Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing.

Ahhh, Thanksgiving. The time of year we gather together, count our blessings, and eat a ridiculous amount of food. That blessed preview to the Christmas season, a time to be happy for the abundance of the harvest, and to feel grateful for the ridiculous over indulgence that is our lives. We want for nothing, really. So this Thanksgiving I will be making an effort to remember how lucky I am, and to remind myself and my family that millions of other people in the world lack the very base necessities that I take for granted.
I practice gratitude actively, because it makes me a happier person. The more I remind myself of the wonderful things in my life, the more I desire to work hard to appreciate them, and nurture them.
So here is Annie's list of the little things I will be celebrating this weekend and beyond:
(a) the smell of coffee in the morning. Not just because it smells SO good, but because it means my hubby got up 5 minutes early (which is REALLY early) and thought of me.
(b) a hug from my son. My 8 year old boy is a pretty independent little dude, and affection is definitely at a premium. So when he spontaneously wraps his little arms around me? Priceless.
(c) am always thankful for a day when my cats forget to use my basement as a bathroom and actually use their litter box.
(d) it's completely awesome that I have friends that fulfill all of the following roles in my life
 - that friend that you call, ask them to bring a shovel, tarp, wheelbarrow and an empty trunk and they don't ask why, but pull into the driveway five minutes later.
 - that friend that breaks out into random singing (or rapping) at pretty much exactly the same time as you, and it's a song that no one in the whole civilized world would EVER be caught singing.
 - that friend who does everything way better than you could ever hope, but celebrates all your efforts as if they were the most amazing achievements ever.
 - that friend who, while often out and about, always on the go, who drops everything if you say you need her.
 - those friends who, without them, you would not be the person you are today.
(e)EVERY day, every moment, every second, I am grateful that my daughter is not yet a teenager.
(f) am thankful that no matter how busy I get, God always forgives me when I fail to put Him first, and always welcomes me back, no strings attached.
(g) I am thankful for the amazing health care professionals, nurses, specialists and dr's who care every day for my Dad, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to care for him and give him dignity in an undignified situation.
(h) mostly I am thankful for the perspective that being 35 has given me, and for finally feeling like a grown up (well, a little anyway). I cherish the ability to be in the moment and love each second of it, and for all the people who make up all the moments of my life.


My love to all people in this wonderful world, to all who have nothing, who fight for peace and equality, who protect and serve, who teach, who comfort, who love. I wish everyone a weekend, in fact a life, full of gratitude (and turkey too!)
Find your CORE.

What's New Pussycat?

  

I know that this is a blog with a health theme, so just let me precis the following writings by saying that my cats are good for my health.

I am a dog person, through and through. I LOVE dogs. I love their panting, slightly sardonic faces. I love that every time you leave the house, even if it is only to take out the garbage, a dog treats your return as if you have away for a year. I love doggy breath, doggy snoring, doggy snorting, well pretty much anything doggy. But I don't have a dog, so I digress.

I do, however, have two cats. Cats generally aren't my thing, although hubby Sean is a cat person.Cats are indifferent, independent, self serving and highbrow. Cats have expectations of their humans. Cats are evil.

Some cats have aspirations for world domination, but my cats have less lofty goals. Our cats have already performed hostile takeovers of every part of our homes, and our hearts.

Our two Humane Society adoptees had us from hello. We brought them home over a year ago, and ever since they have ruled our roost with iron paws. Just think of it. If a friend or relative was staying with you and regularly pooped on your floor, wouldn't you have called the authorities by now? But somehow we manage to come up with excuses for this socially unacceptable behavior. "Aww, he missed the box" ( by a whole room????)- not something you'd let Grandma away with! 

And then at 3am, when cat feet step over my face, then sit down (are you exhausted from the jump to the bed? Really you can't stand??) on our near my face before drinking from my water glass on the bedside table. And if no water is there - meowing loudly in protest. After all, walking down one flight of stairs to the cat bowl is NOT an option. 

Also, our cats do not appreciate Sean and I sharing a marital bed. They like to watch, disapprovingly, any..well..you know.It's like an American Idol audition with Paula and Simon watching, ready to comment after. "Yawn.BOORRRIIINGG!" or "Good effort- now pet me!". 

One cat sleeps at my feet, one on a pillow above my head. I have a hard time falling asleep now without hearing the rythmic purr of my cat engine. My nightly reminders (a careful claw, well placed) to not move too much, any disturbance marked by a low meow. Kitty snoring, Sean snoring, Amy snoring....these are the sounds of our home.

So while we stop short of consulting our cats for our investment portfolio, it is clear who are the V I P's (very important pussies) at the Tiffin homestead. And since a snuggle from them can change my entire perspective of the day I'm not going to complain. My cats are good for my well-being. They tell me so - and I dare you to argue with a cat.

Find your CORE!

I Believe the Children are our Future!

Our family went to Walt Disney World this summer (that's a WHOLE other blog!) and the experience forced me to face a stark reality.....the statistics are correct. America is obese. 1 of 3 people were morbidly obese. 1 of 5 drove themselves from attraction to attraction on a motorized scooter. Now this is NOT a judgement post - I am not the person who cares about what is on the outside, it's the inside of people that is important. That said though, as someone who loves the human race, it is SO upsetting, because we all know that being an unhealthy weight DOES affect what is on the inside, physically,emotionally and mentally. Unfortunately it does seem that Canada continues to be on trend to catch up with what is going on down South. We too are expanding rapidly.
How do we effect change? How do we make a change to this alarming and extremely dangerous issue? I don't know, truly, but I do know that I see people unwilling to let this become an issue for the young people in their lives. Because as parents and communities we have a responsibility to the children in our lives to show them that living active and healthy lives is the best choice for body, mind and soul.
On Saturday our run club went on it's first 5K run. Before the run there was a 1K kids fun run where the young stars of tomorrow made their athletic debut. The kids enthusiasm was contagious, despite the pouring rain, and the spectators, parents and strangers alike, cheered heartily for both the fastest and the slowest runner. They were applauding not the achievement, but the effort. The bravery of someone starting, continuing and finishing. Later on, many of those applauding took the starting line, with their children watching. It poured rain, the wind was blowing little rainy needles into runner's eyes. Sticky wet shirts clung to sweaty backs and shoes squelched along from puddle to puddle. But you know what? The little girl waiting at the starting line to clap for her Mommy? She will one day turn to movement for enjoyment, strength and fun. She'll remember that accomplishment, and seeing Mom go out to move, and to make the effort to be a whole person in every way. The tweenage boy who has decided to start training for his own run after watching his parents cross the line together for the first time after making healthy choices that have changed their lives. And the fully grown woman who cheered for her Mom from the second she turned the corner to sprint from home? She'll keep moving too, and one day will be a similar inspiration for her children.
Simply by being the active and healthy person that you dream for your children to be you are paving the road for them. Showing them that choosing healthy ways to live, eat, move and cope with life's pressures are helping you to be the best Mom/Dad/Auntie/Friend/Neighbour you can be.
Keep on being superheroes to your family and community and we'll make an impact...inside and out!!!
Find your CORE!

ch,ch,ch,ch..changes!!!

 

 

change/CHānj/

Verb:

Make or become different  By definition, change is a little scary.Make or become different.A verb - an action word, a "do-ing" word. It requires effort, and is often accompanied by a leap of faith.   Last weekend I attended the CanFit Pro conference in downtown Toronto.In our industry things change- constantly. Science and the quest for information about the human body drive many changes - most for the better - because the more we know, the better we can apply that knowledge to help others move, safely and effectively, not only in our classes, but in their everyday lives. Over the weekend, change became my mantra, led by the words "If nothing changes, then nothing changes"spoken originally by Maureen Hagen, a true Canadian fitness superheroine. I have thought over that profound little statement repeatedly since hearing it, rolling it around in my head, testing it out and seeing how it applies. In my life, change is the norm. I am happiest when learning, testing, seeking out. I love the process of change. But that's because I have learned that you have nothing to lose by trying something new.   Speaking specifically about fitness, change is mandatory. Whether you have never exercised before and are teetering on the brink of trying your first class, a seasoned participant who regularly attends their favourite yoga, zumba or strength training class, or an elite athlete training for the Olympics - to continue to reap benefits from your work, you must sometimes make changes. - Avoid or overcome plateaus by challenging the body in a different way - Meet new people - different types of people attend different types of classes, and maybe will have a new outlook that you may find inspiring! -Appreciate another type of workout- "don't judge a book by it's cover". Try the class you've always avoided because of preconceived notions - give a class a try before you dismiss it! -Prevent or Manage Injuries- repetetive exercise over time can lead to overuse, fatigue and possible injuries. Variety will help this. We need variety in all aspects of our lives, and changing up your workouts will keep you fresh and motivated! Now. please see and feel free to giggle at the picture below of me trying "Jukari" a Reebok/Cirque de Soleil Trapeze workout (nope, not kidding!). NEVER say I don't practise what I preach!!   

Fear Not!

"There is nothing to fear but fear itself"
"To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom." Bertrand Russell
"The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear." Gandhi
Google "fear" and you'll find a load of quotes similar to those above. There are pages of advice, inspiration and wisdom about fear, rivalled only in volume by similar sentiments about "love". Which isn't actually that disimilar, really.
What do you fear? Accidents? Spiders? Lots of people fear snakes, full moons, scary movies. We are a species that thrives on the adrenalin of fear, originally ingrained in us from our neandrethal roots by things that actually were really terrifying...wild animals, lack of food, square wheels, the first pyromaniac...but today we don't really have a tonne of direct reasons to fear in our daily lives. I am not discounting the stress that world issues, war, the environment and watching the news can cause us, these things and more make me worry too. But in our day to day lives we have little reason to feel fear like our forefathers did. We live in a time of luxury and relative safety here in our wonderful country. But that does not stop the emotion from crowding our lives, and often.
Fear sucks. It tricks you into missing out on opportunities that will enrich your life. It holds you back and gives us an excuse not to live life to it's fullest.
I have tonnes of fear: roller coasters make me shudder, heights make me tremble, watching my kids grow up is kind of terrifying in itself. These fears and others I can conquer. I refuse to let these types of fears get in my way of enjoying each day. I have had a more difficult time vanquishing my fear of my mortal enemy: failure.
Yep - I have always feared failure more than any venomous creature, bungee jump or impending danger. And lately is has started to creep in to my running routine. I realize now that I have been running with feaar as my constant training partner, hearing it's voice telling me not to attempt more because I am bound to fail. That if I run faster/longer/stronger.. I will hurt, I will suffer and I will fail. I have been running safe for about two months, not sure what started this off, but I am now determined to to finish it.
So last night I tackled my monster head on. I ran like I used to, lungs pumping, sweat pouring and intense. Every time my fear spoke up, telling me to stop, I used it's negative voice to push on harder. I didn't play it safe, I hurt, my heart pounded and I felt great. Back came the adrenaline, back came the excitement, and most importantly, away went the fear. I CAN do this, on my own terms, at my own pace, pacing easy when I want to, and pushing to the limit when want to as well. I finished yesterdays run with a smile on my face, and a spring in my step that had been lacking, made heavy by fear.
There are times to push ahead, there are times to accept failure. There is never time to remain frozen by fear.

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. Mark Twain

Find your CORE!

Reaching my Olympic potential!

I have a confession to make. I have always wanted to be an Olympian. Every four years for the whole of my life, there is a reminder that I have not yet fully reached my potential. A fierce burning in my heart that I was destined for greatness. As a child, I planned and plotted to get "there", practising my long jump, rowing in the bathtub, using the curb as a balance beam for my gymnastics routine. But, strange when you consider my lofty ambitions, there was one major stumbling block. I completely sucked at all sports (you know the kids picked last for teams? Yep! That was me). Couple that with short, stocky legs and a complete lack of confidence and you had a recipe for little Annie's Olympic non-success.
I look back and wonder what drew me to the Olympics, what made me continue my drive to join the Olympic movement despite my obvious shortcoming and realize that it wasn't the sport necessarily, but the athletes themselves that had me glued to the television and practising my fencing skills with my poor teddy bears. It was the EFFORT of Olympic competition. The drive, the passion and desire to be the absolute best at something you love so much that you put aside almost everything in order to pursue it. That is what got my heart rate soaring, my pulse racing and made me feel so alive. It was something that I innately understood and admired.
I know effort. It courses through my veins. Nothing comes physically easily or naturally to me, so if I want to attain any goal I have to bust a gut to get there. It's how I live my life too. If there's a problem, test, event etc... my way of dealing is to work non-stop until it's solved or finished.  Not much is easy for me, but the effort is truly satisfying.
So, as an adult, I still yearn for Olympic greatness. What I lack in physical prowess, I make up for in heart, right? There has got to be one sport I can excel in at a world level, right? Right???

Table Tennis: I was sure this was my in, however upon further research I realize that this is a highly competitive Olympic sport. With my complete lack of hand/eye co-ordination, this makes it unlikely that I could compete.
Fencing: has some possibility...if I didn't suffer from the aforementioned complete lack of hand/eye co-ordination. When the coaches come up with a training system that makes it possible to hit the right spot while aiming somewhere completely random, I'll be your girl. Plus, every time I struck my opponent I woul have to fight the urge to pull up my mask and offer an apology, "well sorry, old chap, well done, carry on". And yes, I absolutely imagine myself saying that with an English accent.
Equestrian:  finally something I can actually do! I rode horses my entire life and for a while this actually was my Olympic dream. I can ride, I can jump, I can fly, I can.....not afford a horse of that caliber, nor the immense cost of boarding, veterinarian, blacksmith, travel ......well, you get it. Although if I sold a child or two....
Volleyball: the only sport I showed even a glimpse of natural talent at in school. I do enjoy playing volleyball. Major sticking point? I am a TERRIBLE, I mean absolutely abominable team player. I just do not play well with others. I am hard enough on myself, can you imagine me turning my ire on a poor unfortunate teammate? If we lost, heads would roll. Chances are we would lose. I turn away from team sports in a effort to spare innocent lives.
Soccer: see volleyball
Javelin: Sean's suggestion. Not sure why he thinks I would excel at javelin, but whatever. I'm practising with wooden skewere right now. Poor kids look like they've been visiting a deranged acupuncurist.
I will continue my quest to find a sport that I can qualify for the next Olympics. The quest begins anew after these Olympics extinguish the flame and pass it on to the next host. Please share your suggestions as to which sports I can try, or sports you'd like to try yourself!
And in the meantime, continue treating each moment in life like it's your Olympic dream - live it, love it and give it everything you possibly have!

(running off into the distance, ponytail bouncing, Chariots of Fire music playing, sun is setting)
Find Your CORE!

Anatomy of a ZUMBA(R) Fitness Event!

Any Saturday afternoon lately you only have to look into our basement to make you smile. In there you will see three sweaty, laughing, tired and excited girls, often collapsed on to the floor in a pile, giggling, giddy and in need of coffee stimulus. This is a familiar scene that first took place leading up to our "Off The Red Carpet" Event held last December. We lunch together, discussing plans and stretegies, then practise for the rest of the day, perfecting our choreography, choosing effeective fitness strategies for each song, then making each song the best it can be for you come event night. Very similar to what happens for each ZUMBA(R) fitness class you attend, but this has three people to co-ordinate, three personalities to placate, and one short time to pull all this together!  So we thought we would share some of this journey with you a couple of times a week leading up to the event - so you can share the fun with us.
We LOVE to put together these special events for you. The amazing part of ZUMBA(R) Fitness is that it works in a format unlike ANY other fitness class. A party atmosphere, themed music, lights, laughter - not usually your typical fitness experience. The ZUMBA(R) class is a party in itself, and when we add in fun new songs, some sparkly lights it takes your fitness experience to the next level!
The first steps take place months prior to the event:
-finding and securing a venue/date
-making sponsorship packages/securing sponsors: we do this for two reasons- first to ensure that all of your ticket cost goes towards your experience, not advertising and marketing costs. Promoting can be expensive! Plus it offers us an amazing opportunity to work together to get our event and some amazing local businesses the exposure they deserve! We work hard to promote the people that sponsor our events and are pleased to work with local businesses.
-choosing music: one of the toughest parts of the whole process, believe it or not - can you imagine choosing 10-15 songs from the eighties?!?! And agreeing on those songs with your two partners. And retaining friendships afterwards? It was an exhausting afternoon, and some of the songs are still in flux. Some don't choreograph well with the ZUMBA formula, some are difficult to add fitness variation to, some songs lend themselves to movements that won't work in a crowded environment, and some simply don't feel right.
Printing and Selling Tickets: the waiting game! Will our event attract our people, new people, bring people back? Only time tells with events like these!

So these are a few of the early steps to making a fitness event happen!! Hard work, laughter, sore knees, sweat, tears and ultimately love. For each other, our jobs, ZUMBA fitness, and the people we reach each and every week.
Join us each week to find out the foibles and funnies of the ZTops as we count down to the event of the year!