Getting some sister before hitting the road

Woke up really early this morning. Much earlier than I should have, given the late hour at which I finally fell asleep. But for once, it was a very good thing to be such an early bird, because I caught the JLITH.

JLITH got back from her multi-European city tour (Milan, Paris, a Turkish city which I can't think of the name of, and Rome) very late on Saturday night. We slept most of Sunday ... she because of jet lag, me mostly doped out on cough medicine. She went to work early Mornday morning, and didn't return until Tuesday afternoon, and slept way before I left to go to the MAC. But when I caught her awake early Wednesday morning, she'd uploaded her pictures onto her laptop, and was ready to tell me about her pictures and trip. She got some absolutely amazing shots of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the cathedral in Milan, and Notre Dame. When I asked her what she enjoyed the most, it was the river boat trip she took in Turkey. Of which she has no pictures because her battery died. That is a travel tragedy.

So it was that, after a little bonding, JLITh went to work, and I got ready to make the long drive back.

But wait! Let me say a few words about the Beans. Bean1 is getting bigger and stronger, and prattles merrily on all the time. He is super defensive about his brother, and will take on anyone who tries to push Bean2 around. Bean1 is getting into the unfortunate habit of scowling when he gets angry, and yes, he did get quite angry with me a few times. However, he also gave me a number of hugs and kisses, still asks me, "Whacha doin' Dowa?" and loves it when I play Bean1 music on his belly.

Bean2 is also getting bigger, and more verbal, but nowhere near as verbal as Bean1. Bean2 is definitely more active, and stronger. Bean2 is getting to be a bit of a wailer ... and he's quite talented at it. Hopefully he will get out of the habit and learn to use his words more. Genie is training them to put their dishes in the dishwasher so cut down on clutter, and it seems to be working. Bean2 has a passion for Kix cereal.

Bean3 has definitely gotten bigger. Per Bork, Bean3 is off the growth charts for his age. He generally amuses himself quiety in his bouncy layette (?), although he can yowl with the best of them. Genie and Bork both hope that he learns to sleep through the night ... soon.

And so, after giving the Beans and Genie hugs and kisses, I was off for California again. The road was long and uneventful. I was particularly amused by this sign for a town called Browse. That and the Zzyxx one are fun markers along a very un-fun freeway. My goal was to make it to Las Vegas by 18700, so that I would have time to pick up my show ticket eat a little dinner, and take a short nap in my car before the actual show. The thing is, once I realized how hot it was going to be in Vegas, I actually started slowing down so that I wouldn't get there too early! From 80-85mph, I dropped down to 65mph ... really irritating anyone unfortunate enough to drive behind me, but the though of spending too much time in a smoke-filled casino, or having a hot nap in my car was just really unappealing.

I finally rolled into Vegas around 1630. Found the Wynn hotel easily enough, and got a great parking space. Went to get my ticket, and almost had an incident. Apparently Spamalot is doing so well that the box office had to ask the ticket vendors to stop selling tickets for certain shows. The box office girl actually had to check the time when I bought my on-line ticket to make sure it was valid. Thankfully it was, or we'd have had a huge problem!

Had an early dinner at one of the hotel restaurants. And took my (hot) nap in my car (must remember to buy an air freshener ... with warmer temps, the car is beginning to smell like the onion rings and Del Taco I had on the way up).

Spamalot was fabulous. Witty and slapstick and hilarious. Loved John O'Hurley as King Arthur. Dancing with the Stars was an excellent move for him. Not only did it totally revive his career, but he has an incredible fan base, AND he knows how to dance now! Loved the Lady of the Lake and the Laker Girls. And the knights were endearing, if a little gross. Thought RobM did a wonderful job. And, he looks great in spandex.Stayed for a couple of minutes afterwards to congratulate him and snal a picture of him with his family (who were visiting the same night) in front of the marquee with the cast list.

And then I was off. And a mere four hours later, I was at home. Aaaaahhhhh ...

MAC tonight

West coast swing dancing at the MAC again. Arrived early to do the lessons with Pam Genovesi and BJ. Beginner lesson was really too basic, but I did it anyway, because they needed follows. I was sad that another of the advanced girls didn't join in as well. I just feel that everyone should be invested in helping beginning dancers get better.

Also did the intermediate lesson. Funny, but I just don't remember it at all. Anyway, the familiar crowd was there when the dancing really got started.

Sherry, who I'd met last time I was in town. Tall, blonde, young, fun, friendly, and a pretty good dancer. Sherry always manages to call California "Cali." I don't actually know anyone from California who calls it Cali ... most of the people who do are from outside of California, and I guess Cali is a way of glamourizing California. I tend to see most people from California saying they're from specific cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Palm Springs) or areas (LA, the OC, the Bay area, etc). People in California know that the state is so diverse in termperament and temperature that more distinction is needed than just California.

Utah Swing Ambassador was there as well. He was one of the first people I met at the MAC. Tall, scruffy, looks like he could be Aaron Eckhart's younger brother. Has very dry, chapped hands. Is always very friendly to everyone who comes to the MAC, hence the nickname. Leads really well, always to the level of the person he's dancing with. Turns out he's a plumber, and that he lived in LA about five years ago, AND he used to dance at Suzy Q's and Paladino's. How we never met in LA I'll never understand. Anyway, he's one of my favorite people and dancers at the MAC.

Foosball Enthusiast was also there. He's rather short and compact. Does web design. Dances really well, but is very structured when it comes to dance. Not that he can't adapt ... for instance, he was great at leading some double pirrouette kickout turns once he saw that I could do them (I think pirrouette turns haven't caught on at the MAC yet), and seems to admire my footwork. But he doesn't seem to be able to adapt to a follow taking over a couple beats of the dance. But I guess the fact that sometimes I'm willful (or just not great at following WCS) would have to balance me out on the badness scale of dancing.

Handcuffs was there as well. It's always a little hit or miss with him. About every other time I come, I see him here. Which is funny, since it was on his recommendation that I first came to the MAC. I think he still dreams about coming back to LA, and I know he misses the LA lindy scene.

The Bills (tall and short) were both there as well. And Shoeless One. And I danced with Bob for the first time. Always admired his dancing. I had a hard time following, but I was also really tired. And also danced one song with Eric. It always amuses me when people ask, as Eric did, "So, you're an LA lindy dancer?" As if there was only one type of lindy in LA. Maybe everyone still associates LA dancers with a strict Hollywood style. In which case, Eric must have been horribly disappointed. I'd classify myself into the groove category, with strong leanings to blues dancing.

Weddings and other painful activities

Went to the SLC temple today to see Wry-an and Georgia Peach get married. Parked underground, circling around for a long time, and still got there about 20 minutes early. Lunched in the cafeteria to while the time and calm the growling monster within. When I finally got to the waiting room, was relieved to see Bossman ... any familiar face would have done, but it was good to see him in particular. The thing about being friends with Wry-an, is that I know that his other friends are really worth getting to know, and Bossman was probably the best of Wry-an's best friends. Bossman pointed out the happy couple's family, and it was funny to see the familiar faces reflected in the unfamiliar ones. Wry-an is a male version of his sister (right down to the wry and sardonic sense of humor). Georgia Peach is the image of her mother, and has her father's exuberance.

In the sealing room, it was nice to look around and know that all these people have a deep love for this marvelous couple.

The sealer was a man of plain words, which I appreciated. He didn't get off track by quoting poetry or retelling long story. He just reviewed the wording of the sealing ordinance, which was a good to hear. The one part that I didn't quite understand was his whole analysis of the word "unto." The sealer stated that the word "unto" implied a sense of obligation and duty, as opposed to ownership. But then the word "to" was used in another portion of the sealing, which made me question why the wording wasn't the same in both instances. As always, the sealer was a gentleman of advanced age. I'm guessing he was in his late 70's or early 80's. And his speech was very, well, patriarchal. Not entirely in an annoying way, but enough to make me squirm a little. He talked a lot about the husband's duty to financially support his wife and children. And I kept wondering why this was a one-way street. Isn't it possible for this to be a shared responsibility? Much as raising children and caring for a household can be a shared responsibility? He must not have known a lot about the couple at hand if he was telling Wry-an about his financial duty. I wonder if the patriarchal-ness of most sealers is a generational thing, and that this way of thinking will ease into something less patriarchal and more eternal marriage-ish.

After the sealing, we waited for the obligatory greeting outside of the temple. Wry-an and Georgia Peach looked fantastic in their wedding duds ... especially Goergia Peach with her fancy red sandals! Took a bunch of photos, and dispersed. I opted not to go with Bossman, Perky, et al for food, but found myself driving to the mall anyway to search for some new shoes (my own shoes were killing me!), and another bottle of Angel perfume (since I'd left my own miniscule bottle at home, and I don't like to dance without some on). I was rather dubious of finding anything good at the ZCMI mall, but decided that i couldn't live with the pain of my shoes any longer.

When I'd finally found parking and gotten inside, I was elated to find that there was a Macy's. Then I was deflated to find that the store was being liquidated. Apparently there is just not enough business in downtown Salt Lake City (or indeed anywhere in Utah) to keep a Macy's around. Of course, this meant that all the perfume and cosmetics had been cleared out long ago and sent to other Macy's locations. And when I got down to the shoes section, there was nothing that I was tempted to buy. I kept hoping that something would turn up, but it was not meant to be,

So, I limped back to my car and headed back to JLITH's to take a nap before the ring ceremony. As I left SLC, I drove past where the on-line map had said the Rice Eccles stadium was. And I saw nothing that resembled a stadium, or even anything remotely resembling a Tower, which was where the reception was being held. And I started tot get a very bad feeling.

Back at the house, I got on-line again and looked for the RE Stadium Towers. I looked past the first entry on google, and tried the second. And I was stunned. Who would have ever thought that Wry-an, a true-blue, dyed to the ears BYU fan would ever celebrate his wedding at the University of Utah? I was boggled. Then rushed ... how was I ever going to make it out to Sugarhouse in time? Nap time forgotten, I jumped in my car and started the long-ish haul out to Sugarhouse.

When I got to the University, it was getting dark. Used to the money-grabbing parking policies of Californian universities, I wandered around looking for non-permitted parking. I had almost given up, when I found a parking lot for the bookstore. Parked there and started the hike out to the Towers. Had to go back to my car two times for forgotten things. When I finally made it to the parking attendant's hutch, I decided to inquire if I was in the right spot. No, I wasn't. I needed to move over to the stadium parking lot, because this lot was going to close before the reception ended. So I manuevered back to my car. When I drove past the hutch, the same guy came out and told me that, because it was before 1800, I'd need to park at a metered parking space, or else I'd risk getting a ticket (and have to come back the next day to pay, yadda yadda). I thanked him, and revved the car. I was already late.

Finally (after driving all the way around the stadium due to one-way roads), I pulled into the correct parking lot. And was almost at the point of tears when I realized that the metered parking was a long way from the entrance to the towers. Telling myself to ignore my throbbing feet, I parked, remembered to take all my things, and finally made it to the ring ceremony, which I'd missed entirely.

The dinner was really nice. Not porcelain-plates-and crystal goblets nice ... everything we ate with was disposable. However, the centerpieces were pretty and whimsical, the food was tasty, and the entertainment was marvelous. All of the immediate family (plus Bossman) stood up and had their say, and Georgia Peach's siblings even sang a specially written, farsical piece that one of the brothers played on the guitar. All in all, the dinner was a success.

As the sun went down, the reception started. Wry-an and Georgia Peach got pulled into a receiving line ... pity, since I knew that they didn't actually want to do it, but were bowing to the requests of the parents. And the rest of us were left to reminice and admire the beautiful view of SLC at night.

At last, the receiving line was terminated, and the newly wed couple were allowed to have their first dance. Georgia Peach and her dad then did a lively dance to, "Brown Eyed Girl," and then everyone else joined in. I had long ago kicked off my shoes, but they were still throbbing, so I contented myself with just watching.

Left the festivities about 2100, after wishing them both very well. Then drove out to the MAC, changed my clothes, and settled in for some real dancing. Utah Swing Ambassador (wih whom I danced the most lovely nightclub two step), Foosball Enthusiast, and Little Eastwood were the specials of the night. I also did a few charity dances, which I expect, and generally enjoy if the lead is at least congenial. Then again, I'm sure that there are some who would consider me their charity dance, so I can't be too high on myself. Anyway, it's always good to get some dances in at the MAC

And now, for some more youtube goodies!

West Coast Swing
I love the foot slides in this piece, and that slow movement the follow does after the partial tuck turn.

I love this clip because of the roll the follow does on the lead's right leg. It's fabulous. The glove, I concede, is not.

This is another good Jordan and Tatiana clip. They're so smooth, and have so many of those little physical witty interpretations which I just love. And, I think it's a Jack and Jill competition, mainly because of the the way the competitors are lined up in the back. If it was a Jack and Jill, what incredible luck to be paired together!

Night Club Two Step
This isn't my favorite clip ... just seems like they're trying too hard to be smooth that they aren't smooth enough. However, the slip does allow you to see the NCTW basic, which is fairly simple.

And lastly, I love everything about these dancers. They are so smooth, and each movement is clean, graceful and easy. The only thing I don't exactly love is the lead's hand movements, but it must be a part of the NCTS genre, so I won't complain too loudly.

Wandering thoughts

Drove up to SLC by myself today. Eleven hours of staring at the road. Subjected some ... er ... wrote about some if it here. So why am I still going at it? Because there are some very poignant observations that I left out.

First, in my search for the greatest onion rings in the universe, I've found out that the Mad Greek (conveniently located in Baker) does not even deserve a place. They were that bad. No salt in the batter. I was done after three of them, then had to pull off the freeway to dump them in the trash so that my car wouldn't smell like onion rings. Comforted myself with a strawberry shake. Because even if their rings are horrible, their strawberry shakes are heavenly. Any other place in the world, and I would get a chocolate shake (if I got one at all). But in Baker, it's strawberry shakes. Maybe it's the bits of strawberries that i can suck up the straw?

Second. It is such bad taste for highway construction teams to leave up construction signs (especially for reduced speed limits!) when there is no active construction work. Makes me want to growl. Gggggrrrrrrr.

And third ... I am going to miss my friends who are getting married an awful lot. After honeymoon, they are taking a six week honeymoon in the south pacific, then moving across the country. I will miss them hugely. And wow ... they're going to have sex in less than 36 hours. Hope it goes well.

Two for the road ... a taste of Thai

Aaaaaahhhhhh. Three days of working. Three days of working with a headcold and cough. Three days of working with a headcold and a cough and shifting assignments with difficult families. Aaaarrrgggghhh (what a difference a few R's and G's make).

But now I'm off. And instead of leaving this morning for SLC, I decided to take a day to recuperate and revive. Booked a two hour Thai massage at Pho Siam. Aaaahhhh. Wonder Woman and Precious had been there recently and highly recommended it. And as they were with me when I got my first Thai massage, I trusted in their massage-discerning powers.

Got out to Pho Siam (in Echo Park) with a modicum of difficulty. Had to circle the park with the lake a few times before the location made sense. Sometimes on-line maps are not accurate (which makes me want to ditch index card directions and get a GPS system). Was pleasantly surprised to find that PS has its own, ample parking lot. Entered, and was soon shown in to a private room. Was told to change into the loose pants provided, and remain topless. If I hadn't've been forewarned by WW and P, I might have been a little freaked. As it was, I was only a little uncomfortable, and my worries soon evaporated, as the (female) masseuse draped me with towels when she entered.

I should explain that Thai massage is rather different from Swedish massage. Swedish massage uses a lot of oil, and long strokes to increase circulation and blood flow. I generally find that Swedish massage does little to hit my pressure points, and generaly get a deep tissue or sports massage to work through the knots that inevitably spring up in my neck and shoulders.

Thai massage, on the other hand, is much more active. Instead of lying on a raised table like a corpse, one lies on a flat mat on an area that gives the masseuse the ability to move about more freely. The masseuse can walk/move around, using feet, hands, elbows, forearms and knees to get at problematic areas. (The PS masseuse did use a little lotion, but I've not ever had any kind of lubricant with Thai massage before. This may just be a nod to Western ideas of what a massage should incorporate.)

The first hour of the massage, Kim (as I've arbitrarily decided to call her), kept me prone/supine while she loosened me up with lots of pressure. At times she was kneeling on my calves and thighs, at others she was standing up and using the ball, heel or side of her foot to work through my muscles. And there were time when I had to wince and pull away, at which points she backed off on the pressure (but not too much, I asked). Especially on my left leg, which I suspect is less flexible due to the way I dance.

The second hour was my favorite, as it incorporated more active, yoga-inspired stretching. The kind that I need a lot of motivation to do. I was sitting, kneeling, on my side, and everywhichway as Kim used all parts of her extremities to work me out. Again, the left hip is problematic, and I wonder what I can do at home to loosen it up.

When Kim finished, I felt simultaneously relieved and forlorn. I wanted it to go on forever, even as I knew that my body could use a break. I felt ... hmmmmm ... good. Longer. Looser. More flexible. Hmmmmmmm ...

More pieces of the puzzle, or beads of the necklace

Getting to know new people is like piecing a puzzle together ... so many different pieces, trying to get them all to fit, and learning to see the big picture. Friends, family, individual tastes, motivations, inspirations, fears, doubts, living spaces, the presence or absence of different types of knowledge, habits, etc. When I'm new-friend-ing, I'm always amazed at how all these factors come together to form one unique person. We're all so incredibly complex.

Went over to Brea to have lunch with Socrates. Renaissance Cafe, unless I'm mistaken. The (new) owner stopped by for a bit of a chat. This (talking to random people when we're out and about) always suprises me about Socrates. I generally never talk to random strangers unless I think there's something they need help with ... directions, instructions, a comforting person to talk with at a party, etc. Maybe this is just a manifestation of my insecurity or disinclination for small talk.

Then drove down to Irvine for Pilgrim Girl's Pretty Party. Sniffles and headache starting to make themselves heard ... again. Popped a couple advil (one of my two drugs of choice) as soon as i got them PG's cupboard. We all brought food to share, and settled in to learn jewelry-making from TSW. The table was lit with several small lamps, and the beads shimmered in the soft light. TSW passed out the piece kits we'd signed up for, and those of us who'd brought our own beads shared our abundance. I was extremely happy that some old necklaces and bracelets that had been languishing in drawers were recycled into desired and creative new pieces.

TSW spent a little time explaining technique, and then we all settled into the cozy habit of talking about. It felt almost like an old-time quilting circle. Old time friends, and a couple of new friends, gathered around a common activity, just sharing our lives, and eating hearty, good food. Old jokes, new jokes, friend-ly news, sharing experiences, lauding each other creative attempts.

Left a little before 2100. Hadn't realized the time. Working for the next three days before going up to SLC. Not looking forward to it.