For the love of books, and the sake of readers

Spent the morning making a mock-up of Precious' baby shower invitations. Am so excited to do this. We're doing such a nice and low-key shower that it's an absolute pleasure. No ridiculous shower games ... like melting candy bars in diapers in the microwave, and having people guess which candy bar it is ... what a relief! Anyway, after going through several ideas, I finally came up with the perfect one. Just have to make one reservation, then the invites are ready to go.

Came home and set up my printer. This would seem to be a virtue, if only I didn't mention that it's been a few years in the making. Didn't have the appropriate cable, then lost track of the power cable, then just being lazy. It's the free printer that came with my laptop, so I never felt too guilty. However, when I went up to use Wonder Woman's printer, I was struck by the uncomfortablly cramped space it's in now that the rat cage (yes, pet rats!) is situated in her sitting room. And that, my friends, is what motivated me to finally set up my printer!

After such a productive day. I felt that a reward was in order. So, I printed (on my newly set-up printer) one of the irritatingly limited time offer Borders coupons, and got the book I've had my eye on, Liberty: The Lives and Times of Six Women in Revolutionary France, by Lucy Moore. I'e had my eye on this for a number of weeks, but my coupons kept expiring before I used them, and I was determined not to pay full price.

While looking around, I also was enchanted by The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science, by Natalie Angier. However, as I was out of coupons, I put it on my mental wish list. Then having gotten home and looked it up on Amazon, I decided to order it, along with
Woman: An Intimate Geography, by the same author. I'm hopeful that these will be as good as the writing of Atul Gawande, whose writing I adore, and who was one of the MacArthur Fellow awardees in 2007.

Anyway, it had occurred to me that I do a lot of book pumping via Amazon. And it never really bothered me. Until I read about The Open Library over at Bored Beyond Belief. And really, it doesn't really bother me enough to stop linking to books over at Amazon. But I'm excited about having books catalogued, and maybe even available on-line. Sort of like an imdb.com for books.

Anyway, someday I will have a house. And in that house will be a library. Maybe not as big as the one in Beauty and the Beast (my favorite Disney animated feature ... yes, woo me with books!), but you get the idea.

And, I must send a shoutout to Wry-an, who got me into reading non-fiction, and who generally has good taste in books ... except for his Flannery O'Connor fetish.

Oh, there I am!

So, I spent the whole day feeling really ill. It was my own fault, of course. Having failed to pick up a prescription from the pharmacy on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and most of Tuesday, I doubled up on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday morning to get caught up. Foolish, foolish Dora. Never again do I want to feel that ill again unless I'm actually preggers.

Got myself up out of bed and drove up to the valley to get fitted for my contacts. No, not the colored ones, but the regular ones to make sure the prescription is good enough to go to the next step. They felt, well, thick. It's been about eight years since I've worn contact lenses with any regularity. Not that I wear my glasses any more than I have to. However, after having my idiopathic bilateral cataracts removed, and the concomittant vision correction, I see well enough without lenses to, say go dancing or out to dinner without them.

Bad vision is pretty much hereditary in my family. Bad genes, and a tendency to read, a lot. From the age of seven, when my teacher realized that I was squinting a lot, I wore glasses, making for many geeky school pictures, and ridiculous teasing from insecure bullies. I remember one particularly hideous family picture when we were all wearing glasses ... parents, four children, maternal grandmother and ... Correct that, my paternal grandparents were the only ones not wearing glasses. Anyway, I'm sure the photographer was blinded by the reflections of the flash. Why didn't the jerk suggest that we take them off?

And then, my life suddenly changed. The summer I graduated from elementary school, I blossomed. Contact lenses, permed hair, pierced ears (finally!), frosted blue eyeliner, and babysitting income to buy fun clothes. Funny how there was always money for music lessons and instruments, camping trips, visits to Japan, and sports endeavors, while there was never money for the madras shorts, Izod polo shirts and Members Only jackets I longed for. Entered junior high school with no remnants of my geekiness showing, except for a strong academic drive. However, even that was fashionable at my magnet program.

So, the bliss continued through to college. Where I decided to major in biological sciences, which required year-long courses in both basic and organic chemistry. Where we were terrorized into buying glasses because the vapors from the malevolent creations in the bunsen burners would cause contact lenses to excruciatingly disfigure our eyeballs. Even worse, I had to wear the glasses under lab goggles. It was just too cruel.

After college, I wore my contact full time again. Even dabbled with gas-permeables (hard) contact. But those were decidedly not comfortable. Then, in the late nineties and early 00's, I had both cataracts develop, and had them both removed. And I could see well enough without any aids, the first time in twenty-or-so. Well, at least well enough to do the afore-mentioned dancing and dinners.

Then, due to an abundance of money in my health-care savings account (but, sadly, not in my actual fun-money account), I decided to get contacts again.

So, they felt thick in my eyes. But it was such a revelation to see my face in the many mirrors of the Lens Crafters store. So that's what I look like, without all the haziness. It was like discovering my face all over again. And it put a smile on my face.

That is, until I was making my repeat appointment with the cute optometrist. As he was asking me if I would like lens solution and a case, I felt the nausea well up uncontrollably. I tried to quell it, but it just kept coming ... the feeling, not the actual chunks. Feeling that it would be a bad thing to toss my cookies on carpet, I asked the eye guy where the nearest bathroom was, since I was feeling really sick. At first he didn't get it, and I thought the delay would push me over the edge. I repeated my self, he saw my greenish tinge, and hurriedly pointed me to some distant location out the store and down the hall. Which made me only want to toss my cookies all over his white lab coat. Then, the sympathetic and smart optical tech gave me an empty trashcan in case I didn't make it.

Got myself out of the store, and leaned against the nearest lonely corner and held the trashcan against the wall. Luckily, the nausea, one of the worst feelings in the world, soon faded. I stopped that awful salivating, and the diaphoresis vanished as soon as it had started. I walked back into the store and gave them back the trashcan. It's funny how people shy away from the nauseated. I wanted to explain that I wasn't contagious, only over-medicated. But I just wasn't in the mood. So, I turned to go. Then had to turn around again (ooo, not good), and asked for the lens solution and case again. I almost laughed at the timidity with which the eye guy gave me the package.

Headed for the homestead. No one home. All the better to lie down and sleep it off. Dad came home first. Talked about Bork's offer from the law firm where's he's been interning this summer. Excited to have him, Genie and the Beans close by, at least for the next little bit. Also chatted about how the stake presidency has dropped the ball on the mid-singles magnet ward. I'm disappointed in them, but have decided to take matters into my own hands. My extracurricular, alternative RS is just the beginning.

Mom came home for just a little bit, before going to one of the pre-season tax classes. Updated her on happenings in general. She reiterated her desire for me and JLITH to marry. She couched it in terms of wanting more grandchildren, but I think she just wants to see us happy, and thinks that marriage and children will be a very big part of that. Most of the time I think the same, but it just doesn't seem to mesh with the reality of my current life. And most of the time I'm quite philosophical about it. But today, I was sad that my mother was sad for me. However, it takes two to tango. And to lindy-hop, bal-swing, west coast swing and nightclub two step. Otherwise, it's just tap dancing.

When both parents had gone out for their evening activities, I left as well. Started the drive back to LA (with a short detour to Costco). Got a call from a friend. Asked if I was going to the summer dance series, inasmuch as they were teaching lindy hop tonight and next week. I confessed to a lingering desire to go, not only to condescend to whoever was going to teach the awful savoy-styled lindy that is popular at BYU, but because I haven't danced in almost a week, ever since the nefarious twisting of the ankle. After a few minutes of chatting, I knew that I wanted to go. Got myself home, took some advil, and iced the ankle, and headed over with Girl Friday.

Walked into the cultural hall, very prepared to exude lindy-snottiness. And had to stifle it in my delight ... Brittany and Marshall were teaching. Knew Marshall from years of dancing. He's a great dancer, and does the most amazing splits move. And Brittany? I knew that she was LDS, but it seems like just the other week that she was talking about graduating from high school. Plus I thought she lived rather far away, and hadn't connected her with the Santa Monica crowd at all. Anyway, she's a great lindy dancer, and small enough that most leads feel comfortable doing aerials with her.

So, I swallowed my snottiness (ick, yuck), and jumped in. Was alternatingly a follow or a lead, as the uneven numbers changed. Of course, there were more women, but it wasn't bad. Helped a lot of the girls with key pointers. And taught some of they latecomer guys (those that weren't too stuck-up to take lead advice from a woman) what they had missed. Overall, Brittany and Marshall did well. It's very ambitious to teach a lindy lesson in an hour to mostly non-dancers. Sure, there were several key points that they didn't think to cover ... opening up for a small rock-step when sending the girl out with the underarm turn, etc ... but overall they did a great job, and everyone had fun.

When the lesson broke up, talked a bit with White Boy and Satine. Danced a little lindy with White Boy, reviewed some stuff. Watched B & M cut it up a bit. Then Marshall asked me to dance a song. Fun fun fun! I'm probably a decade older than he is, but those types of distinctions seem to fade when the dancing is good. So great to be dancing after missing out on a week of it.

Got home and watched SYTYCD. I think the final four should be Sabra, Danny, Neil and Lacey. Sabra is so talented, she just lights up when she dances. Danny and Neil have such pretty bodies, and move really well. Danny is better than Neil, that's not in doubt. But Neil has improved by leaps and bounds. If only he wouldn't hunch his shoulders and sink his head and neck down. And Lacey is really good. I think it is a given that she will be in the final four, if only because she has such a large connection of dancing family and friends who are absolutely invested in getting her there. When all is said and dance, it's as much a popularity contest as it is a dancing contest.

And lastly, got some late night chuckles from Workman's take on the sheepish tale. I’m glad that it has been recorded for posterity. Even if it only gets funnier with each retelling. Sort of like FGITW falling in to the canals of Venice.

The other famous Potter

The other week, in post-Curry-and-Catan languid girl-talk, Jbeany recommended Miss Potter, a romantic biopic of H. Beatrix Potter, author and artist of the Peter Rabbit children's books. Maybe it was Jbeany saying that she liked to movie so much that after watching it on dvd, she immediately went out and bought it. Or maybe it was because she recounted a scene that extolled the virtues of a single woman's life. Whichever, I knew that this would be the next film I wanted the girls to get together to watch.

So, there we were. Nine women. One married. One divorced. Most of us unmarried and single. One student. Three with master's degrees. Two and a half women representing minorities. Originally from four different states. Found out a little more about these women that I'm so interested in getting to know. Excited about my alternative Relief Society.

We potlucked it, then moved to the living room to settle in.

I really liked the film. It was ... charming. As much as I am generally indifferent to Renee Zellweger, I forgot her as she became Beatrix. I was smitten with her relationship with her publisher (played by an endearing Ewan McGreggor), and delighted with her friendship with her publisher's sister (engagingly played by Emily Watson). I was dumbfounded when tragedy struck, eventhough I half-way expected it to happen (no one gets to be that happy, not even in the movies). And I was inspired by all the other things that Potter did with the rest of her life ... caretaker, farm owner, conservator, sheep breeder, scientific artist. She did spectacular things during her life, even when it must have seemed like it was over.

In short, I wholeheartedly recommend the film. Watch it. Then watch the special features. Potter was a fascinating woman. And the Lakes District goes down on my list of places to visit ... along with Prince Edwards Island, the Secret Annex in Amsterdam, and the Austen estate in Chawton.

Gimping around town

Went out to do a few errands. And yes, still gimping around on crutches.

Over to Third Street in Santa Monica to go to REI. New water bottle, and more shirts. See, when I go dancing, I tend to get sweaty. I'm totally jealous of non-sweaty dancers ... although other sweaty dancers console me with the fact (hmmm, really?) that non-sweaty dancers have no other way to dissipate heat, and are far more likely to collapse of heat strain. I'm not so convinced, but it's one of those glass-half-full story options. Anyway, I get sweaty when I dance, which is why I'm most liable to be found near the fans at the front of Lindy Groove, or the side of Paladino's, or where ever the breeze or A/C is strongest. And, I tend to bring at least one back-up shirt whenever I go dancing.

Even more importantly, I'm always on the prowl for active wear (with quick-dry features) that doesn't actually look too much like active wear. Best results tend to come from yoga or dance wear, which don't generally have too much logo junk scattered all over, or outrageously bold stripes of color in all the wrong places, or ugly necklines.

So, when I trialed out my newest find on Monday, I found that it fit the long-enough-in-the-body test, and the quick-dry (ie: doesn't reveal sweatiness) test, and the comfort test, and had sleeves. Thus it was that I headed back to REI where I bought three more of the same shirt (in three different colors), and was relieved that they were still on sale. I believe in going with what works. Huzzah!

Dropped in at the rental management agency and dropped off the rent check that WW hadn't ever gotten around to before she left on vacation. Found TankGirl there, looking for a new apartment, since hers is now basically a mold perti dish ...due to her awful landlord. Got to talking a bit, and now I have a few more names to add to my list of cool women in LA that I'd like to get to know. Huzzah again!

Made a quick stop over at Best Buy. Got Miss Potter (for Sunday night, just in case Jbeany can't loan me hers), and the soundtrack to Once, which I fell in love with months before I ever saw the movie.

Home for a little rest, then over to my PMD for a look-see at the ankle. I really like my Doc. He's about my age (not too young and inexperienced, but not too old ann entrenched), second generation asian, and really listens to me. Plus, he knows that I know what I'm talking about, and lets me get whatever studies I think are necessary, and is good about suggesting things and explaining why. Since my urgent care appointment was so late in the afternoon, I was worried that I wouldn't have time to get the xrays done. When I left his office, I gimped over to the radiology office as fast as was Dorably possible. The front office was shuttered down, and it was with a little panic that I headed to to back, where I saw only a janitor pushing two large trashcans. I was about to get really frustrated, when he pointed to the clerk exiting a door just behind me. Turns out that I was just in time to get the last films (hmmm, does anyone still use actual xray films now that digital xrays are so prevalent?) of the day.

Took my time crutching back to my car, and got myself home. Not long after, Doc called me with the results of the wet (meaning: read and report on ASAP) read: no fractures! Hurray! Of course it's sore, and stiff and still a bit swollen, but I'm going to do everthing possible to get it back in danceable shape as soon as possible!

And, just to finish off the day on a great note, here's a great clip of Jim Minty and Lacey Schwimmer in a Jack & Jill competition. I'm a Jim fan. I like the way he teaches, and the fact that he lets (or is it that he wants it done?) his students post bits of his lessons on youtube. Because really, dancing is all about spreading the love.

Get Gimpy

Up fairly early this morning, after having spent the wee hours of last night drowning my sorrow in watching every new tivo'd thing ... SYTYCD, Law and Order, Sex and the City (the tamed down version that Perky keeps saying should be renamed Heavy Petting in the City), and My Boys.

... and remembered that I had yet to put up a post over at the Exponent II blog. So, looking at my white board, I decided to put on hold the half-dozen ideas I've been contemplating, and post on how on-line LDS interactions translate into real-world interactions. You can see my ruminations here. Interestingly enough, the photo is actually of LDS women. Initially, I was hoping to get an interesting contemporary picture of multi-racial women. But when I typed "women" into google images, the picture showed up on the second page, as part of the Women's History Initiative, affiliated with the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute. Interesting also to note that 2004 saw the first Mormon Women's history class at BYU, co-taught by Jill Mulvay Derr, who I've heard speak at Miller-Eccles, and liked exceedingly.

So, got my post blogged, then headed over to work for the preceptee graduation. I thought about skipping it, but I wanted to be there to support E, and felt that since I'd already told her I would be there, I should be there. Ended up taking my crutches (that I got when I broke my ankle at my first snow-boarding attempt) along just in case. I ended up not having time to get flowers for E, but I've got a good idea for another gift that will do much better at a slightly later time. Was very glad to have brought the crutches along, as the swelling, soreness and stiffness in the demmed ankle was getting worse.

The graduation was nice. The class this time was small, just twenty preceptees for the whole hospital. In the fall, there will be seventy with six in the PICU! They showed the video set to With Arms Wide Open (good grief, could Scott Stapp be any sexier?). It's the second time I've seen it, and it still gets me a little misty. They show video clips of many patients ... critically ill, hooked up to life-support, in surgery, recovering, at clinic visits, playing in the gardens, interacting with staff doctors and nurses, etc etc.

The Chief Nursing Officer, and CEO spoke a few words.

The pain management nurse (who works hospital wide with a team) was the keynote speaker, and had a great presentation about how the preceptor program has changed and developed in the past decade. Of note, our program is so successful that it's being marketed and used across the nation.

The on-site childcare program kids came and sang for us. Image the "You Are My Sunshine" song. Except the lyrics go like this:

You are my angel, my only angel
You made me better when I get sick
YOu'll never know, nurse, how much I love you
Please don't ever change your career.

Totally brought the house down.

And then, the graduates were presented with certificates, etc. The PICU team got the most enthusiastic responses!

Afterwards, spoke with E for a few minutes, and congratulated her. Then hobbled back to my car. Called my PMD, and got an appointment for tomorrow afternoon, after which I expect to get some xrays done. Gimpy has had it ... and it's not even been 24 hours!

Curry and Catan

Reluctantly got up at 0830 to go to church. One hour, I promised myself, then I can come home and collapse.

I've long since decided that being single in a married church isn't bad. In fact, I'm quite happy with my life. I'd like to buy a house, fall in love, get married, and have children, but the first goal is the only one that involves just my own free agency, and I'm hoping to make it happen in the next year or two. However, what I really deplore, is being-single-in-a-married-church-AND-being-harped-at. And although it's bad enough coming from people I actively dislike, it's even worse coming from people I rather like. I really don't need to hear that it will all work, you'll find someone for sure, guys are just stupid, etc etc. Not all men are stupid. It's never a certain thing that I will find someone who wants to marry me AND who I like enough to marry. And don't tell me it's all going to work out, because i think it's working pretty well right now. And that is part of why one hour turned into two. Really, I should have cut the other person off and left, but I genuinely like this person, know that they are trying to help, and didn't want to be rude. It took all of 15 minutes for the pain of my fake smile to fade after I'd made my escape.

Also got to catch up with my visiting teacher. A bit of drama with her twins, who have finally, after a stretch in the NICU, coming home, and emergent CPR and PICU re-admission for one of the twins. Plus, they're moving to be closer to family. She's been so diligent and kind these last few years.

Came home and did indeed collapse into bed for a few hours. Got up and made curry in record time ... two hours from start to finish. I think that's a personal best. Also, I've stopped sauteing everything but the meat ... less oil, and cuts down the cooking time significantly, without loosing any of the flavor.

Smallish group tonight ... just two tables. I taught at the Babes in Toyland table. It's always a bit of a drag; the games are much slower, no one wants to trade, and I miss all the excitement of the the cutthroat games. But's it;s worth it to spread the love of Catan. Of the bunch, I think Feminist A caught on the quickest, although Shimai J seemed to be doing really well. Feminist A won at the beginner table, and Wonder Woman creamed the competition at the cutthroat table.

Who else came? Boss-man ... hardly ever see him, and was very surprised that he came, so it was nice to see him. KY, who's finally feeling better. Lovely Lady.

The best parts of the night were just spent catching up. The Dot and Ballerina came, and B brought the baby, who we all admired. It was interesting to talk with B about how motherhood was treating her, and how her perceptions of motherhood have drastically changed. Talked about movies with The Dot and White Boy. Talked with Feminist A about the exponent retreat. And after most of the people had left, Shimai J, Feminist A, Jbeany and Girl Friday stayed around to chat about all things womanly. I've even gotten an idea for another girl's night in/out, and a couple of more women that I want to start including.

Time with Genie

Went down to Costa Mesa today to have lunch with Genie. We'd planned this several times during the month, but put it off because I was sick.

Got down there, and had a little time to tussle with the nephews. It's been less than three weeks since I've seen them, but Bean 3 is clearly crawling like a champion, and enthralled with all the things there are to discover. Beans 1 and 2 are tanned and fit from hours in the pool. Bean 1 is getting more and more verbal in English, and it's fascinating to hear him talk about through his thoughts and childish desires. Bean 2 is also getting more verbal, but I think he is often frustrated by his inability to keep up with his older brother.

Lunch was at Pinot Provence, reviewed here. Yummy business lunch with three courses each. It was not a lot of food, but it was delicious and filling. Especially liked the duck with fig. Good to have some one on one time with Genie. Find out how the boys are doing, and how she's experiencing motherhood with these rambunctious boys, and how they're learning, growing, and developing their distinct personalities. It's so comforting to see Bork so well-settled in life with such a wonderful wife. Genie helps temper his, well, temper, and smooths life in so many little ways. And they just love each other. We're all keeping our fingers crossed that the summer internships continues to go well, and that the Dragon family will settle down in southern California.

A nurse's thoughts on being sick

Day 1: Not feeling great today. Good thing I'm precepting, and that E is pretty much ready to go on her own. I can hang on until the end of the shift. Good thing I already told the charge nurse that I'm calling in sick for tomorrow. Hopefully I can go home and just crash. Oops, stop by the store first to stock up on cold meds and stuff for ramen (the cheapy packages and eggs to whip and mix in), which always make me feel better.

Day 2: Bad cold. Didn't sleep. Drip. Drip. Drip. Waiting for the virus to peak and clear. Feeling the fever rage throughout my body. Sometimes it feels good, other times it just feels awful. Advil is my friend. So is Zicam. Hmmmm. Remember to drink lots of fluids.

Day 3: Coughed all night. Not a good sign. Call Genie in the morning and tell her that lunch is impossible; hate to spread the cold to her, Bork or the Beans. Oooh, Bork and Beans. Ha! Definitely not a good night.

Day 4: Awful day. Drugs are not doing the job. Emailed a friend for a blessing. Can come by later tonight. Yay. Grumpy from lack of sleep. Nose still dripping despite constant blowing, feeling chapped. Cool pack on forehead keeps eyelids from getting too hard. No fever, but still having hot periods and chills. Mean to my roommates. Boo on me. Relieved to get blessing. Friend got my HT to come. HT brought his wife, who brought me some Vit C. Feel emotionally better after the blessing.

Day 5: Make appointment to see PMD in urgent care. This has gone on long enough. Ditched the Zicam, holding advil until after PMD visit, drinking fluids and taking Vit C. Actual PMD not in, but saw his partner. Explained and was examined. Does he know I'm a nurse? Bronchitis. Fluid behind the eardrum. Recommend antibiotics. Yes, please. Want some phenergan with codeine? Ooo, yes please! Hurray hurray! I can see long bouts of sleeping in my immediate future! Pharmacy to fill Rx's. Take first doses in parking lot. Good thing it's only twice a day. Need to make a chart to remember when I've taken doses. Sad that a nurse so gifted at giving multiple antibiotics is so awful at taking even one. ...... zzz ... zzz ... zzz ...

Day 6: 0100. Feeling good after many hours of sleep. Should I try to go get the Harry Potter book? Well .... YES! ~~~ Wow, line down the block and around the corner. Doesn't appear to be moving. Maybe I'll wait in my car a little. Or maybe I'll go ask how late they're open. Oops, now the line is moving. Yes, I'm here to get the book. The last you'll let in? Ooo, thanks. Line extends around the whole store. Ho hum. Let's rifle through this book. Charles Lindbergh ... no mention of lindy hop? Outrageous. Let's try this book. Nope ... boring. Anyway, don't buy any books until you can get more coupons off the internet. Mmmm, he's cute. Cough syrup wearing off! And now I'm at the register. Hurray! Book. Free poster. Head home for more quality time in bed and more drugs.

Great Expectations

Posted this over at exponent blog. Some really interesting responses. Am glad to know that many don't mind a bit of disconnect from their marriage partners in terms of interests. As yet I'm unconvinced that it will be something that I have to deal with. Not that I'm unconcerned. It's just that I may never find someone that I care deeply enough about, who reciprocates, to worry about it over.

One thing many of the interest-disconnected people seem to have in common is a really similar (or at least compatible) mode of communication. And therein, I think, lies my problem. I'm a good listener. Or at least when I'm not totally self-absorbed. And it's rare that I feel comfortable enough in a relationship to divulge lots of myself. Parts of myself ... well, okay. But the most important stuff only gets heard by the most important people ... which don't tend to be the people I date. I'm a good keeper, not giver, of secrets.

Channeling Maria

Lately, I’ve been feeling beautiful. It’s quite a nice feeling, and I’m enjoying it immensely.

Now, I don’t think I’m unpleasant looking. I know that with a blowdrier, makeup and a pulled-together wardrobe, I can make myself look quite good. But I also know that I look just fine on my own. So, because it’s such a hassle for the day to day, I generally go clean-faced, and with functional rather than cute outfits.

But, lately I’ve been feeling beautiful. Almost like I should be dancing in the back room of a dress shop with my best friends, singing, “I feel pretty! Oh so pretty! I feel pretty and witty and gay!” And really, it’s more than just feeling pretty. I feel strong and confident and capable.

It’s rather a mystery to me why the sudden surge of well-being surrounding my 35th birthday. Because I rather expected to feel disappointed and depressed. As a single, LDS woman, who’s not currently dating, and who can sense the ticking of the ubiquitous biological clock, it wouldn’t be surprising to feel a bit blue. But I’m not.

This almost reminds me of that dream I had long ago … when I felt absolutely reassured that I would experience a passionate and all-encompassing love in my lifetime. Except that this current state of well-being is based solely on myself. And, for whatever the cause, I’m immensely grateful. Like Robert Benigni's movie, I feel that, "La vita e’ bella!”

Chasing Beans, Avoiding eyecontact, and Dancing in a skirt

After Lindy Groove last night, I went directly to the homestead. This weekend Bork and Genie are away on a social interview to see if they fit in with the firm that Bork is interning at this summer. So, all three Beans were going to be boy-handled by the rest of the family.

Dad, who was sleeping on the couch downstairs, was very happy to see me. He pointed to a bottle of formula, then the portable crib with Bean 3 in it, then went upstairs to bed. After a short shower, and checking on the other two Beans, I settled down on the couch.

Bean 3 started acting up around 0200. When it became decidedly apparent that he wasn’t going to go back to sleep, I got him his bottle, changed his diappy, and patted his bum until he rejoined Winkum, Blinkum and Nod. Fortunately, he didn’t wake the other two Beans.

In the morning, it was a little chaotic. Beans 1 and 2 up and hungry, and just a tad ornery. Bean 3 having a very different type of stinky diappy this morning. The bigger beans wanting to eat the chips and seven layer dip that I was snacking on, but not quite getting the hang of the layering, and swiping most of the cheese and sour cream off the top. Mom leaving for work. I tried to run out to Fry’s to get some cool stuff on sale, but Bean 3 suddenly got very attached to me, and started wailing whenever I walked away from him. So it was that we all piled into Dad’s car (which had all three car seats) and going over to Fry’s.

I love wandering around Fry’s. All kinds of cool, techie electronics. I positively drooled over the cameras, computers and gadgets, but only ended up getting some cd/dvd sleeves, an organizer, and an 8Gig (!) USB flash drive that I seem to have misplaced as soon as I got back to my apartment.

Rest of the day was uneventful. Back at home there was more of the same. Bigger Beans running around, always wanting something to snack on. Bean 3 wanting to be fed, changed, and held/watched all the time. I did break out the Planet Earth dvd’s for us all to watch, and that held the boys until about lunch time … at which point dad took the big boys over to McDonald’s for lunch and playtime in the kiddie jungle gym room. I stayed home with Bean 3 and tried to keep my cool in the heat.

In the late afternoon, while Bean 3 was sleeping, I slipped away to Lens Crafters to pick up my glasses. The optician who helped me was (to use a completely tired work) cute. Kind brown eyes, curly brown hair, a disarming smile, and a shy and helpful manner. It’s strange … I spend so much of my time avoiding eye contact (An asian thing? An I-don’t-want-to-dance-with-you thing? An I-really-like-you-so-I’ll completely-ignore-you thing?), but feel completely comfortable looking into the eyes of whichever optician is helping me at the moment. Maybe it’s because I know they’re not trying to plumb the depths of my mind, and I can just enjoy looking into theirs. The eyes seem to tell so much. I like looking into others’ eyes when we’re having really deep talks. And I have trouble meeting someone’s eyes when I’m talking about my innermost thoughts and feelings. Indeed, when I’m having a real heart-to-heart (as opposed to being a confidant or trouble shooter), I prefer to be where the light is very, very dim.

Anyway, the guy was cute. And my new glasses look good. He cute optician guy told me so. But even more important, I felt it was so. However, the contacts won’t be ready for a couple weeks.

Back at the homestead, I got ready for dancing. Quick shower and change, all the while praying that it would cool down before the dancing got too far along, then I was off to Paseo Colorado.

If I had to compose a personal, “My Favorite Things,” it would include summer outdoor dancing to live music. In years previous, I was always a little suspicious of outdoor venues … lindy is danced into the ground, and it’s just too hard to do on most concrete surfaces. However, the last week of the series last summer, I went, and had a marvelous time. So, I was ready to start on day one this year. The band was hopping, and the floor was full when I arrived. Luckily, I bumped into Mini-Hulk, and got in two dances right away. Lots of other people around, and I danced almost as much as I wanted to.

Must confess that nowadays I am mostly a groove dancer. I tend to be more partial to the intermediate tempos, and to dance with leads who allow me a lot of flexibility. However, there is something special about dancing in a skirt … I always revert back to how I danced when I was taking semi-private lessons with Erik and Sylvia: a little bouncier, a little more Hollywood, a little more feminine, and a lot flirtier. Plus, as LitheOne articulated the other week, it’s just so much cooler to have the legs exposed when dancing.

Royal Crown Revue was kickstarting the Paseo Colorado summer series. They are such a dynamic band. Eddie Nichols, the lead singer, has a bit of the old-time gangster/pugilist air about him, and all the other band members are young, handsome and vibrant. Think Peter Lawford in the original Ocean’s Eleven. When I first started dancing, they played every week at the Derby, and I went at least once a week. That was where I met Wataboi, Little Flower and GioBfast, and 8-On. Good times, those were. Tonight, RCR played a wide variety of music, a lot of it rather fast. The floor was so packed that people started dancing on the concrete, which was smooth and not half-bad. At one point, it was just the drummer and the basist on the stage. Drummer started beating out a complex rhythm just with his sticks, then moved to drumming on the base, while the basist fingered the strings on the handle. It was amazing.

Anyway, I love it. There’s so much amazing dancing going on this summer … most of it free! Here’s just a taste:

Paseo Colorado ~ Free dancing from 830-2130 in the courtyard. Fridays are swing, Saturdays are salsa. Free lesson by PBDA owners Erin and Tami Stevens. I’m not big on the style they teach, but they are good dancers, and PBDA does feature live music.

I’ve also heard tell that there is swing dancing at One Colorado Courtyard on Fridays from 2100 on. Haven’t been able to find any info, but next time I’ll head over after Paseo Colorado and check it out.

Through July, there is also outdoor dancing to live music in Burbank on Thursdays . Lessons at 1800 by Francisco and Stacey. Music goes on at 1900 and goes through about 2100.

Also on Thursdays is
Lindy Groove for more dancing! $7 admission. Casual. Everyone from high schoolers through retirees.

And, Paladino’s is open every Tuesday in the summer. This is where the cool Hollwood dancers hand out. DJ music in a bar (with pool tables on the side). The floor isn’t great, but the music and dancers are. $7 admission, 21 and over.

Bearing one another's burdens

Busy day at work. Almost went to Paladino's for dancing, but decided against it because of the ankle. Was settling in for a boring night at home when my phone rang.

Item 1: I rarely have my phone on.
Item 2: I generally check to see who's calling me before I pick up, since I don't really like talking on the phone.
Item 3: Couldn't tell who was calling, but I picked up anyway.

Sure enough, it was Mr. Man. I had a sneaking suspicion it would be. Anyway, he needed help with a problem that I am specifically able to assist in. It's one of the few situations in which I am able to use a very specific skill set to help out a friend, and I'm always glad to do it. So I drove over and took care of it. And since it'd been a while since we'd had more than casual conversation, we settled in for a long chat.

Turns out that there had been gossip about me and a specific someone. Which made me laugh. I sometimes think LDS's are so eager to see people married off that spending time with anyone is an ecclesiastical/dating hazzard. Anyway, I quickly disabused Mr. Man of the rumors. At which point he started giving me tips on flirting with one or two of the gentlemen I am actually interested in getting to know better. It's always interesting to hear the male perspective on this, especially since there is no pressure with Mr. Man.

Talked about a lot of things. And it was getting late. But we kept on talking. Maybe it was the lateness of the hour. Maybe it was having a sympathetic audience. Maybe I just needed to let some stuff out that I'd been holding in for a while. Anyway, it was a very long chat. A lot of confidences and comfort given and returned. And it was good. And I really needed it. With Perky and Wry-an so far away, it was good to unload.

Left around 0200. Friendship is priceless.

New Views

Went up to the valley today for a very special birthday party. Pirategirl ... the one year old daughter of my friend Wendy-bird. A while back, my friend Wendy-bird told me that she was ordering specimen from a sperm bank in order to have a baby. I was completely flabergasted, and secretly thought she was a little nuts. Yes, she was a home owner. Yes, she was a hustler, working many contractual or free-lance jobs in her field, always able to support herself. Yes, she was wise with money. But she was also completely single, had no family living in the area, and I didn't think she'd had much experience with children.

Fast forward two years, during which we were just javascript:void(0)really busy with our own lives, and hadn't communicated much beyond the random email.

It was Pirategirl's first birthday, and I was invited. It was with a little hesitation that I entered the house. Beyond my habitual shyness, knowing that I wouldn't know anyone else there, I was a little apprehensive of what had happened to Wendy-bird and Pirategirl in the interim. I'm happy to say that most of my fears were unfounded. Wendy-bird and Pirategirl are both happy and healty. Wendy-bird has the fulfilled and satisfied look of a woman who had found a safe place to deposit her wealth of love, kindness and creativity. Pirategirl is a lovely toddler who is curious about the world around her, and revels in the love she finds at home. It made me happy to see them doing so well. I'm sure it won't be all smooth trails in the life ahead, but I think their lives will have an abundance of joy.

I was reminded of an episode of This American Life, 183: The Missing Parents Bureau, which focused on absent parents. In Case 1: Better Left to the Imagination, the focus is on single women who use sperm bank specimens to get pregnant. Generally, these are professional women, who don't have or anticipate a mate in their lives, but are ready to be mothers. It's always been hard for me to understand why women would do this. Parenthood seems hard enough when there are two parents, without throwing single (and single income) parenthood into the mix. If there's an accident, divorce, death or desertion, of course it's necessary to be a single parent. But I just couldn't understand why anyone would go to such lengths to be a single parent.

Or maybe it's that I'd never experienced baby hunger? I'm not an aggressive baby fanatic ... I don't like to hold unconsolable children, and I don't go out of my way to be with children who don't want to be with me. But I like children. I work with them professionally. I like babysitting my nephews, and playing with my friends' children. And I always thought that I'd have a couple of my own someday.

Nowadays, the concept of bearing children seems very far away. As I explained to my gyn, I'm not involved with anyone I want to have children with. And while it occassionally makes me feel sad, it's not something that I find fruitful to dwell on.

But every once in a while, I do long to be a mother. It's not very often. But there are times when I think that it would be deeply satisfying to raise a child, to have someone to lavish love upon, to nurture and teach and tend. Most times I fulfill these desires by trying to be good to those around me, at home and work, and it's generally enough. But sometimes it's not. And it's at those times that I wonder about someday becoming a foster or adoptive mother to a child in need. It's a new idea to c onsider. And so I wonder and I ponder.

In keeping with new views, and because it was the last day to use my flexible spending account money, I took myself over to Lens Crafter and used up the last of the money on eyewear. Granted, it was about $1300 of eyewear. Exam. Two pairs of totally souped up glasses. But since it was the last day of the 1/2-off-lenses sale, I still had a lot of money left over. So, I splurged. I got colored contacts. I know it's silly, and vain and pretty ridiculous, but even worse would be not using the money at all. I'll probably use them mostly to wear for nights out dancing. Plus, I've always wanted to get them, but could never justify the expense. I was still pretty conservative ... instead of the green eyes I've always dreamed about, the contact make my eyes a light shade of brown. So, next time you see a woman who looks like me, but with light brown eyes, you might just want to compliment said woman on how interesting her eyes look ... and leave it at that.

And now we'll take a little break for some screaming

WooooooooHoooooooo!

Yeeeeeeaaaaaaahhhhh!

Haaaaaahahahahahahaha!

Wootwoot-can-I-hear-a-wootwoot!

Ahem ...

Yes. This morning I took and passed the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses CCRN pediatric critical care exam. And PASSED! (Repeat first four lines above).

Took a review course at my work a few years ago, and freaked out at the amount and intricacy of the material covered by the test. Didn't take the exam ... pushed it to the back of my mind and let it simmer. But I've lately had more incentive to bring the pot to a full boil.

My hospital is now applying for Magnet status. There's been a huge surge to improve the nursing staff and conditions ... lots of multidisciplinary committees, pushes to increase education, more nursing research projects, and encouragement to get additional certifications. So, my unit started a display in the hall with all the names of the CCRN nurses. So far there are about ten names. Now there will be eleven. And yes, while I don't generally like to admit to being that competitive and that petty that I'd rush to get my name on before a lot of others, I freely admit it in this instance.

Stopped posting on Exponent Blog to concentrate on studying (albeit ofttimes lackadaisically). Took half of the review course again. Sat for a practice exam. Listened to review mp3's until I thought I'd scream. And took this week off work to get in the last little bits of nitty gritty before the exam and my annual trip to Arrowhead.

Thoughts on the test? They're all given via computer at authorized testing centers. Like FK suggested, as soon as I stepped to my desk, I started jotting down notes on the provided scratch paper: ABG interpretation tips, heart chamber/vessel pressures, normal CSF test values, etc. The test was difficult. But that's really the point, isn't it? Found that I hate taking multiple choice tests on computer ... when it came to those questions where we had to choose the best answer out of several correct ones, I had to literally write down ABCD on my scratch paper and cross out the ones I was able to eliminate. I had difficulty with the cardio section because there were so many questions on cardiothoracic pre- and post-op patients ... which we rarely see because they go to the CTICU and not the PICU. However, I did really well in the Pulmonary, GI, Renal, Multisystem and Professional/Synery areas.

When I got my results, I uttered an elated "Yes!" under my breath. This swelled to a normal voice when I stepped outside the office. And became full on screaming when I got into my car! Turned up the radio loud (ahh ... my long lost friend the radio ... I can't wait to be reunited with NPR morning news), and alternatingly head bopped, screamed and laughed for about ten minutes. I think I stopped because the oxygen in my car ran out. The guy in the next car was pretty amused.

Got an hour Thai massage on the way home to celebrate.

And then, watched SYTYCD tonight. I LOVE THIS SHOW. I don't really want anyone to go home. Thoughts on the show (during which I indeed laughed, gasped and occassionally screamed):

Jessi and Pasha (jazz) ~ He is such a comic, and moves so well. Loved how he completes movements, like continuing his hand down her arm after the music finished. They were both sinuous and staccato per the wonderful choreography.

Sabra and Dominic (contemporary) ~ Amazing choreography paired with amazing partnering. When she did that foot pull, it looked like she actually slid him across the floor, eventhough he was really pushing with his arms. Such intricate, innovative and powerful movements. I was in awe.

Lacey and Kameron (Broadway) ~ The routine was okay. However, Lacey is really good at emoting while dancing, at least on the two choreographed pieces she's been on so far. I agree that he moue-ing during the auditions wasn't attractive. And, as much as I think Kameron's beautiful and is a good partner to Lacey, he doesn't seem to move as well when he's on his own. Plus, his shirt was ridiculous. They should have had him wear a vest.

Anya and Danny (Viennese waltz) ~ That reverse attitude spin was truly amazing. Anya is such a lovely dancer. I'm interested in seeing her do hiphop and contemporary. Didn't like the slapdash slashing of shiny material on her costume, but I guess it's less expensive than sewing on sequins just where they want them. Danny has such beautiful lines, but sometimes he just looks stiff and unnatural. Plus, as Wonder Woman astutely pointed out, he seems really cold.

Sara and Jesus (paso doble) ~ Thought the ballroom dance set to contemporary music was genius. His posture was a lot better than hers.

And even Neil (hip hop) and Jaimie (samba) stepped it up by performing so well out of their genres.

And lastly, although it didn't involve any screaming whatsoever, I went to the book club sponsored by my unit at work. It was held at FB's house, which was one of the major motivations, since she's just wonderful. And, Phillip Hawley, Jr, the author of Stigma was going to attend. It was really interesting to hear him talk about his writing process, and how the book eventually got published. Amazingly, Stigma is Hawley's debut book. Wrote it in his spare time. Had a friend look at it, who had another friend look at it, and two years later, it's published and selling at Costco (not that Costco is a purveyor of fine literature, but the book was just that promising). And so it is that a practicing pediatrician now has a contract with a major publishing house. Fabulous. And I have the autographed book to prove it.

A kind and thoughtful loan

I knew I was going to forget something ...

Wed, when I was down at DoT, Pilgrim girl made an extraordinary gesture of kindness that will have resounding implications for the future. Due to a new influx of comfy furniture, and the need to get down to the nitty-gritty of writing her dissertation, PG loaned me her digital piano! Small, but with a full-sized keyboard. Encased in a black wood cover and matching stand. Weighted keys that have a few different volume capabilities. Some fancy-schmancy tonal qualities. And a jack so that I can practice and not bother the neighbors. I'm so delighted!

Got it home Wed night, set it up, and played a bunch of Christmas songs from the hymnal, because I couldn't find the other music I wanted. Actually, the sheet music was all there, I was just looking for it in my music bag instead of on the shelf.

When I started taking piano lessons at the tender age of five, I didn't realize how much satisfaction music would give me. Neither did my parents. Of course it was a struggle to get me to practice, and sometimes my mother would have to put up with my groaning at weekly lessons. Of course there were times that I scooted the practice timer forward a couple of minutes when she wasn't looking. Of course there were times when I hated having to accompany at Saturday morning baptisms when my dad was ward, then stake mission leader/president.

But, there were so many compensations. Performing at school concerts. Having the upper hand on reading music when I took up clarinet in elementary school (for a year) and flute in junior high school (again, for a year). Learning to conduct music with Rowan Taylor (I wish I could say that I was a talented student, but the fact is that he volunteered his time to anyone in the stake who wanted to learn, which happened to be just my brother Bork and myself, urged out of bed Saturday mornings by my dad. This fact doesn't negate Taylor's talent, just the sensibilities of the stake members). Learning to sing alto. Understanding the flow of music that I dance to. Just so many benefits.

And not least of these is the intense personal satisfaction I have when I mastered a piece that speaks to my soul. Fur Elise when I was 8. Polonaise in G Minor by Chopin when I was about 12. The accompaniment to Adoration by Borowski (to play with JLITH on the violin) when I was 14. Where Do I Begin by Lai when in high school, borrowed from my AP English teacher (The Great One, as he was known to his teacher buddies, because he was multi-talented). And Reverie by Debussy somewhere around 20. My history in music is laid out in scrap books (more like accomplishments books with lots of printed programs and awards) lovingly compiled by my father.

I quit taking piano lessons somewhere around seventeen years of age. By then I had largely stopped practicing at all, and was much more obssessed with much pettier teenage superfluities.

About eight year ago, I started having cravings for music again. Little by little, I started to collect sheet music of songs that really spoke to me. I started playing at the church whenever I could sneak in a practice session. Dusted off a few old favorites, and started trying out a couple of new pieces. It became my goal to learn Debussy's Claire de Lune. I've gotten to the third page. Not very good progress.

However, now I have a good instrument that I have total access to. I've playing at least one song a day on it. I'm saddened at how stiff and weak my fingers are ... they trip maddeninly slowly over some of my old favorite pieces. However, there is progress. I'm slowly regaining mastery. I even slogged through the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata tonight (which is not very difficult, I'm just a poor sightreader, and my hands have trouble spanning more than an octave ... which means that I also have trouble playing pieces by Lizst or the easiest of Rachmaninoff's).

And so it is that I now have a piano in my home again. Much gratitude to such a good friend.

Trying out my new, expensive and ugly shoes

Bork's birthday this past week. As a break, I told Bork and Genie that I would babysit for them down in OC so that they could get out and have some couple time.

On the way, I stopped at South Coast Plaza and bought these shoes. Really, they very ugly. And, they happen to be the most expensive shoes I've ever bought. But, in the quest for a stronger core, and less joint impact, I'm sufficiently intrigued enough to try themjavascript:void(0) out. They came highly recommended by one of the cardiologists at my work. She'd been having trouble with her back, and was recommended to try these by her physical therapist, and has been raving about them ever since. I tried them on earlier in the week, and was almost convinced, but decided to sleep on it.

Got over to the Dragon family home. Heard about their woeful experiences trying to golf for the first time. Luckily thy played a game called Scramble, so it wasn't too awful for the beginners. Bork mused about maybe having to take up the game to be more social with coworkers. Anyway, after a little whining from Bean Two, I shooed Bork and Genie out the door for a night of bowling. Turns out there's a company bowling night coming up, and Bork wanted to pep up his game!

The Beans were pretty good. Bean Three freaked out a little bit when Beans One and Two went out to play. But at least it wasn't awful-freaking-out ... he didn't fight me when I picked him up, just continued to cry until Bean One came and comforted him, and we gave him his nightly bottle a little early. Yes, I recognize that Stranger Anxiety is one of the developmental stages of infancy, I just don't like it much.

When it got dark, Beans One and Two trooped in and started playing with the legos. I'm so glad that they're at an age where they can entertain themselves. I pulled on my ugly, expensive shoes, and walked around the apartment ... back room to living room to back room to living room ...

Put Bean Three down to sleep at 1930, and turned on the fan for a little white noise. He cried for about six minute, then settled into sleep. He was so quiet that I snuck in just to make sure he was breathing.

Beans One and Two got tired of playing, and came to ask for some ice cream. After some hard bargaining, I got them to eat some more of their veggies from dinner, and they each had a scoop of rocky road. Both Beans show excellent taste, choosing the better path ... chocolate instead of vanilla.

As I started washing the dishes, the boys started to wrestle. Then Bean Two started whining, which is par for the course. Then he started whining louder, and Bean One started protesting his innocence. At which point I put them in separate chairs in the living room and told them to stay put. Bean One settled in, but Bean Two kept wailing. At one point, B1 tried to tell me something, but I couldn't hear him. So when I finished risning the dish in my hand, I turned around. Funnily enough, Bork and Genie walked in the door at that moment, and we all found out what B1 had been trying to tell me ... B2 (still wailing) had peed his pants! What was there to do but laugh? Good thing that Bork and Genie are disposing of the furniture (all scavenged from decades worth of old furniture at my parents' house) when the summer is over. Hopefully B2 won't be emotionally scarred for life, and will have many future happier peeing moments.

Just for the record ...

It's been almost three weeks since my last post. And the situation doesn't look to be getting better anytime soon. Working on a project for work that should be sucking up a lot of my internet time.

Anyway, just for the record, I'll mention some things that I want documented.

Spent the week after the SLC trip sick. By the end of two weeks of not working, I was really glad to get back. Working a little helps me stay productive on my off days.

Curry and Catan on 3/18. Three tables' worth and lots of curry. Taught two new people the basics, and got some others grounded on C&K with the special rules. Is it selfish to want a large pool to play from?

3/21 went to Chapman University to hear Pagels speak on the Judas texts.

3/25 made dinner up at the homestead to celebrate Dad's birthday. Made curry because I was still craving it. However, I used the "good" roux that Mom got from Japan. Unfortunately, it was the hot stuff ... and if I'd studied Japanese more, I might have been able to read the box. Oops. Spork was supposed to bring the cake, but he forgot. Oops again.

3/28 had a meeting with a lawyer representing a hospital I used to work for. A patient's parents are suing the hospital. Lawyer wanted to go over my testimony before a possible deposition. It's rather a waste of time, because this was over sixx years ago, and I don't remember the patient at all. The most I can do is read what I charted. I just have to remember to only answer the questions asked. As a test, lawyer asked me if I knew what time it was. I looked at my watch and said it was 1345. Oops. I should have just looked at my watch and said yes. Or not looked at any watch and said no.

3/30-31 Do Something Blue dances and workshop. Met some great dancers from San Diego, and some interesting ones from Seattle. Apparently SD is full of neo-swingers ... those who like to dress up and drink martinis, but can't actually dance much more than an east coast basic. Sad. Then again, they'd probably look me over and sneer at my modern, low-maintenance attire. The dancing was hot. Teachers all did a great job. I especially liked Cy's fill in the sculpture exercise.



Have been precepting E at work. She is another member of the half-Japanese club. The other half is Taiwanese. She's a little reticent, but doing pretty well so far. We'll start taking pairs and more unstable 1:1's this coming week. We had a really unfair assignment on Thursday. I made it work, and she got some interesting experiences, but next time I'm going to be more forceful with SS about future assignments.

Somewhere in here, I went to visit Pilgrimgirl to talk over the X2 drama. Besides hearing her side of the story and coming up with options, it was just good to see her.

The house for the Arrowhead weekend is filling up. I'm really looking forward to it this year. Lots of returning friends. Some friend who missed last year. A couple of old friends who are coming for the first time. Some new faces that are coming for the first time. I'm looking forward to some really good times.

4/5 went to Lindy Groove. This is not unusual. I just mention it because I had a fantastic time. NW asked to me dance (first time ever in a social setting), and StretchJ asked me twice. I've talked before about charity dances. Well, these two competitive dancers make me want to accept all the charity dances I'm offered, in the hopes that they (NW and Stretch J) will continue to be charitable to me.

4/6 Whiteboy, Improv-er, The Dot and FGITW came over for some afternoon Catanning. I came close, but didn't with any. Wonder Woman made it back to catch the lasst game. Then I went over for the Easter program choir rehearsal. Choir is such a mixed bag for me. I think Doc Martin (who I believe also qualifies for the half Japanese club) does an incredible job with the singers and resources available to her. She chooses music the choir can sing (which sometimes I can't singe well, because the women sing unison), and does her best to buffer the weak singers with the not-so-weak singers. Confess that I am rather a not-so-weak singer, instead of one of the few solid singers.

4/6 Easter. We sang, "God So Loved the World," one of Doc Martin's original pieces. It is lovely. "Do Not Fear For You Are Mine," an amazingly beautiful and comforting piece. And "Make a Joyful Noise," a pretty piece that dances along like a sonatina by Beethoven. Had a teary moment during "DNF," and had to just mouth the words and hope my eyeliner didn't slosh down my face. Couldn't get enough of the Easter singing, so I went back for the singles' ward sacrament meeting. Satine did a lovely duet of "O Divine Redeemer," which I love for the dakr and melancholy parts. And Mr. Baritone and Satine did a lovely duet, the name of which I can't seem to remember. ANyway, I still hadn't gotten enough of singing, so I went for the Stake Choir practice in preparation for Stake Conference in two weeks. Aurora is conducting. And I enjoyed it. However, I would enjoy it much more if she would get us the actual music, instead of copies o the hymns with notes. If we were singing straight from the hymnal, it wouldn't matter as much, but there are lots of key changes and additional accompaniment that really messed me up. She just needs to take the plunge, kill some trees, and xerox the music. Aaaaahhhhh...

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 ...

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.