This Old Dog

Disclaimer: The photo you are now seeing is not me, only a lithe, more graceful me that appears in my dreams from time to time.

Last month, I challenged my self to try a new type of movement every month for three months. March was to be Tai Chi, something I always wanted to try. I’ll let you know how it went in a minute, but first I wanted to share a little about myself.

I was a good student. I loved to read, always did well in the spelling bee and hung out with other nerds.  In high school, I was always competing against two other students for top honors in algebra. But, there’s one thing I sucked at:  PE. Want proof? I was de-cluttering the other day and found this:

It’s an copy of one of my actual report cards from Hickory Elementary School in Torrance, California.  Pay particular attention to the forth quarter. All A’s and B’s except one stinking C in … Physical Education. And what’s with the C in effort? I must have conveniently forgotten that music wasn’t my strong suit either back then (which shouldn't surprise my husband, who's heard me sing). And Social Studies? Strangely, that’s what I studied in college! But at least I brought those grades up.

The worst of it is, my parents gave us money for A’s & B’s, but not those lousy C’s. I know, I know, but don't judge, they did the best they could.

At Torrance High School, I did better. I started training for Cross Country, lifting weights and running a few miles every day. Back then, there was no women’s cross country team, so I trained with the guys during the summer and ran the long distance track events on the Women’s track team during the season. Track was something I could do, because it doesn’t take a lot of coordination. And so, I brought those C’s up to A’s.

After school I remained active. Aerobic classes during the late ‘80s (you should have seen me in my leg warmers and leotards) all the way up until two weeks before I delivered my daughter, Leah in 1988. That continued during the early 90s. After moving to Idaho, I then took up weight lifting and became a bit of a gym rat. Again, something that doesn’t take a lot of coordination. After moving back to California in the early-2000’s, I dropped out of the gym after a bit, but continued to stay active. I love to walk, and a lot of the time, I either walk or hike for my movement. I also enjoy yoga and have continued that, either through classes or at home through Gaia.com.

Which all leads up to the first month of my movement challenge and Tai Chi. The Great Courses class called “Mastering Tai Chi” was great. I really liked the instructor, and enjoyed the lectures he included along with the movements. I made it through eight sessions and I tried, I really did, but this old dog just isn’t learning that new trick. There are a lot of movements (40) and it takes some serious coordination. While it wasn’t for me, I can see how it would appeal to those that like that sort of thing. And to my sister, Lynda: I’m sorry I ever suggested you try it. Us Abrams girls just aren’t that graceful.

So what’s up for April? I haven’t decided yet and am open to ideas. If you have a suggestion of what I might try, leave it in the comments. I will consider all submissions.