These tear sheets are from a lifetime ago. I'm not as buff as I used to be. Though, I like to think that I'm still pretty strong and an "off-season in-shape". I know that I could really use a strong kick to my butt to get more fit (and a solid spray tan, I'm a little pale these days), but frankly, I'm kind of enjoying this time in my life when I am learning how to appreciate little moments. I'm quite the busy body and always ready to go, go, go and do, do, do, but I'm finding that it's important to also know how to be still. I can be quite obsessive, so I think I'm on the other side of training - learning how to "just be".
Even though this is no longer my world, I share these photo shoots because I hope it shows the discipline and focus that I have as a person. When I set my mind to something, I work diligently to make it happen. I originally started fitness training because I wanted to be physically qualified for action roles in film and television. My dream has been to play Wasp Woman, or Janet van Dyne, from Ultimate Marvel because she's of Asian descent in that universe. While I have yet to make that Marvel role happen, I have since had the pleasure of booking a martial art role. Bucket list checked! And hoping for more.
This was my first shoot for Oxygen Magazine.
This is the last performance I ever did in fitness. I loved picking my music, creating poses (though there were strict guidelines), but I still felt like I could be creative with the majority of the routine. I loved creating my costumes, which were usually pretty basic relative to others, and the excitement of being on stage performing. Our bodies are amazing works of art, no matter what shape. The sheer mechanics of what we can achieve continues to fascinate me.
I just love the lyrics to this song. Changes come and I continue to learn how to take it.
Wake up, son of mine
Momma got something to tell you
Changes come
Life will have its way
With your pride, son
Take it like a man
Hang on, son of mine
A storm is blowing up your horizon
Changes come
Keep your dignity
Take the high road
Take it like a man
Listen up, son of mine
Momma got something to tell you
All about growing pains
Life will pound away
Where the light don't shine, son
Take it like a man
Suck it up, son of mine
Thunder blowing up your horizon
Changes come (Changes come)
Keep your dignity (Keep your dignity)
Take the high road (Take the high road)
Take it like a man (Take it like a man)
Momma said like the rain (This, too, shall pass)
Like a kidney stone (This, too, shall pass)
It's just a broken heart, son
This pain will pass away
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