Remember how I had Flying Trapeze in my list of things To-Do. Now how I got that idea in my brain, I am not sure. Yet it got there, and even on my top 25 list of things to do this year. So naturally I decided to bite the bullet, because that is what this blog is all about right? The place is a little hard to find but then again I would put it where rent is cheap too. It also is intimidating as there are ropes and nets all over the place. Everywhere you look there is quite literally something from out of the circus.. oh wait that is because it is. There is a group ahead of us having fun as we are waiting watching. They are flying and having fun being caught and we are just tittering. Everyone is on their phones and updating status and then it is our turn. Naturally before starting to learn something so out of the ordinary for our bodies, we have to limber up. So the stretching commences and we all laugh as we try to wrap our heads around what we are about to do. So naturally before we go up we have to practice the moves. Learn the lingo. We have to figure out what some of our problem areas are before. Getting your legs up to the bar is very hard and something I struggled with. The release and letting yourself fall is scary and the arch can be very hard but is critical to the catch. Granted these are not the only hard and scary parts. I mean reaching out to grab that bar, then releasing the hand to grab it with the other one. Trusting completely in the fact that this little spry girl behind you is holding you. Everyone agreed that the tiny little ladder that you have to climb up really builds the anticipation. Your climbing and just going higher, while you are someone is jumping and someone one is getting strapped in as your head pokes over. If you think the climb is scary, try having three people on that tiny landing pad. It sure gets crowded up there, and while we the group are clinging on thinking “That we are crazy” over and over again in our heads. Our spotter is just strapping us away, and moving all around without a second thought. So after we are ready which means knees bent, and hip which means we have jumped off. You are swinging yourself up and locking your knees over the bar. It is exhillerating to be swinging in the air like that and then the next step comes. Release. You let go of the bar and arch as far back as you can. Looking back, trying to see the flag posted on the other side of the wall. Then it is back and you are grabbing the bar again and releasing your legs. Then it is just a nice easy drop to the net so someone else can go. Waiting, watching, chatting … the group bonds and it is a blast. The characters of the group start to emerge and the two plus hours start to fly by. A quick snap of some new girl friends who are waiting for their turn. As we gossip and yell up encouragement. The tension is running high as we all anticipate our turn. One person who really stood out to me as being totally fearless was Ms.S even though she was scared she kept climbing back up and jumping off. Now that is inspiration.
Seeing it is better than just checking out pictures. I am very thankful to whomever took that video for me they did a great job. Plus they were up on the launching pad too and had a great view. I got to say the hardest parts for me well besides jumping off... is getting your legs up there and locking. Every time I had an issue but I would hook a toe or two and then keep moving over the bar. From there on it is pretty easy. Let go, arch your back and look way back for the guy on the other trapeze ready to grab you. With energy and excitement running high amongst the group. Our blood is pumping and the BAYPAC crew quickly snaps a photo before dispersing. I know I left feeling like I accomplished something.
My first real road trip event with BAYPAC, and we are leaving San Francisco on one of the rare warm days, and I am talking its HOT for SF, it was about 80 degrees. It is just tearing everyone in the car up inside that it is amazing and hot and a beach day... but we are headed to Tahoe. Really? Yes really. Well after four hours on the road we really want to be off it and starting to get hungry. So following the leader Ms. A we went to Reno to where we can get all you can eat sushi. On the route I managed to kill a brand new LUSH massage bar, the quote 1(Q1) of the trip "Damn it, melted $10.. shit".
Being able to stretch out our legs, and move around out side of a car is amazing. The place has a cool vibe and with a quick snap of half the BAYPAC group chowing down on sushi, the food vanishes quickly. Before getting my order in or anything, we take a step outside and just breath and try to get the car feeling out of our bones. When Mr. A says "42 pieces plus sake.. bad idea" (Q2) which after says that he drops his cigarette and says (Q3) "Burning myself already?!". Naturally the group busts up as we watch him hop around trying to get the cigarette off of his shirt. True sign that Mr. A was going to be a barrel of laughs. We go back in grab an order and soon start chowing down. Ms. C just likes the fish and was taking apart her sushi.
All the O's were just incredible, and looks rather artistic. It was interesting to see just the shell of the sushi and Ms. A snapped a picture of myself looking through one. When we couldn't eat any more it was time to go out on the town and hit up Reno. It truly is the biggest littlest city in the world. I loved all the lights, I am a sucker for things that are shiny and bling.
So to the casinos we go, and the group splits up a bit. Some of the group trys their luck on the cards tables, while myself and some of the other test our luck on the craps decks. Being inside a casino is a little overwhelming, as there is so much going on. Noises happening everywhere, something is lighting up or speaking up. Most of the group lost money, actually I did to really but then Mr. J gave me $5 which I started to pick it up and then lost it all. Sadly it was my turn to roll and a nice gentleman next to us who was helping us place bets and learn the game gave me my bet. I then proceeded to hit a nice little role and rocked it out! I hit two 7's out the bat and then went after a string of 5's. I mean I hit 5 of them, the table was yelling and so happy. I got a couple of comments about liking 5's and them being lucky. I would have never made my money back and everything with out a bit of help from my friends. Since they had all busted and I hadn't... "Here I will bet for you, play, have fun on me" (Q4). I laid bets down for half the BAYPAC crew and watched them play for a bit.
With me on a buzz from rollinghigh on the craps tables, the group begins to get a bit tired. We decide to leave after my last roll at the tables. I walked away with not only the $20 I bet, but an extra $37 bucks. Not bad at all, specially since I bet about $35 on my friends. Even tho I was wired the moment I got in the car, I started to chill out a bit. Mr. J said (Q5): "Well, at least we can enjoy the scenic drive." Granted it is at like 3AM and it is pitch black... what scene? All of us excited to get to the cabin we are rushing ahead, sadly got pulled over. (Q6) Mike: "Nevada's full of speeding traps, sucks doesn't it?" Oh yeah it does.
Well there is an amazing views all around Tahoe, which we got to check out on the drive to the slopes. It is funny but going to resorts that are a little farther away and more hidden, I realized that their is a mini island in Lake Tahoe. Wow. Everything here is just so pure and peaceful. The lake is so blue and the air so crisp.
Yet we can't stay long for pictures or just to enjoy the view. Even if they are breathless, and just almost mystical. It is like looking into a picture world but we can't stay to just stare at it.
The slopes are calling our names and this amazing mountain is ours for the taking. It is just there screaming our names out and we are following the call. Quickly we park and grab our gear at lighting speed, so we can catch the tram.
Luckily we moved quickly and caught it, so we did not have to wait for it to swing back! We are off and the energy is running high amongst the group.
So I decided to ski the first day and go off with the boys, the lift was taking us up and the views were amazing. Even if I had to point the view out with my poles. Well at least I got to use them for something, right? Skiing was pretty amazing, the snow was not great but that did not matter so much. The mountain was ours and there was room to move and we were all skiing well. It is amazing how much of an appetite you work up when going down hill. I was quite surprised not have wiped out as much as I would have expected. I did once and it was not that bad, my pole was up hill but that was about it. Lucky for me Mr.M was right behind me and able to help me retrieve my pole. So down the slopes we went and then it was lunch time, the majority of the group meet up at the top to eat some huge dogs and sausages.
The boys are all geared up, living high on life and thinking they are the shit. Talking up about how bad they are and what they can do. So Mr. Smart Ass A decides to talk them in to doing a black diamond.
He attempts to try and get me to join in on their run down the mountain, but like I am doing well on skis for the first time. I am not rocking it, nor am I ready for a Black Diamond. Like hellz na. Specially one that is called "Oh God". So a quick pick of them in one piece before they go off the deep end in my mind and I proceed to my Blues.Well when I met up with them again back at the lodge I did find out a bit of the story. Of how "Oh God" is pretty much the only think that one thinks. Everyone took a fall and the best is the picture above where Mr.J sinks his ski into the mountain to his boot. Thanking my lucky stars I was not dumb enough to go down with them.
I can't help but look out at the deep blue lake and sigh. I wonder what this place looks like in the spring, it must be stunning too. I felt bad since Mr. Driver J well was stuck behind the wheel but did not seem to mind it. The cabin was quaint and I loved it since it was a total bear theme. That might be in part because we were in Bear Country... I know that cause we were warned.
Which leads me to wonder how often bear encounters happen that they have such an in depth warning? I guess that means when we BBQ that we should be very careful, quite happy that is not my job.
So as you wander around the cabin you will see bears everywhere. This picture was just too cute, and I swear I wanted to steal the salt and pepper shakers which were black bears. I loved them! The layout of the cabin was kinda odd but not so bad, and got warm really quick. Just wished we had a bigger bathroom. The boys play some cards and everyone wanders around when a questions is asked to which I respond (Q7) "A pair's a pair dummy. Two of the same card.."
Luckily we had a hot tub to help compensate for the small bathroom. It was quiet sad really, the whole group thought that it was not hot enough. Even though it said 104, we all agreed that we have taken showers hotter. Regardless, we jumped in.. grabbed our drinks and just relaxed. After a day of skiing and falling and things of that nature, the water and jets were necessary. The water spilled out of the tub as more of us piled in. The boys made more drinks and BBQ, while we girls laughed and enjoyed the tub as our side dishes were done. Food was great, the hot tub draining and everyone ended up crashing early who was awake the night before, those who wanted to crash the night be for were up. Go figure.
So we are up early and off to the slopes again, this time quite happy for the tram that will take us up to the resort. Ms. A and I were snowboarding, and I helping explain the tricks I understood from my Boarding lessons last time.
It was great watching Ms.A get the hang of slowing down and stopping. Its the hardest part. Practice makes perfect and she was doing great.
After a few runs and warming up, we were ready to go for a real green run. Homewood is amazing in the fact that you can go to the top of the mountain and to the bottom on greens. The views are incredible, the snow was all powder and just like a pillow.
Nothing is like the views up from the top, they are just outstanding. We were all blown away. The newbies pose together and take a deep breath as we go for it. Our hearts are racing and life is a bit of a blur but we are going for it.
Starting to figure things out, switching quite often between goofy and regular. It is interesting but I'd say I am like 55% goofy and 45% regular. It is a blast slicing down the mountain, not having to worry about losing your board makes it easier to go for it.
It also makes the fall all that much harder, but without the worries of having to pick up all your crap it is a bit easier. Really, just sit breath, get your bearing and then when you are ready pick yourself up and go. I was really busted after one fall but still...
Then it was up and at it again. Not letting a fall get me down, pushing myself up and edging the board in it does not slide away from me.
Regardless I am falling in love with the board. It is amazing and I have to go back.
YouTube is an interesting concept no? I have always love it.. and have watched reviews on it. I stumbled upon my favorite stores YouTube Videos. There are are TON of LUSH Cosmetics reviews out there. Yet these girls spend the first 2 mins just gabbing! Wow I am here to learn your opinions on the products not just hear you talk about your day. So I decide to do my own video on their best gift the LUSH Legends. I think I might do another video just cause this was not so steady and could have been better. Yet I am happy with my first video and how product information-ally geared it was. Tips and tricks are the important part right? Check it out:
Life is crazy, there is so much going on I am just flabbergasted. I have a lot of events and things to do, plus school work and responsibilities on that front. So you can only imagine how happy but stressed I am starting to get. I know what events but I promise I will create post about all the things happening on there. It just seems like everything snowballs at once and I am loving it but also becoming a bit stressed and spread too far. Yet when I got a call to see an amazing concert I couldn't say no. Really who could pass up all these amazing musicians. I know that I cannot wait to go see contemporary music artists: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Satriani, Indigenous, Mike McCready tonight at the Warfield. It is going to be amazing and it was a last moment plan with my favorite man in the whole world.... My Dad!
Life is not on our side always, specially with it being tax season for my Dad. We had to figure out where to eat and were racing up and down Fillmore trying to find a nice place. We struck out with a place being too full, another closed and then finding a really good place. Had a delectable meal and were running a bit late so we missed out on a bit of the start of the concert. It was weird to see the Warfield with chairs everywhere and tables on the ground floor. So odd. As we are walking in a set is being finished and then he walks on.
Kenny Wayne Sheppard... Wow is all I can say I mean really. Just listen to the video above and he is wailing. What is more is the whole crowd is picking up on the beat and clapping with him. He is still just pure utter sheer guitar skills. I mean the clip cuts him off and he is still going! Blew my mind and was the reason we came to the show. My Dad and I are screaming so happy to have walked in just before his set came on.
Next is Los Lobos.. some serious old school rock. That is pure and lets face it you hear it you know the words and are singing along or at least your body is going. We all know the song and that line..."Cause she's walking through the crowd" gets us every time. The song speaks to the soal and the concert settles down and lets the music sink into our souls. If you doubt that they are serious guitarist then please click below.
Just listen to that pure playing, it is amazing and he is breaking it down for a full 20 seconds. I mean truly wailing and ripping on the guitar. It is such a clash to the calm, soul stirring song it followed... One after another I am watching these incredible artist pay homage to Jimmy Hendrix and play their hearts out. It is surreal.
We stay longer but leave a bit before the concert was over as we both had long day's ahead of us. But both happy no elated and just in awe of the sheer talent that was in the Warfield.
Oh My God! This was crazy, and ended up being huge! Thank you for coming out to my event and/or spreading the word about it even it you didn't come. This event spread far because of you and the uses of social media. It reached: SF Arts Commission, SFPD (who monitored it to keep us frozen safe! TNX!) and Free Range Media (LA) who is including it in a segment of their show. I want to send a special thanks to my Mom (WHO ATTENDED!) and my friend Nate Payne, who supported my idea to do this all the way and is running for District 6 and might use this freeze in a campaign commercial. Please check him out: (http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=nate+payne&init=quick#!/profile.php?id=100000642726263&ref=search&sid=11507370.1984610500..1).
But back to the Freeze! This was an amazing turn out! Freezing for 5 is kinda hard! I was there with my friend S and we were talking about poses and than said when is it gonna ring as we lean back and BOOM the alarm rang. Oh Shit we said as we realized we did not have any fun pose. Oh well holding a normal pose is hard enough! When I watch the video and looked at some of the photos I am like DAMN! It is great.. Like I am not one to ever promote smoking but check him out: Look for him in the video and the reactions, it is GREAT. Or like this guy who is working on his bike: This event reached out really far, and there was a group of clowns who came to "punk" the frozen people. I saw them put someone in a huge picture frame, pretend to kiss their cheek, put a sign on them or hold it up to them and take a pic with them. I am not sure if this was them putting the hat on him, or his hat. Truly there were some great poses, from the couple kissing to the parent holding the kid in the air (REALLY?!), and many more including a high five. What is cool is if you remember in my previous email that Free Range Media was coming out. Well guess what someone got a picture of them filming the event. In the end, the alarms worked pretty well but I would love a bit better feed back. Maybe having assigned "Time Announcers" on each level? Your feedback is very important. If you want to see the event...this is the first YouTube Video of it to come out:
I had such great reactions from participants of my 1/2 B-Day/ Singles mixer that it is back by popular demand. So "Date My Friend" is gonna happen again and this time it is mostly hosted by BAYPAC and Milpetas Singles Group. Thus this time it will be in the South Bay not my beloved SF. So I dug around and found a cool lounge that was excited to host the event. If you remember it, this is where everyone brings a good single friend of the opposite sex to mingle.
So if you are looking for a person to love and have a friend who is too? Then grab them and come to Date My Friend. This time we are going to the South Bay.
When: Friday April 2nd from 4:30pm to 9pm
Where: Manadala Lounge 38 East 25th Ave San Mateo, CA 94403
They have a great happy hour which is extended an hour for our event! The specials are as follows:
$3 domestic tap $4 imported tap $5 premium wells $5 blueberry cosmos $5 - TBD Specials for Date My Friend Ok so last time the ratio kinda got thrown off because a lot of people just came by themselves (Mostly guys come alone, what no girls that are friends?) Because this is "Date My Friend" there is going to be a very small cover that favors people who bring guys and girls.
2 Opposite Sex Friends = $3 2 Same Sex Friends = $5 Just you = $7 Please pay at the door.
I told you the cover is small but it should help keep the ratio's even. I am looking forward to seeing you there!
I created this event a while back and I had no idea it would reach to over 3,000 people. That fact alone blew my mind. Then I get contacted first in Facebook which naturally I am suspicious of but then after a bit of talking via IM's. I gave this guy Ben who is trying to contact me, my email and well I will just let you read. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Natasha,
My name is Benjamin Cohen and I'm a producer with Free Range Media, working on a new documentary series for Discovery's Planet Green network. Interestingly, the show has nothing to do with "going green." Instead, the show looks beyond sustainability to where we're headed as a society and a planet. The show brings viewers the stories of the most pioneering people in the country doing the most interesting, daring and incredible things.
I'm currently looking into topics to cover in the series and am very interested in Flash Mobs. I'd love to talk to you more about it and see if there might be something interesting there for the show.
If you're interested, please let me know the best way and time to reach you and I'll be in touch.
Best,
Benjamin -- Benjamin H. Cohen Associate Producer Free Range Media, LLC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So the email came with attachments and more info, to which I responded by calling him now that I was more sure of who he is. I know so suspicious but you have to be in the internet, you never know. So we exchange emails and then talk. End result is that he is going to send out a small camera crew to cover the event and interview me.
Wait, What?! Rewind. Yes I did say interview me. OMG! How did something that I randomly want to do get to be this big, that people from SoCal are coming up to cover it and talk to me about it? Wow... I thought having it reach out to 3,000 people blew my mind. This just floored me. It all started with posting this up on two sites. 1. http://improveverywhere.ning.com/group/sanfrancisco/forum/topics/freeze-8 2. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=339246568189#!/event.php?eid=232249449636&ref=ts
I really wanted to play in the snow again, you know? Thus I decided to get a group together and to go to Tahoe. I recently became an admin to this group called Bay Area Young Professional Activities Crew (BAYPAC for short) and wanted to create an event. So that is how the Tahoe trip was born for the weekend of March 19th-21st.
I already knew a part of the group will want to play tourist on Sunday and maybe sled; so there are options. Diamond Peak and Homewood are two resorts that are on the cheaper side! I figured Diamond Peak to enjoy the Nevada side & get some gambling in. Its $49 for a lift ticket, I believe there are half days available too. I do have 5 discount tickets to Diamond Peak for $39, first come first serve. Homewood, which is close to the 89 and heading home; if bought online there is $49 special otherwise its usually $59, I might be able to get discount tickets for you here too not sure. Again Tahoe is just lovely and being on slopes again would be sweet!
Naturally the next step was to find a cabin and I did, quite quickly and a pretty cool cabin. After my last trip to Tahoe I learned that I really wanted a jacuzzi after a day on the slopes. So I made sure that I had one this time. The cabin is pretty nice actually. Here is the full info on "The Charming Tahoe Cabin Amenities":
* Located only 2 blocks from Spectacular Lake Tahoe and Casinos * Sleeps 8 Comfortably in 3 bedrooms: 2 Queen Beds, 1 Double Bed, 2 Single Beds and a Full Sleeper * High Speed Internet * Full Bath with Linens * Large Fenced Backyard for Pets * Wood Burning Fireplace * Hot Tub, BBQ and Private Deck * Microwave, Washer and Dryer, DVD, VCR, Stereo * Knotty Pine Walls and lovingly Renovated * Down Comforters on Each Bed to keep Cozy and Warm
The price is really reasonable just $198 a night and can fit 8+ people. To see it: http://www.thetahoegetaways.com/The_Charming_Tahoe_Cabin.html
I am so excited to be going to Tahoe, I already have a couple of friends going and some new ones too! Right now I am debating between snowboarding and skiing. If you want to join BAYPAC and myself, the Facebook RSVP is: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=371630076205&ref=ts
52 weeks can pass us by in a blink of an eye. Then we realize that we didn't do anything we said we would.
Well I refuse to keep doing this. This blog is to see what I can do in 52 weeks. I've a goal of 25 things to focus on this year, one of which is learning to dance tango well.
This blog will cover the processes of accomplishing these goals. As well as cover bits of my life and the crazy things that happen. Not to mention deals, events and anything too good to keep to myself.
The place is a little hard to find but then again I would put it where rent is cheap too. It also is intimidating as there are ropes and nets all over the place. Everywhere you look there is quite literally something from out of the circus.. oh wait that is because it is.
There is a group ahead of us having fun as we are waiting watching. They are flying and having fun being caught and we are just tittering. Everyone is on their phones and updating status and then it is our turn.
Naturally before starting to learn something so out of the ordinary for our bodies, we have to limber up. So the stretching commences and we all laugh as we try to wrap our heads around what we are about to do.
So naturally before we go up we have to practice the moves. Learn the lingo. We have to figure out what some of our problem areas are before. Getting your legs up to the bar is very hard and something I struggled with. The release and letting yourself fall is scary and the arch can be very hard but is critical to the catch.
Granted these are not the only hard and scary parts. I mean reaching out to grab that bar, then releasing the hand to grab it with the other one. Trusting completely in the fact that this little spry girl behind you is holding you.
Everyone agreed that the tiny little ladder that you have to climb up really builds the anticipation. Your climbing and just going higher, while you are someone is jumping and someone one is getting strapped in as your head pokes over.
If you think the climb is scary, try having three people on that tiny landing pad. It sure gets crowded up there, and while we the group are clinging on thinking “That we are crazy” over and over again in our heads. Our spotter is just strapping us away, and moving all around without a second thought.
So after we are ready which means knees bent, and hip which means we have jumped off. You are swinging yourself up and locking your knees over the bar. It is exhillerating to be swinging in the air like that and then the next step comes.
Release. You let go of the bar and arch as far back as you can. Looking back, trying to see the flag posted on the other side of the wall. Then it is back and you are grabbing the bar again and releasing your legs. Then it is just a nice easy drop to the net so someone else can go.
Waiting, watching, chatting … the group bonds and it is a blast. The characters of the group start to emerge and the two plus hours start to fly by.
A quick snap of some new girl friends who are waiting for their turn. As we gossip and yell up encouragement. The tension is running high as we all anticipate our turn.
One person who really stood out to me as being totally fearless was Ms.S even though she was scared she kept climbing back up and jumping off. Now that is inspiration.
With energy and excitement running high amongst the group. Our blood is pumping and the BAYPAC crew quickly snaps a photo before dispersing. I know I left feeling like I accomplished something.
