Guest RPD Kisha

1. Being a first year member for the RPD must be challenging. What do you do besides dance for the Rockets and how do you manage your time with work/school obligations?

Outside of being a Rockets Power Dancer, I work full-time as a Systems Integration Consultant in the Oil and Gas Industry for a global consulting firm. It is definitely a challenge to manage my career with my Rockets schedule. However, I've found that the #1 way to get things done is to be highly focused! When I'm at work, I have to work smart & use my time wisely to get things completed on time, if not early. On game days, I try to get to work early and sometimes need to work after the games if there's a deadline. Thankfully, my job has been very understanding. I consider this a small sacrifice to do what I love!

 2. Besides making the team, what has been your favorite part of dancing for the Rockets?  Have you met anyone famous during a Rockets event or seen them attend a Rockets game this season?

 My favorite part of dancing for the Rockets is the actual dancing! We are all very talented dancers and the choreography we are given is so varied and challenging. One night we may do hip hop and the next night we're doing a country-themed dance. It's amazing to do different styles night after night. As far as famous "sightings", I've seen Solange Knowles & a member of N'Sync. I'm crossing my fingers that Beyonce will show up one night!

 3. If money was no object, what would you be doing?

Between owning my own dance studio and traveling the world as one of Beyonce's back-up dancers, I would get weekly massages, mentor young girls, and spend an unbelievable amount of time with my family.

As we quickly enter March and approach bathing suit season I thought I would share how my fellow teammates and I set personal health goals in order to prepare for summer.  Summer is often thought of as a time to vacation, enjoy company outdoors, and spend time relaxing poolside.  Although images of sailing in Hawaii and sipping Mai Tai’s on a beach are enticing, I can speak for most adults that bathing suit shopping is ranked in the top 5 most hated activities.

Let’s face it, we live in a fast-paced society that survives off fast food and mocha fraps.  Who has time to drive to a gym and workout everyday?  We work or attend school, maybe have children to care for, social/family functions to attend…the list goes on…trust me I have used all the excuses!  But enough of the reasons!  Here are some helpful tips for goal setting this year as you prepare physically and mentally for summer fun! 

• Be specific / realistic – As you decide on your goals be specific in your expectations.  Are you preparing for a family cruise and want to feel comfortable in a strapless dress or short shorts? Or are you training for a fitness contest and want a six pack of abs with less than 8% body fat?  Be conscience of your schedule and finances. Instead of wanting to lose weight specify how much weight and what body part you want to focus on.  Then write a weekly goal and track your progress until your deadline.

• Write it down / Keep your goal in sight – Keep your written goals in sight and post them where you can constantly be reminded of them. For example; write on a post-it and place on your computer screen, refrigerator, or in your car.  Be positive with your words and encourage yourself to finish what you have started.

• Keep records – Write down your daily routine.  Keep a record of what you eat each day and how much physical activity you get.  After a couple of weeks you will begin to see a pattern in your diet and physical activity.  This will assist you in making different food choices, increase your physical activity, or help you eliminate “red flag” items from your routine.

• Develop a “Plan of Action” – Set short term steps within your goal and create a timeline with events.  Mark the steps off as you go; this will help you visually see progress and keep yourself motivated! 

• Be flexible – You will encounter set-backs  but don’t get discouraged.  If you indulge in a slice of chocolate cake or had to miss yoga due to a late meeting at work, find a way to balance the activity.  Walk around the block with your children when you get home or bring your lunch to work the next day instead of going out with co-workers. 

• Get an accountability partner – Ask and encourage a co-worker or spouse to set similar goals.  Keep them updated with your progress, ask them questions, discuss your downfalls, and encourage them to push you.

• Believe and reward – Stay positive and talk about your achievements with someone.  Find a way to celebrate your accomplishments by giving yourself a personal day of shopping or enjoying others company!

Quick Diet Tips for Work:

• Bring healthy snack options to work/school and store in your desk or car.
• Cut back on alcoholic drinks or regular sodas; request a diet option.
• Limit eating out for lunch or dinner to the weekends or only once a week.

Quick Fitness Ideas for Work:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Instead of sending an email or calling a co-worker, walk over to their desk.

• Bring a small pair of ankle weights and use when walking around the office.  You can also place on your wrists for arm exercises while sitting at your desk.

Try all of these ideas or find your favorites and you won’t have to settle for another summer denying yourself the latest fashion trends or dreading the bathing suit shopping experience!

Carrie & Emily ask Dancer of the week, Julie, what game in February are you looking forward to performing at and why?

Julie: We've been working on a few new dances this month and I can't wait to perform them!! However, I am really looking forward to dancing at the Rockets vs. Mavericks game this month because my fiancé and his friends are coming to see me dance!

C & E: Who is your favorite player?
Julie: My favorite player is Luis Scola! He is an amazing athlete and always gives 110%. I really enjoy watching him play!

Hi Rockets Fans,

Due to the hectic lifestyle of a Rockets Power Dancer; it is sometimes difficult to escape from everyday obligations to do something fun outside of dancing. On a rare night off, you can find me cuddled up in front of the television watching a movie or going out to the movies watch the hottest new release. Below are reviews based on my opinion of the following movies: Bride Wars, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Seven Pounds. Hopefully my perspective on these films will help you in your decision making process on how to spend your money if you are planning a night at the movies!

Bride Wars – 3 stars (PG)
No boys allowed! Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway play childhood girlfriends who dream of growing up and getting married at the historic Plaza Hotel in New York City. As adults, they become engaged simultaneously, and compete to see who will have the best wedding…silly, I know. When there weddings are accidentally booked at the Plaza on the same day, their friendly competition turns into a knock down drag out war! This was one of the best chick-flicks I have seen in a while. A must see for you and your girlfriends!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 4.5 stars (PG-13)
A profound, well-constructed film about a man that is born elderly and dies young. The night Benjamin is born he is left on the doorstep of an old-age home by his father. He is raised by a friendly woman who helps run the home as well as by the other people that live there. He finds a love interest in Daisy, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, and as their love grows, they become closer in age (although Benjamin’s aging process is happening in reverse). This film inspires you to make the most of life, and expresses that being different doesn’t make you any less capable of leaving an impression on others. Cinema at its best!

Seven Pounds - 2.5 stars (PG-13)
Will Smith, one of my favorite actors, plays an IRS agent who is cruel to a blind man in the opening scene, but no one understands why. Due to his occupation; he is able to investigate lives of others that he has taken an interest in. He falls in love with a woman, played by actress Rosario Dawson, but fights his feelings for her throughout the film. It is not until the last fifteen minutes that you find out why he has been acting so strangely. It is a heartfelt, inspiring movie, but I found myself confused until the very end.

Movies I hope to see in the near future:
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Slumdog Millionaire

-Emily