Tales From a Zumba Virgin

Posted on by stilllearning2b
English: Andrea Knight, Zumba instructor, lead...
Image via Wikipedia

Did you know they make butt tassels?  As in tassels sewn to the back of a pair of pants?  The instructor’s rear had flying strings; I’m not sure if they were supposed to mesmerize or instruct.  Regardless, I bet they are uncomfortable on the ride home.  Just one of the ways I ways enlightened in my first Zumba class…

I immediately met a wonderful trio of women who instantly made me feel comfortable.  They all had wonderful attitudes and were ready to laugh.  And laugh we did.  The class was so full, that it was impossible to see the instructor, so it was like a game of telephone, the moves becoming more mutilated by the time they made it to  the back of the room (where I, as a Zumba virgin, was of course hanging out).  Regardless of the missed instructions, I was glad to see that my feet still remembered something from the dance classes I took 25 years ago.

I also learned just how limited my hip movement is; much of my booty shaking looked more like booty shifting.  Luckily, one of my new acquaintances was able to give me some pointers on how to loosen the hips a bit.  We negotiated a tradeoff; she’ll help me with my booty shaking, and I’ll help her get some definition in her back.  A great tradeoff, if you ask me.

Overall, it was a fun experience.  It felt like being in a big sleepover, dancing around in our pajamas.  Except, of course, for the viewers from the adjacent weight room (there IS a lot of booty shaking).  I plan on trying it again, especially when I need a mood booster at the end of the day.  I don’t feel exhausted, and I feel better from the camaraderie and laughter.  I am a Zumba virgin no more…

The Recipe That Acquainted Me With My Kitchen

Posted on by stilllearning2b

No hyperbole – this is the single most awesome dish on the planet.  It is easy and made with easy to find ingredients.  It is flexible; use what you have or  what is on sale and make it as spicy or as mild as you wish.  It is gluten free, for those with sensitive tummies like  me.  It is healthy, packed with veggies and beans.  It is vegetarian, yet appeals to meat-eaters.  Oh, and did I mention, it is delicious!

Mexican Lasagna (adapted from The Gluten-Free Vegetarian Kitchen – my absolute hands-down favorite cookbook)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1-2 bell peppers (any color), chopped

1 large zucchini,cut into half-moons

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

4 cloves galric, chopped

3 cans of beans,  any mix of pinto, kidney, and black, drained and rinsed

2 cups chunky salsa, mild or medium

1 tbsp chili powder

1/2 tbsp cumin

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

8 corn tortillas

2 cups shredded cheese (I usually use reduced fat sharp cheddar and a Mexican blend)

8 oz reduced fat cream cheese, cut into chunks

1/4 cup skim milk

1-3 tbsp Tabasco chipotle sauce

Optional toppings: sliced scallions, diced tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 13 x 9 pan with cooking spray.  In a very large skillet, heat the oil.  Cook the onion and jalapeno until softened.  Add the garlic and cook for another minute.  Add the bell pepper and the zucchini and cook another 5 minutes.  Add the beans, salsa, cumin, chili powder, and lime juice.  Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Assemble in the 13 x 9 pan: 4 tortillas, 1/2 the bean mixture, 1/2 the cheese mixture, repeat.

Cover with oiled foil and bake for 30 minutes.

While baking, cook the cream cheese, milk, and Tabasco in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.  Top the baked lasagna with the cream cheese mixture.  Enjoy:)

 

 

Unbinding the Heart: Put Yourself on Your To-Do List

Posted on by stilllearning2b


For those of us who are caretakers­, this is a critical lesson to learn. I am in the caretaker role all day as an educator. In my former relationsh­ip, my husband shared the caretaker role with me at home, so I would be replenishe­d through him. I grew to expect that. Fast forward three years, husband is no longer in the picture and my new partner, who is absolutely awesome, is just not a caretaker. At first, I found myself resentful, as I was expecting him to take over that role. Then I realized that it was not fair to expect that of him; I had to take responsibi­lity for my own recharging­. I didn’t just add myself to my to-do list, however. My geeky tendencies led to an all-out spreadshee­t:)

http://les­sonsfromth­eendofamar­riage.com
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

The Synergy of Mental and Physical Strength

Posted on by stilllearning2b

Which do you feel like you have more of: mental strength or physical strength?  Regardless of your answer, you can use your strength to address the area in which you have room to improve.

How to Grow Mental Strength From Physical

Use your physical attributes to set up situations where you gain confidence in your strength and abilities.

If you chat with people at the starting line of most races, you will find that many them  started racing around the time of a personal crisis.  In order to help build their inner strength and confidence, they created a physical obstacle that they knew they could overcome.

I joined these multitudes for my first half marathon (in fact, my first race ever) a few months after my husband left.  needed a physical goal that was challenging but doable to train my mind for the long haul ahead.  It was two hours of hell on that course, but I made it through and, in doing so, knew that I could face other marathons, even of the emotional kind.

How to Grow Physical Strength From Mental

Use your fortitude to overcome your physical obstacles and discomfort.

I had this experience in high school; I had major sensory and mobility issues with my right arm due to a nerve conduction problem.  As a result of the pain and disability, I lost strength and endurance.  My body was weak and uncoordinated.  As my release from physical therapy crew near, I looked for a way to increase my strength.  I had always been drawn to the Monkees (yes, I did have a huge crush on Davy Jones) and the show had introduced me to the sport of fencing.  I decided that was what I wanted to try and I was lucky enough to have an excellent instructor in town and a mom that would make  it happen.

The first day I walked into the salle (fencing school), I couldn’t even hold the weapon in my hand.  My instructor thought I was a fool.  Who would commit to learning to fence when they couldn’t even hold a three-pound foil for a few seconds?  This was where the mind came in.  I was determined to make it happen.  I used my stubbornness to push my body further than it wanted to go, and  as a result, gained strength, endurance, and mobility.

For most of us, we will have times when one area is stronger than the other.  Funnel the strength you do have into the area that is lacking to achieve overall balance, vitality, and resilience.

Ten Lessons I am Still Learning

Posted on by stilllearning2b
Boston - Boston Common: Parkman Plaza - Learning
Boston - Boston Common: Parkman Plaza - Learning (Photo credit: wallyg)

One of the things I love most about my partner is that he sees himself as a perpetual student; he is always willing and eager to learn something new, even in an area where he is considered an expert.

Last year, we were out at dinner with a group of friends.  One of our friend’s 8 year son opened the conversation with my boyfriend.

“Do you have a black belt?” the boy asked eagerly.

“I do,” came the reply.

“Actually, he has several,” interjected the boy’s dad.

“Wow!  Does that mean you know everything?”

“Actually, a black belt means that you are ready to begin learning.”

I loved that response.  It serves as a reminder to me to always be open to learning more, especially in those areas where I already have knowledge.

In that spirit, here are ten lessons that I am still learning:

1) Life doesn’t just have two speeds – on and off.  It is not only possible to go slowly, but sometimes it is preferable.

2) It is okay not to be the first one at work; stuff still manages to get done even if I arrive after the custodians.

3) I’m working on learning to sleep past 6:00 am and considering the possibility of mastering the power nap.

4)  A messy kitchen does not mean a chaotic life.  It just means that people actually live in our house.

5) Sometimes it is okay for the play to come before the work.  (I got this one from my dog)

6) I am still working on going downhill on wheels (bikes, skates, etc.).  I just don’t  trust those things!

7) Stretching is worthwhile exercise even if is doesn’t work up a sweat.

8) It is okay to relax.

9) Money will be there; I don’t need to get too stressed about it.

10) Always take time to appreciate what you have and remember to express your gratitude.  Especially when the kitchen is messy.