So today I needed my hair did. I didn't want to go back to the last place as they definitely messed up. I had to let the hair grow out for a while to get it back to a state where I could get a legit cut. I love me my barber shops and always ask the locals the best places to go. Never met a guy who doesn't love that warm shaving cream and straight blade cut.
So I found a place today that I thought I would try out because someone recommended it. It is a small barber shop in downtown Albany called Love's. Its a typical urban barber shop and reminded me a lot of my favorite one in Boston. Young group of barbers and very chill.....minus the NY Yankee crap people were wearing. I won't hold it against them I guess.
My barber's name was Jimmy. An older guy but very into the times. He had to be with the younger guys around. Let's just say him and I were the only white people in there. But everyone was funny.
I walk in and he was eating, so I told him take his time I was in no hurry and caught up on my Sportscenter fix for the day. Finally went over and he was happy that I let him finish because he just found out he was diabetic and had to get food every so many hours. Glad I could help him since he was going to be cutting my hair. He definitely took his time and made sure things were perfect. All the other guys there said he was the best one for the job and gave him a lot of praise. So I knew I was in good hands.
One of the other guys looked out the window and sees that the parking patrol walked up to a car and was starting to write a ticket. They asked what color my car was and I said silver. Just so happens that the car that was getting a ticket was silver. Jimmy, dropped what he was doing and ran outside to talk to the parking patrol. It ended up being someone else's car luckily. He came back and said that he likes to take care of his clients and make sure nothing happens to them. I thought, well that's awesome of him to go and make sure I wouldn't get a ticket. This guy doesn't know me and was going out of his way to make sure I would be taken care of. As he finished, which turned out to be a baller hair cut, I stood up and he looks at me and stops me, takes out his razor again and fixes something and said now he was finished. His quote was "I never let anyone walk out of here without the perfect haircut." I left him a good tip and he gave me his card.
As I walked out, I was very pleased with how it went, and how Jimmy treated someone he just met. And I asked myself, why doesn't this happen very often? Why are more people not like Jimmy and go that extra step and mile to help someone just to make sure they have a pleasant experience?
As I walked to my car, not one person would look at me, all with their iPods in their ears looking at the ground. No one cares about anything around them, only what goes on in their little world. I try to say hi to people out on the street just because it is polite, but people now a days don't care about you and put blinders on. I also looked at people in their cars as I drove by them, everyone looked miserable. No smiles, no jamming out to some crazy song on the radio, no windows open on this gorgeous day. What is wrong with people? Enjoy life, have fun, live a little!
My job is to give people the motivation to get healthier, happier, and enjoy life more. Jimmy's job is to cut hair.....and I feel that after seeing what he did, our jobs are the same. Thanks Jimmy!
Live Greatly
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Live Greatly
The more I do in the fitness industry, the more I realize why I chose it.
Basically, I live in a one gym or another. I spend more time in a gym than I do my own apartment. I see people working out many different ways, some know what they are doing, and others do not. I see coaches who are telling their team to do wrong things. It happens on a daily basis. Some listen to advice, and some do not. Their loss.
The ones that train with me now, whether it is in a group class or individually, I thoroughly enjoy working with them. They bust their ass and push each other at the same time. When at the end of the workout, and there is a mass of people just laying on the ground and not speaking, I know I did my job. They got the workout they were coming for. They may have swore at me multiple times (which also happens on a daily basis), but in the end they all say thank you and keep coming back.
I see them changing many aspects of their lives and think differently on life. They hold each other accountable and call them out when they are not there that day. They ask for harder workouts to challenge themselves more. At first I took it easy because I wanted them to like me and come back, then I realized, screw that they are here for a workout and I want to push them to their limits and have them push themselves to their limits. In the end, it works.
Talking to others and have them say how much they hear about my classes, is a great thing to hear. It has given me more confidence in myself to design better workouts, push them, and open up to them more, and also in my own workouts. I see people from age 60 and up doing things I never expected and can run circles around me. They now push me to be better and challenge myself. I have been challenged in a CrossFit workout by a class. Now I can't let them win that! However, some of them are pretty badass.......For the ones that know of the 12 Days of Bootcamp workout, my lunch time class, loves it. Why......I have no clue because I remember the first time I did it.....ugh
So if you have an excuse of you can't do something, come see me because I have a 71 year old lady that I train, and she will show you that you can do anything, and probably kick your ass as well.
"Do or do not......there is no try" YODA
Basically, I live in a one gym or another. I spend more time in a gym than I do my own apartment. I see people working out many different ways, some know what they are doing, and others do not. I see coaches who are telling their team to do wrong things. It happens on a daily basis. Some listen to advice, and some do not. Their loss.
The ones that train with me now, whether it is in a group class or individually, I thoroughly enjoy working with them. They bust their ass and push each other at the same time. When at the end of the workout, and there is a mass of people just laying on the ground and not speaking, I know I did my job. They got the workout they were coming for. They may have swore at me multiple times (which also happens on a daily basis), but in the end they all say thank you and keep coming back.
I see them changing many aspects of their lives and think differently on life. They hold each other accountable and call them out when they are not there that day. They ask for harder workouts to challenge themselves more. At first I took it easy because I wanted them to like me and come back, then I realized, screw that they are here for a workout and I want to push them to their limits and have them push themselves to their limits. In the end, it works.
Talking to others and have them say how much they hear about my classes, is a great thing to hear. It has given me more confidence in myself to design better workouts, push them, and open up to them more, and also in my own workouts. I see people from age 60 and up doing things I never expected and can run circles around me. They now push me to be better and challenge myself. I have been challenged in a CrossFit workout by a class. Now I can't let them win that! However, some of them are pretty badass.......For the ones that know of the 12 Days of Bootcamp workout, my lunch time class, loves it. Why......I have no clue because I remember the first time I did it.....ugh
So if you have an excuse of you can't do something, come see me because I have a 71 year old lady that I train, and she will show you that you can do anything, and probably kick your ass as well.
"Do or do not......there is no try" YODA
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Bonjour!
So, I realized I have not wrote in a long time. Sorry for that, things just have been a little hectic. But I am back and waned to say hi........so HI!
Anyways, life has been interesting lately. A little challenging of course, but when isn't it. Things are not falling the way I had hoped, but it is still early and hopefully it works out in the end. I realized that being a personal trainer is more gratifying than I thought. I won't lie, there have been somedays that I feel the only time I was happy was when I was training a client or doing a class. I watch them push through whatever workout I give them and they accomplish it and they are proud. Now that doesn't mean that they don't tell me to F OFF multiple times during the workout and hate me while they are doing it, but in the end it is worth it. They are happy and smiling, most of the time. And seeing that makes me realize that I am doing good in this world and helping people. I give lots of advice to people and they take it or leave it, and then they turn it right back on me telling me to take my own advice...I never listen of course.
These people deal with shit daily, and the only time they get away from it is when they are killing it in the gym. It is a stress relief. I feel the same way. I get in the gym and I take out whatever is on my mind on the weights or CrossFit. I feel relieved when I am finished and even after training someone. What I do is changing people's lives daily. I wouldn't change it for anything. Of course I have my own issues to deal with, but I get to enjoy these moments in the gym with others and just forget about those problems for a while.
I look back at how I thought my life was going to be, and where I would be. Have I got to where I am supposed to be, who knows, but what I do know is it is going to be a fun ride to get there. I know God is on my side and will put me right where I need to be. I wish it would happen sooner, however, it will happen in due time. And then this world has no idea what's in store for. Anyone wanna come along for the ride?
I leave you with this: Boobs are like sodas, no one likes them flat
Anyways, life has been interesting lately. A little challenging of course, but when isn't it. Things are not falling the way I had hoped, but it is still early and hopefully it works out in the end. I realized that being a personal trainer is more gratifying than I thought. I won't lie, there have been somedays that I feel the only time I was happy was when I was training a client or doing a class. I watch them push through whatever workout I give them and they accomplish it and they are proud. Now that doesn't mean that they don't tell me to F OFF multiple times during the workout and hate me while they are doing it, but in the end it is worth it. They are happy and smiling, most of the time. And seeing that makes me realize that I am doing good in this world and helping people. I give lots of advice to people and they take it or leave it, and then they turn it right back on me telling me to take my own advice...I never listen of course.
These people deal with shit daily, and the only time they get away from it is when they are killing it in the gym. It is a stress relief. I feel the same way. I get in the gym and I take out whatever is on my mind on the weights or CrossFit. I feel relieved when I am finished and even after training someone. What I do is changing people's lives daily. I wouldn't change it for anything. Of course I have my own issues to deal with, but I get to enjoy these moments in the gym with others and just forget about those problems for a while.
I look back at how I thought my life was going to be, and where I would be. Have I got to where I am supposed to be, who knows, but what I do know is it is going to be a fun ride to get there. I know God is on my side and will put me right where I need to be. I wish it would happen sooner, however, it will happen in due time. And then this world has no idea what's in store for. Anyone wanna come along for the ride?
I leave you with this: Boobs are like sodas, no one likes them flat
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Giving of Thanks
As Thanksgiving approaches, everyone gives thanks for what they have in their lives. I am no different. The cliche says that there are so many things to be thankful for. It is true that people should be thankful for what they have. You see it everyday though that people want more and more and are never happy with what they have. The more stuff they have or buy, they happier they think they are. It only makes them want more. Ipads, mini ipad, iphone 5, 6, 7 or whatever number they are on now. Pretty soon there will be an icar, and how many people will be in line for that when it comes out. IHP
Not too long ago, I was having deep conversation with someone about our lives. I say daily that I am too old, I know I am immature, I don't have much of anything, I am in debt up to my ass, and I probably won't find anyone because of all these reasons. And this person said to me, "all those reasons is what makes you who you are. Age is just a number, you are fun and make others have fun, everyone is in debt, and a girl would be dumb not to take you because you are a great person." I shrugged it off of course like I always do, even though I give others advice to take compliments and roll with them. Hypocrite haha. But it is true, without all that, who the hell would I be? So what I take as flaws in me, others look at it differently.
For me though, I do have thanks to throw out there. I am taking all the good and all the bad this year, and saying thank you. Without all of it, who knows what would have happened or where I would be at. To all the people who have supported me and the path I have chosen for my next move, I will do my best and try not to let you down. To all the doubters and people who have said I am nothing and never will amount to anything, thank you for the motivation.
Come Monday, all the hard work from the last year gets put into play. From the BS I went through at the end of last year to the horrid first boot camp of NPTI to now, I am ready to give all the appreciation to those who deserve it. Nothing has been forgotten.
Not too long ago, I was having deep conversation with someone about our lives. I say daily that I am too old, I know I am immature, I don't have much of anything, I am in debt up to my ass, and I probably won't find anyone because of all these reasons. And this person said to me, "all those reasons is what makes you who you are. Age is just a number, you are fun and make others have fun, everyone is in debt, and a girl would be dumb not to take you because you are a great person." I shrugged it off of course like I always do, even though I give others advice to take compliments and roll with them. Hypocrite haha. But it is true, without all that, who the hell would I be? So what I take as flaws in me, others look at it differently.
For me though, I do have thanks to throw out there. I am taking all the good and all the bad this year, and saying thank you. Without all of it, who knows what would have happened or where I would be at. To all the people who have supported me and the path I have chosen for my next move, I will do my best and try not to let you down. To all the doubters and people who have said I am nothing and never will amount to anything, thank you for the motivation.
Come Monday, all the hard work from the last year gets put into play. From the BS I went through at the end of last year to the horrid first boot camp of NPTI to now, I am ready to give all the appreciation to those who deserve it. Nothing has been forgotten.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
It's a long road but nothing can stop us
So as you all know, I just finished a crazy race. From Saratoga to Lake Placid. Most people start with a 5k...... however, I decided to go big. Why not right? As Kelly Clarkson says, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Kelly, you go girl. Never running a race before, I had no idea what to expect. So I joined a team, of which I knew 3 people out of 12. Not an issue with me since I grow on people quickly.....I think.
I did my training, which I thought was good enough. Boy was I wrong. I had 3 legs of the race which totalled around 19 miles.
Race time started and it rained and rained and rained......by the end we were wet, tired, sore, (well some of us.....Dan, Jason, and myself), but most of all, excited that we as a team completed something that most people couldn't think possible.
Support came from all the teams, the volunteers, and friends and families. Seeing runner's faces light up as vans beeped their horns as they drove by, made the runs easier. Some of the routes were very lonely and dark, so they needed any pick me up, and they deserved and earned it.
Speaking of a pick me up, there was a moment at around 3 or 4 in the morning where some of us were crashing and just burnt out, and a song came on the radio that just revived us, Gangnam Style!!! Love that song. We got out and blasted it, did the dance and gave us life again.
At the end, watching teams running all together crossing that finish line cold, wet, tired, and laughing and having a great time will always stick in my head. When our team, Got The Runs, finished, I was so happy that I was part of a team that accepted me in without knowing me, and by the end we just ran 193 miles together and crossed the finish line as one.
It was such a great experience that I am ready for the next one. Cape Cod here we come.
I will be adding another challenge in as well, maybe a Spartan Race or something. I know I can push myself to some pretty tough extremes after this race.
To my team, thanks for this chance and the next one will be better. You guys were great and very supportive. Couldn't have asked for a better group of people to do that with for a first race. Can't wait for the Cape.
I will leave you with this: challenge yourself and push yourself to the limit and once you finish that challenge, you can finish anything.
#ragswag
Saturday, August 18, 2012
All Summer Long
Well hello again everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful and exciting summer. I know I did here at Silver Bay, like always of course. It was a great summer for me to relax and to just be me. There was nothing holding me back this time from being me. There were some challenges along the way, but overall it was worth it. I got to meet some amazing people, reconnect with old friends, and did a lot of just sitting and thinking. And having that time to just unwind and think made me realize where my head is at this point in life.
But now the summer is over. I have started watching people leave, many more leave today. Some I got really close with and will miss them. But like every year, no matter what, next time you see them, it will pick up right where it left off. It's never good bye, it's see you later.
Summer turns to fall, and you watch change happen right in front of your eyes. The leaves change colors, the lake cools down quickly, squirrels and chipmunks storing their food for the winter, the sounds of camp are gone. It is time to get ready for the next summer. We all cannot wait for that time to see each other again. To get ready for that, Jocey and I rewrote a song to turn it to a Silver Bay song. It is All Summer Long by Kid Rock. Here are the lyrics if you would like to read. Hopefully it can get put to music someday. Enjoy!!
But now the summer is over. I have started watching people leave, many more leave today. Some I got really close with and will miss them. But like every year, no matter what, next time you see them, it will pick up right where it left off. It's never good bye, it's see you later.
Summer turns to fall, and you watch change happen right in front of your eyes. The leaves change colors, the lake cools down quickly, squirrels and chipmunks storing their food for the winter, the sounds of camp are gone. It is time to get ready for the next summer. We all cannot wait for that time to see each other again. To get ready for that, Jocey and I rewrote a song to turn it to a Silver Bay song. It is All Summer Long by Kid Rock. Here are the lyrics if you would like to read. Hopefully it can get put to music someday. Enjoy!!
It
was 2012, my thoughts were there I was ready
Time
to be at a place we all love
The
sun was showing and there was a warm wind blowing
It
was summertime finally at the bay
Looking
at the north star, sitting by a campfire
It’s
the simple things in life that make us Emps
Playing
softball until we sweat but man I never will forget
The
way the moonlight shined upon the lake
And
we were trying different things, we were doing crazy things
Jamming
out by the lake to our favorite song
Having
ice cream at the store, not thinking about tomorrow
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
We
were tanning on the ERC
Listening
to music at the PERC
It’ll
forever hold a spot inside my soul
We’d
blister in the sun, we couldn’t wait for work be done
To
hit that sand and play some volleyball
And
we were trying different things
And
we were doing crazy things
Jamming
out by the lake to our favorite song
Having
ice cream at the store, not thinking about tomorrow
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
Now
nothing seems as cool as
A
clear lake swimming pool
Or
how we thought the summer would never end
Sometimes
I hear a song and I start to sing along
And
think, man I’d love to see that place again
Man,
I’d like to see that place again
And
we were trying different things, we were doing crazy things
Jamming
out by the lake to our favorite song
Having
ice cream at the store, not thinking about tomorrow
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
And
we were trying different things, we were doing crazy things
Jamming
out by the lake to our favorite song
Having
ice cream at the store, not thinking about tomorrow
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
Singing
sweet home silver bay all summer long
Sweet
home silver bay yeah
Singing all summer long
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Bring it on
I am coming up to my last week of class. We finished our last new material and it is review until next Thursday for the final. As we finished lecture we looked at each other and couldn't believe where the time went. We started as people who were timid and are finishing ready to take on the world and help people look and feel better. Some have already started and others are finding their place to start. We all know we will be there for each other whenever it is needed. It's been a great ride and I would never have changed it for anything.
As for me, I have changed completely and am more driven than ever. Remember that challenge I was talking about? Well I am signed up for the Adirondack Ragnar Relay Race. 198 mile relay race. I am training hard for it and cannot wait. It is definitely something that is a challenge and will test everything I have learned in class. I have a plan for a direction in life and am working hard for it. Everything will fall into place and I cannot wait to see what it brings.
This summer is all about planning, practicing, and training. Have the perfect place for that. And in 6 weeks, life begins for me and lives will be changed all around me. Are you ready, because I know I am.
Joke: why didn't the skeleton cross the road?
Because he didn't have the guts.
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