Deb
1. WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO HYC?
It was nine years ago that I took my first Hot Yoga class. Being a full time elementary teacher and a single parent was seriously stressful. My body was protesting. I could barely move my neck and my lower back was so bad that I missed work sometimes. My chiropractor wanted to see me three times a week. It was getting expensive and I did not enjoy someone cracking my neck for me. So I thought I would give Hot Yoga a try.
2. WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
It’s weird, I know that when I get to class, I’m going to sweat my butt off and exert my muscles to the brink, but somewhere in the middle of class, my mind stops chattering and I really let go of my thoughts and worries. Like Sara Zia says, “You’ve come a long way”.
After a long day, it’s a comfort just to walk into the studio. I feel like Norm in the old show Cheers, everybody seems to know my name. Some of the instructors bring their dogs and kids. All adorable and always bring a smile to my face. It’s just a lovely place!
3. WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT THE STUDIO, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?
I’m still a full time elementary teacher, but only teach Art to Kindergarten and First graders now. I Enjoy taking art classes, spending time with my daughter, her husband, grandkids and traveling with my sons. Last summer, we toured the north of Spain for a couple of weeks . They have both been living in Seville this past year. Last but not least is Stevie B my silver fox and beau for the last 15 years. Most of the time we just grocery shop, sit on the porch in our matching rocking chars and watch t.v.
4 . WHAT IS ONE THING THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Not many people know that when I was in high school, I was a yoga instructor. It came about in a very unexpected way. When I was 16, my grandfather passed away. It was sudden and shocking. To say the least, I wasn’t equipped to deal with this loss. He was my favorite person in the world! We spent a lot of time together as my mother worked and had a busy social life. Even as a teenager, I preferred his company to most anyone. He lived in a big Victorian house in Asbury Park , N.J. three blocks from the ocean. Until he died, I spent every summer of my life there.
After that , I became an introverted art nerd spending most of the time in my room. My grades took a nosedive and I gained weight. This went on for quite a while until my mom decided to bring me along to her yoga class. It was love at first stretch! I continued to go whether my mom went or not. I was starting to feel alive again! After a while, my teacher asked if I would substitute for her. Wow! I would have done it for free!
A while later she announced that she was moving away and asked me to take over all of her classes. So, “Wham, Bam thank you Mam” I became a yoga instructor.
When I had friends over, my mom would love to tell them. She’s the Swami, and I’m the Swami’s Mommy!! She thought it was the funniest thing ever! Gotta love my mom!
Anyway, when it was time to leave for college, I really just wanted to stay home and teach yoga. So off to college I went because I really didn’t have a choice in the matter. But now, with just a few years until retirement, I’m looking forward to spending more time at Hot Yoga and becoming an Art nerd again!
5. YOU’VE GOT ONE WISH FOR THE WORLD, WHAT IS IT?
Just one? I’ll keep it short and sweet.. Freedom from evil dictators