Let me start off this post with a resounding DAMN IT.
Does this pole make me look slutty?
DAMN IT ALL TO HELL.
Whew. I feel better. Onward!
So, like, what’s up with this trend of female rappers and singers bragging about throwing money at strippers?
It’s almost like it’s a requirement to be allowed in the hip hop world as a female (and not as a video girl) that you shit on other girls (the video kind). To be one of the boys you have to objectify other women–just like the boys do.
But it’s okay, because those video girls are totally not smart, tomboy types that are allowed to be considered smart and cool–they’re sexy. They’re strippers. Let them crawl around on the floor and pick up our money with their teeth. It’s not like they’re people who can be multiple things. They are sexy, and so they can only be one thing: sexy things that are sexy sex that people want to have sex with.
Tell me you don’t see what I’m talking about:
Or HEAR what I’m talking about:
This is part of why I love telling people I pole. Because they’re all, BUT YOU’RE NOT A DUMB WHORE. And I’m like EXACTLY. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU.
We have no problem with men being smart and successful and sexy as hell. Why not women?
Why can’t we own it and love it, and not have to trade off other parts of ourselves, like intellect, or humor, or for god’s sake, humanity?
Which is why I say damn it. Damn it all. But I’m not giving up on people. I’m not going to go into hiding, or quit pole because it makes people’s brains explode that I’m not a bimbo.
I told a guy I know that I teach pole the other day, and he said he thought it was cool. Then I made a joke about how my mom doesn’t get it, and he said, “Why would you tell ever her that?!”
…Why would I tell her?
Why wouldn‘t I tell her?
The real question is, why would I do something and make it such a huge part of my life if I also think it’s so unacceptable that I have to hide it? From my own mom?
I’m not going to cave to this idea that you have to choose between being smart and being sexy.
Frankly, that’s a steaming pile of bull shit and sorry to go all Hot Topic on you, but I refuse to conform.
Ladies and Gentleman, I POLE DANCE.
I FEEL SEXY DOING IT.
I HAVE A COLLEGE DEGREE AND A FULL TIME JOB, BUT THIS MAKES MY LIFE FEEL MORE FULL AND COMPLETE.
I’m not giving it up and I’m not hiding, because I don’t see anything wrong with it.
If you can’t handle it, you have the problem and need to work on it. Not me.
POLE PROUD ladies. Get it, and don’t apologize for it.
Damn.
Okay, that’s off my chest. New schedule!!!! I’m teaching a pole dynamics 4-week course on Tuesdays starting in March, plus the usual spins and intro classes on Thursdays and Saturdays. Sign up on the website to secure your spot (especially for dynamics, which is strictly one-to-a-pole and fills up fast!)
I am okay with this, mainly because I don’t have to deal with any
And who could have known… I was already straddling my dream date.
rollercoaster emotional stuff, but also because, without all the “quality time” nonsense, I can take good care of myself–cook well rounded meals, paint my toenails regularly, get 7.5 hours of sleep, yada yada yada. I realize this makes me sound old, but with 3 jobs and a 1-1.5 hour commute, making myself a salad before I collapse is kind of a big deal. So I’m enjoying it.
Besides, boys are fun, but if you see the relationship through its natural trajectory, it becomes horrible and exhausting. Like, you take an adorable puppy home, but then it gets big and pees on stuff and bites your friends.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, this is probably going to be like every time I have a bad hangover and decide to not drink a certain kind of liquor again. I love boys. I’ll get back out there. I’ll fall madly in love and get my heart broken, and then write another post like this in 6 months.
(Just like every time I forget about the dry heaving and think it’s a good idea again to shoot whiskey on an empty stomach again).
BUT FOR NOW: I’m in a new kind of committed relationship, and his name is Pole.
Why Pole Is Better Than Any Boyfriend I’ve Ever Had:
1. He’s always hard
WINK.
2. He’s supportive
Seriously, I can swing circles around him.
3. He ALWAYS wants to dance with me
…and he never does the white man’s overbite. Better yet…
4. He always lets me have the spotlight
Pole, u so secure.
5. He lifts me up and makes me stronger
How many men (ahem, boys) can you say this about?
6. …But when it hurts, it’s not for no reason
Gotta bruise a little, there’s no getting around it. But boy is that gorgeous new pose worth it!
7. He doesn’t get jealous
Not even when I flirt with chair 😉
8. He doesn’t get mad if I flirt with him and then decide to go to sleep instead
Sometimes you just do a few pirouettes and decide you’re too tired for anything serious, ya know?
9. He’s always there for me
When I can’t sleep, when I’m bored on a Saturday afternoon, when I want to show off in a picture, when I want to scare my mom… the list is endless.
10. We look great together
Seriously. Cute couple alert.
Anyway, Happy Twirls!!! And fuck Valentine’s day. Right? Right.
So I finally checked my stats (through the fingers over my eyes) and found this hilarious assortment of search terms. Enjoy them, below, with my comments (because obviously, I can’t leave people looking for answers hanging, can I?!):
Key words:
“how do pole dancers vagina smells like candy?”
I don’t know… and I think you mean strippers, in which case we’re probably talking about Love Spell by Victoria’s Secret (or Champagne and Strawberries. Come on, you know it’s true).
DISCLAIMER: this post has nothing to do with pole.
You guys, I am single as fuck.
Being a pole dancer AND belly dancer (SHOW NEXT WEEK), and just starting chair dancing (more on that another time) means that I’m currently in the best shape of my life, feeling awesome and smexy, and also that I’m spending 99.99% of my free time with women.
So, being that I’m straight as fuck in addition to being single as fuck, my life leaves a bit to be desired. No offense ladies, you’re amazing. Just. I need testosterone. Badly.
Speaking of hormones, I legit think I’m radiating some kind of chemical or something lately. I’ve made more smoldering subway eye contact in the past few months than I’ve made in 6 years of riding the train. But, ya know, I’m shy so I always crack up and run off with out saying hi or anything. Not an effective tactic.
My perfect man: Jemaine Clement, from Flight of the Conchords. He’s married. OF FUCKING COURSE.
And the guys I work with are great (confession: I have a crush on one that’s so bad that I’m incapable of looking directly at him, ever), but, they’re all in LTRs, so, yeah. Slap on the wrist for me. Down, girl.
I would beg all of you to find me my perfect guy, but dude, I have no idea. I don’t date a lot (I have to really like a guy as a person/friend to even go there in my brain, most of the time), but when I do, it’s… eclectic. A Russian mathematician. An Italian financial analyst. A West Indian (St. Lucia, holla!) IT guy. And now I find myself randomly drawn to Asian guys, and I’m still holding out for a writer (*swoon*). ??? I know, I know, dafuq is wrong with this girl, right?
Anyway. I’m just bummed out because I know I have to be the right girl for somebody. But I’m really shy, and even if guys approach me I get so nervous I have to just shut it down. Yeah I know, I’m hopeless.
And–confession time again!–I’m also very scared. I was checking an old email account and I found a draft I never sent this guy that I was soooo in love with, who alternated between sending me beautiful love notes and then ignoring me for weeks at a time.
I still kinda hate myself for getting sucked into that (for like 2 years), but reading my own words, I feel really sorry for me circa 2008. I was very trusting that this guy had good intentions, and I kept trying to work things out in ridiculous and painful conditions, and, I’m scared that I’m totally still that person. Which means, hey pain! Let’s hang out!
Anyway, how did you guys meet your boyfriends? Do they have nice brothers or cousins?
Please dear god, help. So. Fucking. Single.
Anyway, here’s a Portishead song.
Happy twirls, you blisffully attached bitches!
Cathy
This is an example of a thing a lot of new girls expect me to say when they walk into class dressed in a bra and full makeup.
What I actually say: “Hi! I’m Cathy, welcome to intro to pole!”
What I want to say: “Honey, no. Just no. That’s not what we’re doing. Go put on a shirt.”
Reading this article (which yes, from two years ago, but it still really pissed me off) made me realize just how widespread the pole ignorance is out there. Also, hearing comments from first timers like, “I didn’t want to come to a class until I lost weight,” make me really wonder if people have the right idea about what pole classes are like… and if misinformation is scaring people away.
1. You need to look sexy
Myth: Pole girls are bitches.
Why do people think they need to put on makeup to come to a workout class? Guys, you totally don’t. Especially if this is going to deter you from coming. If you like feeling glamorous for your pole class and that encourages you to show up or boosts your morale, by all means, throw on some lipstick and treat yourself to some cute workout clothes. But you totally don’t have to. Remember, it’s all girls… and no dollars are thrown for sexy outfits. Seriously, nobody cares.
2. Everybody wears a bra and underwear
Oy, again, stahp. Please don’t show up in a bikini top and boyshort underwear just because you think that’s what everybody’s going to be wearing. True, you will kind of look like a NOOB if you show up in bagging running shorts and a long sleeved shirt, but stripper attire is not going to fool anyone into believing you know what you’re doing. The best way to look smart and blend in: tight fitting (short) shorts and a tank. Show up in that and you’ll get instant respect no matter where you go. Now, what you want to wear to your 2nd and 3rd class and beyond… that’s up to you.
3. Pole classes will teach you how to strip
Hahahahahahahahahaha.
Yeah, no. Okay, well, being fair, it can vary from studio to studio.
Generally, pole classes fall into three categories:
-Fitness
-Dance
-Stripper experience
Fitness classes are pretty much exclusively about using the pole to repeatedly kick your own ass. There’s not much sensuality or flow between moves, and you should come dressed to sweat.
Dance classes, while strenuous, will be a little more sensual. You’ll be more concerned with nailing moves and putting them together than burning calories. Girls might wear cute outfits because it helps them get in the mood and it’s fun to watch hotness in the mirror, but they’ll still be functional as far as moving and sticking to the pole. This is what my classes are like.
Stripper experience “classes” are a run a little more like parties: you’ll learn a few moves, but they’re generally less technically difficult (at least at first) and everything you do will be a little raunchier looking. You might also get to sip wine or champagne, take pictures, and generally goof around more than you could in a fitness or dance class. The purpose of these is less a workout or learning to move on the pole than excitement, novelty, and fun. This is really the only class I would recommend dressing up for, because it’s part of the experience (and makes for great pictures). EDC’s parties are a lot more like this than our classes.
But that being said, you can hardly say that any of these classes teach you how to be a stripper. You may come away with some exotic-esque dance moves, especially from “stripper experience” studio, but that’s still a long ways off from learning how to actually remove clothing, dance on customers, “buss it” (which I hear about in 2 Chainz songs a lot and still don’t know what it means), etc. If that’s what you want to learn, skip pole dance classes and go directly for exotic dance classes, which are a different thing.
4. Pole classes are for wussies who are scared of the gym
This is the truth: wimpy girls don’t make it past their first class, which will definitely involve sore muscles, bruises, and god forbid, hand blisters.
I will agree with the author of the article I read that it shouldn’t be used as a complete replacement for the gym, even if you’re taking pole fitness classes. You still need cardio, and in my experience, evenly building muscle strength with free weights or machines is a wonderful way to absolutely KILL IT on the pole, with less risk of injury.
But does that make it for wimps? Or non-athletic people? Hardly. In fact, it’s best suited for the insatiable fitness people because no matter how good you get, there’s going to be a new challenge. Hitting choppers? Cool story bro, learn it on your non-dominant side. Did that? Awesome–it’s time for aerials. Got that? Nice, now monkey climb gracefully and incorporate it into your choreo.
There’s a really no end to the challenges, both physical and mental. Sometimes (speaking for myself here) it’s so challenging that the only thing that keeps girls hanging in there is the fun of self expression part of it. And yes, a cute pair of shorts and favorite songs help too. It’s icing on the cake, but oh, how we’d miss that icing if it were never there.
5. Pole girls are catty
Confession: I was guilty of assuming this when I first started out. (BONUS MYTHBUST: not all your teachers are former strippers. Some started out with a dance background, like me, and thought pole might be fun. It was, and is, and here we are. BAM, myth busted).
Yes, experiences can vary from studio to studio. But, having been to a few, I can safely say that the girls at MOST studios are incredibly nice and supportive of one another.
If you think about, it, everybody’s a little bit vulnerable: we’re supposed to be looking amazing (a pole is sooo sexy, right? :P), but in reality, everything we’re trying to do is very difficult and likely looks terrible at first.
That makes for a lot of commiseration, laughing, encouragement (giving and receiving), and believe it or not, genuine connections and true friendships.
Pole girls are BAD in the best possible way. You can meet some of the coolest girls of your life in classes. Just don’t write them off!
Having trouble with girls at your studio? Honestly, change studios. People are the same everywhere, but a lot of time it’s the studio itself, the teachers, or the management that set a weird tone for classes. It’s probably not going to get better, so I would advise shopping around. You’ll find your fit!
Can you guys think of anything you thought about pole, pre-first-class, that turned out to be totally wrong? I remember thinking I was going to be inverting within a few weeks of my first class. Ha!
Sad news: no classes at all this week! EDC’s moving studios. But hopefully that will leave me some free time to pole at home and work on some new moves.
My first ever show! On campus at Pratt Institute in 2008. I was so terrified, I purposefully didn’t wear contacts so I couldn’t see the crowd.
It always reminds me of the feeling I used to get as a kid, when I couldn’t wait for my birthday, which happened to be a week before school started.
So, the big news is that my belly dance partner and crime K and I are debuting February 13th at Jebon on St. Marks place. I am so. Freaking. Excited. We’re been rehearsing really hard for a few months now with all original choreography, so now that we’ve done the work, it’s the fun part: costumes.
Hahahahaha fun? Bitch please. Try horrifying.
Let me first clarify that I like my body. It has served me very well in my time. That said, I am (ew barf I can’t believe I have to use this word) “womanly.” I have visible abs, but I’m also a little soft in places. This seems to me to be perfectly natural since, duh, i’m a woman. I eat healthy and I got plenty of exercise (in the studio, the gym, and carrying groceries up to my 4th floor walk up).
My body does what I ask of it on the pole, on the floor, and every place in between, so I’m thoroughly happy with it and the worrying ends there.
That is, until I put on the belly dance costume.
(NOTE:: ****I should clarify that the top half of this costume i’s not so much a costume as it is a balconet bra I bought at H&M. I have ginormous boobs, and “real” belly dance bras only come in small, medium, and large. I’m quite small (32″ band) AND large (D-DD), so, my options are limited.)
Me and K now, after a show
So anyway, here I am in the studio, under florescent lighting, in a freaking BRA, undulating my way down into a crouching position from THE SIDE. SO YOU CAN SEE ALL THE FAT ROLLS. AHHHHHH. And I’m panicking. Is 2 weeks enough time to lose 5 pounds? Can self tanner somehow magically help?
The really f***ed up thing is I’m in the greatest shape of my life right now. I LOVE how I look in clothes (thanks, pole!). But I feel like the standards for a body being displayed during a dance performance are totally different.
Like the hardcore-ness of your body is directly related to your amount of skill and self discipline in dancing.
Like no matter how hard I work nailing difficult moves, a soft middle screams “wannabe” anyway.
It’s very discouraging. And it doesn’t help that K is TINY. She’s both petite and about 90 pounds, so not only do I look a little on the flabby side next to her but I look like a freaking giant too. This is bad, guys. Please help me. I have two weeks.
Here’s my plan so far:
1. Focus on healthy fats and protein
I can’t starve myself right now, mostly because I really do need a lot of food for my lifestyle. I’m talking back to back pole classes and THEN a workout at the gym. None of these places are convenient locations for fainting. Also, fuck starving yourself. No.
BUT. If anything dials down on belly pudge, it’s skipping bread and sugar, right? Can’t hurt anyway.
2. Take care of my skin
I feel extra repulsive when all that extra flesh is also dry and icky looking. Now until February 13th is officially Exfoliation and Lotion Time. And performance night is going to require a shit ton of freaking shimmer, I don’t give a fuck. Yes.
3. Fluids?
This one I’m a tad sketchy on. A trainer friend of mine who also happens to be a show wrestler (hulk hogan type as opposed to skinny guys in jumpsuits, on mats) swears by this: chug tons of water in the weeks leading up to the event (to flush out bloat), then scale way back on fluids the day before and day of the event. I think I remember reading that Adriana Lima does this before Victoria’s Secret shows. I also remember thinking that it was batshit crazy.
Honestly I probably won’t do this one, except for the “drinking tons of fluids” part. That part seems good.
4. Self tanner
Yeah, actually, maybe not. Flabby and orange isn’t really an improvement on flabby and pale. Strike this one.
5. Beg K to let me change the angles on certain things
Crouching from the side… eesh. Or maybe we can incorporate some veil work here? Specifically holding up a veil to cover ourselves as we crouch from the side?
Here’s a funny story: one time, a woman came into my spins class and said she’d been wanting to take my class for months. I asked her why she waited so long. She said she thought she needed to lose 10 pounds before she could take a class like pole. (She was very, very slightly overweight by the way, this was not a safety issue).
Wait, did I say funny story? I meant a sad story, about a woman who didn’t think she was good enough at her current weight to take a damn EXERCISE CLASS.
WTF society, look what you’re doing. Stahp.
Anyway, how do you guys feel about the weight issue with pole? It’s hard to see all the top people in our sport looking soooooo tiny in their equally small costumes, and feel like we still have permission to even try.
Does fear about your body hold you back from performing? From wearing certain clothes to class?
Have you ever tried to lose weight for a show? (if so TELL ME ALL OF YOUR SECRETS)
And here’s your official invitation to the belly dance show! Yes, they spelled my name wrong. Come for the frozen sake, stay for (possibly orange), nervous-looking belly dancer 😉
(Sorry guys, headlines don’t like ampersands–Rnb=R&B)
Okay so challenge accepted re: my own difficulty finding pole music: I dug around my old Pandora likes and found several songs that aren’t about bitches n’ hoes. Mostly. Except for this first one:
1. Diced Pineapples, Rick Ross Ft. Drake, Wale
Okay, this song actually is gross (I think diced pineapples is a reference to the idea that certain fresh fruits make certain forbidden fruits taste better IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.) but whatever, I can’t get enough of Drake’s hook on here. Also, it’s very female positive! Or at least vagina positive!
My only complaints here are about Rick Ross’s nasty facial hair ruining yet another sexy music video. Seriously, they film in the gorgeous, sun drenched Caribbean and all I can think about is how musty his damn face forest must smell. Stop it, Rick Ross. Just stop it.
2. Adorn, Miguel
Uuuuuuugh Miguel. Okay, I know everybody already knows this song, but COME ON. It needs a holler. This dude makes such sexy music… Vixen, Quickie… Almost sexy enough to excuse the hi-top/pompador hybrid. Get it, Miguel.
3. Closer, Corinne Bailey Rae
Love her. +10 for a roller disco video theme.
4. I Only Want to Give It to You, Elle Varner (Featuring J. Cole)
This song makes me so happy inside that I literally walk differently when it comes on my ipod and smile at strangers, which might get me killed. Also, J. Cole.
5. Say Yes, Floetry
Ungh. Every time I have a crush on a new guy and he walks by (unless he smells funky or something) this plays in my head.
What’s that? You can’t picture a pole dance to this?
This is a totally unrelated photo of me as a zombie on Halloween. But also kinda a reenactment of how red my eyes have been. FLUPACOLYPSE.
Hey ladies!
First things first–I had the flu! Bought the t-shirt, went through the tissues and a bottle of Nyquil, bonafide flu-vivor over here!
Actually, for all my joking, yes, it sucked. But it was very short lived–suspiciously so, which leads me to believe that my flu shot was indeed NOT useless. I basically sweated and shivered like I had malaria for 24 hours and then felt better enough to move the next night. To a 4th floor walk up. Modern medicine! I dig it!
Anyway, wash your hands, people. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s no fun either.
But down to business. Here’s the big news: EDC’s lease is up and we’re moving!
We’re going to be in a temporary space for a minute (same neighborhood, don’t fret!), but we’ve got our sights set on a bigger, better, more permanent space, and we need your help! So if you’ve been considering taking a class or a series, now’s a great time to do it–through Indiegogo!
For the same cost of a drop in or 4-week course, you can make a donation directly to our Awesome-New-Studio cause AND score invites to the re-launch party. Oh yeah, and you’ll be helping us out, son!
I hate telling people to donate money (worst girl scout cookie salesgirl ever), but since you literally get a class out of this my conscience is clear. Especially because I know our classes are bomb. You can quote me on that.
Can’t wait to get back on the pole… I’m thinking of doing a little “last dance” vid at the old apartment, if my energy holds out.
Everybody staying healthy? I hope so. Did I mention you should wash your hands? Like, right now. Get up from your computer and find a sink, nasty! And for god’s sake, use the alcohol and your own rag in the studio. Never hurt anybody, and it certainly might help.
PS. Class tonight! Last week at the current studio, so pop in and say goodbye to our lovely space. Pole Spins is at 7:30pm and Intro (first timers!) is at 8:30. Sign up here!
I shock and confuse many people with my knowledge of crip walking.
Yet, I’m sooooo not down with The Music Those Dang Kids Are Listening To These Days.
Honestly. It’s not cool anymore. I mean, why is everybody always trying to “beat the pussy up?” What did the pussy do to anybody? I can’t even.
So, the point is, I get requests in my class for 2 Chainz a lot. (I know, I find the numericals and zany misspelling of “chains” to be cool and exciting too). So, I go to pull a few songs for my ‘pod.
Here’s what I found. First few seconds of this song=head bobbing, I dig it!
Then came the verses.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH.
Same problem with “Ball” by TI. These hoes so drunk, huh?
How can I lead a class of women through a class with shit about poppin’ pussies blasting in the background?
WHAT DOES POPPING A PUSSY EVEN MEAN.
What the infinitesimal fuck. Seriously. I like hip hop and rap. So do my students. But why is it ALL written like women are never going to hear it? Is it really that hard for somebody to just write a single damn rhyme that doesn’t degrade and insult the ladies who just want to listen to it and dance like everybody else?
This isn’t even about feminism (although sure, we can take it there, buy me a drink some time). It’s about me wanting to play some good beats in my class and I can’t because seriously, I’m not going to have a class of my cool, smart, hard-working girls listen to shit about bitches and hoes choking on you-know-whats.
Damn it.
Okay, I feel better now.
Can you guys recommend any good pole songs? My chicas tend to like hip hop/R&B and my playlist is getting stale, but I seriously can’t find anything that’s not really gross and offensive. Like choking on dicks.
Class tonight, 7pm, Beginner Spins (week one)!
Be sure to sign up @ our new site–danceyourwaynyc.com/schedule.
Yeah yeah, I know, eff New Year Resolutions long and hard, amiright?
Christmas: me in the middle with my two sisters and mom. Happy Holidays!
Still, though.
1. Use my damn Groupons
I have so many awesome groupons for dance classes, yoga classes, and probably something ridiculous like welding lessons or a man’s shaving kit. I need to use these.
2. Go salsa dancing more
My friend is always asking me to go with her, but I usually don’t because 1. jealous dude in my life, and 2. $$$.
Now that the guy is out of the picture, spending $15 bucks to dancing with several skilled, handsome latino men seems like a bargain. L’chaim!
3. SPLITS.
I know, this is from my pole-specific resolution list, but, it’s important enough to list twice. I’m going to take pics of where I’m at and check it in a couple of months, just to shame myself into progressing. And I’m still eyeing that Alethea DVD set…
4. Perform
I mean, honestly, it might not happen with pole for a while. I’m kinda shy about pole. It’s very close to my heart. I generally love performing, but, like writing, it has varying degrees of shame attached to it. Pole is to performing what my junior high school poetry is to the blogging for my day job. The stakes are just so much higher because it’s PERSONAL.
Now bellydance on the other hand… not that I don’t take it seriously, but I have a comfort level with it that’s come with doing it for a few years now, and the fact that it happens in numbers. Oh, and much less chance of literally falling on my face. Anyway, my friend and I have been rehearsing very hard (once a week, rain or shine!) and we’re hoping to have a piece ready for a Valentine’s show! Woot woot!
5. Cook more
Yeah, file this under saving money. Chipotle and I need to have a legal separation.
6. Fall in love
7. …or at least don’t settle for anything not the real thing
From now on, it’s madly in love or just friends. No in between, no relationshits. No guys that I know from the start aren’t really going to do it for me. I’m a demanding, picky mofo and it’s time I embraced that and stop carrying on with miserable, half hearted dating situations.
8. Care less what other people think
My older sister will literally always roll her eyes if I mention pole dancing. It’s time to stop believing there are only two choices for reaction to this: A. feeling hurt and rethinking everything, or B. deciding she sucks. There’s a third choice, and that’s living and letting other live, and not expecting everybody to see things the way I do. I guess that’s like, growing a backbone and standing behind my life choices, right?
9. Do more to maintain my friendships
You guys, I’m so bad with this. There’s a reason I have friends at all my jobs and very few outside of work–I work all the time, and when I’m not working, I’m a hermit. I think I might tend towards introversion, because after I get off the clock I literally don’t want to see anything human. I think getting my own place this month (yay!) should help with this. Not that I don’t love my roommates dearly as people–just that some concentrated alone time as soon as I get home might charge me up better to actively spend more time with friends. Which I really need to do, because every time I reconnect with them, I remember how lucky I am to have great people around me. And how little I do to set aside time and energy for them. Sorry guys 😦 it’s not you, it’s me. For realz.
10. Get better at rejection
So rebounding is the key to success in life, I’ve decided. It’s funny how much more epic failure seems than success, isn’t it? The big thing I remember about this year is a few nasty emails from blog readers (professional, not this one) and a very kind rejection note from Nerve.com, whom I sent an essay. That they hated.
Funny how that stands out more than the fact that I was just published in a book (literally, a book… they just sent copies to my house!!), I started a fun new career that I kick ass at (holla, pole teaching!). On the personal side, I also peeled myself off the floor and rebounded from major heartbreak without skipping a beat (at least on the outside). I mean seriously. I don’t even think I went to work looking like crap or had a meltdown anywhere public (at least during the day time). Good, right?!
So, ladies. Fill me in. What’s your big area of improvement for 2013? Are you scared? I mean, 13’s my lucky number (long story, junior high volleyball team number), but I can imagine other people have yucky feelings about it.
Lessons pick up again on Thursday so be sure to sign up!
The Spin Diaries: Your Guide to Everything Pole and Aerial 