Bustin' a Move with NYC Dance Week

"Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another"

One of the best things about summer in New York is the plethora of free events across the 5 boroughs. All you need to do is know where to look, and really, that’s usually the hardest part. Granted a quick Google search can send you on down the right path to free New York fun. But if you’re lucky, your friends will do the work for you, and keep you in the loop like mine with New York City Dance Week (NYCDW).

So similar to Restaurant Week – Dance Week lets you try out different fitness and dances classes across the city, for free or at a reduced price for 10 days. I came a little late to the party, and took my first class 7 days after NYCDW started – but that didn’t bother me since I’m not a big dancer anyway. The first I took was Beginner West African Dance at the Alvin Ailey Extension School. Normally classes range from $20 - $300, depending on the type of package you buy, but I was able to snag a class for free. As a rule I tend to stay away from organized dance classes, and it’s for a good reason. Let me be clear, I have rhythm, but I also have a terrible memory. Learning each move step by step was easy, but the moment we had to put the whole routine together – everything went to hell. I COULDN’T REMEMBER A SINGLE MOVE. By then there was nothing for me to do but smile and enjoy my embarrassment. I must have looked like a complete idiot, but it was by far one of the best classes I’ve ever taken. 

"Yoga does not just change the way you see things, it transforms the person who sees" ~ B.K.S. Iyengar

Next on my NYCDW agenda was 2 free yoga sessions at the mang’Oh Yoga Studio. I’ve wanted to take a yoga class for months. But as a virgin yogi, I was completely overwhelmed trying to figure out where to go, and what class to take. So mang’Oh was a blessing. The class descriptions were straight forward and the employees were extremely friendly. I signed up for a candlelight yoga class for beginners. When I got there, I let it be known that this was going to be the first yoga class I’ve taken, and they made sure to take care of me. 

The class was amazing, and the instructor pretty tailored the movements for the beginners in the room. It was great. The second class I registered for was restorative yoga. Now if you read my color run post, than you already have a good sense of how stiff my limbs are. And since restorative yoga is meant to be a therapeutic class to help people relax and unwind, it was exactly what I needed by the end of the week. I had such a good experience at the mang’Oh studio that I decided to sign-up for their 2 week trail. I’ll let you guys know how I get on, after a few sessions. But I think it’s safe to say as fun as the West African Dance class was, I’ll be sticking to yoga for the time being. 

L

A Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware"

It happens all the time. When you live in a big city, you avoid tourist attractions like the plague. And by the time you’re an adult, you realize you haven’t seen or experienced the iconic features of your beloved city. Or is that just me. I am a native New Yorker, and to my shame I’ve never been to the Statue of Liberty or to the top of the Empire State Building. Nor have I been to MOMA, the Whitney, or Guggenheim museums. I have never been to the Cloisters, or the Highline. And I’ve never been on the Staten Island Ferry (or to Staten Island for that matter), nor have I been to Ellis Island. And the list goes on and on. 

For the past 2 years, I’ve been working on correcting that. It started with seeing Broadway shows I’ve been putting off for forever. But this year is about visiting places and neighborhoods I’ve been meaning to see, but haven’t gotten around to yet. First on the list was a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

I meet up with some friends on the Manhattan side and decided to walk to back to Brooklyn. From there the plan was to head towards the promenade, and then gets a bite to eat in Brooklyn Heights. It was actually a pretty good walk. The sky was clear, which meant you could see the Manhattan skyline perfectly, and weather wise it a perfect spring day. 

Manhattan Skyline

I won’t lie the bridge was way more crowded than I expected it to be, but despite the hordes of tourist, I actually had fun. Although if you want my advice, don’t bike across the bridge during midday. People have no respect for the bike lane and your ride would just end up being more stressful than enjoyable. 

The walk was great, up until we got off the bridge. I’ll admit it – I have absolutely no sense of direction, and what should have been a 10 minute walk to the promenade ended up becoming a 30 to 45 minute walk all around DUMBO. It’s okay though, I got experience a part of Brooklyn I’ve never been to but always saw in movies and TV. So although the route wasn’t conventional, it worked out just fine. Next time I’ll do the walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan and hopefully end up on the Highline without getting lost. 

Wish me luck!

Views of the Manhattan Bridge and Empire State Building from Brooklyn
I've always wanted to be here!

Couldn't ask for a better day

The Color Run Expectations vs. Reality

“Just Run. Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to quit”

Earlier this month I "ran" the Color Run, and let's just say it didn't go according to plan.

I'm not a runner by any means. Frankly, I'm the type of person who would let a bus/train pass me by, rather than run and catch it. I mean there's always another one on the way, right. So given my attitude towards running, most people were shocked to hear that I wanted to give running a go this year. Well it’s all part of a larger journey for me. Call it my road to a half marathon by 30. 

Let me be clear, it's not that I think 30 is old by any means. A lot of things happen later in life for most adults these days, and 30 is really only the beginning. But it's also a fact that women's bodies change after 30 as well. It's harder to lose weight, your metabolism slows, and your skin will start to loose elasticity. So basically if you’re not already active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle; 30 could start to feel like 80 real quick. So I figured if I can run a half marathon when I'm 30, it would mean that I'm fit enough to do everything else I’d want to do that year and after.

So with the goal set, I planned on starting small with a few 5Ks and gradually increase the mileage, until I can run the 13.1 miles for a half next year.

Training

I started training for the Color Run about 2 ½ months before the race day. A friend told me about the app from Couch to 5K, and as someone who is allergic to the style of most personal trainers, I figured this app would be the best method to get me through the finish line. It was an 8 week training program, which meant I should’ve been able to complete the runs and still have enough time to run a few 5Ks and rest before the day.  Well right from the start it was difficult. 

It started off with needing to find the perfect sports bra to tame my ladies (which was harder to do than you would think); to buying a new pair of sneakers to reduce the pain I felt every time I tried to run; and not to mention overcoming some pretty intense knee and shin pains while training. There were small victories though – I was able to run for 8 minutes without stopping, but that was about it. 

Now with 2 weeks to the day, I knew the likelihood of me being able to run 3.1 miles, when I only managed to run ¾ of a mile was slim to none. Plus this would've been the first time I ever ran on concrete as opposed to a treadmill. So I figured I'd do the best I could and focus on the next run instead. I thought I'd just be able to enjoy the experience of the Color Run, even if all I could do was power walk. 

Welcoming runners at Citi Field

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans” 

To say I was nervous on run day would’ve been an understatement. I was running the race with a friend of mine and one of her former coworkers. 

Tip #1 – Pick your running buddies appropriately

• Nothing sucks more than being the one who can't keep up. Within 5 to 10 minutes of running, I started experiencing the most excruciating pain I've ever felt. Everything below my knees felt like it was on fire. So I knew right then and there, running was not an option. My running buddies on the other hand were fine, so I was left behind. I think it's really important to pick a team of people who are on your level, or maybe even just willing to run on your speed. That way it won't be a lonely journey, even if you can't perform the way you expected to. 

Tip #2 – Pack light 

• Despite only carrying a fanny pack, I felt weighed down during the run. Be it the water bottle I had with me, or even the hoodie I wore. It just felt like way too much. If I could do it all over again, I would’ve come with my phone, ID, and debit card. Everything else was unnecessary.  And I definitely would’ve worn one layer less of clothing. 

Tip- #3 – Look your best

• When walking into a situation where your confidence level isn't high, I think it's important to feel confident in your appearance. I didn't, and as a result I felt really out of place, which didn't help matters. If you look good, most of the time you'll end up feeling good too. And that’s just really a tip for life.

Almost at the finish line

Even though the Color Run didn't go the way I hoped it would, I won't let that stop me from running the next race. Looking ahead, I've already started physical therapy to ease the pain, and plan to start running again in June. I'll be taking my training more serious than I did the last time and I fully intend of being ready for my next run in September. 

Next race: New Balance Bronx 5K

All smile with my medal in hand

L

Taking the Time to Reset

I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best. - Oscar Wilde

Like a lot of people, on New Year’s Eve, I made a number of goals for the year, and I was ready to tackle 2016 head on. Fast forward 3 months, and I’ll admit, I’m already failing royally. And without even knowing, I already started pushing things to next year. Next year I’ll get my finances in order, next year I’ll reach my goal weight, next year I’ll do this, next year I’ll do that and so on.

Over the past couple of months I managed to train myself into thinking I’d already failed 2016, despite the fact that there is still 9 months left in the year. And 9 months is plenty of time to get back on track. Ridiculous… I know.

It wasn’t until I was listening to one of Myleik Teele’s podcasts, that it really became clear to me – I still had time to reach my goals. (Side note, if you aren’t listening to her stuff, do yourself a favor and start now.) Like everyone else, on New Year’s Eve, she’d set goals for the year ahead, and around her birthday in May, she take the time to reassess. It makes total sense, right. Halfway through the year conduct inventory check to see where you are with your goals, what needs to be adjusted, added, or subtracted. Well, the pessimist me originally thought, that’s easy for her to do. Her birthday is in the middle of year, but my birthday is in January. When do I reassess?

The answer is … whenever I need to.

I think it’s the preconceived notions that I should be on my goals the moment the clock strikes twelve. And in a perfect world that would be the case, but I am far from perfect. I will stumble and it won’t be a smooth journey, but I will eventually reach my targets. That is, as long as I keep at it.

So until I reach Myleik status (or the Lindsie version of Myleik status), I plan on reassessing each quarter of 2016. I’m not quite ready to share what my goals are for the year, but I will happily update you as the year goes on.

Part one nearly done…three more to go.

L

Top Moments from My 29th Birthday

After spending a number of birthdays at home, usually disappointed after plans fall through, I decided to take the planning and execution of my birthday into my own hands. It really started last year when I bought tickets to see Jersey Boys on my birthday. I’d always wanted to see the show, and thought what better way to turn a year older, than to treat myself to what I knew was going to be a great show. And for the first time in a long time, I actually enjoyed my birthday. 

So this year I decided to do more of the same, but take it up a level.  So join me on a recap of the top moments of my 29th birthday. 

“I’m a Flame, You’re a Fire”

I started the day at work, which included a gift of homemade brownies and a card from my coworkers. And you really can’t go wrong when you start your day off with chocolate brownies. It was definitely a nice day, but there was no better way for me to end my night, than dancing my night away with KYGO & MØ. 

I’ve loved his music for years, and was pleasantly introduced to MØ’s music through the concert billing. Their music is the perfect combination of up tempo beats with chilled vibes. It was just what I needed to transport me out of the cold New York night, and onto a tropical island without a care in the world. 

 

Kygo - Stay ft. Maty Noyes

Ed Sheeran - I See Fire (Kygo Remix)

The night only got better when KYGO brought out Parson James, Conrad Sewell, and none other than Shaggy. Taking me back my teenage years with a KYGO remix of “It Wasn’t Me.”

Seriously a great night!!

Onward and Outward

No less than 3 hours after leaving the show, I was on my way to JFK, for a 7am flight to Seattle. I won’t lie, exhausted doesn’t even begin to explain how I was feeling by the time the plane took off. All of that however, went away the moment we landed. 

I planned on making the best of my birthday weekend in Seattle, despite a forecast predicting rain for the entire time I was there. I am happy to report that wasn’t the case, and I was blessed with more clear days than rainy, and had a great time exploring the city. 

Crosswalk in Capitol Hill

Thanks to my good friend and tour guide, I got a chance to hit up Pike Place Market; the Seattle Public Library - aka best looking modern library I’ve ever seen; walked along the Waterfront; shopped at Elliot Bay Book Company; was amazed by the Space Needle and Olympic Sculpture Park.  And no trip to Seattle would be complete without taking in the views at Kerry Park and the Sky View Observatory. 

The beauty that is Elliot Bay Bookstore

Views from Kerry Park

All smiles at the Seattle Public Library

Views along the waterfront

Views of the Space Needle from the Olympic Sculpture Park

Views from the Sky View Observatory

We enjoyed much needed java jolts at the Moore Coffee Shop, Stumptown Coffee, and of course Starbucks…because how could we not. And let’s not forget the food. We were never disappointed with meals (and drinks of course) at Capitol Cider, Oddfellows Cafe+Bar, Annapurna, Fogon Cocina Mexicana, Beecher's Seattle, Honey Hole Sandwiches, and Quinn's Pub. 

All and all, despite all the hills (and there were A LOT of hills), I couldn’t have asked for a better first trip to the emerald city. I can’t wait to go back!

The Cherry on Top

I started my birthday dancing and ended it the same way, at my first quiet party. I’m the typical New Yorker, who ALWAYS has headphones on. Half of time, I’m listening to music that calms my nerves, but the rest of the time, I’m listening to music that makes me want to dance.

Now to avoid looking like another crazy person in the City, I don’t walk down the street dancing. No matter how badly I want to. Well, a quiet party is the perfect solution to that. First off everyone looks stupid, so there is no need to feel self conscious.  Secondly, we are all singing off tune, so you can belt your heart out without a care in the world. And really, above all, you can be in your own little bubble, as you normally are when walking down the street, but now it’s totally ok to dance.

This was by far my best birthday ever. I can’t until the next one. 

L

Best Moments of 2015

The New Year is just a few minutes old, and like many others I’m taking time to reflect on this past year. Yes, there were a few things that didn’t go according to plan, but overall it was a pretty good year, and I thought I’d share some of my favorite moments with you.

BROADWAY ~THE GREAT WHITE WAY

Living in any big city, it’s rare that we take part in traditional tourist activities, and Broadway is generally thought of as one of those activities. That’s all well and good, unless you have a desire to see those shows, and I did, so I went.

2015 Shows: Motown, Jersey Boys, Beautiful, An American in Paris, Chicago, Finding Neverland

Next on my list for 2016: Hamilton, An American in Paris (I must see this again), The Color Purple, On Your Feet, and Aladdin

LIVE MUSIC SOOTHES THE SOUL

I honestly don’t think I could've gotten through a day with my sanity, if I didn’t listen to music. Last year I took my love of music to another level, and went to as many live concerts as I could. I won’t lie, anxiety caused me to miss a few shows, but overall I’m happy with the shows I did see.

2015 Concerts: Johnnyswim (x2), Ben Howard (x2), Hozier, The Weeknd

Enjoying myself at the Johnnyswim Christmas Concert. See pink cloud

On the set list for 2016: Kygo & MO (tickets already in my possession for January), hopefully a Johnnyswim Christmas (because I can never get enough of them), and let see who else is around.

THE BEST WAY TO LEARN IS TO TRAVEL

I’ve always wanted to see as much of the world as I could. As a kid I never thought I’d actually get a chance to do this, so I am beyond grateful for all of the places I’ve visited last year.

On top of Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, UK

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Eiffel Tower, Paris France

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Pont des Arts, Paris, France
aka Lock Bridge

Paris, France

Paris, France

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Birthplace of John Lennon, Liverpool, UK

View of Tower Bridge from inside the Tower of London, UK 

Strolling through Hampton Court, Hampton, UK

First stop in Notting Hill...the bookstore of course. London, UK

Enjoying a Sunday roast at a British pub in Notting Hill, London, UK

Sunset views of London, from the Southbank Centre, London, UK

Denver, Colorado

Sunset over Denver, Colorado

Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach, Florida

Next stops on the itinerary for 2016: Repeat trips to London and Paris; followed by Amsterdam; Brazil; Seattle, Washington; and St. Louis, Missouri

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

I’d be remiss if I didn’t share some highlights from 2015, experienced right at home.

Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY

Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY

Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY

Museum of Feelings, New York, NY

Museum of Feelings ~ "Joyful:Exploring the sparking forest of my imagination
 with emotions and my nose." Or so they say

Museum of Feelings ~ "Invigorated: Spin waves of scent
and energy into living, breathing, wearable art."

Museum of Feelings ~ "Exhilarated: Flip on my inner kaleidoscope and feel the beauty of every bloom"

Museum of Feelings ~ "Calm: Capture a moment of perfect serenity
in an ephemeral sculptural cloud."

Evening sky over Battery Park City, New York, NY
Spot Lady Liberty in the background

NY Agenda for 2016: Top of the Empire State Building, walk around Central Park, lazy days at the city museums, coffee at the Highline, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, afternoon at the Cloisters, and so much more.

Happy New Year!

<3