How it's going...

HI Everyone,
We hope you're all doing well and I personally want you all to know how much I miss seeing you in every class and dancing with you! It was 3 weeks since my procedure last Thursday, so we are now working on week 4...which means a doctor visit on Wednesday and, hopefully, clearance to go back to teaching Body Sculpt. Please cross your fingers, toes and anything else!

Physically I am doing very well. Yesterday was MWF's workshop practice and I did dance a good bit of it. I did about 1/2 of 6 routines and was able to skip longer than last week, step hop, scoot, traveling plie and heel hop. While that might not sound too exciting to you, it is to me. When you literally have a new body part it's a bit 'odd' because you don't know what it can do. I am assured by my doctors that it is built for impact but still...I had ZERO pain and literally almost cried for the fact that nothing hurt while I was moving. (My pain teaching before was, oh, a 15 out of 10-seriously, I'm not kidding.) Physical therapy ramps up this week where I'll be doing more on the ellipitical (boring) and leg presses, balance work and stretching. I'm also told there will be some serious massage of my incision, once the steri-strips come off (again, hopefully Wednesday). This will keep the muscles in that area limber and make sure they heal properly.

Mentally I am going stir crazy. I love being at the desk and seeing you all but I hate that I cannot just jump on the floor or stage and dance with you. And, I can tell you from current experience that taking a few weeks off STINKS so do not do it. Vacation is one thing (and so is medical leave of course) but just taking time off 'because'...uh, no. I have been out a little over 3 weeks and my stamina already needs work so I'm working on it day by day. Please realize that if you want to keep yourself healthy and fit you need to workout for your entire life. Again, vacations? Cool. Medical leave/family emergencies? Completely understandable. Just lazy? Uh, no, not cool for YOU. Even though mine is medical (and forced by the way), I feel it in my digestion, skin, mood...but I'm almost there and I keep that in mind.

I have practiced my whole set, put together a new Body Sculpt and Jazz class and I'm using weights for my upper body at home, as well as my ball for core work. The first time I got back on the ball and did 3 ab routines I could TELL how long I'd been idle. UGH. Now? It's better because I'm at it 5 days a week.

Crazy? No. I'm laser focused on getting back to dancing with you, pushing you, challenging you and doing what I love-teaching. It will sound hokey I'm sure but this is what I was called to do. So many things in my life brought me to this job and I do not take it lightly. It's a huge responsibility to run the Center, make sure it's perfect for you all and get up on stage and push the crap out of you to get a great workout. I love it. It's the best thing I ever chose to do in my life. I left a corporate career, a secretary, office, expense account...for the big J and I do not regret it for one second. So my 401k isn't as fat as it could be but who the hell cares! I get to do a job everyday that I love and I get to see how much it changes YOUR lives and there's nothing better than that. Between you all and my family I am truly happy and I thank you all for that.

Now I'd like to take moment of this blog and thank the following amazing individuals:
-K. You being my business partner and best friend made it possible for me to consider having this procedure and getting my life back. Knowing you were there gave me peace, thank you. And, it was great to have you a little K visit me in hospital!
-Mr. P&P. What can I say about Hubs? He pushed me to do this even though he knew I was scared and encouraged me every step of the way. I know he researched the whole thing (and didn't tell me, which I APPRECIATE because I don't want to know!) He has helped me shower, get dressed, has fed me and put up with my, uh, multiple meltdowns. He has patience I certainly do not have. He's the best.
-Lilly. She has been gentle when I was first home and now sticks by me, understanding I can't play with her as normal because of the crutches and restrictions. I get many snuggles and she is in full blown watch dog mode-anyone who comes near this house gets a loud bark! Momma loves you Lilly!
-KT,JF and JL. These 3 girls have had to change their own lives to cover all my classes and they all have done it (and are doing it) with grace, skill and energy. I know you're all busy with your full time jobs and lives and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you all. Thank you SO much. I hope it won't be much longer and we can get back to our regular programming!
-LD,TD,LH,TM,KA,MB. I know though you aren't covering my classes that you have all also taken on more (especially LH) because of the shift in class coverage. Thank you for covering for each other, switching classes when needed and just being there to support us all. You are deeply appreciated.
-Class managers-thank you for stepping up to the plate, doing a bit extra while I've been out and also being so supportive and caring! You have made it possible to make sure the clients don't see much difference...and that is key.
To all of you clients who come to class, left cards in the box, brought me a gift....thank you. Every single one meant a lot to me and has helped me through!

So, please standby. The plan for my return to teaching is in place so don't miss a class, you never know what's going to happen!