Old School
“Sidekick” to My Big Brother
March 6, 2010
Big brother and little sister!
We grew up watching Bruce Lee movies — Enter the Dragon, etc. — and since I liked whatever Mike liked, we watched karate movies over and over again on beta and VHS. I can remember tagging along to Mike’s karate classes. My dad would pack a chicken leg wrapped in tin foil for me. When I got hungry, he’d wrap the bottom of the drumstick up with the foil so I could eat without making a mess.
At family parties, I showed our cousins that I could do a straddle too. We were the Recinto kids — Mike with his junior black belt and Bruce Lee hair cut — and me, just doing whatever he was doing.
So, it’s no surprise that Mike has a karate studio of his own now … and I work there. Actually, I really started getting into it in 1996 — because of Mike, of course! Billy Blanks came out with Tae Bo and changed the karate/kickboxing scene in a big way — just like Karate Kid did in 1984. Mike was in college and working at a karate studio; he and another “Sensei” began the kickboxing program at the studio. They encouraged me to come do the classes, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
I’ll never forget the day that Mike was like — go teach abs. I had NO IDEA what I was doing … but I just did it. Afterwards, he told me that I should have counted the sets, etc. I laugh about it now — that’s such a simple thing — but I had no idea.
Now, here I am. I’ve been teaching kickboxing and other classes for ten years! I love it. It’s a way for me to be creative, energized … and a leader. As you know, Mike has his studio, and we’re a team. More about this later — all the community work and fundraising we do through the studio — but I’ll just say, I love my life, I love teaching and I love my big brother!
To take one of our karate or kickboxing classes, call Amerikick Medford at 609.714.2212.
Photo by David Michael Howarth Photography.
Nice to Have
January 26, 2010
There’s a big difference between “need to have” and “nice to have.” Growing up, I went to Catholic school (kindergarten through high school), so I was always in a uniform. I didn’t always have the nicest stuff, but I had everything I needed. Back then, I think things were a lot easier too. We weren’t into the name brands and makeup and what not like kids are today.
I remember when I discovered Dunkin Donuts®. I had to have been like 7. SERIOUSLY. I’m pretty sure that I found a coupon in the Sunday paper and showed my mom. She said we could go after church! We got a dozen!!! Point is, life back then was all about “need to have.” The “nice to have” stuff I had to figure out on my own … and I did.
And so it begins … In college, I didn’t have to wear a uniform! I didn’t have much money, but I was as stylish as I could be. I had those platform sneaker things, dark jeans, Saucony® sneakers, etc. I bought it all myself. I waitressed and taught kickboxing (in addition to dancing on the SJU dance team).
After college, I made a decent paycheck! My wardrobe got a major upgrade. I didn’t have to save up for a pair of $20 LEI jeans at TJ Maxx® anymore. The shoes piled up. So did the “baby doll” tee shirts, knick knacks, you know.
And now … I’m planning a wedding and it’s expensive! Not only are we in a crazy economy, I can’t just buy what I want when I want it. Right now, Billy and I are trying to get our finances together and be smarter, save more and pick and choose how we spend our money. I promised myself that I’d do more research on money management. I’d read the books I have. Find out whatever I can … and get back to the “need to have” thinking.
With that being said, below is a list of things that would be “nice to have.” I’m not buying any of this for myself! But, since I have an anniversary, 30th birthday and Valentine’s coming up, it’s just nice to put it out there for fun!
- Under Armour® Compression Capri (Heat Gear) Tights
- Ugg® Dakota shoes
- Simple® CARat shoes
- Psychologies magazine subscription
- Color Me Mine/pottery gift certificate
- Mani/pedi gift certificate
- Large Coach wristlet
- Comfy sweatpants
Photo by pixiesticks23.
Shenanigans at the JERSEY SHORE!
January 23, 2010
From left to right: Kung Pow (me), Melly Mel, Daley Pie, Paparazzi. Front: Tea!
So people are freaking out about MTV’s Jersey Shore. Some people hate it, some people love it. GUESS WHAT? I’m feelin’ it. I don’t go to those “North Jersey” shores though — FYI, the show takes place in Seaside Heights, NJ. (And seriously, that’s how it is up there — “guidos” and “guidettes,” tats and big hair.) It’s just funny. We were ALL young and what-not at some point.
I’m a SOUTH Jersey girl, and I go down to South Jersey shores. You know — Sea Isle, Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood, Avalon. Rumor has it that the next season of Jersey Shore is going to be in Sea Isle, NJ. I like that! It will be funny to watch the show and see places that I used to hang out at — when I was young and awesome! 
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AllThingsGwen.com is my unofficial guide to health and happiness. It's a chronical of me finding my way.
I encourage you to think about “AllThings[YOUR NAME HERE]” and what’s really, truly important to you. Hope you enjoy my recipes, fitness tips, motivational posts and aha moments.
- RT @motivationlive: People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it. - Anonymous
- Oh man. Gotta teach 7 am and 9 am kbox after crazy Meise wedding.
- I was part of Facebook's IPO! Bought many a share. Hope it makes some bacon. I will tell my grandkids about this historical moment.
- Planning our First Annual Meise Summer Jam. There will be a big roasted pig.
- Best part of tonight was when Cha Cha Slide came on and Aunt Mary Jane asked, "Is this the Dougie?"
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