Shakin' it to zumba

I am hereby proclaiming that zumba is fuh-uh-un (fun). About 50% of the class looked as ridiculous as I'm sure I did, but at least I was moving, sweating, and totally getting down. There was a little bit of chacha, a little bit of mambo, a little bit of salsa, and belly-dancing! Plus some light hiphop towards the end. I have to admit that this class was not as intense as the video below might've led you to believe. It was more of a beginner zumba class, and thankfully so for me. I found that I count too much in my head and just have to FEEL the music.

The instructor asked if it was anyone's first time zumba-ing, and I was the only one who raised my hand. Can you say "spotlight?" Anyhow, she was sure to demonstrate the steps before each workout, and of course, you know me--I'm right there in the middle of the class (but towards the back because hey, I am a little modest), eager to mimic her movements as she was on stage.

I have to pat myself on the back today because I was really hesitant and lacking confidence to participate, but I am so glad I'm a bad ass because I had an awesome time shaking it. Now you know where I'll be Mondays at 7:45 pm!

Hearting clean bed sheets

Today I worked eight hours at my job, exercised for about an hour and a half, washed/dried/folded and put away SIX loads of laundry, ate Chili's take-out for dinner, showered, and changed my bed sheets.

I'm in bed now. And.

Clean bed sheets equal heaven.

My hips don't lie

I'm contemplating taking a zumba class at the gym. It's offered Monday nights at 7:45 and fits perfectly into my schedule. On one hand, I would welcome the variety into my workout. On the other hand, I am not graceful and would probably look like a fool attempting to dance and huff and puff all at the same time.

Because look at what I'd have to do! OMG. I only dance in the privacy of my bedroom (and sometimes bathroom), and I'd have to perform THIS with strangers? Errgrrhaaheenooooo, eh maybe.



Doesn't it look like fun though? Have you ever zumba-ed? Please tell me about it.

Seeking good vibes

I need everyone to send me good vibes. I'll tell you why later, but right now I can't. I am wishing for something to happen that will most likely make me happier, safer, and relieved. It's not about a dude (although, damn, that would nice). Thank you for taking a moment out of your life to wish me good luck. I'll let you know if/when it comes to fruition.

::::::::::

I thought the following today:
-There's someone at work (not at my library) who I kind of want to arm-wrestle, win, then walk away from silently--just to show him he's not all that.

-I come to a complete stop at stop signs.

-Pet peeve: people who let their job title get to their head. Especially the ones who change their signature block and get a new name tag for the WHOLE TWO WEEKS they're temporarily in charge. People and the games they play, huh?

-How do you politely tell someone they need to wipe their eyeglasses?

-I am always nice to the stock boys at the grocery store; they know when they're getting the fresh bread in.

Of course I'm writing this after having a Snicker bar.

This morning I walked into my closet and became frustrated because I didn't know what to wear to work.

Then I dared to pull a hanger holding a pair of pants I haven't fit into for the past few years. Let's just say that the last time I attempted wearing these, I could've suffocated myself. Think: quite (very) snug around my hips and belly. And thighs and what not.

I took it off the hanger, stood in front of the mirror and sighed, ready to be disappointed yet again. I slipped one leg into it, then the other. Pulled it up to my waist and was completely shocked I didn't have to jiggle-wiggle into them. I was actually able to button and zip! And I could breathe! Good God Almighty, I could breathe.

When I had my fitness assessment last year, I was told that although the scale might not show I'm losing weight, I could best tell my progress in the way I fit into clothes.

In your face, Scale!

Four on 24

Another show I'm hooked on is 24, starring Kiefer Sutherland. I just finished watching season three and have come away with four thoughts.

1. It's all about cockblocking.

2. Tony Almeida and Michelle Dessler irritate the hell out of me with their whispery voices and nonstop upward-looking eyeballs.

3. I find that this is a show that makes me talk/yell/laugh at my TV.

4. The show would be a lot better if there was cussing in it.

And that's my input for Monday.

Project Read--the slacker version

Hi. My name is Raquel, and I am a slacker. I read only five books this summer, and I am so mad at myself because I KNOW the reason is due to WATCHING TOO MANY DVDs! Once I start a season, I'm hooked, and then I move on to another interesting show. Oh, those conniving, dirty, manipulative DVDs.




As far as my synopsis of each book, here's the ultra-slacker version.

If I had to choose a book to re-read, it would definitely be Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, whom I highly recommend. In other words, if she came out with a new book, I would totally pause my DVD in a heartbeat. She is a Pulitzer prize winner for fiction, and her books are about Indian immigrants living in America.

As for the rest of the books, I don't have anything significant to share about them. But really, it's because I have to get back to watching season two of Weeds.

(The graphics above will link you to the Barnes and Noble site, but don't buy it! Get it at your public library!)