FLIP + CHING

Onelife KC

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Ching under Life, Zumba.

I found an amazing gym across from the office (next to the grocery store) a couple of weeks ago. Here are some pictures that I took during a brief tour.

I was a bit worried about finding a suitable gym with group exercise classes. We get really spoiled here in Wichita because we have the best YMCA facilities in the entire nation. Our YMCA facilities are ten times better than most health clubs. And we have fantastic workout classes.

I went and checked out Onelife on a Monday so I could get a tour and also check out the Zumba class. The class was just okay. Definitely not like the ones we have here in Wichita. We are so spoiled because we have the best of everything here.

The facility itself was fabulous, though. I loved the modern look and feel and all the equipment looked brand new. I’m not sure how long the gym has been operational but, from the looks of it, they haven’t been open a long time because everything still looks shiny and new. Either that or they take really immaculate care of their facility. The Zumba class might not have sold me (I’ve never been a fan of the 45-minute Zumba class and that’s what they have on Mondays) but the gym itself and the friendly staff blew me away. Plus, the proximity to the office (across the street) was just icing on the cake.

Of course, I couldn’t justify paying $45-55 a month for a gym membership that I could only use three days a week (if that). I think if there was an hour-long Zumba class everyday that I could hit, then it would probably be worthwhile. At $5 per class, three times a week, four weeks a month that comes out to $60 so I could rationalize it. It wouldn’t be worth it without the classes because the Marriott downtown has pretty well-equipped gym. I could always just work out there if I just need treadmills and weights and such.

However, I’m the kind of person who finds opportunity where there are challenges and obstacles. So guess what I did the very next day. I worked on my Zumba resume before bed. We had a work dinner that night and I actually didn’t get back to the hotel until almost ten o’clock. Then I worked on my resume for a couple of hours while Brian and I video chatted.

Brian was like, “It’s almost midnight, baby. Go to bed.” But I couldn’t go to bed until my resume and cover letter were just right.

This is the product of my effort. I figured if I get a Zumba gig out of this, great. I’ll actually get to do the kind of workout I want to do, which isn’t currently available to me on the days I need it. If not, no big deal. I’m a big girl and can handle rejection.

It sounds like there’s not a great demand for Zumba right now at their gym but I’ve always had an “if you build it, they will come” mentality about things. I’m convinced the demand isn’t there for the type of Zumba class that isn’t currently offered which doesn’t have “party-like” atmosphere like the ones offered here in Wichita. The music selection is quite different as well so the experience is totally different. It’s had to convey that it words though so I’m trying to set up a demo class so group exercise director there can experience the difference. It’s a lot like the sunsets in the Flint Hills. Words cannot describe it. It just has to be experienced.

So anyway, this is probably not the most brilliant idea I’ve had in a while (because, you know, I’m full of brilliant ideas – LOL) but sometimes you just have to follow your gut. Wish me luck!

Comment on This

8th Annual Haus of Brews

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Ching under Life.

It was a stormy, rainy evening but we managed to make the best of it. Those of us who braved the rain managed to have a great time. Thanks to everyone who came to support the Andover Rotary Club. See you all again next year!

Comment on This

Polished in Downtown Kansas City

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Ching under Things to Do.

Kelsey and I discovered the cutest nail salon last week. It’s right across the street from the office in Kansas City.

I love how they configured the space with the low bar for manicures.

They have over a dozen pedicure chairs so getting your nails done with a group of friends is no problem.

The prices are also quite reasonable.

I think I’ve found a new favorite nail salon. (Oops! Sorry, Kathy!)

Comment on This

My New Favorite Coffee Shop

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Ching under Food and Drink.

I found a new coffee shop across the from the office the other day; completely by accident.

I had a hard time sleeping on Monday night. I went to bed and woke up in the middle of the night. I felt like I’d slept forever and I was completely awake so I felt sure it was 5 AM. However, it was only slightly after midnight when I looked at the clock. Ended up staying awake and not falling back to sleep until a half past three. Naturally, I was exhausted when I woke up the next morning.

I got to the office around 7:30 AM and then decided and I needed to find some coffee, stat. I recalled walking past a Starbucks last week when we walked to lunch so I went looking for it. When I walked out of the building, I noticed Kaldi’s across the street. I did find Starbucks, which was to my left. I was faced with the decision of crossing 12th Street to go to Starbucks or crossing Main Street to go to Kaldi’s. The novelty of a coffee shop that I’ve never tried before ultimately won.

Kaldi’s has super cute décor inside.

I love this cozy corner nook with a really hip light fixture above it.

They made me the most delicious mocha, complete with coffee foam art. I’m not much of a coffee drinker but I thoroughly enjoyed my mocha yesterday. So much so that when Kelsey asked if I wanted to go get coffee with her, I didn’t need much coaxing. I couldn’t wait to return.

The mocha I had today was even better than yesterday. I think it’s because I asked for whipped cream. I can totally see myself getting addicted to this place, specially since it’s conveniently located across from the office.

I’m not going to lie. As much as I hate being away from my babies and as much as I hate driving, I love working in Kansas City because EVERYTHING is within walking distance. If we lived in Kansas City’s downtown loop, I could walk to work and everywhere else and life would be just dandy.

Comment on This

Pictures from Zoobilee 2016

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Ching under Events.

Here are some fun pictures from Zoobilee over the weekend…

Me and Mindy (Brian’s favorite massage therapist) with Michael (my favorite massage therapist) and Sveta in the background. Speaking of Sveta, she actually gave me my very first ever full-body massage almost 20 years ago.