Advantage: Ashley

I braved a Thursday zumba class a couple days ago for the first time in weeks! Of course, my nemesis was there but she was sans posse. I took my position and had really psyched myself up for the class all day. "You're better than her. Don't let her get to you." This was my affirmation. Evil Nemesis was in the back of the class talking to some other students (new posse?) right up until the instructor said, "OK, let's zumba!" She works her way right up next to me, sort of. She was in the row behind me but she might as well have been next to me. So I told myself, just don't look at her. Don't watch her in the mirror. Watch yourself, the instructor and the other half of the class. And I did, and it worked! I just didn't worry about what she was doing. I think I figured it out. She doesn't want to stand in the front row, she just doesn't want to have anyone stand in front of her. Well, tough! You can't stand in the 2nd row and expect there to be no one in the front row. It's a sizeable class and there's not that much room. So, I think I'm winning. We'll see what happens next time her normal posse is there but for now, at least we can co-zumba civilly.

In other news, my birthday came and went without much fanfare. I got some lovely gifts and I want you to meet, Ingrid. She has joined my purse family and while the others are a little jealous of the new kid on the block, I think they'll warm up to her in time. Ingrid is a decent-sized bag which is a big change from what I was recently carrying. I don't really have enough to fill her up, which is fine because she'll be lighter that way, but she's much more business-y and that is what I'm looking for. A bag for when I'm giving people the business. Anyway, here she is! (Picture is from Ebay so not the best quality)

Zumba Ally

So, I've been skipping zumba on Tuesdays and Thursdays because that's when my nemesis goes. The Saturday class doesn't start until 10:00 but lately I've been sleeping later on Saturdays anyway. I was really looking forward to some good cardio in class today and I knew T. would not disappoint. I get to class, which is super empty on Saturdays and awesome! And T. walks in and asks me where I've been. Conversation follows......

T.(Instructor): Hey, Ash. Where've you been?
Ashley: There is this woman who comes during the week that has this crazy attitude towards me.
T: Come talk to me. (And she and I move away from the other people.)
T: I know who you are talking about and she is a total bitch.
Ashley: I think she has a problem with the fact that I'm tall and stand in the front.
T: But, I want you in the front.
A: I know and I just need to get over it but I keep leaving class angry because of her.
T: Well, she used to stand right up on my butt and it was throwing me off. And then one day, every time I stopped to watch the class, she would stop.
A: Oh yes. I was there that day and just wondering, what is her deal?
T: Right? Try not to let her bother you. She's not worth it.

And she's right. And I know that, so I'm going to give Thursdays another shot. T. is the best! And class was a really good workout. I think maybe my strength is starting to pay off during cardio which is the whole point, right? Less than 2 months until beach!

Sorry I've been a lazy blogger lately. Peace yo!