I just took an unbelievable power nap. I say it like I'm ready to run 10 miles before taking over the world. Not exactly. But on a positive note, I'm not ripping my eyes out in sheer exhaustion.
Sunday win.
Its been a hectic week as I covered for a few colleagues getting in one last summer vacation. I still don't know what day it is, but had a blast throwing in some new peeps on the crazy train. Sweat, laugh, push harder, repeat. Never a dull moment, that's for sure.
The best moment came when one guy said "Your nice smile is just so deceiving. My glutes hate you."
Ha,..you're welcome. Its no secret that men often dislike any type of leg training. *Not ALL, but I rarely meet an average gym-going male who is thrilled to squat, lunge, or do anything that will cause soreness in the posterior region. I'm convinced if they had to wear yoga pants on a daily basis, they would do squats until blue in the face.
These guys love yoga pants.
Apparently on the 7th day God made yoga pants,...and Adam cheered.
So needless to say, after a couple of sessions there was a new appreciation for total body training,...and relaxed fit jeans.
NYC Life and Leisure...
I am truly convinced that I will either be severely injured by a taxi or a pigeon.
Both are absolutely ruthless in NYC, but its the pigeons that are sending me over the edge.
In a city of millions, these God forsaken birds are simply not phased by human beings. It never fails that as I'm trecking it across town, I come extremely close to punting a few on accident. I used to feel bad about this, as I am not one to wish harm on an animal for no reason,...HOWEVER this was before one went all kamikaze on my head last week.
I went slow motion Matrix-style to dodge the flying hazard, and nearly gave myself whiplash.
It suddenly put the quiet subway rats in perspective....they might be gross, but at least their not in my face.
Hard to believe that it was exactly a year ago this Thursday that I flew up for interviews.
I remember seeing the skyline thinking holy crap, is this real? Am I ready? I'm literally leaving everything I know. And then like clockwork, the details of how my life would be if I ignored my internal "yes" and continued my path would play in my head.
It was the greatest internal battle between what is and what could be and NEEDS to be, that I've ever experienced. Even to the point that others' belief in me or lack there of became irrelevant. Not that I didn't value the support or want it in my life, but the fact was that it was MY personal conviction and determination, focus, and willingness to work hard that would make the difference,....not their opinion.
Talk about some eye-opening moments. NY will do it to you, that's for sure.
Looking back, I am so thankful for the struggles. Sometimes what we may perceive as "closed doors" are merely hurdles...
Just jump. Leap. Get off your butt and be willing to do whats necessary to get over it! Believe me, I say this to myself just as much as I do my clients.
One year...
I've learned so much, but the one theme which surfaces every time is Change...Its inevitable, necessary, but how we grow within it and respond to it is ultimately a choice.
We will either be an agent of change, sensing a necessary step from what we've always known towards something new and greater to fulfill our purpose,...being open to struggles, growing pains, and the opportunities along the way.
OR, we will travel life's path as a victim of change,...with constant opposition to anything outside of the familiar, "safe", or comfortable. Refusing to relinquish control and adapt to any potential growth opportunity for fear of the unknown. Its the infamous "life happens TO me" mentality, and there is nothing more confining.
The changes I've initiated and/or adapted to over the last 365 days range from a smaller living space to a constant reminder that despite experience, experise, and desire within your field, in this city you are replaceable. Talk about a tough pill to swallow,...and yet when this reality sets in and really sets in, you will either cave or seek excellence Every. Single. Day.
Not merely being great at what you do, but actually DEFINING what you do.
For this extra push, I am grateful.
So cheers to one year...The good, the hard, and the scary. Its been a beautiful ride so far and here's to much more ahead... :)
Showing posts with label meredith parker blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meredith parker blog. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2015
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Look Ma, No Hands!
I will pick up sweaty weights all day, hug a sweaty client, and even lay on the floor to demonstrate an exercise. But so help me God, I refuse to touch the rails on the subway.
I'm not a compulsive person when it comes to sanitation, but you would think I'd contract AIDS from a 4 minute commute. I test my balance daily by assuming the "surfing" position on the train, squeeze the glutes, and pray for the best. I am determined not to touch the rails.
This has all worked well for me until the other day when it was crowded, I was tired, and when we jolted forward quickly, I momentarily forgot about my fear and grabbed the rail. It was like that scene from the Sex In The City movie when Charlotte accidentally gets a mouthful of water during an outdoor shower in Mexico. She freaks out, starts spitting, and then craps her pants.
To clarify, no bowel movement occurs as a result of my unintentional rail-grasp, however I am now battling a horrible cold and I blame the 5 Express train.
If it turns into the HIV virus, it will be the one time I didn't want to be right...
***
We've had a lot of rain in the last few days, so when the sun came out this morning I was nearly jumping up and down. Almost attempted a cartwheel. *Almost.
My day began with a client in Central Park, which is always a blast. Between the beautiful weather and the amazing people-watching, I'm pretty much ready to face my Wednesday.
As I waited for my client to arrive, I became the sole witness of a morning altercation between a man and a young mother.
His dog wasn't on a leash, and her son wasn't in the stroller.
Dog approaches kid. Kid reaches out. Mom shouts "You should have your dog on a leash!" And from there came the natural adult version of I-know-you-are-but-what-am-I?....His response was simply a loud "Well you should have your child on a leash!"
I wanted to laugh and yet I saw the size of the dog and was 2 cups of coffee shy of unloading the appropriate amount of sarcasm to make anyone cry or being able to run for my life.
Such a fine line.
***
Life in the gym is rolling along and keeping me busy.
Hard to believe I've been here 8 months already. Its June and I have no tan. First time E-V-E-R. Chris reminds me all the time "This is the north, babe." As if to politely say my blinding pale legs are acceptable.
Meanwhile I'm trying to find the balance in applying enough blush to avoid looking like a polio victim, but not too much to look like a hooker.
Another fine line.
In all seriousness though, skincare is definitely emphasized much more here. Women wear hats, avoid the sun altogether, and pack sunscreen in their purses. Its certainly an area of my own health that I am striving to improve upon. For the longest time I was a sun-worshiper. Throughout college you could find me skipping class to lay out, and for every year since I can remember by the pool on the weekends.
Now at this chapter in life I'm taking "white girl" to a whole new level.
If it wasn't for my dance moves, I'd be a complete lost cause. Thank you mom, I will continue to shake what you gave me.
So for now I am striving to be ok with my lighter hue and stay away from any black-lights.
*Related: If you still have one of these after 1994 I withhold judgement. You should judge yourself.
Long day ahead and this cold needs to find its way out of my sinuses before 4am.
Because lets be honest, the only thing I want on/in my face that early in the morning is coffee. Caffeine.
Joe.
Fresh. Ground. Beautiful.
So cheers to rest, regeneration, and caffeinated sanity :)
I'm not a compulsive person when it comes to sanitation, but you would think I'd contract AIDS from a 4 minute commute. I test my balance daily by assuming the "surfing" position on the train, squeeze the glutes, and pray for the best. I am determined not to touch the rails.
This has all worked well for me until the other day when it was crowded, I was tired, and when we jolted forward quickly, I momentarily forgot about my fear and grabbed the rail. It was like that scene from the Sex In The City movie when Charlotte accidentally gets a mouthful of water during an outdoor shower in Mexico. She freaks out, starts spitting, and then craps her pants.
To clarify, no bowel movement occurs as a result of my unintentional rail-grasp, however I am now battling a horrible cold and I blame the 5 Express train.
If it turns into the HIV virus, it will be the one time I didn't want to be right...
***
We've had a lot of rain in the last few days, so when the sun came out this morning I was nearly jumping up and down. Almost attempted a cartwheel. *Almost.
My day began with a client in Central Park, which is always a blast. Between the beautiful weather and the amazing people-watching, I'm pretty much ready to face my Wednesday.
As I waited for my client to arrive, I became the sole witness of a morning altercation between a man and a young mother.
His dog wasn't on a leash, and her son wasn't in the stroller.
Dog approaches kid. Kid reaches out. Mom shouts "You should have your dog on a leash!" And from there came the natural adult version of I-know-you-are-but-what-am-I?....His response was simply a loud "Well you should have your child on a leash!"
I wanted to laugh and yet I saw the size of the dog and was 2 cups of coffee shy of unloading the appropriate amount of sarcasm to make anyone cry or being able to run for my life.
Such a fine line.
***
Life in the gym is rolling along and keeping me busy.
Hard to believe I've been here 8 months already. Its June and I have no tan. First time E-V-E-R. Chris reminds me all the time "This is the north, babe." As if to politely say my blinding pale legs are acceptable.
Meanwhile I'm trying to find the balance in applying enough blush to avoid looking like a polio victim, but not too much to look like a hooker.
Another fine line.
In all seriousness though, skincare is definitely emphasized much more here. Women wear hats, avoid the sun altogether, and pack sunscreen in their purses. Its certainly an area of my own health that I am striving to improve upon. For the longest time I was a sun-worshiper. Throughout college you could find me skipping class to lay out, and for every year since I can remember by the pool on the weekends.
Now at this chapter in life I'm taking "white girl" to a whole new level.
If it wasn't for my dance moves, I'd be a complete lost cause. Thank you mom, I will continue to shake what you gave me.
So for now I am striving to be ok with my lighter hue and stay away from any black-lights.
*Related: If you still have one of these after 1994 I withhold judgement. You should judge yourself.
Long day ahead and this cold needs to find its way out of my sinuses before 4am.
Because lets be honest, the only thing I want on/in my face that early in the morning is coffee. Caffeine.
Joe.
Fresh. Ground. Beautiful.
So cheers to rest, regeneration, and caffeinated sanity :)
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Exciting News and Questionable Attire
And here I am.
This week has flown by, but I think my brain is still stuck on Tuesday. I was completely rested (so I thought) at the beginning of the week and then Wednesday hit like a freight train. I got up that morning to workout before my first client, so you can imagine the portrait-of-awesome that was struggling to the coffee pot at 3:45. I may have been assaulted in my sleep.
I managed to make it back upstairs with 16 ounces of sanity in my hands, only to find that actually getting dressed was another challenge in itself. Ever have those mornings when you literally forget the proper order to clothe yourself? Apparently I need a weekly tutorial.
I put on my workout gear and realized something was off,...literally.
Socks....check.
Shoes....check.
Bikers....check.
Tank top...check.
Sports bra.............
Aaaaaand here we are.
It was literally staring me in the face on the bed. My apathy was fairly high at this point so I was tempted to just keep rolling. Let's be honest, I don't spend $60 on a sports bra for the latest support technology.
Ever seen a concrete support beam under a tree house?
Exactly.
I reasoned with myself that it was the principle of the matter, and I refuse to be lazy...and well, I'm 31, not 7.
Despite my questionable moments regarding attire, I was beyond excited to share with you all some pretty cool news.
The golf article I wrote for our gym's website was published on the Titleist Performance Institute website on Tuesday. I can't tell you how much this meant to me...as a trainer and as someone who passionately loves sharing my knowledge and experience with as many people as possible who do not have access to our facility. The folks at TPI are truly a class act and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute. Very very cool. Here's the link:
http://www.mytpi.com/articles/fitness/why_the_glutes_matter
Onto my afternoon.
I am officially reaching that time of day when I would risk 2nd degree burns to take the coffee pot straight to the face. BUT thankfully I am taking tomorrow and Saturday off. Crazy, I know....a full 48 hours....you may see me on the news for going through withdrawal...or for making the neighborhood kids do lunges around the cul-de-sac in efforts to satisfy my need to make people sweat and/or cry. Kidding,...I'm not that mean ;)
This week has flown by, but I think my brain is still stuck on Tuesday. I was completely rested (so I thought) at the beginning of the week and then Wednesday hit like a freight train. I got up that morning to workout before my first client, so you can imagine the portrait-of-awesome that was struggling to the coffee pot at 3:45. I may have been assaulted in my sleep.
I managed to make it back upstairs with 16 ounces of sanity in my hands, only to find that actually getting dressed was another challenge in itself. Ever have those mornings when you literally forget the proper order to clothe yourself? Apparently I need a weekly tutorial.
I put on my workout gear and realized something was off,...literally.
Socks....check.
Shoes....check.
Bikers....check.
Tank top...check.
Sports bra.............
Aaaaaand here we are.
It was literally staring me in the face on the bed. My apathy was fairly high at this point so I was tempted to just keep rolling. Let's be honest, I don't spend $60 on a sports bra for the latest support technology.
Ever seen a concrete support beam under a tree house?
Exactly.
I reasoned with myself that it was the principle of the matter, and I refuse to be lazy...and well, I'm 31, not 7.
Despite my questionable moments regarding attire, I was beyond excited to share with you all some pretty cool news.
The golf article I wrote for our gym's website was published on the Titleist Performance Institute website on Tuesday. I can't tell you how much this meant to me...as a trainer and as someone who passionately loves sharing my knowledge and experience with as many people as possible who do not have access to our facility. The folks at TPI are truly a class act and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute. Very very cool. Here's the link:
http://www.mytpi.com/articles/fitness/why_the_glutes_matter
Onto my afternoon.
I am officially reaching that time of day when I would risk 2nd degree burns to take the coffee pot straight to the face. BUT thankfully I am taking tomorrow and Saturday off. Crazy, I know....a full 48 hours....you may see me on the news for going through withdrawal...or for making the neighborhood kids do lunges around the cul-de-sac in efforts to satisfy my need to make people sweat and/or cry. Kidding,...I'm not that mean ;)
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Home of the brave...and slightly illiterate...
I've been reading for the past 5 hours...time for a little break. And no I don't read fast,...I blame the gene pool. Didn't exactly come from a long line of speed readers.
Dad's improving.
Way to go Pops,...star for the day.
This weekend was such a stark contrast from last week's birthday mayhem. When I wasn't at work, I was working. I think I bled on the keyboard. Kidding,...unless I was typing with my toes. Then, you never know.
Other than that I was reading, writing, and celebrating my American freedom by going to bed at 9pm and cursing the fireworks going off.
At a baseball game they sound amazing.
In bed, they sound like gun shots and I'm one cherry bomb from hitting the floor and leaving Oscar to fend for himself. My goal on the 4th was to not leave my house. Check. Oh and take a couple of naps. Check check.
I feel so productive. But my God I was still catching up on sleep from last weekend. My mind says 25 but my body says 55 with a good chance of premature hot flashes.
Unbelievable.
Saturday was much the same with the exception of the Hallmark channel. I admit it, I was glued...I have no shame. I should, and yet I don't.
Why? Because God smiled on me yesterday. They were showing a Christmas movie that just happened to have a beautiful male specimen as the lead role. Tinsel and a man,...2 things Julie Andrews forgot to mention on her list of favorite things. Figure it out Jules.
Nonetheless, I couldn't even tell you the plot, but whatever it was I wanted to cry at the end. Not because it was an award winning, emotionally moving performance, but because I watched a solid hour of it and he never took his shirt off. I want that hour back.
Hallmark channel, you little tease...
Well, I practically wrote my next article on the treadmill this morning. Yeah, I don't know...after 3 cups of coffee and a solid 8 hours of sleep my mind was operating on a new level. The next one is for the ladies...sorry guys, but I encourage you to read as well...mainly to further understand the one you label "crazy" half the time. Be careful...she holds more influence than you think... ;)
Its about that time...Monday awaits and for the sake of everyone tomorrow my butt needs to get in bed...
Make it a great one.
Dad's improving.
Way to go Pops,...star for the day.
This weekend was such a stark contrast from last week's birthday mayhem. When I wasn't at work, I was working. I think I bled on the keyboard. Kidding,...unless I was typing with my toes. Then, you never know.
Other than that I was reading, writing, and celebrating my American freedom by going to bed at 9pm and cursing the fireworks going off.
At a baseball game they sound amazing.
In bed, they sound like gun shots and I'm one cherry bomb from hitting the floor and leaving Oscar to fend for himself. My goal on the 4th was to not leave my house. Check. Oh and take a couple of naps. Check check.
I feel so productive. But my God I was still catching up on sleep from last weekend. My mind says 25 but my body says 55 with a good chance of premature hot flashes.
Unbelievable.
Saturday was much the same with the exception of the Hallmark channel. I admit it, I was glued...I have no shame. I should, and yet I don't.
Why? Because God smiled on me yesterday. They were showing a Christmas movie that just happened to have a beautiful male specimen as the lead role. Tinsel and a man,...2 things Julie Andrews forgot to mention on her list of favorite things. Figure it out Jules.
Nonetheless, I couldn't even tell you the plot, but whatever it was I wanted to cry at the end. Not because it was an award winning, emotionally moving performance, but because I watched a solid hour of it and he never took his shirt off. I want that hour back.
Hallmark channel, you little tease...
Well, I practically wrote my next article on the treadmill this morning. Yeah, I don't know...after 3 cups of coffee and a solid 8 hours of sleep my mind was operating on a new level. The next one is for the ladies...sorry guys, but I encourage you to read as well...mainly to further understand the one you label "crazy" half the time. Be careful...she holds more influence than you think... ;)
Its about that time...Monday awaits and for the sake of everyone tomorrow my butt needs to get in bed...
Make it a great one.
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