Category Archives: kickass2012

The Year of Nothing

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While the rest of the blogosphere is coming down from the buzz of deciding their New Year’s Resolutions and writing their Year in Review posts, I am sitting in my bed thinking about how little I plan to do in 2013.

You see, I decided that 2013 shall be The Year of Nothing.

2012 was all about kicking ass. And it really, really did. It was incredible. But it was so incredible that I really, truly just want to spend a year doing nothing.

I don’t mean to imply that I’m going to sit on my bum in my pyjamas and eat raw cookie dough all year as much as I love the sound of that. I mean that, for the first time ever, I’m not making any sweeping, dramatic plans for the year ahead.

Race schedule? Zero.
Wild holidays? None (other than Mexico, of course…how awesome is it that Mexico is just “standard” now??)
Major diet changes? Meh.
New skills? Don’t need ‘em.

I have two things to accomplish this year: finish my 101 in 1001, and find one more teacher for my studio for next fall (or convince Miss Krista to teach two nights a week for me!). Other than that, it’s free and easy down the road I go: Finish choreography, have my students perform, spend a lazy summer with my beautiful family, escape to Vegas for a little professional development (!!), and begin the life of a kindergarten parent next fall. Hang up my stay-at-home mom hat for 2-3 days a week. Hopefully only teach 2 nights a week instead of 3.

Just be.

Ahhhh…do you hear that? It’s the sound of unwritten/unfinished goals whooshing past into the shadows of my past. It’s the sound of simple existence. This is The Year of Nothing.

And for me, that will be quite something.

Well that escalated quickly…!

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Two weeks ago, I slipped on the ice. It was nothing at the time: slow motion slide to the ground as I walked around the back of my car. No bumps, no bruises. Just a sore palm from scraping against the ice as a last hurrah.

I was fine. Until the next night.

I made it through 15 minutes of 4-year old creative dance before I could no longer put my right hand on my waist. By the end of the night, I was sitting curled up in a ball, barely able to lift my head up to direct my students through their exercises.

It was pathetic.

Thankfully, a blizzard rolled through our area and I was able to cancel the next two nights of classes. Unfortunately, said blizzard also cut off my access to my physiotherapist and I wasn’t able to see her for a full week :( Let’s just say that the “healing” pain I finally endured made me sob silent tears into my pillow and pop more Motrin than I could refill in a day…

After tweeting with my angel of pain, it became clear: just dance (or just running, or just anything) wasn’t going to cut it anymore. I needed support. I needed strength. I needed to stop using physio as my personal expensive bottle of Advil to get me through the season. So I called in the pro:

Jessica Zapata from Infinite Fitness. A longtime twitter friend and renowned fitness expert in these parts…and by “parts”, I mean across the country. The woman is a force to be reckoned with. As I would soon find out…

Within a few days, with couple of keystrokes and an online coaching program made with love, I was laying on the carpet of my basement floor, willing myself to stand up. Thanks, Jess. You single-handedly destroyed me from the comfort of your home office. I love you THIS MUCH:

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She warned me: Monday and Saturday would be my hard days. But really??! Did she have to kill me? Because I didn’t realize “hard” was code for “kill Magz, or at least maim and leave for dead”. Sigh…

I started with 2:1 sprints. 8mph for 2 minutes, 5mph recovery for one minute. Not my old sprint speed, but for 3.5 months off, I’ll take it. Oh, wait: three sets. And then an insane 3-exercise circuit on my TRX suspension trainer. Wheeee! 3 rounds!!! Then 3 more rounds of sprints!!! Then another insane circuit of full body strength training. Then???!

She expected another round of sprints! For the ever-lovin-love-of-mother-truckin-mud. Thank goodness my IT-band decided to squawk loudly, thus allowing my dignity to creep down to a brisk walk without feeling like I was quitting.

I’ve never passively stretched so passively before. I basically laid on the floor and willed body parts to flop together while I trembled uncontrollably. I gulped water like I’d spent a month in the Mojave desert. If I breathed too quickly, I coughed like I’d inhaled a gust of sand and fiberglass insulation. I could barely hold up my own body weight to roll out my aching legs.

Then I dragged my sore-y ass upstairs and poured myself into a bath that was half Epsom-salt brine.

Tomorrow is my day off. Someone should really check in to make sure I’m not dead. Don’t panic if I don’t pick up my phone. The thing weighs something like 85 grams. So. Heavy.

This, my friends, is payback for every client I made puke or cry while I did a “maintenance” workout after their session. And then drove to McDonald’s.

Karma is a bitch.

Most happy

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I’ve hardly blogged at all since the start of September. Granted, I’ve been busy ;)

I just wrapped up Week 2 of the new dance season. After 7 years off, it is amazing to be running Expressions Dance Studio again. My heart is happy and full. It’s been busy and crazy, taking in last-minute students and ordering dance wear for 105+ students. I’ve been tired and sore, but my heart is full.

So. Full.

I’ve found a groove. It’s not as hard as it was in my early 20s. I feel inspired, even in things as simple as teaching jazz walks. I’m as comfortable in my students’ classes as I am in my kitchen wearing slippers and dancing to the radio.

After two weeks, the chaos has slowed down. I’m going to spend a weekend relaxing and decompressing. I’m going to go to physio and for a pedicure. And on Tuesday, I’ll rock it again for three nights.

Baby, I’m home again.

A new year

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I don’t know about everyone else, but September always holds more of a “new year” feel for me than January. It might be the bustle of back-to-school, or the sudden sharp smell in the air. Whatever the reason, I am so glad to finally be back in the thick of it!

As chaotic as the last two weeks have been, I have missed the thrill of preparing for a new dance season. Even though I’ve taught for all but one of the last 7 seasons, I haven’t had to really do anything. I made a few playlists, prepped a few class plans. I showed up. This year, though, I’m invested again. I’m directing the momentum and loving every crazy second of it.

I feel like I have a purpose in this world again.

But with this renewed responsibility also comes an unprecedented calm. 10 years ago, I was an absolute wreck the night before classes started. My brain would not shut off. It was like that every year in Thorsby, and before every big event. I always felt like I was drowning.

Now, 10 years later, I am so calm. Yes, I have a lot to still do tomorrow and for the rest of this week. Yes, my to-do list is a little crazy right now. And here I am, calm. I know that I’m on top of things. A lot of it has to do with the amazing systems Kristi had for me to follow, and a lot comes from 10 years of personal growth. I also have the knowledge that this is not the be-all and end-all of my existence, and I have the incredible support of my husband.

The workload is heavy, but it’s not a burden. That’s something I haven’t felt before. I feel capable. I feel like I deserve this. I’m excited!!

And with this new studio comes the opportunity for betterment at home. A new babysitter means that I need to keep my house somewhat presentable and tidy. It means I have to put my things away. It means meal planning and pre-prepping dinner for her and the bugz.

All of that means that I have cause to be organized. I’ve never had to be organized before. Let me tell you this: it’s really hard to want to be organized when there’s no great need. It’s like deep cleaning your house. You can do it really well, and very efficiently, when you find out you have out-of-town visitors coming to stay in two hours.

This new schedule is the same as those surprise guests. It’s getting me up and moving, motivated in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. It’s a domino effect of good change that our household has been craving for years now.

There is so much goodness right now! I am so happy that tomorrow is finally here. All this preparation, unfolding into reality. After all these years, I’ve finally done it. I’ve finally found a niche that balances my family commitments with my passions, and allows all of us to develop the life we’ve been wanting in so many ways.

Happy new year :)

1000

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1000 posts.

That’s a lot of rambling to put up with over the last 4+ years. It’s a little over 250 posts each year. You’ve listened to me ramble a lot.

Sometimes, it’s been inane mutterings. Sometimes, I’ve actually had something good to say. I’ve covered the gamut, from breastfeeding to mom-formula, from policing to cancer, from twins to contraception. It’s never boring around here!

I’ve fought with my Christmas tree and with my demons. I’ve moved and changed jobs. Myyyy, how I’ve changed jobs! I’ve baked and cooked and gardened. I’ve made cheese. I’ve been through not one, but two 101 in 1001 lists. Well…the first one ended in defeat, and the second is still in progress.

I’ve travelled alone and with my husband, and even with my kids. I’ve taken pictures along the way, and journaled my way through life. I’ve made good choices and bad choices. I’ve even made really bad choices. I’ve told my story.

And along the way, I’ve developed some fabulous friendship through the ether. I’ve cultivated relationships and poured my heart to my readers, who have loved me and accepted me with open arms for the most part.

So, to thank you for this, I’m having a little giveaway:

Leave me a comment on this milestone post about your favourite MagzD post in the past 4.5 years.

Let me know what your favourite charity is as well, and in one week, I will draw a random comment. I will give $100 to that commenter’s charity, and $100 to the Canadian Cancer Society as well.

You know, just to say thanks for putting up with me. Xoxo.

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This post is a part of the Summer Blog Challenge (and I’m still down by two!!). Join the rest of us:

Natural Urban Mama
This Mom’s Got Something To Say
The Dulock Diaries
2 Plus 2×2

10 Things

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  1. I have horrible taste in music. I love everything, but my goodness! My iPod is stuffed with nothing but country music and bubblegum pop lately. I think I’m secretly harbouring a 13-year old somewhere… One Direction, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato…oh, my!
  2. This is my desktop in the living room right now. I can’t even bare my office to you. It’s terrifying. I’m past the point of even helping myself. I think I just need to light everything on fire and walk away…
  3. I really want one of these. It’s a bluetooth speaker from Bose. I have a sick love of all things Bose. The problem is, I just spent $500 on a SoundDock for the dance studio. This one though? It would mean having my iPhone/iPod in my pocket; not tearing back and forth to the speaker = smooth class transitions. It’s also SO small – about the size of a hardcover book – which would be amazing during festivals and competitions! I could have bought a refurbished one in Vegas for about $80 less…but I’m tempted to just shell out the $330. Ahhh, decisions….!
  4. Can you picture me in this?? Hahahahaha…but seriously, I’m ordering it for dance parties. And maybe for Wee Dance classes. And Fridays, in general…

  5. Where does one buy fabric in Edmonton? I remember there being many fabric stores once upon a time. I really want to get my sew-on, but where do I go? There’s a Fabricland in the west end…there’s Davey’s wholesale. Ikea? Where do my crafty friends go??
  6. I am SO EXCITED to take my bugz to Calgary and Drumheller this weekend! We got an incredible deal on a hotel for Saturday night – free penguin slippers AND zoo passes!!! Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE PENGUINS??
  7. Leith and I decided last night that our 1990 sofa bed in the basement has officially met its end of days and should be put out of its misery. Time to go couch shopping for a sectional that fits more than two people…laying down!

  8. I took the girls to Cafe o Play yesterday for the first time in 5 months. I think it’s safe to say that we’ve outgrown the screaming hoards of toddlers, despite my always-tasty Yummy Mummy latte. Oh my. We were only there for an hour before I had to high-tail it or start drinking… But with the long winter looming, we decided to buy a family pass to Telus World of Science. It’s only $150/year for a family, which means that it pays for itself after only 4 visits. Done and DONE!
  9. I am very excited about a couple of opportunities to promote KeyLime clothing in the near future! Suffice to say that I am a huge fan of their locally produced active wear, and cannot WAIT to share more…but I have to hash out the details first ;) Patience, my friends!
  10. This is the lamest post ever. I’m trying to find some redeeming quality…really, it’s just a time-waster and a post-filler. Sorry. Let me make it up to you: blueberries and chocolate almond milk. Thank me later…

***

This post is a part of the Summer Blog Challenge! Join the rest of us :)

Natural Urban Mama
This Mom’s Got Something To Say
The Dulock Diaries
2 Plus 2×2

Cure for the rain

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What do you do when the cold and rain greets you after a week in heaven?

You book the next trip to sunshine. You pack up the kids, haul them to Canada Place, and renew the heck out of your passports.

You get your mom to book flights for the whole family. Like, all four of us, the grandparents, Aunty Jocy, Uncle Blain. As in, back-up-childcare-in-Mexico galore!!!!!!

And then…you sit back and wait six months with the sunshine taunting you through the grey autumn and hectic holiday season.

And you also book a weekend getaway to Drumheller and the Calgary Zoo. And start planning a 4-day holiday to the coast.

After all, the only cure for a post-holiday hangover is another holiday…or three!

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This post is a part of the Summer Blog Challenge! Join the rest of us :)

Natural Urban Mama
This Mom’s Got Something To Say
The Dulock Diaries
2 Plus 2×2

The Creative Oasis

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What a tagline, hey? As soon as I saw it on the DanceTeacherWeb Facebook page, I was hooked. I pulled strings, booked babysitters, and paid for flights.

It was worth it all.

I don’t even know where to start with my recap of my 3-day dance teachers’ convention. My heart is full, my head is spinning, and my body is just starting to feel normal again! 3 days, starting with breakfast at 7:30am, only breaking for an hour at lunch, and wrapping up at 6pm. Stuffed full of inspiration, here are the highlights for me:

  1. The location! Nestled at the base of the mountains on the far east end of Las Vegas, the Red Rock Resort was breathtaking. I posted my photos here, but even they don’t do it justice. It was beyond luxurious – and our conference rate was only $109US a night! Crazy! I also booked a massage the afternoon I arrived, and it was top-notch. Beautiful spa, with every amenity you could ask for. I will definitely be back, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an off-strip escape to Las Vegas (or anywhere!).

  2. The freebies! I can’t even start to remember everything we were given with our conference fee. There was a full expo/trade show during the conference, and it went far beyond the usual trade show swag. We also received a backpack, t-shirt, free breakfast daily, treats at lunch every day, a $50 gift card from Discount Dance Supply, free shoes from Capezio, free massages on Wednesday…not to mention the INSANE amount of prizes that were given away! And to top it all off, when we pre-registered for the 2013 conference, we received a full year of DanceTeacherWeb membership! Wow.

  3. Louis Kavouras! Oh my… I have such a deep love of real modern dance, and Louis’ classes took my breath away. I moved in a way I haven’t been able to since I took classes with Maria Chia. The chair of the UNLV dance program, his style and his personality spoke to my heart and my body, and I just can’t escape the organic feeling. I cannot wait to inspire my own students in their modern classes this fall!

  4. Simone dePaolo! Spunk and awesome. Hilarity. And pushing me out of my comfort zone into an Afro-Jazz class where I felt so grounded and connected to the earth like never before. I was FREEin her class. I adore her, and cannot wait to work with her again next year.

    Thanks to Kristi for the photo…which doesn’t do justice to my insane, sweaty, lions-mane hair I was sporting after Afro-jazz!!

  5. Cathy Roe! One of the few faculty names I knew going in, her classes on composition absolutely changed the way I look at choreography. Wow. Just so much wow. And her personality is beautiful. Charming, hilarious, open. Loved her.
  6. JV Goecke! I’ve never met a teacher who reminded me so much of myself. She said the things I only think. Totally fantastic. I would also LOVE to have her come out to Edmonton to hold one of her Jumpstart bootcamps for dancers!!!
  7. Jessica Rizzo! I recognized her right off the bat – she’d adjudicated in Edmonton a few years ago, and I love her enthusiasm. Her pre-teen modern class was EVERYTHING I hoped for! It’s my first time teaching modern in years, and it’s easy to forgot how simple you need to be, and yet how complex you can make a simple, beginner exercise phrase. So perfect. Her improvisation class was also incredible – it’s something I’ve always struggled with, and it was the perfect pathway to introducing my kids to improv!
  8. The company! I spent the week with Miss Kristi, and it was so much fun! It’s always scary to suddenly spend every day with someone you usually only see for a couple hours at a time, but we had a blast. It reminded me of how much fun I had with Krist-a  during our ADAPT teacher training years ago.
  9. The Mirage! We decided to spend Thursday night on the Strip at the Mirage. I’d only stayed at the MGM before this week, and the Mirage was the perfect choice. Weekdays are slow, so they upgraded us to a premium room on the 21st floor with an incredible view for no extra charge!

  10. Crazy Horse Cabaret at the MGM! We decided we wanted to see a burlesque show in Vegas. No one has wanted to go the last two times I’ve gone to Vegas, so I was so excited to go with Kristi!! And WOW! It was classic cabaret – tease, comedy, sexy, sultry, and campy. It was awesome. We were right up front…a little unsettling at first, but it turned out great! It’s a topless show, which I wasn’t expecting, but the fact that the bodies were so natural was very inspiring – not a single implant on stage! Bums jiggled and shoulders shimmied. The level of art was sky-high, and the choreography and music were incredible! A must-see show, and only $57US for the best seats in the house! Bijou bijou bijou!
    My (overpriced!) souvenir photo from Crazy Horse
  11. Tabu! When you’ve already spent $70 on 4 drinks (between the two of us – only 2 each!!), a free-drink wristband is a godsend ;) Even better was the group of 65-70 year old ladies in line for the MGM nightclub – no goofy 21-year old party for us! We closed down Tabu, dancing until our feet couldn’t stand, and actually being asked to leave when the lights came on. I haven’t danced like that in years. It was the most fun I’ve ever had at a Vegas nightclub…or any club!!
  12. Shopping! I never spend money on myself at the outlets, but I always get my bugz a full closet. I did finally buy myself two of the famous Vegas wrap dresses that I’ve wanted for years, and a pair of Merrel Pace Gloves for only $86!

It was a great week. I was actually a little sad to come home, even though I missed my family. My only regret is that I didn’t take more pictures!

I have to spend a few days decompressing and wrapping my head around all the dance-intenstive awesomeness. I wish classes started next week, not 3 weeks from now. Mind you, how is it only 3 weeks from now???? But most times, I’m ready to come home by Day 4. I was gone for 5 days, and I could have stayed a few more. It was incredible.

The creative oasis was just what this girl needed to recharge.

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Hopefully this makes up for the week of slacker posts ;)  This post is a part of the Summer Blog Challenge! Join the rest of us:

Natural Urban Mama
This Mom’s Got Something To Say
The Dulock Diaries
2 Plus 2×2

Settling

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Relaxing. Sleeping. Lounging. Recovering.

That’s my first day back at home. I got home at 2am today, fell into bed and woke up far too early. I took the girls to their friend’s birthday party at the spray park. I got sunburned…! Not enough coconut oil ;)

My darling husband booked a massage for me, and I got to use a gift card I received 4 years ago! I tried to watch The Lorax with my bugz, after 6 months of reciting the book from memory each night…and I promptly passed out on the couch wit them.

I caught up on True Blood. And now, it’s time for bed. Tomorrow, I promise a decent post about the awesome that was the DanceTeacherWeb conference!

Sweet dreams!

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This post is a part of the Summer Blog Challenge! Join the rest of us :)

Natural Urban Mama
This Mom’s Got Something To Say
The Dulock Diaries
2 Plus 2×2

Homeward bound

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Too much fun…that’s how I’m going to sum up this week in Vegas. So much fun, in fact, that I totally skipped posting yesterday. Oops…

So I owe everyone two posts today and this one is going to be kind of lame. As in…I don’t have two posts worth of writing that can be done on my phone while I eat dinner at the airport. I’m not even sure what to write about!!

The conference was incredible…more on that later. We spent last night at The Mirage and went to see Crazy Horse at the MGM. We went to the Tabu nightclub after and danced the night away, shutting the place down after 3am this morning! Oh, what a night :)

A little bit of outlet shopping today, and here I am. Waiting in the airport for my very-late-at-night flight home after a very great week!

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This post is a part of the Summer Blog Challenge! Join the rest of us :)

Natural Urban Mama
This Mom’s Got Something To Say
The Dulock Diaries
2 Plus 2×2