Linda, Sisters of the Heart

When asked how long we've been friends the usual reply is to look at each other, give a smile, and then I usually start with:

" Wasn't it when Tim gave you the surprise birthday party?"

Then we both begin to start counting the years backwards, laughing, recalling stories, and stopping with disbelief at how long we've been friends.

We may just as well be sisters. Come to think of it, we are! [smiles]

Linda and I have a bond that extends through countless layers. Perhaps that's exactly what makes our friendship so special. I don't think there is one thing we haven't shared with each other. [ I HAVE shared all with you, you better not be holding out on me, *wink]

A while ago, I gave Linda a Christmas gift enclosed in this silver hinged Christmas ornament. It evolved into passing it back and forth each year, with a small gift inside.

This year it was my turn to get the ornament. Inside, I found this awesome keyfob by Brighton. Isn't this too cool? She knows my love of Brighton jewelry and themed it with this years nautical fun.

Actually, Linda just knows me. Thank you Linda.

Love, Nancy

Tai Chi Chuan, II

There are five basic styles.
I'm learning Wu style Tai Chi.
The symbol to the left represents the Wu style.



Linda and I made it to our first class, which was actually the third class. It started a couple weeks ago but in no time we were caught up on the steps they had already learned.

Let me back up and describe the class. There are about twelve of us, Linda and I probably being the youngest, and we are both over 50. I don't have to be concerned about being distracted by any hot looking men in the class. There were two male species. One is older ... very older ... chubby ... actually fat, and couldn't hear well. He didn't like when the instructor stood in front of the class with her back towards us to show a move. I hope he doesn't become a complainer, I had to bite my tongue. The other man knew what he was doing. He stayed for the advanced class that follows ours, so maybe he was just warming up in ours.

The rest, chunky old ladies. One farted. Of course, she was the one standing next to me in my line, then moved to the line behind us. Thanks, I'll remember you.

The class time went fast and I wasn't bored at all. It's very calming, slow motion moves. By the end of the night, I had the moves down, to music, maybe not in a smooth flowing motion, but I knew what to do. I tried it this morning when I got up. I forgot some of the steps, but was surprised most of it came to me.

I think our opening moves are supposed to resemble this:


But for the most part, we may have looked like this:

Tai Chi Chuan

Martial arts by way of Yoga moves?

I'm still not sure what I just signed up for.

"Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese form of martial art/exercise that anyone can learn regardless of age or physical condition. It is based on martial art movements that are linked together like a dance routine."

Sounds interesting even though I can't even master the "Hustle."

The class description gears towards greater focus, especially for ADHD, improved balance, flexibility, breathing, sleeping, blood pressure, digestion, and a stress reducer. Helps to increase bone density in post menopausal women.

I'm just hoping it will be a motivator to try and tone my jibbling flibbels and calm all the ruckus rolling around in my noodle.

For the next 14 weeks my friend Linda and I will be meeting on Thursday nights to accomplish all of the above. I think. I tend to be a class clown, and that is one of the biggest reasons I have never taken-up my sister's invitation to try Yoga with her.

I didn't ask if this is a mixed class, men and women. That would be nice. Unless there were those moves where you have to hold your butt cheeks together tight to suppress a fart. It would not be a good visual for the person standing behind me, and a real bummer for me if it was a good looking man.

Maybe it'll be a classroom of women like the chicks in "Calendar Girls".

It sure would be nice if the instructor looked like this ...

To be continued after the first class.