Sunday, June 19, 2011

Me, My Career and a Stripper Pole

When I was first making this list, I briefly considered adding "Take a poledancing class" as one of the to-dos. Hell, it seemed like everyone and their grandmas are doing it and it's definitely something I wouldn't do on a typical day. But after that thought passed, I realized that there are lots of other things I'd rather do than to learn how to work the pole. (For example, shoot a rifle.) And honestly, that's not my kind of sexuality. My kind of sexuality is more like "Wow, did you memorize that whole encyclopedia? That's freakin sexy." Haha, just kidding. Kinda.

So when I got an email from one of the top editors last week that they needed more people to be in a photoshoot for a story about a woman getting the nerve to take a poledancing class, my initial reaction was to laugh. And I did exactly that in my reply. But I also said, "Sure, I'll do it." Why?...Why not? I believe that when an opportunity presents itself, you take it (as long as it's not illegal, anyway).

To be honest, a part of me thought I was just going to stand there and look pretty, while the subject of the story was the one who had to do all the pole work. Wrong. We got to the S Factor studio where we were all lead to a very purple room with shiny poles and mats. After a warm up that involved Pilates and yoga-like core work, I found myself learning how to do some moves that I'd be embarrassed to even recreate ever.

And then came the pole. At this point I was beyond concerned about looking ridiculous. (I mean, would you be if you smacked your ass in front of your coworkers 5 minutes into the class?) I was just concerned about flying off the pole and looking idiotic. But turns out, it's not impossible and I managed to do a few, um, rounds.

So there you have it. My intro to the stripper pole, in case all the backup careers fall through. Pictures, you ask? Hell no. But if you look out for next next month's issue of the magazine, you might see me in the background.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

#10: Self-Defense Classes -- Kick!

I've taken the first step to learning to kick ass, literally. Thank you Groupon for offering 5 Krav Maga classes for $39. I've signed up!

Maria Menounos did it, so that means I can do it, too right? I might wait a couple of weeks or so to take my first class because after taking a Pilates-fusion class today at NYSC, I got another reminder of just how out of shape I am. Seriously, why did no one snap me out of my injury-caused laziness and drag me to a gym sooner?

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Yes, I'm Still Here...and Hellooo Summer!

I guess it's time to revive this blog. But seriously, how do bloggers do this daily? Do you spend all day on your computer? Because then, no thanks.

Anyway, my summer so far has consisted of lots of (much needed) cocktails, more consistent trips to the gym and walks around NYC, including one benefiting YAI Network, a non-profit dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities (If you can recall, I signed up for this last year too and ended up running instead of walking because I was getting impatient. 30 something minutes for a 5k? God, I miss my more fit self. But this time it was more about supporting a good cause than hitting a PR, so please donate if you can.).

If you can't tell how excited I am about hot weather and more freedom, then, well, I can't help you.

What's in store this summer?
  • Celebrating the summer solstice with yoga in Times Square. I've signed up for the 7:30am class. I clearly like to torture myself. Join me and register before spots fill up!
  • Connecting with my Filipino roots through CORE.
  • Brushing up on Espanol, trapezing, hair coloring, bikram-yoga-ing, and learning how to ride a bike!
Y tu?

#2: Rockclimbing -- Check!


Last December (yeah this post is half a year late) I and some awesome friends went to Brooklyn Boulders to do a little climbing. Is it just me, or do most physical activities look easier when other people are doing them? It took some time to get used to stepping on and gripping on to the tiny "rocks" but after a few tries, I made it CLOSE to the top. Haha! I clearly need to work on my upper body strength and flexibility.

I recommend doing some stretching before and after because I was SORE from head to toe the day after. But it was completely worth it. What a workout!