Monkey See, Monkey Do?

Ladies (and Gents),
Labor Day weekend. It's beautiful here (and that's an understatement). Classes this weekend have been full (thanks to all for coming) and we're hoping to start the Fall season with a bang (i.e. big class) tomorrow night too!
Sidebar: We are all thinking of everyone in New Orleans and keeping you in our prayers. Be safe.
Ok, on to the post topic...
I went over to our local super sized farm stand (aka Idyllwild Farms) to get some veggies and fruit since I didn't want to leave Ally alone ('Dad' is working today) too long after coming home from work. And, here's my question... (or, uh, questions):
1. Do you make eye contact with folks when parking in a lot? Today I found that some people seem to think that if they do *not* make eye contact they can: a. take the spot you had your blinker on to pull into or b. almost hit you and, since they're not looking at you, you're not really there.
2. Do you make eye contact with folks when walking around the store? Really, I mean a grocery type store (which is what Idyllwild is, an overgrown farm stand/grocer). I mean, again, if you 'cut' someone off when they are reaching for veggies and basically shove them out of the way, but do not make eye contact, that person you shoved really isn't there, right? Uh, no, I WAS there.
3. And, do you find that the same annoying person who: a. cuts you off in the aisle acting all oblivious or b. rudely leaves their cart in mid-lane, blocking it totally and/or c. constantly almost runs into you...is the same person you can't 'shake' the entire time you're shopping???
ARRGGHH.
Anyway, I did get my fruit and veggies (uh and somehow a quart of chocolate peanut butter from Kimball's...I'm not sure how my car pulled in there by itself...maybe it was the nav system? Maybe I was kidnapped by aliens? I don't care-I have a whole quart in the freezer!! YIPPEE)
and I am back home safely.
Thank God I didn't have to follow Ms. Oblivious from the market to her car and on the street!

Fate? Do you believe?

Today was supposed to be another 'chemo' day for Ally. All week I've had a pit in my stomach because our regular oncologist is off for vacation and though I know all the other docs are great, I was feeling pretty edgy.
So we did the whole 'not feed her after midnight and no breakfast thing' plus plenty of rest yesterday to be strong for treatment (it's a long day for her).
We got to Tufts and...our appointment had never been set up. I think it might have been my fault because I was sure Dr. B told us we were 'all set for Thursday' before she left. Guess not. They said they could treat her late today, but she'd be there all day for, basically, nothing. I decided to bring her home and do treatment tomorrow.
I say it was fate.
Why?
Because I just really had a bad feeling about today and you know what? They are crazy busy there today and that means less attention to Ally and her condition. So I truly feel it was fated that we not do treatment today.
I find this type of 'fated' stuff in my life a lot (or at least I think I do). Do you believe in fate like this?
Like you go to leave the house in the morning and you forget something, having backed the car out of the garage only to have to go back in, get what you forgot and then leave? I always think, "Maybe I would have gotten in accident or something and that's why I forgot something and was delayed leaving." Or, you choose to go a 'different way' to work or home and then hear of an accident or something...you know?
Or, maybe I'm just weird!
See you in class!

Labor Day? Already? Really?

Labor Day is upon us and, with it, the traditional end of Summer. Kids are going back to school and, though days are still nice, that little 'nip' of Fall is in the air. It seems to have come so fast!

And, it makes me think of 'old' fashion rules...
Do you wear white shoes after Labor Day (sneakers notwithstanding...)?
Do you wear white pants after Labor Day?
Open toed shoes?

I do. Well, I'm not a big 'white pants or white shoes' wearer...but if I was, I would wear them anytime they were appropriate, calendar date or no!
Open toed shoes? Uh, yeah, all year if I can get away with it. (Peep toes more in the Fall/Winter but I look longingly at my flip flops all year long!)

Now, back to your regularly scheduled 'fitness' programming:

Of course, with the 'seasons' changing, we see a surge of folks back to class. We are so glad to see everyone but here are a few tips as you get back to class:
1. Start back slowly. Don't plan to take 5 classes in 5 days your first week back. How about 3? Give your body a day of rest in between before you dive back in!
2. Don't forget THIS Wed. night is our last ice cream field trip-see you after the 6:30pm class!
3. Think about going down a pound or 2 on your weights for the first couple weeks back. We've had new routines over the summer and they are challenging!
4. Try a new class format you didn't try last year...body sculpt? circuit?
5. Plan to introduce 1 new friend to our classes-Open House is Sat. 9/27 and a good day to bring new friends. (Just let them know it's not usually that busy, OH tends to be a really big class day!)
6. Buy new sneakers-if you didn't buy a new pair all of last year, do so now. Stop by our favorite downtown NH shoe store, they've got all the brands and the salespeople who really know their stuff!
7. Buy a new sports bra. Yes, that's what I said. You need to buy new here just like your sneakers so from head to toe you are supported properly!
8. Come to class, meet our new instructors, meet new friends and recommit to getting fit!
See you all in class!

Dogs Days of Summer

Ladies (and Gents)...
Well, though it feels like the Fall is fast approaching, it still is the Dogs Days of Summer. As I was looking at Ally smiling and wagging tail at me this morning (she is having a great day so far!)...I thought it'd be fun for you to post your pet pics (not just dogs)....
So, if you're reading this comment here and email me a pic of your doggie (or other beloved pet) and we'll post them.
I'll add a pic of Ally too...
Pets add so much to not only our lives but our health! Did you know that people with pets live longer than those who do not??
So let's see those cute, fuzzy faces you love!!!!
Have a fab day and see you all in class!

Shameless plug for our AHA HeartWalk team!

As we did last year, we are honored to be the 'opening act' (warmup) for the 2nd Annual Merrimack Valley HeartWalk for Saturday, October 4 on the Boulevard in Lowell!
We rocked the house last year so visit us this year and, if you are so inclined to join our team or donate follow this link: www.heartwalk.kintera.org/merrimackvalley/jazzercise385
THANKS!

Quotable Monday

Don't put an age limit on your dreams! ~Dara Torres, Olympic Silver Medalist 2008

Word to that!

Ally update

Ladies (and Gents),
Since so many of you have asked (and thank you for that-it means a lot to us) I thought I'd update Ally's status.
We've had a great month so far. Ally has had 2 rounds of chemo (and 1 round of radiation) and she has done extremely well. (**By the way, chemo doesn't affect dogs the way it does people. She will not lose her fur and she has not been sick. Actually after her chemo appointment's she's hungry and just a bit tired!)
Her white blood count has stayed up (which, apparently, is amazing according to her docs) and she has a H U G E appetite. Apparently, in dogs, this is a very important indicator of how they are really doing. I would have to agree, since her appetite was very 'off' prior to diagnosis. Now that we know better, we will always watch that as a sign. If you have a dog, keep a close eye on that. If it's one day of 'off eating' that's ok, more than that, get to the vet, ok?
Anyway, she is totally 'herself', sassy as ever and does SO well at the docs' office they literally rave about her. They can't believe what a great patient she is and each time we go (to either Tufts or Countryside) everyone is around her giving hugs, kisses and cuddles. The positive energy everyone gives her is amazing and we know this is a factor in how well she is doing thus far.
We do still have our 'days'...but as we get better at watching her for signs, we know we give her even better care.
I would just like to take a moment and thank everyone for their prayers and positive energy. You will never know how much it means to us and we are so happy to answer your questions and hear your kind words for and about Ally. She truly is our baby and we can never express to you how much it means to us that you care about her because we do.
We hate to ask, but please keep the prayers and positivity coming, it IS working.
So, have a great weekend and we'll see you all in class!

Who would you be??

Ladies,
Is it cloudy? Is it sunny? Is it Summer or Fall? Who the h, e, double hockey sticks knows!

So, since the weather seems to be taking on different identities on an *hourly* basis, here's a question for you...
If you could change your identity (a la C. Rockef*ller) who would you be?
What name would you use?
Would you want to be someone else or are you content with being your original self?
That whole story in the news is just perplexing. Ok, so I get that he grew up in some non-descript German village and he wanted to get out and be famous. I get that he wanted to come to America (we rock, after all); but to completely cut out your family and walk away? And it's not like he changed his 'identity' once, but multiple times! Now he doesn't 'remember' anything? Sounds fishy to me!
But, I digress...
Now, while my family certainly won't win the prize for 'Most Normal', I can't say I'd like to 'forget' them. (And trust me, sometimes I have thought about it!)
So, what say you?
Would you be Agnes Perriweather, or some other crazy name. (Agnes if you are a real person, I do apologize, I pulled that name out of my derriere.)
Would you be the complete opposite type of personality than you are now?
Post and chime in...I can't wait to hear everyone's 'new' names!

Olympic sized pet peeve

Ladies (and Gents),
It's actually sunny this morning after watching it rain while it was sunny yesterday. Whatevs. So long as it's a nice day for Jess' October wedding!
Ok, so are you watching the Olympics? I've talked to many of you and you are watching certain events. And, I bet after hearing me in class you think this blog entry is going to be about Women's Beach Volleyball and the, ahem, uniforms they wear, right? Uh, no.
This entry is about the lackluster, dare I say, ridiculous commentary by some of the announcers during Sychronized Diving.
Let's be clear on what sychronized diving is; it is the diving of 2 people, simultaneously and in identical fashion. Thus the term 'sychronized'.
What bugs the living crap out of me is the constant commentary of the announcers saying, "They are going to perform this dive in exactly the same way and at the same exact time." "They must point their toes at the same time, move their arms at the same time..."
I have one thing to say...
D U H.
And let's remember these commentators are paid a lot of money for their expert comments.
Oh, and they say these inane things over and over again...as if we are the idiots.
I think we all know who the idiots are, don't we?

The 'modern day' housecoat...

Ladies,
It's a rainy Monday so I was pretty stumped as to what to write about today.
(Quick Ally update: She is doing well right now. We always qualify it because, as you all know, cancer is in charge and it reminds us...often! So we are thankful for this past weekend and for today, as she is doing well at the moment. Prayers and positive thoughts are still needed and much appreciated!
Anyway, on to the topic at hand!
As I was driving to the Center today, I saw a cute little older lady going to her mailbox in her housecoat. It really made me smile remembering my Grandmother and her 'housecoats' and it got me to thinking...do those of us under the age of, oh say, 50 have our own version?
I say, WE DO!
And, what might that be you ask????
Well, I think it's the VS pajama pant and tee! Now, maybe you don't buy your pj pants from VS but, not matter...get them at Walm*rt, S*ars, M*cy's...wherever! I think that's our new version of the 'housecoat'.
Really when you think about it, having a 'uniform' to wear when you're home 'hanging out' makes sense. I mean, I don't feel like wearing jeans around the house, or even comfy khakis and nice top. I will be cleaning up things, possibly organizing or just watching TV. I want comfort but I don't want to look like a schlump. So, the pj pant and tee it is.
So, what do YOU wear around the house that's become your version of the 'housecoat'??? MMMM? Post a comment and let us know!
See you in class.

Quotable Friday

"If it's to be, it's up to me" - Shirley Hutton, Business Executive Money

I've chatted with many folks in the last week who feel they're 'slacking off' on their fitness commitments right now. Back to school preparations are calling for both Moms and teachers and folks are desperately trying to get in those last minute 'vacations' or 'staycations' as the case may be.
Look at the quote above...
If you really want to live a healthier life, you must do it. It's up to you.
We are here, 30x per week for you but we cannot make you come to class. You must make that choice for yourself.
You know you feel better when you do.
You know you smile more when you do.
You know that if you're tired, you'll feel energized when you do.

So be kind to yourself and build some time into this busy, harried time of year to re-commit yourself to...yourself!
Hope to see you all this weekend!

Stop the madness!

Ladies,
It's been great having you all in class! I'm happy to say that, as of today, August hasn't been that bad so far! (Now it's only the first week but still-it's great to have you all hanging in there!)

Over the summer I noticed some disturbing things. For instance, in JULY I noticed school supplies at my local CVS. On TV, I noticed ads for 'back to school' (though I've not yet seen that great Staples ad, set to the music "it's the most wonderful time of the year"). I have also been inundated in my inbox with clothing store ads for 'back to school' and 'fall'...again, all in JULY!
As a classic 'type A' personality, I am a true planner. If I can't plan it, I stress about it. However, 'back to school' in July??????????!!!!!!!!!!! Uh, thank you no. And, of course, we've talked endlessly at class about how Xmas decorations come out before Thanksgiving, Valentine's right after Xmas and on and on. I think it's buggy nuts! I really feel it increases people's stress level, making them think they have to 'get to' these things way before they truly need to or that if they don't 'get it now' they will miss out on the best buys, clothes, stuff...
Let's face it...the economy isn't in the best shape right now and we all need to tighten the belt a bit-even if it's just a little. Let's start with 'back to school' shopping: (and while I don't have my own kids going back to school, I do have 2 favorite children (K2 and little Mista) that I do buy for)
-Make a list. Yes, this means you'll have to go through your little pumpkin's closet and see exactly what fits. Make it a game for your kids-dress up fun! You'll buy less if you think ahead
-Hand-me-downs. Do you have 2 little girls or 2 little boys? With all the advanced laundry detergents now clothes are lasting longer if they are cared for. Your youngest CAN wear what your eldest wore before...and you don't have to make a big deal out of it. Just buy your youngest a few things and mix in the hand-me-downs. (Of course get the youngest their own new unders and socks please! HAHA)
-Websites. Yes, that's what I said. There are TONS of online coupon sites and if you know how your kids fit into 'Baby Gap', 'Children's place' and 'Old Navy'...then you can shop online for the basics. Get those online coupon codes and SAVE. Use your credit card, not your debit for the highest safety factor. Use only reputable sites that have 'brick and mortar' stores in our area so you can return to the store if you need to so you save shipping costs.
-Keep the shopping trip short! Plan to get to that mall as it opens so there's less of a crowd (or consider going to the outlets) and bring a cooler with snacks for the kiddos. I always feel so bad for a Mom or Dad whose child is melting down while they're still 'mid shop'. Having your list at the ready you can hit those stores fast and get out fast too! (Less stress for you and your kiddos)
**This is also a good time to clean out your closets (and your kids' too) and give those things you're not wearing to charity. Remember to get a receipt for your taxes and you'll save there too and help someone less fortunate. Plus, this teaches your children to help others and it's something easy you can do on a rainy afternoon!**
Try and enjoy the back to school time and don't get RUSHED into buying, shopping and stressing. Summer is so short as it is, let's try and really enjoy it before the school buses start running again!
See you all in class!