Lately I have been doing some west coast swing in addition to lindy hop, because it is nice to be able to validly dance both styles. Before, I would claim lindy hop and "fake" west coast swing.
Some of you may be wondering what the difference between the two styles of dance are. I have provided for your convenience a few videos of each dance:
Kevin and Carla--lindy hop
Skye and Frida--lindy hop
Notice with the lindy videos they are dancing to swing/big band music, and they dance in a sort of circular (non-linear) style.
Wayne and Sharlot--West Coast
West Coast Jack and Jill contest--4 couples
With West Coast, the music is usually either more blues-based, or more modern music. I have many times danced west coast to maroon 5, etc b/c it just works. Also, there is typically more spins for the follows in west coast, and the dance is done in a slot, or a line.
Anyway, both are a lot of fun, and I feel like I can almost say "I don't fake west coast--I can actually dance west coast!" I have received lots of positive feedback from teachers, leads etc on my west coast, which is really encouraging. The main thing I am told I need to work on is smiling when dancing, and looking less apprehensive. I could be having the time of my life dancing but nobody would know it because of my expressionless face. Soooo, that is my project now--working on expression, smiling, and of course I will always still be working on technique, musicality, styling, etc. One day I'll be a rock star crossover (lindy and west coast dancer) and you'll be like, "hey, I know her!" Haha, j/k.
Addendum: wow, last night was insane, dance-wise. One really good west coast lead told me I was the only girl in the room that knows how to dance. I was totally blown away by that compliment because I looked around and saw lots of follows who I really thought were better than me! Then another follow showed up who knew how to dance too... and she taught me this really cool slide that you do out of a dip, and she looked at me seriously and said, "you're realllly good." I was like, "wow, thank you." Another super confidence booster. So apparently I am a valid crossover, though I have certainly not achieved rock-star status, at least not on a state, region, or national level.... maybe on a very small-scale local level, and only at certain venues. In all my time dancing, I have never felt my dancing so in demand than now. Two leads will ask me to dance at once and I have to choose--it's insane. I'm just so thrilled! And with the confidence-boosting compliments, I become a more confident dancer. Yay, I'm so happy!!!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Nothing, extras, and scary interview
Nothing much has been going on lately. I had quite enough excitement last weekend, and this past week and weekend were pretty mellow. I'm kind of bored today... not much to do. Went visiting teaching, went to church, and that's pretty much it. I have been reading the 4th book in the Uglies series, called Extras. I like it, and I am almost finished with it. It's a pretty quick read, which is nice. I got rid of a lot of clothes, but I haven't really started packing, which I should definitely do asap.
I had a 2nd interview at a hospital in sugarland, which was scary because there were four people staring back at me, asking me questions, etc. I felt okay about the whole thing, but it is so hard to tell with these people if they like you. Like, the first interview I thought for sure I wouldn't get the job because the interviewer gave me no hints whatsoever that I would ever see her again. And same story the second time. So I will just wait and see. It would be a very good job, and this hospital is known for being a top-notch employer. Anyway, that's my story.
I had a 2nd interview at a hospital in sugarland, which was scary because there were four people staring back at me, asking me questions, etc. I felt okay about the whole thing, but it is so hard to tell with these people if they like you. Like, the first interview I thought for sure I wouldn't get the job because the interviewer gave me no hints whatsoever that I would ever see her again. And same story the second time. So I will just wait and see. It would be a very good job, and this hospital is known for being a top-notch employer. Anyway, that's my story.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Just another lame DPS experience
I went today to the DPS to get a Texas driver's license--I figured it was about time--and I waited in the looonnnng line, only to find out that there were some documents I needed that I didn't have. Arggggg. What a wasted half-of-my-day. Then, because I was so discouraged, I went to the library to get the teen sci-fi that was waiting for me, and spent much of the rest of the day reading it. So, pretty much my whole day was spent doing worthless stuff.
Although I will say that the teen sci-fi brought consolation to my soul. AND I made myself an excellent eggplant-spinach muffuletta, which brought consolation to my stomach. And I am practicing west coast swing tonight, which will undoubtedly bring joy to my feet. So I am extremely unproductive, yet consoled. Haha.
Although I will say that the teen sci-fi brought consolation to my soul. AND I made myself an excellent eggplant-spinach muffuletta, which brought consolation to my stomach. And I am practicing west coast swing tonight, which will undoubtedly bring joy to my feet. So I am extremely unproductive, yet consoled. Haha.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
kids, don't try this at home.
Lately I have been doing stupid things--things I don't recommend trying.
Example #1: Thursday night I had a band dress rehearsal and there was a really good swing band playing that night so I headed there after the rehearsal. I got there and for some reason my follow was really in demand, making for a good night of dancing for me. So good that I lost track of time b/c I was dancing like every song. Four hours later, it's really time to go. Plus, I have to wake up early tomorrow so I can go to the gym before heading to San Antonio. On the way home, there was a bad accident so it took me FOREVER to get home. With that in mind, I began to (stupidly) ponder the fact that if I go to sleep when I get home, I will not want to wake up in a few hours to hit the gym. Soooo, rather than go to sleep I had the bright idea of just going straight to the gym for my six-mile run. Long story short, I didn't sleep that night, and I left straightway to go to San Antonio. Yes, in San Antonio I was zombie status, not very personable for my extended family. Sorry everyone. I do stupid things.
Example #2: While in San Antonio, I had the privilege of staying at Carol and George's lake house and going jet skiing. It was great fun, and Kevin had the really good idea of going and jumping off the cliff that everyone jumps off into the water. I was all for it, and I climbed up and jumped off. Fifty feet later, I hit the water like I was hitting a brick wall. The water didn't cushion me like it should have because I was wearing a life jacket. Kevin didn't jump....stinker. So, right about now I have a huge bruise/rash/ugly thing on my right thigh (good thing I'm not a short skirt kinda gal) and my upper chest and the back of my head and neck are in more pain than I think I have ever been in. I was crying last night because I was in so much pain (and I don't cry often anymore). It still hurts and I am worried that this injury might put a damper on my running and dancing habits. That would be like a death sentence for me because as you know dancing is what keeps me out of depression which allows me to be successful in my weight loss attempts. So I will try running tomorrow, and I really hope it will work. I'm not much of a medicine fan, but I think these are circumstances that warrant some really good pain killers!
Anyway, don't try that stuff at home. I will say that the dancing was worth it, but perhaps the all-nighter wasn't. The cliff thing was fun just to say I did it, but the pain pretty much prevents me from ever doing it again.
On another note, I played with the Houston Symphonic Band for 2 Methodist worship services today and it was sooo much fun!! It was a patriotic theme of course and there were at least 600 people at each service. Quite the crowd. The church served us breakfast between services, which was nice. The preacher gave a really good sermon on "what America needs from us as a church" and how Christians should set a example to the country of kindness and goodness, and supporting the country as a whole. He talked about Geroge Washington's values, and then he talked about Jesus Christ being full of grace and truth. All in all, it was a neat experience. HSB is mucho fun to be a part of.
Example #1: Thursday night I had a band dress rehearsal and there was a really good swing band playing that night so I headed there after the rehearsal. I got there and for some reason my follow was really in demand, making for a good night of dancing for me. So good that I lost track of time b/c I was dancing like every song. Four hours later, it's really time to go. Plus, I have to wake up early tomorrow so I can go to the gym before heading to San Antonio. On the way home, there was a bad accident so it took me FOREVER to get home. With that in mind, I began to (stupidly) ponder the fact that if I go to sleep when I get home, I will not want to wake up in a few hours to hit the gym. Soooo, rather than go to sleep I had the bright idea of just going straight to the gym for my six-mile run. Long story short, I didn't sleep that night, and I left straightway to go to San Antonio. Yes, in San Antonio I was zombie status, not very personable for my extended family. Sorry everyone. I do stupid things.
Example #2: While in San Antonio, I had the privilege of staying at Carol and George's lake house and going jet skiing. It was great fun, and Kevin had the really good idea of going and jumping off the cliff that everyone jumps off into the water. I was all for it, and I climbed up and jumped off. Fifty feet later, I hit the water like I was hitting a brick wall. The water didn't cushion me like it should have because I was wearing a life jacket. Kevin didn't jump....stinker. So, right about now I have a huge bruise/rash/ugly thing on my right thigh (good thing I'm not a short skirt kinda gal) and my upper chest and the back of my head and neck are in more pain than I think I have ever been in. I was crying last night because I was in so much pain (and I don't cry often anymore). It still hurts and I am worried that this injury might put a damper on my running and dancing habits. That would be like a death sentence for me because as you know dancing is what keeps me out of depression which allows me to be successful in my weight loss attempts. So I will try running tomorrow, and I really hope it will work. I'm not much of a medicine fan, but I think these are circumstances that warrant some really good pain killers!
Anyway, don't try that stuff at home. I will say that the dancing was worth it, but perhaps the all-nighter wasn't. The cliff thing was fun just to say I did it, but the pain pretty much prevents me from ever doing it again.
On another note, I played with the Houston Symphonic Band for 2 Methodist worship services today and it was sooo much fun!! It was a patriotic theme of course and there were at least 600 people at each service. Quite the crowd. The church served us breakfast between services, which was nice. The preacher gave a really good sermon on "what America needs from us as a church" and how Christians should set a example to the country of kindness and goodness, and supporting the country as a whole. He talked about Geroge Washington's values, and then he talked about Jesus Christ being full of grace and truth. All in all, it was a neat experience. HSB is mucho fun to be a part of.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
mouse hunt over, house hunt in progress
Looking for a house is kind of fun. Made an offer on one. It is in the Heights--almost as close as you can get to the freeway. The front of the house isn't really much to look at, but the interior is beautiful. The whole interior, excepting the kitchen, has hardwood floors. There are two big open rooms (living and dining) in the front, with a few steps leading from the living to the dining. Given my minimal furniture ownership, this house is a lindy party waiting to happen. The garage is in the back, which I really like b/c then the house doesn't feature the garage. There's a big tree in the back, and a nice grassy area.
After making an offer on the above stated house, I am sick of looking for houses. I just want to get that house. But there are two other offers on it, so we shall see. And it is a forclosure, so the bank selling the house doesn't really work with you, you have to work with it. So until the bank makes a decision, the house hunt continues. Because of the seven-mouse incident, I am leaving my current apartment in less than 30 days. Soooo, it's packing time!
After making an offer on the above stated house, I am sick of looking for houses. I just want to get that house. But there are two other offers on it, so we shall see. And it is a forclosure, so the bank selling the house doesn't really work with you, you have to work with it. So until the bank makes a decision, the house hunt continues. Because of the seven-mouse incident, I am leaving my current apartment in less than 30 days. Soooo, it's packing time!
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