LiL Knee

HOPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

LOVE,

LiL Knee

"This has been a year filled with ups and downs, life lessons, and joys, and WOW moments. I am blessed and SO looking forward to the new year and all it holds..." -JK

just another day....

My new motto starting right here, right now is WHAT IF IT'S POSSIBLE ....no more fear, no more negativity....only hope and faith and possibilities!!! and LOVE.

"Value who you are. Enjoy your uniqueness and don't compare yourself with others and put yourself down."

-Deepak Chopra

‎"Tears are the raindrops that soften the soil of the soul so the flower may grow and blossom!"

-Jennifer Gimenez

So it's been another day of PT at home and working hard to get back to the dance. I will say that with the holidays brings a little magic. Meaning, yes I do believe in Santa and yes I do believe in miracles and my christmas miracle came early today when I found out that my insurance company has given me 8 PT visits! I am so excited! I am slowly finding my way back to the dance.

I am learning how to stay in the moment and remembering that it is one day at a time and I don't have to worry about a year from now or a week from now. All I need to do is focus on the here and now. I am healing. I am getting better. I am going to dance again...and I can't wait!

Revving up for what's to come....

I haven't posted in a while because I am frustrated. I want to be healed already. I am sick of the routine of my life that has become work and PT and floor barre. Don't get me wrong, I am SOOOO grateful for the progress I am making but I have been feeling stuck. I miss being healthy. I miss dancing. I miss flipping and flying. I miss waking up and jumping out of bed because it was another day of dance. I miss the magic I used to have in my life. But I know that these feelings are all just part of my process. I AM healing. I AM getting back to dance...it's just slower at times than I would like. I haven't wanted to post anything because I felt like it was just going to be me complaining about how my knee hurts and I feel stuck, but then I read the post below and it totally inspired me and got me into a different mindset. So, thank you SJ!

So what does this mean? I am continuing my fight. I am continuing to keep my chin up and keep moving forward. I am not going to the Olympics in 2012 (well who knows...what if it's possible???) but I am excited for the new year and new opportunities that are arising. I am excited to get back into studio 5 and rehearsal. Most importantly, I'm excited to get back to my true love, my passion...DANCE.

THE JOURNEY TO LONDON 2012!

Hi Everyone!!

I know it has been FOREVER since I have blogged but I’m back and starting new.

These past six months have been absolutely life changing and chaotic, but I’ve enjoyed every crazy second! After two years of absence from my sport, I finally decided to return and it has been the best decision ever. Don’t get me wrong, these past two years have been absolutely amazing and have given me the opportunity to experience so many wonderful things, but I’ve missed who I was with gymnastics. I missed being the “athlete” and having that drive and day-to-day goal of bettering myself and making myself stronger. Gymnastics made me feel invincible and proud of the person I was and I noticed I’d lost that.

Getting back into the long hours of training has definitely been difficult and made me question my ability and strength, but it’s been 6 months now and seeing the incredible progress I’ve made still makes me believe that somewhere inside of me I still have “IT”. I’m working more hours in the gym now than ever before, pushing myself back into the gymnast I once was, and let me tell you it’s not easy. Overcoming the knee injury has definitely been a setback and has limited the intensity of training at times, but it’s coming along. I’m constantly battling body aches, mental fatigue, doubt and frustration, but it always seems like every time I hit that wall… I have a great day or practice and everything is back to normal. BTW, I actually just landed my first double layout on the hard surface today and that is a HUGE step for me J. I’m slowly working my way through skills and routines, piecing together what I, hopefully, will be competing in the next two years as I set my sights on 2012.

Another big step I just took in my comeback was returning to the Karolyi camp in Texas. WOW, was I a nervous wreck going into that one! It had been more than two years since I’d been there and I felt like a complete outsider. I wasn’t sure what to expect…if I was going to be up to par, where I would stand, or if I’d still be accepted and fit in!! Hahaha, I guess I’m just a little worry wart because it was actually an amazing experience. It was great seeing all of the National Team coaches again and of course all of the girls…but the moment that meant the most and will be something I never forget was how excited Martha was to see me there at camp and how comforting, supportive and genuinely happy she was for me. Some of the things she personally said to me (sorry guys, I have to keep it a secret) are things I will never ever forget and meant more to me then she will ever know. I was still her little “pumpkin” and I left feeling as if nothing had changed.

So, as the New Year approaches and I begin to set my sights on bigger dreams and goals, I encourage you to follow me on my journey. I’m not quite sure where it will end or what is to come, but I would love for you all to be right there with me as I share all of the fun little details.

Love, SJ

My Angels....

In Loving Memory...

Xiana Fairchild was kidnapped on Thursday December 9, 1999 and not a day goes by where I don't miss this beautiful angel....

Live!

Everyone is injured!

LIVE with Regis and Kelly

Make sure you watch the hostchat from Monday, December 6, 2010 - wow!

http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/host_chat.html?bcpid=60485602001&bclid=605545911001&bctid=700744845001

cliches...

Things to remember:

"what will be will be - i'm in the drivers seat now - it's a marathon not a sprint - it's always darkest before the dawn - first day of the rest of my life - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger"

-Charlotte

*Note to self....

do not walk 40 blocks and then wonder why

your knee is killing you...but i had fun....

nothing like a 40 block stroll in NYC...

I LOVE where I live!!!

And I might be the new owner of the new SVU hoodie....

Firework

This is just another reason why gymnastics is amazing! And another reason I know I will heal and be back to what I love the most in this world.....

BLACK SWAN time!

goals

"the goal of any surgery is total recovery, to come out better than you were before. some patients heal quickly and feel immediate relief, for others, healing happens gradually and it's not until months or even years later that you realize you don't hurt anymore. so, the challenge after surgery is to be patient, but if you can make it thru the first weeks and months, if you believe healing is possible, then you can get your life back....but that's a big if."

-Grey's Anatomy-

I am now on a daily schedule of Floor Barre classes and PT. I'm still healing...slowly but I do believe healing is possible....and I'm slowly getting my life back. I can't wait to get back to the DANCE.

Learning....

"I'm thankful for my years spent with this family; for everything we shared, every chance we had to grow. I'll take the best of them and lead by their example; where ever I go. A friend told me to be honest with you, so here it goes. This isn't what I want, but I'll take the high road. Maybe it's because I look at everything as a lesson, or I don't want to walk around angry. Or maybe it's because I finally understand. There are things we don't want to happen, but have to accept; things we don't want to know, but have to learn, and people we can't live without, but have to let go."

-AJ Cook (JJ, Criminal Minds)

Took another Floor Barre class today. Learning SO much about my body and how to move properly. The tendonitis is really bad but I'm pushing forward. More Floor Barre daily, PT on Thursday and doctor on Monday...hoping that I will get some answers....hoping the tendonitis lessens and praying that I will be able to dance full out soon. I miss dance so much. :(

And just for fun:

‎"I've been really, really, really good this year so put on that red suit and make (the dance) appear cuz this Christmas cheer it just ain't the same without my (dancing)...They say it's unrealistic But I believe in you Saint Nick So grant this wish for me right quick Santa won't you come and make (me dance) this Christmas night..."

-Mariah Carey (From the song, Oh Santa!)

scars...

‎"It has been said that time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue, and the pain lessens, but it is never gone."

-Rose Kennedy

Recounting the day it happened and the day of surgery....it may have happened in May, surgery in July....it's now the end of November and even though it feels like a lifetime ago...it feels like just yesterday. And so there is nothing to do except press ahead - more PT - more moving forward...as someone once told me, it's ok to look back...just don't stop there....like a pirouette....keep spotting ahead....keep turning....keep moving...

Things to ponder #48

Do one thing today that is a powerful demonstration of your willingness

and intention to live the life of your dreams.

-Marianne Williamson

heal...heal....dance...dance....

"Courage is knowing what not to fear." - Plato

Another day full of PT and Floor Barre and ballet. I love my ballet teacher! I'm learning SOOOOO much about my body and how to work correctly. I can't wait to be able to grande plie and leap! The tendonitis totally sucks but ice and advil have become my new best friend and prized possession. So, it's been another successful day - another step closer to the dance. Time to breathe, let go and let the healing continue....

Jazz Hands...

"SHOW A LITTLE MORE

SHOW A LITTLE LESS

ADD A LITTLE SMOKE

WELCOME TO BURLESQUE..."

Just another successful day of FLOOR BARRE and PT! Then it was off to see Burlesque....yes again...but this time with a group of 30 gay boys and us 3 chicks! There is absolutely nothing better than seeing Cher and Xtina with the gays....even the bed bugs were doing jazz hands! And now, it's time to ice and get ready for tomorrow....more floor barre/ballet! Another day done and another day closer to the dance....I can't wait!

Things to ponder #47

I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities. -Whoopi Goldberg

Things to ponder #46

"Never approach a performance the same way you did before. That's like waking up and living the same day over and over."

you haven't seen the last of me!

So on Wednesday I saw the movie, Burlesque, and it was SO good! You have to go see it! There's a song called, "You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me" and it is my new anthem! Because you know what, the world hasn't seen the last of me! I might be broken right now, but I AM FAR FROM OVER! Today I went to DNA and took an awesome Floor Barre class and then raced up to Steps for another Floor Barre class...and this weekend is full of PT and Floor Barre classes. I am learning so much about my body and the proper way to move and I'm loving every second of it! So even though I've been brought down to my knees....I'll be back....back on my feet!

Feeling broken

Barely holding on

But just there's something so strong

Somewhere inside me.

And I am down, but I'll get up again.

Don't count me out just yet

I've been brought down to my knees

And I've been pushed right past the point of breaking,

But I can take it.

I'll be back -

Back on my feet

This is far from over

You haven't seen the last of me.

You haven't seen the last of me.

They can

Say that

I won't stay around

I gonna stand my ground

You're not gonna stop me.

You don't know me ,you don't know who I am.

Don't count me out so fast

I've been brought down to my knees

And I've been pushed right past the point of breaking,

But I can take it.

I'll be back -

Back on my feet

This is far from over

You haven't seen the last of me.

There will be no better

This is not the end

I'm better now

And I'll be standing on top again.

Times are hard but

I was built tough.

I'm gonna show you all what I'm made of.

I've been brought down to my knees

I've been pushed right past the point of breaking,

But I can take it.

I'll be back -

Back on my feet

This is far from over

I AM FAR FROM OVER

You haven't seen the last of me.

No, no, I'm going nowhere

I'm staying right here

Oh, no you won't see my fear

I'm not kidding around

Can't stop me.

Can't stop me

You haven't sseen the last of me

Oh, no -

You haven't seen the last of me.

You haven't seen the last of me.

-Cher-

(from the movie Burlesque)

thankful

you. allison case who gave me this idea. dance. teachers. heroes. inspirations. dancing. acting. singing. jk. nyc. jkdc. law and order svu. broadway. criminal minds. steps. angels in heaven. rock of ages. butterflies. breathing. stages. quotes. pictures. life coaches. blankie. lambie. coffee. hair ties. socks. ice. purple. gymnastics. circus arts. laughter. tears. volunteering. helping. giving. hoodies. fela. next to normal. dvr. living. learning. making mistakes. realigning. meetings. life. american idiot. ipod. songs. writing. reading. love. puppies. horses. mariah. miranda. famous people. movies. one life to live. abc. ruby. lola. maisey. contacts. quotes.surrender. twitter friends. love. living. xiana. mail. deep breaths....

love. musicians. actors. creators. anyone who creates no matter what that is. feelings. enemies. hard situations. kind words. hurtful words. everyones whole health and being. the universe. the cosmos. the stars. the sun and moon. photos. books. my expanding mind. ego. awakenings. synchronicity and coincidences. recalling. forgetting. change. fear. joy. understanding. not understanding anything. asking why. and how. and what next. and then letting go of the questions. alive. alive. alive. life. lessons. not making plans. blogs. the unknown. fear. fear. fear. so much fear. so you think you can dance. garageband. unexpected letters. 2nd chances. 4th chances. creating something. letting it go. deeep breathsssss.... "its amazing how you love..." i am still learning but you all have taught me so much. i love you all. kindness must spread. love love love.

Thankful for SO many people places and things....

Thankful...

I AM GRATEFUL THAT 4 MONTHS POST OP I CAN DO THIS

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FILLED WITH SO MUCH LOVE AND JOY AND HOPE....

just another day....

<---haha! this was taken about a month and a half after surgery. yes yes i know....even injured my leg is still up in the air...

So today is day 126 post op and once again I went to FLOOR BARRE and JK WARMUP and ended the day with more PT and ice. Every day brings me one more day closer to the dance....though I wish it wasn't taking so long. But I'm in the end of the race. I'm almost at the finish line and I can't wait. In the meantime, I try to stay focused on the positive. This injury has made me stop and start from scratch and I'm becoming a better dancer because of it. I'm learning so much about my body and the proper way to move. I'm learning how to stand.

Don't get me wrong....the fear is always there, trying to etch its way in but I can't let it. I don't have time to live in fear. I only have time to live in the moment and keep moving forward.

Never give up hope. Know that you are loved.

-Deepak Chopra

RIP to one of my inspirations....

Zena Rommett, Ballet Dancer Who Developed Floor-Barre, Dies at 90

Camille Rommett

Zena Rommett teaching at Steps studio in Manhattan in 2000.

By JACK ANDERSON

Published: November 17, 2010

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Zena Rommett, a ballet dancer and teacher who developed Floor-Barre, an influential training method promoting bodily alignment for both dancers and nondancers, and whose students included Tommy Tune, Patrick Swayze and Judith Jamison, died on Nov. 10 in Manhattan, where she lived. She was 90.

Enlarge This Image

Camille Rommett

Zena Rommett teaching in 2000.

The cause was cancer, said her daughter Camille Mouquinho Rommett.

Unlike traditional ballet barre exercises, which require students to stand upright holding a barre attached to a wall, Ms. Rommett’s Floor-Barre begins with students stretched on the floor and proceeds with gentle exercises to refine bodily placement, strengthen joints, increase vitality and help rehabilitate injuries without the pressure of gravity or the tendency toward rigidity that sometimes accompanies traditional standing-barre exercises. As she said in a 2008 interview in Dance magazine, “Many dancers don’t know how to stand correctly.”

Ms. Rommett attracted notable students from ballet, modern dance and musical theater, including Melissa Hayden and Lar Lubovitch. She and the teachers she trained also worked with skaters and other athletes, and in the Dance interview she recommended Floor-Barre for children, saying, “My technique gives children a strong foundation for unmannered dancing.”

Angelina Buttignol, known as Zena, was born on May 19, 1920, in Orsago, near Treviso, Italy, and came to America in 1925 with her mother. They settled in Elmsford, N.Y., to which her father, who eventually owned his own brick factory, had immigrated two years before.

Persuading her parents that she wanted to dance, she studied with leading teachers of the time, among them Anatole Vilzak, Ludmilla Schollar, Elisabeth Anderson-Ivantzova and Chester Hale, and made her Broadway debut in 1944 in “Seven Lively Arts,” a revue produced by Billy Rose with major ballet numbers choreographed by Anton Dolin, including the premiere of Stravinsky’s “Scènes de Ballet.”

She also danced on Broadway in “Song of Norway,” choreographed by George Balanchine, and “Paint Your Wagon,” choreographed by Agnes de Mille.

When her attention turned to pedagogy, she was noticed by Robert Joffrey, who in 1965 invited her to teach at his American Ballet Center. She opened her own school in 1968 and in recent years was associated with the Steps studio on Broadway, where she taught as recently as three months ago.

She was not the only teacher of the time to explore floor-based training: the Russian-born, Paris-based teacher Boris Kniaseff taught his “barre par terre,” a method primarily associated with ballet dancers, whereas Ms. Rommett remained interested in the widest application of Floor-Barre principles.

Although she was married to Alexis Nicoli Romanovich, an artist, who died in 1968, Joffrey gave her the professional name Rommett, a surname some other family members have kept.

In addition to her daughter Camille, of Manhattan, survivors include another daughter, Melissa Romanovich, of Manhattan; a sister, Lilias Buttignol Jones, of Scipio, N.Y.; two grandsons; and a great-granddaughter.

A version of this article appeared in print on November 21, 2010, on page A30 of the New York edition.