I have decided to blog as it is hard to keep up emailing everyone.  I realise that as I email back each person, I only impart news of the day or few days before so each person is only getting part of the whole picture.

My week days are spent, laptop on lap, blackberry in hand, emailing and talking to all parties who are involved in the launch of Bikram Yoga Ottawa.  There are a surprising number of people:  realtors, lawyers, an architect and engineer, the landlord and property manager, the software/hardware supplier, the signage company, the website designer and her team, the bank manager, the contractor and all his sub-contractors!  Most importantly, are my precious friends who are so supportive and I know are with me every step of the way.

All issues have been resolved regarding the lease and it remains for the lawyers to make sure everything agreed on is contained in the final document.  The contractor has obtained stamped drawings from the architect and is submitting them to the City of Ottawa on Monday.  I have had two reviews of the website ~ there are design changes to be made and we'll keep going until I'm happy (or rather, Andrew, is happy).  My son, Andrew, is providing awesome feedback and I have more than a little faith in his artistic ability.  The signage company has started the design work and I am in contact with the sales department of the software supplier whose program I will use to administer the studio.

Last week I met Leah, a young Bikram teacher from Hayley's training.  It was great to talk 'Bikram' with her and I am thrilled she'll be teaching at BYO.  Thanks, Halz, for connecting us!

On the personal side, my car finally arrived on Wednesday.  Shipping time was estimated between 4 and 7 days.  Two and half weeks later, I was still waiting!  In the last 3 days, I have made up for lost time and am finally getting my apartment organised.  My realtor, Ross, is the font of knowledge in all things Ottawa and directed me to St Vincent du Paul, a 2nd hand store run by the Catholic church.  I was dubious at first but what a place full of treasures!  It's clean, smells nice and every item for sale is gently used.  I have picked up:  a wrought iron/glass coffee table, 2 wooden end tables and a brass lamp complete with silk shade  Other acquisitions include thick, fluffy towels,  a heavy bottomed saucepan with glass lid and glassware.  And all for next to nothing!

Another great find this week include an eyebrow threader who is literally, no kidding, one minute from my apartment.  China town is one block down and she has a salon on the main street.  She has a wicked sense of humour ~ I ventured an "Oweee", to which she retorted, "No pain, no gain!" with a big grin.

Also in China town stands an exquisitely reno'd home which houses a gift emporium called "A Twist of Fate",  The owner is a young girl who travelled the Eastern world collecting treasures.  She decided to share her stash and, now that she has to stay put, she imports her inventory from the many contacts she made on her travels.  Her delightful cat wears a pink and green sweater with pearls.

I have only made it to two yoga classes so far but have signed up for a 20-class punch card.  Now that I have my car it will be a lot easier.  I really need the yoga ~ my bum is numb from sitting on the floor of my apartment for hours (still no chairs!) not to mention my back.  I am walking a lot with Moo, though, as we explore our surroundings.  

Signing off now ~ yoga @ 9am. Yes!