Reduces abdominal obesity
• Good for diabetic conditions
• Balances blood sugar levels
• Assists in regulating pancreas and kidneys
• Works endocrine, digestive and reproductive systems

11. Tadasana - tree pose

• Assists in correcting bad posture
• Increases hip and knee flexibility and mobility
• Stretches spine
• Releases abdominal tension
• Relieves lower back pain
• Tightens gluteal muscles
• Good for circulatory problems, arthritis and rheumatism

12. Padangustasana - toe stand

• Creates balance and focus in body and mind
• Strengthens stomach muscles
• Strengthens joints (hips, knees, ankles, toes)
• Helps relieve arthritis in all leg joints including hips

13. Savasana - corpse pose

• Returns cardiovascular circulation to normal
• Slows heart rate, reduces blood pressure
• Teaches complete relaxation
• Stills and focuses the mind

14. Pavanamuktasana - wind removing pose

• Massages ascending, descending and transverse colon
• Regulates and normalizes hydrochloric acid levels in stomach
• Improves and may cure conditions of constipation, flatulence and hyperacidity
• Relieves lower back pain
• Improves flexibility of the hip joints
• Firms and tones muscles of the abdominal wall, thighs and hips
• Increases peristalsis in the gut

15. Sit-up

• Strengthens and tightens the abdomen
• Open mouth exhalation stimulates diaphragm and eliminates toxins from lungs

16. Bhujangasana - cobra pose

• The arching of the spine increases flexibility and strength
• Rejuvenates spinal nerves enriching them with a rich blood supply
  
• Improves flexibility and tone of spinal muscles, massages, works and tones back muscles
• Helps relieve and prevent lower backache
• Helps cure or relieve lumbago, rheumatism, arthritis and menstrual problems
• Helps cure loss of appetite
• Stretches the thoracic region and expands the rib cage bringing relief from asthma
• Gentle pressure on the abdomen massages all organs and improves their function
• Strengthens deltoids, trapezius and triceps
• Compresses and opens spine
• Relieves cervical spondylosis
• Improves concentration
• Helps to relieve many utero-ovarine and menstrual problems

17. Salabhasana - locust pose

• Same benefits as cobra pose and even more effective in helping conditions of slipped disc and sciatica
• Firms buttocks and hips
• Increases spinal strength, flexibility and circulation
• Improves flexibility and tone of spinal muscles
• Helps relieve and prevent backache
• Helps cure or relieve lumbago, rheumatism, arthritis and menstrual problems
• Helps cure loss of appetite
• Improves sluggish digestion
• Increases abdominal pressure and regulates intestinal function
• Strengthens the abdominal wall
• Helps correct bad posture
• Improves function of liver and spleen
• Strengthens shoulder, arm and back muscles
• Compresses and opens spine
• Relieves cervical spondylosis and back pain
• Encourages concentration and perseverance

18. Poorna-Salabhasana - full locust pose

• Firms muscles of the abdomen, upper arms, hips and thighs
• Increases spinal strength and flexibility
• Improves flexibility and tone of spinal muscles
  
• Helps relieve and prevent lower backache
• Helps cure or relieve lumbago, rheumatism, arthritis and menstrual problems. Helps cure loss of appetite
• Helps correct bad posture
• Improves function of liver and spleen
• Strengthens deltoids, trapezius and triceps
• Compresses and opens spine
• Relieves cervical spondylosis

19. Dhanurasana - floor bow pose

• Increases circulation to heart and lungs, improves oxygen intake
• Opens diaphragm and expands the chest region - improves respiratory conditions
• Opens shoulder joint and helps frozen shoulder conditions
• Increases spinal strength and flexibility and tone of spinal muscles
• Revitalizes spinal nerves by increasing circulation to the spine
• Strengthens, compresses and opens lower, mid and upper spine
• Improves strength and balance. Reduces abdominal fat and strengthens abdominal muscles
• Helps regulate ovaries and prostate gland
• Helps cure or relieve lumbago, rheumatism, arthritis and menstrual problems
• Improves digestion
• Helps correct bad posture
• Strengthens concentration and mental determination
• Develops internal balance and harmony
• Improves function of kidneys, liver and spleen
• Strengthens deltoids, trapezius, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi and triceps
• Relieves cervical spondylosis

20. Supta-Vajrasana - fixed firm pose

• Helps conditions of sciatica, gout, varicose veins and rheumatism in the legs
• Slims and tones thighs, firms calf muscles and strengthens the abdomen
• Strengthens and improves flexibility of lower spine, knees and ankle joints
• Lubricates and increases circulation to joints
• Strengthens and lengthens abdominal muscles
• Creates a great stretch into hip joints and diaphragm
• Relieves lower back pain

21. Ardha-Kurmasana - half tortoise pose

• A rejuvenation pose providing maximum relaxation
• Assists in relieving digestion problems and constipation
• Stretches lower part of the lungs, increases lung capacity
• Excellent for respiratory conditions
• Increases circulation to the brain
• Firms the abdomen and thighs
• Increases flexibility of hip joints
• Improves mobility of shoulder girdle and associated muscles (scapula, deltoids, triceps, latissimus dorsi)
• Relieves stress and migraines
• Helps with insomnia
• Increases flexibility in hips

22. Ustrasana - camel pose

• Compresses spine, relieving back problems
• Opens rib cage, lungs and digestive system
• Stimulates nervous system
• Great for lungs and many bronchial problems
• Strengthens back and shoulder muscles
• Improves flexion of neck
• Stretches throat
• Flushes fresh blood through kidneys
• Helps eliminate toxins

23. Sasangasana - rabbit pose

• Provides maximum longitudinal extension of the spine
• Stretches the spine to increase proper nutrition to the nervous system
• Improves the mobility and elasticity of the spine and back muscles
• Stimulates thyroid and parathyroid glands through compression, helps balance and regulate metabolism
• Balances hormones
• Improves flexibility of scapula and trapezius
• Improves digestion, glandular problems and helps improve conditions of the sinus, common cold and chronic tonsillitis
• Helps insomnia, depression

24. Janushirasana with Paschimottanasana - head to knee pose with intense stretching posture

• Head to knee pose helps balance blood sugar levels and the metabolism
• Improves flexibility of sciatic nerve and ankle, knee and hip joints
• Enhances kidney function
• The intense stretching pose increases circulation to liver, spleen and pancreas
• Stimulates thymus gland, digestion and immune system
• Increases flexibility of the trapezius, deltoid, erectus femoris and biceps muscles, sciatic nerve and last five vertebrae of the spine
• Stretches and strengthens pelvic girdle, hip joints, shoulder joints and spine
• Powerfully massages all the abdominal organs
• Stimulates and tones the digestive organs, increases peristalsis, relieves constipation and other problems
• Regulates function of the pancreas, assisting those with diabetes or hypoglycemia
  
• Mobilizes joints and increases elasticity in the lumbar spine
• Relieves compression of the spine and sciatica
• Strengthens and stretches the hamstrings
• Improves concentration and mental endurance

25. Ardha Matsyendrasana - spine twisting pose

• Compresses and stretches spine from the bottom to the top
• Increases hip and back flexibility
  
• Improves digestion
• Firms the buttocks, thighs and abdomen
• Improves elasticity, flexibility, circulation and nutrition to spinal nerves, vessels and tissues
• Increases synovial fluid of the joints
• Removes adhesions in the joints caused by rheumatism
• Tones the roots of the spinal nerves and sympathetic nervous system
• Detoxifying
• Opens bronchial muscles and rib cage
• Helps prevent slipped disc
• Relieves lower back pain
• Helps sciatica and arthritis of the knee
• Massages kidneys, liver, gall bladder, spleen and bowels
  

26. Kapalbhati in Vajrasana - blowing in firm pose

• Detoxifies and cleanses body by removing stale air and toxins from lungs
• Brings mental clarity
• Strengthens abdominal organs and wall
• Normalizes bowels
• Energizes body
• Improves oxygenation to the body
• Improves cardiovascular and respiratory systems
• Good for high blood pressure

Bikram Yoga - Day 2

Even with sore muscles, I forced myself to go to my yoga class last night. They say I should follow it up with another session immediately to get rid of the pain. That's just what I did and they were right! =) The pain is gone.

Ooops

As soon as I got home and had an early dinner after my first Bikram Yoga session yesterday, I felt so restless. The bed looked so inviting and I slept. I felt so tired. When I woke up this morning, my body was in pain. My muscles were aching all over and I had fever.

I just thought to myself, "it must be working then."

Bikram Yoga - Day 1

I signed up for a seven-day unlimited trial session of Bikram Yoga in Bikram Yoga Greenhills. Bikram Yoga is a challenging series of 26 postures done in a heated room over a 90-minute period. The series is designed to provide a comprehensive workout that increases the body's strength, balance, and flexibility. It is done in a hot room to make the muscles more pliable, allowing a safer stretch during class.

I contemplated which of the two studios here in Manila I should attend classes to, Makati or Greenhills. I chose the latter because it is cheaper. I arrived almost an hour earlier. It was a relief that there were two newbies like me during our class. They were both friendly. Actually almost everyone in the studio is friendly - from the staff to the instructors to the "yogis". I like the atmosphere. I wasn't able to religiously follow the positions correctly but I am so happy I survived my first day! I was sweating like I've never sweat before! I'm glad too that finally I was able to use my five year old, never used yoga mat. I bought this when I enrolled in a yoga class somewhere in 6750 Ayala several years ago. I never attended a single class.:D That is so me. I wish this time it will be different.

To Whom It May Concern

To Whom It May Concern:

You try hard to bring out the bitch in me. You try to make it appear as though I'm stupid and a good for nothing bitch. From this day forward, I will be your bitch-slave. You order, I deliver.

I will rattle your cage like I've never rattled anyone's cage before.

xoxo,
L

I Can Hardly Wait!!!

"After years of living in the city
I assumed that if my friends and I ever
got our fairy tale endings
that would be the end of the story.
But real life - always has a twist."

- Carrie Bradshaw

"Year after year, twenty-something women
come to New York City in search of
the two "L"s: labels and love.
Twenty years ago, I was one of them.
Having gotten the knack for labels early...
I concentrated on love."

- Carrie Bradshaw

She's definitely back... with her friends
...and
MR. BIG!


SEX AND THE CITY the movie.

Bitten!

I just got bitten by the Lomo bug. I used up the whole roll of film in my Vivitar UWS and took random photos to later on find out that I should have used a more "lomographic" film in the cam. Anyways, here's my first roll.

I can't wait to get that Fisheye next!

Lobo

I love the logo of ABS-CBN's TV series - Lobo.
I love the theme song, too.
I was able to watch a few episodes and now I'm hooked.

Torture for a Day

Have you ever felt a major pain from wearing a nice shoes to work like it's torture? That's what I experienced the whole day yesterday. I decided to wear my three-inch high pointy stilettos because it has been sleeping in my closet for years and years so I decided to put it on. I never had a problem wearing this kind of shoes before so I guess this is what happens when you become used to wearing flats, sneakers and Havaianas on a daily basis. It was actually tolerable for the most part at work since I was sitting almost the whole time and we have carpeted floors but the minute I stepped out of the building and began crossing the street on my way to Greenbelt, that's when I almost took my shoes off. I swear I would gladly walk barefoot than wear this shoes for a while longer. Good thing the salon is just a few blocks away. I got in to have my brows threaded and forgot about my aching feet. Sigh. If it hadn't, I would have bought a pair of slippers. As soon as I arrived home, I hurried to my room and did this:

A Good Friday

Got this from the mail today:

Because of the rally in Ayala Avenue just outside the office,
we were dismissed early...
but I was so hungry because I only had
monggo for lunch
so
we had merienda cena
at Mr. Rockefeller in GB3.(photo courtesy of clickthecity.com)
I love, love the 5 layer nachos! We also had
oysters rockefeller, Alaskan sole fillet and
this salmon dish I ordered.

After our early dinner,
DD saw that MJ's Thriller 25th Anniversary album
is already released in Music One.
(Believe me, this is the first time
I saw DD's eyes get THAT wide!) :DDD: Conquer your fear. Look now!!! hahahaha
I listened to it the minute I got home.

Dogster.com

Ever since Alfie was confined at the clinic, there was never a day I did not browse his dogster account which I created last January 2005. I have never updated it in a long while and today I am not sure if I should write "in loving memory" in his profile or if I would just keep him alive. I choose the latter. He will forever be alive in my heart.

If you get the chance, checkitout! Also, Louise's.

In Memoriam: Alfie

D' Punisher "Alfie" of NPR

13 July 2004 - 10 February 2008

I woke up at 7am from a two-hour sleep yesterday and prepared to visit Alfie in the clinic. As I was dressing up, I called up the vet to let him know I was coming.

Me: Good morning, Doc. I'll be there in a few minutes. How's Alfie?
Vet: I was just trying to call you. He didn't make it.
Me: ...
Vet: He slept the whole day yesterday. At 11pm, he was having a shortness of breath. He was in comatose at 3am and at 5am, he's gone. I'm sorry.
Me: Okay. So what do I do now?
Vet: Would you like us to bury him or do you want to do it yourself?
Me: Please do it. I can't see him. I don't want to see him. But I'm going there now. I'll bring his puppies and his one year old dog. I'll bring Louise some other time.
Vet: Okay, see you.

As soon as I hang up, I was shaking and crying. I boohooed inside my room. I cried until I can cry no more. I miss Alfie and I will miss him for as long as I live.

Sleepless...

It's four in the morning.

I can't bring myself to sleep.

I am exhausted from crying the whole night.

Alfie is still alive but he looks terrible.

I know he's not gonna make it and there's nothing I can do.

Alfie Update II

There is still no sign of improvement. I took Alfie out of the clinic and transferred him to a recommended veterinarian. And there he was treated and diagnosed properly. The new vet, Dr. Jorge Ferrer told me that Alfie is really in bad, bad shape and he will do what he can but made no guarantee which I perfectly understand. I just want Alfie to have the best treatment possible.

Right now I am hoping for a miracle.

Alfie Update

I woke up early feeling sick and the first thing I did was to call the clinic. I felt so relieved knowing that Alfie is still alive. I decided to call in sick so I could spend time with him and have his lab test. He is still weak.

At around 7pm, I received a phone call from the vet saying that Alfie was dying and that we should go there immediately. I felt so numb. I didn't cry nor panic. I didn't feel a thing. I couldn't even move. I told Deda and our driver to pick him up. I just couldn't make myself see him lifeless. A few minutes after they left, I got another call from the vet telling me that it was just a false alarm. I literally ran to the clinic to see for myself and there he was...looking so weak but still alive. At that moment, the vet was getting to my nerves already. I was mad at her I wanted to ask if she is a veterinarian at all. I wanted to transfer Alfie to a more reputable clinic but it was already late. I'll do it first thing tomorrow.

Alfie

I received a call early in the afternoon from Deda asking if I would allow that my dog Alfie be brought to the vet and have him confined because he is sick. I was initially surprised because I didn't see it coming but later in the day realized that I should have expected it because I have neglected him. I have never for the longest time paid attention to him nor have I ever took a minute to even glance at him because my attention is with Louise and the newly born puppies.

From work, I planned to go home first but when I passed by the clinic, my instinct told me to step out of the cab and visit him. When I saw him, I was beyond shocked. I couldn't believe he is THE Alfie I used to play with. He is beyond recognition and he is so so so weak. When I arrived, he was lying down. I called his name and tried to communicate with him and he responded. In fact, he got a little hyper, tried to stand and walk but he was in really bad shape and was falling. After a while, he had seizures. I thought he was gonna die. That moment I lost control. I cried so hard. I cried not only because I felt I'm gonna lose him but also because I knew that I failed him. I did not give the proper care and attention he so rightfully deserves. He gave me 14 beautiful puppies and I gave him NOTHING. I felt so sorry and ashamed. And the thing is, he still recognizes me. He gave me a look that says everything and I understood. It was like he was trying to say: "I forgive you. Please take care of me. I don't want to go...just yet." He was in the worst form but he was trying to survive. I went home crying and feeling soooooo bad. At 3am, I was still crying and praying for him. I want him to survive because I want to give him what he truly deserves and make up for everything I have and have not done. I never thought I would cry over a dog. I never thought a dog would have touched my heart so much the way Alfie did. I don't know if I could forgive myself if I lost him.

Bakers' Festival

St. Therese

I received an email last January 16th about St. Therese's pilgrim relics in the Philippines and I initially planned on visiting my cousins in Villamor Air Base where the shrine of St. Therese is located. But this morning, I was asked by Vel if I wanted to join them in St. Michael's Chapel to visit the relics and who says no to that?

St. Therese's Relics

St. Therese

Got a souvenir novena booklet and chaplet.