Monday, January 31, 2011

kickboxing

Hi Friends!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written... (I say that way too often, I know)

Anyway, I'm back to writing comfortably today because of the snow! I am perched quite comfortably under 5 blankets, in the World's Best Bed. (most of you know what I'm talking about) The snow has given me a nice day to recover from my Kickboxing excursion from yesterday.

I am considering joining a Dojo and learning how to kickbox. The level of pain I am in today is a good indicator that this could be a great way to get in shape, and I definitely sweat off at least 3 pounds in 45 minutes too.

About 3 months ago I got it into my head that martial arts would be my next adventure. I need some kind of fitness routine in my life and because I hate running and I've read that a lot of Hollywood stars get in shape through martial arts, I decided to look into it. So, I researched a few places nearby and only one has emailed me since. The most recent email I got was an offer for a free trial class with a free uniform and gloves. I went for it.

Now I can barely think without wincing or groaning. You may think this is an exaggeration but I promise you, typing is just about the only thing I can do without being sore. Breathing deeply hurts and walking would be easier if I did it on my hands. Literally, I can't take two steps without my knees locking, then I start laughing at myself because I know I look ridiculous but I'm in so much pain I don't know how to make it from my room to the bathroom so I just kneel down (no small feat) and crawl to the bathroom which is only slightly less painful. My calves feel like I had palm sized pebbles surgically inserted inside the muscle so that when I walk they try to flex and bunch but just can't because there's a rock in the way.

My mom had us help shovel this morning, so you can only imagine what it looked like when I tottered down the front steps in heavy snow boots with my locking legs. My shoulders are exhausted from all of the punching I did yesterday so trying to maneuver the shovel with any kind of speed or accuracy was completely hopeless. I resorted to balancing the handle on my stomach and shuffling down to the end of the driveway in an attempt to move some snow. The only time I raised the shovel off the ground was to slam it back down again in anger when it got stuck on a piece of gravel and gave me the Heimlich.

In all reality though, I loved the class. It kicked my butt and I felt good working hard. So, here's where I need your help, dear readers. I need to weigh the pros and cons and get your advice.

The major problem is cost. The class is $97 a month and I think you're committed to 6 months. It comes out to about $582. I plan to use Christmas money to pay for it and if I went to 3 classes a week it would cost about $10/class. My biggest fear here is, what happens if I get a job and I can't go in the morning or evening anymore. There is a class offered on Saturdays but that's kind of limiting. Class was from 9:30 to 10:15 yesterday and it's offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at that time as well as 6pm evening classes 3 days a week. You can go to as many or as few as you'd like.

On the Pro side, I really liked the class. I feel like I could be successful in it and that the financial commitment would be a great motivator for me to show up 3 times a week. I REALLY need something to kick start my fitness situation. Everyone was so nice and I feel like it's a good community to be a part of, one that will support me. I was so afraid I was going to be lost and feel stupid yesterday but I never did! Of course I was a little slower than everyone else and a beat or two off in some of the exercises but I never felt like anyone was watching me or judging me. Before and after class people were nothing but supportive and during class, everyone was focused on themselves and their techniques. At the end of class I was awarded my white belt because I'd completed one class and I displayed the courage needed to pursue martial arts. After two classes I'll get a stripe on my belt, after two more another stripe and so on until I have 4 stripes. Then, I'll be eligible to test for the next belt level.

I really don't know what to do in this situation. If anyone who reads this has any words of wisdom or advice please comment!! I need some help!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

flowers













I like flowers.
There are a lot of girls out there who would say, "No thanks, because," "they mean the giver did something wrong", or "they're such a pain to maintain and clean up after," or the ever famous, "they remind me of funerals." I totally understand the funeral excuse, but one bouquet certainly is not as fragrant as a funeral home.

My favorite flowers are orchids by far, followed by hydrangeas and peonies (pillow flowers, I like to call them.) I love the contrast between the delicacy of an orchid and the pillow flowers that look so soft you could rub your face in them. It is an uncommon combination but they're so beautiful all together.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Clouds


One of my biggest fears in life is that one day I'll wake up and I won't be able to see the clouds for anything more than clouds. I hope to always see something more than that up in the sky.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

libraries

I'm going to direct you to another page today. I came across it while I was doing my daily internet update. Normally I wouldn't send you somewhere else, but today is a special exception because I couldn't re-write this article and include the pictures, it just wouldn't be right.

So, please go here and look at the pictures.
http://flavorwire.com/141846/celebs-theyre-geeks-like-us-libraries-of-the-rich-and-famous




I have always thought that one day I'll have a library in my house. I can't even imagine one the size of Karl Lagerfeld's or The Beast's but I'd like mine to be a cozy place where you can read, or write, or draw. It should be a nice conversation space and a room that you never want to leave. If I could get sweeping ladders, that would be a dream come true.

I'd like to have an antique writing desk in there to keep up with my correspondence and though the thought of fire near so many books scares me, I can't deny that a fireplace is the perfect place to curl up with a book. Lots of blankets would also be a necessity... wool, fleece, cashmere, cotton, anything, maybe even Snuggies. Maybe. No overhead lighting, just some lamps around the room and some classical music (without words) in the background.

Mmmmm... that sounds like heaven to me :)

Saturday, January 15, 2011

About Me: By the Numbers

I was born on Friday, March 28th, 1988 at 11:31am.

I was born in the Year of the Dragon and according to the Chinese Zodiac I display quite a few dragon characteristics.
"Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled. Dragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Dragons will give into love, but won’t give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they’ll usually commit to that person for life."
...and here's the kicker... "While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help."
source: http://www.chinesezodiac.com/dragon.php




source: http://bestuff.com/images/images_of_stuff/210x600/year-of-the-dragon-chinese-zodiac-127761.jpg?1205750740



I was also born in late March, astrologically this makes me an Aries. I tend to agree with some of the things written about Aries by Athena Starwoman. For example, "Aries is a uniquely naive sign. Although they are independent, outgoing and assertive they are also surprisingly trusting, often innocently walking into the lion's den at times. No matter what upheaval, challenge or triumph they confront - an Aries has a wonderful ability to bounce back. Their faith in life and the future remains untouched by hardship. Their gift is that they are always children at heart and the world is always a magical place for them. Being active people Aries can't adapt to any kind of restriction, particularly possessive relationships. They often travel to escape any feelings of being stuck or possessed. Aries people love challenges. Because of the male energy surrounding it, when a woman is born under Aries, it creates some of the most interesting women in the world, women who are adventurous, independent and have competitive natures."

Source: http://www.psychicguild.com/horoscopes_zodiac.php?sign=Aries




Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT_iIVJhSpOuITfFfz_hyphenhyphenCbqzPpfbXyEEhD2Vw0LBFlSAX58edf9jKdGeq9kAnJ-zBlMOFDLb5_IDBQioZfxCQN-Vr6Y2eOsWswayIUeC295gar_0l2Nd88YlS6wOzuJwUbSD7rPS_sdV/s1600/aries.jpg


Some other Aries Dragons: David White (April 4th, 1916), Glenn Shadix (April 15th, 1952), Ian Ziering (March 30th, 1964), Amy Smart (March 26th, 1976)

I was born on Good Friday, my dad learned to make palm crosses while he was in the waiting room. I found this nursery rhyme that corresponds to the day of the week you were born.
Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go.
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child works hard for a living,
But the child born on the Sabbath Day,
Is fair and wise and good in every way.

Source: http://www.mathsisfun.com/games/dayofweek.html


Wednesday, January 12, 2011

shoveling snow

So, we got a little more snow today. It really wasn't as terrifying as everyone made it out to be. Our lawn looks like there was a blizzard but that's because there was snow on it already. I went out to help my mom shovel the driveway this morning but my dad had already done most of it with the snow blower at 5 before he left for work. Here's just a little view of my life at 10 this morning...


This is the view from outside my window when I woke up.




This is what my front yard looked like this morning.





These are the awesome boots I shoveled snow in today. Columbia Bugaboo Too.




Neighbor driveway #1




Neighbor driveway #2.



This is what our driveway looks like... a little OCD much? Every last piece of snow is scraped up.




And... my brother, always helpful, making snowballs.

they call me "The Girl with the Snowman Earmuffs."



...get it? like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" ?

Monday, January 10, 2011

south beach returns

the return of south beach... kind of...

Friday, January 7, 2011

Smile!

just to make you smile... :)

Tuesday, January 4, 2011