Before leaving a wise friend left a parting warning, “The second year you are no longer on vacation.”

To combat this inevitable truth I decided to settle in for the long haul. The adventure is over and life is starting to settle into normal or China normal. One of the ways to keep the bordeom at bay is to get a hobby. I’ve never been one for hobbies but its never to late to start, right? I weighed my options and decided a non accumulating, inexpensive one would be the best choice. As I’ve always been intrigued by Yoga I figured I’d give it a shot.

My friend Tina had mentioned a Yoga Studio at the Tai Hua. She had 30 unused classes and was looking for a partner for motivation. Monday night we met up after work and headed to class. I must admit I was a little disheartened when we walked into the small studio. I was hoping for a large class with which I could at least pretend to melt into the crowd. With a class of six that was not going to happen and if I didn’t stick out enough the instructor stuck me right in front.

Bless her heart this tiny little Chinese girl tried to correct my stance over and over again but she could barely reach my hands. I don’t even want to think of the damage I’d do if I accidentally lost my balance with her standing next to me. She didn’t speak a lick of English but that didn’t stop her speaking a mile a min in Chinese. Luckily Yoga is a slower activity and it is easy to watch and follow, except when you are in some inverted pose and tune out the instructor. More than once she had to pull me out of a pose and I realized the class had all moved on. Whoops.

After the first class I decided I’d give it a shot. When I discovered it was only¥200 a month for unlimited classes I thought it was a bargain. According to Tina this is one of the more expensive Yoga Studio’s in town but also the cleanest. I worked out the price and must attend at least 10 times each month to justify the month pass. I still think unlimited classes for $30 a month is a real steal.  

Thursday I decided to attend the noon class by myself.I showed up and pantomimed my intentions. They are all extremely friendly. I don’t know if when they have a perspective student they take it easy or what but Thursday was nothing like Monday. I can’t even remember the last time I was dripping sweat when I work out. It wasn’t until this morning did my body demand payment for what I put it through. Yet somehow I was dumb enough to go back again today at lunch.

It makes for an invigorating lunch break. Tina joined me today and also agreed it was not the same class we previewed Monday. I just keep telling myself if I push through the soreness today it will be easier tomorrow. Although that still doesn’t make putting a shirt on any easier right now. I can barely get my arms above my head.

I’ve decided to leave the decision of whether to go or not tomorrow on the status of my sports bra. If it is dry by two o’clock tomorrow I will go if it is still damp, hallelujah I get a break.