New Tricks

I decided to try something new this past weekend.  I should preface this by saying that I have historically, and in present days, not been known for my willingness to try something that I know I am not going to be good at.  I am not a "give it my best try" kinda gal.  I know, I know.  In my job, and in my life too, I should know better.  It's just not in my nature to go out on a limb and risk looking like an idiot.  Not to say that I never look like an idiot.  That's a daily event really.  But I certainly don't set myself up for it (although with a 14 year old daughter in the house, just speaking is a set up to be "the village idiot"). 
Now those who know me well would certainly agree that my dance moves are not so hot.  I don't have much natural rhythm and/or I can't just relax enough to go with the beat.  The jury is still out on that one.  In fact, my moves are so sad that one dear friend once peed her pants watching me attempt an exercise video.  No word of a lie. 
So....this past weekend I tried a Zumba class. You got it.  The rhythmically challenged girl meets Latin music and swingy hips.  Luckily, I was not alone (or, conversely, there was a witness).  Surprisingly, I had a wonderful time.  I am 100% sure I looked hysterical, but you know what?  It didn't even cross my mind to care.  Maybe at 42 I am finally growing into my skin.  And I think it's a bit thicker. 
This old dog is going to spend her 42nd year learning new tricks.
Bring it on.   

Happiness in the Sunny South

I have just returned from a family vacation in southern Florida.  And I have come to realize a few things:

I have a love-hate relationship with Canada.  While I love our way of life, our healthcare, our people, and our unique (and sometimes odd) customs, I really do hate winter.  All things winter in fact.  Don't try and sell me on outdoor sports when the thermometer is below 0C because I just don't buy it.  I feel like it's some big conspiracy where everyone is trying to pretend they are having fun so we can endure (there, I said it.  endure not enjoy) the winter with a brave face.  I say enough already.  Snow--no thanks.  Sleet--seriously?  be a real weather event.  and don't be so wishy-washy.  are you snow or are you rain?  Ice--we've now banned bouncy castles because they are dangerous but we are good with games played on slippery, frozen surfaces?
I love the sun.  It's bad for me.  I get it.  I've had skin cancer cut out of my neck and should be smarter (and I now use sunscreen and not baby oil so there is some learning happening).  But truly, there is nothing I enjoy more then the feel of hot sun on my skin.  In fact, I need this feeling at least once in the six months that we are experiencing pre-winter, winter, and never-ending winter.

With this in mind, my goal is to own a piece of the sunny south.  This is my retirement, no, pre-retirement plan and it feels good to have a goal to escape winter once and for all.  Just don't call me a snow bird.  Sun seeker is more my style.