Victor Hugo puts it rather nicely: "Vision-an invasion of armies can be resisted-BUT NOT AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME." Call me way to idealisitc, you may think I am livin' in a dream world(my family will vouch for that-LOL)

Here's my vision: here's why I believe God put me on the earth-- I see shops where clothes of all sizes hang on the same racks--and models of all sizes and shapes are on covers of magazines and in clothes catalogs--no seperation-no segregation--

I see clubs and gyms, community centers, wellness centers all advertising workouts for all sizes and shapes, all age levels and ability and then really offering what they advertise. I see the diet industry put politely in it's place--down from the 30 plus billion a year it gobbles up of our money --CUZ WE AIN'T BUYING INTO IT ANYMORE --- the manufacturers will have to get the advertisers to get a new plan/campaign because we consumers will not be buying into the same ol' junk promises--we will be smarter, we will spend our money on the healthy REAL things--like shoes, bikes, & classes. Health care costs will go down because we will get healthier thanx to becoming more active--workforces will be more productive across the board because we will be feeling better-- we will have more energy, we will sleep better --our overall quality of life will improve so much thanx to becoming and staying more active that there will be a decrease in our country's number one killer "heart disease" ---- whether we get a lot smaller and put a dent (big or small) in obesity of our country--we will be heathier because we get and stay off the couch--family-bike-ride quality time will be the staple-not just family quality time at the dinner table----farmers will see a comeback thanx to fresh fruits and vegetables out selling fast food joints--HEY FAST FOOD JOINTS WILL HAVE TO GET AND STAY ON THE HEALTHY TRAIN with us not vice versa---

WE FORGOT A VERY IMPORTANT FACT ABOUT OUR WONERFUL COUNTRY--WE, AS CONSUMERS, ARE THE KINGS--WE ALLOW BUSINESS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE BECAUSE WE BUY THEIR STUFF--we have more power to change the face of things then we realize--we just need to collectively USE that power!

I see a happier, healthier society-less caught up with Madison Ave. and the whole "be thin be in" deal because we have turned inside our selves to self-care and improvement based on our own personal best not someone's else standard's of perfection. I see eating disorders in our country decrease because self esteem and healthier body image increases.

YES I can close my eyes right here in front of my computer and SEE all this --- I am so inspired I think I will end here and go for my bike ride--

we can change the way things are--it's about Vision---will you join me? It will take so much longer if I have to do it all by myself--trust me on this--as God as my witness-and you as you read this-- I will not quit-----your idealistic visionary---- Dee

We all get a little tired--we all get a little over-whelmed-past overwhelmed is overhwhelmation -we all need to take breaks---like no phone calls--turn ringers off and/or just do not pick up the call--lay and float in your pool or in a pool or in someone else's pool, and just do nothing-

-don't pick up the kids socks, or skateboards, dishes or empty water bottles, don't even pick up your clothes or towel--don't do anything--no faxes, no e-mail, no going through the mail, the call backs can wait--the mail can wait--THE DISHES--they can wait too--IT ALL CAN JUST WAIT ....a minute or an hour, a day or at least an afternoon, maybe a WEEK or month--(okay so maybe a month is pushing it)

TAKE A BREAK--do it --- you deserve it --I deserve it---WE DESERVE IT-----just say no- to driving the kids all over tarnation--just say no---to this appointment or that---RELAX-


--forgot how??--start by doing the things I mentioned in the beginning of this and then repeat---terrified? well then take five widdle bitty minutes-and do nothing for five minutes and build your time from there--YOUR BRAIN needs it --you body craves it----sanity necessitates it-- (ME TOO) --so get off the computer now and GO RELAX---TAKE YOUR BREAK and I will go do so as well! lovee's Dee

Did I spell entrepeneur right???? LOL

I do not usually go off on this subject much-because I believe the way to change is not by building the same walls of prejudice and ignorance that I have received for a vast majority of my life--I try to kill 'em with kindness---but I must say every now and then I get so damn sick and tired of the "shitso" treatment--the total disregard--especially by fellow fitness professionals--like myself and my class are not quite as important because we are all not buff--like how dare we be in the same space--mind you--no words need to be uttered--it is body language-- it is a glare--or worse---- totally ignored like I'm not even in their screen----people feel that-I feel that-----it sucks---it is hurtful -- and I am sick of it----bringng it up to superiors of course makes you look like the "problem complainer" --- what about class before getting out later and later--then they all hang around like there is no class after theirs---- at what point do you make a stand-or just quietly, graciously continue to take the disregard, the prejudicial treatment-

--Don't you know it is all in my head ---I am just imagining all this----I need to just loose another 100 pounds so I can be buff and fit in with all the other buff-heads--then life will be just grand--right??? NOT! KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS-BREAK DOWN THOSE WALLS --- WITH KINDNESS ----IT IS OKAY TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF--as long we do not resort to the same kind of treatment that has upset us ----Does this make sense? should I say something to the management or just be the good little girl-- shut my mouth, suck it up and carry on??? Now that is the million dollar question and why I am a better entrepeneur than employee I suppose --your thoughts??

Our Celebrate You party was a blast! The weather was almost co-operative---we had three way tie for most lost inches-- 9 1/2 each -hats off to Mary, Colleen and Kathleen--we had some fun awards too-- like Wimp award for Marcy, Best dressed award to Ruth, our "cheeka cheeka" water class award to Ron--then we had our first arm wrestling championship--Paul took trophy home after beating me--yuk yuk! Lots of wonderful fun, fellowship and food--lots of water to drink too---of course we took pictures---- look for them soon on the corkboard pages! Party on!

Radical change means radical risks----change in general is a constant battle with our human nature--humans bawk at change---we get into our groove and then " leave us alone" even when the groove is bad for us--the whole idea of change is far more frightening and bothersome than just "staying put" ------ yet without change we die --metaphorically and physcially, emotionally and spiritually---knowing this---you'd think we'd be hell bent on making sure change happens---yet our view of life typically says "shit happens" ----- hey--the shit is change--be it good or bad, positive or negative, joyous or painful--change brings about learning, growth and expansion of our lives--yes it can be an excuse to cop out, fake it or abuse another crutch along the way------it is all about our attitude--- change is necessary----once we come through the change(s)--we are stronger, keener and more experiened. Why do we fear that? I believe it is simply because it is not familiar to us--prior to making changes we are on unknown territory and that fact wails on our inner sense of security--when we get inside ourselves and acceptance ourselves inside and out, we aid our mind and body with the greatest (tool/armour/ mechanism) to press forward past the fear and uncertainly knowing that no matter how challenging "change" is--on the other side it really will be okay---even better than okay sometimes----pretty cool eh? Dee philosophy for thee!