So, I discovered something about myself the other day. Something I never saw coming in a million years…are you ready? Here it is.

I kick ass at water aerobics.

I’m not kidding. I’m shockingly good at it. What defines “good”? How exactly does one “kick ass” at water aerobics? Allow me to enlighten you.

Recently, I joined a water aerobics class at the local pool with my sister-in-law, Sara. I was a little apprehensive about it at first because I haven’t done a water aerobics class for quite some time. And, I’ve got to be honest, I’ve never been that great at it. First, I can’t ever get the frickin’ ankle floats on correctly. Second, when I finally manage to stumble into the pool my ankles immediately float to the top of the water and I spend the next 10 minutes trying to wrestle my legs back under. At this point, I usually will have floated to some obscure corner of the pool and have to make my way back to join the class! I will already be sweating before I even get a chance to start!

But this time…oh, this time…was different.

After I successfully put on my ankle floats (admittedly, I DO NOT kick ass at this part and still pretty much suck at it) I stepped into the water and I immediately became a part of it. It welcomed me.I slid into my space easily (feet under water, thank you very much) and actually was able to start the class from the beginning!

And here’s where the “kick ass” part begins.

The instructor had us essentially running lines in the pool. Jog to the first cone. Cross-country ski back. Jog to the second cone. Cross-country ski back. (You get the picture, right?) So I set off for the first cone, reach it, turn back around and realize that I am WAY ahead of everyone else in the class! I mean, seriously ahead. I smoked them! All of them!

What?!? You guys, this kind of thing doesn’t happen to me. I’m the one who can’t stay on top of a floatie at the pool (just ask various members of my family.) I get on, I fall off. Get back on, fall back off.Cussing ensues. Lifeguards pinpoint me as the “one” to watch. I get a little cheeky and challenge everyone to a race to the end of the pool.I get about halfway across when I realize everyone else is finished and standing at the Snack Shack getting a drink. I’m seriously that slow!

But not at this water aerobics class! I’ve gone through a metamorphosis of sorts. It’s all so natural! I’m just sailing through all of the moves with the ease and grace of Esther Williams but the precision and speed of Michael Phelps. Amazing. Sara is giving me dirty looks and accusing me of having webbed hands. Other class participants are whispering to each other, “Who is that girl?” (Alright, I might have embellished this part a little bit.) For real though, the instructor put me in front to lead theSoul Trainaround the pool near the end of class. This is when I know I am really that good.

It’s kind of fun being really good at something. I’m already looking forward to my next class! Maybe I should take up synchronized swimming. Olympic Games 2012? No problem!

Love to all, Mindy