Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Day 177: More of the Adorable Ms. Ada Bailey & Scuba Adventures

I just find this little sweety to be adorable beyond words. Her mom let me photograph her while Ada stopped by my workplace, and I have a nice little pile of photos to show you.

Another photo of her toe explorations. They just crack me up! I predict many manicures in her future.
And she has the best facial expressions!
And feet!
And this is my friend, Sheila, smooching away with her grandaughter.

And now you get another odd photo of moi. Mainly, I want you to note the cool split fin fins I'm wearing on my feet. Not exactly a flattering photo, but it represents what I did this past weekend. I decided to take a scuba diving class! And believe me, for me, this was quite challenging! I completed the classroom and confined dive portion of the PADI dive certification, 6 -11 pm on Friday, 8am to 8 pm Saturday, and 8am to 1pm Sunday. Wonderful but exhausting!




And let me boast just a bit by saying that the next oldest person in the class was 3 decades younger than me! (AND teaches water aerobics, and is the manager of a weight loss program.)

And then there was me. I was so excited the first night I could only get one of my contacts in my eyes, and that I've not actually ever learned to swim, plus I'm a clutz, and terribly out of shape, BUT I DID IT ANYWAY! For about 2 years, up until 2 years ago, I was having a great deal of trouble walking, was being misdiagnosed with stress fractures, and finally got the right treatment for an inflammatory arthritis. I'm so delighted with how much better I'm doing, and I just recognize that we really shouldn't ever count on the window of opportunity to do things being open indefinitely. REALLY, REALLY CONSIDER learning to scuba dive, if you get a chance. It's incredible! If I can do it, anyone can!

So, after my adventures in Mexico, I decided to give this a try. Now I have to decide about, and schedule, an open dive in a lake somewhere. Preferably before the lakes around here freeze over solid. I suspect it would be much harder to scuba through solid ice.

I also decided that if I really wanted to dive in a lake, I should get more physically fit. . . and competent in the water. So I've signed up for a water aerobics class. Sadly, I'm not likely to get any actual pool pictures of this! Thanks for reading my ramblings!

11 comments:

Jeanne said...

OMG...I can't believe how incredibly adorable this little one is! I can see why you wanted to photograph her!

And may I say KUDOS once again for your adventures in learning to scuba dive! I'm SO impressed by you! Good luck with the water aerobics...but I know you'll do great!

pat said...

What an absolutely adorable little cutie! Love the way she checks out her piggies; too cute. Cheers to you for taking up scuba (or maybe down?) Good for you--I am impressed!

April said...

oh she's a darling little girl!! and that scuba picture is awesome!! i love it!

Anonymous said...

Oh that is just wonderful...congrats to you and I LOVE the photo...love that you changed it to your avatar too!
cari

Gypsy Girl(Brenda) said...

She is a cutie. Now that looks like fun. You are way cool to start this.

Jess said...

OMG, miss Ada Bailey is such a doll! And GOOD FOR YOU for taking scuba lessons! I've always wanted to do that.. maybe someday I actually will. I think it would be SO much fun!

Alexis said...

What an adorable little girl! I love the shots that you captured! The photo of you is wonderful - what a great story. I love your words, too - they're very motivating and inspiring!

Kristen Wagner Penn said...

What a doll baby she is! And congrats to you for learning to scuba dive!!

Becky said...

She is soooooo cute! I'm totally impressed with the scuba thing, and totally thrilled to see you in your gear again. :-)

Anonymous said...

She is gorgeous. I just love her hair so much. I would definitely get a print of that scuba picture if I were you! Haha

Amy said...

Oh my gosh, that last shot of the little sweetie getting smooches from her grandma is just ADORABLE! And HUGE congrats to you on your accomplishment! WTG!!!