As I drove home from my rehearsals tonight, I was thinking about the game plan for another hella busy day tomorrow. I was going through my mental checklist of to-do's: modern, ballet, work, dance history, tech rehearsal, get body paint for my dancers, finish my costume, finish my theater design project... then I stopped. That's Wednesday's schedule. Tomorrow is Tuesday. Which means tonight is only Monday.
*Sigh*
Today was one of those uber-busy days where you find yourself at the end, ready to collapse into bed, and all you remember from the day is a discombobulated blur. Actually, it has been non-stop since Saturday morning, starting with my 7 am rehearsal. It went from zero to sixty first thing that morning and hasn't really slowed since. Which explains why I feel that surely tomorrow must be Wednesday. My sore, tired body tells me so!
Not that the week's busy-ness is a surprise. The Student Dance Concert is this weekend, so there are all kinds of rehearsals and last-minute things to take care of. Oh yeah, and the projects I have due this week. I knew all of it was coming.
But it doesn't change the fact that it feels like it should be later in the week... Right?? Anyone??
** SIGH **
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
No snow day. GAME ON.
Everything was back to business today - no snow day for us. Typical for Colorado though - total blizzard and white-out conditions one day, the next day sunny and the streets are clear and dry. Gotta love the schizo weather here.
Once I was in class, though, I was glad to be back to business. I get these bursts of inspiration sometimes where I am uber-inspired to work harder, train more, learn more, and today was one of those bursts, lasting all day long.
I first noticed it in ballet. We started pointe today (yay!!), and while it hurt, it didn't hurt as much as I anticipated, which tells me I'm stronger than I was the last time I did pointe. I still have a lot of work to do.. I need to keep working on my feet to get them stronger... but instead of getting frustrated and overwhelmed by it all, I felt a surge of motivation rise up and I thought GAME ON.
A million thoughts are running through my head: "Once the Student Concert is over and my evenings free up, I'm going to start taking ballet classes at CCB in the evenings. I'm also going to take their advanced Modern class. I'm going to use my theraband on my feet everyday. I'm going to come to the studio to work on ballet on the weekends. I'm going get my side splits by June. I'm going to work on choreography everyday. I'm going to do my hip hop calisthenics every other day. I'm going to get my handstand. I'm going to work on my Capoeira. I'm going to... to... to..." It goes on and on.
I got incredibly antsy sitting in dance history watching films about modern dance pioneers of the 20th century - the films aren't exactly riveting - all I could think about was dancing, moving... NOT sitting around.
Tonight I saw a dance concert with the CSU Tour Company. It was inspiring to see my peers do some amazing stuff. I need to keep working, training. The same thought kept going through my head as I watched: "I need to stretch!"
Weeeeellllll, I'm home and I'm not stretching. But I am trying to get these thoughts out of my head and on the page so I can settle down enough to go to sleep. I have the pleasure of a 7 am rehearsal tomorrow (ouch) so this dancer needs to get her arse to bed. But starting at 7 am tomorrow: GAME ON.
Once I was in class, though, I was glad to be back to business. I get these bursts of inspiration sometimes where I am uber-inspired to work harder, train more, learn more, and today was one of those bursts, lasting all day long.
I first noticed it in ballet. We started pointe today (yay!!), and while it hurt, it didn't hurt as much as I anticipated, which tells me I'm stronger than I was the last time I did pointe. I still have a lot of work to do.. I need to keep working on my feet to get them stronger... but instead of getting frustrated and overwhelmed by it all, I felt a surge of motivation rise up and I thought GAME ON.
A million thoughts are running through my head: "Once the Student Concert is over and my evenings free up, I'm going to start taking ballet classes at CCB in the evenings. I'm also going to take their advanced Modern class. I'm going to use my theraband on my feet everyday. I'm going to come to the studio to work on ballet on the weekends. I'm going get my side splits by June. I'm going to work on choreography everyday. I'm going to do my hip hop calisthenics every other day. I'm going to get my handstand. I'm going to work on my Capoeira. I'm going to... to... to..." It goes on and on.
I got incredibly antsy sitting in dance history watching films about modern dance pioneers of the 20th century - the films aren't exactly riveting - all I could think about was dancing, moving... NOT sitting around.
Tonight I saw a dance concert with the CSU Tour Company. It was inspiring to see my peers do some amazing stuff. I need to keep working, training. The same thought kept going through my head as I watched: "I need to stretch!"
Weeeeellllll, I'm home and I'm not stretching. But I am trying to get these thoughts out of my head and on the page so I can settle down enough to go to sleep. I have the pleasure of a 7 am rehearsal tomorrow (ouch) so this dancer needs to get her arse to bed. But starting at 7 am tomorrow: GAME ON.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Notes from my snow day
I spent the entire day at home today since the blizzard shut down all operations. Work, classes, appointments, rehearsals - all were canceled. I got my snow day!
Driving to class this morning was scary. The wind was blowing so hard it was pushing my car and causing it to slide around more than it already does... compact car + worn tires = a slip 'n slide driving experience anytime the roads are even remotely wet - good times. Not only that, but the snow was coming down so hard and blowing so much that there was little to no visibility for a good stretch of my drive. I couldn't even see the hood of my own car at times! If another car had veered into my lane, I would never have seen it coming. I was a tad freaked out when I got to class.
Class was short and sweet. He gave all of us who did make it to class extra credit, which he'll add to our exams. I was right - no photography class outside today. He told us to do it over the weekend and bring it next week. Then he sent us home.
The drive home wasn't any better. The visibility was better, but the roads were worse. I couldn't stop at one point and slid into a curb. Again. Second time this winter. I'm sure my alignment is even more jacked up now, which really upsets me. I was pretty ticked off and said several expletives when I rammed into the curb. When I finally made it home, after a split-second of getting stuck while driving into the parking lot, I decided I was not driving anywhere else. Period. Forget going to work and the store. I emailed work and said I just couldn't make it. No one else did, either.
I still wanted to go to the store, though. I really wanted tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. No way was I going to drive, of course, so I thought I'd walk. But that didn't happen. I assessed the weather, assessed the 'fridge and cupboard situation, and then decided I would just be creative with what I do have. Its not like I'm going to be stuck for three or four days - knock on wood!
I spent the rest of the day doing laundry, dorking around on the Internet and working on my theater research project. It was nice to get some things done... and now I don't have to cram so much into my weekend!
The weather did screw up some of our TV channels, much to my and my roommate's dismay. No Channel 7 means no Grey's Anatomy. We're bummed.
I guess I'll go make another cup of tea and figure out what to do until bedtime. We'll see about another snow day tomorrow...
Driving to class this morning was scary. The wind was blowing so hard it was pushing my car and causing it to slide around more than it already does... compact car + worn tires = a slip 'n slide driving experience anytime the roads are even remotely wet - good times. Not only that, but the snow was coming down so hard and blowing so much that there was little to no visibility for a good stretch of my drive. I couldn't even see the hood of my own car at times! If another car had veered into my lane, I would never have seen it coming. I was a tad freaked out when I got to class.
Class was short and sweet. He gave all of us who did make it to class extra credit, which he'll add to our exams. I was right - no photography class outside today. He told us to do it over the weekend and bring it next week. Then he sent us home.
The drive home wasn't any better. The visibility was better, but the roads were worse. I couldn't stop at one point and slid into a curb. Again. Second time this winter. I'm sure my alignment is even more jacked up now, which really upsets me. I was pretty ticked off and said several expletives when I rammed into the curb. When I finally made it home, after a split-second of getting stuck while driving into the parking lot, I decided I was not driving anywhere else. Period. Forget going to work and the store. I emailed work and said I just couldn't make it. No one else did, either.
I still wanted to go to the store, though. I really wanted tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. No way was I going to drive, of course, so I thought I'd walk. But that didn't happen. I assessed the weather, assessed the 'fridge and cupboard situation, and then decided I would just be creative with what I do have. Its not like I'm going to be stuck for three or four days - knock on wood!
I spent the rest of the day doing laundry, dorking around on the Internet and working on my theater research project. It was nice to get some things done... and now I don't have to cram so much into my weekend!
The weather did screw up some of our TV channels, much to my and my roommate's dismay. No Channel 7 means no Grey's Anatomy. We're bummed.
I guess I'll go make another cup of tea and figure out what to do until bedtime. We'll see about another snow day tomorrow...
Spring blizzard
All winter, whenever I complained about the lack of snow, my roommate kept reminding me that we'll probably get it all in March. A dump of snow is very normal in Colorado in March - our spring blizzards.
Yesterday I started hearing forecast rumors that a storm was heading to CO and it would bring snow. I was skeptical (maybe more cynical) at first, but as the day went on I started to allow myself to hope, just a little. You could see the clouds heavy and dark over the mountains as they came east, but that's no guarantee... The crazy wind we've had all winter has always blown any chance of an actual snowfall away!
When I went to bed last night, I peeked outside. Still no snow. The cold air smelled like snow - we'll see, I thought.
When I woke up this morning, I peeked outside again - whiteness everywhere!!!!!
It keeps coming down... My roommate just told me that when she woke up at 4:50 this morning (no idea why), there was no snow on the ground. When I got up at 7:45, there was snow but the grass was still peeking through. Now, at 9:00 am the grass is completely covered, and it's still coming down. One of those annoying emergency alerts just came on the TV stating that the winter storm warning that was in effect for Fort Collins is now changed to a blizzard warning, in place until 6 am tomorrow morning. I won't lie - I'm totally excited!!
I should probably make a trip to the grocery store this morning - I'm low on grub and I have a feeling later this afternoon and evening won't be great travel conditions, especially for my little Honda Civic. My theater design class was supposed to have class outside today, taking pictures (we're in the photography section) - call me crazy, but I don't think we'll be doing that today.
Dare I wish for a snow day tomorrow?!?
Yesterday I started hearing forecast rumors that a storm was heading to CO and it would bring snow. I was skeptical (maybe more cynical) at first, but as the day went on I started to allow myself to hope, just a little. You could see the clouds heavy and dark over the mountains as they came east, but that's no guarantee... The crazy wind we've had all winter has always blown any chance of an actual snowfall away!
When I went to bed last night, I peeked outside. Still no snow. The cold air smelled like snow - we'll see, I thought.
When I woke up this morning, I peeked outside again - whiteness everywhere!!!!!
It keeps coming down... My roommate just told me that when she woke up at 4:50 this morning (no idea why), there was no snow on the ground. When I got up at 7:45, there was snow but the grass was still peeking through. Now, at 9:00 am the grass is completely covered, and it's still coming down. One of those annoying emergency alerts just came on the TV stating that the winter storm warning that was in effect for Fort Collins is now changed to a blizzard warning, in place until 6 am tomorrow morning. I won't lie - I'm totally excited!!
I should probably make a trip to the grocery store this morning - I'm low on grub and I have a feeling later this afternoon and evening won't be great travel conditions, especially for my little Honda Civic. My theater design class was supposed to have class outside today, taking pictures (we're in the photography section) - call me crazy, but I don't think we'll be doing that today.
Dare I wish for a snow day tomorrow?!?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Lights out!
This Saturday, March 28th, is Earth Hour 2009, a global climate awareness event. City officials here in the FoCo announced earlier this week that our city will be participating this year. At 8:30 pm the city and any residents who wish to participate will turn off the lights for one hour. Here's the scoop:
BRIGHT LIGHTS, DARK CITY
The city of Fort Collins announced Monday March 23, that it will be a participating city in Earth Hour 2009, a global climate awareness event. More than 240 cities around the world have already committed to go dark for one hour on Saturday March 28, 2009, at 8:30pm MST. Fort Collins joins tens of millions of people worldwide who unite in a call for global action on climate change.
From Amman to Warsaw, city skylines will go dark for one hour as individuals, businesses, government buildings, schools, and major landmarks turn off non-essential lighting in what is projected to be the largest climate event in history.
During Earth Hour 2008, more than 50 million people in 400 cities on all seven continents turned off their lights as major icons also went dark, such as, the Sydney Opera House, the Coliseum in Rome, Stockholm's Royal Castle, the Empire State Building, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Google participated by turning its homepage black for an entire day to observe the event.
Participating cities in the U.S. include: Fort Collins, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, and Nashville with more signing up everday! For more information please visit Earth Hour.
Kids can visit Earth Hour Kids.
If your little corner of the world isn't participating, that doesn't mean you can't! My roommate and I are going to go downtown to check it out - should be a cool sight to see.
AND!!!!!
My good bloggy friend ...love Maegan out in Cali is hosting a li'l Earth Day Tote Bag Giveaway! [I get five entries just for posting about it, woot woot!!] Check out her very own line of earth-friendly, sassy-phrasey totes at beSMARTbeGREEN... and make your way over to the lovely Maegan's blog to find out how to enter the drawing yourself.
The goods:
Aren't they sweet?!? I have a couple friends in mind who just might receive them as gifts from yours truly... And ever the hip hop luva, I have my eye on the "Check Yo Self before you Wreck Yo Self" tote for myself.
Go Planet Earth!!
BRIGHT LIGHTS, DARK CITY
The city of Fort Collins announced Monday March 23, that it will be a participating city in Earth Hour 2009, a global climate awareness event. More than 240 cities around the world have already committed to go dark for one hour on Saturday March 28, 2009, at 8:30pm MST. Fort Collins joins tens of millions of people worldwide who unite in a call for global action on climate change.
From Amman to Warsaw, city skylines will go dark for one hour as individuals, businesses, government buildings, schools, and major landmarks turn off non-essential lighting in what is projected to be the largest climate event in history.
During Earth Hour 2008, more than 50 million people in 400 cities on all seven continents turned off their lights as major icons also went dark, such as, the Sydney Opera House, the Coliseum in Rome, Stockholm's Royal Castle, the Empire State Building, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Google participated by turning its homepage black for an entire day to observe the event.
Participating cities in the U.S. include: Fort Collins, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, and Nashville with more signing up everday! For more information please visit Earth Hour.
Kids can visit Earth Hour Kids.
If your little corner of the world isn't participating, that doesn't mean you can't! My roommate and I are going to go downtown to check it out - should be a cool sight to see.
AND!!!!!
My good bloggy friend ...love Maegan out in Cali is hosting a li'l Earth Day Tote Bag Giveaway! [I get five entries just for posting about it, woot woot!!] Check out her very own line of earth-friendly, sassy-phrasey totes at beSMARTbeGREEN... and make your way over to the lovely Maegan's blog to find out how to enter the drawing yourself.
The goods:
Aren't they sweet?!? I have a couple friends in mind who just might receive them as gifts from yours truly... And ever the hip hop luva, I have my eye on the "Check Yo Self before you Wreck Yo Self" tote for myself.
Go Planet Earth!!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday notes
Ahhh, the week comes to a close.
The workday flew by, which always makes for a fabulous Friday. And I left at 4 o'clock, making it even better.
I felt better today... lighter, not so bogged down with all the crap that I'm carrying around on my heart and mind, but also more solid, like I had sure footing. I felt less shaky, I guess. Right before lunch during a conversation with a friend, though, I did start to lose my ground - the lump started rising in my throat and I felt close to tears - but my lunch break helped get me back on track.
I spent my lunch hour at the student health center, making an appointment with a counselor. I did the initial assessment, during which I answered a bunch of questions and filled out a bunch of paperwork. My first appointment is next week.
I drove back to work feeling better - it felt good taking that first step toward bringing the happy-go-lucky, excited-about-life Jessi back.
Now I'm home and ready to begin my weekend. I've been craving really good pizza, so I'm going to get myself a slice from Pulcinella's, a local pizzeria which I hear is fabulous and authentic. Then I'll settle in for an episode of What Not to Wear, a little DIY mani-pedi and maybe a glass of wine. Tomorrow I will get down to business!! (I'm trying to keep the I-left-my-schoolwork-til-the-last-minute-again panic at bay...!)
Happy weekend, everyone.
The workday flew by, which always makes for a fabulous Friday. And I left at 4 o'clock, making it even better.
I felt better today... lighter, not so bogged down with all the crap that I'm carrying around on my heart and mind, but also more solid, like I had sure footing. I felt less shaky, I guess. Right before lunch during a conversation with a friend, though, I did start to lose my ground - the lump started rising in my throat and I felt close to tears - but my lunch break helped get me back on track.
I spent my lunch hour at the student health center, making an appointment with a counselor. I did the initial assessment, during which I answered a bunch of questions and filled out a bunch of paperwork. My first appointment is next week.
I drove back to work feeling better - it felt good taking that first step toward bringing the happy-go-lucky, excited-about-life Jessi back.
Now I'm home and ready to begin my weekend. I've been craving really good pizza, so I'm going to get myself a slice from Pulcinella's, a local pizzeria which I hear is fabulous and authentic. Then I'll settle in for an episode of What Not to Wear, a little DIY mani-pedi and maybe a glass of wine. Tomorrow I will get down to business!! (I'm trying to keep the I-left-my-schoolwork-til-the-last-minute-again panic at bay...!)
Happy weekend, everyone.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday notes
I've been sleeping with the window open at night. It creates the perfect sleeping environment: chilly room, warm bed. I sleep hard. Which keeps me hitting that snooze button repeatedly... for more than 45 minutes, typically.
I finally arrived at work at 9:30 am. I managed to not check email every five minutes. That's quite an accomplishment for me. I'm addicted to email. And Twitter. And my blog roll. I love the Internet.
I had lunch with my best friend at City Park. We talked for 2 hours. Typical lunch breaks are 1 hour in length. Oops.
Upon returning to work from the sunny park to my dismal, fluorescent-lit basement office, it dawned on me that my work environment is not doing much to help me fight the blues. Note to self: must take more mini-breaks to walk outside while at work.
Met another friend after work for coffee and chatting. Starbucks has some damn good cinnamon coffee cake, I must say.
Came home, changed into workout gear and commenced to do a variety of crunches, push ups and hip exercises (a la my physical therapist). Did all this while bumpin' the hip hop - what now, loud upstairs neighbors?!?
Cooked dinner. DEE-lish. Red bell pepper stuffed with couscous, feta cheese, toasted almonds, chickpeas and fresh basil and dill. Washed it down with a glass of pinot grigio.
Watched Grey's Anatomy with the roommate, continuing my spring break trend of putting off my research paper. And my theater midterm. What's a girl to do?
Now I'm typing this here blog. Getting sleepy. Glancing over at the bed, the down comforter and the feather pillows, all which beckon me. They win.
I finally arrived at work at 9:30 am. I managed to not check email every five minutes. That's quite an accomplishment for me. I'm addicted to email. And Twitter. And my blog roll. I love the Internet.
I had lunch with my best friend at City Park. We talked for 2 hours. Typical lunch breaks are 1 hour in length. Oops.
Upon returning to work from the sunny park to my dismal, fluorescent-lit basement office, it dawned on me that my work environment is not doing much to help me fight the blues. Note to self: must take more mini-breaks to walk outside while at work.
Met another friend after work for coffee and chatting. Starbucks has some damn good cinnamon coffee cake, I must say.
Came home, changed into workout gear and commenced to do a variety of crunches, push ups and hip exercises (a la my physical therapist). Did all this while bumpin' the hip hop - what now, loud upstairs neighbors?!?
Cooked dinner. DEE-lish. Red bell pepper stuffed with couscous, feta cheese, toasted almonds, chickpeas and fresh basil and dill. Washed it down with a glass of pinot grigio.
Watched Grey's Anatomy with the roommate, continuing my spring break trend of putting off my research paper. And my theater midterm. What's a girl to do?
Now I'm typing this here blog. Getting sleepy. Glancing over at the bed, the down comforter and the feather pillows, all which beckon me. They win.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday notes
The gray of the overcast day matches my mood today... So I'm going to pretend I'm in one of these places...
The warmth of the sun kisses my skin, sinking deep into my bones, and eventually it penetrates down into my heart, filling it with warmth and light. The bright colors cheer me and I am happy. No more sadness, tears or heartbreak.
Someday, someday.
The warmth of the sun kisses my skin, sinking deep into my bones, and eventually it penetrates down into my heart, filling it with warmth and light. The bright colors cheer me and I am happy. No more sadness, tears or heartbreak.
Someday, someday.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday notes
Another ho-hum day at work. I left at 3 o'clock again, this time for a physical therapy appointment (still getting my hip back in working order). I've stated this before, but I adore the PT crew at the CSU health center. I get a sense that they truly care about getting their patients back on the horse... or bike, or soccer field, or ski slope, or dance studio... you get my point... Whereas I've been much less impressed with the medical docs in the joint - several have caused me to question the authenticity of the med school diplomas on their walls.
Anywho.
I came home, did some yoga thinking it would get me centered and focused so I could tackle my research paper... not quite. Instead, a torrent of emotions became unhinged. Once I got myself all bendy, the tears just started flowing. And not an ounce of school work was accomplished.
In a nutshell, I've been having a rough time lately... a very rough time.
I don't want to divulge the details, but if you don't mind sending me some happy thoughts, prayers, or whatever it is that you do, I'd appreciate it. The Big Man upstairs knows the scoop...
Thanks.
And g'nite.
Anywho.
I came home, did some yoga thinking it would get me centered and focused so I could tackle my research paper... not quite. Instead, a torrent of emotions became unhinged. Once I got myself all bendy, the tears just started flowing. And not an ounce of school work was accomplished.
In a nutshell, I've been having a rough time lately... a very rough time.
I don't want to divulge the details, but if you don't mind sending me some happy thoughts, prayers, or whatever it is that you do, I'd appreciate it. The Big Man upstairs knows the scoop...
Thanks.
And g'nite.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday notes
Today was kinda ho-hum, until evening time. I worked most the day, then left around 3 o'clock to get a massage. That was my post-dance-midterms-and-hip-hop-performance treat to myself. It was so wonderful I fell asleep! Total relaxation.
It's nice to get some extra hours in during breaks, but good grief I hate sitting around all day. I left work in a zombie-like fog (I think I've complained about this in previous posts... sorry to be redundant, but I'm just not cut-out for an all-day desk job). I was glad the evening entailed some dancin' because I needed to get the blood flowin'!
Tonight my swing troupe organized a taping of the shim sham, which is a traditional jazz line dance done way back in the big band days, which we'll submit to the Frankie95 crew, in hopes that we'll make it into the compilation video.
Okay, let me back up and explain a few things... first, Frankie95 is the name of a big swing, jazz and Lindy Hop dance event that's going to take place in New York City in May. It's to celebrate the 95th birthday of Frankie Manning, one of the Lindy Hop pioneers from the 1930's. Mr. Manning is still alive and swingin' at 95! He is one of my dance heroes - talk about inspiring. Anyway, the organizers of the event deemed tonight a global shim sham night, and they put out a call to any and all swing communities to tape themselves doing the shim sham and send it in. The organizers will then put together a compilation video and premier it at the event.
My swing crew decided to play along. We (well, I didn't participate in the planning, but I was one of the actors/dancers) did this "restaurant" scene where some of us were sitting at cafe tables, and suddenly we pushed the tables and chairs aside, all the other dancers flooded into the room, and we all started dancing. Then we broke out into the shim sham! It was quite fun. Everyone who normally comes out to our Monday swing nights was there. We emailed the scene ahead of time to let them know that tonight was a vintage theme, so come dressed in your old-school duds. We did about three takes. It was a good time!
It was fun getting all prettied up vintage 40's style. I haven't donned my faux pearls, high-waisted skirt and hair rolls for awhile. I stayed for a bit after the taping to just dance, too... I miss just dancing. [There are definitely things I don't miss about the scene, though, but that's a another blog for another day...]
Anywho... as soon as the "directors" of the music video finish editing and such, they'll post it on our website and YouTube. I'll be sure to post a link to the shim sham shenanigans here, too.
Now I must finish putting away the mound of vintage clothes piled upon my bed so I can go to bed (I could not decide what to wear!), and the bathroom is a mess of makeup, hot rollers, and bobby pins (vintage hair and makeup is quite labor-intensive), so I'm signing off. G'nite!
It's nice to get some extra hours in during breaks, but good grief I hate sitting around all day. I left work in a zombie-like fog (I think I've complained about this in previous posts... sorry to be redundant, but I'm just not cut-out for an all-day desk job). I was glad the evening entailed some dancin' because I needed to get the blood flowin'!
Tonight my swing troupe organized a taping of the shim sham, which is a traditional jazz line dance done way back in the big band days, which we'll submit to the Frankie95 crew, in hopes that we'll make it into the compilation video.
Okay, let me back up and explain a few things... first, Frankie95 is the name of a big swing, jazz and Lindy Hop dance event that's going to take place in New York City in May. It's to celebrate the 95th birthday of Frankie Manning, one of the Lindy Hop pioneers from the 1930's. Mr. Manning is still alive and swingin' at 95! He is one of my dance heroes - talk about inspiring. Anyway, the organizers of the event deemed tonight a global shim sham night, and they put out a call to any and all swing communities to tape themselves doing the shim sham and send it in. The organizers will then put together a compilation video and premier it at the event.
My swing crew decided to play along. We (well, I didn't participate in the planning, but I was one of the actors/dancers) did this "restaurant" scene where some of us were sitting at cafe tables, and suddenly we pushed the tables and chairs aside, all the other dancers flooded into the room, and we all started dancing. Then we broke out into the shim sham! It was quite fun. Everyone who normally comes out to our Monday swing nights was there. We emailed the scene ahead of time to let them know that tonight was a vintage theme, so come dressed in your old-school duds. We did about three takes. It was a good time!
It was fun getting all prettied up vintage 40's style. I haven't donned my faux pearls, high-waisted skirt and hair rolls for awhile. I stayed for a bit after the taping to just dance, too... I miss just dancing. [There are definitely things I don't miss about the scene, though, but that's a another blog for another day...]
Anywho... as soon as the "directors" of the music video finish editing and such, they'll post it on our website and YouTube. I'll be sure to post a link to the shim sham shenanigans here, too.
Now I must finish putting away the mound of vintage clothes piled upon my bed so I can go to bed (I could not decide what to wear!), and the bathroom is a mess of makeup, hot rollers, and bobby pins (vintage hair and makeup is quite labor-intensive), so I'm signing off. G'nite!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Lazy Sunday
Today was a lazy Sunday. I decided after a busy (and emotional) week of school, work, and the hip hop performances, I deserved a day off. Completely off from schedules and running around. My roommate left yesterday to go home for a few days, so I have the apartment to myself. Anything I did today I did as it came to me. My day's activities included:
Church
A nap
Taking out the trash and recycling
Talking on the phone
A trip to the grocery store
Washing dishes
Cooking dinner
Watching TV
Reading my April issue of Glamour
[I realize that washing dishes, a grocery trip and cooking dinner is technically work, but these are things I struggle to squeeze into my normal schedule... and I miss cooking!!]
It was a good way to kick of my Spring Break week. Not that I have the week off completely... I will still go to work and I have several school projects to do... but a break from the regular schedule is much appreciated to rest and recharge. I wouldn't allow even a smidgen of guilt about lounging around most the day to seep in!
[I even have a massage scheduled for tomorrow.]
Happy Lazy Sunday, everyone!
Church
A nap
Taking out the trash and recycling
Talking on the phone
A trip to the grocery store
Washing dishes
Cooking dinner
Watching TV
Reading my April issue of Glamour
[I realize that washing dishes, a grocery trip and cooking dinner is technically work, but these are things I struggle to squeeze into my normal schedule... and I miss cooking!!]
It was a good way to kick of my Spring Break week. Not that I have the week off completely... I will still go to work and I have several school projects to do... but a break from the regular schedule is much appreciated to rest and recharge. I wouldn't allow even a smidgen of guilt about lounging around most the day to seep in!
[I even have a massage scheduled for tomorrow.]
Happy Lazy Sunday, everyone!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Too... tired... to... type...
Got home a little while ago from the hip hop show in Denver... it was rad, and I want to blog about it, but I'm uber-tired... and sore... so I will be back tomorrow with the low down...
Can't...
focus...
G'nite!
Can't...
focus...
G'nite!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Peace out, Monday!
I tried staying positive. I really did.
I got home from work and all I could think about was a nap, even though there were several other things to do. I told myself I would just do a 15-minute power nap and then get down to business. An hour and a half later I woke up confused and disoriented. The clock read 6:36 and I couldn't figure out if it was morning or night. Then it hit me that I had to be at rehearsal an hour later. By the time I shook the fog and got myself together it was 7:00. I needed dinner and quick. I have no food beyond cereal, yogurt and frozen waffles because I haven't had time for a grocery trip recently. All I wanted for dinner was mac 'n cheese from Noodles. I ate cereal.
Rehearsal sucked. Everyone was tired, including me, so the energy was flat. I could not, for the life of me, convey to my dancers what I wanted them to do. My hip is still killing me so I couldn't demonstrate what I wanted. They were frustrated, I was frustrated... I felt like the world's worst choreographer and that I should just quit.
I get home and I get an email from my best friend asking if I'm mad at her, which totally confused me... I have no idea why she thought that, but apparently I can't communicate for crap today.
I just want to cry. Again. And I think I will.
Seriously, Monday, could you get any worse?!? Before you have a chance to dump anything else on me, I'm taking a bunch of ibuprofen and diving under my comforter. Suck it, Monday, I'm out.
I got home from work and all I could think about was a nap, even though there were several other things to do. I told myself I would just do a 15-minute power nap and then get down to business. An hour and a half later I woke up confused and disoriented. The clock read 6:36 and I couldn't figure out if it was morning or night. Then it hit me that I had to be at rehearsal an hour later. By the time I shook the fog and got myself together it was 7:00. I needed dinner and quick. I have no food beyond cereal, yogurt and frozen waffles because I haven't had time for a grocery trip recently. All I wanted for dinner was mac 'n cheese from Noodles. I ate cereal.
Rehearsal sucked. Everyone was tired, including me, so the energy was flat. I could not, for the life of me, convey to my dancers what I wanted them to do. My hip is still killing me so I couldn't demonstrate what I wanted. They were frustrated, I was frustrated... I felt like the world's worst choreographer and that I should just quit.
I get home and I get an email from my best friend asking if I'm mad at her, which totally confused me... I have no idea why she thought that, but apparently I can't communicate for crap today.
I just want to cry. Again. And I think I will.
Seriously, Monday, could you get any worse?!? Before you have a chance to dump anything else on me, I'm taking a bunch of ibuprofen and diving under my comforter. Suck it, Monday, I'm out.
Out of sorts
Wow, I don't feel like myself at all today. I'm very tired, my hip is killing me and I'm an emotional basket case. I've had to fight back tears several times so far...
The first time was in my modern class this morning. Today was our midterm and I was not on my game, even though I've been jazzed and ready for this midterm - modern is my best class! I love this class and the movement we've been working on feels so good in my body. I really feel like I've made good progress this semester! But I fell to pieces during the first exercise.
Its all because of my left hip. My left side has always been less flexible than my right, but for the last week or so its really been bothering me. Let's see if I can explain it... you know that "catching" sensation you feel in a joint when it needs to pop, and then the release when it does? I have that sensation in my hip, but it never pops or releases, and trying to pop it or stretch it just freakin' hurts. Today it hurt like nobody's business and I knew it was bad when the hip flexor kept having spasms and then gave out on me a couple times, almost causing me to fall. That's when I felt the lump rise in my throat and I just wanted to cry. I hate being broken. I hate, hate, HATE it.
I called my physical therapist's office and thankfully they had an opening right after lunch. I love the PT department in the student health center. They're the only department worth anything there. I'm supposed to go back on Wednesday for a follow-up. In the meantime its all about the ibuprofen, ice, stretching the right side to balance things out, and being easy on the left in my classes and rehearsals. Roger that.
The second crying incident happened when I got home from the PT's office to grab some lunch before coming to work. It was over something stupid, but I took it personally and with already feeling beat up, I just couldn't deal. I jumped online to check email really quick and noticed that a friend was on Skype, so I started a chat to say hello, but with the intention to be quick. But I got zero response and then he logged off sans acknowledgment. Fine, I didn't want to talk to you anyway, *hmph*. My eyes welled up with tears AGAIN. And I continued to fight them all the way to work. I'm so freakin' emotional I feel like I'm having PMS! And its not the right time for that at all. Totally ridiculous.
I wonder when the next crying episode will be?? [She says with sarcasm.]
I guess I just have to chalk up this day as "just one of those days". And that sucks because I have many, many hours to go and things to do before I can get into my jammies and crawl into bed. Oh well. Maybe if I just lay my head down on my desk and close my eyes, just for five minutes... *sigh*...
The first time was in my modern class this morning. Today was our midterm and I was not on my game, even though I've been jazzed and ready for this midterm - modern is my best class! I love this class and the movement we've been working on feels so good in my body. I really feel like I've made good progress this semester! But I fell to pieces during the first exercise.
Its all because of my left hip. My left side has always been less flexible than my right, but for the last week or so its really been bothering me. Let's see if I can explain it... you know that "catching" sensation you feel in a joint when it needs to pop, and then the release when it does? I have that sensation in my hip, but it never pops or releases, and trying to pop it or stretch it just freakin' hurts. Today it hurt like nobody's business and I knew it was bad when the hip flexor kept having spasms and then gave out on me a couple times, almost causing me to fall. That's when I felt the lump rise in my throat and I just wanted to cry. I hate being broken. I hate, hate, HATE it.
I called my physical therapist's office and thankfully they had an opening right after lunch. I love the PT department in the student health center. They're the only department worth anything there. I'm supposed to go back on Wednesday for a follow-up. In the meantime its all about the ibuprofen, ice, stretching the right side to balance things out, and being easy on the left in my classes and rehearsals. Roger that.
The second crying incident happened when I got home from the PT's office to grab some lunch before coming to work. It was over something stupid, but I took it personally and with already feeling beat up, I just couldn't deal. I jumped online to check email really quick and noticed that a friend was on Skype, so I started a chat to say hello, but with the intention to be quick. But I got zero response and then he logged off sans acknowledgment. Fine, I didn't want to talk to you anyway, *hmph*. My eyes welled up with tears AGAIN. And I continued to fight them all the way to work. I'm so freakin' emotional I feel like I'm having PMS! And its not the right time for that at all. Totally ridiculous.
I wonder when the next crying episode will be?? [She says with sarcasm.]
I guess I just have to chalk up this day as "just one of those days". And that sucks because I have many, many hours to go and things to do before I can get into my jammies and crawl into bed. Oh well. Maybe if I just lay my head down on my desk and close my eyes, just for five minutes... *sigh*...
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Men in tights, and other dance notes
Lots of dancing these days. Yes, I dance on a daily basis, but there are a few extras as of late...
Last Friday was all about the ballet. ABT II made a stop in Fort Collins and the company taught a master class at CSU during the day. In the evening they performed at the Lincoln Center. I was nervous for the class because, well, it's ABT II and these dancers are just one step away from dancing in the principal company, ABT. In a nutshell, the class was fun, ass-kicking, and completely humbling. It was a reminder of how much more I need to learn, how much harder I should and can work, and how little I should eat. KIDDING on that last one. But seriously, those girls were rails. It blew my mind! I'm thin and I know that I don't need to be losing any weight, but those girls made me feel bad about myself and I questioned everything I was about to eat the rest of that day. I thought I was immune to that kind of thinking, as I have a very healthy appetite and am not ashamed of it nor do I ever deny it, but apparently being around almost inhuman ballerinas can mess with my head, too. Geez louis.
[Note: I have since stopped feeling guilty about eating, and have resumed my regular every-three-hour meal schedule.]
And what about men in tights? WELL. The men in the company were unreal. Their legs and bums were strong, toned and simply delicious. Let's just say that several of us gals were perfectly content to sit on the sides while the men leaped and jumped and turned across the floor in their tights, amazing muscles bulging. Mm-hmm.
So that was my Friday. Good times.
Switching gears from ballet to hip hop... tonight was hip hop rehearsal, and the crew is getting ready for a show which will be this next weekend. The routine gives me a good whoopin', but I love it. I do a little capoeira and the rest is b-girlin'. Now, a disclaimer must be inserted here: I very much consider myself a b-girl-in-training. I don't have the skills yet to rightfully label myself a bonafide b-girl. I still have so much to learn. And maybe I'll always consider myself a b-girl-in-training, but that's a-okay. I'm also nervous for our show, as there will be other hip hop crews there, most of whom are very experienced and the hip hop culture is a tough crowd. The crew I dance with will be the youngest as far as experience goes... BUT, that said, I'm totally excited and I think we'll hold our own. M.o.Funk represent!
Last but not least, I have my modern midterm tomorrow morning. I'm feeling good about it, so no worries there.
Well, that's all the dance news for now. Stay tuned for more up-to-the-minute updates...
Last Friday was all about the ballet. ABT II made a stop in Fort Collins and the company taught a master class at CSU during the day. In the evening they performed at the Lincoln Center. I was nervous for the class because, well, it's ABT II and these dancers are just one step away from dancing in the principal company, ABT. In a nutshell, the class was fun, ass-kicking, and completely humbling. It was a reminder of how much more I need to learn, how much harder I should and can work, and how little I should eat. KIDDING on that last one. But seriously, those girls were rails. It blew my mind! I'm thin and I know that I don't need to be losing any weight, but those girls made me feel bad about myself and I questioned everything I was about to eat the rest of that day. I thought I was immune to that kind of thinking, as I have a very healthy appetite and am not ashamed of it nor do I ever deny it, but apparently being around almost inhuman ballerinas can mess with my head, too. Geez louis.
[Note: I have since stopped feeling guilty about eating, and have resumed my regular every-three-hour meal schedule.]
And what about men in tights? WELL. The men in the company were unreal. Their legs and bums were strong, toned and simply delicious. Let's just say that several of us gals were perfectly content to sit on the sides while the men leaped and jumped and turned across the floor in their tights, amazing muscles bulging. Mm-hmm.
So that was my Friday. Good times.
Switching gears from ballet to hip hop... tonight was hip hop rehearsal, and the crew is getting ready for a show which will be this next weekend. The routine gives me a good whoopin', but I love it. I do a little capoeira and the rest is b-girlin'. Now, a disclaimer must be inserted here: I very much consider myself a b-girl-in-training. I don't have the skills yet to rightfully label myself a bonafide b-girl. I still have so much to learn. And maybe I'll always consider myself a b-girl-in-training, but that's a-okay. I'm also nervous for our show, as there will be other hip hop crews there, most of whom are very experienced and the hip hop culture is a tough crowd. The crew I dance with will be the youngest as far as experience goes... BUT, that said, I'm totally excited and I think we'll hold our own. M.o.Funk represent!
Last but not least, I have my modern midterm tomorrow morning. I'm feeling good about it, so no worries there.
Well, that's all the dance news for now. Stay tuned for more up-to-the-minute updates...
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Salted caramels!
So, just as I'm finishing up that last post, my roommate calls to tell me that she is bringing me a surprise... one that is sweet AND salty, one of my favorite combos. And she walks in with salted caramels from a local ice creams shop downtown!! Move aside, nutty bars!
How ironic. As I wrote that last post I was feeling sorry for myself and thinking, "Man, I wish I had a boyfriend or hubby who loved me despite the fact that I'm the polar opposite of sexy right now and would bring me sweets to help me feel better!" And then my roommate brought me salted caramels!
She's so thoughtful. It was touching.
A little serendipity.
How ironic. As I wrote that last post I was feeling sorry for myself and thinking, "Man, I wish I had a boyfriend or hubby who loved me despite the fact that I'm the polar opposite of sexy right now and would bring me sweets to help me feel better!" And then my roommate brought me salted caramels!
She's so thoughtful. It was touching.
A little serendipity.
Random thoughts, influenced by Aunt Flo
Well, two midterms down, two to go.
Ballet went fine, I think - in fact, Professor J complimented me for the second time (!!) this week on how well I'm doing in ballet. Yes, this is the professor I called the devil two weeks ago. I'm not sure what's going on, but she's been positive and encouraging lately. More on that in a future post. And the universe must have heard my pleas for mercy, because I didn't get hit with Aunt Flo symptoms until 4:00 this afternoon. That's totally out of the ordinary because I usually wake up with them.
[Side note to my male readers: sorry for all the Aunt Flo references, fellas. But it's a fact o' life and it really messes up my groove, so I must vent.]
The dance history midterm was fine, too. I think. But you know, the midterms are done and considering how totally crappy I feel right now, I don't care anymore. All I care about right now is ice cream, Girl Scout cookies and Nutty Bars, none of which I have in the apartment, but won't go out and get. I'm in my sweats, I feel the polar opposite of sexy, so I'm not going anywhere. Instead I will try to ignore my stupid hormonal cravings...
So to my random list I promised two nights ago...
But now I don't want to write about those things. At least not in detail. So I will compromise and do this news clip style... I need a massage, but don't want to spend the money, so I will settle for rolling around on my foam roller and tennis balls. Not as satisfying or relaxing, but effective enough. ** I keep getting emails from Travelocity about how cheap it would be for me to fly Boston right now, which is driving me NUTS because it's just a constant reminder of someone I miss who moved from Colorado to Beantown not too long ago. Please rub it in more, Travelocity, thanks. ** The weather has been insanely warm the last few days, causing me to shed winter layers and slowly expose my pale skin. Emphasis on the pale. I refuse to fake-bake, so it will remain pale until spring and summer provide outdoor activities that will allow me to get some color the natural way. In the meantime I get to glow white next to the gals who cook themselves in tanning beds. Self-tanning lotion only works so well, depending on how orange you want to look. ** I might have to start my daily Claritin D regimen much sooner than usual, again thanks to the warm temps and LACK OF SNOW this winter. But I'm not bitter. ** And last but not least, school... well, I already talked about the first round of midterms, so that's enough about that for now.
Wow, that's a rant-in-a-half. Sorry for the slightly sarcastic tone, ya'll. Aunt Flo does crazy things to a gal. And now I must return to the couch, dreaming of Girl Scout cookies and ice cream...
Ballet went fine, I think - in fact, Professor J complimented me for the second time (!!) this week on how well I'm doing in ballet. Yes, this is the professor I called the devil two weeks ago. I'm not sure what's going on, but she's been positive and encouraging lately. More on that in a future post. And the universe must have heard my pleas for mercy, because I didn't get hit with Aunt Flo symptoms until 4:00 this afternoon. That's totally out of the ordinary because I usually wake up with them.
[Side note to my male readers: sorry for all the Aunt Flo references, fellas. But it's a fact o' life and it really messes up my groove, so I must vent.]
The dance history midterm was fine, too. I think. But you know, the midterms are done and considering how totally crappy I feel right now, I don't care anymore. All I care about right now is ice cream, Girl Scout cookies and Nutty Bars, none of which I have in the apartment, but won't go out and get. I'm in my sweats, I feel the polar opposite of sexy, so I'm not going anywhere. Instead I will try to ignore my stupid hormonal cravings...
So to my random list I promised two nights ago...
But now I don't want to write about those things. At least not in detail. So I will compromise and do this news clip style... I need a massage, but don't want to spend the money, so I will settle for rolling around on my foam roller and tennis balls. Not as satisfying or relaxing, but effective enough. ** I keep getting emails from Travelocity about how cheap it would be for me to fly Boston right now, which is driving me NUTS because it's just a constant reminder of someone I miss who moved from Colorado to Beantown not too long ago. Please rub it in more, Travelocity, thanks. ** The weather has been insanely warm the last few days, causing me to shed winter layers and slowly expose my pale skin. Emphasis on the pale. I refuse to fake-bake, so it will remain pale until spring and summer provide outdoor activities that will allow me to get some color the natural way. In the meantime I get to glow white next to the gals who cook themselves in tanning beds. Self-tanning lotion only works so well, depending on how orange you want to look. ** I might have to start my daily Claritin D regimen much sooner than usual, again thanks to the warm temps and LACK OF SNOW this winter. But I'm not bitter. ** And last but not least, school... well, I already talked about the first round of midterms, so that's enough about that for now.
Wow, that's a rant-in-a-half. Sorry for the slightly sarcastic tone, ya'll. Aunt Flo does crazy things to a gal. And now I must return to the couch, dreaming of Girl Scout cookies and ice cream...
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
What happened to Tuesday?!
Well, no long post after all... I have to put it off one more day. Tuesdays are usually my least hectic weekdays, but somehow that wasn't the case today. Could have to do with my first two midterms tomorrow...?
Of course, Murphy's Law would have it that Aunt Flo arrives the day before my ballet midterm. My Aunt's visit doesn't just bring me basic cramps and crankiness... no no, I get to enjoy dizziness, no stamina, and the loss of balance, coordination and flexibility. Always a good time in classes and rehearsals. BUT, tonight's rehearsal went unexpectedly well - very well, actually - so hopefully the dance gods will have mercy upon me between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. tomorrow. Wish me luck! (But NOT "break a leg"... you only say that to actors... BAD LUCK for dancers!)
So for now, I bid you adieu and goodnight. I still need to shower, give my muscles their nightly rub down, and finish studying for my dance history midterm (also tomorrow).
Wheeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
Of course, Murphy's Law would have it that Aunt Flo arrives the day before my ballet midterm. My Aunt's visit doesn't just bring me basic cramps and crankiness... no no, I get to enjoy dizziness, no stamina, and the loss of balance, coordination and flexibility. Always a good time in classes and rehearsals. BUT, tonight's rehearsal went unexpectedly well - very well, actually - so hopefully the dance gods will have mercy upon me between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. tomorrow. Wish me luck! (But NOT "break a leg"... you only say that to actors... BAD LUCK for dancers!)
So for now, I bid you adieu and goodnight. I still need to shower, give my muscles their nightly rub down, and finish studying for my dance history midterm (also tomorrow).
Wheeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
A little teaser
I wanted to come home from rehearsal tonight and post an update of my life in college-dance-student-land, but as usual, I'm beat and can barely see straight. So a little teaser list of things I will post about tomorrow (this list has been in the works since last Wednesday, btw)...
[Warning! The list is rather random.]
Massage
Necessary for taking care of a dancer's body, but not utilized enough for several reasons.
Boston
Beantown keeps popping up to my attention left and right these days, and its driving me a little batty.
Allergies
They're attacking early this year, thanks to the scant precipitation we've had this winter. Gee, thanks, Mother Nature.
Golden skin
I'm kinda jonesin' for a little color since the weather has been warm enough to wear tees and capris, but this is always challenging since A) I don't do tanning beds, and B) I have naturally fair skin.
Midterms and other dance biz
Lots to do this week and next... my rpm's are starting to spin at stressful levels!
I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of for now in my tired state. And for those of you who gave me fabulous suggestions for future posts, never fear! I haven't forgotten and will get to those soon. (Hopefully this week.)
Stay tuned for further details on the aforementioned topics...
[Warning! The list is rather random.]
Massage
Necessary for taking care of a dancer's body, but not utilized enough for several reasons.
Boston
Beantown keeps popping up to my attention left and right these days, and its driving me a little batty.
Allergies
They're attacking early this year, thanks to the scant precipitation we've had this winter. Gee, thanks, Mother Nature.
Golden skin
I'm kinda jonesin' for a little color since the weather has been warm enough to wear tees and capris, but this is always challenging since A) I don't do tanning beds, and B) I have naturally fair skin.
Midterms and other dance biz
Lots to do this week and next... my rpm's are starting to spin at stressful levels!
I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of for now in my tired state. And for those of you who gave me fabulous suggestions for future posts, never fear! I haven't forgotten and will get to those soon. (Hopefully this week.)
Stay tuned for further details on the aforementioned topics...
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