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.

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.

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?

The City Needs to Give Me "Real" Money

A week ago I had heard of The Blank Club handing out "black cards" yesterday, so I figured even if I wasn't one to go out often, attending 3 times a year would be worth it since it'd be free with one (and of course, you never know what the future holds). Amy and I were both tired but thought it would be fun owning one and feeling like VIP, so we just rounded up $5 from our laundry collection - I don't get around to a bank much nor do I carry loads of cash on me. Amy parks around the corner and I go stand in a line and wait for about 10 min. I get right up to the front, show my drivers license and hear "$5." I open my hand and the lady gets all defensive. She shoves her metal box shut and motions both hands up and says "Nuh-uh. Get real money. Move along." I felt so humiliated and ticked! What about "United States of America" printed on a coin isn't "real." It wasn't like I was handing 500 pennies or anything for her to count - exact change and dollar coins like those government operations with change spits at you either from transportation services or post office, etc. The bouncer felt for me and tried reassuring that I could go over to a bar around the corner to get change. I just gave up and told Amy the story, and how I felt like a bum trying to get drunk in a club. What-evs. Those moments are what make stories funny in life, so I'll appreciate my embarrassment...

First Impressions via the Internet

As of January 1, 2010 I've been part of an online dating community through OkCupid. Now I'm not looking for anyone (especially via the web), but I was encouraged to sign up by my friend Sandra who found her guy on this particular site. I admit I was curious, so I loaded up a picture of me, punched in some interesting facts, and watched my viewings skyrocket to 100+ per week, and my inbox highlighting the many new messages I receive each day. It's pretty crazy... and sometimes annoying to keep up! Don't want to leave anyone hanging even if I'm not interested. There are some decent guys on there, but I haven't met anyone in public yet, and I've been clear as to why I'm on there. I feel mean since it's a bit misleading why I would be on a dating site if I wasn't interested in dating! I figured I could use my insight to let those of you in on what I think grabs my attention:

1. Be creative in your approach. In the midst of 10+ emails, I am more likely to click on one that is specific to what I have on my profile than a subject line reading: "Hi" or "Would you like to get to know me?" etc. Now it seems unfair, because from my understanding, guys are simple and quick-to-the-point kind of creatures. So instead of fumbling around on things like "That's cool you play piano, I play guitar" to later find out the chick isn't interested, is a bit tedious. Unfortunately, we're females and not that direct. Sorry dudes.

2. Have a decent screen name. yellowboogers23 is not very attractive or impressive.

3. Watch the copy/paste. I'm aware on a site like this, you're looking at other girl's profiles, but please don't call me Samantha in your private message.

4. Don't look like a creep - or please upload a picture. I'm not a fan of being harsh, so when one guy asked in an email reasons why I wouldn't be interested, I was blunt about it but not mean. It wasn't all about his looks, but it's an example for this reason. His profile picture had a vacant stare and no smile and looked a bit unfriendly (stalker perhaps? it's the internet... could be anyone). I let him know that his picture is a first impression and after a day or so he thanked me and I noticed a new uploaded image. His smiling picture definitely looked more approachable, and I'm sure his viewings are higher these days.

An Excellent Planner for Perhaps an Excellent Year

Can't believe I have not found a decent, 2010 planner - and it's driving me nuts! I feel a bit picky, but no one knows how to produce great ones anymore. I used an excellent one for 2009, and unfortunately, haven't been able to find one just like it on its website or the store I purchased it from. I've also looked around at other bookstores, stationary spots, and all over the internet. Let me know if I'm being ridiculous, but here's what makes a great schedule book to me:

1) A full year or more (I came across "academic" ones that lasted until June). Also, my preference is the weekly planner with a monthly outlook. Less stressful viewing a weekly than a monthly, but good to have the monthly there to be aware of upcoming events later on.

2) Cannot be spiral-bound. I don't know about you, but spirals can get in the way of writing, they can bend, unravel, snag on something in your bag, and I've had a plastic one break! That list can go on...

3) Must possess a cute factor (basic ones are fine, but none of this ugly kitten picture stuff) and is "mature" - i.e. we are adults who organize our lives. Anyone professional who sees smiling robots will think otherwise.

4) Pockets, extra pages for notes, mentions of holidays, moon stages, and info like state capitals and measurement units are great

5) No tabs - makes a complication when you can't access the pages in between them

6) Elastic band closure - excellent easy opening, and is good at holding loose notes inside. A magnetic clip or cover flap gets in the way, and nothing to close it with causes the book to open easily inside your bag/purse. Ribbons are decent but you'd have to tie a knot/bow each time.

7) Creative. My '09 agenda had the coolest thing: Perforated edges were located on the bottom right corner available to tear off after each week, letting you find the date in no time (like the dog-ear flap in a book idea).

8) I favor a tough paperback, but can compromise with a hardcover - sometimes those are hard to open quick enough though.


Yep, call me picky (like I've stated), but I'm a trial/error gal and I know what works best. I could probably even design some and see if selling in the future is possible. Spending $14+ for generic ones that violate my proclivities aren't worth it... maybe if I get desperate enough.

Goodbye '09

Well, today is the last day of a somewhat great year for me. I'm excited to see how 2010 turns out! I've never really made New Years resolutions before, but I do have a goal for this new year - trying new challenges: auditioning for films, jumping off a bridge, and staying positive even when facing inevitable rejections from agencies. Rejection won't let me down though, because I've learned this year that I bounce back quickly. I can't wait to work hard to reach my goals, hang with new friends, and set out for an adventure of a lifetime! I feel it's going to be a great year for me [smiles].


Some tips to help keep your resolution(s), whatever that may be (not in any particular order):

-Be flexible. Know that life changes things instantly, so of course you may have to tweek some things and be ok with it along the way. Don't let it discourage you!

-Keep a record of your accomplishments. If it's dieting for example, log what you eat in a journal since it sucks having to write down slices of cake, some candy and cookies. It's a visual reminder of how well you do.

-Imagine reaching your goal and the steps it will take. You have to be realistic, so the best way to go about that is having a plan and deadlines. Back when I was naive on the subject, I thought being in a film meant moving to LA and "getting discovered." Not at all!

-Let someone know your goals. It's crucial having someone you trust help keep you accountable and encouraged

Well, now that all's been said, have a Happy New Year!