Promoting Oneself

Now that I am back in Tennessee, the next 90 days are dedicated to promoting myself as an International Line Dance Instructor here in Clarksville.  I have always disliked the marketing aspect of my professional  life, the idea of going out to sell a product, service, etc. It just was not my forte but when the product and services is ME.  Well that is even more unnerving to me.

Anyway I decided I had to get out this week and start beating the bush so to speak. I stopped by the local skating rink on my side of town. They offer Zumba classes two nights a week, so I thought if the rink was willing to offer Zumba why not a Line Dance Class. So I presented myself in my Line Dance News embroidered oxford shirt, Larry B’s Dance Flyer and business cards. I cannot remember being so nervous opening a door to a building.

I explained I was new in the area and looking to establish a new dance class. I saw that they offered Zumba and wanted to inquire if they might be interested in offering a dance class one or two nights a week as well.  I went on how it was a wonderful form of exercise much like Zumba. In fact the song playing for the Zumba class I knew a line dance to. The lady at the counter, thought it was a great idea but unfortunately she did not make those type of decisions. She took all my material and promised to discuss with the manager and owner if they arrived that evening or the next day.  “Note to self, ask for the decision maker before launching into my sales pitch.”

Actually, it was a great practice run for me and the lady was super nice. She stated she loved Line dancing and would let the manager know she thought it a great idea.  So my confidence was up as I left the Rainbo Skating Rink. On my way home, I passed Lana’s Dance Studio and decided to stop. I thought might as well get to know some of the Dance teachers in the area and see if they might have any input to a place that might be looking to host a Line Dance Class. I figured professional courtesy may count for something..

The stop was a good move, I got several great leads and now have a few more ideas on where to go to promote a class.  Keep

A Return to Florida

We returned to the old stomping grounds after being away for 95 days.  I have to admit, I was not that over joyed being back in Florida. I have grown to love being in the Little House on the Bluff and this was our first time being away for more than three days.

It was great to be at the office for the week and being part of the office group again. Sorry Elaine, after twenty years of working independently in my own home office, getting dressed to work is such a strange concept. I still don’t know how anyone can work all day with those fluorescent lights. I get so brain fried by those things.  Plus I think I get more work done in my private, non-flourescent office.

Being back in the old neighborhood was great getting to see all our former neighbors and friends.  I have no regrets moving except not getting to see everyone. It was great to see all or at least I should say most of our friends/family this past week. We have decided that next visit will need to be longer just so we are able to see and spend time with everyone.

 I was able to stop by and say hello to Stella Cabeca, My and South Florida’s Line Dance Guru. It was great to say hello and see some of my old dance group. Stella, you are my inspiration when it comes to dancing and becoming an instructor.

Of course, the week would not have been as enjoyable if not for our adopted Mom, Ms. Honey. She opened her home to the four of us and even sent her puppy on vacation to ensure we had a smooth stay.  She already has our proposed next visit on her calendar; she states the rates will be less since South Florida season will be over.

Even though it has been a busy week in South Florida, I have to admit I am so happy  to get back to Tennessee and the Little House on the Bluff.  As they say There is No Place Like Home..

Keeping The Doggy In Style

Just like how individuals change our current wardrobe once the time of year changes in order that we're able to keep in touch with the latest fashion and weather needs, it really is just as essential for us to keep on updating the fashion of our domestic pets too.

There are lots of sites on the internet and every pet store has a wide array of clothing available for your dog, in a variety of styles with diverse fabrics for every climate change.

For people with a smaller family dog, articles of clothing which are usually personalized in accordance with the height and width of your pet may be ordered. There are various types to choose from for instance casual jackets, hoodies, tanks, etc.

The garments can be picked out depending on the weather conditions in order that the animals feel at ease wearing them. You can also decide on colors which harmonize with your own outfits for when the two of you go for a stroll, your fashionable puppy that’s with you will boost your ownership.

For thedoggie to put on during the chillier periods of the year, there are specific clothes designed which happen to have stripes that assist with night visibility whenever you go for a walk. Plaid blanket coats with wool lining could be purchased if the weather has gone seriously frigid.

Of course, some of you may be wondering why I am talking about Pet Apparel. We now live in an area where we have Daily climate changes.    We have looked at a variety of clothing and there are so many styles. The majority require you having to pull the dogs legs through an opening or pull over their heads.  Depending on how your dog’s body type sometimes this puts their legs in awkward positions. It just becomes a chore for you and traumatic for the dog.

So Paul is working on a design that will only use Velcro or snaps and easy to put on and take off.  He is thinking of turning this into his retirement cottage industry along with his embroidery items. So watch for a new name to appear specializing in custom doggy clothes, embroidered with pet’s name; now what should we call it … Paul’s Paw Couture

90 days

It is amazing that we are about to celebrate our 90 day anniversary in Tennessee.  It seems as though we have been here a lot longer than only 90 days.  We have accomplished a great deal since our arrival on October 29, 2011 with two vehicles loaded practically to the roof.  We both only had a straight view out our back windows, the poor dogs only had a small place to sit in my passenger front seat and Paul did not even have that much room in his vehicle.

My Dad sat in his rocker and watched us unload one vehicle into the condo, and then we had to sort through that load. We had to put things in their place before we could even unload the second vehicle.  We moved from a 1500 square foot house with a one car garage to a 1000 square foot condo with a 4 by 5 storage room.  Our saving grace here is an attic that I can stand up in and have it now sectioned with storage.

I had one day to get my office set up and organized to be back to work on October 31, 2011. Since that day we have replaced the windows, HVAC, storm doors, downstairs’ floor and the kitchen countertop/back splash.   I can honestly say the Little House on the Bluff is cozy, warm and Home.

So what is the plan for the next 90 days, I plan to get out in the community to work on establishing a dance class, Paul plans to begin a class on embroidery and we are going to decide on interior paint colors.  Yes, it has only been 90 days since we pulled out of Florida and I have to say it was the best move we could have made.  We both are able to spend more time with  family; we both get to spend time in an area that has the nicest people you would ever meet.

 The dogs are content because they have both of their parents around all the time.  Things are good and we are looking forward to a great 2012.

The One Thing That is Guaranteed

I am a weather watcher and just being outside watching the clouds is such a relaxing and invigorating thing for me mentally.

As everyone knows 99% of the year, it is hot, humid and Sunny especially in South Florida. When I lived in Florida, I was a walking dripping sweat machine. I could not walk out of my house without a handkerchief in my pocket to wipe my head dry every few minutes.   I was constantly in a state of wetness from my over productive sweat glands.  I really don’t care for constant hot weather and yet I lived there for over 20 years. Go Figure...

It has been nearly 90 days since we relocated to Clarksville, Tennessee from South Florida.   I can say it is heaven for me here in Tennessee. Of course, moving here during the fall and winter months was the right time to do it. I have yet to walk out of my house and immediately break out in a sweat. I have not had to use my collection of handkerchiefs since arriving.  What a pleasure to walk around outside and not be dripping sweat.

I grew up in the Midwest and it is a pleasure to be back in the area where Season changes can be seen and felt. Not like in South Florida where if you did not have a calendar you would not know whether it was summer or winter.  

Just this week as Paul and I were out walking the dogs as usual I was watching the clouds because we were expecting a quick change in weather.  We started the week in the 20’s with a dusting of snow to nearly 70 and tornados/thunderstorms.  I remembered something my grandmother would say to us kids when we complained about something-“the only thing that is guaranteed in life was that the weather will change”.  Here in Tennessee that can mean AM versus PM weather. The Midwest has not changed much since my childhood and I can honestly say I could not be happier.

What is a Line Dance Class?

I have been working to develop a great flyer and/or brochure to promote myself as a Line Dance Instructor. I got to thinking about the best way to describe the activity. I wanted to relate the classes as a fun yet beneficial activity for all age groups and all levels of endurance. I then got side tracked into Fitness. So I decided to pull some thoughts and information I had into this bog entry. It is that time of year when people make new year resolution’s to get fit with exercise.

Being fit, eating right, and exercising is something that many people have to learn. Even with all the ways to get fit, it can be hard to choose particular methods. It is recommended for getting fit, try to exercise for at least fifteen to thirty minutes at a time. Exercising in short bursts can be a way to add variety to your routine or fit exercise into your day, but you won't see the same benefits unless you're exercising for at least fifteen minutes.

You should find a workout that you actually enjoy doing if you really want to be able to stick to it. If you do not like what you are doing it will be very difficult to find the motivation to do it on a regular basis. It is recommended that you add music to your fitness routine. Listening to music while working out will keep you going for much longer than if you are doing repetitive exercises in a quiet area. Music will make you feel energized and help you keep pace by following the beat. Fitness Experts say to put together a specific fitness play list, featuring songs that you know will keep you on track.

So to recap, to help you get fit; utilize an activity that you enjoy incorporated with music featuring songs most everyone knows. That sounds like a lot of fun and something that everyone could do and do safely. That is what I call a Line Dance Class. Where you don’t need a partner to participate; meet lots of great people and have fun getting in shape.

Here's to a Happy Healthy 2012

Well we are leaping into this year, okay it’s Leap year. February gets an extra day and it just throws off all the other holidays this year.  That being said, it shall be my only complaint.

I have decided that I am taking this new Leap year in a more positive attitude. Okay I can already hear all those “yeah right” comments coming through the internet.  I am really going to make the extra effort; I am not getting any younger and stress will just kill you. So to combat the stress I am working to give as much cheer as one possibly can this year.

I have started sending out little Day of Recognition notices to my fellow co-workers. For example, I think everyone should be observing this Sunday, January 8^th, Bubble Bath Day.  We can all use a nice hot quiet bubble bath; personally I want mine with a nice glass of Amaretto on the rocks.

The point is we tend to take our busy corporate ruled lives too seriously. We let the corporations dictate how we live our lives. We need to take a step back and take it one day at a time. Tomorrow is another day and the Goddesses willing we will be here to carry on with our duties.

Everyone needs to find that special hobby, activity that lets you unwind at the end of the work day or week.  We have to put an honest effort in sticking to a schedule to unwind and distress.  Even if you chose an activity to go outside and scream; do it on a regular schedule. The benefit of stress relief will make you feel better as a person, not to mention the overall health benefit.

Not only will the lower stress level work for you as an individual but the benefit it will provide to your family, co-workers and just the man on the street will be enormous.

For me I am going to be dancing the stress away, hopefully by creating my own new dance class in Tennessee. Here is to a great 2012, may everyone have a happy healthy new year.

Remember the first Friday 13^th is next Friday... it is Make Your Dream Come True Day!!! So Dream Big!