Posts Tagged ‘Family’

The first movie I ever saw in the theatre was Karate Kid. It’s one of my favorite memories. My big brother, Mike, and I went with my grandma and got a big tub of popcorn! Looking back, I’m not surprised that that was my first movie. Martial arts was always around me.

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.

Ten fun, cheap and easy things to do together …

1. Cook together. Choose kid-friendly recipes and work together to create an appetizer, entrée and dessert that your whole family can enjoy. You may want to try cooking a special family recipe or your child’s favorite meal.
2. Create a family tree. Map out your family tree on a piece of paper, then work together to replicate it on a large piece of poster board. If you can — add photos, draw pictures and include the birth place of each relative.
3. Be the next “American Idol.” Have each family member dress up and take turns singing their favorite song. Be sure to award prizes for each performance. 
4. Decorate food. Bake cupcakes together. When they cool, decorate them with different types of icing and assorted jimmies.
5. Camp out. Depending on the weather, have an indoor or outdoor camping adventure. Bring sleeping bags and make sure to use flashlights in the dark.
6. Give back to the community. As a family, think of ways you can give back to the community. For example, create a gift box — using an old shoe box — to send to our troops. Or, make a list of the perfect “holiday” meal — then write letters and emails to friends and family asking them to help gather these items for a less fortunate family. 
7. “Hunt” for prizes indoors. Write clues on scraps of paper and lead each family member to an exciting prize — such as a new board game you can play together. You can even have each person “find” items — such as a DVD, popcorn, candy and soda — for a family movie night.
8. Have an indoor picnic. Enjoy a meal on the floor of your family room. Lay out a blanket and serve picnic items such as sandwiches, salads, chips and juice. If space allows, play a modified version of horseshoes or beanbags — by tossing coins onto sofa cushions placed on the ground.  
9. Play with pictures. Go through old photo albums together and tell stories about each picture. Tell your kids a little bit about yourself when you were younger — or their age — and be sure to tell them what they were like as a baby and toddler. If you can, take more photos that night.
10. Have a dance party. Have everyone choose their favorite songs and be sure to include some that are slow and sentimental.  Take turns “fast” and “slow” dancing together. You could even incorporate “instruments” such as pots and pans to bang on — or a box of pasta to shake — and have an indoor concert.

This article was published in South Jersey Mom Magazine. Photo by jek in the box.

Last week, I saw “The Eclectic Society” with my future mother-in-law (I call her “Annaree” ) and my future sister-in-law. The play was part of our season ticket package at the Walnut Street Theatre. (Isn’t my Annaree awesome? This is the second set of season tickets she got for us.)

Anyway, I thought the play was amazing. I was on the edge of my seat! I’d say it took a good twenty minutes to really start getting into it … but as I was watching, I was “wow-ed” by the concepts and teachings. This play seemed like something I’d study in high school. It was that much of a learning experience. The play was so “AllThingsGwen” I had to write about it!

So here’s a quick summary of the ideas covered in this play:

Give people a chance. Not everything you hear is true. If you don’t know, then don’t make assumptions.

Embrace change. The world becomes a bigger and better place once we learn from mistakes and open our minds to new things.

Know yourself. What are you really good at? What are you really in to? “Own” who you are and share it with the world.

Have faith in others. If you have faith in others, they’ll have faith in you.

Rise from adversity. Your past doesn’t define you. Commit to being your best self.

Grow from your challenges. You can be strong in areas you’d never thought you would be.

Be strong in your convictions. Stand up for what you really believe is right. Take action.

Do the right thing. If someone needs you, be there for them. If something is wrong, fix it. Sometimes you need to sacrifice something to do the right thing.

Click here for more information about “The Eclectic Society” including ticket information. If you get to see it, let me know what you think!

Photo from the Walnut Street Theatre website.

Since I’m 30 now … here’s a list of 30 things what I’m thankful for:
1. My fiancée, Sweet William! He loves me for my craziness, randomness, dreams and goals.
2. Gabby and Sofia — my beautiful and fun nieces.
3. My brother, Mike, and his wife, Kim. They give so much to the community …
4. Hardworking parents. They’ve given me so much!
5. Front-row friends.
6. Cousins by the truck-load.
7. Loving and supportive “in-laws.” They are so generous!
8. My SUV. I can drive in the snow!
9. A set of new, sharp knives. I love cutting stuff now.
10. Inspirational books.
11. People that challenge me.
12. My Fit Friends, my workout partners and students.
13. Writing mentors — Holly and Greta, who really helped develop me and encourage me as a writer.
14. My Twitter friends.
15. People who give me blog love.
16. My favorite aunts — Auntie Evelyn, Auntie Alice and Aunt Diane.
17. Danielle — my maid of honor/BFF.
18. My education. No one can take that away.
19. My job at Amerikick. I’ve been teaching there for almost nine years.
20. Private jokes that make me laugh, even when I’m by myself.
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I do love Super Bowl Sunday — and it’s not because of football — I have great party memories. Going to my friend’s parent’s house and eating all their food … “canoeing” on the frozen late behind my brother’s house … every year is a good time. My favorite was a few years ago when the Giants won.

Billy and I had been dating for three weeks or so — and it was a whirlwind romance. On the first date he asked me to go to the Cat Power concert. (I was like … um, ok buddy, maybe I’ll spend my birthday DAY with you — and I did! HA!) But after that first date — Thai food, my choice, of course — we hung out a lot and did fun stuff like wander around Wegman’s, go to Chinatown for dim sum and Reading Terminal Market. We talked, texted, went out to eat … all those good things … then he told me he was going to bring me to his parent’s house for Super Bowl Sunday. AND he told me he’s a Giants fan. Little did I know what I was getting myself into!

There we were, February 3, 2008. We walked around the back of his parent’s house. His dad was out there. He introduced himself and said — I’m Bill Meise — I had the stupidest look on my face because I thought … is he messing with me? That’s Billy’s name!

We went inside and there were all kinds of people there. Billy’s mom, sister and her friend, Uncle Gary, Cousin Karen, her husband and their kids, her husband’s father … Cousin David and his son … Timmy and Timmy’s girlfriend. It was kinda funny. Looking back, I wish I wore that eye-patch and hook like I said I was going to …

Anyway, we ate and ate — Billy’s mom did it up big — and people yelled, screamed and acted crazy. I’m not sure if Billy was “testing” me out that night, but I passed! He told me later that he knew he had fallen in love with me that night. I guess I did too … especially when the Giants scored, I went to hug him … and Cousin David beat me to it. Those two were lifting eat other up and carrying on (while I stood there waiting — like chopped liver!)

Oh Super Bowl … food, friends, family … and love! (And some football.)

Photo by tabgiblehope.

From research scientist to full-time traveler, Sarah’s life is one of adventure, optimism, challenge and change. Read about my cousin …

ATG: Describe yourself – using five adjectives only.
Sarah: Petite, adventurous, minimal, healthy, inquisitive

ATG: How would others describe you?
Sarah: Tenacious, brave, open-minded, determined, persistent

ATG: What do you do “for a living?”
Sarah: I was a research scientist working in a neuroscience lab at McGill University in Montreal. We were researching protein-protein interactions in the hippocampus relating to memory and learning.

More recently, I’ve been a full time traveler for the last two years! I started off travelling alone for six months in South East Asia, then I met my partner/boyfriend Inigo Arza (he’s Spanish) in Vietnam and we have been together since. There are many soils that we have walked on: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Australia, China, Myanmar, Nepal and now back to India. Our goal is to travel west to Europe by land from India. Pakistan and Iran will be our next countries.

ATG: Describe your idea of a “perfect” day.
Sarah: A perfect day would be what we experienced in Dharamshala (home of the Dalai Lama). I woke up at 7 am and immediately did yoga asanas on the terrace. Then I made a trekker’s breakfast of oatmeal, honey, dates, bananas and flaxseeds. We started our climb at 9 am. It was a glorious sunny day, around 17 degrees Celsius under the sun. It took 2.5 hours to hike from 1750m to 2842m up a steep mountain. It was well worth the breathtaking view of the mountain range (4600m). We had a light snack of cashews, raisins and peanuts on our yak-wool blanket facing the white peaks. After lunch, we had a siesta! Then we hiked down using a different path. We were famished when we arrived to the town at 5 pm and we treated ourselves to a dinner at a local Tibetan restaurant. I had Masala tofu with spinach on rice. The night ended with a hot shower and I fell asleep reading Lord of the Rings. That was my “perfect” day.
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Over the weekend, Billy and I went to the annual “Meise Family Christmas.” Yup! It was January 30. A little late for a tree, Santa, stockings, all that — but that’s what makes it awesome. I love family traditions, and I love that I’m marrying into a family as crazy, fun and big as mine!

So this is what the Meise family looks like … Billy’s dad is one of nine, so Billy has 25+ first cousins. Add in significant others and kids, it’s kinda overwhelming. I don’t feel bad though, because my dad is one of eight and I have no idea how many first cousins I have. I think it’s harder for Billy around my family sometimes since everyone’s speaking another language, and there’s a lot of funky food. Sometimes he has no idea what he’s eating.

Anyway, I really love that we come from big families. And, I love that Billy values family as much as I do. It’s things like this that makes me love him more and more.

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, 30^th 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.

How well do you know yourself? How well do people know you? What are you passionate about?

Below are some questions. Just some things to think about … Feel free to leave a comment and share a little bit about yourself!

• Describe yourself – using five adjectives only. How would others describe you?
• What do you do “for a living?”
• Describe your idea of a “perfect” day.
• What’s your favorite childhood memory?
• What “small” things make you happy?
• What does “family” mean to you?
• Have you ever been discriminated against or treated poorly for being who you are? How has that affected you?
• What’s your biggest challenge right now? What are you doing to make change?
• What was your biggest challenge in the past? How did you overcome it?

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In a previous blog post — 10 Things to Do in 2010 — I encouraged you to “Set a new goal each month.” The blog said: “This year, pick 12 things and stick to them. Your goals may include cleaning the garage; trying new recipes; using coupons whenever shopping or saving extra money for a family vacation. Whatever your goals are, write them down, and stick to it. It may be helpful to do some online research to help you get organized or get started.”

Well, I’m not one to take my own advice. I have goals, but there are way more than one for each month. And, knowing me, I’ll get everything done by April and the list will have to be edited and revamped. So, here is the “guideline” that I’ll follow this year. There are some things at the bottom of the list that I couldn’t add to a particular month … yet.

Please let me know if you want to join me on any of these adventures, or if you have any advice or feedback you want to share. Um, and feel free to support me on these goals!

PS – I put an “x” next to the things that are free! I put a “*” next to the things I’m doing for the first time.

January

x*Take a Zumba class.

*Take a pole dancing class.

Take an Intro to Aerial Workshop class (Philadelphia School of Circus Arts).

x*Try Wii Fit.

x*Research and organized finances – talk with Tiffany!

*Take a money management class – online? In person?

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