We sent out our yearly "thank you" email to all who attended Open House (and for whom we have an email, if we do not have your email, stop by the desk and give it to us-NO spam and info about all the fun things happening...).
Folks have responded with glowing compliments about our staff and our event. It truly warms our hearts that you got a great workout, had fun and really felt and saw how much we, and our staff, love our jobs!
I think one of the best compliments I received was this one, from SW (a class manager of ours). She said, "A, you can really see and feel how much the instructors love the program, love working here and love their jobs! It comes right through when they're up on stage and it's awesome!" (paraphrasing just a bit here)
I loved that she shared that and that is 'the' feeling we always go for, every class, every day.
So thanks to all who attended and especially to those who wrote back and let us know your thoughts and feelings and just how the "J" makes you feel.
We've hit the mark and we will continue to do so...every day!
See you all in class!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Walking with heart!
Ladies and Gents...
Ah, Open House #14 is in the rear view mirror and boy was it fun! As you can see from the previous post, we had a huge crowd, lots of newbies and tons of laughs! Check out our dedicated website for even more pics! (Now that the upload is fixed!)
So, onto our biggest charity event of the year...the HeartWalk.
Join us this Saturday, October 4 for the 2nd Annual Merrimack Valley HeartWalk. We'll be on the Boulevard in Lowell warming up the crowd and manning our tent! So...stop by! Log onto www.heartwalk.kintera.org/merrimackvalley and locate our team to donate and join!
Why is this such a big deal for us?
Well, both K and I have fathers who have (or have had) heart disease. My uncle also is living with heart disease...
Many of you know that my Dad passed away, at the young age of 47 of a massive heart attack. I was only 16 and I remember the cardiologist telling us that he must have had it for years. At that time, quadruple bypasses were not done like they are now. Had they been, my Dad would have lived, just as my Uncle now does. While many advances have been made in fighting and treating heart disease, we're not there yet. Folks are still dying, every day, of heart disease and, let's remember, it's the #1 killer of American women!
So, join us this weekend. We will still have a full schedule of classes at the Center, but come by afterwards to walk or stop in and say HI...or log on and donate to this very important cause. One day, it might save YOU or someone you love from this killer disease!
Thanks!
Ah, Open House #14 is in the rear view mirror and boy was it fun! As you can see from the previous post, we had a huge crowd, lots of newbies and tons of laughs! Check out our dedicated website for even more pics! (Now that the upload is fixed!)
So, onto our biggest charity event of the year...the HeartWalk.
Join us this Saturday, October 4 for the 2nd Annual Merrimack Valley HeartWalk. We'll be on the Boulevard in Lowell warming up the crowd and manning our tent! So...stop by! Log onto www.heartwalk.kintera.org/merrimackvalley and locate our team to donate and join!
Why is this such a big deal for us?
Well, both K and I have fathers who have (or have had) heart disease. My uncle also is living with heart disease...
Many of you know that my Dad passed away, at the young age of 47 of a massive heart attack. I was only 16 and I remember the cardiologist telling us that he must have had it for years. At that time, quadruple bypasses were not done like they are now. Had they been, my Dad would have lived, just as my Uncle now does. While many advances have been made in fighting and treating heart disease, we're not there yet. Folks are still dying, every day, of heart disease and, let's remember, it's the #1 killer of American women!
So, join us this weekend. We will still have a full schedule of classes at the Center, but come by afterwards to walk or stop in and say HI...or log on and donate to this very important cause. One day, it might save YOU or someone you love from this killer disease!
Thanks!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Open House pics...
Friday, September 26, 2008
It takes a village...
To run a Center.
On the heels of the last post, heralding the wonderfulness that is our instructor staff, we certainly don't want to forget the rest of our fabulous staff because we couldn't do it without them as well!
We have so many class managers it's really tough for me to name them all so I will just say that each one of them welcomes our customers, works our desk, straightens things up after class and backs us up during class. As instructors, we know that having good class managers in class, just in case of emergencies, makes our job easier! So thanks to all!
We have 2 fabulous babysitters who watch your little darlings during class, making it possible for Mom to stay fit and healthy!
We also have a wonderful customer who cleans our Center, making it spic and span each week and allowing K and I to concentrate on other things! Ah, that clean smell that greets us!
So, when you arrive for class and are greeted with a smile and a "How are you?" really look at that person. They started just like you did, dancing in class and loving the J...and they really care about you!
See you at Open House!
On the heels of the last post, heralding the wonderfulness that is our instructor staff, we certainly don't want to forget the rest of our fabulous staff because we couldn't do it without them as well!
We have so many class managers it's really tough for me to name them all so I will just say that each one of them welcomes our customers, works our desk, straightens things up after class and backs us up during class. As instructors, we know that having good class managers in class, just in case of emergencies, makes our job easier! So thanks to all!
We have 2 fabulous babysitters who watch your little darlings during class, making it possible for Mom to stay fit and healthy!
We also have a wonderful customer who cleans our Center, making it spic and span each week and allowing K and I to concentrate on other things! Ah, that clean smell that greets us!
So, when you arrive for class and are greeted with a smile and a "How are you?" really look at that person. They started just like you did, dancing in class and loving the J...and they really care about you!
See you at Open House!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Cheaper by the Dozen
Ladies and Gents...
A dozen what? Eggs? (not for me!) Donuts? (ok, sometimes) Kids? Well sort of...
In an effort to not get too mushy on Open House day, I wanted to shout out to our FAB instructors (including K and me there are a dozen of us...get it??!!)
Liz-She is a dynamo. Period. She has a zest for life that I only hope to have, along with being fashionable and fabulous. Over the years, Liz has been an immeasurable help to us-from when we got our start to today. And we will never forget that.
Tammy-Giggles. That is what I understand her family calls her (half of whom attend classes here-thanks Tammy!) She is fun and funny with a strong foundation underneath. She's taken on classes that were rough and tough and put her positive foot forward every time. So, get yourselves out of bed early and check her out! Tammy has kept us out of a few 'pickles' over the years and, here again, we won't forget!
Kristen-Poised and professional, she brings education and knowledge together with her signature Country tunes! (with a side of NKOTB, right Kristen??) I remember watching her dance (over by the locker area) one day while I was sitting at the desk and thought...HMMM, she'd made a great instructor. I was right! She's always there to help, even after having taught (all day) to a lovely bunch of 4th graders at school! She's a gem!
Patty-Thoughtful and wise. She might have started teaching a bit (ahem) later in life, but she has taken to it like a duck to water. She has a razor sharp sense of humor and brings that, and much more, to every class! She's allowed us to have someone to rely upon to build our morning classes while K gets to do some valuable Mom stuff! We love her!
Lyn-Sweet. That really tells you all about Lynnie. She loves Buble and the old time tunes and mixes those with all the techno stuff. She is kind and generous and, right now, we're missing her. She's helped us out of afternoon jams with her smile! She'll be back soon and we can't wait!
Jill-2 long years. That's how long it took to convince this child she could teach. Lord. (teasing...) Was it worth the wait? Oh yeah. She's a financial whiz kid at work but she brings her terrific sense of humor (and stories of her life) to her classes. Friday nights will never be the same with Jill here. She's given so much to us already, we can't imagine the staff without her! Don't miss out on Friday nights with Jill!
Maripat-It's the quiet ones you have to watch out for! She's a quiet force to be reckoned with teaching our Friday early AM classes. She really bailed us out and between her family, teaching in Pepp and here-she's super busy but never is frazzled! Here again, show up EARLY and see just how Maripat rounds out our week!
Jessica-Wise beyond her years is how I'd describe Jess. She's cool, calm and collected and even though she started as a 'not so committed' (she's in class, she's out of class...right, Jess?) college student, she came back with a vengeance and only needed a bit of prodding to start teaching. All I can say is WHOA! She's powerful, fun and brings her youthful exuberance to every class. Soon to be married, we can't wait to see our beautiful bride! She's helped us keep up the pace of 30 classes a week and we are thrilled!
Kara-Special. Well, they're all special but Kara is a special Ed teacher in a HS all the while teaching here! That takes a really special person! I watched Kara in class for a few years, we saw her get married and settle in to married life and then...we pounced! She is fun and open and brings that special-ness to every class. She came at exactly the right time, allowing us to keep things going with our Lyn out for a bit!
Tina-Our 'baby'. She's our newest and has already been a HUGE help. K now has another person to help her so she can step back a bit and do all those Mommy things (and her own things) she wants/needs to do in the AM's. While I've always had tons of options to cover classes, Tina finally brings this to our AM's between Liz, Patty and Tina, K has her pick! Finally! Tina is strong and, while still learning, she certainly is doing a bang up job!
And finally...but in no way least:
K-What can I say about K? For such a long time I thought I was the one, standing in the background (you know, like that movie Beaches? One friend is 'out front' and the other one is more 'in the background'), but I was wrong. I used to watch her teach and hope I could do 'that'. The one in the background is the strong one, the one that holds things together, quietly (well, in this case not so quietly...). The one that always makes you feel like you have a 'safety net', someone to count on when the going gets really rough. While she certainly doesn't mind the spotlight (and I kind of do mind it), I get 'shoved' there a bit more often than she. I do all the PR stuff, get up and warmup the big crowds at charity events and get on local TV. Most of the time, I'm not sure why but I do know 1 thing FOR SURE-if it weren't for K, none of it would be possible.
To get really mushy for 1 second-she definitely is the 'wind' beneath the wings of this operation.
So while I will take the 'credit' for dreaming and driving forward to our Center location-everyone needs to know that K is the one who truly keeps me grounded and on the right track. And is usually right and cuter and younger. (And that will be the last time I admit all that! HAHA) (And she might add smarter to that list!)
The real point is-we do it together. We always have. Before we had all these fabulous women (more to come, by the way...) we did it as a duo. Now we are blessed to be able to leave our Center in the more than capable hands (and feet!) of the women listed here. That is a feeling hard to describe when I can be home, with my family, knowing that each of you is getting an awesome class-safe and sound with one of our wonderful Associates.
So girls, thanks. Presents for you (instructors) on Open House day. A small token of appreciation for not only teaching all those classes, but giving K and me peace of mind. And what's better than that?
Nothing!
A dozen what? Eggs? (not for me!) Donuts? (ok, sometimes) Kids? Well sort of...
In an effort to not get too mushy on Open House day, I wanted to shout out to our FAB instructors (including K and me there are a dozen of us...get it??!!)
Liz-She is a dynamo. Period. She has a zest for life that I only hope to have, along with being fashionable and fabulous. Over the years, Liz has been an immeasurable help to us-from when we got our start to today. And we will never forget that.
Tammy-Giggles. That is what I understand her family calls her (half of whom attend classes here-thanks Tammy!) She is fun and funny with a strong foundation underneath. She's taken on classes that were rough and tough and put her positive foot forward every time. So, get yourselves out of bed early and check her out! Tammy has kept us out of a few 'pickles' over the years and, here again, we won't forget!
Kristen-Poised and professional, she brings education and knowledge together with her signature Country tunes! (with a side of NKOTB, right Kristen??) I remember watching her dance (over by the locker area) one day while I was sitting at the desk and thought...HMMM, she'd made a great instructor. I was right! She's always there to help, even after having taught (all day) to a lovely bunch of 4th graders at school! She's a gem!
Patty-Thoughtful and wise. She might have started teaching a bit (ahem) later in life, but she has taken to it like a duck to water. She has a razor sharp sense of humor and brings that, and much more, to every class! She's allowed us to have someone to rely upon to build our morning classes while K gets to do some valuable Mom stuff! We love her!
Lyn-Sweet. That really tells you all about Lynnie. She loves Buble and the old time tunes and mixes those with all the techno stuff. She is kind and generous and, right now, we're missing her. She's helped us out of afternoon jams with her smile! She'll be back soon and we can't wait!
Jill-2 long years. That's how long it took to convince this child she could teach. Lord. (teasing...) Was it worth the wait? Oh yeah. She's a financial whiz kid at work but she brings her terrific sense of humor (and stories of her life) to her classes. Friday nights will never be the same with Jill here. She's given so much to us already, we can't imagine the staff without her! Don't miss out on Friday nights with Jill!
Maripat-It's the quiet ones you have to watch out for! She's a quiet force to be reckoned with teaching our Friday early AM classes. She really bailed us out and between her family, teaching in Pepp and here-she's super busy but never is frazzled! Here again, show up EARLY and see just how Maripat rounds out our week!
Jessica-Wise beyond her years is how I'd describe Jess. She's cool, calm and collected and even though she started as a 'not so committed' (she's in class, she's out of class...right, Jess?) college student, she came back with a vengeance and only needed a bit of prodding to start teaching. All I can say is WHOA! She's powerful, fun and brings her youthful exuberance to every class. Soon to be married, we can't wait to see our beautiful bride! She's helped us keep up the pace of 30 classes a week and we are thrilled!
Kara-Special. Well, they're all special but Kara is a special Ed teacher in a HS all the while teaching here! That takes a really special person! I watched Kara in class for a few years, we saw her get married and settle in to married life and then...we pounced! She is fun and open and brings that special-ness to every class. She came at exactly the right time, allowing us to keep things going with our Lyn out for a bit!
Tina-Our 'baby'. She's our newest and has already been a HUGE help. K now has another person to help her so she can step back a bit and do all those Mommy things (and her own things) she wants/needs to do in the AM's. While I've always had tons of options to cover classes, Tina finally brings this to our AM's between Liz, Patty and Tina, K has her pick! Finally! Tina is strong and, while still learning, she certainly is doing a bang up job!
And finally...but in no way least:
K-What can I say about K? For such a long time I thought I was the one, standing in the background (you know, like that movie Beaches? One friend is 'out front' and the other one is more 'in the background'), but I was wrong. I used to watch her teach and hope I could do 'that'. The one in the background is the strong one, the one that holds things together, quietly (well, in this case not so quietly...). The one that always makes you feel like you have a 'safety net', someone to count on when the going gets really rough. While she certainly doesn't mind the spotlight (and I kind of do mind it), I get 'shoved' there a bit more often than she. I do all the PR stuff, get up and warmup the big crowds at charity events and get on local TV. Most of the time, I'm not sure why but I do know 1 thing FOR SURE-if it weren't for K, none of it would be possible.
To get really mushy for 1 second-she definitely is the 'wind' beneath the wings of this operation.
So while I will take the 'credit' for dreaming and driving forward to our Center location-everyone needs to know that K is the one who truly keeps me grounded and on the right track. And is usually right and cuter and younger. (And that will be the last time I admit all that! HAHA) (And she might add smarter to that list!)
The real point is-we do it together. We always have. Before we had all these fabulous women (more to come, by the way...) we did it as a duo. Now we are blessed to be able to leave our Center in the more than capable hands (and feet!) of the women listed here. That is a feeling hard to describe when I can be home, with my family, knowing that each of you is getting an awesome class-safe and sound with one of our wonderful Associates.
So girls, thanks. Presents for you (instructors) on Open House day. A small token of appreciation for not only teaching all those classes, but giving K and me peace of mind. And what's better than that?
Nothing!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Another year, another anxiety attack....
Well friends, it's Open House week (also known as 'busy has he** week)...it's a good busy though!
This is the week where I traditionally start wondering if anyone will even show up for Open House. Yes, that's right, every year I have nightmares of no customers showing and Judi arriving saying "THIS is a big, successful Center...I think not!"
Truly, we hope you come-and bring friends.
We have been here 14 years because of all of you. You come to class, you make us smile and laugh and we all get healthy together. It's so much fun and we are blessed to be able to do this for a living and we know it. We really do.
As told in the 'Whole sordid story' post, you know we really didn't plan for it to be this big. We thought maybe we'd have 15 classes or so, a few good instructors working for us and we only prayed we'd be in business this long.
What we got?
We got the space and landlord of our dreams, 30 classes, 11 of the most wonderful instructors we could ever ask for (and counting...)and class managers and babysitters that make the whole place hum like the well oiled machine we dreamed about.
In the early years, we had invitations made up for our Open House and sent them to colleagues (other Owners and our DM) and kept them for our memories. I think year 2's invitation said it best so we'll use it as our cyber-invite to one and all for this year too:
We realize that very few people in this life get to live their dreams and we truly get that opportunity. It is a true honor to be able to do so and we cannot thank each of you enough for allowing us to do it.
So, when you see us on Saturday remember that the day is really to thank you for all that you have given us.
We are truly blessed.
See you in class!
This is the week where I traditionally start wondering if anyone will even show up for Open House. Yes, that's right, every year I have nightmares of no customers showing and Judi arriving saying "THIS is a big, successful Center...I think not!"
Truly, we hope you come-and bring friends.
We have been here 14 years because of all of you. You come to class, you make us smile and laugh and we all get healthy together. It's so much fun and we are blessed to be able to do this for a living and we know it. We really do.
As told in the 'Whole sordid story' post, you know we really didn't plan for it to be this big. We thought maybe we'd have 15 classes or so, a few good instructors working for us and we only prayed we'd be in business this long.
What we got?
We got the space and landlord of our dreams, 30 classes, 11 of the most wonderful instructors we could ever ask for (and counting...)and class managers and babysitters that make the whole place hum like the well oiled machine we dreamed about.
In the early years, we had invitations made up for our Open House and sent them to colleagues (other Owners and our DM) and kept them for our memories. I think year 2's invitation said it best so we'll use it as our cyber-invite to one and all for this year too:
J-Center of Chelmsford
14th Annual Open House
Saturday, 9/27 8-12noon
"Come and join us as we celebrate another year of our dream."
"Your feet can learn the steps but only your spirit can dance."
We realize that very few people in this life get to live their dreams and we truly get that opportunity. It is a true honor to be able to do so and we cannot thank each of you enough for allowing us to do it.
So, when you see us on Saturday remember that the day is really to thank you for all that you have given us.
We are truly blessed.
See you in class!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Mockolate? I think notolate!
Ladies and Gents,
There is a true outrage I need to share with you. (I shared it with my classes this morning but you all must know this!)
Chocolate companies (including *ACK* Hershey's) are substituting vegetable oil for cocoa butter in some of their 'chocolate' products. You must now read your labels to make sure your precious chocolate isn't....mockolate!
Why are they doing this? It costs less to put the oil in there than real cocoa butter! ARRGGHH.
Forget worrying about trans fats...
Forget worrying about the gas prices...
PEOPLE THIS IS SERIOUS!
How can we possibly PMS properly (and come out of it properly) without real chocolate???? Hmmm????
We cannot.
Stand up for yourselves and chocolate lovers everywhere and refuse to buy 'mockolate' products-buy only real chocolate!
There!
Now everyone get to CVS (or Mrs. Nelson's) for some REAL American chocolate!
There is a true outrage I need to share with you. (I shared it with my classes this morning but you all must know this!)
Chocolate companies (including *ACK* Hershey's) are substituting vegetable oil for cocoa butter in some of their 'chocolate' products. You must now read your labels to make sure your precious chocolate isn't....mockolate!
Why are they doing this? It costs less to put the oil in there than real cocoa butter! ARRGGHH.
Forget worrying about trans fats...
Forget worrying about the gas prices...
PEOPLE THIS IS SERIOUS!
How can we possibly PMS properly (and come out of it properly) without real chocolate???? Hmmm????
We cannot.
Stand up for yourselves and chocolate lovers everywhere and refuse to buy 'mockolate' products-buy only real chocolate!
There!
Now everyone get to CVS (or Mrs. Nelson's) for some REAL American chocolate!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
A bit of FUN
Ladies and Gents,
Here's a list of things *not* to do in class (remember, this is a funny...)
-Hold your breath and count to 20 during a Heavy routine
-Watch your feet while marching
-Convince yourself to hold your bladder during a standing leg routine with plies
-Laugh at the instructor's big ending as the music plays on
-Gulp a 44 ounce Mount*in Dew before class
-Scream, "Hey that's my spot!" when you see a brand new person in class
-Expect to have skinny legs after attending 1 week of classes
-Actually yell, "Hell to the no" when the instructors asks, "Did you have a good day?"
-Rush the stage when the instructor says, "Skip up and come and see me."
-Take class barefoot (that's old school and dangerous)
-Go over and start reading a magazine in between heavy routines at the top of the curve
-Start eating your snack during class
-Taking a cellphone call while laying on your mat during the floor work
-Scream out, "I hate this routine" at any point during class
Have a great day!
Here's a list of things *not* to do in class (remember, this is a funny...)
-Hold your breath and count to 20 during a Heavy routine
-Watch your feet while marching
-Convince yourself to hold your bladder during a standing leg routine with plies
-Laugh at the instructor's big ending as the music plays on
-Gulp a 44 ounce Mount*in Dew before class
-Scream, "Hey that's my spot!" when you see a brand new person in class
-Expect to have skinny legs after attending 1 week of classes
-Actually yell, "Hell to the no" when the instructors asks, "Did you have a good day?"
-Rush the stage when the instructor says, "Skip up and come and see me."
-Take class barefoot (that's old school and dangerous)
-Go over and start reading a magazine in between heavy routines at the top of the curve
-Start eating your snack during class
-Taking a cellphone call while laying on your mat during the floor work
-Scream out, "I hate this routine" at any point during class
Have a great day!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The whole 'sordid' story...
Did the title 'grab' your attention??? Hmmm?
As we come to our 14th Annual Open House, I thought I'd author a post on how this whole journey began...
Once upon a time a girl who'd done "J" since she was 17 moved to MA for school and, well, for a boy. (Wrong boy, BTW... but that's a whole other story!) Anyway, she gained 89lbs. and took 5 years away from the "J" to marry the wrong boy and gain all the weight. Good times.
Flash forward to 1990-new job, new life. The girl was losing weight but needed to add exercise to the nutrition part of weight loss. So, she looked up "J" in the Boston yellow pages and found the 800 number. Thank God. Started new job on Monday and went to "J" that night for the first time in 5 years.
Well, I thought I'd die (I didn't) but I did stand in back wearing a huge tee shirt and bike shorts (whoa, that was the style then...). The instructor asked me if I'd done it before and I said I had...I was there every class thereafter and after about 2 weeks of coming every class and arriving early, they made me a class manager.
Then, one of the other class managers was going to be certified and I thought, "Well, the instructor tells me I should do it and I think I can."
Flash forward to months later when my original instructor needed to resign to have her 2nd baby and I ended up in Newton "J". One night we met a sub instructor whom everyone called "The Olympic one". I wondered what the H that meant...(it was K, BTW and she had a 'Dorothy Hamil' do back then) I introduced myself and let her know I'd take any and all feedback on my movements for certification. She was liberal with her comments and very helpful. In less than 2 weeks, we were fast friends. Oh and she made sure everyone knew I was leaving EARLY that first night (it was my 30th bday) to have lobster with my family! (My face went red-but I laughed anyway). Little did I know that was only the 1st time she'd tease me.
Pizza after class, laughing, teasing(let's not forget the mudslides on weekends)...her busting my a** teaching me movement, cueing-all the stuff I needed to know (though I still want to know where carrying her bag to class, rewinding her cassettes (and, whoa, that's what we used back then) and getting her coffee had to do with teaching. She has yet to explain that! (haha)
She took me to classes everywhere and taught me what to do, what not to do, what to wear, what to say...she showed me, by her example, how to teach, really teach, how to connect with the students...She also taught me to drink coffee. Yes, that's right. I hadn't drank it at all until I was 30 and had to learn to keep up with her! (Though, as she'd say I drink that 'girly' coffee-hazelnut!)
In return, I put her back on the stage she started on, where she belongs! (Our Center was a Center WAY back when-not well managed but empty and I had my eye on it from day 1 to get K back up on that stage!) She thought we'd never get the space, she thought J, Inc. wouldn't allow us to go into Chelmsford (there were small classes held at the HS way back then) but lo and behold, they did. K's original video (before certification) was taken on our stage and I wanted her back there. She was the best instructor there when she worked at the 'old' place and we had a little bitty score to settle, right K?
Flash forward 15 years.
We've been through it all.
Marriages, kids, fights (more than we can count)...all to bring us to our Center. We started in a Church Hall in Westford with no parking, no A/C and about 12 customers. We moved to a dance studio (you can thank little K because if K didn't get pregnant with her, we might not have moved when we did-we needed A/C for the summer!) and grew our classes so big, people were dancing in the bathroom! (No kidding!) I had my eye on our Center all that time. I used to sit in the parking lot wondering if we could do it, watching the traffic pattern and dreaming about all the people who might see our place and come to class. We made our move at the perfect time, when the building was bought by a local man who was moving his daughter's liquor store from across the street. Mr. K, what would we do without you! (BTW, is daughter is now our landlord and she is the BEST!)
The first day I took our DM there the parking lot wasn't paved yet, every window was covered in mud and there were 4 businesses in the building. It was a mess. She looked at me and said, "Do you swear you can make this work?" And I swore we could. Did I think we could? I wasn't sure but I was sure I wanted to be in THAT space at THAT time. It just felt right. And, as you can see-it was.
Every single day was worth it. It was worth all the blood, sweat and, yes, many tears.
I took what I learned from K mentoring me, put my spin on it and have mentored 20 women to become instructors. We've grown from 11 classes a week to 30, from a manual system to computerized and from records and cassettes to ipods. We've grown from a single girl and her married best friend to a family of 4 and a married couple with 1 furry kid. We've grown from 29 year old silly girls into 44 year old silly women. And we did it all together.
The simple basis of our business has always been 2 friends who sat around Bertucci's in Newton one night and said, "Wouldn't it be cool if we had our own Center?"
And you know what? It is cool.
And now we give you our 14th Annual Open House.
It all started as an oh so simple conversation over pizza-and they said it wouldn't last.
Well, as the poster in our Center (signed to us by Judi when we opened says)
When they tell you that you can't
Show them that you can
When they tell you that you won't
Show them that you will
And when they tell you it's impossible...
Prove them wrong.
And if you know us-that about says it all!
We hope to see you ALL at Open House-where we celebrate the beginning the next year of our dream!
As we come to our 14th Annual Open House, I thought I'd author a post on how this whole journey began...
Once upon a time a girl who'd done "J" since she was 17 moved to MA for school and, well, for a boy. (Wrong boy, BTW... but that's a whole other story!) Anyway, she gained 89lbs. and took 5 years away from the "J" to marry the wrong boy and gain all the weight. Good times.
Flash forward to 1990-new job, new life. The girl was losing weight but needed to add exercise to the nutrition part of weight loss. So, she looked up "J" in the Boston yellow pages and found the 800 number. Thank God. Started new job on Monday and went to "J" that night for the first time in 5 years.
Well, I thought I'd die (I didn't) but I did stand in back wearing a huge tee shirt and bike shorts (whoa, that was the style then...). The instructor asked me if I'd done it before and I said I had...I was there every class thereafter and after about 2 weeks of coming every class and arriving early, they made me a class manager.
Then, one of the other class managers was going to be certified and I thought, "Well, the instructor tells me I should do it and I think I can."
Flash forward to months later when my original instructor needed to resign to have her 2nd baby and I ended up in Newton "J". One night we met a sub instructor whom everyone called "The Olympic one". I wondered what the H that meant...(it was K, BTW and she had a 'Dorothy Hamil' do back then) I introduced myself and let her know I'd take any and all feedback on my movements for certification. She was liberal with her comments and very helpful. In less than 2 weeks, we were fast friends. Oh and she made sure everyone knew I was leaving EARLY that first night (it was my 30th bday) to have lobster with my family! (My face went red-but I laughed anyway). Little did I know that was only the 1st time she'd tease me.
Pizza after class, laughing, teasing(let's not forget the mudslides on weekends)...her busting my a** teaching me movement, cueing-all the stuff I needed to know (though I still want to know where carrying her bag to class, rewinding her cassettes (and, whoa, that's what we used back then) and getting her coffee had to do with teaching. She has yet to explain that! (haha)
She took me to classes everywhere and taught me what to do, what not to do, what to wear, what to say...she showed me, by her example, how to teach, really teach, how to connect with the students...She also taught me to drink coffee. Yes, that's right. I hadn't drank it at all until I was 30 and had to learn to keep up with her! (Though, as she'd say I drink that 'girly' coffee-hazelnut!)
In return, I put her back on the stage she started on, where she belongs! (Our Center was a Center WAY back when-not well managed but empty and I had my eye on it from day 1 to get K back up on that stage!) She thought we'd never get the space, she thought J, Inc. wouldn't allow us to go into Chelmsford (there were small classes held at the HS way back then) but lo and behold, they did. K's original video (before certification) was taken on our stage and I wanted her back there. She was the best instructor there when she worked at the 'old' place and we had a little bitty score to settle, right K?
Flash forward 15 years.
We've been through it all.
Marriages, kids, fights (more than we can count)...all to bring us to our Center. We started in a Church Hall in Westford with no parking, no A/C and about 12 customers. We moved to a dance studio (you can thank little K because if K didn't get pregnant with her, we might not have moved when we did-we needed A/C for the summer!) and grew our classes so big, people were dancing in the bathroom! (No kidding!) I had my eye on our Center all that time. I used to sit in the parking lot wondering if we could do it, watching the traffic pattern and dreaming about all the people who might see our place and come to class. We made our move at the perfect time, when the building was bought by a local man who was moving his daughter's liquor store from across the street. Mr. K, what would we do without you! (BTW, is daughter is now our landlord and she is the BEST!)
The first day I took our DM there the parking lot wasn't paved yet, every window was covered in mud and there were 4 businesses in the building. It was a mess. She looked at me and said, "Do you swear you can make this work?" And I swore we could. Did I think we could? I wasn't sure but I was sure I wanted to be in THAT space at THAT time. It just felt right. And, as you can see-it was.
Every single day was worth it. It was worth all the blood, sweat and, yes, many tears.
I took what I learned from K mentoring me, put my spin on it and have mentored 20 women to become instructors. We've grown from 11 classes a week to 30, from a manual system to computerized and from records and cassettes to ipods. We've grown from a single girl and her married best friend to a family of 4 and a married couple with 1 furry kid. We've grown from 29 year old silly girls into 44 year old silly women. And we did it all together.
The simple basis of our business has always been 2 friends who sat around Bertucci's in Newton one night and said, "Wouldn't it be cool if we had our own Center?"
And you know what? It is cool.
And now we give you our 14th Annual Open House.
It all started as an oh so simple conversation over pizza-and they said it wouldn't last.
Well, as the poster in our Center (signed to us by Judi when we opened says)
When they tell you that you can't
Show them that you can
When they tell you that you won't
Show them that you will
And when they tell you it's impossible...
Prove them wrong.
And if you know us-that about says it all!
We hope to see you ALL at Open House-where we celebrate the beginning the next year of our dream!
Monday, September 15, 2008
The one in which I curse technology...sort of
Ladies and Gents,
Mini Ally update-we had a rough night last night and got into the doc first thing this AM...she is doing better now. It's still a rollercoaster so please continue to add her to your prayers and thoughts. We very much appreciate it!
Ok...Mr. P&P and I spent 7 hours here on Saturday upgrading the Center PC back to Windows XP. Good times...not. We had to install one service pack (so I could reload Itunes) that took 2 HOURS itself. Like I said...good times. Once I went to restore my data...no playlists. Uh, yeah that means classes. So, I spent 5 hours here yesterday setting it all back up...my record sets, classes, etc. More good times...not.
But, it's done.
And, so far so good.
Does the "J" custom software work? Uh, no. So we're on the laptop for now (not fully functioning but enough to get through a few days) and Tech Support called me today so we're on the road to fixing that.
What went easily?
MS Word, Excel, Publisher docs. Oh joy. Well, those are important but come on...
For those thinking of going from Windows 2000 (and you should) to XP or Vista...be mindful it takes the whole weekend.
Oh, and the Company I had planned to have do it? P*lum Choice??? They s*ck eggs big time. They would have come, for $200 and installed XP and done NOTHING else. No reload of any software, no drivers for printing, no nothing else.
Please note: "NO P*LUM CHOICE". When I inquired if they would reinstall for a price, answer is no. They would have walked out after 1 hour and left me to clean up the 'mess'...lovely.
So, we're set for class tonight, hopefully will have our fully functioning custom software by the time you all get here this afternoon...fingers crossed!
Ah, technology, it makes life easier and harder all at the same time!
Mini Ally update-we had a rough night last night and got into the doc first thing this AM...she is doing better now. It's still a rollercoaster so please continue to add her to your prayers and thoughts. We very much appreciate it!
Ok...Mr. P&P and I spent 7 hours here on Saturday upgrading the Center PC back to Windows XP. Good times...not. We had to install one service pack (so I could reload Itunes) that took 2 HOURS itself. Like I said...good times. Once I went to restore my data...no playlists. Uh, yeah that means classes. So, I spent 5 hours here yesterday setting it all back up...my record sets, classes, etc. More good times...not.
But, it's done.
And, so far so good.
Does the "J" custom software work? Uh, no. So we're on the laptop for now (not fully functioning but enough to get through a few days) and Tech Support called me today so we're on the road to fixing that.
What went easily?
MS Word, Excel, Publisher docs. Oh joy. Well, those are important but come on...
For those thinking of going from Windows 2000 (and you should) to XP or Vista...be mindful it takes the whole weekend.
Oh, and the Company I had planned to have do it? P*lum Choice??? They s*ck eggs big time. They would have come, for $200 and installed XP and done NOTHING else. No reload of any software, no drivers for printing, no nothing else.
Please note: "NO P*LUM CHOICE". When I inquired if they would reinstall for a price, answer is no. They would have walked out after 1 hour and left me to clean up the 'mess'...lovely.
So, we're set for class tonight, hopefully will have our fully functioning custom software by the time you all get here this afternoon...fingers crossed!
Ah, technology, it makes life easier and harder all at the same time!
Friday, September 12, 2008
School Daze
Ok folks, this is probably going to make me sound like I'm 100 and went to school in a one room school house on the 'prairie' but...
WTH is up with the school bus literally stopping every 50 feet to pick kids up at the end of their own driveways??? HMMM???
We had to walk to a 'central spot', maybe a few houses up and get the bus. (No, not up hill both ways or anything...HAHA)
I was driving Ally to an appointment this morning (she's doing well, BTW) and I was behind a school bus for a bit. No real problem, I was running early so I didn't really mind.
The thing that struck me was that I saw kids up the street standing in their driveways, not one house away from where the bus was stopped. Literally FEET away. The bus stopped at the first driveway, pulled their stop sign and lights in and moved up 2 houses and stopped in that driveway and so on.
Now, I do understand that our world is not as safe as it once was. But, why can't the parents (who are waiting IN their driveway with their child already) walk to their NEIGHBOR'S house and stand, all together, to wait for the bus so there is one stop, not 10????
Anyone?
Buehler?
Anyone???
WTH is up with the school bus literally stopping every 50 feet to pick kids up at the end of their own driveways??? HMMM???
We had to walk to a 'central spot', maybe a few houses up and get the bus. (No, not up hill both ways or anything...HAHA)
I was driving Ally to an appointment this morning (she's doing well, BTW) and I was behind a school bus for a bit. No real problem, I was running early so I didn't really mind.
The thing that struck me was that I saw kids up the street standing in their driveways, not one house away from where the bus was stopped. Literally FEET away. The bus stopped at the first driveway, pulled their stop sign and lights in and moved up 2 houses and stopped in that driveway and so on.
Now, I do understand that our world is not as safe as it once was. But, why can't the parents (who are waiting IN their driveway with their child already) walk to their NEIGHBOR'S house and stand, all together, to wait for the bus so there is one stop, not 10????
Anyone?
Buehler?
Anyone???
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Lies, Lies, Lies...yeah
Ladies (and Gents),
I lurk on a few chat boards (not really into posting) and some are 'J' chatboards and some are more general, like WW. There is a 'J' thread on the WW board and I love to read folks' comments.
Anyway, on the board there is a daily, nary I say it's multiple times per day, thread asking about C*rves. How many calories does it burn? Who does it? Who loves it? What about their new C*rves Smart system? This drives me nuts. First, there's a freakin' post on this daily so go back and read it. Better still? Could you guys make your own thread so we don't have to see the same posts day after day after flippin' day? Mmmkay? Thanks.
Ok, let me give it to you straight people (as well all know, that is my want, to give it to you straight...)....
C*rves doesn't burn the calories it claims. Absolutely not. If you are sitting on your arse and talking, you are N O T burning fat and calories. If that were the case, I'd be a skinny b*tch for sure. In fact, I might be so small I'd be mistaken for a 15 year old. As you see, that's not the case.
You are all smart folks-do not fall for false claims because, in the fitness industry, there's little regulation but we, exceed all the government and AFAA standards. 'They' do not.
If you want to burn fat and calories you must do 3 things:
-Cardio
-Strength
-Stretch
Duh...we've been doing this at the big 'J' for almost 40 years. Yes, that's right, since 1969.
You must M O V E your body.
You must pick up some sort of resistance (weights, tubes, use your own body weight).
You must stretch your muscles so they become more lean.
You cannot, I repeat, you cannot sit on your arse, in a flippin' circle and chat with your friends while halfheartedly moving your limbs on some machine, monitored by someone with ZERO physiology training, listening to the same mix of bad 80's music over and over and over again and lose weight.
So, you might say, "Uh, A, I've SEEN people start there and lose weight. What about that?"
Are these people deconditioned and/or have never exercised before?
Have you ever seen a relatively fit woman, between the ages of 18-70 go in there and tone up and lose that last 10 lbs??? HMMM???
I think not.
Look, every form of exercise is good for someone. This place that claims to allow you to 'amaze yourself' is full of it. They do not train their employees. They get 1 week of 'how to sell membership' training. (BTW, 'J' instructors are not trained in ANYTHING but dance technique and exercise physiology...) C*rves is great for folks who need to slowly acclimate their bodies to exercise. It's great for those who have significant weight to lose and are concerned about ANY impact on their joints initially. However, unless you are a hamster, you'll be bored out of your gord (spelling?) in no time!
But, you can come to the 'J' and start slowly too. You don't have to do any impact with us and you'll see folks of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels. You'll see ladies who have never exercised in their lives next to ladies who are doing triathlons. You'll see size 0 ladies and size 24 ladies. You'll be safe with instructors who are trained how to modify movements so 99% of folks can do anything we do!
And you know what?
We're all dancing and having fun and getting healthier by the class.
So, please...enough of this 'you're burning 500 calories sitting in a GD circle chatting'...Remember what your Mama taught you-if it sounds to good to be true, it is.
Now get yourself to the J and have fun and be safe!
I lurk on a few chat boards (not really into posting) and some are 'J' chatboards and some are more general, like WW. There is a 'J' thread on the WW board and I love to read folks' comments.
Anyway, on the board there is a daily, nary I say it's multiple times per day, thread asking about C*rves. How many calories does it burn? Who does it? Who loves it? What about their new C*rves Smart system? This drives me nuts. First, there's a freakin' post on this daily so go back and read it. Better still? Could you guys make your own thread so we don't have to see the same posts day after day after flippin' day? Mmmkay? Thanks.
Ok, let me give it to you straight people (as well all know, that is my want, to give it to you straight...)....
C*rves doesn't burn the calories it claims. Absolutely not. If you are sitting on your arse and talking, you are N O T burning fat and calories. If that were the case, I'd be a skinny b*tch for sure. In fact, I might be so small I'd be mistaken for a 15 year old. As you see, that's not the case.
You are all smart folks-do not fall for false claims because, in the fitness industry, there's little regulation but we, exceed all the government and AFAA standards. 'They' do not.
If you want to burn fat and calories you must do 3 things:
-Cardio
-Strength
-Stretch
Duh...we've been doing this at the big 'J' for almost 40 years. Yes, that's right, since 1969.
You must M O V E your body.
You must pick up some sort of resistance (weights, tubes, use your own body weight).
You must stretch your muscles so they become more lean.
You cannot, I repeat, you cannot sit on your arse, in a flippin' circle and chat with your friends while halfheartedly moving your limbs on some machine, monitored by someone with ZERO physiology training, listening to the same mix of bad 80's music over and over and over again and lose weight.
So, you might say, "Uh, A, I've SEEN people start there and lose weight. What about that?"
Are these people deconditioned and/or have never exercised before?
Have you ever seen a relatively fit woman, between the ages of 18-70 go in there and tone up and lose that last 10 lbs??? HMMM???
I think not.
Look, every form of exercise is good for someone. This place that claims to allow you to 'amaze yourself' is full of it. They do not train their employees. They get 1 week of 'how to sell membership' training. (BTW, 'J' instructors are not trained in ANYTHING but dance technique and exercise physiology...) C*rves is great for folks who need to slowly acclimate their bodies to exercise. It's great for those who have significant weight to lose and are concerned about ANY impact on their joints initially. However, unless you are a hamster, you'll be bored out of your gord (spelling?) in no time!
But, you can come to the 'J' and start slowly too. You don't have to do any impact with us and you'll see folks of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels. You'll see ladies who have never exercised in their lives next to ladies who are doing triathlons. You'll see size 0 ladies and size 24 ladies. You'll be safe with instructors who are trained how to modify movements so 99% of folks can do anything we do!
And you know what?
We're all dancing and having fun and getting healthier by the class.
So, please...enough of this 'you're burning 500 calories sitting in a GD circle chatting'...Remember what your Mama taught you-if it sounds to good to be true, it is.
Now get yourself to the J and have fun and be safe!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Merci Beaucoup...
Also known as 'Thank you' in English.
In a blog I love to read daily, the blogger is talking about the extinction of the 'smile back'. You know, when you smile at someone, in public that you do not know, and they smile back, or not.
It got me to thinking about the extinction of the 'thank you' when you hold the door open for someone coming or going out of a business or office building.
You know...when you are leaving Panera and you hold the door for the person coming out behind you, yet a few steps behind. It's a nice thing to do and, when someone does it for me, I say "Thank you".
What I cannot stand is when I hold the door for someone (and I mean when I am CLEARLY holding it for them, for instance I have to wait a couple seconds for them to 'catch up' to the door) and they say nothing. If I'm clearly holding the door for you, the nice thing to do is say "Thank you".
So, frankly, when someone doesn't say a word I say, "You're welcome".
Sometimes this illicits a response like, "Oh, thanks" and, sometimes, it illicits...nothing.
I say, let's make sure this doesn't become extinct like the 'smile back'...the next time someone holds a door for you say "Thank you" and pass it on!
In a blog I love to read daily, the blogger is talking about the extinction of the 'smile back'. You know, when you smile at someone, in public that you do not know, and they smile back, or not.
It got me to thinking about the extinction of the 'thank you' when you hold the door open for someone coming or going out of a business or office building.
You know...when you are leaving Panera and you hold the door for the person coming out behind you, yet a few steps behind. It's a nice thing to do and, when someone does it for me, I say "Thank you".
What I cannot stand is when I hold the door for someone (and I mean when I am CLEARLY holding it for them, for instance I have to wait a couple seconds for them to 'catch up' to the door) and they say nothing. If I'm clearly holding the door for you, the nice thing to do is say "Thank you".
So, frankly, when someone doesn't say a word I say, "You're welcome".
Sometimes this illicits a response like, "Oh, thanks" and, sometimes, it illicits...nothing.
I say, let's make sure this doesn't become extinct like the 'smile back'...the next time someone holds a door for you say "Thank you" and pass it on!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Holy crap Batman...
Tom Brady is out FOR THE SEASON with a torn ACL.
Ok, which one of you (or your significant other) didn't wear their lucky:
1. Underwear
2. Jersey
3. Use your lucky mug
4. Eat the same lucky game day foods
People, it's time to pray...hard.
Ok, which one of you (or your significant other) didn't wear their lucky:
1. Underwear
2. Jersey
3. Use your lucky mug
4. Eat the same lucky game day foods
People, it's time to pray...hard.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Is there a time...
When a woman, over 35, should 'not' wear certain items of clothing?
I think so.
Today as I gazed out the front windows of the Center, whilst planning my set for the weekend, I spied a couple getting back on their Harley after taking a class at the leather store nearby.
Now, it *is* hot today...
And, when riding a Harley, I suppose one doesn't dress in bermudas, sandals and a nice top but...
Should a woman, over the age of 35 (way over) wear skin tight jeans and a swath of leather, open at the bottom and tied at the back and neck (no bra)????
I mean, a good gust of wind (from Hurricane Hanna) is going to flip that leather up and, well, you get the picture.
While I'm a 'to each their own' type of person...
There are limits people.
I think so.
Today as I gazed out the front windows of the Center, whilst planning my set for the weekend, I spied a couple getting back on their Harley after taking a class at the leather store nearby.
Now, it *is* hot today...
And, when riding a Harley, I suppose one doesn't dress in bermudas, sandals and a nice top but...
Should a woman, over the age of 35 (way over) wear skin tight jeans and a swath of leather, open at the bottom and tied at the back and neck (no bra)????
I mean, a good gust of wind (from Hurricane Hanna) is going to flip that leather up and, well, you get the picture.
While I'm a 'to each their own' type of person...
There are limits people.
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