The Skinny: Week 3

Oy, Friends!

Okay, I need a new way of saying "hello." Taking suggestions, please.

This week March Break ended sadly...So now I'm back to my no-to-very-low-excess-sugar-intake diet. I'd like to cut myself off from juice soon but since I had a "bad" week last week (despite doing a form of exercise almost every day!) I'm just going to focus on getting back in the swing of things and getting my water intake higher.

Let's start this post off fun, shall we? Last weekend, my cousin Callie (aka. Cece or the other million nicknames I've created for her) came over and put up with my great obsession over a group that hasn't reunited since 2012...but that's not the point. We had a lot of fun and seeing as I've been feeling pretty British lately, I've been craving fish n' chips for a week. My mom, Cece and I went driving around Toronto trying to find the best place. We went with BlogTO's choice of "Olde Yorke" and it was VERY GOOD!! Highly recommend it. But guess what the first thing we saw when we drove by it? Not "Olde Yorke" but "Posh Fish & Chips."

WHAT A COINCIDENCE!!

Callie and I tried to take a nice photo together in the restaurant. I am not showing you the photo because, unlike what usually happens when I wait a week, the photo did not get better... so here is a selfie we took in the car later which is much better.

Callie also showed me these hilarious videos of miss Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell

I don't know which line was better: 

• "I'm Emma Bunton, Zigazig-ah.", (from the original video. The video above is different than originally posted)  
• "Never stopped Victoria...", 
• "I'm not really a baby...I'm a toddler now.", 
• "Back in your box, Geri!", 
• "Yes!! IN YOUR FACE! GIRL POWER!", 
• "So in summary: slam it to the left...if you're having a good time. Shake it to the right... if you know that you feel fine.... Chicas to the front...Go round." 

Just...Just so good.

Oh bless her! Fun fact: for mother's day, Geri's gorgeous daughter, Bluebell, drew her a picture and included her cleavage as you do...It was so cute and so funny! Check the photo on her Instagram to see what I'm talking about. Love those Halliwell's!

 Now, back to fitness...

I'm proud to say that on March 22nd I realized that the Full Planks are getting easier and easier. I start getting tired or irritable around 50 seconds now and then end up holding it until about a minute and 6 seconds. The Dolphin Planks are still the death of me honestly... Around 40 seconds I start feeling it in my core and the pain wraps around my ribs. I have to start singing along to the song I'm listening to so I can distract myself and hold up to the 60 second mark.

This is also the 3rd week of working out and the 4th week of watching what I eat. This is the week that will prove to me if this time is the time I follow through. I always go on a health kick for 2 weeks and then give up. But...The motivation is still strong and seeing Mel C on my instagram feed every day be it from a Spice Girls fan account or a post from herself personally, is helping to remind me why I'm doing this and that honestly, I should do it. I start Randolph again this week so that should be nice motivation again to keep going. I'm determined and ambitious and I can do it... It just really sucks.

On Monday, March 23rd I was really tired. School sucks...It was the first day back. So as the day progressed, I wasn't sure if I was going to workout. At work I had to say NO TO CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY AND COFFEE TRUFFLES!!

*Claps rapidly* GOOD CHOICE GOOD CHOICE! *Continues clapping to cover the noise of my tears*

I was on the TTC and as each stop came and gone, it was like a little piece of my motivation got off too. I decided to walk home from the Subway station (*Claps* GOOD CHOICE GOOD CHOICE! *Claps*) and then I spent the next hour at home trying to get motivated. Mel C was trying her best, and it was finally a music video and a text from Jessica that got me inspired. It wasn't going to last long so I got down to it. And, to my surprise, TODAY WAS MY BEST PLANKING DAY YET!

Yes, I almost cried when I did the dolphin planks and I sounded like I was giving birth, especially with the breathing and my mom had to tell me not to cry because that was weird... but I breathed through it before starting day 3 of Pilates! There is one part of my back that is sore right now and I don't know what it's from but it's definitely a workout pain..I wanted to use my trampoline today but I was exhausted and wasn't going to push it. I also discovered that I don't like any of the juice that's in my house so I guess my "no Juice" cleanse is happening sooner than later.

This week is proving to be hard and it's only Monday...AM I SKINNY YET!? GEES!

But, today I also had the realization that my legs are significantly smaller. My thighs aren't sticking out as much, jeans are fitting me, it's harder for my elbows to touch my waist (don't ask...), and my arms are a lot smaller! Thank god! So happy I'm seeing results and that I worked out today despite my head cold, exhaustedness, and lack of motivation.

March 24th was really hard to get through: my head cold got worse and my stomach started getting funny. I came home during my spare, slept, then went back to school. During my last class, I felt worse and worse and walked home (40 minutes) so I could skip Pilates today. When I got home, I took nap #2 and then broke my plank record again. I'm getting to the point where I can start setting a new goal: full plank-1:30 dolphin plank 1:15. I was so sick today, glad I pushed through and did the planks. #NoRegrets #SportyToldMeTo #MelCIsProud

March 25 I did pilates for the 4th time this week (*slowly claps*) and I really felt my planks today so that was painful. But I did it. I feel like I have to say that a lot...I understand why week 3 is the "giving-up" week for me because honestly, I'm upset I'm not seeing more results than I am and I'm just exhausted and I want to progress quicker but it ain't happenin'!

This week I wanted to work on two things: eating less sugar and not feeling guilty when I do have a sugar. So I went 2 whole days without any excess sugar (including juice) and then today I had the worlds biggest craving for Nedege croissants....so my dad brought them home. I was very happy eating it...and the macarons...but then regretted it instantly after the last bite. So I need to work on that. It's over, it was in moderation. It won't kill me, I probably wont gain weight from it...It's all good. Right? Right...stop being so dramatic.

March 25th was also a very exciting day because history repeated itself. Just as Geri left the Spice Girls in 1998, Zayn has left One Direction in 2015. Both bands are British and are/have continued as a group of 4 instead of 5... Interesting huh? I ALSO CAME ACROSS THIS ON THE INTERNET TODAY (Pictured left). UH YES THAT'S RIGHT MY FRIENDS! Next year the Spice Girls will celebrate their 20th anniversary and, as miss Emma and Mel B have said, they have always talked about a reunion BUT now they're just waiting for the right time. NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT, LADIES! Or well...2016 would be better...I need to save up for this. I will be paying A LOT of money to see them and hopefully meet them. But I won't get excited until it's official...And trust me, I will write post longer than this when that happens.

Oh yes, and I won my next hair cut for free today too! YAY CURL AMBASSADORS! I love them so I'm very excited.












So today is March 27th and I have 0 motivation. I am exhausted beyond belief...and if I didn't use up my 1 day that I don't plank a week on SATURDAY, I wouldn't be planking today either. I am using up my "no exercise day" today. I had plans to walk to co-op AND THEN THE WEATHER WAS LIKE "HAHA IT'S COLD TODAY GIRL!" so I didn't walk...and I came home from grocery shopping and slept and didn't wake up feeling better so I'm skipping it. Skipping Pilates day 5...but planking because I have to. As well, I've been having cravings all week but today I can't help myself...luckily there is no junk food (that I'm craving anyway) in my house for me to eat but I would literally eat everything today. My cravings include: fish & chips (AGAIN), biscotti, hummus (which I had today and now I'm satisfied), cake, chocolate, cookies... I'm going to be so fun when I'm pregnant one day...

In a fantastic change of events, I did workout. I pushed through and I'm so so happy I did.

Me: Mom, I have this weird feeling...I'm really tired and I like... Half don't want to work out but half of me wants to...
Mom: Yes that's normal, typically that's how I feel. I never want to work out. (so true mom...that started putting me in perspective)
Me: Right...But I just...I don't know what I should do. Should I work out?
Mom: I don't know...What would Sporty Spice do?
Me: UH WORKOUT! GOSH DARN IT! NOW I HAVE TO WORKOUT!

"You may not like it now, but you will thank me one day!" - Barb at rehearsal

So true. I did not like it, but no one ever did a workout and regretted it. Now my mom is willing to buy me a custom bracelet that says "WWSSD: What Would Sporty Spice Do?"

Planks Log (all teasers are half):
March 21: No plank day
March 22:
Full plank- 1:08
Half teaser 1:20
Dolphin Plank 1:02
8 pushups
March 23:
Full plank- 1:10
Teaser 1:20
Dolphin Plank 1:05
10 push-ups (the usual one I do)
March 24:
Full plank- 1:15
Teaser- 1:20
Dolphin Plank 1:08
March 25: 
Full Plank -1:15
Teaser- 1:21
Dolphin Plank- 1:08
March 26:
Full plank - 1:16
Teaser- 1:23
Dolphin Plank- 1:08
March 27:
Full Plank - 1:16
Teaser- 1:24
Dolphin Plank - 1:09

Exercise log:
Sat: Pilates
Sunday: Pilates and Planks
Monday: Pilates and Planks
Tuesday: 40 min walk and Planks
Wednesday: Pilates and planks
Thursday: Trampoline and Planks
Friday: Planks and Pilates and at least 1L of water :)

So glad I pushed through this week people. I understand why I hate week 3 now. Results are slowing, your motivation decreases, you get sick....But you push through and you never regret it in the end. I do, however, regret giving up at week 3 all those times I tried to lose weight before. I proved it to myself, I can do this, I will do this, and I will succeed!

Just think: What would sporty spice do?

Wish it. Dream it. Do it. 

The Skinny: Week 2

Hola Friends!

It was March break this week. I "splurged" a little bit this week for good reason. It's my break, I went out with friends, I celebrated one of my best friend's 18th birthday.

"Sugar" Log:
Saturday March 14 - Small bowl of Dorritos (10 chips?) mixed with Smart Food
Sunday March 15 (first day off for March Break) - Half a milk shake at Johnny Rockets, a piece of a chocolate bar, some pop
Monday March 16- Some chocolate and Sweetish Berries with my mom and a hot fudge Sundae with caramel form McDonalds that I didn't eat all of.
Tuesday March 17 - Small Double Chocolate Biscott
Wednesday March 18- Some chocolate and half a small lollipop
Thursday March 19 - Half of a small cup of ice cream with Lindsey
Friday March 20 - Half a cookie that was very nostalgic of the delicious one I bought in Brooklyn. 

On Sunday March 15, I was having a bad fitness routine day. I still did it... at 8:30pm but I did it! The log is posted below if you care, but let me sum it up:

I started with the Dolphin Plank and managed to last 52 seconds before I began the regular planks. When I got to the regular planks, I was getting tired and couldn't hold it for a minute. I tried 3 times.


Planks/Teasers/Push-ups Log for the past 7 days:
March 14: 
Full plank(proper) 1 minute 6 seconds

Dolphin plank (1st try) 23 seconds

Teaser 1 minute 15 seconds 

Dolphin plank (2nd try) 51 seconds

8 push ups (knees, not fully down)

March 15: 

Dolphin plank: 52 seconds 

Full plank 36, 40 seconds, 1 minute 3 seconds 

Teaser: 1 minute 17 seconds 

8 push-ups (knees, not fully down at all)

March 16:

Kink in my neck, day off

March 17 (after Pilates) 

Full plank 50 seconds 

Half teaser 1 min 20 seconds 

Dolphin plank 30 seconds

March 18

Full plank (half proper) 1 minute 5 seconds 

Half teaser 1 minute 20 seconds 

Dolphin plank 30 seconds 

March 19

Full plank 1 minute 4 seconds 

Half teaser 1 minute 14 seconds

Dolphin Plank 1 minute 

Push-ups (knees not fully down) 6
March 20
Full Plank 1 minute 9 seconds
Half Teaser 1 minute 20 seconds
Dolphin Plank 1 minute 2 seconds

Next thing to work on with planks besides just being able to hold it up for a minute: my hands are not directly under my shoulders, I will work on getting more of a proper form. But it's how I've been doing planks this whole time so it's still an improvement.

Monday I took a day off because I had the worst sleep of my life thanks to my dog, Quincy, and it was so hot. As well, this week I've been so exhausted and I don't know why...maybe it's the week off of school? I get a stress free week? I've been asleep no later than 1am all week, typically around 12am (which is early for me the night owl) and I've taken a nap every. Single. Day. 

You'll be happy to hear that I have another log to share with you. 

The exercise log!

March 14 - Planks (babysitting for 12 hours no time to workout)

March 15- Planks, Casual walking while out with Vovo and Mom. I went Fabric shopping where we compared 5 different periwinkle, light blue, and periwinkle-esque materials for an hour and then discussed/"argued" about zipper size and colour as well as button size. 

March 16- Walked for a total of about 1 hour and 45 minutes, no plank. THE WARMEST DAY WE'VE HAD SINCE DECEMBER!

March 17- 30 minute walk with Jessica, planks, AND PILATES! (Which was horrible, as bad as I remembered, and I may have cried slightly...Yes I over reacted and it wasn't HORRIBLE but it was not fun)

March 18 - Planks

March 20 - 1 hour walk with Lindsey (I was going to do Pilates but even after a nap I was exhausted)

Health/Fitness Accomplishments of the week: 

1. I have been able to hold a plank for basically a minute every time

2. I held a dolphin plank for 1 minute! 

3. I did Pilates this week

4. I walked a lot this week!

5. There's been many times where I had to practice my will power to eat only a little bit of a sugar when I decided to let myself have one. 

6. I have made lots of good choices instead of eating a sugar. 

7. Every time I make a "good choice" I clap my hands and say "GOOD CHOICE GOOD CHOICE!" to make myself feel better for not eating that cookie or deciding to walk instead of taking the TTC or something like that.

So I didn't achieve most of my goals I set last week but I got very close or did fully achieve them! I was able to hold a plank for 60 seconds or more almost every time, I was able to hold a dolphin plank for 60 seconds finally, I did work on my posture all week, I did Pilates once this week (huge improvement from 0 for the past two years or so), and I have tried to drink 1L of water every day. 

Goals for the Week Ahead:

1. Continue to find some way of exercising every day

2. Hold a plank for 60 seconds or more almost every time

3. Hold a dolphin plank for 60 seconds again

4. Do Pilates at least 3 times this week

5. Try to drink at least 1L of water a day

6. Cut back on sugar again

7. Become even more aware of my posture

This week I have been dealing with this feeling guilty for just about everything. I felt guilty eating the sugar (I didn't even eat that much each day! My mom is monitoring what I eat and she thought it would be fine so...). I felt guilty today for not doing Pilates... but I did go for a walk and I am really really tired today...

Maybe next week I should use that guilt as motivation and work on feeling good about what I have done and not feeling guilty for what I haven't done.

When I achieve my fitness goal, I shall write a fan letter to Melanie C (Sporty Spice if you don't already know... <-- link to my Spice Girls post) thanking her for helping me stay motivated and reminding me to be active. Literally any time I see Sporty Spice I have this urge to workout because her body is incredible. 

"Oy, Erica! Come on and do it!" -Imaginary Melanie C to me every time I see a picture of her

Guess who else is a huge Spice Girls fan? Emma Stone!

 Oh...My...Gosh.... She reacts the EXACT same way I would. And when he makes you think someone's there... Poor Emma! I would have cried.



 I would cry too, Emma, if Mel B said my name and spoke to me via live in person or a video. Maybe one day...

 

 Sing it Emma, sing it! Wow wow wow! Mel C spoke to her! Lucky fan you are, Emma Stone. A girl can dream...

As well, this week I went and got my hair cut at The Curl Ambassadors on Harbord and it was INCREDIBLE! Guess who found her new hair dresser for life! I have never been so happy with a hair cut, they are very informative and knowledgeable, their hair cutting technique is very unique and perfect. I learned a lot from them. Here's the result of my hair cut!

 

When I was my hair next, I'll be parting it more to the side and implementing the techniques I've learned. Thank you Curl Ambassadors! 

Also, guess who's going to be a Humber student next year getting her Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting!! THIS GIRL! No one will be stealing this financially smart, famous, girl's money one day.

All credit for photos and videos are given where they should.
Until next time!

Wish it. Dream it. Do it.

The Skinny

"It's the shape you're in, not the shape you are" - Sporty Spice/ Melanie C

(extreme writing post... What can I say? When I start to post again, I have lots to say.)

Well, you know what they say right? 7th time's the charm right?

Hi Friends, 

Just wanted to warn you about my obnoxious post about trying to lose weight. I will try my best to update you (or really me, this isn't really a post that would interest others honestly) on my fitness and health goals and accomplishments weekly.

How many times have I said I was going to do it, tried for 2 weeks and then given up? Many...Many...Many times throughout the past 5 years. Guess what? I have motivation right now to do this, not just from me but the fact that I'm doing this for someone else now. I need to be the best me I can be before my musical. That's a pretty tight schedule and you know what? I won't be ready by May 8. But do you know what else I know? The difference between now and then will be significant if I keep going.

I am now on my 3rd week of my extremely-low-to-no-excess sugar "diet." (Written March 13, 2015). My turn around day was February 24, 2015. I have been wearing yoga pants for three months...My new dress that was getting fixed at my grandma's house for two weeks, wouldn't zip up. I watched the videos from the musical rehearsals so we could practice the dances in horror. This has got to stop, so....I stopped.

Since my decision, I have only had a bite of sugar my mom is eating (like a cookie or something), or a sip of her milkshake...and I'll admit to tasting the frosting every time I go to cake decorating class. My will power is strong, but when you're tired and hungry in a cake decorating class...what is a girl to do? I have actually eaten a "whole sugar" only a couple times. My cousin's birthday was last weekend (you've seen her cake I made in my post with the Spice Girls) and the day I was decorating, I had half a cupcake and the next day at the party, I had a full cupcake...And I remember regretting it. I also have had fast food twice. This is a huge improvement to my eating habits before...like extremely drastic.

An added bonus to not eating sugar is that my appetite has decreased significantly. I do not eat a lot to begin with. Before, I couldn't deal with being "hungry". By "hungry" I'm still not even sure if I was actually hungry, or if I wanted to eat because I was bored...I still don't like the feeling, but there's nothing I can really snack on like before. Now, when I'm hungry or "hungry" I eat a yogurt and it satisfies me until my next meal...and I eat even less at meals than I did before. I'm not (literally) hungry very often any more. I get hungry before a meal, I eat a small portion and I'm full for a long time. I began wondering if sugar and appetite have a relation, and after a quick Google search I found out...It does. Big time! That explains it...

Last Sunday, one of my musical theatre teachers began talking about how we have a lack of core strength and just strength in general. She went on to talk about how important it is for us to build up this strength regardless of what we do be it acting, singing, or dancing. And I knew it...I've always known it...But hearing someone who I admire so much (that isn't my mother...) ask us to do pilates and work on our strength, other than once a week at rehearsal, the motivation to workout hit me like a ton of bricks. That and looking around the room during our physical warm up and realizing I was the fattest one there and I couldn't even hold a plank for 30 seconds without shaking so much that I have to put my knees down.

I have since been practising my dolphin planks (with hands together), regular planks, half teasers, and push ups every. Single. Day. (It's been 5 days by the way...) It's hell. I hate every dang second. But I have a goal and I don't want to disappoint anyone.

It's finally been "warm" in Toronto (THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEGATIVE DEGREES THIS WEEK PEOPLE!!) So, I've been walking when I can and I bounced on my trampoline this week as well. It's no Pilates... but it's something! I am starting Pilates this week for sure. Mark my words. It's in writing, I will do it. I hate pilates more than I hate planking but I'll do it.

I think it was this past weekend, I had my hair in a ponytail and was putting on my eye makeup. I looked in the mirror and was taken aback for a second while I examined my new face. It was noticeably thinner, longer. Like it should be. I could barely recognize myself for a second. The next day, at rehearsal, I looked at myself in the mirror. My legs were thinner, my waist was smaller, my stomach flatter. Good work, Erica!

On my great adventure this week I got dressed up really nicely and my mom and I both were shocked at how thin I was looking (please, don't think I'm thin right now...I have a LONG way to go. But, compared to three weeks ago...the difference is incredible). My elbows need to work to touch my waist now. And, when I was trying on lots of outfits that day, I tried on that dress that didn't zip up from just two weeks ago. Guess what? It fits me.

Here is my plank(s)/push-ups/teasers log for the past 5 days: 
March 9:
Full Plank (proper) - 30 Seconds
Dolphin plank (with hands together)- 30 seconds
Half Teaser - 45 Seconds
March 10:
Full Plank - 40 seconds
Dolphin Plank- 44 seconds
Half teaser - 50 seconds
March 11:
Full plank (Not proper) - 50 Seconds
Dolphin Plank - 44 seconds
Half Teaser- 55 seconds
March 12:
Full Plank (not proper) 1 minute, 5 seconds.
Full Plank (proper, morning) 41 seconds
Half teaser - 1 minute
Dolphin Plank - 40 seconds
Full Plank (proper, night) 51 seconds
6 push-ups ("lady push-up" not fully down)
March 13:
Dolphin Plank- 52 seconds
Full Plank (proper) 1 MINUTE!!!  (this was my goal)
Half-teaser - 1 minute 2 seconds
8 push-ups ("lady push-up", almost fully down)

Have I shaken while doing every single plank? Big time. Does my heart rate speed up? Absolutely. But it's been 5 days and I can hold a plank for 60 seconds (what we do in class) can you imagine where I'll be in 16 days?

I've also been working on my posture. I have a noticeably different posture than everyone else in my class. Happy to say, I am aware of my posture most of the time now. As well, my shoulders have opened up big time. 

Fitness/Health Accomplishments of the week:
1. I have done some form of exercise every single day
2. I have accomplished my goal of holding a plank for 60 seconds. 
3. My arms are not as sore any more after doing the above routine
4. I went a couple days this week without even a bite of a sugar
5. My work pants fit me again!
6. I can wear my jeans again!! (granted, still a little tight on the waist, but I can at least wear them now)
7. My bras are fitting better again (but my shirts are still gaping at the buttons, they didn't before.)
8. The green dress zipped up and fit me.

New Goals:
1. Be able to consistently hold a plank for 60 seconds or more. 
2. Be able to hold a Dolphin plank for 60 seconds
3. Do Pilates at least twice next week
4. Do 10 push-ups
5. Drink at least 1L of water a day
6. Continue to work on my posture

I'm still not ready to weigh myself. No point in ruining this high I've gotten from seeing my body get back into a shape that I like to see.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. I'll have a before and after eventually. 

Wish it. Dream it. Do it.

Julia and Erica Take Toronto 2015

Hiya Friends!

Just a heads up, this is almost a photo-free post (*Shudders*) with the exception of one selfie. Oh and of course rants that I will hopefully enjoy one day when I'm in my 20's and 30's and my daughters will ask me what I was like at 17. I'll read them this. Hope you enjoy anyway!

Today I did something blog worthy with a good friend of mine from Randolph, Julia! You haven't seen her yet, she's not part of the Spice Girls (junior) group we made. No hate, not trying to discriminate, GIRL POWER! Just the way it played out.

If you know anything about me, you will know that I don't really do much. I don't really leave the house, I don't really go anywhere without my mom, Lindsey, Jessica, and/or Callie. So when an opportunity arrived for me to both leave the house and do it with someone that wasn't listed above, I went for it and my mom almost had a mini party sending me out of the house!

Where: Wexford Collegiate
Why: Variety Show that Barb and Anika helped create
When: March 11, 2015
Time: 7:30pm-10pm
Location: Scarborough.

...Yeah. Altogether, according to Google Maps, that's an hour and 9 minute TTC trip from my house. And guess what people, I DID IT!!!!

"I'd like to thank my mom and my dad for always supporting me through all my endeavours, Barb and Anika for telling me about this performance, and of course, I wouldn't be able to do it without Julia. Julia, without you, I would never have been able to get to the school on my own, I would have felt extremely awkward at the show, I would have been too chicken to say hi to Barb, and my parents would never have let me go if your dad didn't drive us home...Thank you! You're the real winner! ...Oh and the academy!" 

If that "thank you speech" doesn't tell you about how much of an accomplishment this evening was for me, I don't know what will.

I got dressed really nice. I had some makeup on, I walked to the bus stop like I was Posh Spice. I felt fabulous. Clothes finally are starting to fit me again or are starting to fit me better...I looked and felt great! I didn't even mind that the wind completely ruined my hair. Oh well, nothing stops Poshy!

We decided to meet at St. George Station, the panic of getting lost, being late, and/or not being able to find Julia was on my mind constantly as "If U Can't Dance" played. I'm a worrier. I plan everything so I don't have to worry.

But, Julia came through. And we had a fantastic subway ride together. Then, when we got to the station, we didn't know where we were going. I was the oldest of this two person group. A lot was riding on me (despite Julia being 5 months younger than me...#DecemberBabyProblems). I followed the herd, and we got out to the buses! We waited, then we waited 27 stops until we reached the school.

The nerves set in, as usual when I don't know what to expect. What if they couldn't find our tickets? What if something scary happened? What if? Being the oldest, I asked where to get the tickets. And then I talked to the ticket lady to get the tickets.

We took our seats, saw Barb but didn't want to say hi (social anxiety...She's taught me since I was 7 and I'm scared to wave at her...) and then enjoyed the incredible show. It was really good! Very fun. I was so glad I went, and had such a great buddy like Julia with me.

The bond that you and a fellow Musical Theatre cast mate has is something indescribable. They've seen you mess up and they've seen you win. They've heard you crack your voice half way through a song or they've heard you sing when you could barely talk...and they've also heard you get chosen for a one line solo that suits your voice. They've seen you almost cry from frustration not being able to get a choreography move and have seen how much you sweat and have heard all your grunts during warm up. Heck, they've even seen you barefaced, sweaty, hair in a messy ponytail, and in yoga pants with a matching black t-shirt and sports bra on! They know the true you and you gain this trust that would take years with anyone else that happens in a matter of rehearsals. It's great and possibly one of my favourite parts of doing anything in the entertainment industry. You need their support, they need yours. You need to be able to try something and fail miserably but your cast mates are always there to help you out, cheer you up and on, and remind you how talented you are even when you feel defeated.

After the incredible showcase, we wanted to say hi to Barb finally...But POOF she was gone... We waited awkwardly, the theatre got empty...we walked around outside awkwardly...no bun-headed Barb anywhere.

...I wasn't leaving without saying hi! Julia egged me on to ask someone where she was. A stage crew member...They didn't know who I was talking about. Figures. But then someone told us to try a certain hallway. And we did. No beautiful, bun-headed Barb in sight. We heard other students fangirling over Barb, Anika, and Suzy which made me feel a lot more normal.

You see, my whole life, I have clinged onto adults or just anyone older than me really.

Exhibit A. I am a very lonely, only child. I was raised by Adults and was constantly surrounded by them. I had no choice to speak with them and kids my age were...stupid and immature!

Exhibit B. All my close friends are older than me. Be it by two months or 4 years. They're older. One of my best friends is almost 2 years older than me. I spend lots of time with her.

Exhibit C. I always pick someone way older than me to admire, like Eleni. If she hadn't said hi to me first (I was too shy, she was so much older than 14 year old Erica...She was a superstar in my eyes. Just like all those before her that I've idolized) I would never had known her.

Being in grade 12, I realize how stupid I was to be scared to talk to people older than me. I'd love for a grade 9 to talk with me...But then again, I'm not a typical grade 12 and most people don't feel the same. As well, being in grade 12 means there's no longer anyone to look up to. I am at the very top, my friends. What am I going to do? So...now I've clinged onto...You've guessed it! My musical theatre teachers. They are the ULTIMATE.

They're sweet, funny, caring, smart, kind, honest, encouraging, genuine, successful, best friends, gorgeous, and oh so talented. So now I've began to idolize them...probably since February. They're in my dreams a lot, I dream a lot about the musical. Lots of reoccurring dreams of something I can't blog about because I've told my cast mates and they've all been on board so far...can't ruin the surprise. I digress, long story short, they're my new role models and I was very happy to hear that I am not the only one who thinks of them so highly.

Finally, I spotted it! The blond bun we had been chasing after. We caught up to her, waited. We didn't want to interrupt her conversation. Julia is a lot like me, is nervous to talk to people, and worries a lot. She doesn't like the unexpected either. How was she going to react to us saying hi? We stood there awkwardly. "Say hi, Julia." "No, you say hi. You're older!" GRR! Finally, someone else interrupted her. We took that as our cue.

"Hi Barb," Julia spoke shyly. BUT SHE DID IT!!

Guess what? Barb was very happy to see us. Shocking, isn't it? She hugged both of us and thanked us for coming. We told her about our adventure with the TTC and she said she was proud of us. My mom was extremely proud that I did this too, by the way. Like extremely. This is something so unheard of from me. Barb introduced us to Baby Spice...I mean her sister... who is also very nice!  Now all I need to do is meet Scary Spice ;) What a great day! I got a bit of a fill before my slowly emptying heart completely disintegrated from how sad I was that we didn't have rehearsal for two weeks! Julia gets the same empty heart feeling whenever we have a break from Randolph. Sigh...The end is near...I don't want to think about it.

Long story short, JULIA AND I ACCOMPLISHED A LOT OF THINGS WE DON'T USUALLY DO TODAY!!
1. We took the TTC
2. We met up for the first time outside of Randolph
3. We went to Scarborough, by TTC nonetheless
4. We went to some random school to watch their extremely good Variety Show
5. I talked to a lot of strangers to get the right answers, directions, and to get things done. GO ERICA!
6. We walked around awkwardly until we found who we were looking for and DID NOT GIVE UP! I'm so glad we didn't.
7. Julia said hi to Barb first!
8. I became even closer to a new friend than I was before today and I am forever grateful for that. Julia is an incredible gal!

I achieved so much and had a blast doing it. Erica and Julia take Toronto 2015 was a success. Who knows where we'll go next...

(Hooray for the gum in my mouth and flat hair...But oh well, those proud smiles say it all. A moment I don't want to forget...yes I'm dramatic...I want to be an actress!)

Wish it. Dream it. DO IT!

Pretending I'm a Teen from the Year I was Born

(Warning, lots of writing. Trying to capture this moment and mindset for the future)

Hola my friends,

Long time no chat. Lots and lots is going on over here for 17 year old Erica. Which is why I haven't posted.

Quick recap:

-Started Grade 12 in September
-Math is horrid but I have to take it, barely getting through but it's the only class I have work in
-Ended grade 12 Accounting with a 92%
-My heart is torn between going to school for acting or accounting next year, but with all the support and research I've done, I'm going to school for accounting but will do whatever I can to act while doing it
-My dream of being an actress has not changed since I was 3 and is still burning a fire in my heart
-I started a Musical Theatre program at Randolph where I was reunited with ALL of my old acting/singing/dancing teachers of my childhood (Barb, Cara, Suzy and now a new addition who is best friends with Barb and Suzy, Anika)
-I have the best time of my life every Sunday at rehearsals
-I went to New York City in the Fall (I KNOW! I. KNOW. Who would have thought?)
-The day the plane landed back in Toronto, I immediately started planning my next trip to NYC next Fall
-I have almost paid for my trip to NYC
-I have become a very successful babysitter which has also kept me very busy
-I have been sick all Winter
-It went below -40 degrees in Toronto this Winter...and I hated it...
-I've designed the invitations to my 17th Birthday Luau in June... They look awesome!
-I've started a cake decorating class and it's going really well (I'll post pictures below)
-Within the past week, I've become ridiculously obsessed with the Spice Girls

Now you know what the title of this post is all about.

Yes....You heard it right my friends. I am beyond obsessed with these 5 girls who are all between the ages of 39-42 today but were between the ages of 21-24 when they were popular (more or less)....Not to mention their movie came out three days before my birthday in 1997.



Just a little bit late on the bandwagon but you know what, I don't care. My parents, co-workers at co-op, and friends think I'm crazy, but I am enjoying myself way too much to be ashamed or held back. GIRL POWER!!!

Fun story: My cousin was OBSESSED with the Spice Girls (and probably still is honestly) around the age of 4...I don't know. All I know is that we would go to Hamilton every weekend or every other weekend and there Callie would be. Sitting in front of the TV, the VHS of Spice World playing. And it would play another 5 times throughout the day, and then the next. And repeat every weekend that I went up there for a very long period of time.

I had no interest in them. This is now the second band that I wasn't into and then became extremely obsessed seemingly over night (The Jonas Brothers was the other one).

It started off when I was around 9, Jenna had gotten their Greatest Hits CD for her birthday or something. We went skiing, it was playing, I liked 4 songs.

And since I was 9, those were the only 4 songs I've liked.

Remember my acting teachers I've told you about? The ones who've taught me since I was 6? Well...Turns out, they're in a Spice Girls tribute band. Mhm...this sparked the Spice Girls interest in me this year. Their band is called Wannabe: The Spice Girls Tribute Band.

They're very good! Is it funny seeing my teachers perform in a Spice Girls Tribute band? Absolutely. And now, I can't wait until I'm 19 and go see one of their shows... And Callie will be coming with me!

Here's a video of their awesomeness.


They started my obsession and I'm forever grateful.

So last week, a group of my friends at Randolph decided to name our group chat Spice Girls and then, naturally, we assigned ourselves to a Spice Girl and that's our nickname for each other. There was 5 of us in the chat after all (and I genuinely like everyone in my musical theatre class, I had just taken pictures of these 4 girls and it evolved from there). Baby Spice is Henna, Scary Spice is Robyn, Sporty Spice is Skye, Posh Spice is Sarah...And I am Ginger Spice!

How I chose Ginger Spice: "I don't know much about the Spice Girls...But I'm not Sporty (There is a Spice Girl named Sporty right?) so not her. I've always wanted to be a Ginger, so I'll be Ginger Spice!"

Yes, Erica, there is a Spice Girl named Sporty. And soon, you will know EVERYTHING about all of them and Sporty will become your favourite. Just you wait. I photoshopped our faces onto the picture in our new roles.

Now I can't stop laughing.

I was late to rehearsal this week, cookies take time to bake for a class! When I walked in, the first thing I heard was. 

"OH LOOK IT'S GINGER! Welcome Ginger Spice! Or well, Ginger Junior." No, my friends/cast mates/fellow Spice Girls didn't say this to me. My teachers said this to me. I stared at them. I didn't know what was happening, why were they calling me that? I felt like a star but...what the heck?

"We showed them the picture!" Skye told me. Oh. Makes sense now. I feel like I must have blushed but the secret is out now so I admitted to my hard core obsession and all class I had 2 Become 1 stuck in my head.

Remember those 4 songs? Yeah, the next week, all I did was listen to those 4 songs. They went from a play count of 16-20 to 100-121. Soon, I could sing all of Wannabe, Stop, Say You'll be There, and Spice Up Your Life. I was innocently search Youtube for some music videos when I came across this little gem: 

At first, I laughed...and then I was hypnotized by their electric energy and their brilliant concert. I sat there watching the whole thing, no distractions (which if you know me is very hard for me to do). It was so 90's. Just like that, the Spice Girls became one of the only things on my mind for the next 7 days and counting.

Sporty Spice (Mel C) is my favourite,

 

Like look at this cool cat! Her voice is to die for, she's so entertaining to watch, and she said this wonderful quote "It's about the shape you're in, not the shape you are" that really speaks to me right now.

Then Ginger Spice (Geri, who has the best outfits in my humble opinion)

Gorgeous, ginger lady wearing sparkly red and a crown that reminds me of the Statue of Liberty... YES PLEASE! Sounds exactly like everything I like in one place. 

Baby Spice is next (Emma, everyone that I know, including die-hard fan, Callie, likes Baby Spice the best and I can see why. Just so happens one of my future daughters is probably going to end up having the same name as her, and I couldn't be happier!),

 

Sporty and Baby seem to be the closest today so that's really good that my cousin's favourite and my favourite are still super close!

Scary Spice (Mel B) always rocks it with her cool vibe and killer voice,

Her singing and speaking voice is just awesome!

And last but certainly not least, Posh Spice herself Victoria (who is the mother to the most gorgeous boys I've ever seen besides Nick J, Darren Criss, and Jonathan Groff).

 

Yeah, I found pictures of her smiling! "I'm just too posh," -Mel C from Spice World. 

Although I have an order of favourites, I love ALL OF THEM!

After that video played, it automatically played this documentary:


Hooked. I was hooked. I've seen every music video, a concert from each of their tours, I watched the movie a couple nights ago, laughed so hard, and got even more invested. I needed their stuff. Like now. Their Istanbul concert was fantastic too!



All of them are fantastic singers and have such unique and fun personalities! I was happy I was assigned Ginger Spice. She's the one that I'd like to be the most out of the group (besides my favourite being Mel C), I love her outfits, and she has the closest body type to me. I want to be a ginger more than ever before now.

I love all the songs in their concerts and soon, those 4 songs were not satisfactory any more. I ran out yesterday and bought 3 of their CDS (Spice, Spice World, and Greatest Hits) and their movie. Now I can drive my parents even more insane!!

Hi, I'm Erica...and...I'm a Spice Girls addict and loving every girl power hour of it.

Honestly, I think just the fact that I have new music to listen to that I've never heard before is what got me going the most. But they're so up my alley.

Favourite songs (in no particular order because I haven't really decided on a favourite)(I also refuse to listen to their album without Ginger so):
2 Become 1
Mama
Who Do You Think You Are
Move Over
Too Much
Viva Forever
Wannabe (childhood favourite)
Say You'll Be There (my dad's favourite and the only he song he likes)
Spice Up Your Life
Stop (I know the whole dance and do it everywhere including on the TTC)
Saturday Night Divas
Never Give Up on the Good Times
Move Over
Do It
Denying
The Lady is a Vamp
Love Thing
Last Time Lover (towards the bottom of my list but still good!)
Something Kinda Funny
Naked
If U Can't Dance

I'm also currently working on learning Stop easy piano. It's pretty good so far, my keyboard is just in front of my computer right now so I can read the sheet music because my printer STILL isn't working...GRR!!

Buzzfeed has put together their list of favourites which I don't necessarily agree with but, in case you've forgotten their songs it's all in one place. As well, if you're like me and wondering who sings what in their songs, take a look here. (Me: OH GERI SINGS THAT!? I knew that was Sporty's voice! Aww Emma...You go girl! WOO POSH! No idea that was you... Of course that was Mel B.)

Now Here are some of MY Spice Girls

Robyn, Henna, Skye, and Sarah!

 I love this photo of Skye (aka fellow Mirfanda) and I

Our version of our photoshopped photo taken today.

More Randolph photos coming soon!!

Now, onto my cake decorating class:

Purple was the second try, white and pink the first. I can finally do roses!

Pretty good for my very first time! I learned a lot doing this cake so 'sall good!

Working on writing and covering the cake. Pretty good for a first time, right?

The past two weeks I have given up excess sugar (except for a bite here and there) and have noticed an incredible change in my body and appetite. Not that I ate very much before, now I eat even less! Any one know if sugar and appetite have a connection? This week I add Pilates (grr....) as recommended by my musical theatre teachers. And of course, my new found love of jumping on my personal exercise trampoline...while listening to the Spice Girls.

That's it for now. Time to go watch Spice World for the 5th time. Talk to you soon! Post about New York coming soon :)

Wish it. Dream it. DO IT!

P.S. any photo related to Spice Girls or Wannabe, I do not own. I just kind of came across the photos and credit is needed to the rightful owner, whoever they are. Thank you for the amazing photos, my post is now totally Spice-tastic!