Kim's Calendar

Last One Before I Go...

2010-05-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post one more time while I have a computer to do so. Tonight is my last night here in Hurst w/ Val. She's been easy to take care of and is a sweet, sweet dog.

This week I got on Facebook. What a useful and useless tool all at the same time. I have found people I used to tour w/, folks from my acting class and other various souls I have enjoyed catching up w/. But I can see how one can waste a lot of time on it. This is why I am thankful I don't have a computer at home. I can still check Facebook on my phone and post pics etc - which I am planning to do while I'm in Vegas for competition. I think that will be fun to do.

Speaking of Vegas...I still have 5 weekends that I need to fill w/ petsitting, babysitting, housesitting, etc to earn money toward my competition...or you can sponsor a heat...

I have two back-to-back weekends of petsitting coming up so I will be able to post and update my calendar as needed. Until then...

Art & Soul of Ballroom Dancing

2010-05-02T05:53:00.000-07:00

I got to see Jose DeCamps & Joanna Z. perform last night. Wow! They were awesome! Their rumba, bolero & mambo were incredible! Just watching them was a lesson in partnership, connection & technique. All of which are why they are the 3 time World American Rhythm Champions. Loved them! I would have loved a private lesson w/ them today but couldn't swing it financially. So hopefully I learned through osmosis as I watched them perform.

Good News/Bad News

2010-04-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

Good news: My weekends are filling up w/ petsitting, etc as I earn money to go to Vegas. I will try to update my blog as dates are added. See my calendar - down on the right of this page. My lessons are going great and I finally have time to hang out w/ friends again.

Oh, I have pics from the February competition AND my spring showcase...it's a miracle!

Bad news: I'm petsitting for friends in Hurst for the first time in about two years. They now have pergo flooring in the den which is great to dance on...but within 10 minutes of getting in the door today, I slid down the steps into the den and sat straight down on my butt. Mental note: wear shoes in the house! I had just gotten in from the chiropractor too...now I need to go back. I'm already feeling the effects...ugggggggg....

Bowling & Laser Tag Night

2010-04-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

I had a blast hanging out with everyone last night at Main Event in Grapevine. If we go bowling again, I will definitely schedule two hours instead of just one. Time really flew! And laser tag is the best!!! Unfortunately, I forgot to take pics...

I'm trying to make a point to spend time w/ my T&C friends in Dallas and w/ my DM friends in FW every month. Then every couple of months, I am planning a combined D/FW event where I can invite my non-dance friends as well. Last night was a combined event and I am hoping to do another in June. I have a couple of ideas but have not made a decision yet. Don't worry - I will give a heads up before I send the invites...

Viva Las Vegas!

2010-04-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

As you can probably tell, I am petsitting...since I am able update my blog...

We just finished the spring showcase and my mambo went great. I also get to do it again next weekend at a charity event in Dallas.

And in August I am competing at the Nevada Star Ball in Las Vegas. This will be my first time to travel out of state for a competition. Hopefully, we will arrive with all of our bags and dresses.

We had a department meeting at work yesterday. They announced that there will be no redundancy - I get to keep my job! At this time, ExxonMobil plans to keep everything as is.

I was going to post some photos finally from my competition in February but this computer won't read my disk. Darn it! I have many petsitting dates between now and August so I should be able to post more often...and possibly with a computer will allow me to upload my photos. Thanks for tuning in!

Back Online

2010-03-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

So ExxonMobile is buying XTO therefore our IT guys are limiting our access to certain sites...including my blog. That is why it's been exactly one month since my last update. I actually bought a new phone so that I can have internet access...so I can see my blog...I just can't log in and update anything...such a pain! I will have to be more diligent about going to someone's house to use their computer...uggg!!!

I still don't have pics from my February competition. Ron tells me I will have them this Saturday. Maybe I will get to post them this weekend.

Last week I spent the weekend w/ Pam & Kyle and went dancing Friday & Saturday nights in Dallas. We had a blast! This weekend I am going to dinner and dancing w/ my FW friends. That is my goal for this year...to continue developing friendships and building new ones along the way. Next weekend...I'm taking a sailing class!

BTW, I am dancing Mambo in the spring showcase at T&C. Hope you can come!

Competition Update

2010-02-11T17:41:00.000-08:00

There was some confusion in my heat list so I only danced 19 heats instead of 21. Angie and I were listed in the same age group so she danced the Smooth Scholarship and I danced the Rhythm Scholarship. They didn't have my tango showcase on the schedule so I decided not to do it at all - I was too nervous. But overall I felt really good about my placements: 2 firsts; 2 thirds; and the rest were seconds. I competed against two ladies throughout the day who dance silver open and I still managed to get seconds! (Open means that they did some fancy tricks while I stuck to the silver syllabus.) At our last competition, I got a lot of thirds so I think I have improved even since September. :) In my last heat of the day - a bolero - I pulled a muscle in my back so this week I've seen the chiropractor and the massage therapist. But I think it's getting better. Unfortunatley, I won't get to go the Valentine dance this Saturday. I have to continue resting. I don't know which competition I will go to next, but it will be August or later. I have to do some more petsitting, etc to be able to pay for it!

This Little Light Of Mine...I'm Gonna Let It Shine

2010-02-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's a kids' song. But applicable on many levels this week.

Vince told me to hold my frame in smooth like a flashlight - like a V-shaped light going up and out into the darkness...that made me think of the song.
Attitude #1 - dancing and performing makes me happy. I have to show that joy this weekend...and let my light shine.
Attitude #2 - yes, Don will be there but I have to keep a right attitude, keep my head in the game and not give up...

I read Joyce Meyer's devotion today: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched...Isaiah 43:2

Father, thank You for infusing me w/ inner strength so that I am ready and equal to anything. Amen.

5 Days till Competition

2010-02-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

So last night's lesson sucked. I don't know where my head was but it was not in the dance studio w/ the rest of me. Vince gave me the "don't give up" talk. As best as I can tell, I was emotional because of an interview I had yesterday for a different position here at work; I was worried about whether my dresses would be ready before the comeptition; and I kept thinking about my former teacher being at the comp. I don't know why the work thing bothered me except it got my adrenaline pumping in the afternoon and then it was gone by the time I got to Dallas. Patti brought the dresses last night - they are great and will be done on time. I'm just going to have to forget about/ignore any thoughts of Don being at the comp. To add to that, I don't know what we're going to do about our tango routine - Vince doesn't remember the choreography so parts of it are being re-choreographed because he doesn't believe me when I tell him what we did...thankfully we have one more lesson this Saturday. We have got to get it together. Lord, help us...help me.

I heard a song twice on the radio yesterday that I used to not like that much but it spoke to my situation - Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie. I needed to hear that...

10 Days till Competition

2010-01-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

I'm still not nervous...not necessarily confident or comfortable w/ all my dances...but not nervous. Occasionally I do think about my former teacher being there w/ his students...yes - a friend of mine will be competing w/ him so it's official. BUT...I'm not the same person or dancer I was when I was taking lessons from him. And I love my lessons now and I look forward to competing in general. So as long as I can keep that attitude and stay focused on what I'm supposed to be doing, everything will be great. And I get to do my tango showcase (which Vince and I haven't walked thru since we did it in December)...ut it will be fine...Despite any panic that pops up this week in my lessons or at competition itself...it will be fine - I will be fine!

4 Weeks to Competition

2010-01-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

This time, everything seems different. 1) I'm not afraid of the unknown. I've gotten the first competition and first showcase out of the way. I know what to expect from Vince (on and off the dance floor). 2) My partnership skills and connections have improved a lot. Some teachers emphasize technique - he emphasizes partnership/connection. Again, I know what to expect from Vince and I am able to far more than I could a year ago...yes, I've been taking lessons w/ him for a year now. No one is more shocked than me. I didn't think I would be able to drive to Dallas every week for more than a couple of months. But I still love to dance - something I was questioning a year ago. I think I have the basic silver patterns happening and now he's adding more difficult elements. I'm excited about using them in at this competition.

Dance Competition - Sunday, Feb. 7

2009-12-29T06:18:00.000-08:00

This time, I'm dancing in the Texas Star Ball at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. It's a one-day event so you can come early and stay all day if you like. Here are the when and what I will be dancing:

Sunday, February 7
9 a.m.
American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot, Viennese Waltz

1:30 p.m.
American Rhythm: Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo

I think I'm dancing my Tango showcase as well as the Rhythm & Smooth multi-dance events. Obviously there are many more events that day. This is just what I will be doing. I don't know the "exact" times I will be dancing – just that my heats will be within the posted times.

Come by the Dallas Dancesport table and say "Hi."
Hope you can come - especially since it's in Grapevine. Thanks for all your support and encouragement!

A Merry White Christmas!

2009-12-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

So, not only was it our first family Christmas ALL together in 25 years...it was also the first white Christmas in FW in 85 years! My nieces Wambui, Nyaguthi and Rose who live in Kenya, had never seen snow at all. And instead of our usual seven family members, we had 16 and we were still missing a few (my niece Penny & her husband Jim stayed in Kenya; and my nephew Joseph had to work). Obviously, this wasn't just a trip home for Christmas for my brother David and his family. Between the birth of his first grandchild, Zuri, and my mom's stroke, they decided that this was the year to come. We had a great time together and got lots of family pics together. Unfortunately, my camera batteries started dying toward the end so I will have to rely on someone to email the fireside pics to me. But I have uploaded a few fun ones today. God created a very special Christmas for us!

Good to Hear

2009-12-21T12:37:00.001-08:00

Today our boss told us that ExxonMobil will need employees so we will still have jobs once the buyout is complete. We may be rearranged - our group might be split up - but there will be plenty of work. That was good to hear. I feel sorry for the rest of my group since they may not be able to get Exxon's pension when they retire. This year I have felt old since I'm only a year away from 40. But if I am able to stay w/ Exxon I will get the full pension since you have to have 15 years by age 55. I'm just the right age at just the right time!

Tango, Tango

2009-12-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

The showcase went really well. At least that's what everyone told me. I don't remember much. Sometimes that happens. I remember stepping w/ the wrong foot at the beginning and I remember confusing two parts later in the routine and I had to rush to get to where I was supposed to be. I don't remember getting stepped on. My friend, August, came from FW to watch me dance. He asked me about getting stepped on but I didn't recall it. But I must have since I have a bruise on top of my right foot this morning. Several of the teachers came to me afterward and said I did great. One in particular said I was very grounded. That's a miracle! I was very glad to hear that!

My feet were burning when I got home last night and I had to ice them. Saturday, I spent five hours at the studio. Two of those hours were idle time because some west coasters had wax or something on their shoes and it made the floor too slippery for the rest of us. Then Vince cleaned the floor himself. I spent all of that time in my dress and shoes. Then another three hours on Sunday in the dress and shoes. My feet and legs are aching today. But I feel good about the routine and I look forward to doing it again in February at the Texas Star Ball. Maybe I will work out all the brain glitches by then. And I have to say how refreshing it is to work w/ a teacher who is so encouraging and positive ALL THE TIME and then cleans the dance floor so no one slips and falls.

On a side note, XTO got bought out by ExxonMobil. We haven't had a meeting or anything yet this morning to get more info. So I'm just gonna have to believe that this is a good thing and that I will get to keep my job. God willing.

Bad Dress Rehearsal = Great Opening Night, Right?

2009-12-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

Last night, we had our dress rehearsal for the Winter Showcase. I'm so glad T&C does a dress rehearsal. We didn't get that at my old studio. You just had to fight for space on the floor, ask to play your music, and hope you made it through a couple of times during your last lesson before the show. So having one was a good thing. Unfortunately, I feel like crap! This sinus infection is lingering way too long. Even walking slowly through my routine takes everything I've got. Breathing is impossible. Then, to do this routine to music! I just collapse at the end. It nearly causes me to pass out. I love the routine. It's way more ambitious than I'm accustomed to. I think Vince is overly optimistic that I'm able to dance it well. I dont' think I'm able to dance it at all. I have one more lesson on Saturday. If I'm still standing at the end, I'll dance in the showcase. Then there is the dress. I keep catching my heel in it. I practice in a much longer skirt so I don't understand why my showcase dress does it. I don't want to have to use a different dress because this one is perfect for tango and our choreography. Lots of prayer is needed for this showcase to happen!

One Holiday Weekend Down

2009-12-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Friday night, Alison - my niece - and I went to the XTO Christmas party at the new Omni Hotel in downtown FW. We had a a lot of fun - food, drinks, dancing and gambling. We had a really funny moment w/ one of my coworkers who happens to be deaf. Alison was wearing a low-neck dress and Ruthie poked her in the chest and said "You have boobs! I'm jealous!" You never know what she might say...even to people she just met. Thankfully, Alison laughed too and wasn't offended.

Saturday night, I went to the Pink Ladies Party at Patti's house and spent the night. I've never seen so much alcohol at one person's house. Vince gives each of his students who compete a pink robe, hence the name. We ate, drank and looked at pictures and videos from this year's competitions. Pam is not one of Vince's students but she likes our robes so I bought her a soft, plush pink robe and she wore it to the party. I had a great time visiting w/ everyone but I wish I had felt better so I could have enjoyed it more. It's also really cool to have a teacher who likes to hang out w/ his students. I'm glad Vince and Donna came.

Unfortunately, I ate too little and drank too much both nights, and danced two days in a row in preparation for my showcase this weekend. My energy is still really low and I am physically sore. Our tango is a rigorous workout. I think I would breathe hard even if I weren't sick. Hopefully this weekend I'll be over it and can think, breathe and move more readily.

Busy Month

2009-12-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I'm going to our company Christmas party at the new Omni Hotel in downtown FW. I'm so blessed to work for XTO - they take such great care of us. Last week we got our raises and bonuses - unheard of in our industry during this economy - and all of our regular Christmas festivities are in tact. XTO Christmas parties include wearing a fancy dress (for ladies!) for cocktails, dinner, dancing and casino games. Tomorrow night will be my first Pink Ladies Party. All of Vince's students who competed this year are getting together to look at competition pics while eating/drinking.

Next week at work, we have a Christmas/December birthday brunch and the XTO Ladies Ornament Exchange Luncheon. And hopefully I will be dancing my Tango in the Winter Showcase at T&C. It all depends on my lesson this Saturday and considering I now have a sinus infection, it may be iffier than we thought. My brother and his family also come to DFW next weekend - his first Christmas w/ us in 25 years!

After that is petsitting the week of Christmas and our Christmas family celebrations.

Unfortunately they are still working on our office building so yesterday and today I'm breathing propane or diesel fumes which is not helping my sinus infection. In addition, I also have an appointment w/ an oral surgeon on 12/16. I may have to have my wisdom teeth removed. I've never had a surgery before and I've never known anyone to have an easy experience w/ wisdom teeth. Thank goodness for all the parties and celebrations! I'm gonna need some after too!!!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2009-11-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

And it's only the day before Thanksgiving!

On Monday of this week, Bettie and I put up the tree here at work because she wanted to do it before next Monday since she's taking a vacation day today. I have to say, I was not ready to think about Christmas until we put that tree up. I think it's really pretty. We work the Gulf Coast region so it has turquoise and silver balls to match the color of the ocean as well as actual seashells and a starfish on top! So now, I am really beginning to look forward to Christmas. Of course, that could change Friday when I put up the much larger tree at home.

There are some radio stations that have been playing Christmas music for a couple of weeks already. I have not been listening except to a song here and there. But my mood and thoughts began to shift toward Christmas when I heard the acoustic version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Bare Naked Ladies & Sarah McLaughlin. That is my favorite Christmas Carol. But it won't be Christmas for me until I hear the duet w/ Bing Crosby & David Bowie. They have a great version of The Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth. I have the CD but it's not Christmas until I hear it on the radio. One song they don't play on the radio is Christmas in Killarney...they should really reconsider that.

Last night I took mom to Walmart to get her Christmas present - a new entertainment center. Our microwave is also going out so she picked one out and we put it in our cart. So there I was pushing a cart w/ the entertainment center and mom was pushing her cart w/ the microwave (slower than molasses but she made it). Then my sister called and asked me to look for a 1/2 pint of buttermilk. I said "I'm pushing a cart w/ a huge entertainment center and mom is pushing a cart w/ a big microwave. I can't go look for buttermilk." So she hangs up. They sent a kid to help us get it in my car. The entertainment center was about 2 inches too long to lay in my backseat. We couldn't shut the door. The Salvation Army guy - a huge guy - sees us and comes over and maneuvers the entertainment center at an angle so we can shut the door. We got home and managed to slide it out of my car and set it in the garage. Now someone needs to get it in the house and put it together. I still vote for hiring Jeremy to do it. We'll see...So now my Christmas shopping is complete!

Let Us Give Thanks

2009-11-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

So I've written about it a couple of times and this week we're supposed to do it: give thanks. It's kind of ironic that the days when you are supposed to be w/ family, you dread it...and you're supposed to give thanks for them at the same time. I am thankful that we will all be together on Thursday and everyone is healthy and those who want a job, have a job.

I ALWAYS do my Christmas shopping prior to Thanksgiving week because I hate crowds...especially crowds that are willing to fight for something just because it's on sale. I'd rather pay full price than fight crowds. This morning, I got a call from my brother who lives here in FW. Since my oldest brother and his family are coming in from Kenya this Christmas, it has been suggested that we draw names this year to save money. So all the presents I bought are now next year's birthday presents. Thankfully, almost everyone has their birthday by March. I will give my three younger nieces their gifts, however, because I never get to see them. This is our first Christmas w/ David and his family in 25 years and I am grateful we will all be together...we may all be deaf by the end of the day but it will be a memorable holiday.

And I'm grateful for dance. It keeps me sane. It's my creative outlet and my social outlet. And I'm very grateful that I am dancing in the Winter Showcase. I haven't danced in a showcase in a year and I miss performing on a regular basis. And w/ all that has happened w/ my mom in the last couple of months, it's good to have something else to focus on. You know you are stressed when you would rather be at work than at home. There have been a couple of times in the last couple of weeks that I wasn't sure Vince would be in town for it, now you know the real reason for my disappointment...

I'm Back...And So Is The Mystery...

2009-11-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

It has taken a year to unknot my brain after leaving one dance studio and joining another. I took some time off from being social director for all my friends, but I think I'm ready to start socializing again. So I'm planning a Murder Mystery party for February - to coincide w/ Mardi Gras.

This mystery game is called "Masquerade Murder Mayhem." It is played in rounds and there are six characters: Big Boy Blue, Green Eyes, Miss White, Mr. Black, Pink Lady, and Yellow Belly. Each character wears the colored mask their name implies. Everyone else who attends will get to interact w/ the characters and follow clues to figure out who murdered who and why...

I don't know who reads this, but if you want to play a character, just let me know. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MEMORIZE LINES.

BTW, I'm Miss White since she is the hostess...Check back for more details...

Happy Birthday To Me!

2009-11-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

I had a great birthday! I really needed a night out and Saturday hit the spot. Great food and great friends: dinner at Ziziki's with Georgi, Scott, Annie, Pam, Kyle, May, Patti & Ron. I really the enjoyed the band at Catalina as well. We should definitely go there again!

And I feel rested today...

How Do I Spell Relief?

2009-11-11T08:40:00.001-08:00

Well, it's not Rolaids! This morning, I exchanged emails w/ my sister. The lady who stays w/ mom during the day has to leave early tomorrow. My sister asked me if I thought mom could stay home alone for an hour and a half till I got home. YES!!! I explained that mom would like some time to herself and it would free me to run errands if I could leave her alone occasionally. Thanks for praying! Yea God!

Hebrews 10:35
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

I Need A Vacation

2009-11-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

I feel a meltdown coming on. As much as I am looking forward to my birthday dinner this weekend, even more, I am looking forward to next weekend when I get to petsit. I don't have a lesson next week so I can just be alone. Hopefully I will get some rest. Mom and I had a full house all weekend and we are both exhausted and need our space. We've agreed that I am going to go wherever I need to go when I need to go w/o getting someone to stay w/ her. She's tired of having people around too. We haven't been given the go-ahead yet for her to stay by herself but we have to in order for each of us to keep our sanity.

Yesterday, Cameron, Laura and Zuri came over. I've never heard a baby SCREAM like that. Once she was fed, she was ok. I took her for a walk outside and came back in and rocked her to sleep. It was nice to see them but mom and I were both exhausted when they left. Now I have to get thru this week. I have Friday off but I will be home w/ mom. She said I can go and do whatever I want. I think I will.

Update on Mom

2009-11-06T14:11:00.001-08:00

Mom had doctor visits this week w/ her neurologist and cardiologist. Yesterday, the neurologist took her off of her med for dizziness. He also scheduled her for an EEG on Tuesday to see if there is any bleeding in her brain still. If not, she can go off of the anti-seizure med. Today the cardiologist said that he will send some machine to the house that will monitor her pacemaker periodically so she won't have to come see him for another six months.

She is doing really well and often walks w/o her cane...even when she has it in her hand...she doesn't put it down on the ground to assist her. Her memory is really good although when pressed by therapists, etc she gets frustrated and can't find the answer. She can spell it but she can't say it. Interesting phenomnon, this stroke...

I Feel It Now...

2009-11-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

As you know, I fell on Wednesday. I didn't feel anything until this morning. The side of my left foot is sore from rolling it and apparently I twisted that knee. The cut on my right knee is still sore. The good thing is it was not an acute injury or I wouldn't have been able to walk back to the office afterward. Hopefully the soreness will go away soon.

Shake It Off

2009-11-05T05:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, God knows just when to give me a good kick in the pants to straighten out my attitude. It happened yesterday when I fell on the sidewalk at lunch. Amazingly, my ankle doesn't hurt and is not swollen. My knee hurts some because of the cut I received hitting the brick sidewalk. My back is a little sore/stiff from falling. But I'm not hurt. My attitude and focus, however, changed for the better. I was able to shake off the fall and the bad attitude. I can now say I am grateful for all that I have and grumble less about what I don't have.

GRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

So, to top things off, I went to Barnes & Noble at lunch today. I bought a few Christmas presents. Then on the way back, I stepped in one of those little holes in the sidewalk, rolled my ankle and fell on the brick sidewalk. I landed on my knee which bled. Now, I'm sitting at my desk w/ ice on my ankle so it won't swell. So far, so good. But I'm so mad! Somehow, I'm sure an attitude adjustment will come but not yet. It's a good thing I don't have a lesson this week because I'm probably going to be stiff and sore for a few days. I hope that hole I stepped in is as much pain as I am. I'm ready for this week to be over with! Didn't someone say something about being thankful earlier?

Being Thankful

2009-11-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

Joel Osteen's email hit home today: in all things, give thanks.

That's really hard! I dont' know what's going on w/ me this week. I'm exhausted and it's only Wednesday. I've gone to bed early every night and still I can hardly think or move today. I don't know if I'm getting sick or if I'm totally stressed out. I know I'm frustrated that I can't run errands after work or leave the house w/o making sure someone is w/ mom. I'm frustrated that I give my schedule to my sister so that she can cover me so I can get out of the house and it's like she doesn't even read it. Then she's there every night when I don't need or want her to be there. Having an extra person in the house is tirinig and I don't feel like being nice anymore. And I'm still a bit frustrated about my showcase. Vince emailed me yesterday and said he doesn't normally schedule two comps this close together. We will start a routine but if it doesn't come together in time we'll use it in the spring instead. Mainly my frustration is that I cant' schedule extra lessons. So we have to do it in the four Saturdays that we have before the showcase. To top it all off, I'm wearing my mouthguard almost every night...I think I need it during the day also. I can't stop clinching my jaw!

What am I grateful for? I'm thankful mom is doing so well - and that she's alive. I'm thankful she still bosses me around (ha!). I'm thankful I have a sister who handles the business side of mom's situation. I'm thankful we have someone who comes to stay at the house w/ her during the day and takes her to therapy. I'm thankful I have a niece who can spend the night w/ her when I go to Dallas or petsit. I'm thankful I have an awesome dance teacher who communicates w/ me and doesn't ignore me in my lessons or when I text/email him. And I'm thankful that I will get to hang out w/ friends on my birthday next Saturday. I'm especially thankful for my job and the people I work w/ who have been very supportive during these last six weeks w/ mom.

Paying the Price

2009-11-03T05:42:00.000-08:00

When I started lessons w/ Vince, I asked for Saturday lessons 1) because of the drive; 2) my brain and legs are fresh because I haven't been at work all day. I just found out this morning that he will be out of town two more weekends before the end of the month. So I canceled my showcase. That's the price of having Saturday lessons - if he's out of town, I don't have a lesson. Right now, I don't have time during the week to make them up because I have to schedule someone to be home w/ mom. Granted, it saves me money and stretches out my lesson package, but I was really looking forward to it...it kinda ruined my morning when I found out.

Weekend Getaway...Sort Of

2009-11-02T05:52:00.000-08:00

Friday night I spent the night at my niece's house and went to the Halloween party at T&C. I guess I am a dance snob. I was bored and missing my FW friends. Of course, if I went to the Dallas dances more often, that might not be the case. However, I really enjoyed going out w/ the gang afterward. Saturday morning, Vince called and woke me up. He hurt his back and had to cancel our lesson. I was really bummed - especially since I was already in Dallas. But...no one at home knew I didn't have a lesson...so I went shopping! I haven't had a day to myself in five weeks. It was great!

I'm starting to get frustrated w/ the fact that I can't leave mom at home alone. It's not her fault...but coordinating schedules is a pain in the butt. I can't even go the grocery store w/o someone being w/ her. That means even when I'm home, someone else is there. I'm tired of feeling like I have to entertain and cook for an extra person. When I got home Saturday, I took a 2 and 1/2 hour nap (my sister was still there). I feel like I can't get enough sleep. I don't know if I'm getting sick or just exhausted. Saturday night, mom went to my brother's house. She had dinner w/ them and watched the trick-or-treaters come and go. My sister asked me if I wanted to do dinner. I said I wanted an evening to myself. I enjoyed my 2 hours of being alone. That all ended on Sunday...

Less Is More

2009-10-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, mom went to her first day of outpatient rehab therapy. They had her going up and down stairs, then steeper stairs. She also practiced getting up out of chairs - which has been the hardest part for her at home. She did so well that they said she only needs to come to therapy three days a week instead of five. This is a huge blessing: 1) she hates therapy; 2) her insurance says that after 12 visits we have to pay $30 co-pay for each visit. I dont' know how many weeks she will have to do it but it will save us some money no matter what. My sister also bought some children's activity books for her to do at home to help w/ her memory and vocabulary. Last night, she didn't even wake me to help her get up and go the bathroom. I don't know if she slept all night or if she got up on her own. But she is doing really well. Yea God!

Na Na, Hey Hey, Goobye

2009-10-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

So today my boss had to fire one of our team members. It's sad to have to do that in this economy but he had so many chances during his two years w/ us. He just didn't understand that you have to be at work on time; you have to stay until the end of the work day; you have to take only one hour for lunch; you have to call in if you're sick or late...you have to...Tomorrow, I get to pack up his personal belongings.

New Wheels & A Stick Shift

2009-10-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

As you know, mom is home now. I took the day off yesterday to stay w/ her. She is doing really good. She still needs some assistance getting out of bed and sometimes getting out of a chair or off the toilet. But once she is up, she is very mobile. She gets up and does her exercises on her own w/o being told to. Thankfully she has always enjoyed exercise so she already has the mindset that this will help her get better. She got her new wheelchair and 4-footed cane yesterday (new wheels & stick shift). They sent her home w/ a wheelchair but it was not wide enough for her. She told the man at the rehab that it was too small but he said she would get used to it. She now has one w/ the correct width. She's actually been a pretty good patient. She wants to get better and she knows it will take work so she doesn't resist when someone tells her to do something.

On a side note, my brother David & his wife & three youngest children, are coming home for Christmas. His two oldest children and their spouses live in the Dallas area. Another daughter & her husband will hold down the fort in Nairobi while her parents are here. David is a missionary in Kenya and this will be our first Christmas together in 25 years! Everyone's excited to have the family together again for the holidays!

It's Been A Roller Coaster Ride

2009-10-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

I hate roller coasters. I've only been on one in my life - Big Thunder Mountain at Disney World - and that was enough. I'm ready to be finished w/ this week's ride.

I got to break the news to mom last night that she's coming home tomorrow. She was happy...until she found out she still has to go to therapy...she thought she would be done once she was released to go home. Sorry, mom.

Tonight, I'm going dancing to blow off some steam. Watch out, guys - here I come! Unless I fall asleep on the couch...

It's Kinda Like "The Exorcist"...

2009-10-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Our heads are spinning yet again.

1) Mom's case manager called again and mom's insurance has overridden Medicare's decision to keep her for another week. Now she is coming home THIS Saturday. Apparently Secure Horizons thinks if you can walk 50 ft on your own (mom can walk 300 ft), you're good to go.

2) We have decided to hire the woman from my sister's church. She'll start whenever mom's rehab starts...mom's appointment for rehab has not been set. She will go 5 days a week for the first 2 weeks and then 3 days a week for the next 2 weeks.

3) Since mom has no place to be on Monday, I'm using the vacation day I was going to use next Friday to stay home w/ her...which will probably be a good thing and help her get acclamated again. Saturday will wear her out...

Family Meeting - Oh No!

2009-10-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

So my brother, sister and I had a family meeting last night. This was our FIRST EVER family meeting, so I was a little freaked out when my sister said let's do this. It went well...I even made dinner - another first! (ok, I've cooked before but not for my brother and sister).

The day care that the rehab people recommended is on the opposite side of town from where we live. My sister or I would have to get her there by 7 a.m. in order for us to be at work on time. Then we would have to pick her up by 5 p.m. Since I get off work at 4:30, I would get the afternoon duty. The rehab van would pick her up from there around 9 and take her to therapy and then bring her back to day care in the afternoon. So in addition to the day rate, we would have to spend extra time and gas taking her back and forth.

As it turns out, a woman from my sister's church may be able to come to our house when I leave for work in the morning and stay w/ mom until the rehab van picks her up to go to therapy. Then she would come back in the afternoon stay w/ her until I or my sister get home. And she would be cheaper than the day care. My sister will talk to her today. But this made a lot of sense to us. And really, it would only be for a couple of months. We all believe that mom will be able to stay alone before and after therapy fairly quickly. She will just need a little help in the beginning until she gets her bearings again.

So for now, we are waiting on an answer from the woman about staying w/ mom. Thanks for your prayers and for listening to me vent, etc.

Case Manager Calls Again...

2009-10-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

Mom's case manager called my sister again to discuss the next level of care. So my brother, sister and I will meet tonight to decide what to do.
I talked to mom at lunch today. She sounded much better than yesterday and said that she's not dizzy like she was yesterday. Perhaps the sleeping pill worked. But we'll know more after the CT scan tomorrow.
I have a friend who is a home health staffing coordinator. I called her today to get some recommendations on adult day cares. She is going to do some research and get back w/ me. From what I understand, the day care it is mainly for mom to continue working on her cognitive skills. She doesn't remember in what order to do things and still has a hard time w/ words. But she can walk up to 300 feet on her own...

Mom's Case Manager Called My Sister

2009-10-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

The case manager called this morning and said that they believe mom needs 24-hour supervision even after being released from the rehab center. Their recommendation is an adult day care provider just like a children’s day care so she would be supervised while we are at work. She would stay at home but we would take her to day care every day and pick her up. During the day, she would go to therapy. The rehab center would pick her up for that and return her to day care. The case manager thinks that the insurance will pay for the day care if recommended by the doctor. She is checking into that and will get back to us. They have all kinds of things for them to do such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, movies, therapy etc. We’ll see about that. Someone gave me info about Christian Care Centers for home health, etc. We are going to check into that as well.

I would like for someone to explain to me how we went from "she's doing good, she's coming home" to sending her to senior day care.

Update

2009-10-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

My sister talked to the rehab dr this morning about mom's headaches. She will get a CT scan tomorrow.

Change of Plans

2009-10-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

Mom is not coming home today as we thought. She was very tired yesterday and was complaining of a similar headache/earache as she did before the stroke. No one on staff has taken this seriously yet. I think my sister will call the hospital doctor today about that. In my "professional" opinion as her daughter, she's just tired. She had a big weekend - my cousin visited from out of town; other friends came and visited; she found out Friday she might go home today and got all excited; she hasn't been sleeping all thru the night every night; plus her therapy from 9 or 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They were supposed to give her something to help her sleep last night - hopefully it did the job. So they are going to keep her there until Oct. 31, then decide if she can go home.

And to add to my rant from yesterday: 1) mom sent me home w/ her laundry to do; 2) I was nearly rear-ended on my way home by a woman who was in an altercation w/ another driver on the road; 3) I had to call all mom's friends to give the update; 4) my sister showed up and stayed all evening...finally around 9:30 she realized I didn't want any company and left...OK - enough ranting.

It's My Blog & I'll Rant If I Want To

2009-10-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Let me just say, I've been in a bit of a mood since I got to work this morning. It begins and ends w/ miscommunication:
1) At 8 a.m. this morning, someone from accounting called to tell me that I didn't sign for a check that I had to pick up yesterday because no one has told the caller who was supposed to bring it to me. They have always delivered the checks...When I went to pick it up yesterday, she wasn't at her desk. So I took it off her desk and then had to sign for it this morning. Every time she calls, I know there is a stupid, yet easily corrected by her, problem...I really hate to hear from her first thing in the morning...
2) A friend emailed me this morning and I misinterpreted what this person was saying. Then, this person called me out on something...which is true: I don't open up and let people get to know me. That's a shock for my FW friends, I know! For the record, I've taken this year to pull back and reflect on those relationships and activities that are important to me. I made some big changes this year by switching dance teachers and retreating from activities/people that suck the life out of me. Not to mention I didn't want every conversation to be an opportunity to bash my former teacher or complain in general. I had some stuff to work through. I've enjoyed the peace that has come w/ having time to myself. I've gotten to see friends I haven't seen in a couple of years. The time I spend w/ people is more enjoyable. I am just beginning to want to get out again socially. I assure everyone I will...when I'm ready.
3) Someone stole my monogrammed coaster that was under my coffee mug this morning. After nearly two hours, it was returned but I wasn't at my desk to see who returned it. No one else saw them either. Apparently, my disappointment at discovering the coaster missing was communicated well enough for it to be returned. I received the coaster from my boss at my first job right out of college...so I've used it at many a job throughought the years. Thanks to whomever felt remorseful enough to return it. And thanks to God for hearing my prayer.
I'm done ranting now :)

Busy Weekend

2009-10-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

As of this past Friday, mom will probably come home this Wednesday. She is doing great! My cousin from east Texas (my mom's sister's daughter) came to see her on Saturday. They talked all day. Mom was recalling events from 40-50 years ago...specific words still escape her in mid-sentence, but the details are all in tact. Right now, the only events she doesn't remember is the first week in the hospital. That's probably a good thing. I also took her outside in her wheelchair and managed to get her to say her favorite bad word as we bounced along the uneven sidewalk...I know she's ok if she remembers that word!

My friend, Lisa, and I went to hear Beethoven's 9th at the Meyerson in Dallas on Sunday. It was amazing! I loved watching the conductor, Jaap Van Zweden, as he directed the symphony. He's a husky man who looks more like a football coach rather than a symphony conductor. He would rise up on his toes and hop as the music would rise and fall. First he would hop and face the violins, then hop and face the cellos, etc. It was fun. And of course the music was beautiful, particularly the finale, Ode to Joy. This concert was part of the free events held in conjunction w/ the grand opening of the new AT&T Performing Arts Center. We took a tour of the new Winspear Opera House next to the Meyerson. I can't wait to see a show there. We did not take the tour of the Wiley Theatre across from the Winspear but both are architectural marvels and absolutely gorgeous. They are both getting national press and slated to rival NYC. A stage was set up in the middle of the intersection of Flora and Olive. We caught a few performances there, including a flamenco dance group which was terrific. It was a fun, action-packed weekend.

Playing Hooky

2009-10-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

When I went to see mom yesterday, the occupational therapist was with her - working on speech and memory skills. The therapist came to her room because mom didn't go downstairs for her therapy when she was supposed to. She doesn't like the speech/memory part...so she tries to play hooky! She likes the physical therapy - she can get up and move around. She's always been a fidgety person who hates to sit in one place for long. So the rule of staying in her bed and waiting for a nurse to come and escort her to the restroom is making her crazy.

Anyway, the therapist would give her three words and ask her what category they belonged in - such as April, August and September or green beans, broccoli and zuccini. Months and vegetables, right? Anyone who knows my mom knows she couldn't do this before the stroke so it was hard not to laugh at times. I did take the opportunity to explain to the therapist 1) Mom has never had a good memory. She works at about 75% of what most people remember/take for granted and now she's down to 75% of what she had. She will tell you, when she was a kid, she was more interested in playing than studying. Mom even told me when the therapist left that she knows she's forgotten some things but there are other things she just never knew - it wasn't imporant to her. 2) I also explained about mom and the date. If you ask her what is today's date, she will answer "The 10th and 16th." Meaning, October (10th month) and 16th day. If you ask what is her birthday, she will answer "third and 19th of 27." March 19, 1927. That's how she has always said dates. So it's not wrong - just different.

During the last two weeks, I've spoken to many of her friends to give them updates on her. Everyone is in shock that mom had a stroke. She was the healthiest of her group of friends. She drove her friends to church, to lunch, to the Red Hat Ladies meetings and even to her square dances. In Sunday school, she sits w/ three other ladies and talks while the teacher is speaking. They're like young, mischevious girls. Our next door neighbor, Ruth, told me that mom had to get well and come home. She said, "I need her - she's my best friend." Mom always has a smile for everyone and it has continued in the hospital and rehab. The staff have also commented on her smile and good attidude. Last night, Joy called. Mom worked for her for years at West Elementary. She's going to call and talk to mom today. She said "Maybe they'll get some of that meanness out of her." She was referring to how honory mom can be. I said "No, that's impossible."

That's My Mom!

2009-10-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

I went by to see mom on my way home from work yesterday. The difference was like night and day! She is initiating conversation, answering questions and making fun of her therapists and nurses. She is still mad that they won't let her get up and walk by herself. Thankfully, the outfits I bought for her to wear to her therapy sessions fit. Someone washed her hair finally and she was wearing a little makeup too. It is good to see her looking and sounding like herself again. Yea God!

Sneaky...

2009-10-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

Last night they moved mom to another room that is closer to the nurses' station. Apparently mom sneaks out of her bed to go to the bathroom or just walk around. She is tired of staying in bed. She was very anxious to get to the rehab place anyway. I think it was because hospital means you're sick and rehab means you're getting better. So now she thinks she can get up and do what she wants. And because the nurses don't want her to fall and hurt herself, they put an alarm on her bed so that any time she gets out of it, they will know. This is the mom I know!

My mom has never had a good memory. I told someone last night that her memory is usually at 75% and now she is working on 75% of what she already had. She's much better at multiple choice. Part of her therapy is speech and memory. They ask her a lot of open-ended questions. She hates for people to ask her the same questions over and over. So when I saw her last night, I asked her what she did in therapy. She curled her lip and wrinkled her nose. They asked her a lot of questions.

Today, I'm tired and cranky (a Starbucks morning w/ extra espresso). I went to the chiroractor after work yesterday. Usually I go straight home and lie down in the floor to rest my back. I didn't get to do that. So today I'm hurting more than before. I stopped to see mom - got there around 6 and left around 7 p.m. Then I stopped to get something to eat which took forever. When I got home around 7:45, I changed clothes and sat down and took a bite of my chicken. The phone rang...I let the machine get it. It was our neighbor: "Kim, I saw you pull into the driveway. How's your mother?" They wait till they see my car and then call. Then a friend called me on my cell phone - I vented to her. My sister called while I was on the phone. Before calling her back, I called the neighbor back. Another friend called my cell during that conversation. So then I called my sister. I finally got off the phone at 9:30...then someone else called at 9:45. I think I will let all calls for my mom go to the machine and then call them back on my lunch break the next day. This is crazy!

She Made It!

2009-10-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

So mom is finally in the rehab facility - Health South off of Lancaster and Summit. I don't know yet how long she will be there but I had to go to WalMart last night and buy some pj's/loungewear for her to wear to her therapy. She gets to wear real clothes and intead of a hospital gown.

My sister goes back to work today after more than a week of sitting w/ mom in the hospital. I know she must be exhausted but probably glad to see different surroundings. And mom is glad to be somewhere new w/ something to do every day. She has never liked to sit still. Now she has a goal...get herself going and go home!

Christmas Showcase

2009-10-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot...I'm dancing Tango in the Christmas Showcase at Tango & Cha Cha's on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. General Admission is $15 if you buy you tickets in advance but $30 at the door; reserved seats are $25. Don't worry about it if you can't come. I do these for me anyway...but you'll be missing out on a great Tango!

Good Days & Bad Days

2009-10-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

Supposedly mom will be moved to rehab today...we'll see. Pretty much every other day she is vomiting. But I think it's a combination of the medication and hospital food. When she feels good, she eats. But the next day, she doesn't feel good and can't keep anything down. My "professional" opinion is that she needs broth or soup, crackers and some jello until she can move up to solid food. Instead they give her pasta, sandwiches w/ onions, hamburgers - you name it. Doesn't make sense to me but I'm just the daughter. The good news is that she is following our conversations and chiming in. Yesterday I took a few pics from my dance competition to show her. When the nurse came in, she showed them to her and told her we live in White Settlement. She hasn't been able to remember White Settlement all week so that is a milestone.

I think it bothers my brother and sister - especially my brother - that I don't stay at the hospital long. My sister is there early in the morning and stays until visiting hours are over. My brother comes after work and stays until visiting hours are over. Mom has told both of them it worries her when they both stay. And I know from living with her, she doesn't like a ton of people checking on her to see if she's ok or needs anything. My job is to call her friends and give updates which is tiring in itself. I work all day, go to the hospital and come home and get on the phone. I took a break from it over the weekend. I got some much needed sleep.

Mom's New Pacemaker

2009-10-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

The surgery went good and she was alert and talking afterward. Her left arm is in a sling for a couple of days so that she doesn't raise her arm too high and dislodge any of the wires. As it turns out. the lower chamber of heart was not functioning at all. The Dr said that if they had not discovered this, she could have dropped dead at any moment. In my opinion, this may explain why she has had such bad problems w/ her legs throbbing for no reason and not being able to stand and walk well - the circulation was probably cut off. We are still waiting for the blood on her brain to dissipate. She will have another CT scan in 3 months for that.

Anyway, the neurologist and cardiologist will check her again this morning and decide on moving her to a rehab facility this afternoon.

Thanks for all of your prayers and well wishes

For those of you who have asked- yes, I'm fine and hanging in there. I'm exhausted...but ok. My sister has been at the hospital for almost 12 hours a day to be able to talk to the doctors and nurses, etc. My job in this is to call Mom's friends from church, squaredancing and our neighbors to give them updates and to return calls of those who leave messages asking about her. It takes 30 minutes to an hour each night when I get home to talk to everyone...all this after I have worked all day. I do make a point to go to the gym and my dance lessons just to get out of the house and focus on something else...something I have encouraged my sister to do but she hasn't yet...pray for her. She's wiped out.

Sidenotes: 1) Mom told us yesterday that she had gotten up during the night and crying and took her clothes off. The day nurse didn't know about it so we thought she had a really vivid dream. My sister asked the night nurse about it and she said it was true. 2) Mom is replacing the words she cannot remember w/ food. She told my sister she needed more milk on her the other night...meaning she wanted another blanket...which was white like milk...3) Mom only has two speeds: stop and go. Yesterday the nurses were helping her get to the restroom using her walker. She walked faster than they were expecting and the nurse said "Slow down, Speed Racer." I thought it was cute...

Update on Mom Pt 2

2009-10-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

We still don't know when they will move her to HealthSouth. Apparently, there was a lot of confusion between the doctors and staff yesterday. The PT spoke too soon about moving her and got her excited. Her neurologist also said she could be moved. But her cardiologist said no. Then her neurologist didn't find out until last night when he came by that she was still there. Someone forgot to tell him. Pray for communication, peace and cohesion among the doctors and staff. We should find out today when she will be moved. They also did an echocardiogram yesterday and we should get the results today. Their concern is a blood clot moving into her heart...and she is getting a pacemaker today.

Needless to say, she had a lot of excitement yesterday. She had a longer therapy session as well as a couple of visitors. By the time I got there after work her memory was starting to fade again. So I am playing gatekeeper and asking her friends to hold off on visiting until she gets to HealthSouth and gets on a schedule for her therapy. Right now we don't know if she can hold up to three hours of therapy and having visitors on top of that would be too much for her. When she does have visitors, it will only be two people in the room at a time and for only five minutes.

We appreciate all the prayers!

Update on Mom

2009-10-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

My mom had a mild stroke over the weekend. She's doing good and the doctor says the prognosis is good. They moved her out of the ICU last night. The blood pocket on her brain is not one that can be operated on - it usually dissolves itself and is due to high blood pressure. Her memory is the only thing that was affected and is starting to come back. They will move her to rehab this week to make sure she can stand and walk w/o falling. She will be there about two weeks.

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Competition Update

2009-10-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, I don't have pics yet. A couple of friends took pictures and are supposed to get a disk to me so I can get them printed and upload them for this blog...and to email folks who don't read this blog...

What a fun weekend! Finally, my FOURTH visit to Southwestern was a charm. I placed well AND felt part of the family. There were way fewer competitors this year but I did still have some competition in my division (30-something female at silver level). I received 1sts in both the American Rhythm and Smooth Championships...even got medals...I also won a little money in the scholarships: Rhythm - 3rd place and Smooth - 2nd place. Yea! Overall, I feel great about how I danced. Everything just came together when it needed to. Vince seemed excited to see that I can perform. Of course, those who know me know that's an everyday occurrence...

Funny Moment: When we were dancing Smooth, Vince actually sweated through his dance vest. Seriously, it was sopping wet. Instead of silver, it was more dark shimmery gray. After I finished my heats, I noticed I had his sweat on my dress - like I actually sweated through my dress. I got the one pic I ordered from the competition photographer yesterday in the mail. We're in promenade position and there is a huge sweat mark across the front of my dress!!! Thanks Vince!

I also enjoyed getting to know Vince's other students a little better as well as his girlfriend Donna and students from the other studios. Now I'm looking forward to a waltz or tango at the Christmas showcase...See you then!

6 Days of Vacation & 3 Days of Competition

2009-09-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today is my last day in the office until next Thursday...it's hard to believe the competition I've worked toward all year will be over in less than a week. So there won't be a competition update until I get back in the office next week...and hopefully pics as well!

I've got everything packed here at work and tonight I get to go to the chiropractor. All this packing and lifting has made me sore and stiff. With all the last minute packing and nearly being stuck in the elevator today, I'm exhausted. Wednesday I have errands to run and I begin packing for competition. Thursday I have one last lesson. And Friday is D-Day! (Dance Day...)

I still feel good about the competition today...I don't know what that means - I'm not used to that feeling...but as I have said before, I am more prepared for this competition than any in the past. I have one more lesson the day before so we'll see how I "feel" then...

The only issue I'm having is deciding between 2 dresses. One really needs to go to a professional seemstress to fix something but it is still danceable. I don't have time to take it and get it back. The other is just a fun fringe dress...I probably won't decide until Saturday morning. I think I'm leaning toward fringe though...just for fun.

I'm looking forward to dancing all weekend and I hope to see you there!

Monday, Monday

2009-09-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

"Monday Monday, can't trust that day, Monday Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way"

Today is definitely a Monday. I only have today and tomorrow to finish packing for our move at work. In the midst of it, I get emails about coding invoices that are not only not mine - they shouldn't have been sent to our company...way to be observant, folks! I also have my "regular" work to do. I know I will get it all done...it's just hard to see the sunlight above the orange moving crates right now...

Saturday, my lesson went really good. Hopefully this Thursday's lesson will continue w/ on same note/melody...Competition is this weekend and right now I feel really good about it...

Last night we had our family dinner to see my niece Penny and her hubby Jim off to Kenya. After dinner we came back to our house for dessert and flipped back and forth between the Emmy Awards and the Cowboys game. It was a fun time for all.

Good news: I got my allergy prescription and my head doesn't feel like it's going to explode now!

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY...

2009-09-18T05:54:00.000-07:00

One week from today begins the three-day marathon of ballroom dancing...Yikes!

So what do I need to remember and focus on? Besides remembering my routines and technique, etc.

Get my weight over my standing foot and not pass over/through the step.
Maintain my frame and posture.
Swivel my feet (I have to have my weight over my foot for that!).
Oh, yeah...HAVE FUN!!!

Sounds simple enough...

Moving On...

2009-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Well I have barely scratched the surface on packing my office thanks to my regular daily administrative duties, as well as putting out spontaneous fires. But I did get the list finished for my coworker of things that need to be taken care of while I am out next week. In case you haven't heard, I will be out of the office 3 days next week and 3 days the following week. During those 6 days off, my office will be moved and I will compete at Southwestern Invitational in Dallas. If no major fires flare up there should be no problem getting everything done by the end of the day Tuesday. I'm really looking forward to a couple of days off prior to competition and just be able to sleep late. Of course I will have to pack, get a pedicure and tan...and have one last lesson the day before competition. I have scheduled days off after the competition because it is just an action-packed weekend of dancing and you have a sort of jetlag afterward. The world continues spinning while you are dressed up in rhinestones gliding across a dancefloor. And when I come back to work I get to unpack while trying to keep up w/ my regular duties...Ahh...the reality of working to feed your dance habit.

So this weekend, I have a lesson on Saturday...still trying to grasp everything and lock it in my brain...and a family gathering on Sunday afternoon. My niece Penny and her husband are moving to Kenya to work w/ my brother's ministry. This will be the last time we see them for a while. See what I mean about sleeping late...

Ugggg...

2009-09-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm coming down w/ a cold.

And today I get to pack up my office...

So I'm a tad bit cranky this week.............

Trophy Ball Update

2009-09-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

Ok...I forgot my camera so I have no pics to post. Will try again at competition...

I got to dance all 9 of my dances. Overall, I think it went good. Except I literally forgot most of my routines. (Hence, the added prayer request in all caps to REMEMBER MY ROUTINES...) I confused my rumba group class routine w/ my competition rumba routine. I have no idea what happened in waltz and mambo. I only know how to fake swing anyway, so no surprises there. But this was the first time we had run through all my dances w/o stopping...so overall, it went good. I also got some good feedback from the judges. Now I know what I have to work on...

Good news: I found out that my old teacher is not taking any students to competition.
Bad news: Our office is moving the week of competition - I will be on vacation those days.

Trophy Ball This Sunday

2009-09-09T11:30:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful to be able to dance in the Trophy Ball this Sunday. I will probably dance two rounds of each my dances...and maybe get rid of some of my nerves before competition in two weeks. I'm feeling more confident w/ my smooth dances now...hopefully I haven't forgotten any of my rhythm dances in the process of working on smooth. This Saturday, I'm sure we will run all of my dances for the Trophy Ball in my lesson. After acting for 10 years, I know that bad dress rehearsals lead to great opening nights. So I expect to be lost and confused in my lesson on Saturday and everything to run smoothly on Sunday...then we'll know what to work on for competition...

Panic Button

2009-09-02T10:35:00.001-07:00

Traditionally, about 2-3 weeks before a competition or showcase, I hit the panic button without even thinking about it. I start to freak out that I will not get all my dances together in time. I hit it last night in my lesson. Although I am far more prepared for this competition than I have been at previous comps, I now have a "routine" for each dance that I have to remember...I've never had routines before...plus remember all the technique - foot, leg, hip, shoulder, arm and head positions.

My former teacher would wait until 2-3 weeks before competition to start working all the dances. This year, I've been working all of them throughout the year and now we are polishing...

And yet I panic.

I panic because it is a lot to remember.
I panic because I get to dance Silver level which I've never done before.
I panic because our office is moving into a new building the week before competition and I have to pack and unpack all within a week.
I panic because I know my former teacher and studio will be there...

This is where my prayer request for "great faith to learn and execute all the dances" comes in.

2 Cor 3:5 says "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."

and Phil 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

I am acceptable and able to dance waltz, fox trot, tango, Viennese waltz, cha cha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo.

Four Weeks and Counting

2009-08-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

This has been a year of restoration on many levels. Restoration of my love of ballroom dancing; restoration of balance in my life; and revival of friendships and family relationships.

Last year was really hard. I have a tendancy to overcommit myself and some people took advantage of that. It destroyed my self-esteem and my trust in people.

This year is so different...I'm so different...friends and family have noticed I'm not stressed out and easily upset anymore. While I miss seeing my FW dance friends regularly, I enjoy my time w/ them more now. And I'm just now starting to 'think' about dancing socially again each week. (I've only been dancing in my lessons and at home while practicing since January - only going to dance parties once or twice a month.) I've been able to have time to myself, to do things because I want to do them and not out of obligation. And I've been surrounded by people who understand and allow me that time. Interestingly, my finances are in better shape as well!

God has restored my life this year...and it's only the end of August - beginning of September...can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds!

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book"(Psalm 56:8, NLT)

Just Over One Month Until Competition

2009-08-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

On this page, I have a list of prayer requests. I just want to expand on a couple of them.

"To have strength and endurance both physically and mentally." As it turns out, that prayer is not just in regards to competition. Our office is moving some time around the middle of September...only a week or two before competition. And I'm doing the Trophy Ball at the studio on 9/13. So between the 3, there will be some stress. Not to mention sore muscles...
"Prepare and compete injury-free." This is a tricky one since my left knee and right foot continue to misbehave. Sometimes I tweek my knee getting out of the car which I don't understand since I've been riding in cars all my life and driving them for nearly half my life. Some days, working out at the gym or practicing my dances just have to wait and I have to let it rest. As far as my foot goes, I just don't know what to do short of going to a podiatrist when competition is over. I have dancers' feet...no arch, a bunion and a big toe that flops over onto my other toes making it hard to go up on the ball of my foot like I'm supposed to in waltz and bolero.

But I believe God will work everything out to his glory. There is a quote in Joyce Meyer's "Life in the Word" that fits: My eyes are on God. I am walking in obedience to Him. Nothing can hold me back. I am anointed for His purpose. I will no longer procrastinate or be slow of heart to believe. I will move when the Lord says 'Move'".

Six Weeks Until Competition

2009-08-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

I had an extra lesson w/ Vince this week since he will be out of town this weekend. (He's going on vacation for the first time in 14 years!) Of course, it went really good. We went over our cha cha and bolero routines and we wrote them down...I asked him if he does routines for each student. He said yes. Because even if more than one person dances bronze, having them dance the same routines might not demonstrate their individual strengths...Wow! I've never been given competition routines before. I have a lot more to remember this time around.

He also went over the pricing for competition. It'll be about the same as last year, but now I have the option to do Championship and Scholarship for both Rhythm and Smooth. Vince encourages his students to do them because you're competing against the same people in the single dance events so you might as well compete against them in the multi-dances. I've never done a Championship or Scholarship before either. Lots of firsts for me going into this competition - first time to have routines, to do scholarships, to dance silver level...

Sorry if I sound like I'm bragging. I'm just in shock that everything goes so smoothly w/ him. Sometimes I think he and Donna are from another planet...they are both so nice and so easy to work with.

The Countdown Has Begun...

2009-08-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

Seven weeks until competition...YIKES!

This year has been a great year for dancing. Switching teachers was scary but I'm so glad I did it. Vince is awesome! And even though I know there are only seven weeks left to cover everything we need to cover - this is the most prepared I've ever been for competition. Vince (w/ help from his girlfriend, Donna) made room for me in his schedule to have my lessons on Saturdays. They also put me right after the Advanced Rumba class so I can attend it as well. Saturday lessons are a great help to me as it is a 45 minute drive - and I'm not stressed out from work so my brain, feet and legs work together better...at least most of the time. It's so easy to get up on Saturdays and go and stay all day. And from Day One, we have worked on all of the dances. Time is never wasted and he ALWAYS has a positive attitude toward teaching and dancing in general. He calls himself a Dance Geek - I agree!

My first impression of Vince when I saw him last year at competition was that he looked like he knew what he was doing and he interacted well w/ all of his students at breakfast and dinner. ( I was at the table next to them during meals.) That first impression has held true. I had no idea then who he was. I had never heard of him or seen him before. I found out just before my first meeting w/ him that he is a former American Rhythm Champion and World Mambo Finalist. No wonder he looked like he knew what he was doing! It's great to work w/ someone w/ that kind of experience and have so much fun doing it. Prayers have definitely been answered this year.

I Got Corked!

2009-07-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday I attended the Corky Ballas Workshop. He's the guy that danced w/ Cloris Leachman on Dancing With the Stars. The group cha cha and samba classes were really fun. (Although I think Corky was surprised that fewer people knew samba.) In cha cha, we went over different types of chasses and lock steps. Of course there were more women than men so we sometimes had to partner w/ a woman. At one point when he told us to switch partners I was looking around to see what women were left and Corky came up to me and I got to do lock steps w/ him. He kept saying, "Good girl, good girl." That made me feel good. One of Vince's students' husband was taking pics, so I hope he got a few of me and Corky. I also got some "good girls" during the samba class.

Corky is a very short man. I think we're almost the same height W/O my heels...I didn't think he was tall on TV but seeing him in person...he is short. He seems to be very friendly and fun...but then he is paid to be friendly and fun...And he has no wrinkles...

Fun side note, Tango & Cha Cha's had little plastic glasses to commemorate the workshop. I got one. It says "I got Corked - Corky Ballas Workshops." Hence the title of this post...

Another nice thing that happend Saturday...not to continue to toot my own horn - but it is nice to get complements...I saw a woman who appeared to be coaching a student and his teacher. I had not seen her before but as it turns out she is a competition judge. A friend of mine was talking to her and some others during my lesson. He said she was watching my lesson and commented that I had great legs and lots of control. That was cool to hear...especially since I rarely feel in control of my legs/feets while dancing...

High School Reunion

2009-06-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

I attended my 20 year high school reunion Saturday night. It was a great night for people watching. But I won't comment on who did what while drunk...and no, I was not among the drunk and desperate.

We had an awesome band who performed a wide variety of music and kept us singing along during dinner and in between conversations. And a fellow student, Randi, performed her magic and fire-eating act. Great fun! I don't know of any other high school reunion who had someone perform like that.

It was great to see old friends and catch up. A few friends were missing but overall a great turn-out from several different groups of people. I hope to keep up with them a little better this time.

Connecting with Friends

2009-06-03T05:46:00.001-07:00

Busy weekend connecting with friends on many levels...

Friday night, I went dancing at my old studio. It was great to see old friends and dance (a lot!). I've been working very hard w/ my new teacher on my connection so it was awesome to hear from guys I used to dance w/ regularly that my connection had really improved. I feel I'm improving, but sometimes I doubt myself: Do I just think I understand what I'm supposed to be doing? Am I getting it in my lesson but not able to connect properly when not in a lesson? I believe I am on the right path and am where I am supposed to be.

Saturday, I saw "Night at the Museum" w/ my friend Annie. And Sunday, I attended the Van Cliburn Semifinals w/ my friend Lisa - whom I hadn't seen in a couple of years. We used to work together at FamilyNet. I was glad to spend time w/ someone who is not a dancer and talk about non-dance stuff, and just catch up on each other's lives. It was hard to tell who was the better pianist but we enjoyed one young woman from South Korea the most. She made the finals. I have no idea how the judges choose...for me, I just liked her choice of music and she seemed to connect more w/ the string quartet that accompanied her. She also turned the music pages for herself instead of having someone turn the pages for her...I wonder how much a page turner earns...

At the end of the weekend I felt refreshed...until I had to get up Monday morning and come back to work...now I'm ready for the weekend again...

Vacation? What's that?

2009-05-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

Thursday and Friday were very long...I took 2 vacation days to spend w/ Mom. She and I were going to go to Granbury Thursday to walk around the square but because it was raining she decided she didn't want to do that. So we switched directions and drove straight into the storms to The Dump...got there and found out they are only open Friday - Monday. So we switched again and went to NE Mall. Looked around at the Dress Barn and found a dress for the reunion. Very cute! Then we had lunch at RJ Gators and walked around the mall. I bought some shoes to wear to work w/ the visa gift card I got for Administrative Professionals' Day. By 3 we were done and mom wanted to go to the new Sam Moon on I-35. I talked her out of it because we would be coming home in 5 pm traffic if we went.

Friday we got up and went to Sam Moon. We both found earrings and were out of there in 30 min...then we went to The Dump. She wanted some end tables. They have really cool furniture for really large houses w/ really large rooms. Nothing that would fit her little house and her budget. We were there about 45 min. Then she wanted to go to The Roomstore by Hulen Mall...they didn't have what she was looking for there either...off to Haverty's - same story...

By Friday night my mind was mush...I hate driving...

So Saturday I got up and drove in the rain to my lesson. It normally takes 45 min to get there. This time it took over an hour...I got there and everyone looked at me and asked "What happened to you?" I was exhausted...Had a great lesson though...wore my new smooth shoes and my new Ray Rose latin shoes. Both fit great and my feet didn't hurt as bad afterward. Yea!!!

Of course the drive home took more than an hour because of a jackknifed 18-wheeler off of I-635...We crept along at about 20 mph forever it seemed. My sister was at the house when I got home so I didn't get to take a nap but we did watch Prince Caspian. That was good. Slept in Sunday and watched Wall-E Sunday night. Cute movie.

5 Months Till Competition

2009-04-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Considering how fast spring and summer usually fly by, competition seems much closer. But it's still 5 months away according to the calendar...
I'm very excited about learning so much new stuff with my new teacher. The technique he teaches is different from what I learned with my other teacher. But I finally get to compete at silver level which means I'm learning lots of new patterns for each dance. I graduated to silver 3 years ago with my old teacher so I think it's about time. And, although I feel I am dancing at a higher level already after only 3 months - and my teacher even said so a couple of weeks ago - I'm frustrated with myself. I feel like I'm playing catch up and at times it's hard to remember so many new things at once.
The good news I still have 5 months to pull it together - mentally and physically. And by God's grace, I will.

Dance Competition - Sept. 25-27

2009-03-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

I’m planning to compete again this year at the Southwestern Invitational in Dallas. I’ve changed teachers and am looking forward to what the year holds. I’m looking to earn some extra money toward my competition by house-sitting, pet-sitting, baby-sitting, etc. Or I can teach you to dance…Check out my calendar on this page for available dates.

If you would like to help me compete and don’t have any jobs for me, would you consider sponsoring me for a heat? Heats are the number of times I go out on the dance floor to dance at the competition. I’m planning to do at least 30 heats as I have done in past competitions... Each heat costs approximately $35…Even $5 would help so don’t feel obligated for the whole $35!

Thanks for your help and friendship!

Workshops with American Smooth Champions

2009-03-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

I got to do 3 workshops w/ JT Thomas & Tomas Mielnicki on Saturday - waltz, fox trot and tango. They are National American Smooth Champions. All 3 classes were great. Saturday night, they performed 4 showdances - including "Me & My Shadow" which they did on last year's America's Ballroom Challenge on PBS - and just blew everyone away!

Sunday morning I had a private lesson w/ Tomas...WOW! It was amazing and now I have things to practice on my own for smooth to strengthen my feet/ankles/core, and help my balance, timing and posture. It's a lot easier to practice latin on my own so to have specific things I can do at home for smooth is awesome. And to dance briefly w/ a Champion Smooth dancer - WOW!!!

And I have to say...Tomas has beautiful eyes! That does not come across on TV or in pictures. He is much more handsome in person...but I digress...and no - I didn't drool or embarrass myself during my lesson w/ him...

And JT is cute as a button too...I met her briefly before my lesson w/ Tomas...

ok...so I'm bragging a little...no apologies though!

Exciting News!

2009-01-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

On March 7-8, I will attend the Art & Soul of Ballroom Dancing in Dallas. I am signed up for the Waltz & Fox Trot workshops taught by JT Thomas & Tomas Mielnicki. They are US & World American Ballroom Dance Champions...I also have a private lesson scheduled with them. Go to www.usadancedallas.org for more info.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-01-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have one final exhibition coming up at Dancemakers:
Friday, Feb. 13.
I am participating in a ladies formation group and we will perform a cha cha-samba-jive medley. The party starts at 8:30 p.m. with a group class. General dancing begins at 9 p.m. We'll probably go on around 10 p.m. Hope to see you then. Otherwise, you'll have to wait and see me at competition...whenever and wherever that may be!

Competition Update

2008-10-02T09:15:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to give you an update on the comp over the weekend. I danced 30 heats and placed in all of them.
I received 21 firsts, 6 seconds and 3 thirds.
(Last year I danced 10 heats and placed in only 7...)
And because of my placements this year, I was named to the Top 20 dancers of the competition!!! (Yes, I'm proud of that)
Our studio was also named Top Studio. We had a great weekend.