A new city to add to my list. Guessing from my travels as a child I have probably Been to Texas before - but not long enough to remember or think much of it. I think I will go back soon...
1. Dancing at the East Side Showroom was a highlight. Our first night and best night of lindy hop. The band was ridiculous hilarious, and energizing. I wish we had more weekly music in the ATL - or at least more hot jazz in general. Snagged a bunch of great dances and got to meet the local crowd.
2. Rent party/Jam session. I admit that i was hesitant to go to a party that was not for dancers and was going to be all jamming and beer drinking. Luckily I was totally wrong. The musicians were awesome and the variety of faces made it quite comfortable. Terrace picked up the jug and joined the band quite readily. After a few beers and words of encouragement i joined LG on vocals if i knew the song. A dance and conversation on the porch made it an evening that made me want to move to Austin. Not that i am going to any time soon - but it is an option.
3. Blacks BBQ!! I am not a big BBQ person but the 45 min drive and 20 min wait was worth it. I am a believer.
4. Game night and Karaoke. Once again we had a social evening with the local 'crew'. I think this is the first time I a long while that i actually enjoyed playing games. And what can be bad about 2am Karaoke?? Nothing.
Those were the high points. So much happened and it was all quite delightful. Ours hosts were fantastic - thanks Bp & J =) Despite the antics and allergies of Wingy I loved seeing them. I am going to make a concerted effort to visit sooner than later. Next time maybe with a car and more time to explore and visit other Texans.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
7/8/08
- This is an old journal entry written on my flight home from Massachusetts. It is a reflection on gratefulness, and an interesting conversation I had with my Aunt.
When you want to grumble about the woes of your finely picked life, the carefully sorted minutes that make you so safe and comfortable, realize that someone, somewhere is praying for rain.
----
The elegant vanilla sky viewed from above does not speak of the disastrous storm below. Instead, an unexpected range of delicately spun water droplets. So easily sliced through. So dangerous to mere mortals beneath their cover. Effortless beauty.
---
As with most things such as flavor or sock height, life boils down to perspective - or preference. Your reality of normal is just that, yours. Granted, it has probably been uneloquently placed upon your psyche with such a vengeance that you realize nothing else as acceptable.
There is freedom in change. Freedom in finding a new viewpoint. So why do we stay in our comfortable little shells of reality? Exactly. It is comfortable, and we are creatures of comfort. We dare not to stop coloring our hair for fear of the discomfort it will cause those around us, and how that will reflect upon ourselves. How selfish. I suppose so. In other ways it keeps us connected. Emotionally dependent as a society. By caring about them we care about ourselves. So are we truly caring about others for the sake of them? No, it is a selfish care in which we seek the reflection of anthers friendship to fortify our ego.
Not that coloring ones hair is the downfall of mankind. Rather, a manifestation of our endless vanity; the conflict of our self-seeking nature and communal dependency.
So, create your own reality. Be in your world. Be a part of it. Serve your fellow humankind. Do not be enslaved by such petty realities. Be yourself in all your amazing and unbelievably honest unique self.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Summer Adventures 2010
So a slightly more clarified and updated calendar of when and where I will be during July.
Some of the later dates are a bit less firm, so I am open to suggestions.
July 1 - 6: Austin (Brooks and Jo!)
July 6 - 9: Las Vegas (for the loose slots, of course)
July 9 - 15: Seattle (why not??)
July 15 - 22: Boulder/Denver (Shizzle!! Rizzle!! Hippies!! Mountains!! Dancing!!)
After that I have no clue. I was planning on going to NOLA, but I am not so sure anymore. St. Louis is looking like a big question mark as well. Hell, maybe I will just come back to Atlanta. Or head to the Boston area. We will see...
As for now? I love my new condo. I feel so grateful for the space and amenities. Great location and although the whole 'mail and parking pass' fiasco was a bit stressful with my traveling they are all taken care of.
Growth so far? Hmmm...well, I am challenging myself within my teaching. I feel as though my experience in the class room has lent itself to being able to break down dance concepts into more manageable parts to better translate a complex concept. The few lessons I have been able to observe have taught me a lot. While in class more often than paying attention to the concept I am watching how the teachers teach it. Backwards I suppose, but the ability to teach anything is highly under appreciated. Sure, anyone can get up and say "one two, three and four..." but to actually have a group of people be able to assimilate the knowledge takes patience, a variety of methods, repetition, and the ability to tap into the students level of learning. I actually get serious stage fright while in the center of a circle of students...but with careful planning and an intense focus on the students it slowly subsides. My goal is to be able to plan coherent classes with concepts that align and build upon each other, culminating in movement/move that is applicable in a social situation. I like to think of it as 'layering'. Like a cake =)
Some of the later dates are a bit less firm, so I am open to suggestions.
July 1 - 6: Austin (Brooks and Jo!)
July 6 - 9: Las Vegas (for the loose slots, of course)
July 9 - 15: Seattle (why not??)
July 15 - 22: Boulder/Denver (Shizzle!! Rizzle!! Hippies!! Mountains!! Dancing!!)
After that I have no clue. I was planning on going to NOLA, but I am not so sure anymore. St. Louis is looking like a big question mark as well. Hell, maybe I will just come back to Atlanta. Or head to the Boston area. We will see...
As for now? I love my new condo. I feel so grateful for the space and amenities. Great location and although the whole 'mail and parking pass' fiasco was a bit stressful with my traveling they are all taken care of.
Growth so far? Hmmm...well, I am challenging myself within my teaching. I feel as though my experience in the class room has lent itself to being able to break down dance concepts into more manageable parts to better translate a complex concept. The few lessons I have been able to observe have taught me a lot. While in class more often than paying attention to the concept I am watching how the teachers teach it. Backwards I suppose, but the ability to teach anything is highly under appreciated. Sure, anyone can get up and say "one two, three and four..." but to actually have a group of people be able to assimilate the knowledge takes patience, a variety of methods, repetition, and the ability to tap into the students level of learning. I actually get serious stage fright while in the center of a circle of students...but with careful planning and an intense focus on the students it slowly subsides. My goal is to be able to plan coherent classes with concepts that align and build upon each other, culminating in movement/move that is applicable in a social situation. I like to think of it as 'layering'. Like a cake =)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Beautiful Mess of Life
Once again the Illuminated Mind has hit a perfect nerve for me and the time of life that I find myself pushing through.
We all have some part of ourselves that is not 'acceptable'. Not mainstream. Not with the current trends of 'what life is supposed to be like'. Instead of thinking of my desire to travel and always push for change as negative, I have chosen to accept and embrace them.
I learned a long time ago that anger is healthy. I allow myself to be frustrated or angry and just get it out. In the long run this lets off steam and I find my tempter to be much more calm and sustainable.
How does this sit with you?
How to Allow and Move Past Negative Patterns
We all have some part of ourselves that is not 'acceptable'. Not mainstream. Not with the current trends of 'what life is supposed to be like'. Instead of thinking of my desire to travel and always push for change as negative, I have chosen to accept and embrace them.
I learned a long time ago that anger is healthy. I allow myself to be frustrated or angry and just get it out. In the long run this lets off steam and I find my tempter to be much more calm and sustainable.
How does this sit with you?
How to Allow and Move Past Negative Patterns
Friday, April 23, 2010
Habits, Lifestyle, Changes
Great blog today on Illuminated Mind. I am constantly trying to outwit my habits in order to grow and change as a person. Being stagnate in work, dance, emotional well-being, and relationships drives me absolutely nuts. Now, don't get me wrong, the feeling of contentment is not be confused with stagnant. If I am never satisfied then I am simply wasting my time and not enjoying where I am or what I am doing. But, to settle is not an option.
Like cleaning out a closet, I enjoy the reflection and questioning of habits and beliefs that make up my person. Some I keep, some I ponder on, and some I make the decision to change (or throw out).
"Nothing is set in stone. Everything is open." One of my friends posted that as her status. Deep. Obvious. Very true. That is what I love about life. I could be at this school for another 5 or 20 years. I might take a job in Nebraska, or Philly, or Chicago, or Seattle next year. Who knows? I have options and I love that. In fact, a lack of options or freedom makes me nervous.
Anyway, I will stop rambling. The views in the blog are not ones in which I fully agree, but are definitely worth noting and digesting.
Seven Weird Habits that Will Change Your Life
Like cleaning out a closet, I enjoy the reflection and questioning of habits and beliefs that make up my person. Some I keep, some I ponder on, and some I make the decision to change (or throw out).
"Nothing is set in stone. Everything is open." One of my friends posted that as her status. Deep. Obvious. Very true. That is what I love about life. I could be at this school for another 5 or 20 years. I might take a job in Nebraska, or Philly, or Chicago, or Seattle next year. Who knows? I have options and I love that. In fact, a lack of options or freedom makes me nervous.
Anyway, I will stop rambling. The views in the blog are not ones in which I fully agree, but are definitely worth noting and digesting.
Seven Weird Habits that Will Change Your Life
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Lefty Views and an Article of Great Interest
Upon reading this and other opinions/articles that so aptly point out the craziness that is our right winged media, it makes me recall a certain era in Britain's history where church and state were not separate. A king ruled and God spoke through the King. Whatever he said was The word of God. A coincidence with Glenn Beck saying that God is telling him "The Plan"? Hmmmm... Let's just say that we all know from our history books that there was no middle class with a ruling system like that, and there was no leadership - only fear.
Now I am not a 'socialist' or a 'communist', but I do believe that when people are working together to support each other, and have compassion in a community sense, that a thriving society can be created. I read an article in the Worcester, MA Telegram about a group of High School students that studied cultures in Kenya that had incredibly low crime rates. There was a high percentage of compassion taught in the home and schools, and there was a sense of sharing responsibility among the members. Unfortunately I cannot find the article (darn!), but it stuck out in my memory as a lesson to our current attitude of entitlement. Now, I am all for working hard to earn your way, and everyone should have equal opportunity - but when it goes unbridled and unchecked a severe imbalance can occur - like we see today with banks that are too big to fail.
So, with my first blatant political views out in the open air I will let you read the article.
Huffington Post: Glenn Beck: the Televangelist Con Man Selling God's Plan for America
Monday, April 19, 2010
Anniversary
Can you hear that? It is the sound of silence. Of 2400 middle school students reading and filling in tiny bubbles to determine their level of learning for the 09-10 school year. Thank you board of Education for boiling it down to one week of pencil, paper, and hundreds of multiple choice questions. I am eternally grateful for my career as a non-academic teacher.
One year later I am sitting in the same seat, feeling a little bit the same and a whole lot different. It is CRCT week - which is Georgia's state-wide standardized test for children enrolled in the public school system. What this means is that for about 3 hours they sit in complete silence and read questions and fill in little bubbles. what it means for me is that I get to sit for those three hours on a bench and proctor the classes in case a teacher needs to be relieved or a student needs to go to the bathroom. Wooooo.... At least I get internet access and am able to complete a great deal of thinking and work. And lose almost all feeling in my behind. Ouch.
This time last year I was doing the master cleanse. I distinctly recall making my little drinks and having at least 3 beside me along with enough water to drown a hippo. Which is nearly impossible. Anyway, it was a very interesting experience and thinking back I realize how much has changed about my attitude at work and about my self in one year. Basically, since then, I have become extremely aware of what goes into my body in relation to what I want to come out. No, not in that gross way - but rather the energy levels that I am able to maintain, the lack of 'puffy face' syndrome, and the lack of sick days taken this year. (which btw, is ZERO) I feel so much healthier, am able to maintain a consistent weight, and don't wake up feeling like the walking dead. It is a nice change. No coffee, very very little dairy, almost no bread/pastries/biscuits baked things, and the addition of even more simple raw foods. Another change is my appreciation of my foods. I used to hate cooking or eating but now it is a joy to go shopping and prepare my meals. It is nice to take the time and create meals full of color and food groups that give me energy - not sap it. I digress.
~~~~~~~
Work? Yes, that is coming along nicely. Finishing out my second year with a greater feeling of accomplishment. I have participated in more school/community activities, ran a Robotics Club, gotten more kids to sign up for Engineering electives in high school, and overall been on top of grades, discipline, and lesson plans more than ever.
~~~~~~
Rough outline of plans/goals for the rest of Spring and Summer...
That Rhythm Thing April 30- invited to the masters class. Also taking a private with Peter. Taking along a couple of leads that need to get some serious national level instruction. I love it when 'new' dancers take the initiative to further their education outside of the local scene =)
Nashville: June 4-9th - teaching local classes, and working on shtuff with Reuel.
St. Louis: June 10-15th - Terrace and I will take a trip to see the family out west.
Late June? Hang out in Atlanta unless something else comes up. Save my moolah and buy some tickets...Maybe hit a Braves game or two.
July = One way tickets and a small suitcase.
Boston, MA - Visit the New England Family
Austin, TX - Brooks and Jo!
Boulder/Denver, CO - Michelle! Andrew! Dancing!
Seattle, WA - Just because I want to and have never been before. Oh, and I was invited =)
August = Southern Belle - taking classes!!
Sept = Artist in Residence - Falty
ULHS in NOLA
Oct = Atlanta Varsity Showdown - teaching and performing
Knoxville Lindy Exchange
Teaching at Snap! Crackle! Pop in Memphis w/ Sosh
Nov = ??
Dec = Lindy Focus Time!!!
~~~~~~
So yeah, that about sums it up.
One year later I am sitting in the same seat, feeling a little bit the same and a whole lot different. It is CRCT week - which is Georgia's state-wide standardized test for children enrolled in the public school system. What this means is that for about 3 hours they sit in complete silence and read questions and fill in little bubbles. what it means for me is that I get to sit for those three hours on a bench and proctor the classes in case a teacher needs to be relieved or a student needs to go to the bathroom. Wooooo.... At least I get internet access and am able to complete a great deal of thinking and work. And lose almost all feeling in my behind. Ouch.
This time last year I was doing the master cleanse. I distinctly recall making my little drinks and having at least 3 beside me along with enough water to drown a hippo. Which is nearly impossible. Anyway, it was a very interesting experience and thinking back I realize how much has changed about my attitude at work and about my self in one year. Basically, since then, I have become extremely aware of what goes into my body in relation to what I want to come out. No, not in that gross way - but rather the energy levels that I am able to maintain, the lack of 'puffy face' syndrome, and the lack of sick days taken this year. (which btw, is ZERO) I feel so much healthier, am able to maintain a consistent weight, and don't wake up feeling like the walking dead. It is a nice change. No coffee, very very little dairy, almost no bread/pastries/biscuits baked things, and the addition of even more simple raw foods. Another change is my appreciation of my foods. I used to hate cooking or eating but now it is a joy to go shopping and prepare my meals. It is nice to take the time and create meals full of color and food groups that give me energy - not sap it. I digress.
~~~~~~~
Work? Yes, that is coming along nicely. Finishing out my second year with a greater feeling of accomplishment. I have participated in more school/community activities, ran a Robotics Club, gotten more kids to sign up for Engineering electives in high school, and overall been on top of grades, discipline, and lesson plans more than ever.
~~~~~~
Rough outline of plans/goals for the rest of Spring and Summer...
That Rhythm Thing April 30- invited to the masters class. Also taking a private with Peter. Taking along a couple of leads that need to get some serious national level instruction. I love it when 'new' dancers take the initiative to further their education outside of the local scene =)
Nashville: June 4-9th - teaching local classes, and working on shtuff with Reuel.
St. Louis: June 10-15th - Terrace and I will take a trip to see the family out west.
Late June? Hang out in Atlanta unless something else comes up. Save my moolah and buy some tickets...Maybe hit a Braves game or two.
July = One way tickets and a small suitcase.
Boston, MA - Visit the New England Family
Austin, TX - Brooks and Jo!
Boulder/Denver, CO - Michelle! Andrew! Dancing!
Seattle, WA - Just because I want to and have never been before. Oh, and I was invited =)
August = Southern Belle - taking classes!!
Sept = Artist in Residence - Falty
ULHS in NOLA
Oct = Atlanta Varsity Showdown - teaching and performing
Knoxville Lindy Exchange
Teaching at Snap! Crackle! Pop in Memphis w/ Sosh
Nov = ??
Dec = Lindy Focus Time!!!
~~~~~~
So yeah, that about sums it up.
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