BABY STEPS

Well... it's been a while since I wrote a note. The Christmas season and the New Year really took a toll on me because I took the time to spend it with my family and friends and I honestly did not think much about work or those "goals" I was talking about. But I don't regret a single moment, now it just means it's time to work.

So now here we are a few weeks later and I know it is time to do something about myself and those "goals". When I was in school we learned about realistic goal setting. If you give yourself a LARGE Goal without any "Baby Steps" to help you along the way, chances are you will not achieve your goal. It is sad but very true. I have my "LARGE GOAL" in mind (won't share it just yet; I love creating the suspense) but I do have my "Baby Steps" that will take me closer to that final goal in the end.

One of my baby steps is to get into the best physical shape of my life, how can I portray to know things about fitness if I do not look the part. My mom has a saying in Spanish, "Como te ven, te tratan!" which translates to "How they see you is how they will treat you". Though some may say that I am in great shape (I would not disagree) I know that I can tweak a few things about myself here and there. My diet would be one of those things. To this day I have not taken the TIME to PLAN what I eat. Now that's not to say you have to follow a military regimen for your diet. It just means that you have to plan to have HEALTHY snacks throughout the day. I have not done that and consequently I find myself walking to the nearest vending machine to get a bag of chips, cookies or chocolate. So from now on I PLAN to have healthy snacks in my purse and gym/work bag. On to my second PLAN of action. Though I teach fitness classes daily, I used to enjoy working out for myself and for a while I let go of that routine. But now I am back at it. I work out with a buddy who is also getting married this year and we like to call it our "Bridal Bootcamp Workouts". It helps to have her around because she pushes me to show up when I don't want to and vice versa. So, if you're getting into the workout routine, maybe you should try doing it with a friend or try fitness classes where you can see others who are trying to get fit and healthy and you can create a friendly competition amongst yourselves.

So, what can you take from this note? Whatever "LARGE and FINAL Goal" you have, sit down and brainstorm the "BABY STEPS" that will help you get there. It doesn't have to be fitness related, it can be work, family or anything on this planet, you just need to set small goals that you CAN achieve and that in turn will motivate you to continue to strive for that end result.

But whatever you do, DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS....
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars" ~Les Brown~

PLAYLIST for JANUARY

Hey Guys,

So...if you made it to this page, it is because you want to know what songs I'm using in my ZUMBA classes. Well, most songs you can find on iTunes. Unfortunately, some may be ZUMBA originals, so those you may not be able to find unless it is a really popular one and they decide to post it on iTunes. However, you can at least feel like you're in the class by listening to these and many other great songs that exist in this world.

1. We Found Love - Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
2. Me Entere - Daddy Yankee ft. Tito el Bambino
3. It's like this and like that - La Verdad by Soundchek
4. La Cortina - La Sonora Dinamita
5. Yeah! (Batuka Mix) - Dj Joao vs. Dj Payaso
6. Rebelion - Joe Arroyo
7. Masha Dia - K-liber4life
8. Mr. Saxobeat - Alexandra Stan
9. Rescate - Daddy Yankee ft. Alexis & Fido
10. Somos de Calle - K.L.C. Clave Cubana
11. Adios Fulana - Toto la Momposina
12. La Gente Quiere Waro - Comando Tiburon
13. Sabor a Melao - Daddy Yankee & Andy Montanes
14. Pegate - Fulanito
15. Good Lovin' - Kenny Ortega
16. I Know - Marisela

Enjoy!

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2012!

I look back to what the past year has brought me. I think it is safe to say that I am glad it is over and ready to start the new year filled with lots of hope for what comes next.

Don't get me wrong. I had many wonderful moments in 2011. I am getting married next year so...starting the snowball effect that is, "Wedding Planning" has been fun, especially since I've got Kevin by my side.  I look forward to the many arguments and laughs, but mostly arguments we will have this coming year, I am a little fussy, but I hope not "Bridezilla" fussy. We will see, I guess.

Work has been nothing but great. I look forward to so much more ZUMBA and taking courses to further advance my career in fitness. I have had wonderful moments teaching ZUMBA classes. I can honestly say that I have seen people's faces light up, and I dont think it's all me, I think it is because they are finding a stress release that they had not tapped into before. I on the other hand, I dance even when I'm sleeping, so I know just how they feel.

And then there's my guys...I work with youth and adults with special needs. I honestly enjoy that part of my job. It is great to be a part of them...when we're playing sports together, dancing or when I am trying to get my gang to memorize their lines for this year's play... our take on Young Frankenstein.

These are the wonderful moments...I don't dwell on the rough, tough, hard and horrible moments of 2011 or any earlier year for that matter. They are what they are and have made me stronger. I didn't necessarily now it at the time and I still may not get it, but stuff happens and thank God it's over.

So, looking forward to 2012. I hope to accomplish my goals (those I will keep secret until I get to them one by one). The year of my wedding, hopefully more successes in my work and of course a year filled with dancing.....what more could I ask for???  A new car, to win the lottery..... But for now...enjoy this blog with me and dance with me.