cheekywan

[cheekywan]

Spinizlyfe

4 months ago my best friend finally convinced me to try a spin class and welp! It was a game changer to say the least.

Last Wednesday I reached the point where my post-spin “high” matched the high I feel when on an Alien - that might sound over the top but nothing else I’ve experienced comes close to comparison. It literally felt like a surge of energy was coming from every edge of my entire body & was burstn out through my heart. Why? Because raging beside my best friends in a spin class is _________. I dont have a word for it. Def a special feeling. I just take pride in knowing we’re all riding our hearts out together because of a shared passion. Raging not to compete with each other or anyone else, but only to empower ourselves and each other - & hopefully those around us. I get laughed at for being an eager beaver and wanting to ride front row center. What people dont understand is riding in front of the inspirators or watching myself rage in the mirror is a whole other level of empowerment alone. Feeding off my fave inspirators’ energies and seeing myself being strong especially through moments of struggle (goddamn jogs)... only makes me wanna ride harder. Dont get me wrong, I absolutely love going to classes with any friend or by myself and riding with a room full of other spinheads. There’s something fucking amazing about seeing the whole room just riding on beat togetherrrr. Like i cant handle it sometimes. Lol.

At first it was “good music, good vibez, dancing on a bike? Fuck yeah!” Now? Spin is more than just a fun way to exercise. It’s become a meditation sesh for me. I ride with my eyes closed often. So far I’ve cried in only one class but by the end of some classes I am on the verge of tears. Mostly because I am im awe of the natural high.. but also I feel as if my state of mind is at its strongest after a class. It only continues to strengthen with each ride. It’s an amazing way to start every day. I feel SO accomplished for the day and feel like I take on whatever comes my way with a level head. I love that every ride is different, even if it happens to be the same playlist as the day before. Some days are thick grinds and other days free spinning feels like death and I’m struggling more than ever. However.. for the most part, I feel myself feeling strong. So fucking strong. Not just physically, but my entire being. It is fucking empowering to be able to push my mind and body past the “I can’t” and THRIVE. I surprise myself everytime I survive fast tracks. “I am strong, I am capable, & I am grateful” have become my spin affirmations.

Spin obvi gets me right in the feels. I’ve met some genuinely good-hearted people. I’ve rediscovered the best version of myself. Yes, in reality I still have so much growing to do but I am very thankful the magic that happens in a class is beginning to translate to every aspect of my life. It’s N U T T Y.

Oh. Did I mention the heart-throbbing feels from hype playlists? Knowing you vibe to particular sounds with other people.... A bonus!

A massive thank you to our fave inspirators for having such invigorating energies that are insanely contagious and inspiring.

A thank you to Sarah and Joy for sharing the same love I have for spin and always wantn to rage with me! & Most importantly: Thank you, Sare, for introducing me to spin! Especially at a time you knew I needed it the most. There are no words to describe how fucking incredibly grateful I am to have such a solid friendship with you. So happy you’re back. I cant say that enough.

PS. Lemme know if you wanna join me in any of my regular ride times 💗✨

[cheekywan]

Our instrument spread so far L-R: (swipe for a close up vid) Laura’s Crafter acoustic & Godinn electric - Meinl cajon drum, handmade clay djembe drum, a shaker, wood block & YES even a didgeridoo in the back - and then my Ibanez bass, Taylor GS mini, Takamine electro-acoustic (from Guse), Ibanez acoustic, & Robson electric (just missing my electronic drum set) 😍😍😍🤙🏽 Love them all .. itchn to collect more 😳 (at Moray Village)

[cheekywan]

Wishn my bb the happiest of birthdays!! She’s my best friend. Her eyes are my absolute fave and she makes me laugh the hardest... EVERYDAY. I’m so grateful. Happy birthday @collider426 Love coming home to you in our little place & Love you! xoxo

[cheekywan]

So just call me you know I will be waitn for you as you walk toward that redemption sound You know I’ll be the stillness when you’re shaking and when you fall overboard I’ll you follow you down @Lights. 10th year of fangirling. Love her. In love with her. Want to be her. 🙃 March 31st @ the Burt. If you havent seen her live, YOU GOTTA.

[cheekywan]

This year I get to ride with Ryder’s Riders!!!! Stoked i get to be a part of this awesome event again. We’re raising money in support of people (& their fams) in the cerebral palsy community! Donations go toward providing services in the form of grants for specialized mobility, communication equipment, computer technology, software programs, scholarships, support and advocacy in the areas such as education, housing, accessibility and human rights. Please consider contributing to this incredibly beneficial fundraiser!! Any amount goes a long way!!! Here’s a link to donate! (Instagram profile page will have link) https://www.supportcerebralpalsy.ca/participant/17/401/2595/

[cheekywan]

Clip from our jam sesh tonight. Em’s vox, Laura’s playn our cajon drum, & me on guitar! Love our “band practices” - We always have a lot of fun playn together and get so pumpd when we can play a whole song through.. Feels rly good! 😍

[cheekywan]

Earlier today

[cheekywan]

(2/2) more fave skygazes

[cheekywan]

Jus under 2 weeks left of 2017!!! Here’s a few of my fave skygazes from each month! (1/2)

[cheekywan]

Last night was 👽🤯💃🏻 These folks are always a damn good time 💜 (You too, Mason! / we missd you Chris!) Was SUCH a goodie. Love you guys! .. also.. DJ tegan 🙌🏼 lol

[cheekywan]

Gettn used to having the best friend home... Come on Universe, make it happen! Last week was an insane rollercoaster. Having you here helped immensely. ⚓️⚓️ Love ya Bash B @sarahwakeen “Is that a hill?!” ..... no.

[cheekywan]

The amount of broken hearts is evidence of how many people were touched by your vibrant being. It’s no coincidence we all say the same thing about you. Your personality, laugh, & smile truly brightened every room. It was an insanely gloomy day yesterday with the word spreadn you were gone; the sun broke through & I felt like it was you lettn everyone know you’re up there, still shining, & watchn over us. I remember meetn you on MSN in grade 5 (haha) and you insisted on coming to hang at OCW with me for the first time. I made you scream my name out your car window to let me know you were there- I remember I was at the monkey bars waitn and can still clearly see your little head and massive smile sticking out the window that day. You sang filipino karaoke with Tanya in my basement too! You always pumpd me up with 17/secretizing love. You understood what it meant to me. For that, I am grateful. Your kindness and generosity went unnoticed- Laura & I loved running into you!! We LOVE you, Abbey! May you rest in peace. Forever in our hearts. xoxo Sendn so much love to everyone affected, thoughts & prayers for the Amisola + extended fam. Massive shock to the system, even mine. To Chels, & AMVC: Her fire continues to burn through you. Friends are the family we get to choose & she found the most solid group of friends. I admire the strength of your relationships with each other, & as a whole. You all have a piece of her within you & its a blessn we will always be reminded of who she was through each and every one of you. I know she’ll be lookn out for everyone. I cant imagine what any of you must be going through but know that there is a whole generation of us behind you. Love you guys!

[cheekywan]

Bob Ross'd my picture from our balcony 🙏🏼 (at Moray Village)

[cheekywan]

HAPPY MASSAGE THERAPY AWARENESS WEEK! Massage Therapy can be used to increase circulation to areas, restore/increase range of motion, reduce muscle soreness/tension/tightness, reduce adhesions in muscle/fascia and of course stimulate relaxation! .... As a RMT, I may not be able to pinpoint the exact "cause" of your issues & it is WAY out of our scope to diagnose conditions- However. I AM able to assess soft tissue / movement and recognize muscle imbalances in a way that allows me to UNDERSTAND a client's situation. I LOVE hearing "You hit all of the spots" or "I didn't even know that was there" & of course the typical "I feel so much better" .. but the BEST reward (in my opinion) is seeing the client's reaction to painful movement no longer being painful post-treatment .. or their reaction to being able to move a body part in a larger range of motion than they were able to before treatment. Even if it improved by a just few degrees. Seeing all of the SMILES / hearing sighs of relief post treatment EXHILARATES ME & motivates me to give everyone 100% everytime. "Do what you love & love what you do." - An intention I am so PROUD to FULFILL everyday. My awareness is unwaivering and 100% present when I work. I LOVE visualizing the muscles underneath the skin and seeing myself manipulate the tissue. I LOVE feeling a tight muscle release/melt. The human body is truly amazing. I feel really lucky just having the POTENTIAL to positively effect clients with massage therapy. & Yes, the physical demand on MY body is intense and sometimes I feel so drained and am always in need of a massage myself.... but at the end of the day, I love my job. I would take physical stress over mental/emotional stress anyday. SO. To celebrate, our clinic is offering $10 off EVERY TREATMENT until November 19th. If you still have a bunch of health insurance left untouched... BOOK NOW @ www.kneadtounwind.com! It's really easy to book online; you can see the exact times available for each therapist! We're located at 2091 Portage Ave! My hours are typically 2-930 on mon/tues/thurs/fri & 11-5 on sats. Hope to see you soon! & a MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who has already dropped by! Xoxo 🙏💜

[cheekywan]

Loving my ipad prooooooo... taking my noobie bob rossing to the next level. So much fun. Thanks to youtube vids for startn me up lol

[cheekywan]

WAAAAAAY BACK WEDNESDAY!! Sare's in town and we took a stroll through our elementary school. We got to catch up with these 2!!!!! If you were to ask me if there was ONE teacher I clicked with the most? It's 100% MR. BELL (left). He had my back since the 5th grade; ALWAYS made me feel good about myself AND STILL DID TODAY! I used to visit him on his birthday. 🙊 I was ecstaaaatic that he was still there!!!!!! Of course was also very happy to see Mr. Fast- he was always really chill too! I frequently have dreams of walkn through those halls. Felt soso good to be there, having memories flood back.. & with one of my best friends too!!!! ⚓️⚓️ TIME FLIES. Left there feeln pretty damn good. & So happy we did this Sare!! 😭🙏🏼 (at Meadows west school)

[cheekywan]

YES I DID. Elated to have BOTH copies of @lights #skinandearth - 5 days til the record release!!!!! Fuck yes, Lights. JUNO WORTHY. Much admiration. (Also, little twist in the 3rd issue- 😍😏HEYOOOOO.)