Zumba On My Mind

All.Day.Long I have been humming and singing Zumba songs in my head...and moving my feet. I was dancing around the kitchen tonight while making dinner and my 3 year old son smiled and asked me to stop dancing; my 4 year old daughter didn't even seem to notice me, or maybe she was ignoring me? :-). I told him "I like to dance!"

Last night was my 6th and final class of the early fall Zumba session. A couple days before it started, a friend from the college (where I used to work) had posted on her FB that she was thinking of taking the class, and looking to see if anyone was interested in going with her. I typed a response that I was interested and as I pushed the enter key, wondered "Am I crazy? Am I really going to do this?".

I had heard the word Zumba before, but I really knew NOTHING about it. I thought about Google-ing or YouTube-ing it to see what it was about, but decided not to; I figured I would find out when I got there.

The day before class started I mentioned taking the class to one of my sisters-in-law; she was interested too, so we all ended up signing up for the class the day it started.

Wow. For a girl who has NEVER had any type of dance instruction/training - I was a little intimidated at first. All of the fancy foot work, combined with the upper body movements, seemed a bit out of my ability. But I still remember on that first day the instructor (Darcy Fox) said not to worry about not knowing all the moves, JUST MOVE! (or something along those lines...can't quote it exactly.) I figured there was no sense in worrying then, because I do know how to move!

Unfortunately my friend and SIL had some things come up and weren't able to make it to all the classes, so I went solo to about half of them; but fortunately I'm ok with going solo because I got 6 full weeks of Zumba in, and I am hooked!

I'm so torn though...I had decided I wasn't going to sign up for the next 6 week session because the location is about a 45 minute drive from my home. With winter coming up I worry that traffic might be bad on any snowy days...and do I want to put that stress on myself? Although...weather is so unpredictable-do I want to base my decision on it?

I really enjoyed the Zumba class. The instructor was great - she was very outgoing and upbeat and encouraged us to give it our all. It felt great to move and I felt I improved quite a bit since the first class (as far as getting more of the moves down). And it worked out great that the class was on Tuesdays. My hubby's work weekend is Sunday-Tuesday, so I can plan for it (his hours are unpredictable otherwise, so I don't plan anything for his work week unless I can bring the kids with, or have a grandma available as back-up). I've thought about looking for a class closer to home, but I'd like to take it with this instructor. Maybe she knows someone that teaches Zumba up my way that she could recommend. So, if I could find a closer class that is on Monday or Tuesday night, for a similar price, maybe I will consider it. :-)

Did I mention that my hubby initially encouraged me to sign up? I was on the line about it...nervous because it was something new, and also because every-other-week my 'later' daycare family is here on Tuesdays (they are picked up 5/530ish - class was at 630). It all worked out though. My hubby is the best. He realizes the importance of me getting out and involved in something, and encourages me to do so because I have a hard time actually doing this, most of the time. I am now understanding the importance as well, and will continue to make sure that I MAKE time for me (between working from home (daycare) and our varying schedules it sometimes gets lost in the shuffle).

If I don't end up signing up for another Zumba class, I will definitely be searching for some instructional videos (I need something to follow!). It would be nice to get a few Zumba workouts in each week anyways, so I will find a way to make that happen :-)

p.s. Ever since I was a kid I have dreamed of dancing...now I have danced - and I wouldn't have it any other way...as exercise I don't have to worry about missing steps or 'putting on a show' for anyone. I dance for me!

p.s.s. If you made it to the bottom of my ramblings...thank you! :-)

Back Into 'This' :-)

After taking an unannounced break for a few months...I am ready to get back into this! My life has changed drastically over the past few months and I am excited to make the best of each day as I live A Day In The Life Of...Me.

Stay Tuned...

Back Next Week...

After a busy weekend, and a busy week already in progress - I plan to devote some time next week to a few new blog posts. Mailbox Monday and Finnish Friday will return next week...

Mailbox Monday: Week 3

My letter went in the mailbox on Monday; this post comes a couple days 'late'.  :-)

"G" has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. She is not family by blood, but in the hearts of myself, my siblings, my parents, and several others, she is family.

Me, "G", and my daughter. Florida - January 2009

I could tell a million stories, camping, vacationing, The Forty, her fabulous cooking/pickle/salsa/wine/etc making, etc, etc, etc, but this post would go on f.o.r.e.v.e.r.

The most important thing I will share about "G" is friendship. "G" was my grandma's best friend. Ever since my grandpa 'passed away' in 1983 (and probably before?), "G" had been by my grandma's side. She became family. My grandma had a 'cabin' of sorts in Wisconsin that she moved to after she retired in 1986/7. They both lived in Wisconsin until 2005 - the first great-grandbaby came in 2004 and my grandma wanted to move back to 'the cities' to be closer to all of us. When she got sick in 2006, "G" was here quite often to help out with doctor appointments and such. She was here A LOT in 2007 as my grandma's cancer became worse...and was here until her last breaths on October 31, 2007.

We all tried to spend as much time as we could with grandma, between work, kids, etc, but "G" was always there for her. My grandma was so lucky to have such a loving, caring, kindhearted friend. I hope someday when I am breathing my last breaths that I have a friend just like "G" by my side.

I am hoping to drive out to WI soon for a visit - it has been way too long! Maybe we can get in a few games of Hollywood Rummy; "S" and I play, but I am ready for some new competition! ;-)

Thank you "G" for being a part of our family, and mostly for being such a great friend to Grandma... <3

Mailbox Monday: Week 2

(Monday was a holiday, with no mail service, so I'm posting a day 'late'.)

Today I placed an envelope in the mail for R&V. I met R&V 8 years ago. They have been family ever since. I have many stories I could write about, but I'll keep it to the most recent, for now. :-)

BBQ. Grilling. Yum. R&V make a fantastic team when it comes to the grill. I believe V most often preps/seasons/marinates the meat and veggies, and R does the grilling.

Yesterday we got together with my hubby's side of the family to celebrate Independence Day. It was a fun day; visiting with family, water fun with the kids, and, of course, yummy food. R&V grilled up some delicious items and we also enjoyed layered salad, corn on the cob, apple crisp, various treats, etc.  The main course was beef, chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, onions and peppers.

Here's the amazing part (dad, you will be proud!). I have tried shrimp many times, mainly at restaurants (cooked many different ways...and off from someone else's plate) and at the holidays when there is a cold shrimp platter around. I have never liked shrimp. For some reason I've kept trying it in hopes that I would eventually like it.

I tried it again yesterday. And. I. Liked. It!

I'm quite certain it is the way it was seasoned and grilled. It didn't have that shrimpy/fishy taste like it normally does (or like it seems to have to my taste buds). I even took some leftovers home to eat later that night. The beef, chicken, and mushrooms were also delicious, but I still can't believe I liked the shrimp!

My dad LOVES shrimp. He orders it when ever/where ever he goes out to eat, I think him and my mom have it every so often, and it is a staple at the holidays. I wish he could have been at R&V's to see me enjoying it as well...oh - and to enjoy some shrimp himself!

I wish I would've taken a picture of my plate to share here, but I thought about it too late...so there was no evidence remaining.

I promise my letter to them doesn't just compliment the shrimp they served!

Thank you R&V for being such a big part of our lives!

----------

It is past my bedtime now, so I will wrap this up.

Watch out for a new Finnish Friday posting this week!

G'Night.

Mailbox Monday: Week 1

I met "D" many years ago after she started working at the Tech College, where I also worked. She was in Marketing, I was in Information Technology.

I remember at work or when we were out and about having people ask if we were sisters. :-)

She took me on my "first" bike ride (I had been on a Honda Goldwing a couple times before, but a sportbike is a very different experience!). I think we ended up riding through Lino Lakes a bit, and I guess I'm not really sure where else we went. I know we went through the country - and it was great! We rode so fast and while beforehand I thought I might be nervous, I wasn't. By the time our ride ended, I was hooked.

At the time I was living in an apartment with "T". When we came in after the ride, she teased that I was going to go out and buy a bike. I guess she was right because within a month or two I had completed my Motorcycle Safety Training, tested (and passed!) my endorsement test a.k.a. motorcycle license, AND bought a motorcycle.

"D" also played a big part in my current life...she introduced me to my husband! They had met at an open house for a local bike shop - before I met "D" I believe(?). They became friends and hung out here and there. As our friendship grew she thought that "S" and I should meet. The first attempt didn't work out on his end (I believe he had a work party) but eventually we did meet (that story is for another post).

I was honored to have "D" by my side as I married "S". And I was honored to be a part of her special day a year later, as she married "J".

We've drifted apart over the last few years; moving far away from everyone, and having a couple kids can have that effect, but deep down our friendship is there waiting to reconnect. Now that the kids are getting a bit older (4 and almost 3) things seem to be getting easier, and I am finally (but slowly) learning how to live again.  :-)

Thank you "D" for your friendship and being a part of my life!

Sometimes I Wish I Didn't Care So Much

During lunch today, after the kids were done and had run off to play, my husband asked if there was anything he could do to help out today. Wednesday is a 'big day' for me, so I have been doing a few projects around the house, mainly organizing and cleaning. The house is kept up fairly decent from day to day, but toy overload was setting in, so it was time for rotation, and the basement has been in a bit of disarray lately. Anyways...I jokingly asked my husband if he could plan out menus for the next few weeks (I plan out breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snack for daycare days - makes life sooo much easier!). He said sure, and rattled off "mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese..."  I laughed and added in "fish sticks".

Then I said "Sometimes I wish I didn't care so much". He nodded in agreement. I replied "except that I care too much about you and the kids..."

It is such a struggle sometimes. It would be so easy to buy convenience items and I know everyone would eat them. Just think of all the extra time I would have! Planning menus would take no time at all. I wouldn't have to plan around what fresh ingredients to incorporate into multiple meals, or what I need to prepare ahead of time to ensure meals can be served at meal time, etc... But, I'm too far in now to go back. Plus, I love that we eat healthy and that my children are learning healthy eating habits. And, I do love to cook and bake.

I also wish I didn't care so much about taking care of my house. It's rare that I do a thorough cleaning, but everyday is filled with dishes, laundry, cleaning/tidying up, etc...all the basics that most people do - although maybe it's not an everyday thing for others. I would love to let the dishes go for a few days sometimes, or let the laundry pile up, to tackle it all at once for a couple hours. But I can't. With running a business out of my home, I just don't feel comfortable letting things slide.

I don't mean to complain, I'm working on that, but I guess this is a place where I can do that sometimes, just because I can :-)  I'll continue to do the things I do, because I DO care, but little by little I will find ways to make them seem less tedious. I will find ways to fit in more of the things I truly love to do, little by little.

Sometimes I wish I didn't care so much...but I do.