When thinking of the “ramble” I would participate in, I had
a few options but wasn’t quite sure how they would fit. Either way, I will
include both of them since they are out of the realm of what I am comfortable
with today.
Last Wednesday night I participated in a fashion show for
Elevate Lifestyle Magazine hosted at City Tavern in Southpark. We had hair
stylists, make up artists, and brought two outfits that displayed our “classic
style” and then another outfit displaying our “creative style.” I wanted to
participate in this event for something fun to do and to network. I didn’t quite
think this fit the idea of a “ramble” because I have done this sort of thing
before, all be it several years ago. Nonetheless, I was still very nervous.
Right at the start of the show, I was told we were going to be asked questions
from the crowd regarding our outfit and style- I had no idea what I would say!
While I like fashion per say, I by no means consider myself a designer fashionista-
I just like what I like. As it got closer and closer to my turn at being asked
a question, I felt my knees get shaky. I didn’t know whether I was supposed to
face the person asking my question or smile at the camera. I didn’t know if I
was supposed to grab the microphone or just lean in to it. And of course, what
scared me the most- what question was I going to be asked? How would I answer
it?
My first time answering the question went as smoothly as
possible. I was asked about the local boutiques in Charlotte, and that fit
perfect because I shop mostly at local boutiques these days, they have finds
that are so unique than they typical commercial store. Plus, I like supporting
local businesses. The second question? Well, just like Foster said when you are
doing great, and then it just all goes blank. “You start doubting yourself, and
your mind is automatically lowered your performances to the levels where you
feel comfortable again” (Foster 1996). I was asked what has been worst fashion
faux pas?
I completely stumbled. I had no idea. I rambled on for a few
seconds about “Gee that’s a tough question, and then finally blurted out
wearing leather pants.” The audience goes quiet…the girl next to me is wearing
leather pants! And I knew that- we had just had a discussion out those leather
pants before going on stage. I was embarrassed, and just wanted to run off
stage. I apologized to the girl in the leather pants. After I got off stage I
thought of the perfect answer, why couldn’t I think of it then?
Alas, it was still a fun event!
My second ramble hasn’t happened yet, but I am signed up for
a 10k, 6.2 mile race next Saturday. I have never thought of myself as a runner,
in fact I hated running. Thanks to the Nike Running App, I have been
challenging myself monthly to run further and further distances. My running
this month has been off, and so today, I challenged myself to run the furthest
and longest I’ve ever run before- 7 miles.
According to Foster, “when you think about it, accepting the
concept that one thing (the mind) can alter another thing (the mind) is a huge
leap, a major leap, perhaps even a quantum leap” (Foster 1996).
At first I doubted myself, I thought maybe I will just run
halfway and be done with it. Nevertheless, I set my Nike Running App to 7 miles
and started running. In order to keep myself going, I counted the lines in the
cement until 100, then started over again. This really keeps my mind focused
for some reason, and I can keep going. I struggled, but I made it! The fact
that I ran 7 miles today makes me confident that I will do just fine at next
week’s race- even if it means pacing myself and ending up in last place. I am
still running a 10k.
Foster, J. (1996). How to get ideas. San Francisco, CA:
Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.
