Running Shoes and I are friends now!

It took almost 10 days to get used to my running shoes. Suresh adjusted a few things since it was pinching and biting... Now I am comfortable and my running is smooth. I am still running 2.5 miles everyday, 5 days a week. 

Finding a film editor who understands my aesthetic

Michael Weaver is a talented film editor. I have no idea how he tunes into Indian classical music and dance so well. He is good at this craft. Patanjali 2008 Trailer is created by Mike and it is on Youtube. 

www.youtube.com/rangolidancecompany

Back in time!

Yesterday I got dressed up in my Bharatanatyam garb (costume made around 2000) and Nick, our photographer clicked a few snaps. I was happy to see the result. 

My entire wardrobe needs refurbishing. It is a good problem to have. 

Broccoli Soup

Ah, it was delicious. I sauteed Broccoli, Scallions, and Dill with Olive oil in a pan. In another pot, I boiled Soy powder , water, and Soy milk. I added the sauteed vegetables, stirred, added pepper and salt to taste. I let it cool and blended it in  a blender. I served it hot with Wheat bread. I liked the texture, taste, and consistency. 

I have been trying to cook other things besides my usual south Indian food. I realize I am giving these recipes my own touch. Yes it is a touch of taste!

Finally the running shoes!

I went shopping with Lakshmi and bought a pair of Adidas light weight running shoes. About twenty years ago I had bought a pair and ran around the block. I felt I was carrying a weight. I never liked the feel of it.  I have been regularly running since May bare feet and today was the first day I ran wearing shoes. It felt good as I had a cushion. I still have to get used to it as my left little toe got pinched. The speed came down. Anyway I have decided to get used to it. 

30:01 mts / 2;45 miles / burnt 386 calories - 4.89 mph.

Day after Election

I thought of world visionaries and leaders like Gandhi, Dr King, and many more today while I was running. It helped me run better and faster than before.  I appreciated and thanked all those so much more for all the good things I have today. 

25;51 minutes / 2;50 miles / 411 caloreis - 5.88 mph (9.46 kmph)

Couscous Salad

My friend / student Mary from Boston motivated me to share some of my recipes here. 

Couscous Salad

Couscous is a type of semolina pasta, or let us say a grain of wheat. It can be treated as rice. This is low calorie complex carbohydrate. It blends well with anything and takes on the flavors easily. I roasted the Couscous till it is brown, cooked with water and few drops of olive oil and drained the water. Then I added finely chopped tomato, bell pepper, cabbage, cucumber, onion, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and mixed it. I seasoned it partly south Indian style with olive oil, mustard seeds, green chillies, and hing (asaphoetida). I chilled and served it cold like salad. It is very delicious. Couscous is a popular Mediterranean / Israeli delicacy. They make many dishes using Couscous. 

Increased Incline

Today I decided to increase the incline half way into my running. I felt light and airy after the run.

However there was a difference in my overall efficiency.

32:15 mts / 2;50 miles / burnt 407 calories - 4.66 mph

compared to yesterday - 10/30

26;57 mts / 2;50 miles / 414 calories - 5.64 mph.

I have pain in my inside of left foot (metatarsals). This happened a month ago also, but disappeared after 3 days. May be I should listen to Suresh and wear running gear ? He says my body is remodeling... but for how long...

Indian themes in Western TV shows...

Working on 'Heroes'  TV series is constantly about letting them know that all of India is not same.

Nothing changes with respect to their notions about India, if it does, it is slow and small. 

I  am working on several projects at the same time. It is tiring as it does not let up. Lot to do before my first trip to India.

So Suresh and I have planned to go to Delhi and Jaipur in January to attend the NRI Congress.

Running Log:

Results on October 23rd was better than other days.

26;58 mts / 2.50 miles / burnt 420 calories - 5.64 mph / 9.07 kmph

Trying to be effective

I felt wonderful running today. I felt I was floating. I did not know how the time flew by...

27;08 mts / 2;50 miles / burnt 410 calories - 5.539 mph.

Before I leave for India, so much work to do...ahhhhh

Subha's smile, an expression to remember

We went to attend the Memorial Service for the Rajaram family. It felt good to connect with so many of our friends and acquaintances. Subha would have wanted all of us to be together. Dear Subha, Karthik, mother, and children, I hope you have found peace. May God be with you. I miss seeing your smiling face.

Heavy week

This week brought sad news from different corners and we lost some dear people. 

Learning to move on...

10 / 10 / 08

27;37 mts / 2.50 miles / 405 calories - 5;48 mph

My dear Marion Scott

My choreography professor passed on.. she was such a giving and a gentle soul. God bless her. She mentored me with much care and affection. Good teachers are so crucial in one's life. Thank you Marion. Peace.

We lost dear friends

What a sad day to lose our friends in such a tragic way... How can a person end another person's life so easily ? He had no right to put an end to his entire family in this manner. He is wrong. Perhaps he had lost all discretion. He must have been very ill.

She and I danced together for sometime too. I remember all that.  She was very sweet and friendly.

How much potential those children had, we will never know...

Peace and Solace.

Delegating worked

Our company girls managed the weekend event well. It feels good to know that things will get done if I delegate.

28:46 mts / 2:51 miles / burnt 408 calories / 5.29 mph.

Today's running felt the best because I ran at a certain speed longer rather than going back and forth from slow to fast.  

I have been blessed with good teachers.

Today I talked to my teacher's son and sisters. I felt good connecting and sharing with them the recent developments. They were very happy and wished me well. I am thinking of my teacher. I miss her. 

Treadmill was hot or my feet ?

Today my feet felt like they were on a bed of fire. This is because I ran at a higher speed longer of course bare feet. I ran 2.53 miles in 30 mts. 

I know for sure running is boring (I always felt this way), but yields good results in terms of being fit. 

No Elephant Painting, Garland Making, and Dancing

We did not get to paint the elephant and our dancers did not get to dance in the commercial. They kept changing their plans and ideas faster than the speed of light and I am sure everyone involved got frustrated. 

These people don't know how to work with our visuals / culture with depth and some fun. Yesterday evening I get a call at 7 pm asking if I would drive up to Universal to get fitted in a harness and be in the commercial. They said they wanted me to come immediately. I was bewildered not knowing what to do. They wanted me and not our dancers. Within 30 minutes they called back  and said they did not need me. 

Also they decided to do the elephant paint job post production rather than have us paint the real elephant. 

Oh yes, they also wanted us to make numerous Marigold garlands using fresh flowers. That came down them borrowing our already made silk flower garlands. 

I wonder if the producers and directors can really make up their mind.

Ughhhhhh... I hope it is over. 

Hind Rattan Award

Today, the mailman brought wonderful news. It seems I am a 2009 recipient of the Hind Rattan Award (Jewel of India) given by the NRI Welfare Society of India. The award will be given on 25th January, eve of India's Republic Day during the 28th International Congress of the NRIs. The festivities are supposed to be between 24th - 28th January 2009 in Delhi and Jaipur. 

This is such an honor to be recognized by our motherland.

But should I and will I be able to go considering I have already planned my annual trip to India ?

This is an opportunity for us to see Jaipur and Delhi....Ummm, don't know yet....

Elephant Painting job back ?

Our company was contacted 10 days ago to do some visual arts and dance related work for a HP commercial. They made us go back and forth by engaging and disengaging. We also went through several phone calls, e mails, and eventually turned out to be a big joke. You know why.... because they could not get their act together. Now they are back at it calling us. I will let you know if it is still an elephant size joke!

My endurance was better today compared to last week.

30;01 mts / 2;57 calories / burnt 412 calories - 5.13 mph

Delegating, Working Hard, and Running Longer...

So far this quarter is going good because I have learnt to ask and accept help. My company members are loyal and kind hearted. 

I am reminded of my graduate school days how I had to block everything off and concentrate only on studies. It was hard considering I had a family to care for  and  my master teacher from India was also living with me.  I could not vent anywhere as everyone expected me to be in my best behaviour. 

My daughter is burning the midnight candle now....I know how it feels like...

This week I wanted to run longer to see if I am able to work on endurance and speed. Obviously my speed came down a bit. In a way it feels good because after about 15 minutes or so, running becomes smooth and effortless. I run at various speeds ranging from 3;00 - 8;oo mph. 

30;14 mts / 2;50 miles / burnt 397 calories - 4.97 mph

Today's findings

My husband's way of encouraging me is very discouraging.

He wants me to run outside with running shoes. It sounds like what I am doing is not good enough although I know he wants me to run outdoors for greater benefits. I don't like wearing sneakers or running shoes. I like to run with my bare feet. I also have to give an extra hour to drive to and from the track.  This extra hour is a luxury for me.

Anyhow my running time today was better than last time.

20:37 mts / 2 miles / burnt 331 calories /  (5.89 mph / 9.47 kmph)

We are auditioning for various things today. I will keep you posted if anything materializes. 

Feeling free

 This weekend yielded good results. 1. I let go of unwanted baggage. 2. Our company performance resulted in a favorable review. 3. I ran well today.

21;14 mts / 2;00 miles / burnt 334 calories

5.67 mph

Sports performance and mental make up

It is a nice feeling when you know your colleague can also be your friend. I am touched by the courtesy extended. 

Today I ran even better and it is perhaps due to how I am feeling ?

22;41 mts / 2:00 miles / burnt 326 calories. 

(5.35 mph)

A good day!

I started to run regularly on the treadmill around late April 08. Today's experience has been exhilarating. Now I understand how Suresh feels when he runs all those Marathons. I feel I have reinvented myself. 

23.52 mts / 2:00 miles / burnt 326 calories. 

Regarding my professional ups and downs, it has been a day of resolution and redemption. Lord works in many ways to reveal his magic. 

Teachers Day

Today I started a Face Book page honoring our dance teacher Guru Narmada. I thought this may be a nice way to connect with people who have much to share about their association with Narmada teacher. 

I had Dosa and Chutney after nearly 5 months.  My mother made it. I felt I earned it. It was good.  

Labour of Love

Taking care of myself has been a true labor of hard work, sweat and glowing results. I pray daily for drive and motivation to sustain. Thank you.

25:35 mts / 2:00 miles / 317 calories

With my nuclear family...

Today was special! After nearly three decades, my parents, myself and my brother had an opportunity to spend some time. We drove to San Diego  to attend a family function. We took some pictures. It was simple and calm. It was HIS will and HE made it happen.  Thank you!

To be detached ?

I think teaching is one of the most fulfilling yet thankless jobs.  I know that  the higher force is telling me to do my job justly and detach myself from the act itself. I am trying hard although I often fail and get emotional. 

I have been searching within myself to see if I can begin to nurture other skills. 

My running was good today. 

25:53 mts / 2:00 miles / burnt 316 calories.

Online Interview

Sangeetha Shyam, a thoughtful writer interviewed us (me and my daughter) recently and  it is published on www.carnaticdarbar.com today.

She asked technical aspects of my choreography and I enjoyed sharing my approach to art making. Hope you get a chance to read it. 

http://www.carnaticdarbar.com/interviews/2008/interviews_malathi.asp

http://sangeethas.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/a-chat-with-malathi-iyengar/

It is getting better...

26:08 minutes / 2:00 miles / burnt 320 calories.  

It would be nice if I could run a 5k at some point. I have always considered running a boring activity.  So I have been mainly working out using a treadmill. I think I should run outdoors. I know the fresh air would be inviting but I have to allot more time. However I know running works for me. In my middle and high school years, I was a sprint runner. 

My inspiration  is my husband who has been a marathon runner for over 3 decades. 

My regiment seems to be working...

What I gave up:

As of May first week, I gave up the following (about 90 - 95 percent).

White Rice, Sugar, Bread, Tortillas, Chapathi, Pasta, and Sweets.

Potato, Dairy Products, & Coconut.

Alcohol.

I have only had few table spoons of Rice, Pasta or other starchy things here and there.

Major Change:

I have reduced portions of food intake considerably. 

I don't snack that much anymore.

Alcohol:

I have had only few sips of Wine 3 - 4 times between May - August. That is it!

Result:

I definitely feel more agile, alert, and energetic than before. I have lost weight and feel very motivated.

Goal:

This takes effort and determination. I pray I have the strength to maintain.

Thank you!

Letting go and moving on...

On another note, it has been a day of knowing how transient everything is in life. People come into our lives and move away just as easily. When the time comes to separate, it is funny how well prepared we are. I actually feel nothing. It is almost like there was a prior warning by the divine. 

I am talking about being a teacher and how I have to deal with the overzealous, pushy parents and their unreasonable expectations and hurry. Some of them have no forethought and act hastily. Children may have a tough time coping with these rushed decisions made by parents. 

It has been hard convincing parents that what I teach is not mere technique but it is a package. It is a neatly planned package of culture, tradition, heritage, and lastly music or dance or whatever...

This is sort of attending a finishing school I guess for both parents and children although parents fight it. This has much to do with our Guru Shishya Parampara (Teacher-Student Tradition). This is a way of thinking, living, and accepting. I have done it as a student and a parent, and it works!

Running Log

27:17 minutes / 2:00 miles / burnt 314 calories. This is the best I have done so far. Now I weigh 127. 7 lbs. Soon I will let you know how I lost 20 lbs in 14 weeks.

Learning to be effective and authentic...

I am writing about defining dreams and visions and pursuing them. I have taken the time for the first time in my life to recognize what is not working both personally and professionally and I am noticing that I have the courage to change. I have experienced a certain sense of clarity in everything that I did not before. It is exciting!

My first day blogging...

Namaskara (Hello)

I am Malathi Iyengar, a 54 year old woman who is married to Suresh, a kind and generous man. Together we have been blessed with a daughter Lakshmi. 

This journal will include entries related to my leadership in the arts, pain and pleasure of being a teacher, artistic failures and accomplishments, family progress, weight gain and loss, and random happenings.

I am a choreographer and an artistic director of a dance company. www.rangoli.org

I hope you will take the time to visit our company and learn about our passion for the arts. 

Our entire family is involved in shaping the organization. My parents have also contributed much to our company's artistic growth. 

Teaching, running a professional dance company, and being a family woman have been very fulfilling to me. I am engaged pretty much 16 - 18 hours a day in developing our organization. I have a note book next to my bed. I am immersed in my work totally. I like it that way. 

However I had apparently disregarded my personal care and health in the last 6 years. The mid life transition was challenging.  I lost interest in taking care of myself. I am a little shy of being five feet two inches and I weighed 147.7 lbs during April 2008. This did not feel good.

I felt heavy and  lethargic. I got tired of this feeling and decided to make immediate changes. I am happy to say I have gone through significant shift with respect to  my lifestyle in the past 4 months.  I will soon be sharing with you my experiences and rewards I have gained since then. It has been extremely inspiring and encouraging. 

Until then...