NIA-phoric :-)

Now ...what is NIA-phoric you say .... well it's a phrase coined by on of our group members after participating in our very first NIA class last Wednesday. Our group is so enthusiastic about it, that we convinced the fitness director to add on an additional class. The class is now offered twice a week and has become one of the most popular classes. The class has tripled in size since last week. It's really special to see everyone get into the spirit, let loose, have a great time and break into a sweat! Our teacher Kate is brilliant (see the links on the side for information about NIA and her website).

We have created such a buzz around the campus about NIA - it's great. One of the leavers last week was so enthralled by it, that she's decided to become an instructor. I don't know if NIA is offered in Bermuda - but I am certainly hoping that if it is not -that it will be offered soon. It's such a fun class!

Today - NIA was exactly what I needed - I was not feeling that motivated to work out today - my energy level was a little low, so I skipped the lecture on Supermarket Sleuths - chilled for a bit -and then headed to NIA. After an hour of movement, dance, vocalizations and glee - I was ready to roll through the rest of the day.

Which was a good thing as I finally met the great Dr. Musante (the founder of Structure House) and even managed to challenge an analogy that he offered in response to a question in the weekly Q&A that he does for all the participants on "Staying Structured". After lunch, we had another class on menu planning - I will master portions and the food pyramid before too long. The head of Nutrition is organizing a Game Show quiz extravaganza for next week - I asked if I could dial a friend (figuring that I'd call Mel for assistance) and she said no :-(. I offered to play the Vanna White character - I figure that will be much easier than pushing buttons to respond to nutrition questions. There are some here that are very knowledgeable - I'm trying to get my own breakdown straight first.

I headed to the gym for my strength training workout with the machines after dinner tonight. There was a group that were gearing up to play poker - and another that were heading out to go shopping. As I had not done my strength training workout for the day - I passed :-)) The gym was pretty quiet which was nice. I missed my work out buddy tonight - as he opted to walk the Structure House trails instead.

Ironically - there are a number people here that have been to or have a close connection with Bermuda - a few where there earlier this year, one lady arrived this week after spending the month of March in Bermuda. She took up painting after she retired - she's working on a few paintings from her visit and was so excited to hear that I was from Bermuda. Another has planned a family cruise to come to the island this October. Yet another, is the sister-in-law of the Premier - a very nice lady. One of the returnees remembers meeting a Bermudian lady that usually comes in the fall for a month - she apparently comes a couple of times a year.

So, although it can feel like I'm alone at times -I truly don't have to venture very far to have a reminder of home. I really appreciate your support and encouragement - it keeps me going, especially on those days when I don't feel as motivated as I could be.

Lots of love,

Norma