To Talk or Not to Talk

I was reading other Yoga blogs to get a sense of what "successful" blogs are talking about.  One particular blog was beautifully designed.  It had links to fancy Yoga wear, Yoga magazines, Yoga retreats and videos on how to do certain poses.  I was impressed.  What I read though, made me pause.  It was all about the body, alignment and discussed how they didn't want the "talking" or "spiritual" in the class.  Granted the writer of the blog said that he wanted to find the spirit, go within, but he didn't want help getting there.  He said that he could get there himself.

So my question to you, if you've taken my class is-- do I talk to much?  Rev. Jaganath has said that he was taught to be succinct and allow the silence to help students focus on going within.  I absolutely agree.  I wish I didn't have to put music on, but teaching at the gym-- the music on outside the Yoga room is very non-relaxing, as are the weights being lifted and dropped.  One gym I worked at had a raquetball court attached to the Yoga room.  That was very relaxing, let me tell you.  So I play music to set the mood for relaxation and I find myself repeating things that the regulars might already know-- "focus on your breath,"  "let go of your judgement of yourself and others," "enjoy the stretch."  I guess I worry that the newcomers (of which there are a few in each gym class) need to hear it.  But also I think that some of the regulars need to hear it too-- and maybe for some-- hear it clearly for the first time.  

There was a time that I would lead Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) a few times and then ask everyone to do it themselves without my prompting.  I become quiet and watch.  Afterwards I had a student ask me to please not go quiet for she felt she needed my voice to help her quiet her mind.  She felt that in the quiet that she could not relax.

I was taught to try and use as few words as possible.  That said I try to read the room and see what is needed and sometimes that means reminding those in the room to relax or not try to push themselves further than they can go today. 

So what do you think?  To Talk or Not to Talk, that is the question.

P.S.  I do have a tip of the day:  Speaking of silence, do you notice how calm you get around the ocean?  The radio, TV and discussion is not needed.  Find some time every day to get quiet-- it doesn't have to be silent, but you do.  Rev. Jaganath always says (I'm paraphrasing very poorly here) that we we have lips and teeth as two barriers to help us really see if we need sound coming out of our mouths.  Meanwhile our ears don't have any barriers.  We were meant to listen more than speak-- that's the point.  Maybe drive without the radio on.  Maybe sit somewhere without a book to distract us.  Just sit and take in nature, people-watch, or meditate. 

Hope that helps.  And don't forget to discuss with me your opinions on talking during Yoga class.

Tomorrow 10am Yoga at Mercer County Park.  Free.  See you there if you can make it (with ice water and a towel-- it's going to be a little warm.)

-- Yoga Girl

Less Sleep/More Meditation

Good morning.  Yes, I forgot to write a blog post last night.  I was preparing to send out scripts today and continued hole punching and printing out cover letters until 10pm.  When it is 10pm we try to stop everything and go to bed.  Even Yoga Dog walks into his crate around then without our prompting.  It would be nice if we were sleeping by 10pm because I am at my best when I get 8 hours of sleep.  But although I did not keep my word about a blog a day, I am meditating every day.  Luckily with mediation comes some extra energy and one needs less sleep.

It is also helpful with turning off the part of the mind that causes anxiety and so many more uncomfortable mind whirling situations.  See the study that Yale did:

http://news.yale.edu/2011/11/21/tuning-out-how-brains-benefit-meditation


So please forgive me for not putting out a blog last night.  I have a whole bunch of ideas I want to write about but they take time.  So do not worry-- I will try to get one out later today and keep it going the best I can.

Yoga has taught me to be kind to others, to the Earth and even to myself.  So I will try to forgive myself.  Hope you do too!

Much love, light and laughter today!  And stay cool!

-- Yoga Girl

Tip of the Day: The Best Way to Learn is from A Master

Tip of the Day: Th
ere's nothing like a live talk from a master.  Yes you can watch many sages online.  Amazing videos of Swami Satchidananda that I've enjoyed on YouTube which is so brilliant since I just missed meeting him.  I became involved in the Yoga Life after he passed from his body.  Hearing his voice and knowing the stories I know through Rev. Jaganath talking about him, I feel as if I have met him.  Maybe in another life I did.  What is so wonderful is that there are living Masters here now and it is so wonderful being in the room with them.  You feel the love and energy coming from them.  I highly suggest finding a Satsang or Yogic Talk to go to. 

Maybe a trip to Omega is what you need.  Rev. Jaganath and many other really amazing skilled Yoga Masters will be there.  Learn more at: Omega: Being Yoga

And if you don't want to travel to Rhinebeck, NY check out YogaLifeSociety.com and see where he is speaking next in NJ. 

Om and lots of enlightenment,
Yoga Girl

Tip of the Day on Super Soul Sunday

Tip of the Day:  "Laugh and the World Laughs with you."-- Ella Wheeler Wilcox 

Go forth and enjoy a good laugh with friends.  Laughter is good medicine.  Go and make someone laugh.  Laugh at yourself!  Here's my friend Swami Cat and I going for sharing a laugh or two, yesterday at Guru Poornima in honor of Sri Rev. Jaganath Carrera.

Enjoy.

New Yoga Tip of The Day

Day Two of the Yoga Daily Double and I have to admit-- I'm already regretting saying that I'll post a tip a day for a month.  My husband said, "What?  Another thing you've committed to?"  Yes, another thing.  But isn't that just how life is?  You decide you want to do something and the universe comes in to test you as if its saying, "Are you sure you want to do that?"

I know I feel better and interact with the world with more patience and reverence when I am in my Yogic mindset.  (So although this Yoga Tip of the Day might look like Karma Yoga, I can't call it that because I get so much out of it.  I get into my Yogic mindset because I'm thinking-- what did I do today or what SHOULD I do today to share with everyone later?)

Today's Tip:  Find the right soundtrack.

Every filmmaker knows that your movie will be ruined with the wrong soundtrack.  The same goes for the daily routine of life.  Choosing the right soundtrack can help get you in the mood.  So here's a few suggestions from some amazing artists.  Snatam Kaur, Wah!, Girish and Swami Cat's dear friend, Robin Renee.  I recommend going to their websites and ordering all their music.  Their voices and rhythms are such a mood lifter.

 Enjoy!

Tip of the Day

I was inspired to make a video.  Nice change of pace, don't you think?

YOU WIN! The Yoga Daily Double

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

"Do one thing a day that scares you."  

Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt's quotes are on my desk reminding me what I want to do in life.  But how?
How do you live like Gandhi and Mrs. Roosevelt?  One sure way I've seen and experienced working to make me "be the change" and take the scarier, more challenging road is my study of Yoga philosophy, practicing Hatha Yoga and bringing Yoga practices into my daily life. So I'm going to promise to type on this blog, one suggestion, one hint, or inspiring thought each day that might help you live your life to the fullest and experience more joy, more focus, more relaxation.  This does SCARE me-- as you know, I've haven't been very good at keeping my promises online.  Remember the study of the Sutras?  I think I did that for a week.  But I promise right now-- each night I won't sleep until I put one helpful suggestion down that has worked for me in the past. Okay here we go.  I promise to do this every night for a month.  And what little thing do I ask of you?  To try it.  If it works, or if it doesn't work for you, let's talk about it on the blog.  You'll be helping others and we'll have a good laugh along the way. 

Everyone who comments gets put in the running to win a Relaxation CD created by me.  I'll pick the winner on August 11th- one month from today.

What do you say?  You up for the challenge?

The Yoga Hint of the Day is:

If you want to start meditating and you can't seem to make time to do it.  Try promising yourself that you will not eat breakfast until you do a little meditation.  This hint comes directly from my Guru, Rev. Jaganath Carrera.  It works!

Good luck! Lots of love, light and laughter to you!

--Yoga Girl

Remember

It's not so easy to remember these days.  I carry around little pink sticky notes.  Sometimes I email myself so I remember to do things.  I've even called myself and left myself a message.  That's the silliest feeling-- "Hello me-- it's me." 

But I'm trying to be more mindful.  Meditation in the morning is not the twenty minutes I promised myself I was going to do but I've been doing my Yoga routine in the morning ending in a few minutes of meditation.  Thank goodness, for I don't know what I'd be like without a few minutes of focus.  I can hardly remember what day it is.  That's what happens in the summer to those whose routine is disrupted for two months.

This week I have to remember to:
Water the veggies outside (Oops almost forgot tonight)
Practice with Swami Cat for the "Talk" at Saturday's Guru Poornima
Call for an appointment with the dentist
Contact actors for a reading of my play next week
Contact my dad to see if we can schedule that balloon ride I bought on Groupon last year
And there's one more thing, but I think I forgot it...

 How is your meditation going?
Is it helping you be more mindful?

Remember I won't be at Mercer County Park tomorrow morning-- I've working on curriculum for my theatre classes in a workshop.

But I'll see all of you Cando friends at 5:30!

Be well & have fun!

Om,
Yoga Girl

The Great Outdoors

No birds upset with us this last time at Mercer County Park because they were setting up the Pavilion for a party.  The sun was a little strong though, so we had to move in the shade for Sivasana.  Remember I have a work thing I have to do this Wed. morning, so I won't be at the park but Saturday I will.  Also take July 21st off your calendar for the Park has a big event and they suggested that I cancel the Yoga class.

And remember let me know if you are coming and want to kayak after.  They rent kayaks at MCP. 

Just came back from kayaking in Carnegie Lake.  So gorgeous and relaxing.  Herons and turtles and fish, Oh My! 

See you soon.

Many blessings,
Yoga Girl

The Free Yoga Class

I wish I had pictures or a video to show you.
It was too funny.
There we were at the Mercer County Park pavilion setting up and suddenly two tiny sparrow-like birds were very disturbed that we were there.  They had a nest up in the rafters and we were nearby, not directly underneath it (because it was a little messy underneath it, if you know what I mean) but a few feet away.  I thought about moving but the sun was shining and I didn't want people to get sun burned or too hot.  I thought about moving out of the pavilion altogether, but I told people that is where I would be.

Ah the dilemna. 

We did the Yoga class and as it turns out no one disturbed by the irate birds except for me.  I was the one that was worried about them dive bombing the Yogis. 

I also thought it would be less dirty than putting our mats on the ground, but concrete in a park is very dirty I am sad to say.  Putting our hands out like a T to do spinal twists was a bit grimy. 

Yet I loved it.  Looking out into the lake while taking a Yoga class is like doing a Yoga video at home watching them in Hawaii or some exotic place-- except you can feel the cool breeze and enjoy live birds dive bombing you.

My favorite part of the Yoga class was that two women were watching from a hill.  I waved them over and they joined us.  They had the best time.  They were laughing at the poses they couldn't do and just thoroughly enjoying themselves.  I found out later that they had never taken a Yoga class before.  That's the best.  Spreading the joy of Yoga to those who might not have tried it if it was not out in the Park and open to everyone.

I had a wonderful time.  And if you come on Saturday to the 8am class you can rent a kayak and go kayaking with me.  I'm in the mood for some meditation in motion on the water. 

Hopefully I'll see you there and maybe you can see the funny protective birds that I'm talking about.  We'll try to set up a little bit further away this time though.

Lots of joy to you,
Yoga Girl

Chocolate Gluten Free Cake

Do you ever get this hankerin' for something chocolatey and yet nothing is in the house that satisfies?  I bought some cookies but they are full of gluten and I don't do well with a lot of gluten so I try to stay away.  I saw this post on the Yoga Life Society Facebook page and I had to try it. 

So glad I did!

Might be the best cake I've ever made and it's gluten free, moist and not that sugary.

Check it out-- so simple!  Don't let the chick peas scare you away.  It doesn't taste like hummus, I swear.

Chocolate Cake (Gluten Free!)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

4 eggs

3/4 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Place the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds after the first minute, until chocolate is melted and smooth. If you have a powerful microwave, reduce the power to 50 percent. Combine the beans and eggs in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Add the sugar and the baking powder, and pulse to blend. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend until smooth, scraping down the corners to make sure chocolate is completely mixed. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 

Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

 Isn't it beautiful? 
 
Thank you YLS for posting healthy gluten free
yummy food.

I suggest baking while watching a movie.
 One of my favorite things to do.  Tonight I watched Departures an Oscar winning foreign film from Japan.  Beautifully done.  I guess a few tears and chocolate was just what the doctor ordered.

Want to know more about this movie?
Departures on Rotten Tomatoes

Be well and hope you have a sweet evening!

I Did It

Morning was wonderful.  I did wake, walk Yoga Dog and the sweet morning air was invigorating, not oppressive as it is now (at noon.)

Then after walking in and giving him his breakfast I had a thought-- I could turn on the computer and start working but... I remembered my promise to myself and all of you.  I went into the Yoga Room (which is also J's office, and storage for our bikes & kayaks) and did my full Yogic routine plus a long meditation.  I think I did fifteen minutes of silent meditation.  Yea!  Okay, now two weeks I hear is what you need to do to make something a habit.  Okay-- one down, thirteen more to go.

In meditation after I find the quiet.  I feel my body pulsing and as if a light has shined on.  I like to imagine the beautiful light in the Lotus (Light of Truth Meditation Room) meditation room of Yogaville, Swami Satchidanada's Ashram in Virginia.

New Start

What do you think of the new look?  It's almost midnight and I'm up-- updating the blog look.  Maybe it is so that I can have a new start at all the things I'm looking forward to doing this summer.  I need to really practice my morning Yoga and meditation.  Not the stretching and mini quiet session I've been doing.  It was a different year for me.  It's the first time in over five years I haven't meditated everyday and I know I was less patience and less focused because of it.  I wake up to a cute little nose on my bed with these sad eyes pleading with me to walk outside.  I can't let my baby wait another second while he crosses his legs so as not to pee on the carpet, so I get up without hesitation.  This is how I was when my meditation practice was going strong.  I rolled out of bed to my altar without a thought. 

But now summertime is in full blast and I will wake up tomorrow and after walking Yoga Dog, I'll do the full Yoga Life Society routine and then a ten minute meditation (will work up to twenty minutes.)

Let's see how I do.  Maybe if I write it down here knowing that I've got you to report to, then I'll do it. 

Check back tomorrow.  Oh and tell me how you like the new look and bio. 

Namaste!
-- Yoga Girl

Gratitude Journal

A friend suggested I start a gratitude journal.  Wake up and write all the things you are grateful for.  I do this in meditation but there's something wonderful about putting it down on paper.  I used to write 3-5 morning pages every day.  Did you read The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron?  Oh I love that book.  I really think it helped my creativity get a jumpstart on the day. 

Mine list is:
Friends
Fresh herbs
Healthy body & mind
Family
Air conditioning
Mini Vacations
Parks
Yoga
Fernbrook Farms
Breezes

What are you grateful for today?

FOOD!

Ugh, just learned that America is one of the only countries that allows Genetically Modified Foods to be unlabeled and that we have the most allergies and cancer in the world.  It is from the food we eat.  I know this sounds harsh, especially since I have had a lot of family members die of cancer, but I want to fund preventative medicine not after-you-get-cancer medicine.

I'm offering up my services.  Free!  You want to have a food make-over?  Call me up-- I'll come to your house and go food shopping with you and then show you how you can make great, quick, non-expensive meals without the chemicals, modified food products, etc.

As a school teacher I hear all the time how many kids are allergic to foods, some popular and some not.  I heard a student was allergic to apples!  Apples?!  This is an epidemic and just this past Thursday, NJ could have made a step in the right direction but our Senators didn't vote for it.  We are not going to label GM Foods.  In Rady Ananda's Food blog:

"In a clear move against 90% of the American public, the US Senate has voted 73-26 against labeling genetically modified foods.  This is not democracy; this is corporatocracy.

Meanwhile, on January 1, 2013, the second most populous nation in the world, with over 1.2 billion people, will begin labeling foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. According to a June 5 release by India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs, under GSR 427(E)(2)(b)(ii), “Every package containing the genetically modified food shall bear at the top of its principal display panel the words ‘GM’.”

http://foodfreedomgroup.com/2012/06/23/senate-votes-no-gmo-food-labels/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=senate-votes-no-gmo-food-labels 

This Ted Talk video is what got me re-vamped up about this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rixyrCNVVGA&feature=share

I think I understand what it is like to be Guruji Rev. Jaganath Carrera, or maybe 1% of what it like to be a Guru.  As I'm sure he feels when witnessing his disciples do something that is not good for them, or others-- I watch as my students and friends suffer with their own egos that get in the way of their inner peace and happiness.  Watching them struggle in poses and in life tears a little at my heart.  Why if after I have said countless times to not push themselves, to let go of the need to be perfect that some students continue to struggle, red-faced and determined to be what they cannot at that moment?  Is it the animal in us?

I watch as Yoga Dog turns into Non-Yogic Dog instantly when he sees a German Shepard or other large threat.  It is my job as his owner (or mother as we call it in my house) to remind him to come back to a centered, non-threatened state.  He is allowed to be aware and alert but not aggressive, hair standing on end.

 
Not attractive and scary to others.

We sometimes get like this.  Our friends and family watch as we spin out of control, unable to calm ourselves.  In the dog training world we call that red zoning and we try to train the dog to not get themselves worked up into that mindset.

So how do we humans train ourselves to not get into the "red zone?"  How do we get out of this state of fear that stops us from being able to breathe through life's ups and downs?

The best way I know is through daily practice of a mindful meditation practice.  Hatha Yoga is the easiest way I know of to prepare for mindful meditation.  I have witnessed it over and over again.  My best witness is myself.  If I skip a meditation day (or week) I have less patience with others and with myself.  I can witness the mind going to places I don't want it to go-- fear, frustration, impatience, etc.   Without daily meditation I have trouble calling the negatives thoughts back, or even better- not letting my mind go there at all.

Guruji often says that the mind is like a puppy.  It is overly excited and needs to be trained.   
  
If you find yourself saying I'll go to Yoga class later, you probably need it now.  If you find yourself saying, "I don't have the money to take the classes..." remind yourself how expensive mental and physical medication is or anger management classes are.  Furthermore, isn't it important to teach our children how to be peacemakers?  To teach children, you must model the behavior you are teaching, isn't that so?

The heart pumps life sustaining blood to itself first. It must if it is to continue doing a good job pumping blood to the rest of the body.  This is a good lesson for us.  Be like our own hearts.  Remember to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of our loved ones.

I wish you all the clarity to understand that the more you fight against Yoga, the more you probably need it for your growth.  (Ah yes, Guruji has said that often as well.)  Yoga is about scrubbing-- like coal into a diamond.  We are all diamonds inside-- it just takes a few bumps up against ourselves (and others in our Sangha) to chisel away at the build up defenses we have built through habits that no longer serve us.

Remember though that the chiseling comes when we work against the habits that keep us stuck, keep us doing exactly as we were before-- safe (so we think) but not happy.

Ah, peace.  May it come to us today. (For our family, friends, canine companions sake, as well as, ourselves.)

Many blessings to you,

Yoga Girl & Yoga Dog

P.S. The deadline for letting us know if you're coming to the retreat June 15th is coming up.  Maybe you can spare two nights away for your health and well-being?  You will be home before Father's Day dinner, we promise.

New favorite spot in the world-- Infini-T in Princeton.

Indian music is playing softly as I sip my peach ginger tea.  Around me are the cutest Ethiopian seats, dark wood and tapestries from many different countries- countries that aren't afraid of mixing bright colors.  Large brown handmade vases line the walls and the variety of teas and healthy foods you can order make me want to come every day of my five day staycation.
I had a chilled curried quinoa, mango & goji berries.  Very tasty.  

You have to check this place out.

And there's an open mic night on Friday nights!  Hm, you might see me here with Swami Cat one day soon, singing our latest song.  Or I'll be on the floor in the corner-- yes floor seating as in Turkish restaurants.  I might ask if I could move in.  It's very homey.

Hope you have a sweet and peaceful weekend.  Enjoy!

Om Shanti!

karuna

Swami Cat Art

Guess what everyone?  Swami Cat is publishing a book!  Check out the new art work by the amazingly talented Yogi, Nitya Martino.  http://artandsoul108.com/index.php
These paintings are part of the collection being put together into a book.

And this summer-- the Swami Cat Yoga for Families Tour!  A concert sing-a-long, Hatha Yoga class and puppet show all-in-one!

Looking for volunteers for a practice Family Yoga class-- let me know if you're interested.

Oh and if you are interested in purchasing a Swami Cat picture for hanging in a child's room
    $10
or a postcard size for the office or mailing to a friend
    $4
let me know.

As Swami Cat says,
"Om and Purrrrr."

      Yoga Girl

Satsang

Hari Om,

Satsang!  Come join us for another Satsang, just like the one posted on YouTube last November.

My experience is that I leave lighter, more at peace, filled with joy, love and laughter.

Come on down to Akasha this Friday night at 7:30 and you'll see for yourself.  Or if you have a question that you are dying to ask Guruji and you can not get there-- comment here and I'll make sure he gets the question.  I'm official videographer so I'll post your answer here on the website.  Voila-- the integration of thousands of years of Sage advice and the internet!

Satsang at Akasha -  A Space to Heal

with Reverend Jaganath Carrera

Friday, 13 April

7:30pm - 9:30pm, $15

Click on yogalifesociety.com for more information.
 

Sending you peace, healing and joy today and everyday!
-- Yoga Girl

Spring Updates

How have you been?
I hope this Spring has been good to you so far.
It's a lovely cool day in upstate NY.
We've been in the woods playing with moss, grass and dirt.  Nothing better than allowing yourself to get dirty. My mother won't be yelling at me because I'm the one who will be doing the laundry.
We're doing a photo shoot for J's CD cover. 

Split helps hip!

Yoga Dog snuck into a few photos.

I love this dog.

I've been meaning to write to update you on a few things:
     1. I don't wash my hair with baking soda anymore.  It really worked well, but I couldn't wash it all out  sometimes and my head itched. Apple Cider Vinegar & water is an excellent conditioner, but be careful it actually can make your hair too greasy.  I only do every other washing with it. 
     2. I cut my hair.  It's fun to look a little different.  The comment I get most is, "It's so cute."  Cute is not what I'm usually going for, but I can grow into cute.  Cute isn't bad.
     3. Writing is going really well.  I'm done with this one play that I think is going to be done all over the country.  Now I just have to send it out to contests and meet the right producer.
     4. Back to teaching Yoga Wed. nights.  I love it and missed teaching the class.
     5. I'm excited to announce that I'm running a Yoga Retreat for Artists and those who want to explore their artistic side more.  Flyer is below.
     6. I sang background vocals on one song for J's CD, soon to be released.
     7. Zumba rocks!  So much fun to dance my way to a healthy body.
     8. Best news ever-- I've found that if I do a split stretch (like I did everyday when I was young) my hip doesn't hurt.  Splits are not usually in the Yoga routine, but I'm putting it in mine.
     9. Making a personalized Hatha Yoga DVD for a friend.  And I owe my cousin a CD of the relaxation into Sivasana that I do at the end of every Yoga class that I teach.  It's been almost seven years now that I've been teaching Yoga.  Amazing.
     10.  It's a year since Yoga Dog came to live with us and he's fitting right into the family.  Swami Cat is still a little uncomfortable with the change, but he's meditating on it.  Soon he'll be on tour and out of the house often so that might help.  Look for the Swami Cat Family Yoga tour coming to a studio near you this summer.

That's all I have for now.

Blessings to you for health, peace and fun this Easter/Passover/Rebirth season.

Love,
Yoga Girl

P.S. We found that we were poisoning Yoga Dog.  Be careful of your flea/tick medicines.  They are really toxic.  Poor Yoga Dog was getting sick once a month for a few days.  I thought it was sympathy pains for my monthly pains.  Turns out the flea/tick gel (K-9 Advantix) we put on him once a month was the culprit.  It had the best least harmful write up.  But now we know it has made other dogs sick and some little ones have even died.  Poor Yoga Dog.  So now we're hoping to use only essential oils that repel bugs.  So, Yoga Dog just as I wrote this had a tick.  "Tick!  I yelled.  Where's the tweezers?!"   It's going to be a very buggy Spring/Summer that's for sure. 

Are you itchy?  I'm itchy.

Send us your bug stories.  Or your Top Ten Updates.  We love comments and letters.