Tuesday, February 16, 2010

I am Hooked...

Literally and figuratively. I just experienced flying in the air with, erm attempted ease, on the flying trapeze! My twin sister and I recently had our 23rd birthday, and this was how we decided to celebrate it. We arrived at Trapeze Arts in Oakland just after sunset. Once shoes were removed, we were shown quick, basic steps that needed to be applied when we climbed the ladder to the elevated platform. It felt very intimidating and a bit exciting. I kept thinking, "I can't believe I've gotten myself in this! I'm going to be swinging on a bar upside down, with my legs holding me - in less than 2 minutes!" I couldn't get the image out of my mind and how I worked the courage to agree to do this. I'm not afraid of heights, and I definitely appreciate adventures like these, but my mind and body had no idea what to expect, and there was no reference (I've yet to do similar activities like bungee jumping). The worst part was leaning off the platform and trusting you won't roll off even though you jut your hips forward. My calves received an excellent stretch, and I can tell I will be sore. I got hooked into my harness, and heard "Ready" (bend knees) "Hep!" (mini hop off). I felt like a kid on the playground during recess or the little gymnast I had always wanted to be. I had no sense of height while slicing the air. "Legs up, now" I swung my legs above my head to hook over the bar. After a momentum swing backwards, I let go of my arms and arched my back as far as my muscles would allow. Everything was upside down, but that was the perfect position for the next segment we did - a partner to grab onto! I felt like a professional when accomplishing a grab-and-let-go deal before the lesson was up. I am very pleased with my night, and am so ready to go back for more! It's worth it and I highly recommend this if you're bored or in need of a spike in your life. Pics and video will be posted up soon.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentine's Day

I love this holiday - I don't care if began as a way to boost sales, I just love it! I don't think it has anything to do with the fact it's 3 days after my birthday, but rather the atmosphere and concept behind it. Love, hearts, sweets, and romance (even if you're single, like me). I guess my mum left a great impression of this holiday growing up - she sprinkled fun goodies on our beds after school, and I felt notable at school receiving cheesy valentine cards from other classmates (I was considered a weirdo in elementary fyi, hah). Well, with that said, I had a great Valentine's and birthday. Even if it meant working at a cool smoothie spot for half the day - I felt my day had an impact on someone or other.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

I've Missed You

Dear School,

I know I've neglected you for a couple years in the past, but I just want you to know that I've changed. I really like you... actually love you, but that's too strong of a word for now. To show my willingness to get back, I've subsidized my hard-earned money, and will be investing at least 16 hours a week just to see you. I hope to benefit from this relationship... oh, and thanks for accepting me again.

Sincerely, Brenda.

Yep, I'm a goofball, but it's true! I love school - the learning, the environment, the cafes to study in, the library, etc. I'm taking pretty awesome classes this semester, and should only have 2 semesters left for earning an AA in English. My current class schedule consists of:

History - One of my favorite subjects, especially since we're touching up on the American Civil War! Teacher is pretty hilarious and makes us imagine the era we're discussing. Critical thinking at such an early hour, it's no wonder he has to crack jokes to get our attention.

Ballet - I was a little iffy on this class at first since it would be a new ballet teacher experience for me after 3 semesters with Brenna. I figured I could learn a lot from another set of professional eyes, and boy was I right! She wants us to be "strong dancers," so we do this crazy-awesome ab, leg, arm workout routine before our barre sequences. Something fun and active to keep me going through the day - better than the spinning class I was thinking of... I workout on my own time, so why not have fun!

Sports Nutrition - The body is a very fascinating mechanism, and me being a fitness enthusiast definitely wants to learn about the fitness-nutrition relationship. Personal trainer someday?

Creative Writing - My teacher is blind and incredible at what she does. It's blessing to have her insight as she can ask us to be more descriptive and colorful if needed in our work. We'll be writing a minimum of 8,000 words for an assignment later on... sounds scary, right? It's a good thing I love writing!

Critical Reading - A graduation requirement, but a good one nonetheless. I enjoy reading a variety of genres on my spare time, my favorite being young adult fiction usually in first person (yep, I've read as a guy). Who doesn't want to improve vocabulary, comprehension, and speed?