Been a while

It's been a while since we posted here. We had a very healthy baby in April (YAY!!). I had to be induced though. After all the trouble to keep him in there, he decided to stay in there. I had some excess fluid so I can't really fault him for not wanting to give up the Olympic sized (for him) swimming pool.

We're starting to figure out a routine, albeit very slowly. The main one we've figured out is he eats every 3 hours or so. Other than that, it's all open ended.

I've started getting more active again. I've started going back to the gym this week and today walked about 3.5 miles with him. I wanted to go to dance class, however the walk totally wasted me. I'm going to try for class tomorrow. I'm not technically cleared for exercise, but I figure as long as I listen to my body and not push I'll be fine.

Hard to believe he's almost a month old. While the day to day seems to blur together, when you sit back and look at it, you really see how time is flying.

Where does the time go?

Things have been extremely busy on the homefront lately. The first is we bought a new grill, but as it's Geek's toy, I'll let him talk about it on here.

One of the biggest things here in recent weeks is it's time to go back for the Green Card. His was a conditional, so we have to go back and get that conditional status removed. We've spent time gathering up the assorted paperwork we need, and now it's in the hands of the lawyer. We'll keep everyone posted.

Another big thing is that I'm finally ready to let go of a bunch of dead weight from my past. And I mean that literally. I have a TON of old paperwork and general crap from my previous marriage that I really don't need. We kept everything, old statements, old bus passes, you name it. There were 3 large paper sacks and a crate with 4 trashbags and the rest just dropped in the crate. I didn't want to kill my shredder shredding all this, so I did the next best thing. I'm burning it. There's too much sensitive info that I didn't want to just dump the stuff in the garbage (I certainly don't want my identity stolen, and I'm going to assume he doesn't either). There was a couple of bits in there that are still relevant and didn't get destroyed, but I've made a fair dent in this. I've still got two bin bags from the crate and all the paperwork that was dumped in the crate to burn, but overall it's gone very well. Hopefully this weekend won't be so windy and we can light up the rest of it.

On the dance front it's been both good and bad. I've got some shows coming up (good), the classes I'm teaching seem to be going really well (good), and the class I'm taking is going pretty good (good, will get back to that one). The bad bit is that I had to drop out from the retreat this year. I was really bummed about it, but it would run me close to a grand again and I just can't justify it. We are really making a concerted effort to reign in some of the debt, and the money I would spend on the retreat could make a nice dent in the debt. So I really couldn't justify it. I'm sad though because I love seeing the people there, and last year I got so much out of it. I know I would've this year too. Oh well, now to save up for next year. :)

Tribal is going really well. I was taking the 2a class privately as I couldn't make Wednesdays. We were tested to see if we were ready for Tribal 3. I honestly didn't think my test went that well. I couldn't hear her call the moves. Partially because I'm still having ear problems and it's affecting my hearing and partially because when I dance I kinda lose myself in the movements and music, so having to listen for the next call was a bit challenging. But I must've done well enough as I passed. :) I don't believe she passed me out of kindness, but that all three of us did deserve to move on. There were two other ladies who tested and also passed. The did an excellent job. I'm really excited about Tribal 3 and learning combos and really dancing as more of a "troupe" than a class.

First week of teaching

This was my first week of teaching two classes. The first class yesterday was really good. There was one new person in there so I tried to spend a bit of time with her. The other teacher was there and once again was having a blast. I like the other teacher. She is so passionate about bellydance and it's contagious. Tonight I was on my own with two new women and the three regulars. The newbies were so cute! They were so excited that I had hip scarves and veils for them to use. I also had enough candles for myself and the two new girls and one girl who forgot hers. The other regulars had theirs so we could play with some props. It was a huge amount of fun.

For the last few minutes I worked with the new girls and let the regulars have some free dance time. I didn't want the new folks to feel left out or lost. That feeling sucks. I've been there. They left very excited and they can't wait til next week. THAT really made me happy. :)

Unfortunately I'll be in Vancouver next week, so no teaching for two weeks. I hope to have some time to practice while up in CA and Portland. :)

It was a good night.

Weekend so far

Friday night was my performance for the Gala for Michael Baxter, who is a well-known bellydance photographer. It wasn't my best performance (you can see it here under the Videos section. It was tough to go straight from work and go into Dancer mode. Up until Friday, I'd either been immersed in dance (either in the retreat or workshops) or had the day to chill. That was really, really tough. It was also the first time I was really with high-caliber dancers not in a class setting. These folks I'd never met before, nor was it in a teaching session. Still, while not my best, it wasn't my worst either.

Saturday I had to work. I wanted to have some time to prep for today, but sadly that didn't happen. I was pretty down about work and it sucking my life away, but after talking to my Geek I felt much better about things. Thanks, hon.

I got a very early night on Saturday night, as I had to be up at 4:30 today for the photoshoot. Ok, I have to say this up-front. First, I have a whole new respect for models, like Tyra Banks, and second, all the hours spent watching America's Next Top Model came in damned handy!! When they went through the facial expressions and the vowels, I actually got it.

It was a blast! I had the best time doing the shoot. Michael was extremely patient and easy to work with (and when he discovered I was also a geek, he had a whole new level of respect for me. He's also an editor for Linux magazine, among other geek endeavors.) Aazura was also wonderful. They complemented me on how quick I picked up and how well I responded to direction. I know there were some great shots and I can't wait to get the DVD of he photos.

We went and saw Elizabeth tonight. It was awesome!! I'm so happy I saw it in the cinema. I saw the first one in the cinema and wanted to keep the tradition. We're thinking of going to see Nightmare Before Christmas later.

Deifinitely a lovely weekend.

Now in Rancho Cordova

Back on the road again. It's been incredibly busy at casa des Dancer et Geek. After the Rochester trip, we took a nice long weekend up in Vermont. Now this had two roles. There was a dance workshop on the Saturday and Sunday that I wanted to attend, and it was our anniversary weekend. I decided we should make a trip of it, and looked for pet friendly places so we could take the puggies. D graciously took care of the bun bun for us.

It was such a nice time. We got to decompress a bit, chill out and relax for a few days. We not only got to have the puppies, but there was a kitchenette too so I didn't have to stress food. We still went out for an anniversary meal. We went to the New England Culinary Institute's teaching restaurant there. Come on, admit it, you would've too. To see the faces of the students with my allergy list?? :D

The meal was beautiful. They did a great job, but also kept the allergy card for future training/teaching.

We went to the Green Mountain visitor center which was like going to Mecca for me. LOVED LOVED LOVED it. Lost of interesting displays and things to see. And yes, lots to buy. We bought some shirts, some coffee, and believe me, I could've spent a whole lot more there. I want a job there as a coffee taster/sourcer. :)

The workshop was really good, though very tiring. Between being laid up and traveling, I haven't been able to practice as much as I would like, and I was rusty. Also wore out very quickly - it was only a 5 hour class, with an hour break! I also performed that night. It was a public performance, and I have to say, it went really well. I didn't so much forget my routine as I had "mechanical issues" (started to get tangled up in the veil) so I swirled it and let it glide off my back. Geek said for all the world it looked planned. :D Hopefully Geek will get the pics up soon

The Sunday class was also 4 hours. Not quite as much fun. When I heard "choreography class" I thought the meaning was "here's some tips on creating a choreography". Nope. It was "Here's a new dance I've created, let's learn it together!" It's a good piece, but not entirely my style. Still, there was some new steps in there I didn't know and I can sort of see where she was going with it. I could see adapting it maybe, or just playing with it at home just for the practice in turns and barrel turns.

Also on the dance front, I have *another* public performance on the 26th of October up in Arlington. It's a gala show for Michael Baxter, who is a renown bellydance photographer. I'm going to be doing a shoot with him on Sunday for a couple of hours to get some professional posed shots, and he will also be taking pictures of the show, so I'll also have professional performance photos. I'm pretty excited about this. If anyone wants to come see me (and other dancers) shoot me an email or message and I can get you the specifics.

Now, as to why I'm in Rancho Cordova, I'm doing another presentation. It's to a government/public sector group I believe. I'm not sure who all my audience will be, but hopefully it will be a good crowd. I'm pretty confident in this particular presentation, as it's one of the "template" ones we use, and add/subtract to tailor to the crowd. It's another "quick" trip, I got in today and leave tomorrow right after the presentation. I don't usually mind these quick ones, but I sometimes wonder if they are worth the money it costs to send me out here.

On a side note, I forgot my GPS, so I had to rent a car with one. I gots a Ford Mustang! Yes, my tits just grew several cup sizes. So not only do I get to be here on a short trip, I get to pretend to have a mid-life crisis by driving in a red mustang.

When I get back tomorrow, there will be a lovely houseguest waiting for me. Our friend Janice is coming to see us!! It's been way too long. I really can't wait and am seriously looking forward to seeing her again and catching up.

I suppose I should consider getting some stuff done before bed here. Like set up my wake up call. ;) And clear off the bed of my stuff so I can sleep. At least I did remember to bring food, and they had a mini fridge all set up. BTW Geek, I wasn't so much hungry as thirsty I found out. Half a liter of water later, I feel much more human.

I DID IT!

I had my first ever public performance tonight. It went pretty well. I forgot all of my choreography as soon as I walked out there, but just went with the music, smiled, and played with the crowd. I know I was the only one to use the whole stage and try to involve the audience and make them care. I didn't fall on my ass and the applause was more than the polite patter, so I must've done something right.

I'm just glad I got that first one out of the way. Geek was great!! He came along with me and took tons of pics of all the dancers. He was really great to have there for the moral support.

Mundane update

Obviously, I'm back from Vienna. The flights back were fairly uneventful, and being in the middle of the plane meant I didn't get as sick as I did going over. This week has been mostly playing catch-up at work.

I started a new Wednesday class, which I went to last night. However, life has intervened and I'm going to miss 3 of the 6. :( I'm going to miss 4 of my other class sessions. Work has suddenly exploded with speaking trips, both for me and my boss. We're going to spend most of October out of the office.

Next week, I'm in Rochester NY, then I get back for a few days, then we're taking a trip to Vermont for a dance workshop/anniversary outing. I get back for a day, then I'm in Rancho Cordova for a few days, then I'm back then off to Atlanta for two days. My frequent flyer card is certainly getting a workout. :)

November is looking busy on the dance front. I've got a couple of shows I'm going to, and there's rumors of a BellyDance Superstars workshop being offered that I'd like to go to. Hopefully work will be a bit more quiet. :)

Master class - they weren't kidding!!

Tonight I had a class with the person making my costume. She was offering a Master Udulation class. (think wavy dance moves) Holy crap!! I knew none of what she was showing. I felt very out of my league, but I soldiered on and tried to do the best I could. I also tried to absorb as much as possible. I tried to write down everything I could remember so I can keep trying to learn to do these moves. There were so many people too. At least 30 people, mostly young women, but there were a few people who were my age or a bit older.

It made it worthwhile when someone came up to me after and told me how beautifully I moved. I thought I sucked and everyone else was doing amazing!! :D

The studio was gorgeous. It was HUGE with lots of mirrors on one wall. However, it was HOT. No AC in there. BUT... They had an amazing boutique in there. I had to padlock the credit card, otherwise I would've melted it. They also had some gorgeous line drawings of people dancing. I sort of wish I'd picked up one, but I really want to have photos up in the studio.

I would really like to take some classes from Shadia. I could definitely learn a huge amount from her. Oh, and my costume is almost to the fitting stage. :D I can't wait!

I am so going to feel this in the morning.

New dance update

I've started planning for the next class performance coming up in a few weeks. I've been totally stoked as I had another private lesson, but this time it was to start prepping a routine (like a professional dance routine) and to get familiar with the rhythms I'll be hearing over and over. Once I get familiar with the rhythms, I'll be able to dance to almost anything. And I also now know the set-up of a basic routine - A beginning/Intro, an upbeat piece, a chiftitelli, drum solo, another chiftitelli to the final piece. Sounds easy enough, right? ;) So a routine would generally about 20-30 minutes. At least that's what we're shooting for.

I also ordered some new costume pieces which should be nice, as well as sent off my deposit/parts needed for the custom costume being made for me.

I was looking around and found a couple of troupes that were auditioning. It would be great to audition and make it. Someday, definitely!!

Performance

My first public performance was tonight. Public as in a routine to be performed for the class. ;)

It went fantastic. I danced to Lee Coulter's "Booty Voodoo" (appropriate, no?). I have to say, I nailed it. I had my red costume with black and silver hip scarf and black and silver veil. It looked great. I have been playing iwth this track for a little while but seriously put something together two days ago. My routine totally went with the music. There was no stopping or anything that didn't look like it didn't fit. I did have a few fluffs, mostly my feet slipping on the newly waxed floor. :) The other girls in the class were really impressed because no one had even thought of dancing to anything "modern" or just not bellydance music. It was great seeing L going "wow" while he was drumming, and my teacher watching every move.

I'm riding an endorphin rush like you wouldn't believe right now. :D