CRAZY TIMES

Wow. Where to begin. In a nutshell my life has been an amazing and unexpected whirlwind for the past two months. To those of you who have sent me emails recently, thank you and I apologize for not returning them promptly or posting anything here lately. Allow me to tell the story . . .

So a few months back, I was approached at the gym one Saturday morning by an old friend whom I haven't seen in YEARS, telling me about an audition for a new internet show in Orange County which will be sponsored by the newspaper down there, and encouraging me to audition. Although I knew my friend was serious about it and it was a legitimate position, how many times have I heard this song and dance before? (What, ME jaded??? Nah . . . ) What the heck though. Like most opportunities, I follow up initially and see where it goes. I met with the producers and after our discussion in Orange County (did I mention the God awful drive from LA down the 5 freeway? Not the most scenic of drives), I am impressed with how much is invested in this project and encouraged to continue down this road.
However, on the Saturday they are holding "American Idol" type auditions, again down in Anaheim, I am feeling less than inspired to get dolled up, drive down there and go through the process of getting a number and doing my thing in front of a panel of 'judges'. But I do it, and am glad for it. I get this 'golden ticket' to the next round (essentially what we call a 'callback' in the 'biz') and this job and opportunity becomes a little more real.
After re-scheduling my second audition due to work and travel conflicts (which is a whole other story!) I finally get back down to the studio for my next 'test' on a Thursday in February. This time around I felt more comfortable, a little more nervous, as now I am seeing the potential of a fabulous new job, and at the same time, a little more confident. Quite a conflict of emotions to experience all at once!
To make a long story short (at least shorter), I am back down at the Orange County Register building four days later being offered a job. Holy shit. I don't believe it. Two weeks later, I am back at that building with a desk and a computer on my first day.
I am now the host of an exciting new daily new magazine style internet show for Orange County called THE JUICE.
It is something I have always wanted to do. Although my passion and love for dance and fitness will never die, I feel it was time to move on to something new and fresh and challenging. Just another chapter in the book of life.
So far, this job has been amazing. A lot of work, as I am not only hosting this show, but helping produce and write the show as well. Yes, I now go into an office every day (no more working from home til noon in my pj's!) But it is a trip I look forward to . . . every day is different and I am learning so much. And certainly, as with anything their have been challenges . . . I currently am looking for a home here where I am comfortable and feel part of the community (preferably within sight of the amazing beaches down here!) and living out of suitcases between here and LA in temporary housing. I can't find half of the things I own amongst the clutter and chaos of the new microcosm that has formed in my automobile.
But the opportunities to get out there and enjoy my life are amazing. I have been to the theater twice in the past month, discovered my favorite raw food restaurant and chef down here, met some really great people that I believe will become life long friends, and feel supported in a job that lifts me up every day. THAT is amazing.
Not to worry, however. Somehow amidst all this change and craziness, I am still shooting yet another DVD in about a week! It will be a Latin Dance workout for CRUNCH to hit shelves in the fall.
Sadly, my own projects have been put on hold, and not for a lack of desire or commitment (lack of time, maybe ... but not even that so much!)
The concept of my new fitness and health company is still in incubation and brewing, but maybe just simmering on the back burner for now. I hope to continue to inspire and motivate you, but now, in a different way! Starting April 28th, you'll be able to catch me EVERY DAY on the internet at ocregister.com/juice and although the content will not be what you are used to, I hope will find it entertaining and fun. I do!
Thank you all for your support and I'll continue blogging on this site (and listing great NEW MUSIC!) as time permits, but also on the new JUICE site. So check it out when you have some time this summer and you'll be able to see what I am up to.
Thank you all so much for your support and positive energy. I truly believe that I didn't make this job happen by myself. All of your help and encouragement along my journey made this possible. It's a testament to how powerful our thoughts can be and how your life can change when you least expect it in amazing ways.
Here's to the journey . . .