Yesterday I opened the mail to find my new Yoga Alliance registration card for 2011.
I completed my original 200 hour training back in 20o2
And in 2009-2010 topped it off by completing my 500 hour training. Doing my 500 hours along with coffee meetups with Madeline kept me sane while living in Phoenix.
Although I am not actively teaching yoga at the moment, I believe it’s a smart move to keep my credentials active and good standing so if I do want to start teaching again, I could right away. Not to mention, I worked ten years to accrue those 500 hours, both on and off the mat, and I am proud of them and want to keep “them” active.
Two questions I know I will get asked:
Why am I not teaching right now?
Yoga is a beautiful thing but it doesn’t pay the bills to the extent that is right for my financial situation or for Southern California and the cost of living here. Therefore, I work in another field.
Do you have any information about yoga, hot yoga, teaching yoga, new to yoga and need advice, yoga clothes, yoga dvd recommendations, etc?
Yes, I have a massive, extremely comprehensive post in my Yoga Tab called Yoga FAQs
And another post called Yoga in the House
Moving On to the things I made yesterday…
I made Skylar’s bed after changing the sheets
I made some Homemade Trail Mix for lunches and on-the-go snacks
And I made Raw Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls for the Winner of the Bake Sale!
I put them in a container to be mailed and also have a few more goodies I am enclosing, too.
For the kind of dough the winner spent ($200), she deserves more than just raw dough.
From my last post about Organic Cheaper than Conventional, it was good to hear what organic items you’ve found that are cheaper.
And most of us wish grocery stores would incorporate the organic food with the conventional food rather than having it walled off in its own little section.
1. Do you have any credentials and do you have to maintain them?
Let’s see, I have plenty but not all are maintained…
B.A. in Psychology
Graduate work in Psychology
RYT-500 Yoga Teacher. Active.
California Real Estate License. Currently inactive but easily re-instate-able.
Certified Lactation Educator & Counselor. Active but not insured so I’d have to get insurance if I wanted to practice.
CPR & First Aid Training. Lapsed.
And a few more professional licenses and certifications, too.
I have pursued so many different goals and passions and have dabbled in many things. In the process, I have amassed various credentials but keeping up with the continuing education units (CEUs) on many of them in terms of time and expense is not worth it, at this time, for most of my credentials.
Plus, I got some things “for me” and never intended to work in the field. It was to enhance my own personal knowledge base.
2. What have you made recently? A bed, a meal, a dessert, a quilt, a blog post, a make-out session? What have you been making?
I’m also making something in the oven and don’t want to burn it…See you later!
TGIF and enjoy your weekend!
No credentials that need maintaining.
I’ve been making: Nut butter protein bars, mango chia pudding, a mess in the garage (while sorting and reorganising), plans for next weekend, frozen freezer fudge, and salads for lunches this week.
Seriously though. The cost of living here?! Out of control. But having your credentials up to date is very smart. I’m working on my 200 hour certification now. I have my BA in Human Ecology with an emphasis in nutrition and I will have my massage license in August, but massage therapists don’t make jack squat here either haha.
Congrats for your new card!!!!!!!!!!!! So excited for you Averie! :)
I have a two certificates for office related things. But they don’t actually do anything for me. I went to college, got an associate’s in office management as well, and every time I interviewed somewhere they glazed over what I learned and just tell me that since I didn’t have 5+ years of experience they were going with someone else. Bleh.
Haven’t been making much lately, although I have a whole list of ideas to try out!
Credentials:
B.Ed
B.A. Honours Psychology
MEd in Ed. Psych. (currently working on)
Those raw balls look SO yummy! I’m in the mood for a snack right now, and I think those would be just perfect.
I love Skylar’s sheets by the way! They are so cute. :-)
I think it is VERY smart for you to keep up your yoga credentials. You put so much effort into it, why would you let them lapse? And like you said, you could start again at any time. Very good thinking.
My credentials…BA in political science, about to have a Masters in Political Science, and after that I’m hoping to start on my PhD track, fingers crossed. I have qualifications to teach English as a second language, British Horse Society qualifications to train horses and give riding lessons, and from way back when I am certified as a pool lifeguard and in CPR. Whew!
bedding, target last fall back to college season. bed in a bag set.
Skylar’s bed looks amazing and comfy!!!
I’m off to Buenos Aires tomorrow!! :)) I will be back in about 10 dayss! xx
As far as credentials:
I have B.S. in biology, master’s in public health, and an M.D.
also certified phlebotomist and EKG technician
:))
Whoa, you have a lot of credentials! I have a grand total of 0 :) I’m not even CPR certified anymore, haha! You are so inspiring- you seem so motivated! I admire your drive :)
thanks, kate :)
I agree. I did the 200 hr Yoga training, but I don’t teach. I did and still do feel badly about it…especially given the cost of the course. I wonder why I did it, if it was a waste of time/money, etc. But then I realize we can’t explain everything. Maybe one day there will hold a purpose for it in my life.
I didn’t know you had a B.A! That’s fantastic! What do you do your work now?! Besides blog :) (don’t answer if you don’t want to!)
I keep my professional work off the blog for privacy :)
Credentials….I have a couple here and there. :) Currently working on a big one. And I today, the big thing I made were the edits on my presentation! 10 days from now I’m going to be giving the biggest presentation of my life (so far) to a room FULL of people. Now, I have 10 days to practice it!
I’m also hoping to make some fun stuff in the kitchen tomorrow and I have a couple sewing projects up in the air. I finally have a little time to breathe, so I plan on taking full advantage. And since it is supposed to SNOW all day….
you will be fine. You are more than prepared. You will nail it, knock em dead. And if i lived closer, id be taking you out for many drinks afterward!
just have to say – way to go on pursuing all of your passions and on being on smart mama!
I absolutely LOVE the bedspread on Skylars bed! Its just gorgeous! Lucky little thing!! :D
Hmmm what have i been making recently?
I made an almond and apple cake. YUM!
Which, in turn, MAKES a MESS in my kitchen :D
Those balls look delicious I am so excited how much money the bake sale raised!
Hi, I am new to your blog. Have to say I enjoy reading it very much! Love the recipes (which is how I found it to begin with).
I am a certified paramedic and have to keep up ACLS, CPR/AED, ITLS, PALS and the medic card. Quite a few CEs for me.
I made myself do my yoga tonight, which almost didn’t happen because I wasn’t feeling good. I feel better now :)
welcome and thanks for reading!
I love your credentials! They really reflect your passions and talents.
I want to get registered for something or other, but with school and internships right now, it’s a bit difficult. If my internship is only a few days a week, I might work on taking some classes in something.
Today uh…I made contacts! It was the coffee and chocolate festivals today in London. While free swag is lovely, I’ve learned the importance of networking. If the entertainment industry knocks me on my butt, I imagine I’ll pursue my publicity interests in the restaurant/food industry. It’s close enough to entertainment!
If you could get any additional certifications, which ones would they be?
additional certifications, which ones would they be? = i would pursue learning about photography more!
Funny you should mention credentials, as I’m adding a Pilates mat credential to my laundry list of credentials this very weekend. I also have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Journalism. Plus a minor in psych. Yoga (200 hours), CPR, Group Fitness, real estate (lapsed, but like yours, easy to get back if needed), and probably some other things I’m forgetting. I love learning, what can I say?
I made an Asian chicken stirfry that was fast, flavorful, and healthy. Yum!
psych, real estate, yoga…we’re twins!
Wow – you have so many amazing credentials! I love Skylar’s bedding!
bedding, target last fall back to college season. bed in a bag set.
i think you should go back to your daily yoga poses!! they were so cool haha :)
ANYWAYS hmm the last thing i made was an egg white omelet for dinner! other then that i just made a to-do list for this weekend.. wooo hoo haha
daily yoga poses = massive amount of work! no time these days for all that! :)
How cool! I can’t wait to get my card!! Question, who are you insured through? I went through YogaJournal Benefits Plus but I can’t figure out if there’s a card or something I can print out as proof. Just wondering as different companies may have similiar procedures to attaining proof and what not.
Alternative Therapy Association. Use my name if you sign up w/ them as your referral if you dont mind. They are the cheapest/best I have found. 10 yrs later, they are who I use :)
Wow, those dough balls look great!
Good for you for renewing your certification. I wish I could take a yoga class with you!
I’m not currently certified in anything. Haha. Maybe I’ll have a pastry degree in the future, though. :)
I would love to do yoga together!!! :)
You can teach me about photography and I can teach yoga. God, I would love a trade like that :)
I really like Skylar’s bed set – cute print and colors!
I would love to practice yoga more often but I enjoy it in a class rather than alone, and the issue is always having a busy schedule and not enough money to pay for the classes.
Do you miss teaching yoga? Probably a good excuse to unwind yourself, huh? The thing about all these certifications is yes you have to keep them up. Weird that you’d need insurance to be a Lactation Consultant.
I have a certificate and Masters in Teaching. The certificate requires a lot of upkeep but I am off the hook if I am not actively teaching.
Good think blogging does not require an certificates to keep up!
I dont miss teaching yoga at all. It’s extremely physically draining and many ppl that go to yoga are not interested in truly learning. Which could be said for any type of class ppl attend. It can be wonderful, but it’s a lot of hard work and energy that i dont have to give right now.
Malpractice insurance. If something happened to a baby, i.e. failure to thrive and the lactation consultant didnt catch it or if the mother got a nasty infection and something happened to her and the LC didnt catch it or refer for tx, you could be held liable and be sued. Big time.
Btw i have been trying ALL DAY to comment on your pain post. Disqus is not liking me. I can’t get in.
That’s great about yoga, but too bad it can’t pay the bills. I hear so many people tell me to do what I love and the paycheck will come, but it doesn’t seem to work that way in today’s economy. :-(
1. I have a few computer certifications I maintain and update.
2. A huge salad and that’s about it over the last few days sadly. Looking forward to more time at home.
amen to your 1st sentence!
1. My credentials are:
B.A. in Political Science, Minors in Religious Studies and Human Rights
CPR instructor- lapsed
Certified Holistic Health Counselor- just completed my certification from IIN and have certification from the American Association of Drugless Practitioners http://gethealthywithlindsay.com/
2. i just made a pizza
Whew-you just put my Pilates certification process into focus. I’m feeling frustrated that I’m only halfway done, but it’s a 500 hour certification and I’ll be done by September – 500 hours IS a loooong time!! Soo yeah I’m a little more than halfway through my Pilates certification (I’m getting certified through Balanced Body and I *love* the program). I have 2 BA’s – English and Jewish Studies. I’m back in school finishing my BS in Nutrition (right now, it really feels like BS too…but that’s another story).
What have I made lately? Does a cup of tea count?? haha.
it’s sooo much work to amass 500 hrs, dont get down on yourself!
and welcome back, all of a sudden, comments from you and i was JUST thinking about you yesterday. Psychic moments I guess :)
I love, love, love when people take the time to take a course or a certification in something because its something that interests them, and not necessarily something that they HAVE to take. Life is about learning – over and over again.
Recently, I’ve been putting alot of effort into my writing blog and also housework etc., I had a hip and knee injury, so I am off working out a bit- but looking forward to getting better and sunny days :)
Sam
*Check out the Be Real movement on my site :)
life learning, for sure!
Huge congrats on getting the certification in the mail… that’s always a good feeling just to have that acknowledgement! I’m an active 200 hour, and I agree that it’s definitely something I want to continue to upkeep most likely for life, just because it’s a great job to fall back on “just in case” even if it’s not the best steady income.
and just yesterday you were wondering if you should pursue it…it feels like it was just yesterday we were emailing…and it was almost 2yrs ago!
I made a boca burger w/ kale for lunch and then ran 2miles after that :) Pretty good day! I also went skim boarding for an hour earlier today which was loads of fun until my friend hurt her knee eek!
Skylar’s bed is GORGEOUS! It matches your blog. So pretty, I love it!
I don’t have any credentials, not even a high school diploma. I’m a self-educated, self-made businesswoman. And have zero regrets. :D
wait, no way!! i didnt know that about you!
seriously, some of the smartest ppl I know are the ones without fancy letters. And YOU are in that group. You know i respect the hell out of you and what you have done and built for yourself :)
i fully agree with you: it’s great to HAVE the credentials at the ready, IN CASE you would need them…you never know! ex: your real estate license that you could re-activate without too much trouble.
man…where to start. i am a certified teacher for grades 7-12, here in ontario. that never will expire, though i am sorely out of touch/out of date, not having taught since the late ’90s. lapsed credentials: aerobics instructor, nutrition & wellness specialist with CanFitPro, CPR…we’ll leave it at that! education/bettering yourself is never a mistake, IMO.
happy weekend! love skylar’s bed set!
love that you have tons of credentials too! and so diverse!
Holy smokes!! I knew you were a smart cookie, but seriously, you’ve got the goods lady!!
I am THIS CLOSE to having my Education Assistant/Community Support Certification
I also have countless kid/teen type training including;
Suicide prevention
an 80 hour inclusive leadership certification
Non violent crisis intervention
Beyond the Hurt – Bully and Harassment Prevention
Discrimination and Diversity Facilitation 101
Homophobia/Heterosexism and Transphobia Workshop Facilitation Training
The “Village” Residential School Awareness
Anti Response Racism Training
Safe Harbor Training
Youth Leadership Training Workshop
Level One Gymnastics Technical, Theory and Practical Coaching Certificate!!
PHEWF… that’s a lot! :) haha
AS for the rest of life… I am SO close to being done!!!! Then I’ll be a blogging machine!! :)
PS. your balls look delish ;) hehehe :)
you are the smart cookie, look at all this!
I was a certified teacher, but it has lapsed since I am staying home with my daughter right now. I can take a test to get it back (and probably a bunch of continuing ed hours) if/when the time is right.
I just got done eating the roasted portobello fajitas I made for dinner. :-)
Have a great weekend, Averie!
Holy heck, you have a ton of letters after your name! So cool. The only one I have is a B.A. in psychology ;) …as far as making things… I have been ordered to REST bc I tore a muscle several weeks ago and have begrudgingly NOT making much :( …and if I have to find a positive, it would be that I’ve been making (hehe) myself read about photography & blogs that I wouldn’t ‘normally’ read. Ok, so I’m not making myself ;) It’s been a nice change to read blogs that I don’t normally get exposed to and expand the mind a little. I did make my bed, breakfast and some chicken soup today (against dr’s orders – a girl’s gotta eat! lol).
omg take care of your muscle!!!!!! hugs and speedy healing!
haha love the make out session one :P
I’ve definitely dabbled in a lot myself! its fun though
I’m a board certified holistic health counselor and an (almost) certified intuitive eating counselor. I hope to one day also be a certified yoga teacher. I have done about a 100 of the hours but due to life circumstances had to leave training. One of my fav teachers is developing a program, though, so I am hoping it will come along in the next year or so.
awesome life path and credentials!
DANG i so wish you lived in the UK and i cudda bid on your balls! they look INSANE!
the intl flights with customs and semi perishable food was why i didnt want to ship intl…sorry hon!! :)
My credentials are my BA and MA and I have a few course completion certificates (work related fun stuff LOL). I’ve been making up my blog posts, daily dinners, and workout plans. Tonight I’d like to make nothing – as in relax!
What is BA & MA here