I Did Hot Yoga

"Okay so there's this hot yoga class I've been wanting to try..." my friend Maddie had texted my friend Danielle and myself. 

Originally we had just planned on getting ice cream at our favorite place in O'Fallon and talking in Danielle's car like we did so many nights in high school. Obviously with this text it was a simple yes or no. I could've easily said no and we could have been on our way to Baskin Robbins. However, this class kind of intrigued me so I said yes.

The cost? $7 for the class itself and $2 for a yoga mat rental. When we walked into the place, though, everyone looked like a Barbie doll in their sports bras and highwaisted yoga pants. So I definitely felt out of place.
Photo from https://pixabay.com/en/yoga-yoga-mat-green-940359/
Upon walking into the workout room, it was already super hot. "How much hotter could it get?" I asked myself-- surely not much more (I was wrong, the room ended up being 99 degrees). Throughout the class I thought about how much I hated it but also how much I loved it. I have never sweated that much in my life, and I have been in my fair share of workout classes, Crossfit sessions, and triathlon practices during the hot Missouri summers. 

The class encompassed all levels of yoga. Some people had much more experience, while others like myself had no experience. The instructor made it clear to do what you could handle and that it was okay to take a break at any time.

The instructor broke the class up into parts: the warm up, the cardio-intense portion where sections 1 and 3 were "upbeat/challenging" and the 2 and 4 were "cool down/breaks", the core section and finally the stretching at the end. Before we left, the instructor gave everyone a super cold lavender towel to place on our foreheads and mediate for a few minutes. 

I never really knew how to feel about yoga, but this was a really positive experience. The class challenged me, it was a new and fresh addition to my workout routine. My only fear came afterwards when I thought about how the trigger for my migraines is dehydration so I made sure to drink A LOT of water when I got home and this morning I woke up just fine.

Looking at the class overall I would definitely say I would do hot yoga again. I probably wouldn't go every week but if someone wanted to go again in a few weeks I would consider it.

Until next time,
Taylor xx

PS: We still got our ice cream afterwards which may be counterintuitive but it tasted beautiful.

What I've Been Up To

I've been home for just over a week now and I've continued to stay busy. Here's a little update on what I've been up to since coming home.

St. Louis Triathlon:
May 21 I got back in my triathlon suit and raced for the first time in over a year. It's crazy to think that I started this sport when I was 14, without ever realizing how far it would take me. Considering the majority of my training was just running on the treadmill and swimming at the Drury pool for a few weeks (I literally hadn't rode my bike more than twice the past year), my goal for this race was just to finish. 

My swim time was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. The bike definitely was difficult. Running from the transition to my bike I felt my right calf muscle pull and I was nervous that that would slow me down (luckily it didn't completely stop me). The course was flat, however the wind was an added challenge. The run wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be either, I wish I would've gone a bit faster but I know I gave it everything I had.

I'm glad I chose this race to start back in. I'm so happy to be back in the triathlon community. Despite how nervous I was previous to the race, I'm glad I competed. 


Macaroons and Movies: 
While being home Megan and I have hung out a lot. We explored Historic St. Charles (she had never been to Picasso's), and if you know me, Historic St. Charles is one of my most favorite places. Then we went on the lookout for macaroons, and surprisingly enough, we found them! They were a bit of a walk, but totally worth it.

The next day we went to see "Everything Everything", a new movie. It was a pretty cute movie, but the book was so much better. I would definitely recommend checking out the book if you get a chance.

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I've also been working a lot, but that isn't too exciting to write about. Adjusting to life at home took about 2-4 days but now I'm pretty settled. I have a busy and exciting summer ahead of me and I'm ready to see what happens.

Until next time,
Taylor xx





A Year Ago Today

A year ago today I had my senior newspaper banquet. At this time last year I had begun to panic. It is no secret that I was ready to move on from high school, but now the reality that college was quickly approaching begun to hit. For four years I had envisioned what my college experience would be like, for four years I begged for college to be a much better time than high school. If only freshman-year-of-high-school me could see freshman-year-of-college me. What a dramatic difference. 
I'm currently sitting in my basically empty dorm room reflecting on how nervous I was to move in. Throughout the entire summer and four years before then I had banked on "college being better", but what if it wasn't? What if college was a repeat of the loneliness, misplacement, and disconnection I felt in high school? What if I had put all my hope in this place/idea/education and it fell to my expectations? 

That couldn't be further from the truth.

I wish I had the time and space to list out every single person who has helped me have the best year of my life. Drury was everything I needed and more and I am astonished that on Thursday I'll be driving home to O'Fallon for three months. How can a school year go by so quickly? I'll have to develop a routine that doesn't revolve around classes, going to the Commons everyday at 11 and 5, and most importantly seeing the people who have become such a valued part of my life.

There isn't one moment that I can refer to as when I knew Drury/my freshman year was special. It was a culmination of moments. From running home to Kappa Delta on bid day, to eating too much ice cream at the Commons (because it's the one food to never disappoint you). From the mornings spent in the gym, to classes outside on Drury Lane. I've said it a million times and will say it again, going to Drury was the best decision I've ever made. I'm thankful for random trips to Hurts Donuts after chapter meeting with my sisters, the Saturday afternoons hanging out at Sigma Pi, and exploring Springfield's restaurants when my family visited. 
A year ago I was so nervous at what could be, and now I'm looking back at what did happen. I've been pretty open about my fear of change, and I'm irrationally worried that sophomore year won't be as great as freshman year. However, I already have so many opportunities lined up for the fall. No matter what happens Drury will always hold such a special place in my heart, especially my first year.

While I may not be that excited to return home for the summer, I know I'll appreciate the time because it'll make me value my friendships at school even more. I'm also traveling a lot this summer so I'll be kept busy (like usual). 

To my Drury friends, professors, etc: thank you. Thank you for contributing to my first year experience. I wouldn't be the person I am today without you. I love you all.

Until next time,
Taylor xx

Intentional

On Tuesday Drury Vine had their last worship service for the school year. I know I just recently shared a more in-depth look at my faith journey, but I learned a few things on Tuesday that I wanted to share. My biggest takeaway from Duane's message, and what he wanted everyone to remember if it were to be the last words he said to us, was to fulfill your ministry (based off of 2 Timothy 4). God has called each and every one of us to a specific ministry. He has blessed all of us with unique, individual talents to glorify his name and to serve the nations. As I head back home for the summer I will keep this advice in mind so that I do everything to fulfill God's calling for my life and His ministry. 

As I look back at how my faith has developed over the course of the semester, or honestly even the past 2 months, I have seen how much I have grown. I was awestruck Tuesday night when my friend Megan said that while the worship was powerful, she loved looking over and seeing me totally be connected with Christ. When it comes to worship music, I'll usually lightly sing along but I never really get "into it", however, Tuesday night was moving. I have no words to describe how I felt besides the Holy Spirit obviously being present. 

This semester has taught me the importance of being intentional in your faith. Let God consume who you are and what you do. I've made an intentional choice to spend more time in Scripture and reflect on his Word. I have grown tremendously through these actions. 

I remember when I first stepped into the Vine's worship service on a Tuesday in October and I was so hesitant. Now, I can confidently walk into worship on Tuesdays. I am excited to see where the Vine takes me next fall and to see the impact it has on me and others.

So to Megan, I know I've told you in person but you deserve some recognition on my blog as well- thank you. Thank you for encouraging me to go to the Vine and persisting even when I said no a few times. Thank you for continuing to be a huge support in my life. Your faith and the way you hold yourself inspires me on the daily. I am so grateful for our friendship and that you chose to come to Drury (and I can't wait to be roommates next fall).

Until next time,
Taylor xx