Who knew jumping rope was so cool?!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Dancing Roundup, Halloween Performance
Been a while since I focused on swing dancing in this blog (cue the sound of all six people who read this saying "next post...").
I got exposed to a couple cool footwork variations by "Tall John" who's been teaching recently.
Shorty-George Suzie-Q swing-out:
Regular swing-out on 1-4. instead of 5-6, do 5-a-6, turning to the left on 6, and unwinding into a dramaticShorty-George Suzie-Q on 7-8. Do a second, less dramatic Shorty-George Suzie-Q as 1-2.
Jump-switch swing-out:
Similar toShorty-George Suzie-Q swing-out through 6 in rhythm. 5-a-6 instead of 5-6. Then jump up to get weight off of feet, but don't let feet actually leave the ground. While the weight is off, do a sliding unwind/switch of the feet. It gives a cool illusory affect of the feet sliding with full weight on them.
The teams did a last minute performance at the Hullaballoo at the OC Fairgrounds. It was a family-friendly Halloween event put on by several area churches. I almost didn't make the first performance. Couldn't get away from work all day to get a Halloween themed tie, and had to stop off on the way down. Nothing in the temporary Halloween store in the Brea Marketplace. Nothing at Sears. Was walking from Sears to JC Pennys to get a brown shirt (I like the Stafford fitted ones they sell there), when I decided to duck into Spencer Gifts. They had a $6 skull and crossbones tie which worked. Tied it during the drive down (horrific traffic). 5 minutes to spare. :-(
The smile belies my tardiness.
Jeep Jockey Jump, almost forgot the A solo. Did the solo with Michelle for Big John's Special, which went fine, though not spectacular. Shim-Sham to the Monster Mash! Too fun. I have problems with the Shim-Sham when people are doing variations in front of me. It's distracting. Then See-Saw. Couldn't hear the music start, and had to catch up on the first circle. Michelle and I did a variation of our solo from Big John's, but I totally blanked on the entrance. Oh well... We didn't get to practice for it.
Oh, our solos:
Big John's Special #1
6-count circle
Chase Shadow entry facing stage left
Shadow push-out
Around the world lead and follow turn
Push-out exit from Shadow
Circle
Charleston
Break-backs
See-Saw #2
Skip-up
Tease-the-girl Shadow entry (double-tuck then spin) facing stage right
Shadow push-out
Around the world lead and follow turn
Push-out exit from Shadow
Circle
Charleston
Break-Backs
Jerry asked us about doing the second performance on the concrete since the stage was scarily moving under us. We agree, so an hour later we do it all again at audience level. For the Shim-Sham, we do it in two directions since we're getting people watching from both directions. Some toddlers wanted to join in!
Totally posed, by the way. In no way should you think this is an action shot.
We screwed up our See-Saw solo again. My muscle-memory for the BJS solo betrayed me. We just social-danced for 8 8's and hit the swing-outs in sync with the rest of the group. More practice of the solos at speed!
Then there was some time for camera silliness as we milled around.
There was originally some talk of eating then going to Strutter's Ball. But then we heard the DJ at a distant part of the Hullaballoo play "In the Mood" so we got the brillian idea of Lindy-bombing the dance party. Lindy-bombing just means showing up and dancing lindy. No bombs involved. We missed "In the Mood," but managed to get there for the Electric Slide. Blech. There wasn't a floor, it was just dirt and grass. We made it work. Trisha got us in with the DJ and we performed JJJ and Big John's again. On the dirt. We were missing a solo for Big John's, but Charles stepped up and filled in when we realized what had happened. He's fearless when it comes to solos.
Headed out at 9pm when the event closed. Took a group picture:
Ate at Fridays in Costa Mesa. Fred and I split chicken quesadilla & tosado nachos. We bartered for a portion of fried mac-and-cheese from Krysia. Wow. None of this food is good for you, but it's all tasty.
Michelle and I chatted about some friends who seem to be dating but at the same time pretending not to be. It much more awkward that way for ... well, for me, anyway. I wrote an email explaining that, then discarded it. Not really my business. I mean, what the heck good would it do?
I got exposed to a couple cool footwork variations by "Tall John" who's been teaching recently.
Regular swing-out on 1-4. instead of 5-6, do 5-a-6, turning to the left on 6, and unwinding into a dramatic
Jump-switch swing-out:
Similar to
The teams did a last minute performance at the Hullaballoo at the OC Fairgrounds. It was a family-friendly Halloween event put on by several area churches. I almost didn't make the first performance. Couldn't get away from work all day to get a Halloween themed tie, and had to stop off on the way down. Nothing in the temporary Halloween store in the Brea Marketplace. Nothing at Sears. Was walking from Sears to JC Pennys to get a brown shirt (I like the Stafford fitted ones they sell there), when I decided to duck into Spencer Gifts. They had a $6 skull and crossbones tie which worked. Tied it during the drive down (horrific traffic). 5 minutes to spare. :-(
The smile belies my tardiness.
Jeep Jockey Jump, almost forgot the A solo. Did the solo with Michelle for Big John's Special, which went fine, though not spectacular. Shim-Sham to the Monster Mash! Too fun. I have problems with the Shim-Sham when people are doing variations in front of me. It's distracting. Then See-Saw. Couldn't hear the music start, and had to catch up on the first circle. Michelle and I did a variation of our solo from Big John's, but I totally blanked on the entrance. Oh well... We didn't get to practice for it.
Oh, our solos:
Big John's Special #1
6-count circle
Chase Shadow entry facing stage left
Shadow push-out
Around the world lead and follow turn
Push-out exit from Shadow
Circle
Charleston
Break-backs
See-Saw #2
Skip-up
Tease-the-girl Shadow entry (double-tuck then spin) facing stage right
Shadow push-out
Around the world lead and follow turn
Push-out exit from Shadow
Circle
Charleston
Break-Backs
Jerry asked us about doing the second performance on the concrete since the stage was scarily moving under us. We agree, so an hour later we do it all again at audience level. For the Shim-Sham, we do it in two directions since we're getting people watching from both directions. Some toddlers wanted to join in!
Totally posed, by the way. In no way should you think this is an action shot.We screwed up our See-Saw solo again. My muscle-memory for the BJS solo betrayed me. We just social-danced for 8 8's and hit the swing-outs in sync with the rest of the group. More practice of the solos at speed!
Then there was some time for camera silliness as we milled around.
There was originally some talk of eating then going to Strutter's Ball. But then we heard the DJ at a distant part of the Hullaballoo play "In the Mood" so we got the brillian idea of Lindy-bombing the dance party. Lindy-bombing just means showing up and dancing lindy. No bombs involved. We missed "In the Mood," but managed to get there for the Electric Slide. Blech. There wasn't a floor, it was just dirt and grass. We made it work. Trisha got us in with the DJ and we performed JJJ and Big John's again. On the dirt. We were missing a solo for Big John's, but Charles stepped up and filled in when we realized what had happened. He's fearless when it comes to solos.
Headed out at 9pm when the event closed. Took a group picture:
Ate at Fridays in Costa Mesa. Fred and I split chicken quesadilla & tosado nachos. We bartered for a portion of fried mac-and-cheese from Krysia. Wow. None of this food is good for you, but it's all tasty.
Michelle and I chatted about some friends who seem to be dating but at the same time pretending not to be. It much more awkward that way for ... well, for me, anyway. I wrote an email explaining that, then discarded it. Not really my business. I mean, what the heck good would it do?
Touchy Subject
I've discussed hugs and touching in the past, but recently had a realization that I have issues with fairly basic touch in a romantic context. I'm not talking about groping here, just basic hand-holding, arm-around-back, arm-around-shoulders stuff. Issues. What do I mean by issues? Well, I guess I never really did enough of it to get comfortable with initiating it. Or if I was ever comfortable, it was so long ago that I've forgotten how.
And in my thrashing over-analysis, I think I've come to some conclusions. I've kind of re-socialized myself over the past few months through swing-dancing. but as I've written before... Well, the first few weeks of dancing really got me detaching touch from eroticism. Dancing requires a lot of touching, and if guys spend all our time thinking about how great it is to handle beautiful women... well, it just comes off as really creepy.
So I've built up all these blocks about touching with romantic intent, and I'm having trouble overcoming them.
I don't know the solution. Practice makes perfect?
And in my thrashing over-analysis, I think I've come to some conclusions. I've kind of re-socialized myself over the past few months through swing-dancing. but as I've written before... Well, the first few weeks of dancing really got me detaching touch from eroticism. Dancing requires a lot of touching, and if guys spend all our time thinking about how great it is to handle beautiful women... well, it just comes off as really creepy.
So I've built up all these blocks about touching with romantic intent, and I'm having trouble overcoming them.
I don't know the solution. Practice makes perfect?
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Targeted
Got this ad when visiting facebook today:
I assume this is targeted. I mean, 30+, large-breasted, white women with blondish hair? It says that right in my freakin' profile!!!
I assume this is targeted. I mean, 30+, large-breasted, white women with blondish hair? It says that right in my freakin' profile!!!
Halloween
Note to self:
Next year, find someone who is dressed in an angel costume and someone in a devil costume and set up a photo shoot which looks like one is sitting on each of my shoulders.
Hey, a booth which does this would be a good fund-raising technique, wouldn't it?
Next year, find someone who is dressed in an angel costume and someone in a devil costume and set up a photo shoot which looks like one is sitting on each of my shoulders.
Hey, a booth which does this would be a good fund-raising technique, wouldn't it?
Greater Irvine vs. Brea
I'm normally a Borders Books and Music guy, but after my 48 Laws of Browsing Bookstores incident, I've been in a few more Barnes and Nobel's. Well, that and the fact that since I'm down in Irvine so often, there are lots of BN's and only one Borders.
I can't say that I've eaten at every single good restaurant in Brea, but I've been to all the local big bookstores. It's been interesting to have friends take me exploring parts of the "greater Irvine" area that I've had such limited exposure to. So, a quick run-down.
Crepe Maker at the Irvine Spectrum
This was just plain yummy. Entree crepes: Raspberry Chicken and Tomato Basil. Raspberry was from jam, which is a good idea. The Gordon Ramsay part of my brain says that a from-scratch raspberry reduction would be better. Are raspberries even in season? The tomato basil was lovely as well. Classic flavor combination. I'm pretty sure the crepes were made ahead of time and re-heated, but don't hold me to that.
By the way, with the new (to me) parking structure at the Spectrum, weekend parking wasn't a big deal. People watching at the Spectrum is fun too. Bath and Body works doesn't sell non-lathering shaving cream. Other random observations? Good place to wander around for a while.
So, back a couple hours later for dessert: I -think- it was Nutty Carmel Apple, which was ... amazing.
Wheel of Life
Vegan restaurant at Culver and Walnut
Started with the Tom Kha Kai, the classic lemongrass, coconut milk, basil soup. Usually with chicken and chicken stock, but clearly not since this is a vegan restaurant. Faux meat and veg stock. This was amazing, not too oily, which is usually the thing that can go wrong.
Mains:
Eggplant with Basil
Amazing flavor, nice soft texture.
Yellow Curry (I think)
Yum yum yum! Faux meat really worked.
If I had a complaint, it was that they didn't wait for the soup to get finished before serving our mains, resulting in us not getting to them while they were piping hot.
Veggie Grill at the University Center
Menu highlights:
Sweet potato fries
First time I'd ever heard of such a thing. They're sweet, crunchy, and worth ordering.
BBQ Wings
Faux chicken has a great texture, and the BBQ sauce is great (if a touch sweet).
Steamed Kale
I'm a big fan of southern greens, and these are done very well.
Spinach Salad
With caramelized onion, corn salsa, veggie "ham," ginger-papaya vinaigrette. This is a substantial salad which could be split among three people as a side.
Bali Bliss sandwich
"Indonesian style" tempeh in a burger form-factor. The chipotle-ranch was very tasty, but the tempeh was a little plain. That is, it didn't do much for me, flavor-wise, though it was interesting texture-wise.
Texas Hold'em sandwich
BBQ wheat-meat, caramelized onion, and sprouts
Reminds me of the BBQ wings. Have to try this one again. Very good.
Cheesecake
Only dessert I've had here. Very creamy, and didn't seem like a jell-o cheesecake. The crust wasn't baked.
Bookstores
The last time I went to a BN, they didn't have self-help computer kiosks to search inventory. Now they do. Welcome to 1999, Barnes and Noble! I've now been the locations at Fashion Island and the Spectrum since my South Coast Plaza visit. I guess the computer thing was the only one that made me dislike them. Well that and the fact that you can pay for a discount card. What's up with that?! I just sell Borders my demographic information for an occasional 30% off coupon...
No bookstore pickup incidents... wait, that's not true. At the Spectrum, I witnessed an employee attempt to show higher value by whistling what I assume was the "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" theme music after talking to a female customer who was inspecting the display. No question in my mind that he was trying to show-off his Charlie Brown nerdosity (not a real word) like a peacock. I could tell because I've done the exact same thing. Just not about Charlie Brown.
Went to the Fashion Island location late on a week day. Scouted out some comfy seats, but decided it would be a better date location if they had love seats as well as single-person comfy chairs. I'm just saying.
I can't say that I've eaten at every single good restaurant in Brea, but I've been to all the local big bookstores. It's been interesting to have friends take me exploring parts of the "greater Irvine" area that I've had such limited exposure to. So, a quick run-down.
Crepe Maker at the Irvine Spectrum
This was just plain yummy. Entree crepes: Raspberry Chicken and Tomato Basil. Raspberry was from jam, which is a good idea. The Gordon Ramsay part of my brain says that a from-scratch raspberry reduction would be better. Are raspberries even in season? The tomato basil was lovely as well. Classic flavor combination. I'm pretty sure the crepes were made ahead of time and re-heated, but don't hold me to that.
By the way, with the new (to me) parking structure at the Spectrum, weekend parking wasn't a big deal. People watching at the Spectrum is fun too. Bath and Body works doesn't sell non-lathering shaving cream. Other random observations? Good place to wander around for a while.
So, back a couple hours later for dessert: I -think- it was Nutty Carmel Apple, which was ... amazing.
Wheel of Life
Vegan restaurant at Culver and Walnut
Started with the Tom Kha Kai, the classic lemongrass, coconut milk, basil soup. Usually with chicken and chicken stock, but clearly not since this is a vegan restaurant. Faux meat and veg stock. This was amazing, not too oily, which is usually the thing that can go wrong.
Mains:
Eggplant with Basil
Amazing flavor, nice soft texture.
Yellow Curry (I think)
Yum yum yum! Faux meat really worked.
If I had a complaint, it was that they didn't wait for the soup to get finished before serving our mains, resulting in us not getting to them while they were piping hot.
Veggie Grill at the University Center
Menu highlights:
Sweet potato fries
First time I'd ever heard of such a thing. They're sweet, crunchy, and worth ordering.
BBQ Wings
Faux chicken has a great texture, and the BBQ sauce is great (if a touch sweet).
Steamed Kale
I'm a big fan of southern greens, and these are done very well.
Spinach Salad
With caramelized onion, corn salsa, veggie "ham," ginger-papaya vinaigrette. This is a substantial salad which could be split among three people as a side.
Bali Bliss sandwich
"Indonesian style" tempeh in a burger form-factor. The chipotle-ranch was very tasty, but the tempeh was a little plain. That is, it didn't do much for me, flavor-wise, though it was interesting texture-wise.
Texas Hold'em sandwich
BBQ wheat-meat, caramelized onion, and sprouts
Reminds me of the BBQ wings. Have to try this one again. Very good.
Cheesecake
Only dessert I've had here. Very creamy, and didn't seem like a jell-o cheesecake. The crust wasn't baked.
Bookstores
The last time I went to a BN, they didn't have self-help computer kiosks to search inventory. Now they do. Welcome to 1999, Barnes and Noble! I've now been the locations at Fashion Island and the Spectrum since my South Coast Plaza visit. I guess the computer thing was the only one that made me dislike them. Well that and the fact that you can pay for a discount card. What's up with that?! I just sell Borders my demographic information for an occasional 30% off coupon...
No bookstore pickup incidents... wait, that's not true. At the Spectrum, I witnessed an employee attempt to show higher value by whistling what I assume was the "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" theme music after talking to a female customer who was inspecting the display. No question in my mind that he was trying to show-off his Charlie Brown nerdosity (not a real word) like a peacock. I could tell because I've done the exact same thing. Just not about Charlie Brown.
Went to the Fashion Island location late on a week day. Scouted out some comfy seats, but decided it would be a better date location if they had love seats as well as single-person comfy chairs. I'm just saying.
That's My Brother
Was watching SportsCenter with my brother a while back, when during an interview, a guy talked about how much he admired a players physicalness.
Physicalness? Really? I struggled to come up with a way to make fun of the word, decided the best way would be to use it myself in a way that was relevant to our current situation.
I opened my mouth to start talking, when my bother did the exact thing I'd planned on.
I almost teared up.
Thats my brother.
Physicalness? Really? I struggled to come up with a way to make fun of the word, decided the best way would be to use it myself in a way that was relevant to our current situation.
I opened my mouth to start talking, when my bother did the exact thing I'd planned on.
I almost teared up.
Thats my brother.
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