Inspiration::: We all Need it! Dance, A Healthy, Fun Way to Love Yourself.

Hello My little Bloggie Readers!

Ever sit back in your cubicle/office/class room and feel like you've lost yourself in your job, career or everyday life? Sick of living that 9-5 mundane work-life.... where you're so tired by the time you get home that the gym seems like hell and all you can think about is food...TV and bed? Or a stay-at-home mom... where you've been chasing the kids around all day and barely finished any house work when suddenly it's dinner time and you need to cook, finish the laundry and make sure your son doesn't burn the house down? Whatever your story may be, we all have had that moment were we realize we lost the child in us... the dreamer, the free spirit. I was there, and I find myself there from time to time... I thought to myself, is this it? Is this what adult life is? Waking up the same time everyday, going to a same job, seeing the same people, dealing with the same jerk-off clients/customers...students. Stay late to "get some more work done," then finally get home... hungry, tired... bed. Then wake up and do it all over again. THIS IS NO LIFE TO LIVE. We are human beings, we need love, passion, fun, inspiration, music and to me... that's where dance comes in. For others, it may be the gym, singing, writing, reading- whatever it is that gives you "ME" time. A time to dream and get away from the world because lets face it, the world we live in today, is NOT an easy one.

Where it all Started...
One night I was watching "Dancing with the Stars" with my mom and she said "Christie, I could SO see you shaking your booty on this show." I laughed and thought to myself, "Those things don't happen to people like me." I was right... those things don't HAPPEN to people... people MAKE it happen. As a 26 year old, just trying to find out who I am and where I'm going to be some day... I knew that the chance of being on a show like that was SLIM to none, but Mamma-Bear gave me a GOOD idea. DANCE... that's what I really needed. I don't have to be a super star, I just have to find out WHAT makes me happy and incorporate it into my everyday life in some way. The thought came and went like any dream and I went to bed. The very next night I was at gym, doing my "get this workout over with"- routine, when I saw a girl practicing in the aerobics class room. She was doing some Latin moves and looked absolutely beautiful. I stopped... mid-elliptical and walked toward the window of the fitness room. As I did look like a total creeper, I decided to go in and confront this dancer... "Hi... Um I couldn't help but see you dancing thru the giant window," I giggled at my awkward comment. She looked at me and smiled, "It's salsa, I like to use it as a workout because everything else gets boring after awhile." I laughed because I couldn't agree with her more. I asked her where she had learned to do that and she gave me a couple of local Latin/ballroom dance studios to google. I left the gym that day inspired by a stranger, I googled away and found Anchor Dance Studio, in Oradell, NJ.

Where, HOW to find your Inspiration?
I took dance lessons since I was 3 years old... ballet, jazz, hiphop. I wanted to major in dance in college, but my father told me it was too unstable and I needed to get a "REAL JOB," so I took some dance courses in college and it all dwindled once I got into my major, Advertising. I watched shows like, "So You Think you can Dance" and always knew I had the talent to try out, but I didn't have the drive and I stopped dancing for a few years since college- rusty. I did not pursue dance as a career, but that doesn't mean I can't have it in my life, right?! I look back at my life as a child and it was so amazing, not a care in the world... dance class, soccer, MANHUNT... crushing on my childhood neighbor. That was THE LIFE! Now, at 26 years old, I knew I needed more, I need "ME" time, to feed that INNER child that we all have inside us. Between my mom reminding me my talent in dance and seeing the girl at the gym, I was ready to make some changes. Once I found Anchor Dance Studio, everything began to change.

I went for my first private Latin/Ballroom dance lesson alone (which was strange b/c I always find a wingman for stuff like this), but I had SO much fun and picked up some steps faster than expected. I was embarrassed to go with out my boyfriend, but it turns out that you don't need a partner! My teacher was nice and patient and I worked up a good sweat! After class, I met with the Dance Director to discuss a dance package. She suggested a few dance packages and they seemed a little expensive for my budget. Either the Dance Director was REALLY good at what she does (selling dance)or fate was lending a helping hand, but we connected in a way that she saw, believed and understood my profound excitement for dance. We figured out a small dance package and a payment plan that would work for me... I was IN! After two years of dancing at Anchor Dance Studio, I STILL can't get enough! I became so inspired by my studio that I now help with their advertising and created a facebook fan page to help promote dancing. I want people to feel what I feel when I leave that place, Happy ;)

The Perfect Vessel
Everyone at Anchor Dance Studio was so encouraging, funny and nice! I quickly became friends with some of the teachers and students. I found a NEW place to let my guard down and allow my stress to melt away. A vessel where I could be goofy and laugh... with new friends outside of my college friends and family. I had my own little dance family, that I look forward to seeing every time I have a dance class. Anchor Dance Studio has some amazing talented teachers, but the best part of it all is that the teachers love what they are doing and their goal is to make sure everyone feels free and is having fun, which is EXACTLY what a person needs in his/her life, besides work and home life. So think about that thing you USED to love as a kid... baseball, rock climbing, paint ball and go do it, you have nothing to lose. Isn't that what life is all about anyway, it's the GOOD STUFF and sometimes we all lose sight of it. If you can't do an activity you enjoy, than find a way to get involved. If you can't play football, then find out where schools need a coach, assistant coach.... you don't need to have your passion be your job. Sometimes... a hobby that gives you "ME" time is just enough!

One Small Change Can Last Forever!
I know there are advertisements for this dance studio all over my page and this whole blog is based around dance, but this story is about something MORE than that. I hope you read this and get that twinge in your heart like when you watch a really good movie, hear an inspiring song or see a perfectly beautiful painting. That nostalgic feeling when you see an old friend from grade school or catch a glimpse of two kids giggling as they chase each other down a driveway. Our lives are short... jam-packed, stressful and we seem to put too much value on how much money we make, or who we impress. Through dance and finding "ME" time, I've learned that there is a lot more to life than money and stature. Now I go to work everyday and the excitement for my dance class lingers, which gets me through a hard day's work. I leave the office anticipating how great it will be to see my dance friends, learn some new moves and get a good work out. I leave Anchor Dance Studio with grace, inspiration and a feeling like, I've fed my soul today."

What can YOU do to feed the hunger of your soul? If you feel jaded or are missing something in your life, I think you should write down all the things you miss as a child.... sleigh riding, biking... rollar bladesss!!! OR maybe something you've never tried before!? Give your soul a reminder that you still love the child inside you and the most important step is to pick something on your list and DO IT. NO EXCUSES because you're never too old, too tired, Inexperienced, there's always a way to start. The only way your life will change is if you DO something about it. Start with a list and see where it takes you. Learn how to snow board, take an art class... dance like no one's watching, feed your passion because that feeling we get is really who WE ARE. It's what makes us happy. I... am happy even though I don't have my dream job and I'm not on a dance show (which I so should be) lol... Just playing, but on a serious note- I'm happy because I found a way to give myself activities I love.

So, for me... Dance has brought me back to my childhood, a glorious time in my life I will never forget. What brings you back? What makes smile... What are YOU missing in your life? I wish you all the best in finding your inner child. ;)

P.S-
If you are interested in trying dance as a hobby, I must tell you that at Anchor Dance Studio there are all ages, genders and sizes... with or without a partner and dance classes such as salsa, bachata, samba, tango, swing, waltz, hustle, foxtrot and more! ANYONE can do it, Contact me if you ARE INTERESTED. I also suggest that people try out the newest workout classes that really seem to be on the rise- if fitness is what you are looking for... POWER STRIKE, BOXING and ZUMBA are all fun workouts that make you FEEL GOOD. Zumba is available at Anchor Dance Studio.

My next adventure: I haven't been skiing in over 10 years, I want to get by butt out on the slopes before the spring and see if I still got it in me! Maybe even snow board?

Thanks for reading!
Xo- Miss CJ

Bachelor Scandal! I Smell A Home Wrecker!?

Hello Fellow Bloggie readers,

If you missed the BACHELOR- "Women Tell All" episode, aired on Monday, Feb 22nd- I ween through all the BS and get RIGHT to the Scandal...

Here's the NUTSHELL- One of the Bachelor producers gets fired for engaging in "inappropriate behavior" with one of the cast members, Rozlyn Papa. Who was immediately sent off the show. This episode opens the can of worms and throws them around like Mardi Gras beads!

Two BBM Thumbs up for Chris Harrison!

"Yeah, it's funny how the producer told me that you once hit on his wife in New Zealand." Rozlyn, from the Bachelor replies to Chris Harrison's statement that he was upset over the producer being fired because- apparently they were friends.

Wow PEOPLE! WOW! I cannot handle the drama on the Bachelor, I feel like a school girl again!!!The Rozlyn Papa Scandal just keeps getting better! Did anyone happen to notice the perfect POISE and CALM reaction of Chris Harrison during his hot and testy conversation with the Bachelor's biggest controversy, Rozlyn? I attached a video clip of the steamy interview and the girl's stories of what really happened!

As some of you may not know, the Bachelor has been around for quite some time now, but there has never been a scandal THIS big. One of the most beautiful women on the show, Rozyln Papa, a single mother/model was caught using "inappropriate behavior" (a number of times) with one of the Producers of the show, The Bachelor. The biggest part of the scandal came out last night when Chris Harrison grilled Rozyln to tell the truth, asked the ladies to tell THEIR side of the story and even with STARK evidence of shenanigans- Rozlyn STILL denied any sexual activity with this producer... who, by the way- IS MARRIED!

THE SHOCKER:

A HUGE red flag popped up in my mind when I heard the word "MARRIED." NO WONDER why Rozlyn is STILL denying any sexual relations with this fired producer, he's married and is probably going to deny this affair with Rozyln until he's blue in the face... especially to HIS WIFE! Some people are saying this scandal was planned and a lot of this is for the hype.... if that is the case than Chris Harrison is a ridiculously good actor because you can clearly see his concern for the situation and his straight out disgust towards for Rozlyn's lies. Chris is very professional and even tells Rozlyn that there is no bad blood over this. Actually, it's pretty evident that all he wants, is the TRUTH. Just look at his body language during the interview!

During the "Women Tells All" episode of the Bachelor, Chris Harrison asks the girls to be straight forward and tell ALL details of what they had experienced behind the scenes of the Bachelor. One female said she saw Rozlyn laying on top of the producer on the stairs, making out, one late night when the cameras where off. A second female, Rozlyn's roommate, felt sick in the middle of the night- woke up and Rozlyn was no-where to be found!!!! She even mentioned she took a walk around the house and could not find her. Where WAS Rozyn that night!? A third female said that Rozlyn was sprawled out on a couch with her "bootay" in the air... and said "Tell (insert producer's name) that I need to be put to bed." This evidence came from another Mother on the show and she clearly stated that she has no reason to make this information up and make another mother look bad on television.

The Juice:

Wow! I was almost embarrassed for Rozlyn because there is just TOO MUCH proof against her claims, yet she still has the balls to say it's not true... actually that NONE of it is true, which leads me to believe that the producer is trying to save his marriage... which is sad. Rozlyn is now a potential home-wrecker!? Who knows the ACTUAL TRUTH, but I don't care what business you are in, don't get married if you can't keep it in your pants.... As for Rozlyn, the girl is drop dead gorgeous, goes on a show to "find love" & ultimately plays around with a married producer... BOOOOO! She sweared on her CHILD'S LIFE, that nothing happened! What do you believe? It's hard to believe her when more and more evidence comes out against her...

Rozyln's defense- her and the producer are JUST FRIENDS, but Chris Harrison comes up with some amazing answers that clearly express that he does not believe a WORD Rozlyn is saying.....Chris says something like: "when one of my kids starts ranting about unicorns and magicians.... Isn't the simplest story, the truth?" Rozlyn continued with a run-around about not being able to call her son and that the producer lent her a phone, yet the other mothers on the show had no issue calling their children?! Attached is the video of the awkward conversation between Rozlyn and Chris Harrison, the host of the Bachelor. I could not find the portion where Rozlyn gets SO defensive that she projects her anger onto Chris Harrison and accuses HIM of hitting on the producer's wife in the past! (which, was never confirmed).

CJ's Conclusion:

Chris Harrison laughs in shock and quickly replies, "I clearly won't dignify that with a response." Amazing composure by Chris because I am pretty sure I would have hit Rozlyn square in the face. It is CLEAR that Rozlyn would say anything to get out of the hot seat, although I do give her credit for even showing up to this, "Women Tell All" episode. Rozlyn told her side, which held little to NO water in my book... I'm sorry people, I'm siding with Chris Harrison and the rest of the girls on the Bachelor: Rozlyn probably had an affair.... with a MARRIED producer. TWO BBM THUMBS DOWN! BooooooooOOOO!

*NEGATIVE & POSITIVE REPONSES WELCOME-THIS IS JUST MY OPINION.*

TWO CLIPS ON THE SCANDAL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFz5EPJUY3I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2ivoM-C8hE

TEAK- 2 BBM Thumbs Down, Hoboken- Get OFF your High Horse

Hello there my little Bloggie Readers,

Let me start off on a happy note... I have been going to Hoboken for several years now and I rarely found reason to complain about the town and it's bars/lounges. Actually, Hoboken was always like a "little getaway" from local bars, but and this is a BIG but, I am starting to realize that the bars/lounge are a TAD bit overrated.

Yes, Hoboken is a town of class... with nice stores, lounges, hotels and water front restaurants, but has Hoboken and it's clubs lost site of HOW they got the money to make their buildings so nice?! I feel like that money came STRAIGHT out of my pocket this weekend.

WHAT HAPPENED:

There are two ways North Jersians make their way to Hoboken: 1) drive in and pay a ton of money to park in a deck (or scatter to find a street spot, which is highly unlikely) 2) Take the TRAIN and leave the club right when it starts getting good, around 1am. Case & point... it's annoying to get there, period.

This weekend was a very close friend of mine's birthday and he had asked me what place in Hoboken would I suggest for a party. I had been to TEAK for a number of parties and although the drinks are a little pricey, its a nice place for a birthday.

WHERE IT ALL WENT WRONG:

So the night begins and I am already arguing with my significant other because we are running late (as usual). Everyone knows that if you get into Hoboken late you will 1) get stuck on a long line (even if the club isn't packed) 2) most likely have trouble parking 3) Some clubs present a cover charge after 11pm. Last minute, we decided not to take the train because the clock was running against us, so we drove in around 9:45pm.

It was a little after 10pm when we pulled up to the parking lot right outside of TEAK, in which there was a man violently waving his arms for us to keep moving because the lot was already full... How? I will still never understand, but Ok.... On to the next parking deck. We had to go down a couple of blocks to find another parking deck, in which we proceeded to pay $30 for 4 hours... I thought we were in Hoboken and not NYC?

Anyway, that had already set the mood. We trucked over to TEAK on foot in order to get there before the usual 10:30pm LINE starts. Of course, there is a line when we get there, but luckily it moved pretty fast. We get to the door and I could see the hostess setting up shop.... I'm thinking "No way, this chic is not going to tell me that I have to pay money to get into this place." 1) I NEVER paid a cover for Teak in my life and 2) it was 10:35pm- far from 11pm... (I just ran there in 4 inch heals to get there before 11pm Kthanks).

Needless to say, it was a $10 cover charge, which doesn't SEEM too bad, but if you add up the $30 bucks we just paid to park, plus the $10 bucks each to get into a place (that charges $11 for a drink)... We had already paid $50 to Hoboken before we even got INTO THE BAR.... (not cool, esp that "times are tough"). My boyfriend was the designated driver of the night, so we went straight to the bar to get ME a drink to calm me down over the ANNOYANCE the night was bringing to me and my boyfriend... Ps- My girlfriend got there 5 minutes before us and did NOT pay a cover... literally 5 minutes before us.

OH IT GETS WORSE:

So, at this point... both of our moods were pretty shot, which is definitely OUR problem- BUT Hoboken and the infamous TEAK did not help the situation. We decided to cool off, get a drink and find the birthday boy. We wait to order a drink and my boyfriend asks, "Can you get me a diet coke?" I order a Vodka/club and a PLAIN diet coke. I give the bartender $20 and get back $4. I think to myself... Ok... a Vodka club is going to be maybe $9 or $10, but a diet coke shouldn't be more than $3? I ask the bartender, "I'm, sorry miss, but did you put liquor in this diet coke... because he just wanted a plain diet coke." She answered, "No that's a plain diet coke, it's $5.00."

I don't know what you people are thinking at this point- either you are with me and this is LUDICROUS or you think I'm cheap... (the ppl who know me well, know that this moment was CJ's BREAKING POINT) because I'm pretty sure I just paid $16 for 1 mixed drink and a (insert curse word) DIET COKE. I feel like TEAK is telling designated drivers, "HEY, you can come here and not drink, but if you want to have a diet coke- we are going to rape you for not spending enough money in our lounge." I felt bad for my boyfriend... it was enough that he decided to be the DD, paid to park, paid to get into a club and couldn't even order a diet coke without feeling raped by Hoboken.

I happen to bounce back pretty quickly when I am set off into a bad mood, so I told my BF to take a breather and lets just go find the B-day boy and friends. Once I saw my friends, my bad mood was lifted, but my wallet was still crying. Unfortunately, my Boyfriend never bounced out of the bad mood and remained in the same chair all night completed defeated by Hoboken (Boken-3 BF-0).

Needless to say, I enjoyed the night and my boyfriend and I laughed about the whole situation on the way home....but when I really think about the night, I feel like Hoboken chewed us up and spit us right back out. I'm not really sure if I will go to TEAK again... I feel kind of violated. Here I am on a Monday morning and I don't have a DOLLAR to my name for lunch, shit?!

In conclusion, even though I have always loved our little trips to Hoboken, I have come to learn that maybe that place is a TAD BIT.... overrated. Sorry Boken Lovers, but it's true. The best advice I can give is: If you plan on going to Hoboken, GET THERE EARLY and be prepared to spend a lot of money. Know that a club can take on a "cover charge" WHENEVER they please. Have more patience than me and remember... if your designated driver wants a diet coke, don't go to TEAK.

Happy Birthday to My dearest friend! (Lol I swear I had fun).

As always, thanks for reading :)
MissCJ.