I couldn't stop laughing when I watched this!
7.20.2010
The Rucker.
Last week I went up to Harlem to Rucker Park, one of the most famous court in America. Many greats have played at the Rucker and I had never been there so it was a first for me. For those of you who know me, anything I want to - I go out in do it. If you want to join me thats fine, but regardless I'm going to do it - that's just how I am.
Now I know Rucker Park isn't in one of the "nicer" areas of the city, but I really wanted to go! I mean c'mon, TO and Chad OchoCinco were playing in the celeb game - I'm in NY so why not right? So I went. Alone. Didn't think twice about it. Once I got there I called my dad, thinking he'd be super excited that I was at Rucker - but I received the total opposite response. The convo went something like this:
Now I know Rucker Park isn't in one of the "nicer" areas of the city, but I really wanted to go! I mean c'mon, TO and Chad OchoCinco were playing in the celeb game - I'm in NY so why not right? So I went. Alone. Didn't think twice about it. Once I got there I called my dad, thinking he'd be super excited that I was at Rucker - but I received the total opposite response. The convo went something like this:
Me: Hey Dad! Guess where I am?
Dad: Where?
Me: Rucker Park!!
Dad: Rucker Park?!? What are you doing there?
Me: TO and Chad Ochocinco are playing in a celeb game tonight
Dad: Well who are you with?
Me: No one. I came by myself.
Dad: Paris, who are you with?
Me: Dad I really came by myself
Dad: You need to leave before it gets dark out.
Me: The game doesn't start until 8, I'll leave before its over.
Well the game didn't start on time, it actually didn't start until 9...I got a phone call around 9:30.
Dad: Where are you?
Me: I'm still here, its only the beginning of the 2nd quarter.
Dad: Who are you with?
Me: Dad I'm by myself! Why don't you believe me?
Dad: You can't just go everywhere on your own, its not safe for a young lady to be out at night by herself.
Me: Dad, I wanted to come so I did. Just because I didn't have someone to go with doesn't mean I'm not going to go. I would miss out on so much. Being by myself won't stop me. I'll be fine. I'll leave before its over.
Dad: Okay, Paris.And you know what, I was fine! Held my own, had a great view, right on the baseline - and really enjoyed myself. I'm an only child - what did he expect!? If I had to wait until I had someone else to be with me, I'd be missing out on quite a lot. But you know what, in retrospect, if I was him and my daughter called me to tell me she went up to Rucker Park at night by herself - I'd probably lose it! Okay, so maybe it wasn't the smartest or safest decision - but hey, live life right? Right.
Live Life.
This thing called a Sports Club.
So a couple of weeks ago I visited a few gyms in NYC in hopes of joining one for my last month in the city. With tryouts coming up and preseason - I wanted to make sure I was prepared. I visited. Found a gym I absolutely loved. Went back the next day to get a month membership. (Mind you I am a college student, so my funds aren't quite endless). And the guy was really nice, but when he told me $189 for the next month - I literally almost peed my pants. $189 for 1 month - 4 weeks - 30 days, you've got to be joking. I politely told him, "I'll think about it" (knowing that there was no way in the world I was going to be returning).
I went online and looked at other athletic clubs, and to my surprise - they were all so expensive! I mean c'mon - to exercise, really? Isn't that what we should ALL be doing!? Now I see why NYC is one of the most obese cities...its cost too much for the average person to work out.
So here's my conclusion. NY athletic clubs are exclusive. Its almost like a badge of honor, if you can afford to go to one. They aren't made for the average person to be able to use and feel comfortable doing so. Its a social scene almost, its a bit ridiculous if you ask me - and I pray to God I never become one of those people who succumb to that elitist lifestyle.
Now I don't want to generalize, because the thing is - not all sports clubs are. I was lucky enough to find a club that allowed me to buy a 30 day trial membership for $30. That's a dollar a day - my kind of price ;-) So I got the membership, and to my surprise they also offer a $20 per month membership to college students! This is what I feel like it should be - a place where everyone is encouraged to come, not just the privileged.
My recommendation to those in the city for a short time or my fellow collegians - NYSC. They are all over the city so it won't be hard to find one near you!
I went online and looked at other athletic clubs, and to my surprise - they were all so expensive! I mean c'mon - to exercise, really? Isn't that what we should ALL be doing!? Now I see why NYC is one of the most obese cities...its cost too much for the average person to work out.
So here's my conclusion. NY athletic clubs are exclusive. Its almost like a badge of honor, if you can afford to go to one. They aren't made for the average person to be able to use and feel comfortable doing so. Its a social scene almost, its a bit ridiculous if you ask me - and I pray to God I never become one of those people who succumb to that elitist lifestyle.
Now I don't want to generalize, because the thing is - not all sports clubs are. I was lucky enough to find a club that allowed me to buy a 30 day trial membership for $30. That's a dollar a day - my kind of price ;-) So I got the membership, and to my surprise they also offer a $20 per month membership to college students! This is what I feel like it should be - a place where everyone is encouraged to come, not just the privileged.
My recommendation to those in the city for a short time or my fellow collegians - NYSC. They are all over the city so it won't be hard to find one near you!
live.
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."
7.14.2010
7.13.2010
7.10.2010
Walk for Lupus.
Tomorrow I will be participating in the Walk for Lupus to support my Mom and many like her in the fight against Lupus.
In June of 2008 my Mother was diagnosed with Lupus and since then I really became aware of what Lupus is, the effects, its prevalence, and the treatment (or lack thereof). For our family, it has caused some lifestyle changes, but most importantly it has really forced me to be grateful and thankful for what I have and to not take anything (big or small) for granted. Things like enjoying a nice sunny day, because sun exposure causes "flare ups" for many Lupus patients like my Mom. Or on the opposite spectrum enjoying time outside, like playing lacrosse in February or March - because the cold can cause numbness and pain. Things you never really think about, but can have a huge impact on your life are the things we should be thankful for. I learned that Lupus is a disease of which the cause is still unknown, over 1.5 million people (men, women, teens, and children) have Lupus and more than 16,000 new cases are reported each year, and that women, particularly women of color, are more likely to develop the disease. However, the most striking discovery I came upon was that there is no cure for Lupus. But even more importantly, it has been over 50 years since a new drug has been introduced to control the symptoms of Lupus primarily because it became a "forgotten" disease, taking a back seat to diseases such as AIDS/HIV and Cancer with regards to funding for research and development. Today my mother is prescribed the same medications that Lupus patients were prescribed in the 1960's and with our efforts as a team this year we hope that we can take strides towards beginning to change that, not only for her but the many people across America that are affected with this disease.
In June of 2008 my Mother was diagnosed with Lupus and since then I really became aware of what Lupus is, the effects, its prevalence, and the treatment (or lack thereof). For our family, it has caused some lifestyle changes, but most importantly it has really forced me to be grateful and thankful for what I have and to not take anything (big or small) for granted. Things like enjoying a nice sunny day, because sun exposure causes "flare ups" for many Lupus patients like my Mom. Or on the opposite spectrum enjoying time outside, like playing lacrosse in February or March - because the cold can cause numbness and pain. Things you never really think about, but can have a huge impact on your life are the things we should be thankful for. I learned that Lupus is a disease of which the cause is still unknown, over 1.5 million people (men, women, teens, and children) have Lupus and more than 16,000 new cases are reported each year, and that women, particularly women of color, are more likely to develop the disease. However, the most striking discovery I came upon was that there is no cure for Lupus. But even more importantly, it has been over 50 years since a new drug has been introduced to control the symptoms of Lupus primarily because it became a "forgotten" disease, taking a back seat to diseases such as AIDS/HIV and Cancer with regards to funding for research and development. Today my mother is prescribed the same medications that Lupus patients were prescribed in the 1960's and with our efforts as a team this year we hope that we can take strides towards beginning to change that, not only for her but the many people across America that are affected with this disease.
If you'd like to participate in the walk here is the info:
Walk for Lupus Now
July 11, 2010
Hare Pavilion
Wilmington, Riverfront - Delaware
Check in at 7:30 am, Walk begins at 8:30 am
You can also participate by walking as a "virtual team member," register for TEAM ROBYN:
You can also participate by making a donation on the behalf of my mom:
This past season, my lacrosse team dedicated our service efforts to the Lupus Foundation, here is a link to the article:
Tomorrow I am walking for my mom. Walking to support her. Walking because its what she's always done for me.
7.08.2010
Bienvenido a Miami!
After weeks, days, hours, minutes - and a highly anticipated countdown. Twitter went wild when the King made his decision! Miami is where he will reign! This team is going to be unbelievable - 1/3 of the Team USA! If anyone knows anyone who would love to take ME to a Miami game -- don't be shy!! Let me know!!
"Party in the city where the heat is on
"Party in the city where the heat is on
All night on the beach till the break of dawn
Welcome to Miami"
Congrats Lebron on a great career with the Cavs and good luck with Miami!!
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