Hola Friends...

My blog has been calling name for a while now and getting back to it to give it some attention has been difficult to say the least. However, I do long for and fondly remember the days of my blogging and I am hoping this coming year we reconnect for good!
Hola friends!!! 
Some updates for the past year since I can see it has almost been an entire year since I wrote on here (so embarrassing). We still unschool our kiddos, our son is now 12 and our daughter is now 10.5 and growing into fantastic individuals. Their interests for the most part have stayed the same. However, they have discovered Minecraft and other games.
Regarding our son, Minecraft has peaked my son's interest in programming so he has been learning java based programming this year. He has recently added a program for 3D programming to create intros and what not for videos. He is still very interested in zoology as well along with the outdoors and hopes to go hunting next year. Our son also loves Starwars, LOTR and just had me watch all the Hunger Games and for our date last month go see Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1. I have to say it was so weird to not be going to an animated movie with him for once. However, I loved going to see it with him, it was a nice change of pace for us.
Our daughter is taking an amazing monthly art class locally and the teacher is reminiscent of Bob Ross and she loves the class. She wishes it was more frequent as the class only meets once a month. She comes home with impressive pieces. She loves to write songs and plays with her friends. Her uncle ( my brother), helps her and her friends record their songs in his studio. She loves interior design and helped us redesign our living room, it turned out great. She will get to help with the design & decoration of our basement as we finish it. Our daughter is our entrepreneur with tons of ideas. We are in the midst of setting up an Etsy store for her creations. She loves our shopping dates and movie dates. Today we went to see the Penguins of Madagascar. Remaining true to herself, she is still my little shadow.
Both of the kiddos are dancing at my studio, The Complete Dancer. Our son is taking Ballet, Tap, Ballroom & Latin and Hip-hop/Breaking. His favorite class is Hip-hop/Breaking and that class has more boys than girls which I am sure helps with the comfort level. We also have an awesome guy teaching the break dance portion. All the kids think he is amazing (he is)! Our daughter is taking two Ballet classes, Jazz, Ballroom & Latin and Hip-hop/Breaking. She can't wait until her body is ready to dance en Pointe. She is highly driven by this goal. Last year, she choreographed her first contemporary solo and performed it for showcase. She is practicing and polishing it up to take it to competition this season.
My husband and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary on Sept. 26th, it was a low key celebration this year because so many things were going on at that time. We did manage to get to a nice dinner and evening to ourselves, just a bit spread out because of timing. Earlier in the year (May 18th) my husband turned the big 4-0!!! I tease him, but he is still awesome.
Our family went to our first Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering at Kalahari in May for a week and it was so incredibly satisfying to be with out tribe. We were finally surrounded by our peeps that get us, really get us. Yes, there are many differences (variables) amongst us all but we understand each other. No one had to defend their choice(s) to any one, it was so nice. We absolutely cannot wait to go back this coming May. This time we are going to visit Cedar Point after the conference since we will be right there and our kids have expressed interest. YESSS!!!
Our studio celebrated it's 3rd year of being open this past July and we are loving what this 4th season is bringing about. We have had a nice steady growth each season and feel so blessed to live this dream. Each year we get better and better...Cheers!
My sister passed away on November 10th after fighting against the cancer that ravished her body for the past year. She was 34 and left behind her 5 children (ages 15, 13, 8, 4 & 3). Although, it was so tough to see her go...It was so much harder to see her in such intense unbearable pain and literally wasting away. She was 5'7" and weighed just over 90lbs when she passed. Her kids are living with my parents. My sister & her kiddos lived with my parents for the past eight years. So at least they don't have to move, they can be where they are used to being. Now it is learning to adjust, for all of us.
So, I obviously have some posts to write. I plan to get to them as I can. Christmas is coming up, are you ready? I personally can't believe it is here already. Well, at least our Christmas tree is up. ;)

What's your anthem?

Although you think I cope,
my head is filled with hope
of some place other than here

Although you think I smile,
inside all the while
I'm wondering about my destiny

I'm thinking about,
all the things,
I'd like to do in my life

I'm a dreamer,
a distant dreamer,
dreaming for hope, from today

Even when you see me frown,
my heart won't let me down,
because I know there's better things to come

And when life gets tough,
I feel I've had enough,
I hold on to a distant star,

I'm thinking about,
all the things,
I'd like to do in my life

I'm a dreamer,
a distant dreamer,
dreaming for hope from today

I'm a dreamer,
a distant dreamer,
dreaming for hope from today

I'm a dreamer,
a distant dreamer,
dreaming for hope from today

Yeah, I'm a dreamer...

-Duffy

That song and those words hit home for me, every time I read them or listen to the song.  For 3+  years it has been in my top 10 list.  It never gets old, kinda like an anthem for me.  If you knew me, you would agree.

I'm back...I think...Definitley not the same.

Wow, hello...Yes, it has been forever and I really do miss you! I have undoubtedly been on a very long unexpected journey feeling for a good portion of it like I was stuck in middle earth and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape. I lost a lot of "friends" in this time, which I have come to painfully realize on this journey they were never my friends in the 1st place. This is truly agonizing to an overt extrovert who had suddenly found herself house & bed bound for a LOOOOOONG time (forever in my mind), trapped really and falling hard & fast leaving nail scrapings along anything I could grab for to stop falling into what seemed a never ending, darker by the moment abyss. Yes, a few people stopped to bring meals (6 meals)...Drop them at the door (or hand them to my kids) and off they went. No offers of taking my kids for any short periods of time to relieve them from having to watch their mother cry, not really be present, just watch their mom rapidly disappear into someone who wished she no longer lived, they lost some friends during this dark time too (this, now that I can look back on it...I deeply regret that so very much). Even though I gratefully appreciated those meals and I know the sacrifice they made to do so, I still felt forgotten. Six months or so out from the accident, I had some nourishment for my soul... I had a couple ladies bring me lunch once and eat with me, I relished those two occasions, I prayed they wouldn't end...But it did and I am thankful for the time they spent with me. I also had a couple ladies come twice to pray with me and pamper me, bring me a couple delicious meals and I adored them for the sacrifice I know they made for me. Those ladies helped me more than they know even though it was brief, they reminded me that I was not forgotten. At this time I had a very close friend, I considered her a sister we were so close. She was there for me quite a bit and helped me as much as she could. She would take my kiddos every once in awhile so they could remember what fun was during this time. She would come hang out in my room while I laid in bed and talk to me about what was going on in her life or just listen to me. She was a lifesaver for me and my family. She helped me through one of the toughest years of my life. Sixteen months or so out from the accident, more changes rolled my way... As I got better, she started to come around less and less. I eventually realized I had been replaced with someone else and their baby. Okay...(I am getting stronger and then BAM, another jagged wrench thrown in). You see, she wanted a baby so badly and as of yet still does not have her own. I know she has things going on in her life that affect this (I don't know in current detail), but she latched on to this other lady with a new little one and hasn't let go so far. I thought it was just a phase. Twenty-two months out from the accident, I had been hobbled... I had to learn to grasp something that I kind of denied when it came to this very close friend of mine. I was having an event for my studio at a park to help drum up business, I had sent a text to her a couple weeks prior along with a handful of other people to join us. It was a hooping jam (hula hoops & family fun), something free for the community. I needed a small group of friends & family to help out & create a buzz to attract other people (you know how that generally works). Anyway, I knew this would be something she would enjoy and she is my bestie, so I invited her. The day before I sent reminder texts out because I know how busy people are these days, and I received a less than friendly text back, at least not one you send to your bestie, a stranger yeah...But not your bestie. That was the day I realized I had been totally and completely replaced and we apparently are not even close friends anymore. A shocking, bitter pill for me to swallow, I had been cut to the quick...Hobbled. I have had to take a long time to heal from that blow and I still haven't completely, my heart still hurts. Yet, I cannot bring myself to talk to her about it, because it is so painful. So... I have kept very busy with my ever growing studio, re-connecting with my husband (who has been amazing through all of this) and my children (they have grown so much in the past 2 years), immersing myself in the presence of The Lord and His word and enjoying my ever faithful childhood friend who spent a good portion of this summer with me nourishing my soul. I have also been busy with my therapies that I still go to as a result of the car accident (I don't need as much medication with the therapies). I still spend a ton of time in bed and I still require a lot of sleep. I have enjoyed the sun as much as I could this summer and my family as I am getting stronger everyday. I practice Pilates 6 days a week and stretch 7 days a week, this is a must (I love the side effects too, I have totally re-shaped my body). I also have formed a therapeutic, results oriented Boot Camp for my studio as well, it is growing like rapid fire...My clients love their results too. I am also getting more immersed in the studio in general and I have stayed true to my free-lancing roots. I teach Ballet & Worship dance to homeschoolers once a week at their co-op. I love pouring into others' lives with my talents and it makes my heart happy the more I get too. I am making an even more conscious effort & plan to show compassion to those who need it. I just recently spent a few months helping my cousin & her husband (he recently just passed away from an aggressive rare cancer, I am glad I got to know him and really connect before he passed away & he definitely made me more thankful for my life), I will continue to check on my cousin and spend time with her. I have also settled with the girl's insurance company, finally. I have also had a healing medical miracle in my neck I will expand upon in the future. I am busy finding myself again because I am definitely not the same. I know this posting started out dark ( I had to get it off my chest before I could move on with this blog), but I am not in that dark place anymore as you can see. I hope my transparency will help someone...If not, at least I got it off my chest. Please accept my apologies for disappearing for such an extended time.

Response to a comment & update

I Miss (Desperately!)

Danae January 22, 2013 at 8:33 AM

Hello sweetie, I've just read your blog entry and it seems terrible to me that people like yourself can suffer so dreadfully from others' unconsidered actions. I see that you blogged last March so I am sincerely hoping that you have recovered such a lot from the accident. It's hard to ever know why these things happen, but you seem to be the kind of person who will forgive and move on. It is so true, isn't it, that we never know what we take for granted until it, too, has moved on. I am never going to complain again. You have changed me for the better. Thanks, and get well. x

Danae,
Thank-you for your kind words. Until your comment I really had not realized how long it has been since I have posted, just short of a year. :(
I have recovered some from the accident, I am not bed ridden anymore, all my micro tears have healed. I am now allowed to stretch, do Pilates, Barre work & Hooping to tolerance. I cannot dance full out yet, so I do not yet feel much satisfaction or relief when I am doing what I am allowed to because it does not let me express myself the way I always have through dance. So, I am working with a pain therapist to help me learn to cope with my new lifestyle, it is going okay...I keep trying to look at the bright side of it all but many days I do find it nearly impossible if I am going to be honest, I spend many days in bed. Having that said, I do have some good days and I take them for all I can! I definitely DO NOT take them for granted. I can cuddle with my family again, albeit for short periods. I have decided to take up guitar with my daughter and I am learning to enjoy that. I try not to complain on a daily basis, I try to make sure I smile as much as I can. I try to not let the pain get to me, but it does. Please know it is okay to complain once in awhile, we are human and crazy shizit happens. I am touched I have inspired you in some way and grateful. I was not going to make this post public originally I don't like negativity...But I felt SO alone and was in the darkest place I had ever been in my life. I want to say I have fully forgiven the girl, but just when I felt I have, something comes up and makes me feel I just haven't quite done it. I am working on it though because it is never good to hold a grudge, it only hurts me in the end...This I know. I keep VERY busy and that helps me to not dwell on what happened to my life too much and well, I sleep A LOT my body requires it. However, I still have yet to feel like "me" again since the accident. Maybe there are things that God wanted to change about me that I was not aware of, I guess I will have to wait for those answers. I also learned recently that my neck injury is worse than originally thought and I will be going for a new EMG on Monday morning (those are pure torture sessions and this will be my 3rd). Then we will know where to proceed with my treatments from there. Anyway, I felt I owed you an up date because you pointed out it was so long since I posted. Once again, thanks for your kind words, compassion and encouragement. I will keep you in my prayers! xo ~Joie

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Thursday August 18, 2011
Register for one fitness class, get one half-off...Fitness Punch Cards only! (They are good for 6 months from purchase date)
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Peace ♥ Dance,
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What's going on?!?!?!!!

So what has been keeping me away from my blog lately (that I miss so much!)? Well, I have been very busy trying to open my dance & fitness studio I have always wanted. It is all happening in a very short time frame and at an extremely fast pace and it has been all consuming, not leaving me much time to hop on here. My open date is slated for July 6! I did want to give you an update and let you know I am alive and kicking and I miss you all! Read below all about my studio, if you please. :) Thanks!!!

Where dance and fitness become One

The Complete Dancer is aimed to bring dance and fitness together
as one, making it a way of life. We offer dance and fitness classes of various styles. We hope to provide a fun way and place to spend your time meeting new goals in dance and fitness for your "me" time, to fulfill your dream of performing, competing, or making new friends that share your interests. We hope to bring joy to your life in a cost effective and comprehensive way, no matter your age.
Ages 3 through the Golden Years are welcome!

We strive to provide a fun place and way for to spend your time meeting new goals in dance and fitness for your "me" time, to fulfill your dream of performing, competing, getting fit or making new friends that share your interests.
We hope to bring joy to your life in a cost effective and comprehensive way, no matter your age or level of fitness and talent.

We offer:
Dance Styles: Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Hip-hop, Ballroom & Latin, Line Dance

Alternative Fitness Styles: Zumba, Pilates,Stretch, Barre, Hooping, Belly Dance

Programs:
Pre-school (3s & 4s)
Kids (5 - 12)
Teen
Adult
Performance Troupe
Competition Troupe

Email us!
info@TheCompleteDancer.com

You can visit us on Facebook and you can Follow us on Twitter and our Blog too!

Hopefully, I will be on here more often. Wish me luck and spread the word if you will, I would be ever so grateful. Peace ♥ Dance

I have plans for this song

This song strikes a chord with me, and I have plans for it as a choreographer. I just need to get the MP3 of it and I will be ready to get working on it. =)

Excuse me, may I have this dance? NOT!!!

Recently my daughter has taken an interest in going with me on Sundays to my Ballroom/Latin dancing night. I have been bringing her with me, and we both enjoy it very much. I dance with her a bit and so do some of my friends. She is enjoying the experience and I am sure she is on her way to really learning the dances, I am thinking next year she will be ready. Right now she is content to walk around the floor, do spins and dips. She is too cute!

Anyways, last Sunday while I was dancing with my daughter having a great time and she was smiling ear to ear, a man comes up to me and and asks, "You wanna dance with a dude instead of a little girl?" (he was serious!) I said, "Maybe another song, right now I am dancing with her and I intend to finish the song with her, thanks."
A couple songs later I asked him if he was ready to dance, it was the "Swing Mixer," that way I wasn't stuck with him for a whole song if I decided I'd rather not dance with him. He replies, "I don't know how to swing." I ask, "Well, what can you do?" He mentioned Cha-cha, and Cha-cha we started. While dancing he says, "I can't believe you turned me down for a 6 yr. old girl." (WTH!?!?!?!?!!!! Is he serious? Yeah, he was serious. I don't even know this guy! AND, and he was holding my lead hand and trying to rest it on his chest while saying this crap!) So I said, "Of course I turned you down for her, she is my daughter. Besides, last time I checked you are not my husband and this dance is over. I just couldn't believe the nerve. I truly thought I was going to get an apology for his rude interruption while I was dancing with my daughter. I can't believe he thought he was all that, and that he would be more important to me than my own daughter! As I watched through the night, I noticed he hardly danced with anyone which leads me to believe he must have burnt some bridges in the past. Just a guess. Ahh, there always has to be 1 or 2 of them out there.

In a couple weeks my daughter and I will be back to dancing the night away again, just a bit wiser. Hmphf!

The World's Got Talent!

Ok, today I switched on Oprah because she was showcasing some of the world's talents this year. A couple were from Eurovision that I do not get here in the US. I love to be mesmerized by people with great talents, it is one of my hobbies. They truly inspire me and remind me that not everything is doom and gloom in this world. So, I did find a few talents that I did enjoy. They made me wanna get up and dance (because that is how I move). So I went on You Tube (I love that site!) and found some clips of the great talent that I was exposed to today. Once in a great while Oprah does some great topics for her show and today's was one of them, 'The World's Got Talent.'
So this first one is a duo called Alex Swings Oskar Sings (I love Ballroom & Latin Dancing and I participate in both) This got my daughter and me up and dancing.

Then came on Signature (I loved this because I think that Michael Jackson is one of the best natural born dancers and choreographers in the world!) This is also a little East and West coming together according to one of dancers. They also have a Thriller dance as well, check it out on You Tube while you are there.

Now these girls rock! And there instruments are just too cool as well. I loved that they played the song 'Live and Let Die,' which is a favorite of mine ever since I saw a ballet solo done to it that choreographed by my brilliantly talented cousin Terri Newman (you may have heard of her as she is known around the world for her work). Ok, so here is a video of eScala!

And I wanted to post something about Jane Zhang, she has a beautiful voice and covers songs in English even though she is not a native speaker. Her language is Mandarin. Her inspiration is Mariah Carey. All the videos on You Tube do not do her justice. I wish I could get the clip of her on the Oprah show today, but I have not found it so far.
Any who, that is who I got to enjoy this afternoon and it was a delight!
Oh, and I will be going to see Afghan Star when it opens in the theaters June 26, 2009. It is a documentary that looks like it is gonna be fascinating.

Evolution of Dance

There is this comedian, Judson Laipply that incorporates the Evolution of Dance in his stand up comedy. My husband and I came across his show one night on Comedy Central and I thought it was pretty good. Of course, I may be biased because I love dance so very much, it is one of my preferred ways to move through life and express myself. Anyway, my friend has informed me she found him and this part of his routine on You Tube. Naturally, I watched it again and again I enjoyed it. Here is something to lighten up your day, and maybe recall some memories. You can click on title of this post for more information too (and by that I mean you will find The Evolution of Dance 2!).

And your daughter wants to do what?

My daughter has informed me she wants to start gymnastics and she wants to do Rhythmic Gymnastics especially. She discovered this sport this past year watching some of the 2008 Olympics. Of course we will move forward with this and encourage her, but oh my...have you seen these girls?!?! Here is a snippet of the top girls in the Rythmic Gymnastics world. Lili's inspiration...

Dance Away Hunger 2009

Dance Away Hunger 2009!
Saturday January 31, 2009 from 6-9pm
@ The Gelaners Headquarters 2131 Beaufait St., Detroit Mi
$30 Donation
All Ages (15 & under Free)

The Food Bank secures surplus from farmers, grocers, manufacturers and distributors that would otherwise go to waste;
Every dollar donated provides three meals for a hungry person.

For more information:

http://www.yasalsa.com
http://www.gfcb.org