Abbey's dip from the potluck!

HI All,
For those who were there...here it is. For those who were not WRITE THIS DOWN! *Caution: it's not lowfat but it IS damn good!* (Thanks Abbey)

Buffalo Chicken Dip
2 8oz packs of cream cheese
2 cups cooked chicken (cubed)
12oz. shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 cup ranch dressing
Hot sauce
2 tbs. milk

Microwave the cream cheese and add milk, mix. Coat this bottom of a 13x9 pan with the cream cheese/milk mixture. Add chicken. Pour ranch dressing over chicken. Sprinkle with hot sauce. Cover with cheese. Bake in 350 oven for 30 minutes uncovered.
Enjoy with ANY kind of cracker, hearty chip or even bread!

The Dancer

HI All,
We have that new song "Human" on our current set and everyone is loving the lyrics, "Are we human or are we dancers?"
Well, both of course!
I referenced the poem, written by someone I certified with in 1995 a couple of times and I wanted to reprint it here.
The poem was written by James Webb Jones and copyrighted in 1995.

The Dancer
She works intently in an office by day
She drinks coffee with low fat creamer and
She smiles often as she pushes through this routine.
The sooner the workday is over
The sooner she is free for dance class.
She should have been a dancer,
She would have been a great one.
She's not an office worker heart and soul.
She warms up and
As the intensity heightens
You can see the music grip her and caress her spirit.
She takes flight and gravity works only as she wills it.
She merges with the music.
She does not pinch a note.
She pulls the music's power to her.
As she lifts her body she lifts even the saddest spirit.
With such graceful power she proves the purity of the dance's flow.
Heart and soul she is and ever will be a dancer.

Jimmy wrote this poem for us when we all got certified. He was the only guy, with over 30 girls. Hardly any of us (if any at all) had come from a 'dance' background but J always made us FEEL like dancers and becoming certified instructors certainly solidified that for all of us.
I have cherished this poem in my old workshop binder all this time and since I had mentioned it in class, I thought I'd share it with you all.
Oh, and EACH of you is a dancer...heart and soul!
See you in class!

Rain Rain go away...

Come again another day!
Now, I'm all for the rain to encourage all our veggies and flowers but, seriously....less than 50 degrees out?!! GAH!

Did you ever notice on Full Moon day (today BTW) that WEIRD little things just happen?
I think I dropped practically everything today at least once as I got out the door this morning including my umbrella!
And, I ran into a REALLY WEIRD guy going into DD. He was coming out with his coffee so I stepped back to let him exit and thanked him for holding the door for me. He just STARED at me as if I'd slapped him in the face. Did he not hear me thank him? Did he not see me smile at him? He was a rotund gentleman wearing a neon orange rainslicker, had crazy "Einstein" white hair and specs and I was kind of weirded out since he was still sitting in his car when I exited with my coffee 5 minutes later.
And, I saw a couple 'suits' with boxes of Godiva chocolates loitering around the mall today...never seen chocolate as a way to get 'in' someplace to solicit. (I, of course, was consistent and did NOT let them in!)
Tonight, thankfully, is potluck night! (Plan to come down!)
Let's hope the rain clears up for the Paws 4 a Cure walk against canine cancer on Sunday!

Stop and smell the roses...or

Check out a beautiful, delicate blue bird's egg that will soon be a baby bird!

(This shot taken right outside my front door in our hedge...)

Memorial Day

Hi All,
Well, this weekend marks the 'unofficial' beginning of Summer and our pool is open and we will be diving in for sure! The weather reminds me of my hometown (SB, CA) and we are all prepped for cookouts and relaxation...
We have a full schedule today (Friday) through Sunday and, remember 1 class only on Monday (check our website for more info).
More importantly, Memorial Day is the day we remember and honor those who have given their lives for our freedom.
We have many military families in our J family, with many still in harm's way. We want you all to know you have our support...always.
My Dad was in the Navy and his grave will bear the tiny flag, placed there in his honor for this solemn day.
Here are some Memorial Day facts you may not know:
-The 1st Memorial Day was May 30, 1868
-Flowers and/or flags are placed on graves of fallen service members all over our country
-Flags should be at half staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top
-Red poppies are the flower that signifies Memorial Day
-NY was the 1st State to recognize Memorial Day
-Memorial Day became a Federal holiday in 1971
So, whatever your plans on Monday, take a moment and remember why we have this holiday-it's not just a day off or a day to go to the beach...it's a day to remember that freedom is not free.

In an instant...

HI Everyone,
Today will be another beautiful day and I'm sure we're all looking forward to enjoying it. As usual in New England, that can always change 'in an instant'.
Why the title of this post? Is it really about the weather? No.
In the past few weeks we've had 1 client diagnosed with cancer, one associate instructor in a pretty awful car accident and one class manager who has to have her foot almost completely rebuilt due to what she thought was only a slight injury. Thankfully, they are all on the mend and will be ok, albeit with some long recovery times.
And, all of them (or their friends or family) have said, "Wow, it's amazing how your life can change in an instant."
Just like the rain can blow in and 'ruin' a beautiful, sunny day-injury or illness can blow into your life or the life of someone you love. We know that from Ally's cancer last year and we have learned (the hard way) to appreciate every, single day and moment.
So, for today, stop and LOOK at the color of that sky-it's an amazing blue.
Stop and look at your children-they are running crazy, being silly, making you nuts-but they are learning about their life, their bodies and the world around them. That's amazing, so see it through their eyes.
Stop and really TASTE your lunch today instead of eating at your desk and rushing through. And take that lunch OUTSIDE today and enjoy the aforementioned sky!
Stop and look around at all the things you DO have, instead of kvetching about what you do not have.
When you stop and really 'BE' in the moment, you'll find all sorts of things to enjoy. It'll bring you peace and joy.
So, what will YOU enjoy today? Share it here...oh, and come to class and we'll enjoy some 'sweating' time together!

And the Biggest Loser is....

Helen! (Aged 48)
48 people, that's NOT 28 or 38. The 'at home' winner is Jerry, aged 64. He was the most sick person on the show this season, made it only 2 weeks on the Ranch and lost almost 50% of his body weight!

Now, for all those of you who are planning on STOPPING your exercise this summer because your kids are home...
Check out Aubrey, mother of 5, who was also on BL this year. She made excuses on her 'review' video at the finale and only lost 43lbs. in the 5 months since the show ended! GAH. (Sorry, but with all the info and perks she got, it should have been more...)
Then, check out her sister who last 92lbs. in the same amount of time, 2 (or 3, can't remember) kids and a full time job to boot!

The point is...ANYONE can become more fit and healthy IF they apply themselves, make it a priority and.....(drumroll please..............................................................................................................................................................










TRY.
Yes, try.
You have to ACTUALLY TRY TO BECOME MORE FIT.
You have to TRY working hard in class.
You have to TRY to eat well 5 days out of 7.
And if at first you do not succeed....................TRY AGAIN.
Remember that when you make excuses, the real person you hurt is YOURSELF. It might sound harsh, but it's true.
If you do not make your own health and fitness a priority NO ONE ELSE WILL. We cannot do it for you...we can only put on the music, add in the motivation, model the intensity and give you a push.
All you have to do is try every day. Take our hands...we'll help you.
But, as a wise man once said...
He helps those who help themselves.
Now...pack your clothes, mark your calendar and GET TO CLASS-you know you'll feel better once you do!
And, HUGE PROPS to Helen, BL winner this season. YOU GO GIRL!

Sum, Sum Summertime...

Hi All,
We hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend...the weather cooperated (for the most part) and hopefully we were all able to enjoy!
As we come into better and better weather each week, here are a few tips for getting into class as the weather pulls you away:
-Look at our ENTIRE schedule and adjust, so you can have more time outside and with family. Remember, we have 30 classes a week and while you may normally attend at, say, 9:30am or 6 or 6:30pm, check out our early AM (6am-Tu,Th,F) classes or our 7:30pm (Tu,Th) classes. If you get your workout in EARLY in the day you'll never miss it. And, if you do, later in the evening is perfect. Get the kids ready to 'power down' for the night and hop out to class!
-You have a family schedule for the kids, make sure YOU are on there too! As the kids come to the end of the school year, make sure you write in YOUR workouts, along with all their playdates, soccer games and camp dates. (***Oh and don't forget about our Jr. Jazz Kamp signups! Kamp is in mid-August and is filling up fast. If you have kids aged 4-8 they'll learn about fitness, play fun games and have a healthy snack while YOU get something done for yourself!)
-Yes, being outside makes you FEEL healthier and more fit but you STILL need your workouts with us! Don't give up on looking and feeling good in that swimsuit now that better weather is here-get into class! Consider emailing us to set up a Personal Touch session like "Bikini Bootcamp". We can work you out privately, targeting abs, legs and arms 2x per week at a time YOU choose and our prices are VERY reasonable-you'd be surprised! Email us or comment here today and set that up!
-Our Summer 'on the go' attendance game keeps you 'on point' all summer long! Check our bulletin board for pics of that CUTE summer tote...team up with a bud and play to WIN! (Plus, it'll make sure you're in class at least 3x per week!)

These tips should help and, if you have a great tip OR a great summer-time recipe, share it in our comments and we'll post it for all to see!
See you all in class!

How do you feel when you see...

-Kids on skateboards using parking lots and/or sidewalks?
-A woman with full sleeves of tattoos on both arms?
-A plumber (or electrician or construction worker or any other person whom you hired) who comes into your house with a cig in their mouth and full sleeves to tattoos?
-Someone who walks with a limp or seems to have a disability?

Do you judge in these situations? I think many of us do and I know for sure we should NOT.
Take for instance the lady who has had the only full facial transplant in history. She doesn't look a thing like she did prior to the horrific incident that caused her injuries. She will still need a bunch of surgeries to remove extra skin from her face so it doesn't have a bloated appearance. But, she is alive, can breathe, talk and see.
Honestly, if I saw her on the street I might initially judge. I would hope that, within seconds, I would realize that EVERYONE is beautiful. I would hope I would realize that the fact that this woman is alive is amazing and that makes HER amazing.

So, what does this have to do with health and fitness?
Well, do you judge YOURSELF every day in the mirror? I bet many of you do. Do you see yourself as gorgeous or do you pick on every 'bad' thing you think you see?
Look at the list above...
One of those kids on the skateboard is someone's child and is beloved to their parents. So, they are wearing pants with the crotch down to the knees...so what?!
Those folks with all the tats? Well, to many, tattoos are amazing expressions of art they are simply wearing on their bodies. Or, they are meaningful expressions of loss, joy or pain.
When that person who limps take a minute to cross in front of you, holding you up from getting into the store, don't be mad...you have no idea what accident or condition that person has that causes it. They aren't walking slowly to annoy you-be kind.
And, when you look at YOURSELF try not to see all your faults and perceived imperfections. Remember, that body allowed you to have your children, gets you up to dance with us, allows you to get where you're going and do what you want to do. So you're not a size 00 and 5' 11" tall, so you don't have 'perfect' hair, so you are thicker in the middle that you want...who cares?!
Focus on all that you DO have and workout to make your body stronger and more healthy and to live longer.
Be kind to yourself and that will extend to others...and come back to you in kind!

Paws 4 a Cure..

HI All,

I remember back in the 'day' when it was just Karen and I teaching (is that right or is it Karen and me...whatevs) classes that I longed for the day when we'd have a bunch of FAB instructors working with us.

Well, now we do and not only do they make it possible for us to have 30 classes a week for all of you, but they also surprise me now and again with how much they care for us as people.

During Ally's illness, you'll all remember my posts and I will always remember your kindness, generosity of spirit and prayers. You all carried us through and our FAB instructors made sure I could be at home more to spend those last precious months with my baby.

At that time, I thought there should be a support group for dog parents whose kids have cancer. Well, thanks to Jill I now know that there is!

http://www.paws4acure.org/

Jill sent me the link as they are hosting a walk to fight canine cancer at the end of May. She thought of us immediately and thought we would like to walk with Lilly, in memory of Ally. And of course she was right!

Since she told me about this today, I have been in contact with Keri, the group's Director and learned her story. She started Paws 4 a Cure in memory of her Chow Chow, Nikko. She and I have shared quite a few emails today and she, like we, would have sold a kidney to pay for Nikko's treatment.

I know we have many dog (and other animal) lovers in our group and I'm going to ask you to visit the site and consider walking-if not in memory of a pet of your own, then for Ally. Many of you met her and she was a spirit that touched everyone she met. I want to support this organization as they not only support pet parents but they also help those who cannot pay for their pet's treatment with monetary support.

Words can never express what it meant to us to have you support us during Ally's illness-let's make sure other pet parents get that same support from this great organization!

See you in class!

It's the little things...

Hi All,
I was going to title this post, "You know how some days just s*ck it?" but as I logged in I thoughts of the title I used, "It's the little things..."

It's the little things than can really make or break your day, you know?
Things that can MAKE your day:
-Getting all green lights
-Having your coffee made particularly well at DD
-Having a really nice technician at the car dealer when you're in for scheduled maintenance (and he gives you 10% off the stuff that came up that was NOT scheduled...)
-Getting REALLY nice compliments on your class when you thought it was just mediocore (and you then remember it's NOT about YOU, it 's about the clients, DUH!)
-Your puppy cuddling up on your feet while you work
-Meeting a bud for lunch

Things that can BREAK your day:
-Dropping your car keys like 20 times in a 5 minute period
-Being in a ridiculously long line at DD (though, see above)
-Forgetting your rain hat in the car left at the dealer when it's been in your purse on every sunny day...SIGH
-The stiffness in your joints on what feels like the coldest most raw day of forever!
-Fighting with aforementioned bud yesterday (thank God that's over)
-Thinking you unlocked the lift gate on the loaner car and having to go back in, in the rain to get the darn key!

All little things, but certainly with a different feeling! (Of course the fighting part was NOT little)