A whiff of August

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I had my first drink after 32 days the beginning of August, it was a Guinness—what did you expect?

I initially asked the bartender for seltzer water but he laughed at me and walked away. Rude. Fine, my challenge was up anyway, I told him that I enjoyed whiskey a bit and he tried to entice me with the bottles of Maker’s Mark and Jameson.

“That’s quite alright, the Guinness will do,” I responded.

One drink. Nothing happened—I felt tired. I joked with the bartender for a little, finding out his real name (Chris), that he refused to tell me for fear that I would report him to his manager for refusing to give me seltzer water.

I left after thanking Chris and informing him about my 30-day challenge. This month, I get to meet a stranger each day and compliment them. I’m failing at it. I think it’s because I find it difficult to be genuinely interested in people if I’m not truly interested. I was trying to record some of my encounters on instagram. You can follow my over-shares there. My username : jerlynthomas.

The drinking vs. not drinking result: I’d rather not drink. It’s counterproductive to my lifestyle. I grab a drink with friends but it’s not necessary. I love wine and will always have a glass now and then but, it won’t be in excess because recovering from my healthy lifestyle isn’t fun. It’s just like cheat days when I have foods that I don’t normally have. The aftermath is never worth it.

We are in August. August in the past few years has been particularly difficult for me. The 1st would have been my brothers 23rd birthday. I didn’t feel like mentioning it but my sister posted a photograph of him on the first. It’s strange that you think of someone less and less over the years. Time definitely heals pain (or tries to). I often wonder what he would have went on to study in college or what incite he would have given me at this point in my life, he was always mature for his age. I truly do miss him and his advice.

The couple of weeks that we are in now have been quite interesting. I went to an art show, birthday celebration and comedy club so far. I don’t get to go out as much these days because of training (which isn’t as intense as you’d think). So it was nice to get out and have too much to drink (I don’t think I’ll be drinking as much in the upcoming months).

Over this weekend I logged 14 miles. At this point I’m a tad disappointed only because I should be a lot further (The week earlier, I did 17 miles) but I’m slowly losing the discipline. I did buy a pull-up bar that I’ll enjoy getting used to in the next few weeks in a few days I have a 10 mile race. If I run like I do now, it should be easy peasy (or I’ll possible beat my PR by 10 minutes). I’m looking forward to it.

I’m struggling to keep my weight at something that I can manage though. Sometimes I can lose about 5 lbs after my long runs, I’m sure that’s not normal. If I wanted to lose 15 lbs I figured I’d run a marathon when ever necessary (not a healthy idea). So, trying to keep up weight while training = très difficile.

I’ve also recently added some time in to draw! I’m a little fascinated by girls with Afros now. I’m now a girl with an Afro ;) .

I had my hair in a style that I saw online for two weeks:

The woman did an incredible job but it’s nice to have my afro back:

Anyway that’s updates, look forward to a huge revamp and branding coming up in the next few months. I’m excited!

In the meantime:

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Follow @jerlynthomas on instagram and @jerlyn on twitter.

Coach ColorTag

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What’s your favorite Color? Or, Colour? Colors or Colours? :)

I love Reds (Red is very sexy)

RUBY is awesome:

Sometimes Tangerine fits my mood nicely:

This is the closest color to my bike:

Purple makes me feel like royalty:

You know how NYers love wearing black:

The “FAT” topic

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I’m writing this in light of what happened on Sunday. Someone created a video and mentioned a comment that I said and compared it to cyber bullying. The video was intended initially to comment on a photo of her friend that was posted online. Her friend was called fat and possibly ridiculed because of the photograph. The video went on for minutes unfortunately not making any valid points on cyberbullying however, she remembered a post that I added as a rant in a group.  I help run a group on Facebook that encourages people to meet their health and fitness goals. The rant shed light on a user who insulted women who were skinnier and mentioned that skinnier women had no curves.

I brought it to everyone’s attention that I felt sorry for people like that who try to hurt the feelings of others because it only shows that they might be insecure of themselves and are initiating a cry for help. I don’t think if you’re secure and confident you’d spend time projecting how amazing fabulously “thick” and appealing you are. It also goes for people who comment about how “skinny” they are—still, my opinion. People can just tell when you’re awesome. Currently, I get feedback from the workouts that I do and how much my body has changed over the past months but it was my choice to live healthily. Remember the actress and comedienne Monique, who for years joked about skinny women? She has finally taken the steps to workout and has dropped an amazing amount of weight. I wonder what her standup acts are like now…

“Mo’Nique admits that while promoting being big, beautiful and healthy, she wasn’t always taking her advice on the healthy part.”

Personally, I don’t encourage body image insults. I think they are a waste of time and individuals have a tough time as it is in their own bodies. Even I do. I have my personal goals that I struggle to get to, but I’m determined. Just because you’re skinny doesn’t mean you’re healthy. I know larger and society-defined fat people who can outrun me. On this side, some people look at me and share their detest of muscular women, when I absolutely love muscles and my route to washboard abs.

Fitness is a journey. You can’t get the body that you want overnight. I’m shedding light on this topic simply because the post I did was misinterpreted and I don’t like anyone tainting my reputation. I own up to things that I say.

I’m a huge advocate for everyone to take control of their fitness. It doesn’t make me a bully that I’m pointing out that if I’m frustrated that many people in this country are morbidly obese and glorifying it. If that’s the wake up call that people need, that taunting to push themselves to get themselves into shape—so be it. However, it won’t come from me. Fitness is a lifestyle that only YOU can be held accountable for. Certainly I could spend the time preaching how being fit means you can wear regular store clothing, you can run up the stairs, you can fit in rides, you won’t get awkward stares etc. I don’t do that. I just do my own work out, I do post them on my timeline though, I figured subliminally they will get interested and if they want to work out with me, I’ll accept.

I remember being 5′ 10″ and 130lbs in high school and college. Even then, having the physique of what my peers thought was a runway body didn’t make me happy. I spent time trying to gain weight because people made comments of me being too skinny. Too skinny, to me, felt like I wasn’t desirable in my culture. Runway models sell clothing. That’s their job, that’s not mine. That’s not the realistic body for the average woman but some women have that. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they are better than other women. At that time I didn’t feel better. At that weight, I had a very fast metabolism and I did try working out to be stronger. When I realize I wasn’t gaining weight, I just accepted it but continued to be active. Accepting the body that you have shouldn’t mean giving up and not trying to work hard on it because exercising is uncomfortable. If you love your body, you will work on it no matter how long it takes. That means – no crash diets! It means setting realistic goals.

Remember the Dove ad with the women of every size in their underwear. Everyone loved it because we assumed it represented all women of all shapes and sizes. Wrong! Look closer. The women are all healthy-looking, average size women. I can’t say that those women are what I personally consider fat. However, they don’t represent all the women in America. Do you see stomachs hanging?ok. Let’s think of why: being morbidly obese isn’t healthy! Dove is advertising a product that’s supposed to be good for my body to enjoy the skin I’m in. Does this mean it’s not for the morbidly obese – of course not. It’s just that real beauty, in my opinion, comes holistically. It’s how you are inside and out, how you challenge your mind, how you challenge your body, how you take care of them both and extend to others. This means loving yourself enough to ensure that you take the steps for you not to be at risks for diseases!


I’ve never taunted anyone for being fat. In fact, I have lots of fat friends, I just figured that they want to be that way. .

Most of the overweight people that I’ve met don’t like the weight that they carry, they constantly say they will get to exercise soon. You can tell that they want to start. Sometimes it’s that epiphany that causes you to change your diets to something healthy. For me, it was because I couldn’t fit in my skinny jeans any longer, after never having a “fat” problem. Unfortunately for others it has been because the doctor said that they were going to die.

There’s no way that I believe you’re happy about how you look because you already make excuses such as saying your depression is what causes our weight gain. It’s ok to ask for help in those situations. Ask for it. Figure out what will get you past your unhappiness to focus on changing your life for the better.

I’m not a bully. I don’t pick on people for making the wrong health-related decisions. I’m not a bully, I don’t attack people based on their physique. I’m not a bully because I hope to be a fitness advocate/evangelist.

One thing about the video though, even if I can’t post the url here. She told people that they should go kick rocks and kill themselves, I think that’s cyberbullying. If you want to see the video, I can message directly but I want it to have absolutely nothing to do with my blog and I won’t encourage negative comments to her based on people who agree with me.

 

Sobriety

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sucks is great!

So, who told me that it was a good idea to make July the month of sobriety? That’s right, no one did. In fact, everyone thought it wasn’t a good Idea. Besides missing out on everyone’s amazing birthday party celebrations and rum punch next to the beach, or BBQ, I’m beginning to question how I’ve even survived in the city without a constant high besides running.

I also work in advertising, we make up reasons to drink. I know many people who smoke weed, use cocaine and other hard drugs. However, who’d think that removing the equation of a simple glass of wine, that I gather the tiniest pleasures from, would leave this lasting effect.

Its only the 10th day, and after spending a weekend saying “no thank you, I’ll have seltzer,” and telling my date, “it’s ok if you drink, even if I’m not,” and watching him disappear into himself I’m ready to reevaluate the years I’ve spent in NYC.

This couldn’t have come at a better time also. In the last few days of June, I went out with someone who drank a bit too much (I usually have 1-2 beers — you know, like those college surveys but I’m a Whiskey-kinda-gal) and he admitted that he was seeing a total of 4 women at the moment. Then blatantly, he asked whether I’d consider sharing him with a few. I thanked him for his time and honesty, then excused myself. I was so turned off but it’s good to know that I would react the same way that I do when I am sober — with absolute dignity.

Side note: I do wonder if majority of men would consider sharing their women with multiple men — just wondering. Let’s close gender gaps.

I just love giving myself these 30 day challenges… Last month was strength building, the month before was to work out daily. This month, completely free of alcohol. I’m up in the air for next month. Apparently it can’t be developing the habit of sleeping on time. That’s almost like saying a dirty word to my internal clock.

Anyway, so far, I realized that:

1. I’m not an alcoholic. I know, contrary to popular belief and even my dad lectured about my affinity for beer. Granted that I’m the oldest daughter, uncommitted and down right sexy (hey, watch out now!). He’s just being a dad. However, just because I can down a 6-pack like the boys do doesn’t mean that I spend my day-to-day doing so.

In fact, I get less drinking done now that I workout so much. Drinking in NYC is expensive, the recovery time from hangovers isn’t worth drinking all that much, and I have over 10 bottles of rum that are in my kitchen untouched for years. Not only that, I’ve gone places where I’ve said no to the drink and where people offered me a glass (then I feel guilty for wasting). I do love a tall glass of Jameson and ginger though and I was a bit concerned about sobriety because friends did bring up the drinking and instead of being in denial, I wanted to test myself. So, folks, I’m not an alcoholic! Some of you just needed to drink more because I had a higher tolerance.

2. This was a challenge of discipline. I’ve always wondered how women go 9 months without drinking. 10 days in… I still don’t know how women go 9 months without drinking. I might have to adopt. Can you imagine giving up coffee? mmmm thought so.

3. I wanted to see if it would have an effect on my abs… So, maybe, I am replacing something else in the place of drinking? Regardless, I’m seeing ab dimples and I’m happy about that. If I am on this healthy streak, I’m going all the way to push my body to it’s limits. A month will help see the progression.

4. I’m saving bank. Did you know that each mixed drink is the equivalent of one of my Manhattan meals? I seem to have guzzle down enough meals to feed 5 families in just a few nights a month. I’m going to invest this money.

5. I’m now a cheap date. Not only do I need less luxurious meals, I don’t need a Manhattan with Makers chilled… Hello boys.

6. No recovery time. I remembered the last drunken “incident.” It involved unlimited mimosa after my last race… for a total of 2 hours. That’s quite a deal of mimosa. I went home to take a nap after being painfully aware in my “tipsiness” that getting home was going to be a challenge. I made it home safely and took my nap which was all great  however I seem to have slept through an alarm and 5 missed calls. I felt great upon awakening but I loathe wasting precious hours of my life, you can catch up when you’re dead I suppose. I can’t train for my marathon where I hardly get sleep as it is, break down my body with poison and spend majority of my waking hours recovering.

7. Not drinking doesn’t mean I’m lame. I walked away from a few parties when my friends started getting drunk. My friends aren’t lame either but, after venturing out into the street I saw a couple people puking in small pass ways. It brought up some memories of miserable nights where I hung around people who didn’t know how to hold their liquor. I also heard unintelligible conversations whilst I sat and observed attraction around the city. I’m not sure whether the best form of what I’m seeking involves lowering my iQ or finds goggles a need for admiration.

8. I’m pretty comfortable as myself. I don’t need alcohol to make me adapt to situations or feel comfortable. People told me that I’m pretty much the same drunk… Except I laugh a lot and slow down. Considering that I’m always on the go, that makes sense, alcohol is a depressant and would most likely calm me down. Personally, I believe if alcohol makes you act out of character,  you have absolutely no reason to be drinking. I totally understand the liquid courage reason if it’s positive by helping you feel comfortable but I have zero tolerance for people who blame negative behavior on alcohol — drink responsibly!

9. Final thoughts: What the heck did I speak about to majority of the people around me prior to this challenge? I don’t seem to be able to be able to stay focused or interested without wanting to drop my IQ.

Nonetheless, there’s just something great about having a drink when you’ve worked hard during the week — just like rewarding yourself with a slice of your favorite pie so, can’t wait for the beer in my fridge when this 30-day detox challenge is complete!

Frontrunner’s Pride 2012

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I signed up for the Frontrunner’s pride race again this year.

It’s a fun 5 mile race for the LGBT community and I fully support them. This year marked a year since it’s legal to get same-sex married in NYC. It was an honor to run on the anniversary.

Last year’s pride run was very different from this one. I wasn’t in the best of shape and I stopped a few times. The race is also incredibly packed so sometimes you can’t pass anyone.

However, last year’s result was: 0:44:56 with a 9 min pace placing 631 in my gender, 223 out of 751 in my age and 2076 overall.  There were 5,017 runners: Men – 2,430 and Women – 2,587. It was 72 degrees that day and 77% humidity, Wind 4MPH.

This year: I came in at: 0:41:46 with a 8:22 min pace despite the crowded route placing 256 in my gender, 82 out of 727 in my age  and 1215  overall. This year there were 4,947 runners: Men – 2,340 and Women – 2,607. The weather was: 69 Degrees, 93% Humidity, Wind 3MPH, A Few Clouds. I did pause three times for water but I did very well because I felt strong throughout the entire race. Unfortunately as usual I didn’t get enough sleep (bad) thanks to my neighbors (who are moving by the month’s end – yes! So I won’t need to move). Next time I’m definitely going to try running at the 7 minute pace starting line because I realized I could run even faster if there was no one in front of my strides. At the last 1/2 mile I sprinted really quickly. After I crossed the finish line, a few people came up to me and complimented me. One even said that I looked like a gazelle and my legs were really high like I was flying. That made my day!

After, there was a raffle (which I didn’t get).

I also ran into the actor, Wilson Cruz. I went up to and asked, “Hey, you look familiar — are you a salsa instructor or someone I’ve danced salsa with before?” Haha, he said, no he’s an actor and if I remembered him from “My So-Called Life,” if I am old enough. Lol I was a little embarrassed for doing this (not every latin guy is a salsa dancer, Jerlyn!)

After the race, I headed to Macondo with my friends and had brunch with unlimited mimosas which caused me to miss my last appointment for the day because I completed passed out and couldn’t wake up. I guess my body needed it.

 

Coloured liquid love

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I haven’t done watercolor seriously for years. I tried one project when I bought my kit a few months back but that was it.

I’ve always loved it. I enjoy the patience that comes with it.

On Friday, I took a watercolor class at Michiyo Art Studio. I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to attend again for awhile but I really enjoyed learning the new techniques. The class was taught by Michiyo Fukushima, an amazing watercolor artist of over 12 years, who has breathtaking paintings hung up on each wall in the basement studio.

Since I got this with a Google offer, I was given supplies that were covered – a blank canvas, brushes and some colors.

Our first instructions was to wet the paper and create clouds and light for our horizon lines with yellow and reddish yellow.

Then we added a background with a deep blue and lighter blue.

Then we added mountains with dark gray some shadows on the clouds and the ocean:

 

This is the Final piece when the class completed had to rewet and do some re-touching.

This is where I mixed my paint:

This is where I tested mixed my mixed colors:

I’ll try to do another by the end of the week but this time with my own references. Hopefully my supplies are up to par. Practice makes perfect :) .

 

I went natural, a short hair journey

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Disclaimer:

I am in no way a natural hair enthusiast. I don’t know enough about hair to be one, especially with my hair. I never had any interest in caring about how it looked.

I think people should do whatever they want in their hair that makes things easier.

However, since some relaxers have been damaging people’s scalps and extensions have ruined healthy hair, I think people should be concerned about what goes into their hair (just like I am very concerned about what I’ve put into my body lately).

Relaxers never bothered me (photo on left) however, after some highlights the texture of my hair changed (Thanks hairdresser!) and with my constant running I could no longer worry about my hair.

Once it got highlighted, although it looked amazing, it was short-lived. I’m definitely all for hairdressers to make money on styling however, I asked all the right questions about whether it would be low maintenance. It turns out that it wasn’t. Prior, I could have run to my heart’s content and never batted an eye if I washed my hair and pulled it into one right after. With the highlights, it was extra work to detangle and as my hair grew out, thicker and thicker… It just got worse.

(hair with highlights that I didn’t need)

A few weeks ago I went to visit my sister in Virginia and she took a pair of shears to my hair.

My sister has had natural hair before her daughter’s birth.

It really looks incredible on her:

Prior to her cutting it off, I tried a variety of hairstyles since I basically ignored my hair’s need for a relaxer.

This is how my hair looked after my sis cut it. I don’t even consider it a “big chop,” it seems like my hair was long enough to have been cut months before. It can almost go into a ponytail (or puffy tail haha).

 

What’s really interesting: Now I have to reconsider how I style my hair. I hadn’t my hair like this since 7th grade and it turns out that it’s a lot easier to manage. After my run, I simply shower from head to toe. Then I slide a band and I’ve started accessorizing:

The only thing that seems bothersome is getting helmet hair after I bike to the gym:

Other than that, I really enjoy the new look:

(realize the texture of my hair changed in this pic, I flat-ironed my hair and it might have damaged my curls *tear)

Anyway, that’s the update. My new look (and I can’t wait for it to  grow longer):

Now to stop people from touching it! Other than that, it seems to have improved my dating life :) .

Is your hair natural? What do you do to it? Any advice?

Designing the body that I want

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It’s funny that I call myself design lady yet I’m hardly posting things related to design on my blog. However, I’m currently designing the body that I want. It’s been an interesting journey so far. It’s now June 13th and I’ve successfully worked out or kept moving everyday since the last week in April to maintain the physique and strength that I have. I’ve also started eating better by making better food choices:

(This is my infamous oatmeal with fruits – sometimes I add more fiber but this has blueberries, banana and strawberries)

With all these changes, I didn’t notice how strong I was until this past weekend.

I started on Saturday. I arranged to run with my friend Peggy in Central Park. Unfortunately the park is so far away that I hardly go because it’s quite the trip. I had forwarded her a list of group runs held by Jack Rabbit Sports and we decided to join the one at 9am. I woke up at 6am, got ready packed my book bag and lifted my brand new Jamis Allegro Femme down the stairs.

I wasn’t looking forward to the trip because I realized that I had to make a transfer where I would have to lift my bike for two flights of stairs. I also didn’t know what the exit at 86th street would look like (it had another few flights of stairs). Thankfully my bike weighs about 20lbs.

We joined the group and ran 7 miles. We took a route to Randall’s island running along FDR east river drive.

(The map partially shows the route)

After the run, we walked to 55th street and 6th ave to have brunch at La Bonne Soupe (which was incredible). I had post workout fuel of the La Canadienne Crepe. After, we walked to 46th and 9th where Peggy left her bike the night before. I bid her farewell since she had work to take care of and I biked the 10 miles back to Brooklyn with the assistance of my Ride the City app (and google maps on Android which is better than the iPhone’s since it shows bike routes — take that Apple!).

When I synced my Nike+ Fuel Band, it had tripled the daily fuel:

I got home and prepared for the next day to go on a zipline and canopy adventure. It just so happens that I booked a trip with a company that takes people to CBK mountains in Poconos, PA. We met them at 7am and headed out by bus ride. Once there we were given quick zipline safety procedures and started the 6 courses. We gradually got higher and higher above ground with each course’s zip line getting longer and higher above ground. This is where my strength and athleticism was tested. I wasn’t even tired from the night before (shockingly). Each course tested our agility as I used my core muscles to keep myself up and maneuver through. I even did a Tarzanesque swing to a net. Our final zip line was 85 feet high – a race (that I lost) – between two people.

When we got home, I took a shower and headed to bed. The next day, made sense to use as a rest day, I didn’t feel anything. Fitness test completed. The body is incredible.

Gave these up to be happy

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My friend Brandi posted a link to an article titled 15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy and I decided to respond to it because in my quest to become a better person it seems like I’ve came to enlightenment.The article suggests that you give up these 15 things to make your life a lot easier and much, much happier. I do agree, in the past years I allowed many of these things to make me stressed to the point of pain. It’s only a few years ago I began the journey to become better, wiser and let in positive growth. Hopefully how I did that will help you in your journey. I’m definitely not perfect but whenever things bother me these days, I respond, “nope, not that thought.”

Here’s how I tackled these 15:
1. GIVE UP YOUR NEED TO ALWAYS BE RIGHT
I am just right. I allow that, in my mind anyway. However, the person that I’m speaking with doesn’t need to know. Sometimes it’s just less of a headache to allow the opinions of someone else to take precedence than argue your opinion, experiences and self worth. This is a good practice because you can decide for yourself whether this person helps or hurts your happiness. Sometimes the relationship with that person is more important that the need to bite your tongue is better than the consequence of always being right. I don’t have that big of an ego.

2. GIVE UP YOUR NEED FOR CONTROL
When I first started taking tango, I ran into this issue of giving a total stranger the permission to guide me across the floor in any direction he chose. Tango involved nonverbal communication with my male partner. Imagine how this affected my very feminist mindset and type A personality. When I let go, I fell in love with the dance. I allowed my partner to just be. We were both in class to learn, we were in a safe environment and the worse he could do is run me into a wall or prop and I’d refuse to dance with him again. Fair. I wanted to learn, he wanted to learn — beyond that, it didn’t matter who he was or who I was.

3. GIVE UP ON BLAME
You give people permission to take away your happiness. So, one of the things I’m absolutely proud of when I work with others is the feedback about how relaxed I am. I know what I need to do to get things done and I just do it. If something goes wrong, I am confident that I can handle it. If I didn’t succeed, I shrug it off, call it a loss and go in another 110% next time. One thing I absolutely loathe and have no sympathy for is when others blame their parents or situations for their current state in life. Think of this, “someone is always worse off.”

4. GIVE UP YOUR SELF-DEFEATING SELF-TALK
Love this one. I wake up daily get ready for the day and remind myself of how far I’ve come and hope that I can positively affect the world around me. I’m not a loser. I love to win and I’ll do my damnedest to. I’m good at what I do and will only continue to get better with time. The mind is also a very dangerous thing. If you succumb to it, it will control your life. You’re not your mind.

5. GIVE UP YOUR LIMITING BELIEFS
I have to thank John Boyd for this. He had this mantra that he continually instilled in me when we worked together learning about technology. How far can a little poor girl from the island go? I’ll say, far. The mantra was, “if Bill Gates can do it, you can do it.” I don’t have billions yet but I won’t stop thinking that I just might one day. Dreaming about living in NYC when I was 7 years old, while I lived in Dominica, was impossible to me. It’s over two decades since I had that dream. I’ve been in NYC for awhile now.

6. GIVE UP COMPLAINING
I think positively daily. I also believe a long run can solve anything. If I’m stuck, I strap on my shoes and hit the pavement. People, situations and events won’t make me unhappy, sad and depressed. I won’t allow them. I made the decision to leave my last job when I was 400 feet in the air, parasailing off the coast of St. Thomas, on my birthday. I did a lot of complaining then. I stopped myself because I realized that I had been blaming someone else for my unhappiness. I decided to remove myself from the situation that I had no control of.

7. GIVE UP THE LUXURY OF CRITICISM
I love having the ability to just not care and being selfish. I can only improve myself and looking at others and how they can improve themselves isn’t a productive use of my time. You want to rock that hairstyle, do you. You want to spend time gossiping, do you. You want to be racist, sexist and homophobic, that is really all on you. I’m on this earth to make myself happy buddy and you’re wasting precious seconds and brain cells. It’s true, we all want to be happy, we all want to love and be loved and understood. Everything else, shouldn’t matter.

8. GIVE UP YOUR NEED TO IMPRESS OTHERS
I love this. I wake up in the morning and my thought process is simply to wear something that doesn’t clash — but seriously, who cares? People get away with wearing anything in NYC. I buy what I need and I don’t follow the latest trends. I’ve got to be honest though, I often wonder what it would be like if I was super-fashionista-diva a la sex and the city. Then again, I also “dance to the beat of my own drum.” I don’t have time for clones, I’d only feel like I’m competing against more of myself. These days, I am on a quest to better myself. Bettering myself includes eating better, becoming healthier, clearing my thoughts, decreasing my stress levels, modifying my body to get stronger and enjoying the journey. I also want to get better and better at my job. I don’t believe in being someone that I’m not for others to like me. You either can stand me or not. Once you live for yourself and not others, people are more curious about who you are and befriend you naturally.

9. GIVE UP YOUR RESISTANCE TO CHANGE
One of the most difficult things for me was realizing that my opinion changed yearly… Sometimes monthly. I’m a continuing project of growth. It was difficult at first because at times I had great passion for what I believed in at the time. Admitting defeat when I attained enlightenment allowed me to embrace each situation. My life only improves… Especially when I follow, “all I know is I know nothing.”

10. GIVE UP LABELS
Be open to everything that’s different and nothing will surprise you. Just accept people as is without judgement. You get insight into their lives and you get to expand your mind.

11. GIVE UP ON YOUR FEARS
This was the toughest. One of my biggest fears was failure. I believe that I failed sometime in 2010 and I decided it wasn’t so bad that I’ll never be able it handle it again. I live being ready for anything. Fear is an illusion,  “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

12. GIVE UP YOUR EXCUSES
My favorite. I started working out without a new years resolution because I’m so difficult at keeping them. I just went ahead and did it because it was a goal that I’m passionate about setting course. When I meet people that ask abut my exercise, some often tell me that they don’t get time to workout and that they don’t get the right time to cook or they are big boned so they can’t lose weight. I stay quiet and shrug it off because I know that  they are only making excuses. Those acquaintances usually aren’t great colleagues. They limit themselves to their true potential.

13. GIVE UP THE PAST
This was the toughest. I always bring up my past relationship because I’m so anal about being a perfectionist (don’t ask how this is even possible). However it took me a couple years to finally let everything, every ounce of regret and just accept what I have is in the moment and that chapter of my life has closed completely and shouldn’t be reopened to fester the infected wounds. When I did that, I completely enjoyed every aspect of my life. The ability to love without hang ups To let anyone in.

14. GIVE UP ATTACHMENT
When you realize that you can leave the world with absolutely nothing despite all your money, fancy clothes, etc. that you can leave completely naked and vulnerable… back to the grave, you give up attachment.

15. GIVE UP LIVING YOUR LIFE TO OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS
I learned this from a young age and I can say wholeheartedly say: I’m never jealous of anyone. I’m currently living my own life. Dancing to the beat of my own drum and improving what’s valuable for myself. I’ve only one life to live and I only have one shot of making a difference. I’m truly enjoying the journey which isn’t a carbon copy of anyone else. I’ve certainly had others follow what I’ve done and I’ve in turn been inspired by many but it’s the biggest compliment to influence others but don’t make their lives your own. I get messages sometimes from peers who tell me how they admire that I’m doing my own thing and becoming more and more successful in my field. The thing is, something that I may make seem flawless is actually quite challenging but since it’s my dream, the road to get to my goal is enjoyable, I can’t imagine being a copycat is enjoyable… You might as well change your name to that persons’.

Please yourself and your journey will be more enjoyable.

Dreams to be a marathoner

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My first race ever was in September of 2008. It was my first time running outdoors. It also was the most difficult run I’d had in my life! Can you believe it? Barely 3 miles.

2008 was actually a tough year for me and getting into running was a perfect distraction and accomplishment.

Seriously, what did I expect after only running on the treadmill?

It was the Komen Race for the Cure and I came in at 34 minutes. I can run under that time now and a 5K is a breeze these days but I did come a long way.

After a few more 5Ks, I did 5 miles, 6 miles, 10K, 10 miles, 15K, and I even tried a half marathon last year.

Each race left me hungry for more.

I probably spent a fortune on exercise gear alone.

My favorite race so far had been the 10 miler. I think I was the most prepared by being unprepared and it was the day when I truly learned how I was “born to run.”

There’s no stopping me now. Today,  I signed up for the ING Marathon in Miami scheduled January 27th, 2013. My aunt, a bionic beast herself, asked me to sign up and there was no second guessing it.

Dreaming to be the best I can be. Pushing my body to its limit, puking if I have to because I want it so bad. I need it. It’s a goal that I can meet because I see it in the distance. It’s an experience I want to cross off my list.

It’s on Bitches! You can follow my progress here.