Living the yoga lifestyle

My name is Amiee Constantopoulos but my close friends and family call me Amiee Jo. I was born in Amarillo, Texas, in 1980 and moved to Eastern New Mexico in the early 90s. I am married to Jim Constantopoulos, a geology professor at Eastern New Mexico University and we have a son, Isaac, who is currently attending ENMU. My husband and I have been married for almost 17 years and are a goofy, fun-loving couple. I am a yoga teacher at ENMU who took my first class there 20 years ago and found a passion for what I love. I love yoga! I have dedicated every aspect of my life from education to training to the development of my yogic lifestyle. I am a 200 hour certified Hatha yoga instructor having received my latest training in Rishikesh, India - the homeland of yoga. I have trained in India twice - once with world masters - explored the country and the culture and plan to return to train again. My degree in health and physical education, coupled with my travels to India, have helped me bring an authentic yogic practice that can be adapted for anyone here in our community.

Tell us about your pets:

I have a very lively household full of pets. We have cats, dogs and fish that range in age from 6 months to 17 years old. The thing I love about my animals is that they all get along and have special bonds with each other. They are a lot of work, but are worth every bit of it.

What is your theme song?

I would have to say my current theme song would be "Wipe Out" by The Beach Boys. I am a very active, lively individual who has more fun outdoors and going on adventures then sitting on my couch. Because of this I have had a few wipe outs along the way.

What does your garden grow?

My garden grows loads of flowers such as mums, roses, trumpet vines, hollyhocks, sunflowers, four o'clocks, zinnias and more; anything I can grow organically to help our busy bees and other pollinators. I keep an herb garden filled with Greek oregano, basil, parsley, mint, rosemary and sage so we have fresh herbs right outside the back door for culinary use. I also love to grow large pumpkins and tomatoes.

What do you collect?

Being married to a geologist I collect a lot, and I mean A LOT, of rocks and minerals. I am blessed to have so many beautiful wonders from around the world to fill my home and yard. They are aesthetically pleasing and bring a peaceful energy to our home; everywhere you look there are visual delights. I think my collection adds a uniqueness to our home.

How would you like to be remembered?

I'd like to be remembered as a person who found great value and joy in the simplest things and was able to appreciate them, that I helped people heal mentally and physically through the practice of yoga and that I made the world a better place, even if it was by simply planting flowers, taking care of animals, or smiling at a stranger who was having a bad day.

Do you have a celebrity crush?

Yes, I do. I love food, and being married to a Greek man, dinner at our house is never a chore, but something my husband and I do together with joy. So naturally my crush is a tie between Chef Gordon Ramsey and Anthony Bourdain.

Who would play you if someone made a movie about your life?

Probably Cameron Diaz. Not because we look alike, but I have been told that I remind people of her because I love to be silly and have fun. I'm sure my life would be categorized as a comedy or action movie.

What would you like for your last meal?

Definitely lamb youvetsi. This is a traditional Greek stew made with beef or lamb cooked in a tomato sauce with orzo pasta and topped with kefalotyri cheese. I will never turn down a plate of youvetsi; I could eat it every day and never get tired of it.

Tell us about your favorite hobby.

I have flowers all year round as one of my hobbies is growing large African Violets that provide blooms even in the coldest weather. I started out with a few small ones, then after the years went by, they grew larger in size and number. I now have over a dozen of them that occupy a shelf in my kitchen in front of a window creating a wall of beautiful African Violets. I'm especially proud of my Violets because they are difficult to grow and care for.

What is one of the recent highlights in your life?

This summer my husband and I spent six weeks in Italy and Greece. We began our adventure in his hometown of Gloucester, Massachusetts where I got to meet Captain Dave Marciano of National Geographic's Wicked Tuna. We traveled with his sister and attended his brother's wedding in Athens. We visited museums, historical sites and beaches while indulging in the food and culture. I went on my first cruise visiting ports in Italy and the Greek islands and was treated to a gondola ride in Venice on my birthday. Every day was better than the next - it was magical.

- Compiled by Staff Writer Jamie Cushman