tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13578640997784703172024-02-21T13:29:05.993-05:00Kinesic SenseA blog to track my hectic life.Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-35804216056140177142011-07-06T08:58:00.001-04:002011-07-06T08:59:41.032-04:00New WebsiteIf you are here, you should be here- www.nicolelabonde.com <br />This is my new blog and business page.<br /><br />Also visit www.theauditionadvantage.com <br />This is my new business with the uber-talented Shaun Yates. I blog there as well.<br /><br />Thanks for reading!Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-82759457639036496112009-09-09T17:01:00.001-04:002009-09-09T17:01:22.818-04:00Promotional Toolkit - Ideablob: where ideas grow<a href="http://www.ideablob.com/promo_kit/6311-Artistic-Collaboration-for-Tran">Promotional Toolkit - Ideablob: where ideas grow</a><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com">AddThis</a><br />Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-59683692259420471032009-09-09T16:54:00.002-04:002009-09-09T16:59:02.003-04:00Easy and Free Ways to Support Indigenous Pitch!1. Use <a href="http://www.goodsearch.com/">www.goodsearch.com</a> as your search engine. Set it as your homepage and/or download the toolbar. Choose Indigenous Pitch as your charity.<br />2. Use <a href="http://www.goodshop.com/">www.goodshop.com</a> for all your online shopping. Almost all of your favorite stores participate- iTunes, Target, Borders. Just access the actual vendor site through goodshop to have IPDC credited with your purchase. This uses the actual vendor site, no worries about giving your credit card info to a different site.<br />3. Go to <a href="http://www.ideablob.com/">www.ideablob.com</a> RIGHT NOW and vote for Indigenous Pitch. We could win $10,000!<br />4. Tell everyone you know about these things! It's quick, easy, painless, and you are already doing #1 and #2 anyway, so help us out!Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-56613036399196402122009-08-04T22:44:00.001-04:002009-08-04T22:44:48.863-04:00Creation Inspiration<p>I am thrilled to announce that Indigenous Pitch is doing two dance camps, in two states, AT THE SAME TIME! </p><p>That's right- while the usual team is still in NOLA doing week 2 of our program there, Charles and I (Nicole) are doing one in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ardmore</span>. While we are not running this camp, we are providing the dance portion each day, as well as any other help we can give- child wrangler, cheerleader, gopher, etc. The camp is at the First Baptist Church in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ardmore</span>, on the corner of Athens and St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pauls</span>, so it is right in the neighborhood. The camp is called Creation Camp and it seeks to develop the creative arts in children- visual art, story-telling, music, theater, and dance. </p><p>Creating is what makes humans different from all the other animals. Yet so often, we are afraid to create. What will people think? What will they say? Is it good enough? Am <i>I</i> good enough? At this camp, we are showing children that they have the skills they need to be artists. It doesn't matter if you have had years of training, or skilled parents. An innate part of being human is being a creator. We do not each create the same things, or in the same way. (And how boring it would be if we did!) Our skills may be verbal, musical, theatrical, or physical. Some may draw, some may sculpt, and some can interpret those things into words or movement. Giving the children confidence in their creative skills is important not just for art-making, but for creating confident citizens that see the potential in those around them. <br /></p><p>In my time at camp yesterday, our youngest camper made up a word. The rest of the camp fell in love with it and used it the rest of the day! It even found its way into the camp song they wrote together in music class!</p><p>During my dance class we worked on steps and shapes. We did positive and negative space- this exercise requires teamwork and an ability to connect. For the first day of camp, connecting physically to new people is a pretty tall order. But our campers did it, and made some beautiful human landscapes.</p><p>We also worked on movements the kids already know- keeping with the theme of innate creativity. One of my favorite movement games is to play different genres of music, one right after the other, and watch what happens. Classical music=ballet, even if they have no idea what a ballet step is! Jazz music= struts and wiggling fingers. Rap music=head nodding, arm waving, and street moves. Spanish music=stomps and claps. My personal favorite yesterday was a piece of techno music that inspired a roomful of robots! </p><p>Music and dance are universal languages. They are linked in our culture and our souls. Children know this without being told, without being taught. As we get older, we let our fears shut down our joy and our intuition.</p><p> Follow the children- listen to the song and let it move you!</p>NicoleKinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-73446102229397740412009-07-12T23:20:00.003-04:002009-07-12T23:22:20.171-04:00Donation Letter<div align="justify"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9BhMF7SKYKTqjsK_Algg1gMnn7MWVj80oeN-21TW9IW4L-1Q2ekTrXvapwHB0VOFRzATzkErgPhliTBMRAFbmsM37VhbC16irhWl4y8THfn1Wv6RmQ1Iq7gkbCjVWQbxEWtfHw0uVNYF/s1600-h/IPDC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357779590743656898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 122px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9BhMF7SKYKTqjsK_Algg1gMnn7MWVj80oeN-21TW9IW4L-1Q2ekTrXvapwHB0VOFRzATzkErgPhliTBMRAFbmsM37VhbC16irhWl4y8THfn1Wv6RmQ1Iq7gkbCjVWQbxEWtfHw0uVNYF/s320/IPDC.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective<br />10 E. Athens Ave. Suite 204<br /> Ardmore, PA 19003<br /><br /><em>“…I need to play just to get stuff off my mind,” Tiffany, 10 years old. “…thank you so much for coming to teach my daughter. All of our neighbors are gone and she doesn’t have anywhere safe to play,” mother of Derian. “…I am learning the coolest moves!!” Jose, 7 years old.<br /></em></div><div align="left">These are just a few of the many words of encouragement and feedback we have been receiving the last two years from the children and parents that have been to our free dance camp in New Orleans.<br /><br />In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina brought devastation to the city of New Orleans. It is our current mission to help the neglected children of this city through the transformative power of dance. Our goal is to empower them as they rebuild their fractured community and re-establish hope.<br /><br />Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective, Inc. is a collective of Philadelphia-based dance companies whose goal is to perform works of artistic excellence that reflect and highlight the diversity of our city and its native, homegrown dance styles. Through the art of dance, we also seek to assist and nurture children who have been affected by natural, and/or socio-economic disasters. We further this mission through performances, residencies and workshops throughout the United States and abroad.<br /><br />This year, Indigenous Pitch will be returning to New Orleans for two weeks, from July 25th to August 8th, for our third year! Again, we will offer visual arts projects, music, theatre, and dance, as a form of therapy and teambuilding. We will continue honoring each camper’s personal story as s/he transforms these dire situations into ones of empowerment and hope. However, none of this can happen without your support. Our budget for the two weeks is $12,000…we are currently $8,000 short!!<br /><br />By donating to our New Orleans project, you will be giving a voice to the children who have been silenced for so long. As a non-profit organization, we operate solely on donations. Your tax-free gift is vital to helping this mission succeed. No contribution is too small for this otherwise forgotten generation. Please make checks payable to: Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective, Inc., or IPDC, Inc., and mail to 10 E. Athens Ave. Ardmore, PA 19003. You can also donate online at <a href="http://www.indigenouspitch.org/">http://www.indigenouspitch.org/</a>. And, please see the attached letter for information on how children can get involved in helping other children!<br /><br />Thank you so much for joining IPDC in our steadfast efforts to bring hope and community back to the lives of these children.<br /><br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Nicole LaBonde<br />Executive Director</div>Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-63496681477982704972009-07-12T23:13:00.002-04:002009-07-12T23:20:08.901-04:00I am so easily bored.So I thought I'd take another job. That's right, why not? 10 hrs/wk at the Pilates studio, 20+/wk at Wellworks and then a few more here and there and the dance studio and gym was not enough for me. <br /><br />I am now the Executive Director of Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective. IPDC was created 3 years ago by Lisa Welsh, who owns the dance studio where I work. After hearing about the devastation still lingering a year after Hurrican Katrina, she decided to do what she does best: love children through dance. She took a group of instructors from the studio and went to New Orleans for a week to provide a free dance camp. <br /><br />Since then, the program has grown and we are now providing camps in New Orleans and Philadelphia. Lisa realized that she needed some help with the non-profit, because sometimes, being so close and so passionate can make being objective and business-like difficult. She asked me to come on board as the executive director. <br /><br />This is currently a volunteer position, although we are working (practically around the clock) to secure funding for our programs. Along that line, I am posting our Donation Letter. If you can help in anyway, it would be greatly appreciated!Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-15377174965942160242009-05-03T17:42:00.002-04:002009-05-03T17:47:29.152-04:00It's Official!Well, it's over. That's right, I received final word that I passed my written test! I am now an officially certified <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pilates</span> instructor. It is a huge relief to be done, to take my lessons for me and my body, and to really start to teach (and, therefore, hopefully make money).<br /><br />So, thanks to everyone who made it possible:<br /><ul><li>My husband- super-supportive and encouraging</li><li>Brie- I learned more than I ever thought there was</li><li>The girls in the program- you can do it!</li><li>The rest of my family- for putting up with my crazy ideas</li></ul><p>Hopefully this blog will now become more about the challenges and situations of teaching, as well as general wellness and fitness, in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">conjunction</span> with my new job at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wellworks</span> for You.</p>Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-70934607254362425542009-04-13T15:44:00.002-04:002009-04-13T16:15:24.341-04:00The Psychology of TeachingAs I am starting to teach more, I am beginning to develop my own style, pace and wording. The problem with this, of course, is that it is mine. Working in an established studio, where some people have been with the same instructor for 5 years, can be a little precarious. They are now used to a particular way of doing things, hearing things, working. And here comes this new instructor, who looks like she's about 12, and asks for something else. Needless to say, there's some resistance. So, how do I break through? With little kids, it's a little easier. They will say "That's not how we do it in Miss So-and-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">so's</span> class." To which the reply is "Do I look like Miss So-and-so?", and you can move on. Adults, however, require a little more information than that. (Not that I haven't been tempted to try it)<br /><br />I think there a couple different attitudes of students out there:<br /><ul><li>those willing to give you a chance, mainly because their other instructor said to</li><li>those who will never like you</li><li>those who just want the work, they don't care about the personality</li></ul><p>and those categories can be broken down into a motivation for being the student in the first place:</p><ul><li>those who want a workout</li><li>those who are there for their own "me"time</li><li>those who are there because they feel like they "should" be (whether it's because everyone else is doing it and it's the hottest thing, guilt, or someone in their life made them come)</li><li>those who are there as a social outing</li></ul><p>In a private lesson, you can connect with a person and get to understand their motivation and their willingness to work. Usually whatever the reason for being there and attitude, I can get through to them. At least for an hour.</p><p>Group classes, however, are another story. When I enter a group class, my goal is to give them a good, true <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pilates</span> workout, safely. But, I am realizing, because there is more than one person involved, I cannot make all of them happy. The chances of all of them having the same attitude and the same motivation is probably 0. </p><p>Last week, I subbed a group class. There were 6 people. 2 were there for the work. They left happy campers, and 1 has joined another of my classes. 1 person wanted nothing to do with me. I tried to offer corrections, and she wouldn't take them. She left frustrated and unhappy. One was disappointed that the class did not take the full hour, yet she said the class was good. My guess is that she was there for "me" time. Her goal was unfulfilled (on all our paperwork, it says "Classes are 50-55min", but whatever). Now know why she is there, if I have her in a class again, I can be more sensitive to the fact that she is the for an hour, an hour she doesn't have to be anywhere else, doing anything else, and she would like to keep it that way. 2 people I couldn't get a good read on. They worked out, they left. </p><p>It took me a good deal of reflection to understand that my teaching style is not going to fulfill <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">every one's</span> needs. That's why all the mentors have said "Not everyone will like your class. Don't take it personally." I've wondered, "How do I not take it personally?!" But know I can see that there are just too many variables in a group of people to meet all of their needs. </p><p>The attitude someone comes in with can change, if they want it to. I can't make that happen, no matter how much I change up my style. If they want their teacher, that's pretty much ballgame for me. If they want the work, or if they are willing to try, then we're in business. I think your motivation drives your attitude. Again, if they are there for the work, they are going to leave fulfilled. If they came for another reason, I may be able hit that, but it isn't my main goal. </p><p>Having these experiences has helped me to clarify my teaching style- Work, technique, safety. But that doesn't mean I get to ignore the fact that people come in looking for something else. I need to learn to balance my goals with theirs.</p>Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-75099849461701431422009-04-02T22:02:00.002-04:002009-04-02T22:07:55.877-04:00As promisedThe life updates:<br /><ol><li>No, I'm not pregnant.</li><li>Chris and I are in the process of buying a house. We are in negotiations for a house in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ardmore</span>.</li><li>I am joining the staff of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pilates</span> studio in Bryn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mawr</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pilates</span> for Movement. I plan on being there about 20 hrs/week.</li><li>I am re-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">joining</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tegler</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">McHenry</span> and Assoc. as the manager of our new wellness company, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wellworks</span> For You. I will be there the other 20 hrs. Very complimentary jobs.</li><li>I'll be home for Easter. I hope to see you all soon!</li></ol>Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-40016232026766818982009-04-02T21:47:00.003-04:002009-04-02T22:02:41.964-04:00Sorry! Let's get you updated.Well, it has been a very, very, very long time since I have written.<br /><br />First, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pilates</span> updates (life updates will follow in another post): I passed my Advanced practical with a great score at the beginning of March. I passed 2 of the 3 parts of the Advanced written, so I had to retake 1 section. I am still waiting to hear back on the retake.<br /><br /><br />Since I am basically done with the program, it is a good time to reflect. First of all, what an incredible experience it was. There really is no substitute for submerging yourself, day after day, in your area of study. Just being around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pilates</span> and great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pilates</span> instructors all the time provides great learning opportunities- you learn almost by osmosis! It is hard to believe that 9 months ago, I had no idea how to teach this work, and was terrified. Now, I'm getting paid to do it (although, sometimes still terrified). <br /><br />Also, what the program and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pilates</span> has done for me and my body is pretty incredible. I am a walking testimonial to the effectiveness of the method. I now have curves where I should have curves, muscles all over, almost even sides of my back, and am a lot more flexible. I even almost have a left split, which I never thought would happen. I have learned to work with my body and my issues: scoliosis, shoulder tension and I'm currently working through a little injury on my right side. The issues that I have make me a better teacher, as I now know the healing power of the work.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pilates</span> and this program have been great for my emotional health too. I am much more confident than I was before. I have done something incredibly difficult, that not too many people in the world have done, and done it well. I have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">achieved</span> something that I wanted for my life. I am healthy and happy.<br /><br />I have joined the staff of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pilates</span> for Movement in Bryn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mawr</span>. I am so excited to join them and look forward to building a schedule of both private lessons and group classes there.Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-54210802417618574772009-02-11T20:51:00.002-05:002009-02-11T20:54:26.253-05:00Another UpdateI passed the Intermediate Written! I missed some points, but I definitely learned a lot from the feedback.<br />I also scheduled my Advanced Practical for March 6th. So, moving onward.Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-6769273430645810052008-12-30T22:45:00.003-05:002008-12-30T22:50:19.659-05:00I passed!Hooray! I got a good score. Solid. Not as good as I wanted, but I have pretty high expectations for myself.... I did Reformer, a Mat class and and Arm Weights class, plus some other pieces of equipment.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for their prayers and well-wishes. Chris was especially great. I came home to flowers, a card and champagne.Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-83227343576872203002008-12-28T16:26:00.002-05:002008-12-28T16:30:15.252-05:00Progress ReportI am getting ready for my Intermediate Practical. It will be on Tuesday. I will have to teach someone the intermediate exercises on the Reformer, an intermediate Mat Class, and whatever else they ask me. I feel pretty prepared, but nerves can make a lot of things go wrong. I will post on my way home on Tuesday night to let everyone know how it went.<br /><br />After this practical, I have my Intermediate Written on Jan 9th. Then I will have to do my Advanced Practical and Written. I hope to be done by March. We shall see how it goes!Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-39226013814403057422008-11-06T22:42:00.001-05:002008-11-06T22:43:44.547-05:00Back to our regularly scheduled programA great post from the Daily Kos on politics and Christianity. <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/3/103721/195/548/650334">http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/3/103721/195/548/650334</a>Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-28248370091314832362008-10-25T19:25:00.001-04:002008-10-25T19:25:13.438-04:00More Politics<div>Due to the large volume of anti-Obama emails I have been receiving...</div><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/48f1466f1f664a1c/4903aad79055c08d/48f1466fbb7d47d/c60c83e0/widget.js"></script>Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-47267333038874667592008-10-22T12:25:00.001-04:002008-10-22T12:26:38.290-04:00Troy!Just a quick post. I love Troy Polamalu, and there's a post on him up over at The Atlantic.<br /><br />Go check it out!<br /><a href="http://ta-nehisicoates.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/10/troy_polamalu_is_scaring_me.php">http://ta-nehisicoates.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/10/troy_polamalu_is_scaring_me.php</a>Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-62765119992166703662008-09-09T20:10:00.002-04:002008-09-09T20:16:56.756-04:00HiatusFor most of the time between now and Election day my blogging will take place at:<br /><a href="http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/nicoledecides">http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/nicoledecides</a><br /><br />Yup, that's right folks. I will be voting for Barack Obama in November. It has taken a lot of soul-searching, researching and questioning, but that's what I have decided. For awhile, I was doing so grudgingly, and at the same time considering not voting at all. But, I now feel pretty strongly about it. For a fairly short version of my story, it's the first post on the new blog. It's much longer than that, but that's not what blogs are for. If you need more info, let me know, I will be more than willing to share. <br /><br />What I will not be willing to do is: argue, yell, name-call, listen to people doing any of those things. The world is mean and nasty enough without willingly subjecting yourself to it.Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-30429489127489942642008-07-11T19:18:00.002-04:002008-07-11T19:29:20.142-04:00City GirlI think I have officially become a city girl. Well, maybe not, since I live in the 'burbs. And spent some time last weekend on a 4-wheeler in the woods. But I am definitely more citified than I ever imaged.<br />Examples:<br />1. I take public transit everyday.<br />2. I have a public transit pass...for 2 cities, Philly and NYC.<br />3. I have taken the New York subway by myself twice now, and both time got on the correct train and ended up where I wanted to be.<br />4. I walked in Central Park today.<br />5a. I know that Philly has a Northeast, Northern Libs, Center City (NOT downtown), University City, Old City, Society Hill, West Philly and South Philly.<br />5b. New York is Uptown, Mid-town, Downtown, and then all the neighborhoods. <br />6. I don't like places without streetlights at night. <br />7. I don't carry a purse (and typically not even a wallet), I carry a backpack.<br />8. I don't think 20 blocks is a long walk. I wouldn't do it every day, but it is totally do-able.<br />9. I don't wear heels anymore; sneakers are my shoe of choice.<br />10. I do not think every time I go into the city "I hope I don't get mugged." I'm pretty sure if anyone tried I could run them down, because my giant bag is so heavy. Or they would be very disappointed by my lack of wallet.Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-56230986901319977292008-06-29T18:05:00.004-04:002008-06-29T18:22:24.289-04:00Frustration or Why I Love the Minute ClinicI am incredibly frustrated with my body right now. Defeated by it, even.<br /><br />On June 6, it decided to get strep throat. Annoying, as it was my first week at the Pilates studio. However, I was not totally shocked by this, as strep throat is my disease of choice. Anyone who has lived with me will tell you that. I still remember junior year of college, and Melissa telling everyone I had scarlet fever.....I went to the Minute Clinic, in the CVS in Rosemont. For the record, I recommend this. No waiting at the doctor's office, early hours and weekend hours, all in all more convenient.<br /><br />Since I liked my first trip there so much, my body decided it would like to go back. Today, please. Thursday I started sneezing a lot, Friday I had a runny nose, yesterday I felt pretty crappy (but we decided to go to the beach, which sounded more fun than the Minute Clinic, nice as they are. Besides, that fresh air should have helped me out, right?). But last night and today, I couldn't do anything. My head hurt so badly, my throat was sore, and I absolutely could not breathe through my nose. I called my doctor's office at 2:30AM, hoping they would just call something in. They said they don't do antibiotic call ins without seeing the patient first, so if I wanted to come in on Monday or Tuesday.... Um, no. Thank you. Chris wouldn't let me go teach this morning, which I got up to do, so I decided to put that time to good use and go get better! Minute Clinic to the rescue!<br /><br />I had to wait 15 minutes, which compared to your typical doctor's office waiting room time is not bad. I had the same nurse practictioner as the last time. We are now good friends. Hopefully my body can go more than 3 weeks without seeing her again. Other good thing about the Minute Clinic- the pharmacy is right there! So within half an hour, I had a diagnosis (sinus infection), drugs (amoxicillin and Mucinex) and was on my way (to a Fringe rehearsal). Hooray!<br /><br />The frustration is this- Why is this happening????? I'm supposed to be at my healthiest. I'm eating more than usual, working out, doing something that I love, sleeping, even the occassional nap! But with these 2 infections I feel really defeated. I can't work out as hard as I want to, nothing sounds appetizing. Plus, I am just plain stressed out from being sick- I don't work that much, so I hate missing that money, and I need lots of hours at the Pilates studio, as I am still catching up from the first time I was sick! <br /><br />There was a radio commercial on when I was young that went "If you're sick and tired of being sick and tired..." (and I can still sing the jingle), and that is how I feel right now. I really can't go through 3 week cycles of this. I don't know if it is my schedule, just the change of seasons, the change of jobs/lifestyle, the anxiety that I am carrying regarding all of it, or what. All I know is, it's got to go!Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-934508184528721912008-06-29T18:04:00.000-04:002008-06-29T18:05:20.594-04:00Help me!Don't know why I didn't think to post here awhile ago....<br /><br />I'm choreographing a piece for the Fringe and need some more dancers. Guys especially. Rehearsals are Sundays, 2-4PM at Sherman Mills in East Falls. Performance is September 6th, all day. Let me know if you are interested! And pass this on to anyone who may be interested!Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-80688029046955225272008-05-28T11:14:00.003-04:002008-05-28T11:30:08.122-04:00Life is ShortMy very good friend Kelli lost her mom this week. It was quite a shock. We are not at an age to be dealing with the death of our parents. I'm blessed enough to have all of my grandparents around still, so death is a fairly rare experience for me. <br /><br />This this episode gave me cause for reflection. And these are my thoughts:<br /><br /><ul><li>It's a cliche, I know, but life really is short. Therefore, you ought to spend your time here on the good stuff. Find what you like and find a way to do it.</li><li>I spend a lot of time worrying. A lot of time. Worrying. About fairly dumb, or uncontrollable, things. This is a waste of my life. I carry grudges, fight with my husband, I don't see my family more than a dozen days a year. Again, waste. </li><li>People and your relationships with them are more important than whatever else you have going on- your job, your worries, your schedule, whatever. Take time to let the people who are important to you know that they are important to you. This is hard for me, because I feel like I'm always running between things, but I'm going to try to do it more. I'm also going to try to repair some relationships that aren't so great right now. Grudges and anger are not good ways to spend your life. I would hate for my last interaction with a person in my life be one of anger or bitterness.</li><li>It is really easy to let relationships slip away- people move, change, just get busy. If the relationship is worth it, give it some effort. Friendships don't happen by magic.</li></ul>Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-32878167126628674582008-05-25T21:09:00.002-04:002008-05-25T21:11:36.160-04:00Philly Inquirer Article on Career ChangesI was interviewed for an article on under-30s making career changes from their degree fields. As I reflect on my transitions, it is great to see other people are making them (and pretty radical ones) too! <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/19208149.html">http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/19208149.html</a>Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-48223318246971065482008-05-23T09:35:00.004-04:002008-05-28T10:40:36.514-04:00TransitionsToday is the first day of the 3 day "Basic" seminar. It is official. I am moving from paperwork and administration to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pilates</span>. I feel nervous- I'm even shaking a bit (although that may be the 2 cups of coffee).<br /><br />The nerves are not about the class. It's about the sudden real-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ness</span> of this change. I've been training and preparing for almost 8 months now, so it has always seemed pretty far away. Now it is here! The nerves are definitely mixed with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">excitement</span>- I've been wanting to do this, and now I have the chance. Valerie has a quote from Jack London on her blog (The Road Lots Travelled), about the point of life is not to exist, but to live. I think I am making steps in that direction. Side note- if you have not read Val's blog yet, do it! She is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">friggin</span>' hilarious, and has had some pretty cool adventures!<br /><br />In the TV show "LOST", when people travel through time, they have to have a "constant", a person that grounds them in both the past and the future. I think it is the same for transitions. Having some connection to your old world and your new at the same time makes it smoother and easier. I am blessed enough to have many constants: Chris (who loved me as an insurance administrator, and has been my biggest cheerleader for this change), my apartment (didn't have to pick up and move to make this happen), even my job situation, as my boss has agreed to have me work on some projects at an hourly rate.<br /><br />So I don't feel totally at sea in my new life. I'm in a lifeboat, with lines to solid ships. I feel like I could let go of some of the lines, or I can ride with them all. Right now it is a nice place to be. We will have to see if that remains, or if one of the lines starts to tug a little harder than the others.<br /><br />So, why do transitions, even ones you are excited about, cause fear and nervousness? It seems a shame to let your happiness get overrun, even just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">occasionally</span>, by fear of the unknown. Isn't the unknown what makes life worth the living, not just the existing? If we knew it all ahead of time, it would a pretty boring way to live. You may not have the fear, but you also would not have the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">excitement</span>, anticipation or surprise. So, maybe fear, rather than prescience, is a good trade.Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-11411721593689492202008-05-11T18:20:00.003-04:002008-05-11T18:24:27.057-04:00Nutrition Check-inI have had a couple of requests for an update on how the weight gain is going. Truthfully, I have no idea. I don't weigh myself very often. I know that I have gotten stronger in my workouts, so maybe a little bit....<br /><br />I'm putting protein mix in everything- my coffee, cereal, ice cream. And I've been drinking a lot of Ensure. These things have to helping some, I would think. This week I will start visiting a nutritionist. Independence Blue Cross gives their members 6 free nutritionists visits/year. Free, really! So if you have IBC, check it out (guess who's been working in insurance?)! After my visit, I hope to have a better plan of attack and a better way of tracking my progress.Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1357864099778470317.post-62630986341281837302008-05-11T18:14:00.003-04:002008-05-11T18:19:59.660-04:00UpdatesWell, I passed my Initial Assessment! Hooray! I am officially an apprentice in the Romana's Pilates Teacher Training program. <br /><br />But now the real work begins. Over the next 6 months to 1 year, I will be observing lessons, taking lessons and teaching lessons. I will attend classes and take tests. It is a very intense program, but I am very excited to be a part of it. I know that this is a fantastic opportunity for me to learn from the best. So, my goal is to be the best student that I can be- to learn as much as I can, to not be afraid of making mistakes, to ask questions, to explore- so that I can be the best teacher I can be.Kinesic Sensehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550787452171527813noreply@blogger.com0