exercise.

/ christinaparisi / 1 Comment

For those who are following the start of my exercise journey, may I say “thank you!” It is all of you I kept thinking about when I wanted so desperately to watch political videos rather than exercise but the thought of having to admit that to my readers (and of course my coach Tina who sure enough checked up on me this morning!) made me cringe, so I put on my new sports bra and workout pants and hit the pavement.

After my initial workout, in which my beautiful and wonderful friend Tina showed me the ropes and helped devise a workout plan for me (see previous blog, “Exercise?”), I was sore. Man, was I sore. But it felt good in the “no pain, no gain” type way. The goal I set for myself is to exercise three times a week, so seeing I started on Tuesday, I decided to workout again on Friday and Sunday, basically because those days fit my schedule. When Friday came around, I was hyped. I bought some running shoes and a sports bra and got to work. It felt good and I was glad to do it, though it wasn’t easy for me. I think the devil created lunges and crunches.

Then… came Sunday. Yeah, wasn’t really feeling the exercise. I just wanted to watch the Sunday political shows, hang out with my nephew and get some writing done rather than workout. I kept postponing it and postponing it until I realized the sun would go down soon and some of my workout is outside so I had to make a choice. And I chose to exercise and stick with my plan. As mentioned, it was really the thought of having to admit that I couldn’t stick with my plan that motivated me. I always viewed myself as a highly determined and disciplined person with a strong will but it’s easy to think that. Doing it is what counts though.

So, I did it. I made my exercise goal. Three times a week, cardio and muscle workout, which for me averaged about 40 minutes or so, even though I know Tina is going to tell me I should push for an hour. But hey, I’m just glad I didn’t keel over.

Stay tuned for my next blog about exercise, a month from now, it which I have to admit if I stuck with my plan or if I failed…

exercise?

/ christinaparisi / 4 Comments

Okay, judge all you want, but I will admit I’ve never really exercised.

Well, that is until today. Sure, I’ve done situps in my bedroom and have walked to the beach and even took a yoga class, once, but exercise has never been something that’s interested me. At all.

That is, until now. As many may relate, when one gets older, exercise becomes more and more important, if for nothing else than to circulate the blood. But also, as I’ve noticed, one’s metabolism can start to slow down. Now, I’ll disclose that I have been fortunate to have had a hyper metabolism all my life but lately, I feel that it isn’t at its peak anymore and this has really bothered me. To each his own, right? But I’m also motivated by wanting to be healthier and keep my body in prime shape. So…

I turned to one of my closest friends, who not only knows practically everything there is to know about working out, but she’s beautiful, toned, fit and has a body a supermodel might kill for. And she’s been so good to me. I truly wonder what I’ve done to deserve such an amazing friend… In fact, I tried to cancel today and she wouldn’t let me off so easy… Thank God! She’s been so supportive in trying to help me, since I had told her about my concerns about all this, and I feel so lucky to have someone like her in my life… But on to the exercise part right now.

She worked me out today. Power walking, jogging, lunging, stretching, crunches, weights, cardio, you name it. I had to ask her what a crunch was because I had no idea. And she showed me how to apply this all to a daily routine and how to do it right. She taught me about eating well, how best to exercise, what to wear when doing so, and so on. She even explained what cardio meant to me, since honestly, I would fail a test if that was the essay question.

And you know what…

I feel great. It was tough though. By the end, I was practically begging her to stop but tonight, I feel good. And motivated.

Regardless of whether you want to lose weight, be more healthy, tone up or just plain feel better, exercise is really great. There is a reason doctors always recommend it and I’m finally starting to realize that…

My goal is three times a week. But this is quite a new thing for me. So check back next week when I write a blog about my first seven days of exercise…

Do things happen for a reason?

/ christinaparisi / 6 Comments

As those who know me or follow my blog are well aware, I am not religious (I’m agnostic, actually) and I don’t believe in fate. But lately, I’ve been wondering… do some things happen for a reason? Or is it simply a matter of timing?

Ron Paul came into my life this past year when I was searching desperately for someone who I could believe in and could fight for to become my president. Since I’ve found him, I’ve been motivated to volunteer my time and work hard on his campaign. In the process, I’ve truly learned about what an amazing human he is. And during all this, I’ve been dealing with my career as a filmmaker…

I make films that I know not all people want to see. I wish they would but reality dictates otherwise right now. See, I believe in individual responsibility, in as little government as possible as the Constitution states, in philosophy, in making people think, in drawing out what one doesn’t want to think about. I don’t do it because I want to be different or controversial or antagonistic. I do it because it’s what’s real to me, what’s meaningful to me and what I’m drawn to as a filmmaker. It’s my life. And in effect, it’s my life’s work. But it’s not that popular right now. So, what do I do?

I keep at it.

And I think about the time when these values will appeal to the masses, even if they don’t right now.

And that’s where Ron Paul comes in. I truly wonder about the timing that he’s entered my life. It’s practically Kismet, but I never believed in that. He’s been at it for forty plus years and has never wavered from his principles. He’s braved the masses rejecting him, ridiculing him, ignoring him. But now, his time has come. Not only has he predicted this entire mess we find ourselves in as Americans, with blame belonging to BOTH the right and the left, but he’s resonating with America’s youth because they aren’t okay with the status quo.

It’s the likes of him and people like my parents, two individuals who have never asked for anything from anyone but came to America as legal immigrants and used their own efforts to achieve success and instill responsibility into their children, that I am motivated by to continue making the films I believe in and not succumb to anything but.

It’s a tough road to stand by one’s personal beliefs but when I see people like my parents and Ron Paul, I’m reminded that it’s our beliefs and principals that matter. And while the success of those who feel this way may not happen overnight, what’s important is that they remain true to themselves. Success is defined by each individual…

Perhaps the author of Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White, had it right when he said – “Your whole duty as a writer is to please and satisfy yourself, and the true writer always plays to an audience of one. Start sniffing the air or glancing at the trend machine, and you’re as good as dead, though you may make a nice living.”

stereotypes

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One night when I was waiting tables at a restaurant, my boss and I had a conversation about a table who defied the typical stereotypes and we were both pleasantly pleased. Anyone who has waited tables knows about the stereotypes of certain customers… but without going into them, sorry!, let me just say they are there for a reason. It’s always nice, though, when they get proved wrong. And this got me thinking…

It’s a common stereotype that women, especially those in their thirties, are baby crazy and looking to settle down so they can have children. Well…..

I’m one of those who defy this stereotype. I’m thirty-four and I do not want children. When I was in my twenties, I was on the fence about the whole baby thing. Never being one to have that maternal instinct but rather one who craved a filmmaking career, I didn’t give children much thought. But then, when I entered my thirties, I began to think of whether or not it was something I wanted because obviously nature has a clock in regards to this. Around this time, my brother and sister-in-law had a child and because of my flexible schedule, I became a weekly babysitter to my beautiful nephew. At first, I wasn’t thrilled about changing diapers and dealing with baby issues but as soon as he came into this world, I fell in love with him more than I thought I was even capable of. He and I have become incredibly close since and I cherish him but my nephew helped me learn that although I think I am great at being an aunt, I am not made to be a parent. And I truly came to the realization that plain and simple, I don’t want children of my own.

Now, back to the stereotypes. Many say women want babies and are baby crazy and trying to get a guy to start a family but you know what, being on the other end of the stick, as a women who doesn’t want babies, let me tell you. It’s not just women. Men can be just as baby crazy. And being a woman in her thirties who doesn’t want children, I have come to think it can be more difficult than being a woman who does, because most men out there want children.

Anyway, my point of writing this blog is to demonstrate that while stereotypes may exist for a reason, they are not true in all circumstances so take heed the next time you so quickly apply them.

Trust me. There are exceptions.

And thank God for that because for me, who doesn’t like speaking in generalities, one of the coolest things in life is when stereotypes are proved wrong.

mortality

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I am watching “Breaking Bad” and have become hooked. Great show. Unbelievable writing, acting, direction… I don’t watch much television. In fact, I probably turn it on once a week, but that’s taking into account I watch television shows after the fact when they come out on DVD or will try to catch up on hulu.com if it’s something I enjoy while I’m eating or something, like The Office (though without Micheal Scott, they reallllllly need to call it a day.)

Anyway, as I watch “Breaking Bad”, I am reminded of the importance of life and how at any moment it can be taken from us, whether it be from cancer, criminal activity, accident, happenstance or just dumb luck. And the only moment we have is the one we are currently in. That said, this blog is not written with the intent of being morbid, but rather with the intention to wake people from the living dead.

The living dead.

What a waste.

Look around. It’s easy to see many people just going through the motions like a robot, doing what the think they should be but not what they actually want, almost as if they are just trying to make it to the next day, without feeling anything. I don’t know about you, but this saddens me when I see it. And if you haven’t noticed it, perhaps it’s because you are one of the living dead.

Life itself is THE “once in a lifetime opportunity” so how can it be wasted so easily??

I don’t get it. Fortunately, I was raised by parents who encouraged me to go after my dreams and I will be forever grateful but I also had to come to my own conclusions that I didn’t want to just settle for what others thought was best or for what one was “supposed” to do, especially to fit within societal mores.

Now, this is not to imply everyone should feel similar or think just like me. Not at all. What’s important to one person may not be important to the next, and that’s completely okay, provided no one forces ANYTHING upon another person. (Protection from that is actually what government is for, but I digress…) If you’re happy working on a corn field in Iowa, then by all means, go get yourself a job on one and enjoy! If you’re happy having ten children with your high school sweetheart, more power to you!

The point is to find what IS important to you, what motivates you, what you are truly passionate about and love with every inch of you being and GO AFTER THAT.*

Life can be taken at any moment, regardless of how careful one lives, but one can fight with all their might not to be the cause of their own death through the choices they make and also, not to go down without living the life one wants to live.

It’s NEVER too late until you take your last breath.

You have one chance before death comes and that is your life. Are you making the most of it?

I find it’s a good question to ask myself…

* (Again, I must point out this does not include use of force on any other person to achieve anything you want.)

Friendships can be family.

/ christinaparisi / 2 Comments

Okay, I’m single, and have been for quite some time now. By choice mostly… but that’s another story. I know that many will say friendships have to take a backseat when their friend finds their significant other. I get that. I’m not the one my friends are going to commit their life to, be executor of their will, have their children. So, yes, fine. But does that mean friendship is not existent if your friend marries or finds the love of their life?

No, I don’t think so. And when I do find that one, and hopefully I will, my close friends are going to be just as important to me still. They are part of my family and I don’t take that lightly.

Now, I’ve been through having friends determine friendship isn’t that important, especially if I disagree with their choice in their significant other. But I’ve learned that it’s their choice to make, not mine, and whether I agree or disagree, it will likely not matter nor should it I suppose, so even if all I really want is for my friend to be as happy as possible, I can’t be the one to decide who or what will make them happy. They need to decide that for themselves and I need to keep my mouth shut unless otherwise asked. (But chances are, they know how I feel because inside they see it too but will deny it so they will definitely NOT ask me, at least from my experience this seems to be the case…)

Anyway, I bring this up because I’ve been fortunate enough to have some great friends in my life. Those who will tell me when I’ve been an asshole or ridiculous or on the flip side, when I’ve been amazing and inspirational.

This past weekend, I hung out with two of my close friends (on different evenings.) One, who has been a friend of mine since I was eighteen and the other, who has been a friend of mine for eight years or so. And both of whom treat me with the utmost respect and who I really like being around. They’ve taught me what it means to be a good friend and I’ll be honest, I haven’t always been that. I’m not sure I really knew what that was when I was in my early twenties. But I do now and I’ve been fortunate to have these women in my life who not only show me that friendship isn’t something to be scared of or run from or feel the need to be defensive toward. It’s something beautiful, special and meaningful.

Nicole and Tina. I love you. Thank you, both, for not only being my friend but allowing me into your lives when I know they are very full and for making me a part of them, because you truly want to. (And Jamie, I know we didn’t see each other this weekend but I know how much you love me and I love you too!)

Friendships. True friendships.

They can be just as meaningful as family.

kryptonite

/ christinaparisi / 2 Comments

For all those who know about Superman, you’ll clearly know about Kryptonite. But for those who have lived on another planet and don’t know what that means, kryptonite is an ore and according to my Wikipedia, “the one weakness of an otherwise invulnerable hero.”

Okay, I know I’m not invulnerable but I’m going to make a comparison here. Seriously, I have my shit together when it comes to my career, my goals, my family and friends. I have made any and all sacrifices I’ve needed to in order to continue making films and I barely bat an eye because I know that it’s exactly what I want in life. I will stand up to any and all who stand in my way and I never balk at confrontation. Ask anyone who knows me. I’m not trying to pat myself on the back, just setting up my argument. The bottom line is, I know what I want and will not settle for anything less…. when it comes to my career.

And as far as family and friends go. Well, I didn’t use to take this seriously but about five or so years ago, I realized how important family and true friends are and I have consciously made a point to be loyal and care about all those who are true to me. I hope I have shown that to those who are close to me but I suppose, you will have to ask them if that is true. I do believe it is.

My personal life in regards to men, however, well… that’s another story. Because I have spent so much time on trying to get my films made, I’ve been able to ignore the personal aspect of my life for quite some time. Having had two long-term boyfriends, one for three years in high school and another for four years in college, I’m able to say that I get what it means to be in a relationship but it’s not a focus of mine. An aspiration, yes. One that will maybe happen one day but if it doesn’t with someone who rocks my world, well, then, it doesn’t. I don’t want anything less. That said, I realize I have a problem. I tend to go for exactly the wrong type of person and today, when one of my friends told me I was being the cliché, it finally hit me. I am f’ed up in this regard. And I need to change my behavior.

Not easy, people. Not easy at all. And I think there are many of us who can relate to partaking in bad behavior with the opposite sex.

Why on earth would one care about someone who doesn’t care about them? Why would anyone ever give the time of day to someone who ignores their thoughts? Why would anyone consider someone who treats them with little respect? It’s crazy, right? I know. Yet, I partook in that behavior. And I’m totally embarrassed and realize that while I may have my shit together in other regards, I have some things to learn in regards to my personal life. I’m glad I won’t settle but I’m not glad I pursue exactly who I shouldn’t. Why would one who treats you bad be on your list of someone worthy of getting to know???

Kryptonite. Some men are this for me. And I need to find my shield to it. Could it just simply be logic?

Damn…

I think it is.

31 days – the aftermath

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As many of you may know, in December I decided to follow a 31-day calendar that I made for myself. And on each day in that month, I had to do something that would get me out of my box, which is the life I was used to. Overall, it was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding project and not only did I learn a lot about myself, but I took from it things that will stay with me forever. But more on that in a moment…

First, I’d like to write about a theme that kept occurring as I went through this month and that was one of happenstance. Once again going to my trusty Apple dictionary, happenstance means “coincidence.” Now, I am not a believer that the world is predetermined and I tend to side with the rationalists in philosophical thought. Descartes’ “I think, therefore I am” are words I live by. But that said, call it what you will – karma, fate, destiny, happenstance, divine intervention – there’s no denying the world works in mysterious ways. However…

You know how when you’re in a hurry, you manage to catch every red light on the street? And you know how when you have time to kill and don’t want to be early, there isn’t any traffic? Or when you spill something in your car and you need to clean it up but every light you pass is green? Well, I’ve always wondered, is that a coincidence or are you just aware of it more because it matters?

Think about it…

While I was doing this month-long project, I can’t tell you how many times things just happened to fit perfectly together, like Nature was working with me. For example, on the day I had to find a shell on the beach and figure out a way to make it into a necklace, as I was about to turn around, I found one that just happened to have a perfect hole in it. What are the odds?

And another time when the day called for me to write a poem, a friend of mine had just died and I happened to be attending her funeral the next day. So naturally, I wrote a poem for her.

I don’t think these things are weird or predetermined but I do think it’s all about energy and awareness. If we are conscious (aware,) we notice things with our mind rather than just act on emotion. And positive energy flows and it comes back to those who give it out. And the same for those who unleash negative energy. What’s that famous expression?? Oh yeah.. Karma. It’s a bitch.

But I can’t take sole credit for this realization in terms of this project. The other day, I was hanging out with some friends and one of them was listening to me about my 31-day project and he said something about how most people focus on the negative but rarely the positive. He mentioned that positive things happen everyday, such as some of the things I was talking about in regard to this, but he said they mostly go unnoticed. And as I was listening to his point of view, I kept thinking, he’s totally right. Then add that to my own thought of – was I just aware of these moments of karma, happenstance, whatever you want to call them, because I was on high alert with the project I was doing? Perhaps… (Kudos, Roger! Loved our talk.)

Again, awareness and energy. So important.

I try very hard to unleash positivity rather than negativity but it’s hard in today’s world, especially when people often perceive your positivity as some offense to them and yet, those who are negative seem to bond and wallow in their misery together. Well, I can’t do that. Nor do I want to. That said though, I really learned through this project to not only be positive but to FOCUS on the positive things that happen rather than just the negative. Recently, I’ve been turned down to five film festivals already for my latest film. I was starting to get sad but then, instead, I changed my focus and decided to think about the fifty other festivals, including many top-tier ones that can help my career, that have not turned me down and you know what, I honestly do feel better.

I’ve been thinking more and more about this project and how helpful it’s been to me. Not only did it make me go outside my box, it taught me things about myself. Like by eating vegan for a day, I realized I am a carnivore through and through. And by not being able to drive, I was forced to walk and though I’ve always loved walking, I realized it was more refreshing and simple to just walk the mile to the store instead of getting in my car every time I needed something there.

31 days.

Not too long of a time but long enough to learn that I will indeed be thinking outside my box without being forced. I’ve decided this month is all about doing things that are good for me and trying to get rid of my bad habits. Yeah, yeah. Everyone says this but seriously, DOING it, is quite different. And my 31 days project has propelled me to do just that.

PS:

Thanks to all who came along on this ride with me. I appreciated the support and company. And to those who have expressed a desire to do something similar, please let me know how your experience goes…

To be thankful…

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Every thanksgiving, people around the US think about what they are thankful for and more often than not, the major things are only considered. Things such as one’s life, family, loved ones, children, job, and health. And while these things are by far the important ones to be thankful for, I was thinking today about all the little things we have to be thankful for in life also. While they may not take precedence in one’s mind on Thanksgiving, they’re still worthy of being mentioned and considered, so rather than write another blog about the large, ultra important things I am thankful for, I thought I’d dedicate this one to the little things I’m grateful for in my life that often go unnoticed.

And this is my nod to them…

I am so grateful and thankful for the following in my everyday life…

unexpected acts of kindness, no traffic when I’m running late, getting the exact seat I want at a movie theater, chocolate covered strawberries, making a child laugh and/or smile, Hershey kisses, laughter, red wine, Apple computers and Steve Jobs, white out, multiple cup holders, soft tissues, no lines at grocery stores, good timing, pickles, post-its, my Italian teacher, icee drinks, dvr, free samples, waking up and still having three hours of sleep left, hard cover books, bic pens, clear night sky where I can see the stars, window seats on airplanes, elbow room, free shipping, sharp cheddar cheese, cute boys who don’t know they are cute, sunglasses, sharpie markers, good conversation, puppy dogs, originality, gangster films, pretzels, hair straighteners and finally… something that might make into the most important group but perhaps shouldn’t…

Diet Coke.

Happy thanksgiving! I’d love to hear some small things you are thankful for…

31 days

/ christinaparisi / 6 Comments

I was looking though the latest issue of Glamour because it came in the mail free, and by looking though I mean smelling the constant perfume samples and eyeing anything that wasn’t about makeup, clothes and celebrities. And one item I came across was this calendar thing about 31 days of giving in the month of December and it made me remember this idea I had for me and my sister…

Years ago, my sister and I would make a calendar for a specific month and on each day, we listed something for the other person to do/not do etc. It was a great way to think outside the box and also do things one wouldn’t normally do or think to do. I can’t speak for her but I loved it. I think we did it a couple of times over the years.

But now, rather than bother her with this idea again, I decided I was going to make myself a calendar of things to do or not do for the month of December that will take me out of my comfort zone. It can be found below and I invite anyone to come along for the ride with me for all days, some days, just one day or even just hang out as a reader. In the tradition of the popular daily blogs, I will post a blog each day in December about the thing I had to do that day and how it went. Now, read below before you write this off as boring or something you’re not interested in. It’s all about setting challenges and stepping outside of comfort zones for myself and anyone who wants to do this as well, I would love to hear about it!

December 1: Have no soda of any kind. (And that includes Diet Coke, my absolute favorite)

December 2: Meditate for thirty minutes. The WHOLE thirty minutes in consecutive order.

December 3: Call someone today whom I haven’t spoken to in over a year.

December 4: Ask someone who has a different taste in films as I do to recommend their favorite movie and then watch it, in its entirety, no matter what it is.

December 5: Be a vegan for the day. Vegan. Not just vegetarian.

December 6: Do not go on Facebook at all, for the WHOLE DAY.

December 7: Say nothing negative. And every time I accidentally do, put a dollar in the jar*.

December 8: Do not spend any money today, unless an absolute emergency.

December 9: Do not drive or get in any car for any reason, unless it’s an absolute emergency.

December 10: Pick up a dictionary, an actual dictionary, open it at random with eyes closed and point to a word. Memorize that word and what it means. Do this five times.

December 11: Speak only Italian, a language I am not fluent in but am studying to be. Any time I speak English, put a dollar in the jar*.

December 12: Hug at least five people who are not family members, but also who are not total strangers.

December 13: Write a letter to someone I admire and actually mail it – not email, text or call.

December 14: Make a frame with things I have in my house and put a picture of myself as a child in it, to remember the innocence and freedom that is possible.

December 15: Do not use the words “like”, “shit”, “fuck”, “dude” or “totally”. For every time I do, put a dollar in the jar*.

December 16: Take all the money in my jar* and use it to buy toys for tots. Donate them to that cause.

December 17: Write a poem about someone I love and then give it to them.

December 18: Walk along the beach, find a shell and write a word in it that represents what I want for 2012. Figure out a way to make it into a necklace.

December 19: Wear the above mentioned necklace all day. Also, write the five words learned on December 10 and their meanings. For everyone not remembered, put a dollar in the jar*.

December 20: Let my hair dry on its own, without any dryer, straightener or styling product and wear it as is (hair tie allowed to keep it out of my face but that’s it!)

December 21: Sleep naked.

December 22: Drink nothing but water for the day.

December 23: Go for a walk and take a photo of something that is inspiring. Then, write a blog about it in hopes of inspiring others.

December 24: Do not play any “Words With Friends” today – a game I’m obsessed with. (This was suggested by my friend Tina, who is very aware of my obsession…)

December 25: Day off because we all need one.

December 26: Text, email, phone, write, whatever to a boy who intrigues me. (I’m single, so this is acceptable. For those who aren’t, ignore this one.)

December 27: Try some type of food I’ve never tried before. EVER.

December 28: Do not drink ANY alcohol of any kind, no matter what (unless of course, if my life depended on it because then, well, all bets are off.)

December 29: Teach someone something today they, hopefully, don’t know. And then ask them to teach me something. (And even if I already know it, I’ll keep that to myself unless asked.)

December 30: Write a short story.

December 31: Submit the above mentioned short story to something. Use the rest of the money in the jar to donate to Ron Paul’s Presidential Campaign :)

*money in jar goes to Toys for Tots until Dec 16. After that, money goes to Ron Paul’s campaign.

THE END!!!!! Relax and think about this previous month… I have a feeling a cumulative blog will follow…