Yesterday was the first day of the Summer Intensive at Deeply Rooted Dance. All my classes and rehearsals are in the evenings from about 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. Last night was registration, placement and orientation.
I was SO nervous for the intensive all day yesterday. I was convinced that I didn't do enough before leaving to prepare physically, and I anticipated getting my butt served to me on a platter in the placement auditions. It didn't help that I've had this little cold, and yesterday I was feeling dizzy and loopy because of stuffed up sinuses. I think, too, that I was expecting this competitive atmosphere like the So You Think You Can Dance auditions I watch on TV. That scared me, too, because my nerves sabotage me bad enough without the added pressure of other dancers acting snooty and competitive.
I made my way downtown (D lives northwest of downtown) to find the studios. I left really, really early to give myself time to find it in case I had trouble or got lost. Glad I did, because I walked up and down Wabash Avenue looking for the darn address. I remembered something about DePaul University, but couldn't remember if the studio was near or inDePaul, so I went into the School of Law building to ask the security guard. When I asked him if there were dance studios on the third floor, he laughed and said no. I then asked where 218 Wabash was, and pointed in the direction I had started from. Back up Wabash to search for 218. I finally found it and made my way to the third floor.
Deeply Rooted shares their space with Ballet Chicago, so when I arrived, there were ballerinas everywhere. I asked the lady at the desk for Deeply Rooted, and she directed me down the hall and to the left in the back. I got there and told them who I was, and K, the education coordinator for the Intensive, came over and gave me a big hug. I felt SO much better! I couldn't believe the warm welcome - she didn't know me beyond my name and the handful of emails we've exchanged since January. It was just what I needed to calm my nerves.
As other Intensive students trickled in, I met some other students and we chatted as we stretched and prepared for the placement. We were all nervous, but we tried to relax because we were already in the Intensive. The placement was just to put us in a level that matched where we each are, since Deeply Rooted's Intensive is for all levels.
We started the placement with ballet, and it wasn't too bad! The instructor is trained in the Russian Vaganova technique, which I study at school. That helped me relax because I was familiar with it. For the first time in a long time, I actually felt good about my ballet performance! Then we did modern, which had African movement to it, which is what this company is about, which is why I was interested in them in the first place. It was fast and challenging, but I LOVED it and I felt good because I could do the African movement. I'll find out what level I'm in tonight in class.
After placement was orientation, and it was during this time that I was reminded why I chose this company for a summer intensive. Let's see, how do I sum it all up...??? They have a very holistic approach to dance, and they couldn't stress enough that our time here (and in all our dance experience, really) is a process. Being present is so important, and if we remain open, we will learn so much about what we can do rather than what we can't. We will each grow as dancers, as artists and as members of the community at large. The artistic director emphasized the importance of bringing open, positive energy to the studio. One of the teachers told us to relax... they don't view us as cattle or dance-bots that they're trying to make all dance and look the same. They see each of us as individual human beings, each with something to bring to the group and to give onstage.
WOW. I LUV this company... I love their approach, their aesthetic, their philosophy... it's what first grabbed me about the company when they taught a master class at CSU last year in the spring, and it's still exciting me. I am SO excited to be here!!
On the flip side, they also stressed that while they consider us to be part of the Deeply Rooted family this summer, that doesn't mean they aren't going to make us work, challenge us, ask us to reach deep inside to give more than we thought we could. So, the potential of my butt being served to me on a platter is highly likely. Guaranteed, really. And with that, it's time to get ready for six hours worth of class and rehearsal - gotta gather my tights, leotard, ballet shoes, and snacks and water galore. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Welcome to Chicago! Part 1
I'm here!!
Saturday's packing and errand adventure was... well, an adventure. Despite my list, packing for a month was still the longest process of my life, ugh. Errands took longer than I expected, and I had to run out more than once because I kept forgetting things. I was wiped by evening, so at that point I stopped caring and just threw stuff in the suitcase. If I forgot something imnportant, I can get it in Chicago. They do have stores, after all.
I barely slept Saturday night, thanks to a combination of nerves and coming down with a cold. Of course I get sick the night before my month-long live-and-dance-in-Chicago adventure... why not a week earlier? Because that would be convenient. But thankfully the cold has been mild and despite still being stuffed up, I'm feeling better.
The flight to Chicago went relatively smoothly... I got to sit next to a couple who were fighting. Talk about awkward. After a nap for the two of them, though, they suddenly got lovey dovey and apologized with kisses and cuddles. More awkward. It was windy coming into Chicago, so there was some fun turbulence which made my stomach do flip flops. And good grief, they don't call it the windy city for nothing - I've given up on doing much of anything with my hair because it just gets blown around. I'm sportin' ponytails or the wavy beachy look if I leave it down, which works out perfectly because my hair dryer crapped out on me right before leaving, so I don't have one with me. The wind is doing a good job standing in for a hair dryer, lol!
When my friend D picked me up from Midway and we hopped onto the El to make our way to his apartment, he informed me that I arrived in Chicago during Gay Pride weekend. That explained the hoards of people getting on and off the train with rainbow everything from clothing to accessories to crazy costumes. I totally wanted to check it out, so that was the plan after dumping my luggage off at his place and eating lunch. And so we did...
That was my welcome to Chicago! Luv it!!
My first day of dance adventures will be coming soon in Part 2...
Saturday's packing and errand adventure was... well, an adventure. Despite my list, packing for a month was still the longest process of my life, ugh. Errands took longer than I expected, and I had to run out more than once because I kept forgetting things. I was wiped by evening, so at that point I stopped caring and just threw stuff in the suitcase. If I forgot something imnportant, I can get it in Chicago. They do have stores, after all.
I barely slept Saturday night, thanks to a combination of nerves and coming down with a cold. Of course I get sick the night before my month-long live-and-dance-in-Chicago adventure... why not a week earlier? Because that would be convenient. But thankfully the cold has been mild and despite still being stuffed up, I'm feeling better.
The flight to Chicago went relatively smoothly... I got to sit next to a couple who were fighting. Talk about awkward. After a nap for the two of them, though, they suddenly got lovey dovey and apologized with kisses and cuddles. More awkward. It was windy coming into Chicago, so there was some fun turbulence which made my stomach do flip flops. And good grief, they don't call it the windy city for nothing - I've given up on doing much of anything with my hair because it just gets blown around. I'm sportin' ponytails or the wavy beachy look if I leave it down, which works out perfectly because my hair dryer crapped out on me right before leaving, so I don't have one with me. The wind is doing a good job standing in for a hair dryer, lol!
When my friend D picked me up from Midway and we hopped onto the El to make our way to his apartment, he informed me that I arrived in Chicago during Gay Pride weekend. That explained the hoards of people getting on and off the train with rainbow everything from clothing to accessories to crazy costumes. I totally wanted to check it out, so that was the plan after dumping my luggage off at his place and eating lunch. And so we did...
That was my welcome to Chicago! Luv it!!
My first day of dance adventures will be coming soon in Part 2...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Stick a fork in me
Wow, my day of errands, laundry, planning, lists, etc. has kicked my butt. This trip planning business is exhausting. I'm so glad I took today off. I don't even want to think about what tomorrow would be like if I had crammed everything there. I could do more tonight, but I'm done. Well done. You can stick a fork in me now. Nighty nite!
SYTYCD Top 16 Review - FINALLY!!
The review you've all been waiting for!
Just kidding... I'm sure no one has been sitting at their computer hitting "refresh" on my blog, hoping that I've posted my review. But a girl can entertain such fantasies, right?!
I'm sorry it took me so long... Work got hectic yesterday as I scrambled to tie things up since it was my last day before my Chicago adventure. Today has been full of cleaning, errands, more list-making, laundry, etc. Laundry is still in the works, but there's a glimmer of hope that I'll be done with laundry tonight!! If I can pull that off, the stress-o-meter will be in the lower ranges tomorrow. Here's to hoping.
As usual, I digress! On to the review of this week's SYTYCD shows...
Karla and Jonathan started the night off with a hip hop routine choreographed by Dave Scott. OMG!!! When the judges said "Dave Scott", I shrieked with excitement. Yes, I literally did. I really like Dave Scott, so I was excited to see what K & J would do with his choreo. They did okay, but not hot. *Sigh* Another lukewarm hip hop routine, which made me sad. Karla did better than Jonathan, I thought, but it wasn't fabulous. Nigel called it a "Sunday School picnic outing". Ouch. Toni Basil was the night's guest judge, and she has a long history in hip hop, from it's beginnings (she learned from the founder of Locking, Don "Cambellock" Campbell). Toni's two cents was that hip hop should have funk and hard hits. Amen!! But K & J did not.
Asuka and Vitolio danced a jazz routine that was just okay. Parts seemed slow to me, like they were hesitating or unsure of themselves. Not good onstage, y'all. I wasn't in love with it, and neither was Mary, but Nigel thought it was great. I don't know, I'm losing the love for Vitolio a little bit. He's talented, yes, he's hot, fo' sho', but his stage presence is feeling forced... really, he just needs to let himself go up there and just dance. His facial expressions will follow.
Ade and Melissa... Oh, these two are quickly becoming my favorite couple!!! They did a very HOT rumba. Melissa is a force to be reckoned with, and she may be a classically trained ballerina, but hot damn that girl can move with hip rollin' sensuality. She is strong but still moves with grace. Ade held his own, rockin' the rumba with solid partnership and connection with her. His booty didn't look too bad in those tight pants, either. The judges loved it.
Next up were Brandon and Jeanette, who also got to perform a Dave Scott piece. As they began, I crossed my fingers - I just wanted to see a decent hip hop routine. And when I say decent, I mean something that would make me jump up off the couch. Did they get it done? Oh HELL yes. Not only did I jump off the couch, but I also dropped the F-bomb, more than once. It had attitude, they hit it hard, it had energy, it had groove... I even danced along with them at one point, copying one of Brandon's moves. FINALLY a jammin' hip hop routine!
Another great piece followed with Kupono and Kayla's Viennese Waltz. First off, this was their first week dancing together, as they both lost their partners last week. They have a great connection. It just clicked for them. And the waltz was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. As in give-me-goosebumps beautiful. My own personal dance preferences are things that are fast and hard hitting, but the Viennese waltz is my softer side. It makes me melt if done right. And these two did it right. It was so right for the judges that Mary put them on her Hot Tamale Train [enter Mary's infamous scream].
The fun didn't end there. Next up was Randi and Evan dancing a Mia Michaels contemporary piece. Mia's style is definitely unique and all her own. I like it, myself. I would love to work with her. The focus of the routine was Randi's butt, which I thought was awesome! The piece was very jazzy, but in a vernacular, earthy, raw kind of way. MY kind of way. It was the blues, it was sex, it was some speakeasy in the 1930's. It was HOT and I LOVED it. End of discussion.
Then came a paso doble number with Jason and Caitlin. Their outfits were some kind of I Dream of Genie and Gladiator (or 300) hybrid. It had good potential, but it didn't quite live up to it. Their dancing didn't match the passion of the music - Carmina Burana (sorry, but you have to wait 'til 3:12 to hear the part that everyone knows) - but to their defense, that song would be a difficult one to live up to. Mary and Toni thought they did a great job and that it was a strong performance. I was left a little disappointed.
Last but not least were Jeanine and Philip. They got a Tyce Diorio Broadway routine and I got VERY excited when the music began because it was "Moses" from Singin' in the Rain, my favorite scene in one of my favorite movies. The piece was a lot of fun... Philip didn't do too bad, but he didn't as much personality as Jeanine, so she stole the show. Nigel told Philip that he needed more from him. I agreed.
That's my rundown from Wednesday night's show. Thursday night's elimination was predictable: Vitolio, Jason and Jonathan were the bottom three guys. The judges said good-bye to Jonathan, and gave Vitolio a warning he has one chance left with them to step it up. The bottom three ladies were Asuka, Karla and Caitlin. This week we said good-bye to Asuka. Next week Vitolio and Karla will form a new partnership, and hopefully they click as well as Kupono and Kayla did.
Just kidding... I'm sure no one has been sitting at their computer hitting "refresh" on my blog, hoping that I've posted my review. But a girl can entertain such fantasies, right?!
I'm sorry it took me so long... Work got hectic yesterday as I scrambled to tie things up since it was my last day before my Chicago adventure. Today has been full of cleaning, errands, more list-making, laundry, etc. Laundry is still in the works, but there's a glimmer of hope that I'll be done with laundry tonight!! If I can pull that off, the stress-o-meter will be in the lower ranges tomorrow. Here's to hoping.
As usual, I digress! On to the review of this week's SYTYCD shows...
Karla and Jonathan started the night off with a hip hop routine choreographed by Dave Scott. OMG!!! When the judges said "Dave Scott", I shrieked with excitement. Yes, I literally did. I really like Dave Scott, so I was excited to see what K & J would do with his choreo. They did okay, but not hot. *Sigh* Another lukewarm hip hop routine, which made me sad. Karla did better than Jonathan, I thought, but it wasn't fabulous. Nigel called it a "Sunday School picnic outing". Ouch. Toni Basil was the night's guest judge, and she has a long history in hip hop, from it's beginnings (she learned from the founder of Locking, Don "Cambellock" Campbell). Toni's two cents was that hip hop should have funk and hard hits. Amen!! But K & J did not.
Asuka and Vitolio danced a jazz routine that was just okay. Parts seemed slow to me, like they were hesitating or unsure of themselves. Not good onstage, y'all. I wasn't in love with it, and neither was Mary, but Nigel thought it was great. I don't know, I'm losing the love for Vitolio a little bit. He's talented, yes, he's hot, fo' sho', but his stage presence is feeling forced... really, he just needs to let himself go up there and just dance. His facial expressions will follow.
Ade and Melissa... Oh, these two are quickly becoming my favorite couple!!! They did a very HOT rumba. Melissa is a force to be reckoned with, and she may be a classically trained ballerina, but hot damn that girl can move with hip rollin' sensuality. She is strong but still moves with grace. Ade held his own, rockin' the rumba with solid partnership and connection with her. His booty didn't look too bad in those tight pants, either. The judges loved it.
Next up were Brandon and Jeanette, who also got to perform a Dave Scott piece. As they began, I crossed my fingers - I just wanted to see a decent hip hop routine. And when I say decent, I mean something that would make me jump up off the couch. Did they get it done? Oh HELL yes. Not only did I jump off the couch, but I also dropped the F-bomb, more than once. It had attitude, they hit it hard, it had energy, it had groove... I even danced along with them at one point, copying one of Brandon's moves. FINALLY a jammin' hip hop routine!
Another great piece followed with Kupono and Kayla's Viennese Waltz. First off, this was their first week dancing together, as they both lost their partners last week. They have a great connection. It just clicked for them. And the waltz was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. As in give-me-goosebumps beautiful. My own personal dance preferences are things that are fast and hard hitting, but the Viennese waltz is my softer side. It makes me melt if done right. And these two did it right. It was so right for the judges that Mary put them on her Hot Tamale Train [enter Mary's infamous scream].
The fun didn't end there. Next up was Randi and Evan dancing a Mia Michaels contemporary piece. Mia's style is definitely unique and all her own. I like it, myself. I would love to work with her. The focus of the routine was Randi's butt, which I thought was awesome! The piece was very jazzy, but in a vernacular, earthy, raw kind of way. MY kind of way. It was the blues, it was sex, it was some speakeasy in the 1930's. It was HOT and I LOVED it. End of discussion.
Then came a paso doble number with Jason and Caitlin. Their outfits were some kind of I Dream of Genie and Gladiator (or 300) hybrid. It had good potential, but it didn't quite live up to it. Their dancing didn't match the passion of the music - Carmina Burana (sorry, but you have to wait 'til 3:12 to hear the part that everyone knows) - but to their defense, that song would be a difficult one to live up to. Mary and Toni thought they did a great job and that it was a strong performance. I was left a little disappointed.
Last but not least were Jeanine and Philip. They got a Tyce Diorio Broadway routine and I got VERY excited when the music began because it was "Moses" from Singin' in the Rain, my favorite scene in one of my favorite movies. The piece was a lot of fun... Philip didn't do too bad, but he didn't as much personality as Jeanine, so she stole the show. Nigel told Philip that he needed more from him. I agreed.
That's my rundown from Wednesday night's show. Thursday night's elimination was predictable: Vitolio, Jason and Jonathan were the bottom three guys. The judges said good-bye to Jonathan, and gave Vitolio a warning he has one chance left with them to step it up. The bottom three ladies were Asuka, Karla and Caitlin. This week we said good-bye to Asuka. Next week Vitolio and Karla will form a new partnership, and hopefully they click as well as Kupono and Kayla did.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Life: 10, Jessi: 0
Yesterday was finally a good day. I woke up feeling good after finally getting some sleep, I was productive at work, I started kicking into high gear for my trip and generally things started looking up. I thought my week was finally turning a corner and the little cartoon cloud hanging above my head was dissipating. Then last night's adventure (see my last post) knocked me right back down. Okay, okay, shake it off... sleep on it and pick back up in the morning. Oh no. Then I have the morning from hell, involving a curt email, a missing camera, frantic search for said camera, no time for a shower, a lame attempt at making myself presentable for public [fail], no breakfast, no coffee, no time to pack lunch, and getting to work VERY late.
I came this close to calling in sick at work. But then I remembered that today is my last day this week because I'm taking tomorrow off for Chicago trip-prep so I don't leave it all for Saturday. [Exasperated *SIGH*.]
At one point in the middle of the morning scramble, my eyes started welling up with hot tears of absolute frustration. Then I started the weird hybrid cry-laugh that happens when you don't know which to do, so you do both. At this point everything is starting to be funny. I mean, you've got to be effing kidding me - one thing after another, really? Obviously life has it in for me this week and I'm not really sure what to do anymore other than laugh and let myself get smacked around. What are a few more upper cuts and right hooks, right?
My post this morning was supposed to be my SYTYCD review... it is on it's way, I promise...
I came this close to calling in sick at work. But then I remembered that today is my last day this week because I'm taking tomorrow off for Chicago trip-prep so I don't leave it all for Saturday. [Exasperated *SIGH*.]
At one point in the middle of the morning scramble, my eyes started welling up with hot tears of absolute frustration. Then I started the weird hybrid cry-laugh that happens when you don't know which to do, so you do both. At this point everything is starting to be funny. I mean, you've got to be effing kidding me - one thing after another, really? Obviously life has it in for me this week and I'm not really sure what to do anymore other than laugh and let myself get smacked around. What are a few more upper cuts and right hooks, right?
My post this morning was supposed to be my SYTYCD review... it is on it's way, I promise...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
I'm all shook up
Well, I was quite excited for tonight's SYTYCD Top 16 Review. I had notes that I scribbled during the show to make sure I remembered my thoughts during each performance and the judges' responses. I had to go deposit a little money that my mom sent me (thanks Mom, you're the BEST!), so I couldn't sit down right after the show, but I started "writing" in my head what I would write for you all when I returned.
But then I had a jolting experience on my way to the bank that changed my plans a bit.
I had just left the apartment. My building is only a couple blocks west of CSU's main campus and I was on the stretch of road that goes toward campus. Along the way there are a bunch of small restaurants, bagel shops, bars, coffee shops, churches and other small businesses. It's perfect for this part of town, which is very student-heavy.
I was just coming out of the slight s-curve of the road when I heard someone in the distance behind me gun their engine. I rolled my eyes thinking someone was showing off. I didn't see the vehicle at first, but when I looked again in my rear view mirror I suddenly saw the headlights of some truck approaching me rather quickly. Too quickly for the 30 mph that is the speed limit on that street.
The truck started going through the s-curve and I suddenly had a very bad feeling. I said "God, please don't let him hit me!" and gripped my steering wheel tightly. I heard the tires skid before I saw it in my mirror. The truck was getting very close to me at this point and I began to get worried. My initial reaction was to slam on the brakes, but in the next nano-second my thought was "oh my god, get the hell away from him NOW", so I downshifted my little Civic and gunned it. My four little cylinders put the needed distance between me and the crazy truck to get me out of the way.
As I pulled ahead, I saw the truck fishtailing back and forth violently, and then it lost control, spinning and crashing up onto the sidewalk before it stopped. I thought it hit the Catholic church sign, but maybe it was just the bushes in front of the sign that stopped it's momentum. I started slowing down, wondering if I should stop and call the police. People sitting outside on the patio at the bar next to the church came running to see what happened and probably to see if the two guys were okay. And then the asshole put his truck in reverse, pulled away from the curb and sped away. The people standing around stared in shock. I did, too, from my rear view vantage point.
I pulled up to the red light and sat there trying to process what just happened. Then it dawned on me that I could have been hit by that guy! Had I not sped away from him, or if I had left my apartment building just 10 seconds later, I might have been hit. When I realized this I began to shake. And then I began to cry. I have never, ever felt that much adrenaline. Ever. It made me sick to my stomach.
I know I'm fine and maybe it doesn't seem that dramatic as you read this. Maybe it sounds silly, but I have never been so aware of and grateful for my life and well-being. The whole thing probably happened in a matter of seconds from start to finish, but it was enough to shake me up and make me feel very, very fragile.
I don't know if drinking was involved or if it was just an overdose of big-truck-induced machismo. This area is very pedestrian and bike-heavy, and if someone had been walking on the sidewalk right there or biking on that part of the road, I have no doubt that they would have been killed. AND, not only did the driver gun the engine to purposely drive way too fast through that curve, but then he ran off at the end of it all. I hope to God that someone at that bar got the truck's license plate number.
So, I'm sorry to postpone my review, but I just don't have it in me anymore. I'm sporting a killer post-adrenaline headache and I'm exhausted. I think it's time for some ibuprofen and [hopefully] some sleep. Dammit, today was such a good day, too...
But then I had a jolting experience on my way to the bank that changed my plans a bit.
I had just left the apartment. My building is only a couple blocks west of CSU's main campus and I was on the stretch of road that goes toward campus. Along the way there are a bunch of small restaurants, bagel shops, bars, coffee shops, churches and other small businesses. It's perfect for this part of town, which is very student-heavy.
I was just coming out of the slight s-curve of the road when I heard someone in the distance behind me gun their engine. I rolled my eyes thinking someone was showing off. I didn't see the vehicle at first, but when I looked again in my rear view mirror I suddenly saw the headlights of some truck approaching me rather quickly. Too quickly for the 30 mph that is the speed limit on that street.
The truck started going through the s-curve and I suddenly had a very bad feeling. I said "God, please don't let him hit me!" and gripped my steering wheel tightly. I heard the tires skid before I saw it in my mirror. The truck was getting very close to me at this point and I began to get worried. My initial reaction was to slam on the brakes, but in the next nano-second my thought was "oh my god, get the hell away from him NOW", so I downshifted my little Civic and gunned it. My four little cylinders put the needed distance between me and the crazy truck to get me out of the way.
As I pulled ahead, I saw the truck fishtailing back and forth violently, and then it lost control, spinning and crashing up onto the sidewalk before it stopped. I thought it hit the Catholic church sign, but maybe it was just the bushes in front of the sign that stopped it's momentum. I started slowing down, wondering if I should stop and call the police. People sitting outside on the patio at the bar next to the church came running to see what happened and probably to see if the two guys were okay. And then the asshole put his truck in reverse, pulled away from the curb and sped away. The people standing around stared in shock. I did, too, from my rear view vantage point.
I pulled up to the red light and sat there trying to process what just happened. Then it dawned on me that I could have been hit by that guy! Had I not sped away from him, or if I had left my apartment building just 10 seconds later, I might have been hit. When I realized this I began to shake. And then I began to cry. I have never, ever felt that much adrenaline. Ever. It made me sick to my stomach.
I know I'm fine and maybe it doesn't seem that dramatic as you read this. Maybe it sounds silly, but I have never been so aware of and grateful for my life and well-being. The whole thing probably happened in a matter of seconds from start to finish, but it was enough to shake me up and make me feel very, very fragile.
I don't know if drinking was involved or if it was just an overdose of big-truck-induced machismo. This area is very pedestrian and bike-heavy, and if someone had been walking on the sidewalk right there or biking on that part of the road, I have no doubt that they would have been killed. AND, not only did the driver gun the engine to purposely drive way too fast through that curve, but then he ran off at the end of it all. I hope to God that someone at that bar got the truck's license plate number.
So, I'm sorry to postpone my review, but I just don't have it in me anymore. I'm sporting a killer post-adrenaline headache and I'm exhausted. I think it's time for some ibuprofen and [hopefully] some sleep. Dammit, today was such a good day, too...
The List
Chicago is four days away!! Now that the countdown can be done on one hand, I'm finally getting down to business figuring out all that I need to do in the next few days before I leave.
I don't know about you, but if something is too far out, even by a week, I have a really hard time motivating myself to start checking things off the to-do list. I won't even have a list established. Sure, I'll think about things - "I need to do this" and "don't forget to do that" - but I don't act on any of it until the running-out-of-time-pressure starts to mount. I'm not sure how well this will serve me when I'm planning a wedding someday... the thought of planning a wedding for a year or more overwhelms me... I'll be tickled pink if I can get 'er done in a handful of months (I've known people who have done this and have had beautiful weddings, so I know it's possible)...
But I digress...
There are errands to run, things to buy, apartment things to straighten out, laundry to do... All of these have their own sub-list.
I started compiling my packing list a few days ago, and it's steadily growing. I must have lists. I'm a list girl. I cannot function at the grocery store without a list, even for a quick trip. And I know that if I try to pack for an entire month away without establishing some kind of organized process (via The List), packing will be a nightmare. Of epic proportions.
My goal is to find the fine balance between packing enough but not too much. Yes I want to be cute and I have to leave room for my shopping spoils (look out H&M, a Colorado girl starved for H&M is heading your way), but I also hate overpacking. I learned from my last trip to NYC how much it sucks navigating the airport and subway and buses with too much crap. I remember trying to maneuver myself and my luggage into a corner on the hot, stuffy M60 while the bus was moving (a small-scale circus act) and the bus driver screamed at us all (nerve-wracking) to keep the aisles clear. OMG. I want to be the stylish-and-cute-but-efficient-and-low-maintenance kind of traveler. I'm still learning how to do this.
What outfits do I pack? How can I mix and match? Which shoes do I bring and which do I leave? Do I bring my seashell bikini or my cherry-print one? What hair and body stuff do I bring, and what do I just buy there since I'll be there a month? Since this trip is more than just a fun vacation, I also have to think about all my dance gear, including the rehab goods - athletic tape, Epsom salts, band aids, heating pads, ice packs, massage balls and rollers...
So...
Dance gear
Dance rehab gear
Night on the town gear
Day at the beach gear
Day at a Cubs game gear
Exploring Chicago in heat and humidity gear
What else, what else??
Seriously, this is overwhelming. Must consult The List!
I don't know about you, but if something is too far out, even by a week, I have a really hard time motivating myself to start checking things off the to-do list. I won't even have a list established. Sure, I'll think about things - "I need to do this" and "don't forget to do that" - but I don't act on any of it until the running-out-of-time-pressure starts to mount. I'm not sure how well this will serve me when I'm planning a wedding someday... the thought of planning a wedding for a year or more overwhelms me... I'll be tickled pink if I can get 'er done in a handful of months (I've known people who have done this and have had beautiful weddings, so I know it's possible)...
But I digress...
There are errands to run, things to buy, apartment things to straighten out, laundry to do... All of these have their own sub-list.
I started compiling my packing list a few days ago, and it's steadily growing. I must have lists. I'm a list girl. I cannot function at the grocery store without a list, even for a quick trip. And I know that if I try to pack for an entire month away without establishing some kind of organized process (via The List), packing will be a nightmare. Of epic proportions.
My goal is to find the fine balance between packing enough but not too much. Yes I want to be cute and I have to leave room for my shopping spoils (look out H&M, a Colorado girl starved for H&M is heading your way), but I also hate overpacking. I learned from my last trip to NYC how much it sucks navigating the airport and subway and buses with too much crap. I remember trying to maneuver myself and my luggage into a corner on the hot, stuffy M60 while the bus was moving (a small-scale circus act) and the bus driver screamed at us all (nerve-wracking) to keep the aisles clear. OMG. I want to be the stylish-and-cute-but-efficient-and-low-maintenance kind of traveler. I'm still learning how to do this.
What outfits do I pack? How can I mix and match? Which shoes do I bring and which do I leave? Do I bring my seashell bikini or my cherry-print one? What hair and body stuff do I bring, and what do I just buy there since I'll be there a month? Since this trip is more than just a fun vacation, I also have to think about all my dance gear, including the rehab goods - athletic tape, Epsom salts, band aids, heating pads, ice packs, massage balls and rollers...
So...
Dance gear
Dance rehab gear
Night on the town gear
Day at the beach gear
Day at a Cubs game gear
Exploring Chicago in heat and humidity gear
What else, what else??
Seriously, this is overwhelming. Must consult The List!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Weekend schmeekend
Ugh, this weekend was a bust, despite my intentions to decompress and re-center myself. I know, I know... life doesn't always go as planned and you have to roll with the punches, blah blah blah... And no, the weekend's frustrations weren't catastrophic... But none of that makes me feel better.
Oh, there were little sunbursts of goodness over the weekend... hangin' with friends at the apartment barbecue Friday night... wearing my new sundress today thanks to our first real day of summer weather, finally... getting my makeup done at Sephora... hip hop this evening...
I have no doubt that the pending arrival of Aunt Flo is compromising my coping abilities, so I'm trying to take that into account. I'm not going into any detail because, 1) I don't have the energy to write it all out, 2) I'm feeling protective of myself, and 3) I have a feeling that in a day or so, I'll think I was going a bit overboard and being too emotional. Maybe not, but we'll see. I just want to say that the weekend sucked and I'm ready to move forward.
Tomorrow is a new day. And I'm leaving for Chicago in seven days, thank goodness.
Oh, there were little sunbursts of goodness over the weekend... hangin' with friends at the apartment barbecue Friday night... wearing my new sundress today thanks to our first real day of summer weather, finally... getting my makeup done at Sephora... hip hop this evening...
I have no doubt that the pending arrival of Aunt Flo is compromising my coping abilities, so I'm trying to take that into account. I'm not going into any detail because, 1) I don't have the energy to write it all out, 2) I'm feeling protective of myself, and 3) I have a feeling that in a day or so, I'll think I was going a bit overboard and being too emotional. Maybe not, but we'll see. I just want to say that the weekend sucked and I'm ready to move forward.
Tomorrow is a new day. And I'm leaving for Chicago in seven days, thank goodness.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Happy [belated] Birthday!
Today my blog is one year old! Well, one year and one week old, technically. I'm not sure how I spaced it, but last Saturday was the actual 1-year birthday of my blog. I somehow had it solidified in my mind that it was today, and all week I've been thinking ahead to what I would write about. I had it in my calendar for the right day, but I still had my heart set on today. Oh well, no matter.
So! It has been a year since I joined the blog ranks! My original intention to starting this blog was to chronicle my adventures in dance, for fear that my experiences would get lost in the abyss of my mind, eventually to be forgotten (see above paragraph for how easy this can happen to me) unless I wrote it down.
It was a slow start... I didn't post too frequently at first, being rigid in thinking that every single post must be about dance since that is the foundational theme of my blog... but then I came to my senses and realized that since it's my blog and there really are no rules around here, I can write about whatever the heck moves me. So now I throw in the occasional non-dance related post for some flava... and I like my blog better for it.
I just read my first post, and it made me smile. Here it is:
So, Happy [belated] Birthday, Better Late Than Never! Here's to another year of all kinds of adventures and mishaps and shenanigans, recorded in the annals of Blogland forever!
So! It has been a year since I joined the blog ranks! My original intention to starting this blog was to chronicle my adventures in dance, for fear that my experiences would get lost in the abyss of my mind, eventually to be forgotten (see above paragraph for how easy this can happen to me) unless I wrote it down.
It was a slow start... I didn't post too frequently at first, being rigid in thinking that every single post must be about dance since that is the foundational theme of my blog... but then I came to my senses and realized that since it's my blog and there really are no rules around here, I can write about whatever the heck moves me. So now I throw in the occasional non-dance related post for some flava... and I like my blog better for it.
I just read my first post, and it made me smile. Here it is:
Hi. I'm finally joining the masses of bloggers in cyber-journal space.
I'm here to write about my adventures in my pursuit of a career in dance, however that may evolve.
Some people think I'm nuts to start this endeavor so late in life. They're counting in dance years, mind you, not normal human years. Dance years are kinda like doggie years. I'm 29 years old, which in dance years means I should soon be sunsetting my dance career. But oh no, not me. I'm just beginning!
I've never been very good at accepting "no" when I really want something. And, baby, I want this.
So, Happy [belated] Birthday, Better Late Than Never! Here's to another year of all kinds of adventures and mishaps and shenanigans, recorded in the annals of Blogland forever!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Say what?!
You know those little rain clouds that follow a person around in cartoons? My own little cloud descended upon me this sunny Friday.
A friend said something to me this afternoon that hurt - BAD - and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. It definitely ranks up there as one of the most hurtful things anyone has ever said to me. I've spent the afternoon trying to focus on work to distract me from it, but I haven't been very successful. It's raising all kinds of thoughts and feelings that I'm trying to process.
I have some fun, social things going on this weekend which will be good for me, but I also need to find some time to myself so I can journal and think and process and figure things out...
I'm not angry at this friend and I have no intentions of changing the dynamic of our relationship. She was sharing her honest thoughts with me, and I fully trust that she had no intention of being mean or hurtful. I much prefer someone being completely honest with me rather than not... but yowza, this one was a doozy.
A friend said something to me this afternoon that hurt - BAD - and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. It definitely ranks up there as one of the most hurtful things anyone has ever said to me. I've spent the afternoon trying to focus on work to distract me from it, but I haven't been very successful. It's raising all kinds of thoughts and feelings that I'm trying to process.
I have some fun, social things going on this weekend which will be good for me, but I also need to find some time to myself so I can journal and think and process and figure things out...
I'm not angry at this friend and I have no intentions of changing the dynamic of our relationship. She was sharing her honest thoughts with me, and I fully trust that she had no intention of being mean or hurtful. I much prefer someone being completely honest with me rather than not... but yowza, this one was a doozy.
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