I am absolutely exhausted!
I spent the past weekend in a rigorous Pranic Healing course. I am now a certified Level I Pranic Healer.
Pranic Healing is an ancient Eastern science and art of healing that utilizes prana, also known as Chi, Ki, Ruah, among others. I took the course because I thought it would be something interesting to take as I complete my pre-requisites for my nursing program. I figured that it would be an opportunity to experience a different way of doing things. I enjoy yoga and I was raised in a family that encouraged mysticism and new age ideas, (which I have spent much of my adult life being skeptical of), but I thought that pranic healing might bring an element of spirituality that I was lacking. I was right.
About a week before my class I receive an email from my instructor. "Namaste," it begins. She goes on to say that we need to bring a spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol and wear comfortable clothing (not silk, as it blocks energy). This should be interesting, I thought.
When I walked into class on Friday night, I wasn't sure what to expect. There were only 11 people in my class. The instructor's son was filling buckets with water and salt. What the heck? She starts out explaining her background and how she came across this technique. She explains what it is. She then says "don't think I'm a crazy lady. I'll give you a demonstration. Be open to it."
She then proceeds to demo pranic healing on one of my classmates with a headache.
It was one of the weirdest things I had ever seen.
I remained skeptical. We practiced scanning the aura. Looking for air and earth prana. Absorbing solar prana. Cleansing, sweeping, energizing. Sometimes I felt nothing. But, more often, I would feel or experience something that truly weirded me out.
Day 2 came along and we expaned upon our practice. We did all sorts of things that I can't even begin to explain to you.
My homework for day 2 was to practice on someone. I experimented on Joe. He made fun of me for taking the class, but later seemed to feel a little bit of what I was doing. I don't know it he was trying to humor me or what, but he definately reacted to things that he didn't even know I was doing.
Day 3 came along and we tied it all together.
Pranic Healing is interesting. Before I went into it, I wasn't sure what to expect. When I first started it, I thought it was a load of crap. Now? I'm thinking there might be a little something there. My instructor hosts free clinics in the Columbus area every Monday from 6:30-9 at the United Methodist Church on North Broadway. If you want more info, ask me. I'm looking forward to practicing my technique there in the near future. I may just even go for my Level II certificate. Who knows?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Duke Spirit! & BRMC Private Show!
About 2 months ago, I decided that Black Rebel Motorcycle Club was my new favorite band. Oftentimes, I decide I love a band many years after they first come to the scene. I'm just delayed. Joe, in his love for up and coming bands and small, intimate rock shows, is teaching me how to discover new talent. He's really good at it. He has a good ear for what will be popular. And he knows music.
ANYWAY...
After listening to BRMC over and over on my iPod, I went to Pollstar to see if they were touring. What luck! They were coming to Cincinnati/Covington, KY for a show at a little rock club called The Mad Hatter. No shows in Columbus or Cleveland.
I convince Joe that a weekend rock trip is needed. He agrees.
I buy the tickets.
A day after I buy the tickets, I hear a promotion on CD101 - BRMC is holding a private show at Skully's at the end of April sponsored by Jack Daniels. Skully's is within walking distance to our house. Go figure.
About a month goes by and CD101 Day approaches. CD101 Day is a show at the LC that is only $5, put on by the local radio station. They showcase several local and up and coming bands. Our friend Matt had tickets he wasn't going to use, so he gave them to us.
In our research of the bands that were playing (The Whigs, Zox, The Switches, The Duke Spirit, and Von Iva, among others), Joe determines that The Duke Spirit will be the best band. He doesn't like Von Iva. I do, since they're kinda techno-y. I've since changed my mind after buying their album, though.
Anyway, we get to CD 101 day a bit late (we were hungover from the night before - The New Pornographers with Okkervil River - free tix I won from being a CSCC student). We were able to catch the end of The Duke Spirit. We were pretty bummed that we missed most of their set, as they sounded awesome.
A couple days later, I'm checking out things on the internet in preparation for our KY roadtrip. The Duke Spirit is opening for BRMC!! We couldn't have been happier.
In the weeks following this discovery and CD101 day, we try and try and try to win tix to the private BRMC show. No luck.
Fast foward to April 18th. I'm pretty neurotic and make sure we leave on time. We stop at Sonic for fuel and begin our voyage. We have an awesome hotel in a great location in Mainstrasse in Covington. Being the walkers that we are, we hike our way around town. We actually heard a "Where's Jim Bob?" and a "Is Johnny Boy home?" No joke.
We eat tons of potato pancakes and order a huge beer pitcher. So huge, we have to give it away to a thirsty group of preppy, pregaming boys.
Finally, we get to the venue and get in line. Joe snaps pictures and brags about how he thinks he saw someone from the band - a guy in a red shirt and black vest.
The Mad Hatter is a converted strip club. The stage is really low to the ground. It is also very smoky, since it is KY.
We head to the front of the stage. Primo view! I've never been that close to a major band.
The Duke Spirit are awesome! You really need to check them out. They're kinda a watery, smoky Bijork-y sound.
About 4 songs into the BRMC set, we decide that we're smoked out and peopled out, so we head to the back and sit on a vacant couch and watch The Duke Spirit play pool with their crew. Then we head outside for a breath of fresh air. Joe runs into the red shirted black vested guy again - Olly. Drummer for the Duke Spirit. Joe compliments him on a great show. Olly stops to talk to us. And talk. And talk. We tell him how we loved seeing them at the CD101 day show and we traveled down to this one. He thought it was great as he wasn't used to people traveling to see bands in the UK. We tell him about the private BRMC show that we can't win tix to.
"We don't have any friends in Columbus. We'll get you on the list."
He then introduces us to his tour manager, who explains how we can get on the list. Then, he takes his picture with us.
It was awesome! We have a new UK friend! In a talented band, nonetheless!
I don't even remember the rest of the BRMC show. I know it was good. I know they played a looong time. I know they played all of my favorite songs.
I don't remember getting home very much, but I did end up somehow with an extra, free, takeout box of chocolate chip pecan waffle house waffles. with syrup. and a stolen spoon in my new BRMC tote bag I bought at the show. apparently.
We spent the rest of the week visiting with Dustin and Heather.
Yesterday, I get an email from Jack Daniels. So does Joe. We've both won tickets for us and a guest to the BRMC show. But we have to show ID because we'll be on a list. (maybe 2 times now?) So, we're having problems trying to figure out how and if we can get our friends to the show.
And I have nursing aide class, which is mandatory because it is state governed, so we can't make it to see The Duke Spirit in the Big Room :( At least I can see the show though!!
The moral of the story is - BRMC is great. Drink Jack Daniels. And, above all...
listen to the Duke Spirit!
ANYWAY...
After listening to BRMC over and over on my iPod, I went to Pollstar to see if they were touring. What luck! They were coming to Cincinnati/Covington, KY for a show at a little rock club called The Mad Hatter. No shows in Columbus or Cleveland.
I convince Joe that a weekend rock trip is needed. He agrees.
I buy the tickets.
A day after I buy the tickets, I hear a promotion on CD101 - BRMC is holding a private show at Skully's at the end of April sponsored by Jack Daniels. Skully's is within walking distance to our house. Go figure.
About a month goes by and CD101 Day approaches. CD101 Day is a show at the LC that is only $5, put on by the local radio station. They showcase several local and up and coming bands. Our friend Matt had tickets he wasn't going to use, so he gave them to us.
In our research of the bands that were playing (The Whigs, Zox, The Switches, The Duke Spirit, and Von Iva, among others), Joe determines that The Duke Spirit will be the best band. He doesn't like Von Iva. I do, since they're kinda techno-y. I've since changed my mind after buying their album, though.
Anyway, we get to CD 101 day a bit late (we were hungover from the night before - The New Pornographers with Okkervil River - free tix I won from being a CSCC student). We were able to catch the end of The Duke Spirit. We were pretty bummed that we missed most of their set, as they sounded awesome.
A couple days later, I'm checking out things on the internet in preparation for our KY roadtrip. The Duke Spirit is opening for BRMC!! We couldn't have been happier.
In the weeks following this discovery and CD101 day, we try and try and try to win tix to the private BRMC show. No luck.
Fast foward to April 18th. I'm pretty neurotic and make sure we leave on time. We stop at Sonic for fuel and begin our voyage. We have an awesome hotel in a great location in Mainstrasse in Covington. Being the walkers that we are, we hike our way around town. We actually heard a "Where's Jim Bob?" and a "Is Johnny Boy home?" No joke.
We eat tons of potato pancakes and order a huge beer pitcher. So huge, we have to give it away to a thirsty group of preppy, pregaming boys.
Finally, we get to the venue and get in line. Joe snaps pictures and brags about how he thinks he saw someone from the band - a guy in a red shirt and black vest.
The Mad Hatter is a converted strip club. The stage is really low to the ground. It is also very smoky, since it is KY.
We head to the front of the stage. Primo view! I've never been that close to a major band.
The Duke Spirit are awesome! You really need to check them out. They're kinda a watery, smoky Bijork-y sound.
About 4 songs into the BRMC set, we decide that we're smoked out and peopled out, so we head to the back and sit on a vacant couch and watch The Duke Spirit play pool with their crew. Then we head outside for a breath of fresh air. Joe runs into the red shirted black vested guy again - Olly. Drummer for the Duke Spirit. Joe compliments him on a great show. Olly stops to talk to us. And talk. And talk. We tell him how we loved seeing them at the CD101 day show and we traveled down to this one. He thought it was great as he wasn't used to people traveling to see bands in the UK. We tell him about the private BRMC show that we can't win tix to.
"We don't have any friends in Columbus. We'll get you on the list."
He then introduces us to his tour manager, who explains how we can get on the list. Then, he takes his picture with us.
It was awesome! We have a new UK friend! In a talented band, nonetheless!
I don't even remember the rest of the BRMC show. I know it was good. I know they played a looong time. I know they played all of my favorite songs.
I don't remember getting home very much, but I did end up somehow with an extra, free, takeout box of chocolate chip pecan waffle house waffles. with syrup. and a stolen spoon in my new BRMC tote bag I bought at the show. apparently.
We spent the rest of the week visiting with Dustin and Heather.
Yesterday, I get an email from Jack Daniels. So does Joe. We've both won tickets for us and a guest to the BRMC show. But we have to show ID because we'll be on a list. (maybe 2 times now?) So, we're having problems trying to figure out how and if we can get our friends to the show.
And I have nursing aide class, which is mandatory because it is state governed, so we can't make it to see The Duke Spirit in the Big Room :( At least I can see the show though!!
The moral of the story is - BRMC is great. Drink Jack Daniels. And, above all...
listen to the Duke Spirit!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tooth Model
Today started with a 3 at 6:30 (AM) on CD 101 with Muse, my favorite band. I was pretty happy--a good start to the day. I went to Microbio lecture and then headed off to work. My coworkers had hidden a boston cream pie at my desk. (Another coworker had brought it in to thank us for covering his desk and yesterday, someone in our unit ate all the cupcakes that were brought in for the unit. I never got one and complained, since I like to eat.) So, I got a nice big piece of pie. What a way to start the workday!
I had to go to the dentist today. Everytime I go, I freak out, because this is a fairly new dentist. I had gone to my previous dentist in Lakewood for 22 years. After I switched to one in Columbus, they found my first cavity. I've never felt like a failure so much as I did that day.
Today, however, the dentist informed me that I should be a tooth model. So, if you have any connections, let me know.
Before I left, the hygenist gave me a huge hug. Hygenists are the best. My last hygenist, who I went to for years and years, tried to get me to babysit her kids. I'd totally go into oral hygeine except that I have no desire to smell people's breath all day. Thank you to those who can handle it!
I had to go to the dentist today. Everytime I go, I freak out, because this is a fairly new dentist. I had gone to my previous dentist in Lakewood for 22 years. After I switched to one in Columbus, they found my first cavity. I've never felt like a failure so much as I did that day.
Today, however, the dentist informed me that I should be a tooth model. So, if you have any connections, let me know.
Before I left, the hygenist gave me a huge hug. Hygenists are the best. My last hygenist, who I went to for years and years, tried to get me to babysit her kids. I'd totally go into oral hygeine except that I have no desire to smell people's breath all day. Thank you to those who can handle it!
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