I wanted to write a note to wish you the best of luck this weekend but after I'd started I realized that I had much more to say. I want to say thank you. Thank you not only for sharing your love for Zumba with others but for the passion with which you do it. I can honestly say that you have completely changed my life, and in turn the lives of those in my family. You've given me something wonderful that I can do just for me, that not only makes me feel great, but it makes me look great too! I've attached a before picture so you can have a frame of reference. The picture was taken in August of 2008, 3 months after my second daughter was born. I was a little heavier than that when I started trying to lose weight in January of 2009. When I began this new path, I was 178 lbs and I managed to lose 45 lbs between then and late October 2010, when I started taking Zumba through Parks and Recreation. I loved it so much that I started looking for somewhere else to take classes and I found you in November. I've since lost another 15 lbs and rest at 120. I'm easily in the best shape of my life, and more than that, I look and feel strong. I've got muscles! lol When I see people who haven't seen me for 6 mths + their mouths drop open and they immediately ask what I've been doing. Of course I tell them about Zumba (heck, I tell strangers about it! lol) and several of my friends have started as a result. I just wanted you to understand the ripple effect of what you do and to know that all of the hard work so far (and the hard work to come!) is and will be worth it.
I wish every success not only for you and Lissa but for your wonderful families. I'm really looking forward to trying out the new programs and getting the kids involved as well. My littlest one is constantly singing "Zumba Zumba Zooooom-Ba!" to anyone who will listen and they all look at her like she's nuts. lol I can't wait for the Party this weekend!
All my best,
Daena