Best and Final 10

Yesterday I taught my “last” two classes at Pure Barre Lake Norman. I say “last” because I definitely plan on coming back to teach from time to time when I find my way back up there. Hey, I’m at least coming back to Charlotte to get my hair done by Kristy Misch.

To show our love and support for one of our amazing teachers, Michelle, we all wore orange (color for leukemia awareness) since she couldn’t be there. Michelle had been in remission for 17 months (she kicked AML‘s @$$) and unexpectedly came out of remission earlier this week. They have started treatment to achieve a second remission…

“After that she will have at least one 5 day booster treatment at Wake with a bone marrow transplant immediately after that. Two years ago there were some matches out there for Michelle. We hope they are still out there. If you would like to see if you are a match you can order a kit online at bethematch.com. It only involves a cheek swab and even if you aren’t a match for Michelle you may be someone else’s match. The age limit is usually 45 or under.” – borrowed from a post on CaringBridge by Michelle’s mother

Michelle has the most amazing spirit and attitude about EVERYTHING and it’s so incredible to see that her spirit and attitude stays the same under her current circumstances. Michelle and I were joking earlier in the week about this whole thing not “being compliant”. She was ome of my fellow 30 Cleaners and we would often joke around about all of the things that we had to eliminate. For her, her beloved Nutella, was not an easy thing to say farewell to for 30 days.  We also joked that her lack of Nutella brought about the current circumstances and with enough Nutella everything would be fine. #NutellaForTheCure.  When I got home today, I opened one of the gift bags and to my surprise found a thing of Nutella with the hashtag written on top.  I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.  She is so so thoughtful, sweet and high spirited. Such an inspiration. After having the privilege to have her mother at the studio as well during my time at PBLKN, it’s no wonder she turned out so amazing.  Anyone who has met either of these two ladies would have nothing but wonderful things to say.

After the 8:30am class.

After the 9:45am class.

I wish there was a way to bottle up the energy that I felt in that room during that two hour span. I’ve had the pleasure to get to know each of the women in these two photos on a much higher level of them “just coming to take a fitness class that I teach”. I’ve heard stories of struggles and triumphs, shared laughter and tears and they’ve impacted my life in so many ways.  I look forward to seeing each of them continue on their individual journeys and the journey of the Pure Barre Lake Norman community.

It was definitely hard heading to the airport yesterday leaving all of these beauties behind at my apartment…

At least Randall will have some purple to look at while I’m gone 😉

I’m often guilty of eating dessert first – especially when I’m hangry – so CLEARLY, I had to sample the Bundt cake and cupcake that was given to me. Guess they’re trying to sabotage all that lift.tone.burn!  I opened up all the cards and read them, but then brought them all with me so I could really read them once I got on the plane.

You all are too sweet and so thoughtful. I can’t thank you enough. Gifts are great, but your kind words are even greater and I will cherish them forever and ever.

“If you aren’t amazed most of the time you aren’t paying attention.” – Michael Lipsey

One of our clients, Allison, included a poem that she wrote for me. Allison is such a talented writer and what amazed me most is that she threw it together this morning. She mentioned it was corny, but I think it’s anything but. I absolutely loved it:

For Danielle:

A raven-haired beauty,
Danielle’s easy to spot,
With that rock-hard body,
Just lookin’ all hot.

Her passion for chocolate
Runs deep in her veins,
And her DQ obsession
Seems to never wane.

When she’s not at Pure Barre,
Danielle blogs on ‘Net,
Often funny, yet poignant,
Thoughts we soon won’t forget.

Always up for adventure,
Won’t back down from a dare,
From shooting a firearm
To cool purple hair.

Danielle’s love for her family,
Randall and friends,
Is honest and pure,
She doesn’t pretend.

We’ll miss her fast talk
And that gleam in her eye,
But she’ll stay in our hearts –
This is not goodbye!

I absolutely love it!!

During the last working part in class it seemed only right to use “Turn Down for What”. For a number of reasons

1. I knew it would make at least a few of the clients particularly happy.
2. It fit perfectly with what we were doing.
3. How could I cry listening to Lil Jon?!?!

Well, well, well – come to find out I actually CAN cry during Lil Jon. Who would’ve thought? As I was counting the last 10, the entire class joined in with me to count my very last Final 10. If you’ve never been to a Pure Barre class this might not make any sense. Even if you have been, you still might not get why I started to tear up.

“As happens sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment. And sound stopped and movement stopped for much, much more than a moment.” – John Stainback

It was one of the most memorable bittersweet moments and I will never forget it. Then, came the real tears as this song came on for the stretch:

I won’t run far
I won’t run far
I won’t run far

I can always be found
I can always be found

If you need me
If you need me
If you need me

I can always be found
I can always be found

If you want me to stay
If you want me to stay
If you want me to stay

I will stay by your side
I will stay by your side
I will stay by your side

I won’t run far
I won’t run far
I won’t run far

I can always be found
I will stay by your side
And I want you to find me
So, I’ll stay by your side

If you need me
If you need me
If you need me

I can always be found
I can always be found
I can always be found

I won’t run far
I won’t run far
I won’t run far

I can always be found
I can always be found
I can always be found

Yesterday was a blur. A beautiful, beautiful blur.

“You have to remember that goodbyes are temporary because no one ever really leaves and nothing lasts forever. People are always with us, because they are in our hearts and in our memory. The only thing we can depend on is change… Life is just a series of moments — a string of pearls that make up the necklace of your life and so every once in a while, to complete the circle, you need to end a chapter.” – Amy Poehler