I didn’t want to write this. I should say that first. But this week has been difficult - really difficult - and I have it on solid professional advice that it might help to get it out in the open:

I had my last cigarette on last Thursday.

The fact that I’m quitting, however, may come as somewhat less of a surprise to some of you than learning that I smoked in the first place.

Now, to be fair, I assume a good many people figured it out a while ago; the signs were certainly there. I was never really proud of the habit, so I tended to publicly deny it, preferring that it stay unmentioned even if obvious.

As a body worker, this is a question that I share with my clients.

In my journey, there have been many individuals I have encountered who have amazingly overcome what many professionals deemed incurable diseases or a slow process of deterioration.

Being fully attuned to mind and body, I appreciate everything to do with health and well being for all individuals. I believe that there is reason for Eastern and Western medicines. There is a place for both to integrate and create an important balance within each individual.

Another icon left us last week.

Farrah Fawcett. The ultimate golden girl of the seventies, who made watching TV’s “Charlie’s Angels” a guilty pleasure for many people during that era.

Farrah, who somehow managed to combine girl-next-door qualities with sex symbol ones.

Who in our generation doesn’t remember Farrah, with her full luscious mane of golden-blond hair, her sunny smile, and that figure? And who - especially men - could fail to appreciate that iconic poster of Farrah in her red swimsuit? I remember walking into my cousin’s room one day and seeing the poster on his wall. My straight-laced, conservative cousin who spent most of his time with his nose in a textbook - who knew? And yet there was Farrah, taking pride of place in his room.

Last week, my car and I had a falling out. Usually, she behaves herself beautifully and we get along very well together. Not that day, though. For some reason, whenever I pressed my foot on the brakes, there was a loud jarring noise that was disconcerting, to say the least!

Finally, after a few days of this, I decided to take it in to be repaired. So off I drove to my mechanic, who checked it out, gave me the bad news (brakes, suspension…), and then gave me even worse news when he told me how much it would cost! Having no choice in the matter, I left my car in his not-so-tender hands and went home to sulk.

This week I suck. I’ve got writer’s block. Actually, it’s a bit more than that. It’s more like a general creativity block. I hate it. The more agitated I get, the heavier the block becomes, so naturally I’ve done nothing but agonize over it, which has only succeeded in deepening this hole.

It’s been this way for a few days now. I’ve been staring at the same unyieldingly blank screen and daunted by the same empty sketchbook since before the weekend. None of my attempts in either direction have borne fruit. Not even sour, unripened, bug-nibbled fruit. Nada.

Remember when I told you a while ago about a friend of mine who’d become totally hooked on yoga and wanted to take some classes with me?

Well, we finally took our first class this week and – wow! Talk about competitive! I’d never seen that side of my friend before and couldn’t decide whether I was amused or irritated!

This blog is for anyone who has issues with Sleep Apnea.

I can officially confirm that the Neti Pot, with the added Neti Wash Plus, has not only supported my progress in dealing with my sinus issues of allergies and infections, but has also been beneficial in treating my sleep apnea.

For over a month, I’ve been continually cleansing at night before retiring to bed.

A few years ago, I started organizing a casual pick-up game of soccer every week. No skill necessary – just a bunch of friends kicking a ball around. However, despite an initial deficiency of players, the tradition caught on. It has gotten to the point this year where we can expect a turnout of at least six or seven a side. On really good days we double that. And recently, there’s been a push for a second game per week.

They say “no pain, no gain.” Well, I’ve been attempting to practice yoga for a few months now and while there’s been a steady supply of the former, I can’t help but notice a woeful deficit of the latter. Until now.

If you’ve read any past posts, you’ll know that I’ve been experiencing some trouble with flexibility. Basically it’s been non-existent. I couldn’t even approximate some of the bends and twists. But this week, things changed slightly.

For a long time now, Christina has been trying to persuade me to try the Neti Pot. She firmly believes that it will help me clear my sinuses and relieve my headaches.

I have just as firmly been resisting her attempts to get me to try it. I’m not stupid – I’ve read all those horrifying blogs from people who have undergone this “water torture”!