I'll be sure to post about it when I get back. I've been planning this for a while, but it is only now starting to feel real. It's funny how things work like that.

Hey Hannah,

Your retreat sounds really interesting. I'm interested in studying Buddhism and that retreat sounds very relaxing. Do you have to be an already practicing Buddhist to go to one of those retreats, or can you be an interested novice? I went to the Buddhist temple here in San Diego once and after the service, they served a wonderful vegetarian lunch. Have a great time!!!

I am not a practicing Buddhist, but I have a background in Buddhist philosophy. I signed up for the seminar/retreat through my school and I get graduate credit for it once I write a paper. I imagine that most monasterys have diferent types of retreats for all levels and types of interest and practice. The place I'm going is the Bodhi Manda Zen Center in Jemez Springs, New Mexico.

Here's a link to their webpage: http://www.bmzc.org/

I'm sure if you checked with the Buddhist Temples and Zen Centers in your area you could find a retreat to fit your level of practice and current knowledge. Good Luck!

Every Monday I walk past this vegetarian restaurant run by shri chimnoy - I keep meaning to check it out but never get around to it - I will put that on my list of must do's for this month.

Well the weekend eating went a little better than usual.

I managed to eat well during the day on Saturday, brought a bottle of water and a bag of seedless grapes to eat while doing errands and convinced DH to eat at home before going out to the movies. I had a small seving of low-fat frozen yogurt instead of popcorn at the movies.

Sunday I managed to get up and eat a proper breakfast, got some housework done - remembered to eat lunch and tonight I am having a grilled chicken Ceasar for dinner.

Tomorrow I get back to my exercise routine full force :thread:

Chris - Wow! We're in the same area (san diego). Cool!

Hannah - Have a wonderful time. I have a bunch of Israeli friends that do retreats in New Mexico. Apparently it is THE place for retreats. I hear it's beautiful. Tell us all about it.

Well girls, I go to England on Tuesday!!!! It really hasn't hit me yet. This is the first time I'll be travelling with a passport. I'm starting to pack but I don't want to overpack (and I could SO overpack). The Cute Boyfriend and I have spent a ton of time buying travel "necessities" (you know, have a dozen books for the plane ride, every "travel-sized" toiletrie available) and I still feel unprepared. We're spending the first week exploring and dancing in the Cotswolds. The second week we're in London and then two days for Paris (yes, I know, not nearly enough time). My stomach has butterflies.

There's really only three things I'm worried about 1) Leaving the dogs 2) Leaving my passport somewhere 3) Jetlag.

I'll check back before I leave. I'll miss you guys!

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! Noodles is back. was starting to really miss your post. < does a happy dance all through the thread>

Wow, this is like O'Hare with the arrivals and departures already. 'Bye, Jessica! Have fun in Europe! Hello Noodles, glad to see you!

Welcome back Noodles

Let us know about your trip when you get a chane

Noodles!! You're back! YAY! we missed you. (Can you tell? )

Golly. it is like o'hare in here, with all the comings and goings.

Dang. Wish I was going to England.

Jessica, I would love to hear all about your England trip when you get back! DH and I will be heading there in November, I hope, and I only get three days (as DH is much more enamored of the Alps...we're splitting the trip to his and hers ) to see as much of England as possible! Would love to hear your take on the trip and what you would recommend!

Noodles, sounds like you had a busy fun time. ( if not a bit exhausting) but glad your back and that you enjoyed yourself
by the way my pc has been acting up, wanna come to town?

During our evening walk tonight DH and I stumbled over a bowling alley in our neighborhood in a sort of industrial area (car wash, car repair place - bowling alley up top ).

We went in and had a look - very cool in a retro way. The place has been there since 1962 and I think it had most of it's original fixtures - including a tiny lunch counter that serves up burgers, dogs, club sandwiches, grilled cheese fries and slushies

Apparently they have neon bowling on Thursdays and Fridays and Rock n'Bowl on Saturday nights. We are thinking of getting some friends together and going some night - looks like fun!

They are open on Saturday mornings and serve "greasy spoon" type breakfasts - I am trying to figure out how to get DH to go on Saturday morning for a bowling workout and a breakfast