Friends, it is time for an update on Cali’s shenanigans.

Number 1: Pursuit of the Ph.D.

Several months ago I decided to continue my graduate education. I graduated in May 2009 with my M.A. American Studies, which interestingly did not afford me many opportunities. Regardless of my own marketability, I love to learn. I want to pass my passion for education along to others, and the best way for me to accomplish this goal is to earn my Ph.D. and become a college professor.

Before I made the decision to go for the Ph.D., I considered getting my teaching certification. I prepared to take my PRAXIS exam, and I investigated all of the teacher education programs within a 50 mile radius. Messiah College’s post baccalaureate program seemed to be the best fit. I talked to some professors (who might now think I’m insane…), and despite encouragement from family and friends I was feeling a little uncomfortable with the idea of being in a high school classroom. I was settling for something that didn’t quite elicit a positive emotional response.

In the midst of all this indecision, Quinn and I had a friend in town visiting from Indiana. We were having this whole “What should Cali do with her life?” discussion that many of you are familiar with, and I was less-than-excitedly explaining the high school teacher plan. He stopped me and said, “Cali, don’t you think God is bigger than that. He created you with gifts and desires, and you were created to pursue them.” Hmm. Well I’ll be darned. He stopped me right in my tracks. In that moment I changed my course of action. I still had to take my PRAXIS (damn ETS), but I began to prepare for my GRE test (damn ETS) which is scheduled for November 9. I want to better my score even though I know that it isn’t “essential” to get in to the programs – but it’s good for funding if I do well.

Moving on. So the past few months I’ve been all over the east coast looking at programs. A few weeks ago, I fell in love. Temple University. I did fall in love with Boston University before that, but the faculty at Temple made me drop BU like a 7th grade boyfriend. I’d completely defy logic if I only applied to Temple, so I have to cast a wide net. The application pool includes BU, BC, Brandeis, and University of Maryland. I might throw in some fun ones, too: University of Texas at Austin and ASU. Really though, Temple is the perfect fit. They have a really, really awesome program that somehow exists under the radar of academic prestige. That’s fine with me. I’m all about the fit.Temple is collegial, stimulating, and it’s in the city of Brotherly L.O.V.E. I love Philadelphia. I love to learn. And I love people. They have it all.

Number 2: Part-Time Faculty at Central Pennsylvania College

Let me introduce you to Mrs. McCullough.

I teach College Writing Skills and the History of Science. Yep, I said that. History of Science. What do I know about the History of Science? I’m learning on a daily basis. I’m writing my curriculum on a daily basis. I’m trying to get respect from my students, some of whom are very mean to me on a daily basis. I started to bring them Munchkins, so I think things will turn around soon. It’s tough, but it confirms my decision to pursue the Ph.D.

Number 3: Soccer Coach

U 12 girls more concerned with Jonas Brothers than soccer skills. Enough said.

Number 4: Yoga instructor

Five classes a week. Two corporate class. Three Holy Yoga classes. Interestingly yoga is supposed to reduce stress, but right now it’s adding to mine….

Number 5: Trying to breathe. Trying to manage my time like I’ve never had to before. Trying to inspire everyone I influence in a powerful way – whether it’s in the classroom, on the soccer field, or on the yoga mat.

I love me some Greek yogurt. Mix in some granola, some fresh fruit. Add a dollop to baked sweet potatoes or on latkes with applesauce. Mix in a bit of honey or agave for a sweet treat. Maybe some cucumber and dill for tzatziki.

And yoga? You obviously do not need to get me started on my love for yoga. Tomorrow actually marks my yoga-versary! On October 31, 2008, I purchased my first class card at Just Plain Yoga.

Stonyfield Farms - known for their delicious yogurt, tasty string cheese, and organic selection of milks – is also behind the delicious Oikos brand of Greek yogurt. If you’ve never had Greek yogurt, you must try some. I can hardly enjoy a regular yogurt any more now that I’ve tasted of the rich, creamy goodness of Oikos. Right now, Oikos is holding the Na-Moo-Ste Sweepstakes. In case you didn’t catch the play on words here, it’s a combination of Namaste, a traditional Indian greeting, and MOO as in cows, as in milk, as in yogurt… Greek yogurt!

There are a few parts to the sweepstakes, and one of the requirements is to take a picture of myself in a toga (Greek) doing yoga. Luckily  I had my wonderful friend, Sarah Hummert, in town for a nice fall visit. She just happens to be a great photographer, so she offered to take the pictures for me. I also have to create an original recipe with Greek yogurt (read on), and then blog about my own yoga experience (keep on readin’ on).

Eager to complete the first task, Sarah and I headed down to the riverfront. We thought the Market Street Bridge was reminiscent of Greek architecture. I wrapped a white, king-sized bed sheet around my body a few times, put some gold ribbon in my hair, and embraced my inner Greek goddess. In case you’re interested… Cali is actually a varient of the name Calista who happened to be a Greek goddess of sorts.

Here are a few of our pictures from our toga-yoga-photo shoot:

So, there are the photos. Now… on to my quick and delicious recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Dip

1 c. Oikos Plain Greek Yogurt

2 c. Pumpkin Puree

1 t. ground cinnamon

2 T. agave syrup

In a food processor, combine the yogurt, pumpkin puree (it being fall, I opted against the canned variety. I roasted a sugar pumpkin till’ all smushy, then I blended the flesh to the consistency of canned pumpkin), cinnamon, and agave syrup until fully incorporated. Serve chilled with ginger snaps or graham crackers. This is also a great topping for pumpkin pancakes (gluten-free, of course).

Super easy, right?

My story:

So, the sweepstakes gives a prompt for the yoga story. It asks for “your original story about why you need to say Ohm.” Ohm is basically a convocation for many yoga classes – a way to set the tone and intention for the practice – but I think that Stonyfield wants to know how yoga influences and impacts the way I experience the world.

Those of you who know me well are aware of my personality traits: ambitious, intense, analytical, industrious. Even if you are not familiar with yoga, you are unlikely to associate the aforementioned adjectives with yoga. Take a quick survey, and people will give you words like calm, peaceful, and serene to describe the ancient practice. That being said, yoga has helped to create a tremendous balance in my life. I have not abandoned my Type A ways, but I can now appreciate a softer side of myself – one that yoga has allowed me to find.

At first I really struggled on the yoga mat. I thrived for the dynamic part, the times when I flowed briskly from posture to posture, strengthening and stretching my body, but yoga isn’t just about the movement. It’s also about the breath, and stillness, and meditation. Not that I’ve mastered the other side of my yoga practice, but I’ve definitely learned to tap into a peacefulness that I did not otherwise think was possible.

Above all, yoga has brought me closer to God. It’s opened my mind to different experiences, and it’s further confirmed in my heart the Truth. We are called to worship God with our heart, mind, soul, and strength – and yoga brings this command together for me, creating a really beautiful worship experience.

So, why do I need to say Ohm? I need to say Ohm because it makes me a more balanced, healthy person. I need to say Ohm because I have learned to accept the intense side of my personality while at the same time enhancing some of my latent gentleness. I think I am a better wife, daughter, and friend because of yoga, and because of the tremendous effect a yoga practice has had on my life, I plan to continue for as long as I am able!

Na-Moo-Ste Friends!

I love you Quinn Paul McCullough. Happy 26th Birthday!

Since we live in a house that dates back to 1900, it’s only natural that we have just one bathroom. And, of course, back in the day, there was no bathroom – just an outhouse. Can you imagine? I cannot. Especially in the middle of winter? I get up to use the bathroom most nights (some say old age), but if the outhouse was the only option, I’d rather just hold it.

One bathroom for two people is not an issue. Quinn and I get along well enough that we can share a sink while we’re brushing our teeth, and although we often race up the stairs in a rush to get to the toilet after a long drive, it’s all in good fun. We originally planned on a bathroom for the third floor, but that deemed to be a huge ordeal and an excessive amount of money, so we nixed it. We decided instead on a nice little half bath on the first floor, which is ideal for when we have guests (especially guests who prefer not to climb up the Appalachian mountains stairs), and for after long road trips – no more banged shins and bruises in the quest for the throne.

Chad T. Hunsberger and his crew worked like mad dogs for a week: framing out walls, creating plumbing where there was once no plumbing, dry walling, spackling, you name it. They were professional, clean (something I wasn’t entirely used to with contractors), and friendly.

Per usual:

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER:

So, other than replacing one of the light fixture things, it’s done! And, it’s beautiful. Chad, Brandon, and John did an amazing job. Amazing. If you live in the Central PA region, and you need a contractor – look them up! Chad T. Hunsberger Construction. Wow, right?

“Keep it simple, stupid.” Straight from the mouth of my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Blanchard. He loved acronyms and pithy sayings, including “to assume is to make an ass out of u and me.” Blanchard keeps good company. George Orwell suggested that one should “never use a long word when a short one will do,” and “if it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.” I love words. I usually latch on to a particular word, and I tend to overuse it. Favorite words or phrases of late: essentially, I would imagine, scrumptious. Pretty simple, right? Of course. Short, succinct, and to the point.

There is less difficulty in cleaning up a passage of prose, than in cleaning up a closet or a box. Word processing commands such as backspace, delete, cut & paste, allow us to quickly manipulate, shorten, or revise our thoughts on the computer screen. Items in a box or closet, however, are not so quickly disposed of or arranged.

Springtime is practically synonymous with cleaning, with clearing out, with making fresh. I’d like to think I did a little of that when the snow melted away in March and April. But ritual or custom can only take purging so far. If you’ve seen those reality shows on TLC or HGTV, you understand that a pathology lies behind hoarding. People often latch on to things as miniature representations of people or places, or even experiences. I understand that, certainly. I have a hard time parting with t-shirts that remind me of a particular event, or a tea cup given to me by a great aunt. Sentimental value excuses small inventories, I think.

But what about stockpiling just because we can? While we value goods, we devalue them at the same time, adding them to extensive collections of jeans, or greeting cards, or decorative pillows – all of which have little to no meaning.

A good friend of mine is spending the next six months in Uganda. I encourage you to visit her blog which details her journey. She conveys her experiences in an authentic and beautiful way. Her most valuable communication tool, however, is her camera. She is a talented photographer; her pictures are raw and confrontational. Simple, perhaps.

My goal in the coming weeks is to de-clutter, and I’m not just talking organization. I’m pretty good at that. Instead, I want to clear out space so that I may make room for time with God, my husband, my family, my friends, myself.  I’ll start with one room at a time, and I’m going big: my closet. It’s time to pare it down. Then I’ll move on to the kitchen. The pantry. Next, the guest room. And my shoes. And the bathroom. Oh, and the decorative pillows.

Here is what I am asking from you, readers. Share your suggestions, your stories, your tips, your encouragement. Or even, plan to join me in this endeavor.

Keep it simple, stupid.

I wanted to reflect on an experience I had this past week. I was asked to teach a yoga class at Camp Can-Do in Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania (read: boonies). Camp Can-Do is put on by the Central Pennsylvania chapter of the American Cancer Society. Each August, boys and girls from age 9 to 17, get to spend a week up in Mt. Gretna. They play games, they build confidence, they do arts and crafts, and most importantly, they get to forget that they have cancer. It’s only a few days, but they all get a chance to take a physical and emotional break from chemo treatments and sterile hospital rooms.

Of course, I brought with me my expectations: images of pale faced children dragging IV bags through a sun salutation, fuzzy patches of hair growing in between treatments, and long, drawn faces. I wanted to be prepared to see some seriously ill kids, and I did. But, I didn’t. They looked and acted just like any middle schooler, or high school student that you might now. They were insecure, awkward, carrying around a little extra baby fat – just your regular adolescents. But underneath a seemingly normal facade, a battle rages within their bodies. A sometimes painful and exhausting battle. A battle often fought in isolation, or in darkness. A battle that unfortunately, many people face.

For the most part, each of the girls (I had 13-17 year old girls) participated. They loved final relaxation – they were up late the night before for the special dance at the end of the week – but they also loved the strong warrior poses, and the challenge of the balancing postures.

I got a rather generic thank you from Camp Can-D0, acknowledging my time and expressing how much the girls enjoyed the little yoga session. I’m not entirely sure how memorable the class will be for those girls; they are preoccupied with their own survival (and with boys and make-up for that matter). But for me, I can’t forget. I don’t want to forget. I don’t want to take for granted the gifts that God bestows on me every morning that I wake up.

I left with a renewed appreciation for my health. It is so easy to become comfortable, or complacent when things are going well. We often forget that all that separates us from this world is the breath. We are fragile, frail human beings. The body is so sensitive, but it is also strong, and absolutely amazing.

I know that I am not defined by my body, but I am so grateful for what it is: strong, flexible, healthy. I hope that you can take a moment and thank God for the simple things about our bodies that we take for granted. For example: tweezing your eyebrows. I’m sure you’d hate tweezing your eyebrows until radiation stripped you of any hairs to pluck.

Right now, I am especially very grateful for those straggly, stray hairs (special thanks to Daaaaaad, of course).

On July 17, 2009, I started my own organization: Urban Youth Yoga. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit (note: menukha yoga), and with a recent spree of violence in the city of Harrisburg, God has placed before me the opportunity to bring together my passions in order to help change this city by starting my own little outreach.  Yoga + Inner City Kids = Urban Youth Yoga.

Teen on teen violence is getting very ugly right now. In fact, just last night a 20 year old Harrisburg “man” shot and killed a 17 year old boy. That is the second shooting involving a 17 year old this summer.

A few weeks ago I had a little epiphany. I had been subbing at an elementary school in a district rife with poverty – I’d leave in tears almost every day for two reasons, 1. the pain in seeing a five year old with rotting teeth because he had little access to adequate nutrition (only one example), and 2. they.would.not.listen.to.me. At all. 40% of the time I had 30% of their attention, or something like that…. I felt like a complete failure. Then I realized: it is not about respect. They are not disrespecting me. In fact, they don’t even have a framework for respect. Respect must be modeled. And mutual respect is so important. I could barely choke back tears during the school day, while the other teachers (completely burdened and overwhelmed by their jobs) yelled, degraded, and downright disrespected the students. This is an entirely different issue, but I won’t even go there.

So, with the violence already on my mind because Harrisburg media assaulted the topic for a few days before losing interest and trading it for state budget qualms. Again, moving on. So, violence. Teens. Respect. Yoga? Of course! What does yoga teach but mindfulness, compassion, love, and respect. All of these qualities are essential for creating a community, yet all of these skills are not being modeled for the youth in the cities (not to say that there are not amazing families and communities in the inner city, but we’re just not hearing about those right now). So, I thought, and thought, and then I acted. I got on the phone and called anyone whom I thought might be like minded. I started a yoga mat drive. I talked to people in the community. And just two short weeks later, I had organized Urban Youth Yoga.

The first event was in conjunction with the Harrisburg Parks & Recreation system. 35 of their summer program kids, ranging from 8-12 years old, showed up for a little yoga at Reservoir Park. Amazing. I honestly have no other words. Beautiful, maybe. Or melty. I just made that up. But melty is how I felt. My expectations melted. Children are strong and resilient, and they can engage in group environment (which I doubted after my classroom fiascos). My heart melted. I watched these kids, who carry a tremendous burden each day, let go. They let go. The relaxed. They had fun. They did yoga. It was melty.

The next event is in the works! I’ll keep you updated on the progress, and I’ll certainly let you know ways in which you can get involved.

Love vacations.

Readers forgive me… it has been many days since my last post. I do have an excuse. That would be a month long vacation. An amazing month long vacation at that! I’ll give you a little something from each of the most memorable moments.

July 11-12: Celebrating Grandma & Grandpa Buss’s 50th Wedding Anniversary + Gracelyn’s baptism; Fleetwood, PA

Surprise!

Gracelyn, baptized.

Thousands of blueberries picked from the Buss Family Garden.

July 12-17: Boston, MA

Fantastic pastries from the Modern Bakery on the North End. Scrumptious.

Fenway Park Tour.

Big Momma picking up slack at the South Station Surf City Squeeze!

July 17-18: Wedding time #1, Lauren & Russ; Lewisburg, PA

Lauren & Russ, married!

We always match. Cute, huh?

July 18-23: Camp David; Moultonbourough, NH

Daaaaaaaaaaad. Morning coffee on the deck. Dunkies, of course.

Camp David.

David & Alana on The Queen.

July 31-Aug 7: Wedding time #2, Lisa & Bryan; Charleston, SC + Edisto, SC + Callawassie Island, SC + North Topsail Beach, NC

Lisa & Bryan's wedding, Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Edisto Island Beach.

Amazing. Dolphin off the coast of Hilton Head Island.

There you have it. An amazing vacation photo recap. I hope you got the essence of the month. Family. Fun. Love. Beach. Blueberries. Life doesn’t get much better!

*This photo was taken in the late fall, however, we saw this fat guy scurry out of our yard this morning. He’s back, and well fed. I threw a travel mug at him because it was the first thing I could get my hands on. Unfortunately, I missed. Does anyone have a be-be gun?

As sole proprietor of Menukha Yoga (I love saying that), I want to give you a little background on how the “business” came to life.

I completed my certification in March, and decided to start my own private yoga practice. We had a marketing boot camp and were told that for insurance reasons and to protect ourselves in the rare case of a yoga accident, we should establish either a sole proprietorship or an L.L.C. The sole proprietorship made the most sense for me, so I sent a letter to the Chamber of Commerce, registered the name Menukha Yoga, and it’s now official!

I wanted a name that not only insinuates my inspiration for yoga (Jesus), but also expressed my own yoga philosophy (engaging the stillness). Directly translated, men·ü·khä means rest or repose in Hebrew. It comes from Psalm 23:2, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” In this psalm of praise, King David draws us a picture of a soul completely settled and at peace in the love of God. How perfect! The main purpose of men·ü·khä yoga is to bring you to a place of stillness before God.  

My practice includes more mainstream hatha yoga classes as well. At the gym, for the athletic teams, and during my private sessions, the focus is on the physical and mental benefits of yoga, rather than using yoga as a spiritual discipline in a church setting. 

I haven’t quite started my own marketing campaign, but I’ve already had several opportunities to grow my business. I’ve done classes for sports teams and girl scout troops, I’ve done private sessions, and I’m teaching a weekly class at a local gym all through word of mouth advertising! 

I know I’ve only been teaching for three months, but I think I’ve already found my niche. I really enjoy teaching teen athletes. I am already planning a workshop for next summer. I think that young athletes can benefit tremendously from a regular yoga practice. Core strength, flexibility, injury prevention, mental focus – all of these are essential for a successful on the field or on the court. I have several friends who coach area teams, and in the fall I’ll be doing a class once a week for a high school field hockey team. 

So, there you have it: Menukha Yoga! If you live in the area and you are interested in private sessions, yoga at your church, yoga for your team, etc., please contact me – either through the blog or through the information on the Menukha Yoga website.