Looking Fabulous and Feeling Fat

First, I think I am completely addicted to ballroom competitions now. It is like meth or crack but better for you. And it is about as expensive once you add up the coaching, lessons, costuming, makeup, hair, accessories and all that.

I know I haven't talked all that much about it here because it would likely encompass about a week's worth of blog posts. As you can see from the flickr pictures, I looked great. I had a great time. Seriously. It was probably one of the best times of my life. Everyone said I looked like I was having so much fun. One instructor told Todd that all of his students now wanted to learn The Peabody after seeing our demonstration of it. David Hamilton gave me some good marks (and lots of compliments on my dresses).

Ben Ermis said that I was doing very well - "very soft through your knees, relaxed.. beautiful expression." (Ben and his wife Shalene are the 2004 National Champions in American Smooth. They are so good. Shalene makes me want to learn the man's part just so I can dance with her.) Todd rushed over to participate in that conversation. It was really cute.

And after such a high like that, there is bound to come a major fall. I got the video from the smooth dances (I didn't know I was supposed to turn the order form in before the event so I missed the rhythm dances). Within 2 seconds I got nausated and had to shut it off. It took a couple of different attempts but I finished the video. I was so sick to my stomach. What I saw on there was what the enemy wanted me to see: a distortion. I saw how big I looked. I thought "Oh my God... what a disgusting fat blob. I can't believe I look like that. How ugly!"

Nevermind the many many compliments I recieved over the weekend. Nevermind how I know I felt. I allowed myself to spiral down into a hole that took 3 days to get out of... many tears and a lot of frustration and prayer.

Elena reminded me of something truly special about the entire weekend: it was a place where people came together for a shared hobby, regardless of color, age, or body type. We got together to have a good time and cheer each other on to do our very best. My own perceptions got in the way.

The realization of "it was all a lie" came when I went clothes shopping this weekend and have dropped another dress size. I'm now as small as I was in the 8th grade (as best as I can remember). That completely rocks.

Comments on Bellevue Community Church

I spent the morning working on a big ol' long post on the events at BCC. After some thought and a little prayer, I've decided not to post it except for one thing.

I am asking all of my brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for BCC. I've read some very hurtful and ugly things as well as some very reasonable statements from members on both sides. Pray for healing, God's guidence and wisdom, and peace in this very difficult time.

To those that feel wounded by the firing of Dr. Foster, there is no reason to disrupt a church service over it with banners, buttons, and threats. If you are that hurt by it, don't go. Find another church, but be aware that you are dangerously close to falling into the cult of David Foster zone. Find constructive ways to air your grievences and concerns. AND hear both sides of the issue. Ask both the elders and Dr. Foster tough questions. Push through any spin and ask for hard evidence.

Ask God to guide you on where you need to be. Don't let the emotions drive you to or from a church. God is in control and let Him direct you. You may still be needed at BCC.

Pictures from this weekend

are up at flickr. Go see. Go see! And this picture was the best birthday present I could have received. I love it!!!!

Movie Quote

Teacher: Earth that was could no longer sustain our numbers, we were so many. We found a new solar system, dozens of planets and hundreds of moons. Each one terra-formed a process taking decades, to support human life, to be new earths. The Central Planets formed the Alliance. Ruled by an interplanetary parliament, the Alliance was a beacon of civilization. The savage outer planets were not so enlightened and refused Alliance control. The war was devastating, but the Alliance's victory over the Independents insured a safer universe. And now everyone can enjoy the comfort, and enlightenment of our civilization.

Young River: People don't like to be meddled with. We tell them what to do, what to think, don't run, don't walk. We're in their homes and in their heads and we haven't the right. We're meddlesome.

THAT is why I love Serenity.

Proof Positive Most MTV Viewers are Stupid.

Hollywood Rag lists the top 10 Videos that broke the rules, as voted on by viewers of MTV:

1. Madonna - Like A Prayer (1989)
2. Britney Spears - Baby One More Time (1999)
3. Michael Jackson - Thriller (1983)
4. Madonna - Ray of Light (1998)
5. Madonna - Vogue (1988)
6. Michael & Janet Jackson - Scream (1995)
7. Robbie Williams - Rock DJ (2000)
8. Eric Prydz - Call On Me (2004)
9. Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity (1997)
10. Spice Girls - Wannabe (1996)

Some of these videos were truly groundbreaking and shocking. But a list that doesn't include Prodigy's "Smack My *itch Up" as something that broke the rules is messed up.

Who the heck is Eric Prydz?

NIN anyone? And why the he** are the Spice Girls on this list? Wannabe is not breaking the rules, shocking, or even inspired. It's stupid and almost as annoying as The Macarena. The only thing save it was that there is no dance associated with it.

Caption Contest Winner

And drum roll please... the winner of the dance caption contest is:

Ashley the Blue Raider with -

Woman: J-eyhs, I am a fox. I am so foxy I make yellow crime scene tape sexy. Kapow! (Jutting hip out)

Man: Whoa, who waxed the fl.. oh sh**!

She won even without Elena's lobbying.

I got my dresses...

at 9:30 tonight. They look really good but the drama surrounding them made me just want to send them back to New Jersey where they came from.

And the glove for the latin dress is for the wrong hand. At least there is a spiffy bracelet I can wear. And wait til y'all see the hair. Elena said this is the hair I should have had for the former Miss O'Hara's wedding. I doubt Hurricane Katrina could have moved this hair. There is probably a new hole in the ozone for the amount of hairspray we used. It is very crunchy and thanks to the bobbypins, I will probably be sleeping sitting up.

Why am I not in bed right now when I have to be up in 5 hours? Well, I have my priorities... burning music on to the laptop so I can transfer it to the iPod, for example. And I'm hyped up on caffine right now. Wheeeeeeee!

If you are interested and have nothing better to do tomorrow, I will be dancing bright and early at 9am. Other events will be going on all day long. The professional dancers will be competing Friday night and Saturday night. That will be an amazing show. More info here - http://www.volstdancechallenge.com/

Just so you know...

My birthday is Thursday.

The Biggest Compliment vol. 2

This week has been all about the upcoming competition. Everything revolves around it. What I eat. What I'm wearing. Planning my evenings so that I can get my nails done, eyebrows done, hair done as well as practice.

Monday night I had another session with my coach. I was wearing my "got hips?" t-shirt because I was feeling particularly sassy, despite the major f*ck up with my dresses (that is a whole other blog post that will be completely dissing the company. As far as I am concerned, J'Ordy Dance Couture is now on the level of h.h. gregg in my book. I will NEVER shop there again. I will never recommend them to anyone. I plan on complaining to the powers that be at the studio, who brought that designer in.... but that's for another post).

After nearly crying because Todd says "I changed your entries because there was some overlap with you and another student (we are the same age and she's just a little bit more advanced, but not by much). I put you into the Peabody events."
"The what?"
"Oh, I've told you about it. We worked on it the other day, I just didn't tell you that's the dance we were working on. You'll be fine."
"What? How.. what? No. Not today. I can't get them to return my calls about the dresses as to when they are going to ship them, which leaves me in a MAJOR bind as to what I am going to wear on Thursday... now you are springing a dance on me I've never seen or done before? #)(*$# "
"Shut up."

So I did. I did fine. Probably more than fine. It's like the foxtrot but not as fast as the quick step (which is the foxtrot turned up to 12).

Anyway, after my experience with the Peabody, we went to other dances that I am more familar with, such as the Mambo. We were working on this spin when I caught David Hamiliton watching out of the corner of my eye. He was working with another student and they were both grinning. I thought they were grinning about my t-shirt. I said 'Yes, it says what you think it says. "got hips?" Ohh!!" *yanked in the other direction and then we stop."

"I was just telling her about how much I love watching you dance. You always look like you are having so much fun. It's a joy to watch," David said. The student with him nodded and agreed.

*cue PK turning bright red and hiding behind her hands*

That compliment doesn't come from just anybody. David is a three-time US national champion and a world level competitor (now retired). He has been dancing for over 25 years. I saw David and his former partner, Olga Forapanova, in an exhibition dance earlier this year. I cried (much like I do whenever I watch Ben and Shalene Ermis perform to O Mio Bambino Caro). Poetry in motion. Art.

And he said he likes to watch me dance. Wow. I must be doing something right.

Blast from the Past

In the last 3 weeks, I have bumped into or been contacted by 3 people I knew from high school and one from college.

Do you ever have periods of time where people from your past seem to come out of no where... and then expect you to remember them?

Real Conversation - at Wal Mart:

[PK is minding her own business trying to find little felt thingies so she can protect her hardwood floors. Catches woman with children out of the corner of her eye but pays no attention]

Woman: Don't I know you?
PK: [stunned into near speechlessness] Uh..... I....
Woman: You are PK, aren't you?
PK: [still stunned and even more confused] Yes......
Woman: Wow! It is great to see you! How are you?
PK: I'm sorry.. but... who are you?
[an eon passes, synapeses firing at top speed.. desperately trying to get the facial recognition software part of the brain to work... wait for it.. flickers of recognition.. wait.. there!]
PK: You are So-n-So!
[commence with normal conversation]

Another conversation:
Woman at title company: PK, hold just a moment, someone else wants to talk to you.
PK: Alright.
Other voice: PK! It's JenJen!
PK: Who? I know know lots of JenJens.
Other voice: JenJen BlankityBlank.
[pause]
PK: OH!! Wow! Hey there! How are you?
[commence with normal conversation]

Perhaps the years of hair coloring have had an adverse affect on parts of my brain.

Revenge of the Caption Contest

It's been a long time since I held one (and y'all probably won't enter anymore because I lost the official but unofficially licensed Burger King crown to place on the winner's head), but I just couldn't resist.

*fanfare*

HEY! This is my first post with my brand new DSL connection. Whoo-hoo! I am so happy right now.

Horse's Blankity Blank they did it.

Nashville may want to fan Olympic flame - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 07/19/06 - Tennessean.com

Building an 80,000-seat arena for the opening and closing ceremonies, soccer and track and field events would be major hurdles. A swim complex, building of Olympic villages and improving the road systems would be other problems.

"But Atlanta did it. There are creative ways to address those things, like improving campus facilities," Spyridon said. "The question is where do you want it to take you when it's done.

Bull----. I went to Atlanta for the Olympic games. It was impossible to get around. The Atlanta Olympic Committee bus driver got lost and dropped us off at the wrong location. That meant we missed the connection to the swimming venue - and the entire event. I found out later that the US won a gold medal. How many times in one's life will you have to be at an event where your country wins the gold medal - and on home soil? Likely never. We could have been there but NO!

We spent 2 hours wandering around near one of the stadiums (host to the gymnastics event) trying to find someone who could point us in the right direction. And we never found the rhythmic gymnastics venue after an hour of driving somewhere toward Athens.

It was last year before I went back to Atlanta. I hate Atlanta. They should have left it flat to the ground after Sherman burned it. If I had my druthers, I would still drive around the place if at all possible. To compare Nashville with Atlanta must be some form of heresy.

Moving the Bubbies

That's what I call them. Smith and Wesson. They are my bubbies.

"Hello, Bubbies!!!!" I say as they come running to the door when I get home.

We moved them to the new place last night. They were NOT happy. Smith eventually took off for the downstairs, and then Wesson tried to go out of the dance room but refused to leave for about 10 minutes. They both slept in my bed, curled up next to me. That is... when they were sleeping.

They spent a lot of the evening and the night crying and mewing. Elena said she thought they were trying to find each other. The condo is about the same size as the house but a whole different lay out so that it seems bigger. She took some pictures of the boys and me hanging out in the kitchen - Smith hiding under my legs and the cabinet; Wesson sitting on top of the upper cabinets, the highest point he could get to. It was pathetic. They didn't eat any dinner.

Smith wanted to play for a few minutes this morning, so I'm guessing he was feeling a little better. Here's hoping they find the litter box. I will be very upset if there is some "present" on my Oriental rug when I get home.

And last night was the first night I slept in my new place. I tell ya... once I got to sleep, I slept like a rock. It took one of the kitten's walking on me to get me awake. Right as I was walking out the door, the construction crews were pulling up. I hope they aren't too upset that we threw all those moving boxes into their dumpster. My deck looks a lot better now. It just needs some stuff on it, like patio furniture.

I should also tell you: my neighbors are great. On Sunday, one of them helped me get all of my clothes in. K came over and drilled wider holes into the bedframe so that it would fit the Pier 1 headboard. Take THAT, Pier 1! You will not force me to use your technology! K also helped move the mattress and box springs from the old house to the new place. In exchange, my "moving army" and I took all his boxes up to the dumpster. I did the same for C, who lives next door. Just because.

I was telling K about my bubbies' names, and he said, "Oh - you need to tell the guy in ---. He's a gun nut. He'll love it." And my "Come Back with a Warrant" doormat is a hit with everyone who has seen it.

Talk about being blessed...this is a total God thing. For the most part, my move has been pretty smooth. Just a couple of very minor hitches (including an incident which will be described in a future story about why I won't shop at Sears anymore).

My neighbors are fantastic. Good mix of political views (that seems to be a popular question---what's your political persuasion?. There are some W stickers. I won't hold it against them, since I was dumb enough to vote for him twice. I should stick my "Big Brother Is Watching You" poster on my front door - that should answer all the questions about what I think). Once I get unpacked and relatively settled, I'm going to invite them all over for dinner one night.

Now, if I can get my DSL to work, it will all be good. DSL doesn't like my Mac. I pulled out the help disc, and it says on it, "THIS DISC IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH A MACINTOSH OS. DO NOT USE IN AN 'APPLE' or 'MAC' COMPUTER." Stupid stupid stupid.

Beginnings of..

a virtual tour. At Elena's pestering, I took pictures of stuff as I unpacked and am getting settled. Here ya go!

The Downside of Hardwood Floors

When you are standing on them for 8 or 10 hours at a stretch, your feet, ankles, calves, and knees are VERY sore at the end of the day.

Ow....

Worst.Song.Ever.

Elena and I were having a discussion about something last night. And then she said something about how awful the "It's a Small World" song is. This lead to Pink Kitty's worst.songs.ever. list.

By "worst song ever," I mean the few, the not-so-proud, the ugly, the awful songs that wriggle into your ear and stay there until you beat yourself unconcious to get them to stop. Yes. Since I came up with this list, they have been trapped there. Since misery loves company, I'm sharing them with you. Audio not included.

1) It's a Small World.

I know Blender/VH1 picked "We built this city" as the most awesomely bad song ever, but that stupid Disney song is leaps and bounds past that. I'm sure the employees at Disney are given some sort of medication to keep them from going insane or they rotate every 15 minutes to other parts of the park where they don't have to hear that blasted cheery "music." And the freakish puppets!

Elena commented that the song from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is just as bad. I say no. It's not good but it isn't as bad as "It's a Small World" for the simple reason Danny Elfman didn't want to write it but Tim Burton was more than insistent. And the puppets catch fire at the end. That doesn't happen on the ride at Disney. If it did, I might knock this down a peg or two.

2) The Song that never ends.

Does this really need an explanation? No. Didn't think so. Sock puppets are evil.

3) The Barney song.

When Barney was it, you couldn't escape this song. It was EVERYWHERE. I could go on into some rant about the indoctrination of children with hippy propaganda but really - it's just a bad and very annoying song.

The Next Church Movement

The contemporary American church is all about trends. That all modern America is about, so it isn't any surprise that the Church mimics or reflects the society that it inhabits. For years, the trend has been toward seeker-sensitive churches. Bigger. Better. Lavish production numbers. Professional musicians. There is one church that has a Starbucks and a rock climbing wall in its sanctuary.

They attempt to re-create the outside world in their little bubble of a church, creating yet another Christian ghetto. This is definitely true with large mega churches that have the space and resources to offer everything from schools to vacations to shopping on site or in affiliated spaces. Don't think this problem is limited to only the super mega churches. The neighborhood church in Podunk is just as susceptible to the Christian ghetto. You know - the only people you hang out with are people from your church.

I'm sure contemporary churches started with new churches with young pastors trying to reach out to the more media savvy suburbanites they were surrounded by. Probably burnt out on the hymns they sang growing up, they designed the musical portions of their services to be more like concerts, singing pop songs (that sometimes are about as deep as a Petri dish). Sermons fell more into the self-help category rather than meaty spiritual topics for one to chew on all week through prayer and study. Is it really necessary to have all the message points begin with a "P" or wrap everything up into kicky little catch phrases? They made Christianity easy and accessible to the masses.

They reduced church to a formula that lasted no more than 60 minutes so you can get in, get out and get on with your day. Church shouldn't be a chore. It shouldn't be something on your to-do list, either... checking it off in the same way you check off cutting the lawn or ironing clothes.

I am not saying that the contemporary church or those that are seeker-oriented are bad. They have a purpose. All hellfire and brimstone doesn't do much to reach out to the person that was burned by a so-called Christian as a teenager. I know - I was one. In 1993 after I returned from Russia, I was pretty distant from God. The day I got back, my mom gave me a letter she received while I was gone telling me about a mission trip at the church for next year. I was so excited and thought "YAY! That is such a God thing! I just got back.. I love Russia. Perfect!" I show up at the meeting and some old coot at the door told me I couldn't come in because I was too young. I walked out of that church and can count on one hand the number of times I went back. I became incredibly hostile to Christians for years. It was 7 years later that I returned to God because I found a church that just gave love to anyone... so unlike anything else I came across previously. It was at one of these seeker-oriented churches that I re-built my relationship with God.

Anyway, Christians should NOT be working to make people feel guilty about what they have done because we have all sinned and fallen short. The emphasis on God's grace and love for us is needed. The problem lies in that the pendulum swung too far the other way, turning God into some sort of divine hippy that is all about peace and love where there is no punishment. And as I mentioned before, many of these churches are Christian ghettos. They do not reach out to the community past their own property line or membership rolls.

(Sidebar: I wish I could remember where I read this but a long time ago, I read a snippet about a man involved with a ministry that had received some criticism about who they were trying to reach. He said that he believed in making a end-run to the gates of hell to get people out. That stuck with me. In all honesty, I certainly don't live that way. While I may be a Christian, I am still trying to figure out how God wants to use me. Sometimes I feel as though I am not being effective at all... that I am being safe. Then I am reminded that I don't have the same calling as others... that what I do is no less important and what they do is no more important when we all have the same common goal.)

In the last couple of years, there has been a small revolt brewing. Again, it starts with younger Christians. They grew up in the contemporary churches of their parents. They probably became frustrated because, thanks to the internet and a massive number of channels on cable, they saw the injustice in the world and wanted to do something about it. They felt their spirituality was only surface deep. This has lead to the New Monasticism and a resurgence of creative ministry and outreach programs like XXXchurch.com.

For those of you not aware, the New Monasticism is a movement where a small community of believers buys a house in a poor urban neighborhood and fixes it up to live there. From that base, they grow their own food and reach out to the community around them in places like Philadelphia. They bought the house across the street from their property. It took some time, but they finally got the OK from the city. When they got in there, they had to go through the roof to start cleaning it out because it was so full of trash and drug paraphernalia. Once it was cleaned out, they turned it into a place where prostitutes could stay. They are connected to a local church, so it isn't a para-church organization. They firmly believe that Christians are to serve together.

This is a reactionary driven movement. They see what is going on in the world around them and seek to do something about it.

Again, there is a possibility that this will swing to its opposite extreme where the organization is so focused on being hip and cool that any opportunity to minister and reach out to someone will be lost. Where is the line of where you look so much like the world that non-believers don't see a distinction between how they live their lives and how a Christian lives theirs? There are times when I can honestly say that I don't see a difference - even in my own life.

Stop it with the Emo haircuts and hip, cool, smart-person looking glasses, OK? You are not a hipster. Suit coats paired with hoodies was never a good fashion statement. I don't know why someone thought it was cool, but it's just stupid. Don't pretend to be one.

While I am at it, stop trying to make me feel guilty about what I am or am not doing for the
Kingdom of God. Guilt and shame are not of God. They should not be tools in the Christian's arsenal. I don't have your calling. God gave me different talents and abilities. He put me in a different place. We all can't be toes. There have to be fingers, hip joints, ribs, and spleens. All of these work together for the glory of God as we are the BODY of Christ. Just because socks work on the feet doesn't mean they will work on elbows. God put me in a place where I work with the young people who will be the movers and shakers. Who are you to say that my kindness and love to/for them is any less effective for the Kingdom than serving with Meals on Wheels?

So, some of the criticism is warranted. I would definitely agree that there is an element to the American church that is fat and lazy, but painting it with such a broad brush is dangerous. I'm sure what they are trying to do is spur people to action - to live out their faith as we are commanded to do - but I think they sound more whiny than inspiring.

Kat!

Just so you know, we set a closing date for Thursday. Are you happy now?

:)

Pink Kitty's Movie Review

So, like everyone else in the US, I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest this weekend. (I'm not linking it because y'all are smart enough to google it for yourselves if you are really that curious.) Spoil-eriffic review....

It was good. I liked it. More Captain Jack Sparrow - what's not to love. More cheesy goodness in the action sequences and references to the first film ("Hide the Rum." and "Why is the rum always gone" being 2 of the references). Totally unbelievable fighting ability from Elizabeth Swann (do I really think that a young lady brought up in the aristocracy of 17th Century England would be able to handle 2 swords at the same time and fend off mystical sea creatures that used to be sailors? No. I don't but it was fun to watch anyway.)

Here's my problem with it: talk about your political propaganda... the EVIL in the "Mum! Don't touch it! It's EVIL!" category person in this whole movie is the representative from the East India Trading Company. I left with a sour taste in my mouth at the implied notion that the EIC is the root of all evil over the seas; that they are worse than an immortal Davy Jones who has the Kracken eat ships because his heart was broken. Why are they worse? Because they want the heart of Davy Jones so they will control Davy Jones and therefore the Kracken. I mean... Davy Jones is evil but at least it's because he has a broken heart... not that he's a greedy capitalist.

Be sure to stay for the end of the credits. Bonus goodness!

Favorite moment of the screening: When the trailer for The Transformers movie comes up and Michael Bay's name appears and the entire audience groans. That was funny right there. I don't care who you are. All I can think of whenever I see/hear his name is "Why does Michael Bay get to keep making movies.... Pearl Harbor sucked and I miss you." From Team America.

The Inexplicable Attractiveness of Captain Jack Sparrow

Notice, I didn't say Johnny Depp. Johnny Depp is a good actor. His politics run off the deep end (I think living in France does that... they some how think they are more civilized and advanced. We won't get too deep into that discussion for this article.. not really important) but I like a fair number of his movies.

I *really* liked him in Pirates of the Caribbean. The second Captain Jack Sparrow pops onto the screen, there is this collective “ohhh…” from women around the country. Much like when Viggo as Aragorn does that look in The Fellowship before he goes to kick some orc butt. I remember the gasps throughout the audience. Come to think of it, Viggo’s politics are also left leaning. Eh. Whatever. He looks really good in leather.

So, back to Captain Jack Sparrow. Every woman I’ve talked to who saw the movie pretty much thinks Jack rocked and Will is a wuss. It could be that Orlando Bloom comes across as *way* too pretty. And that is just genetic. God made him a pretty boy.

Yet, none of us were able to quite put our finger on it. It isn’t just that it’s the bad boy persona. We see that everywhere. Is it that we see he is a bady boy but just *know* that he has a heart of gold? The accent? Possibly. Is it the statement "but why is the rum gone?" We finally settled on one thing: eyeliner.

Don’t know why… but Captain Jack Sparrow without the kohl around the eyes would be less than Captain Jack Sparrow.

Would this look work for every man? Eh. Probably not.

More reasons I am a libertarian

I swear... if I wasn't one already, the home buying experience would make me one. I'm almost to the point of going all Waco-like and turning my new condo into a compound. I even bought this doormat. I think it is very me, but it was requested by those who want to visit me that I put it at the back door since they think it would be too much at the front door.

You know - that makes sense actually. The ATF wouldn't use the front door. They would use the back door. So, thanks y'all. You know who you are. Good idea!

Anyway, so, we were supposed to close tomorrow. We aren't closing tomorrow. Why? Because the city hasn't issued the certificate of occupancy. My understanding is that the city has done its inspection but hasn't returned the paperwork yet so we can go to closing. They did their inspection some time ago. Now, if they had some things that they told the builder to fix (like the grading problem in the back. That inspector was back out there yesterday... good day for that when we have buckets of rain) and they need to re-inspect, fine. Just tell somebody that, ok? So they can tell me.

That would be REALLY helpful, ya know?

My broker was really cool about it. He said "Don't stress. You have your owner's walk tomorrow. (That would be today) Since it is going to be early next week before you can close, go through and be very nit picky. Find every little flaw. Anything you want changed, get them to change it. They have the time to do so. Make sure that it is perfect."

I guess I'm just ready for this to be done so I can move in. I have enough stress in my life and the move isn't exactly helping. The training for the upcoming competition and dealing with the dress designer (who isn't shipping the dresses for the first fitting until the 11th - ack! If they don't fit or look good... then what?! This particular designer has officially ruffled alot of feathers at the studio because he over-committed. All I can say - these dresses better look amazing.)

Work.... "let's create a new database and you have 3 weeks to encode all the information in the system for printing in August." What? OK.. training?
Eh.. training... this isn't user friendly. I don't care that I can look at in XML. I know you are a programming geek kind of guy but XML isn't easy to read. Where's the pretty page? OK now how do I put these bins in to a plan? Where do I set the rules? Why couldn't we have used one of our programs as a sample and not the Spanish minor? It would have made a lot more sense. It makes my head hurt. And it makes my boss stressed out, which makes me stressed out.

I need a drink.

New Dance Shoes

Ta-daaaa

I like them. And so does Smith. That's his foot back there.

Kitchen!!!!!

Here is the first of what I am sure will be many photos of my new place. I visited yesterday to meet with a representative of a glass company for a shower door (I hate shower curtains. They make me feel caged in) and a mirror for my dance space. I also met with the home inspector and had a chance to meet the foreman who was working on the locks in my unit.

Closing was supposed to be tomorrow but didn't work out that way. The property manager did her inspection last week and hated the paint. So she ordered the paint crew to come back out and re-do all of it. So far they haven't because there are still alot of chips, dents, and scratches.

Friday morning, I am going out to do my unofficial punch list without the property manager and realtors hanging over me. Pieces of blue painters tape will rain over the place like a waterfall. Hee.

I asked the foreman if it was ok if I did that. He said that he would be there Friday morning at 10am to meet with the listing agent and that he would be happy to let me in.

I am now officially excited about getting my own place. This is kinda taking the edge off of the pain of selling my nana's house. I've spent two days crying over that... the little pink house in Berry Hill won't be in our family anymore.

This is a big summer for me... probably my biggest yet. I am buying my first place and selling the two homes that I grew up in. Not very many people still have a connection to the homes they grew up in. Both Elena and DC pointed out that there will be a grieving and healing process as all of this finally comes to a close and I move on with my life.

Kat will remember how blasse' I was about buying the house that December day. I said "I bought a house" the same way most people say "I bought an apple."

So, when I get it all together, you will have to come by for the house warming. I won't take no for an answer. It will be a home full of PK-style. Not sure when that will be yet but I'll let you know.

In case you haven't figured it out...

I'm taking a brief break from blogging while I prepare to and get moved into my new place. Closing is sometimes next week, and I have a list of things to do and buy that is longer than I care to contemplate.

Thank God for Plumgood. At least I don't have to physically go to the grocery store... so that's one thing off my list.

Piccies of the condo will be up soon.

You aren't tricking me, IRS

I got a notice from the IRS regarding my grandmother's taxes. They said I needed to file a 2003 tax return so that I could get the $250 tax credit. How often does the IRS send you a letter saying that they want to give you money?

Nu-huh. I'm not stupid. I'm not contacting you. You keep the money. I call it "protection." If I were to file it, you would tell me that I owe some freakishly large amount of money or something.

Nope. Not gonna do it.

Reason #874 that I am a libertarian

eBay Invites Internet Regulation, Backs Online Gambling Ban via FoxNews.

I'm a couple days late in getting this up but late is better than never. Why do I have a problem with this? Because eBay is the big kid on the block and has decided that it has found a neat way to squash the competition... allow the government to do it for you!

Make it a government issue by telling legislators that people are participating in off-shore gaming/banking to avoid paying taxes and they will be all over it like a duck on a junebug. Really, Washington state, is online gambling the same as child pornography?

Not that Netteller and other sites were cutting that much into PayPal's bottom line, but they were offering an alternative. And who among us hasn't switched to making purchases online or catalogs to avoid paying sales tax?

Ahh... Nannystates.

Hey Nashville Folk

Does anyone know what the leash law (aside from visiting Metro Parks) is in Davidson County?

I was under the impression that if the dogs were out of a confined area, like a fenced yard, they needed to be on a leash but I can't find the specific language on the Metro Website.

Sneak Preview!

Last night Duke Diva and I went to the tuning concert for the Nashville Symphony in the brand new, still under construction Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Here are some pictures taken around the building and outside.


Panorama view stitched together of the entire hall - from Orchestra level

You wouldn't doubt that I sat at least for a while in one of the best seats in the house, right? Above the orchestra in one of the Founder's Boxes. The temporary chairs were less than comfortable. The real seats were very nice.


Nashville skyline from the Third floor exterior balcony


Sunset over the Renaissance Hotel. I'm so glad this shot came out. I love it. The night was perfect. The weather was amazing. The view was.. wow. I'll get to the music in a minute.


View of the back of the concert hall from center- Orchestra level. That's an audio testing dummy.

Thanks video capture! Here's the skyline at night. Again, the view was from the third floor exterior balcony


We moved around between each act so that we could experience the sound and visuals from as many different angles as possible. This was the view of the entire hall from the third level (you know, the seats we could actually afford during the year.)

One of the volunteers escorted us into the Founder's level. My jaw dropped, my eyes got big and I let out a gasp with a loud "WOW!" she just started laughing and said "you have the best expression! I think you win." It is reminisent of the great concert halls in Europe without being overly stuffy or formal. It has a very accessible feel to it (meaning that Liz Garrigan's attempt at starting a class war between the Symphony and its downtown neighbor the Sounds stadium is all for naught. Sure, it's upscale but I certainly felt very comfortable there. And their selections for the 2006-07 season will have something for everyone - kids, classical music lovers, Belle Meade folks, movie freaks, gospel fans, and dance geeks like me.)

Let me say this - the sound was amazing. Breathtaking. A feast for your ears. I cannot put into words how good the performance was. You will just have to go. Alot of thought and care was put into the acoustics and there is no bad seat from that perspective. There are some better seats visually (i.e. being able to see the conductor and his expressions), but you go to the symphony to hear the band anyway, right?

Full set of photos can be found here.

Blending of Politics and Pop Culture Like Never Before

Viva La Revolucion! Fight the real enemy - Joe Simpson.

Via: .::Best Week Ever Shop::.

I am Super-Great!

Oh yes I am! Saturday night was my first public performance of my dancing since I was about 9 (unless one wants to include the 2 ice skating shows in college and the occasional bustin' a move at random places for no reason what so ever).

My coach and I did a west coast swing demonstration along with 4 or 5 other pairs.

First, it was a total out of body experience, I barely remember the music. I remember the first notes and the moment I messed up. I got into the step and went "that doesn't go with the music. OK... GET OUT!" and hustle to the next step without looking like I made a mistake.

Second, I smiled alot but routines are more than just smiling. Must work on flirty expressions too for West Coast and other dances. But I had a blast. Everyone said that Todd and I looked like the couple with the most personality and were having the best time.

I was completely unprofessional walking off the floor. I jumped up and down and I don't care. I was so excited and hyped up from finishing it and not really messing anything up that whoo-hoo! I don't care what you thought of my exiting the floor. I promise not to do that in competition though. Heh.

Fourth, thank you to D W for the pictures. His wife was out there dancing in the same group. And thank you to Elena, Duke Diva, and E for coming out to share the evening with me. It meant SO much to me for y'all to be there. Thanks again!

Fifth - my shoes are sucky (newer, cooler shoes are on order) but my legs look amazing! See what dancing can do for you!

Fear

Last night while I was fussing with grocery bags and all, my neighbors across the street let their two big dogs out. They started barking at me, which is typical so I ignored and went about my business.

I get to my front door, insert the key and all of a sudden I hear " 'dogs' names' GET BACK HERE NOW!! GET BACK!" And the barking has turned to growling, and it is getting alot closer. I had flashes of Mrs. Ispa being attacked. I couldn't get my front door unlocked so I squished myself between it and the screen door, pulled it as close as I could and put my bags between me and the dogs.

They got about 5 feet from me and stopped, like their collars were yanked. I'm calling it divine intervention. It certainly wasn't good training because if it had been good training, the dogs never would have left the front yard in the first place. They go back to their yard, and the owners are screaming at the top of their lungs at the dogs to get back in the house.

It took me about 15 minutes to quit shaking. My neighbors never did come across the street and ring the bell to apologize for the fact their dogs threatened me.

DC suggested that I walk over with my Sig in hand and say "now how does it feel to be threatened in your own front yard?" While I love that solution, I don't think threatening physical violence to the owners is quite where I need to move just yet. I told my brother that if they do that again, I'm shooting them. He said that could be counted as murder if I come back into the house and retrieve a firearm and then go back outside.

"Of a dog? I'm not talking about shooting the owners. They just need a good beatin' for being stupid enough to let their dogs run loose."
"Yeah, I think so. Instead of doing that, perhaps if you see them loose again, don't even talk to the neighbors, just come inside and call animal control. Let them come over and remind the owners of the law."
"You are right... as much as that offends my libertarian sensibilities."

He also said that the dogs chased him one day when he was out running. In their slight defense, the dogs are never out in the front yard unsupervised. HOWEVER, I do know that they have fenced in back yard. Those big dogs should not be out in the front yard without being on a leash/chain in the first place. If I recall correctly, that is the law in Davidson County.

This is where I am conflicted. As a libertarian, I don't really enjoy involving the government - at all. The only thing that makes it remotely tolerable is the fact that the government in question is as local as possible.

However, there comes a point where your liberty (owning dogs) affects mine (nearly attacking me in my own yard). Given the whole pistols at dawn thing is on the extreme side, I think I will talk to the owners first. They seem to be reasonable, nice people. Hopefully, I won't have to involve animal control.

I have a phone and I'm not afraid to use it... even if makes me taste bile in the process.

Worst Belly Dance Costumes - EVER

I do mean ever. Seriously. I know I've posted some bad ones before, but this pair... speechless. They left me speechless.

After about 5 minutes, I got over that and come up with tons of snarky things to say.

First: the Dancer of the Corn dress.


I know it's kind of hard to see, but those are plastic corn cobs on the dress. The kind that you would use at the picnic to hold onto your grilled and buttery corn on the cob minus the spikes.

Then it is Attack of the furry things:




WHAT ON EARTH could have possessed someone to make such a crime against fashion. I mean, this thing goes beyond fugly. I'm not sure there is a word for it in the English language. This isn't cute, so don't even try shooting for the cuteoverload.com fans. This dress takes the concept of eyes on the costume to a whole new level. I know sometimes the beading looks like eyes over the boobs... but snoopy staring at the audience is just not appropriate.

It's like she was doused with fabric glue and then fell in the stuff animal bin at the factory that makes those little fuzzy things you get out of the vending machines at Walgreens or the movie theater.

I can't imagine the routine. I don't want to. It makes my little brain hurt.

AND don't even get me started on the crushed velour looking track suit harem pants there.

Question for Nashville folk

What high speed internet company do you use at home? Do you like it? Is it reliable? What are you paying? Have you set up wireless capability in your residence?

Apparently Bell South doesn't offer DSL in the area to which I'm moving and neither does any other company I've contacted.

A Discovery

I was out shopping for home furnishings this weekend and made my way into Pottery Barn. I've never visited the store before but heard stuff about it. After about 10 minutes I decided that Pottery Barn is for people who would probably shop at Pier 1 except they think it's better to spend $2000 on a chair instead of $500.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

It's Kat's birthday! Yippee!!!

*The Knights of the Roundtable dance whenever they are able*
*Gandalf brings the fireworks*

Furniture Placement Question

Do I put my 7ft couch on the wall that is just barely 8ft long or do I just go buy a new couch that fits the size of the space?

I really like my old couch. At present, I am thinking of having it recovered and re-stuffed because other than that, it's in great shape. The thing has an oak frame. The just don't make them like that anymore. It's also a sofa bed (though it is probably more comfortable to sleep on the cushions as opposed to the mattress.)

*sigh* It will cost about $150 to replace the mattress and re-upholstering it could run up to $800 depending on fabric and other details.

I... just... don't... know.

Learning things...

I've had a youtube account for a while but just now uploaded my first video. Hee.

It's a good thing he's cute...

because Smith isn't that bright.

Here he is with his head suck in a Special K cereal bar box. Wesson was sitting on the other side of the kitchen. I know he was laughing on the inside.

My heroine!

Here I am in Evergreen CO just a couple of weeks ago with my favorite belly dancer, Rachel Brice. I just love her!

FWIW - I uploaded a mess of photos to flickr in case you are curious or bored....

Secret Agent Elena Revealed

Photo found here.

Dance Etiquette

Duke Diva and I went to the park Saturday evening for Tango in the Park. It was Argentine Tango with some random Latin dancing thrown into the mix. Before it got started, there was a short class to give people some very basic info on how to tango.

Those not already coupled up were asked to come to the center of the pavilion so they could find other non-paired up partners. I asked the guy standing next to me if he wanted to be my partner.

He said "OK."

PK: "Well, we should move to the side so that they will not think we are still looking for partners."

AND HE WALKED OFF! To the other side of the pavilion. To find another dance partner. I cannot really verbalize how offensive this was to me. I've been called very bad names and that didn't bother me. This... this bothered me. Someone told me that they heard him say he wanted to find someone who could dance, which caused me to yell something not-safe-for-work. I know I don't look like the petite little thing he wound up dancing with but... uh... I can dance.

So, I wished him bad dance karma for breaking the social dance rules. "May you not dance the rest of the night. If you do happen to convince some girl to dance with you, may she step on your feet for 2 minutes straight."

Duke Diva pointed him out to me as the class moved on. He moved like Frankenstein.

So, as the Big Band Dances in the Park weekly free music/dance thing gets underway in June here in Nashville, here are some general social dance event rules.

1) Never decline an opportunity to dance. It is only 3 minutes. It isn't an engagement. It isn't a date. Don't think of it as such. Just let go of the puffy hearts and stars now.

Also, it is socially acceptable for either gender to ask for a dance. While it is still largely the man's responsibility, if there is a gent that you want to dance with, lady, go ask him.

2a) If you must decline an invitation to dance (say you are resting after a particularly fast cha-cha), do NOT dance that song. Keep your rear in your seat, go get something to drink, or go to the bathroom. Do not dance for the duration of that song. If you want to be really polite, offer to dance with them on a future song. "No, I'm taking a break but would you like to dance the next song?"

The only possible exception I would personally allow for this is your significant other/spouse or competitive dance partner. I'm not sure I would dance with my instructor if I declined a dance and he came up and asked me to dance.

2b) Now, if he is a bad leader (meaning you get walked into multiple people or you can't figure out what in the world he's trying to get you to do) or you need to perform constant hand checks because he is touching you inappropriately, or she is leering at you, decline all future dances with a "no, thank you." and leave it at that. If you are at a dance studio, find out who their instructor is and talk to that person. If you are the park or a random social dance event, and they get pushy as to why you won't dance with them, you can say "I don't like the way your hold me/look at me" or whatever it is.

3) Use Altoids/breath strips/mints/gum. No one wants to know you had tuna for lunch. (PK's note: I was in a group class with a guy who reeked of tuna. Every time I rotated around to him, I would barely breathe. It was AWFUL! You don't want your partner passing out because they refuse to breathe around you because you stink. That's very bad.)

4) Use perfume/aftershave. Don't swim in it but please try to smell good. At the very least, shower and use deoderant before dancing. If you have a tendancy to get really sweaty during exercise, bring a clean shirt to change into after a while. And bring a towel to wipe your hands/arms/face off.

5) Don't correct/teach/criticize on the dance floor. If they are bad, you never have to dance with them again (see 2b). If they are hurting you, gently say "that hurts!" or "you are pinching me!"

If something goes wrong, just assume it was your fault even if you know it wasn't. Say "Sorry" and move on. That is assuming that they noticed something is wrong. If they don't notice, don't bring it up.

6) Dance with many different people. That's why it's called "social" dancing. Don't dance with just the person you came with.

7) Smile and have fun!

I know it seems like a lot to remember but it is just common sense. Be polite and treat others how you would like to be treated. For the experienced dancer out there, you were a beginner once. Remember how you felt at your first social dance event - nervous and confused. Someone took the time to talk and dance with you early on so that you would get better. Have the occasional dance with someone new. It won't kill you.

For the beginner, don't be afraid to ask questions. If you see that awesome couple out on the floor and then sitting down at a table, I'm sure they would love to chat with you about dancing.

A near thesis on dance etiquette can be found here. More tips from one of the Harvard Ballroom Clubs and from Street Swing.

Gettin' His Groove Thang On

Whoever this guy is... he's bustin'a move all over the internet. I saw it linked on tribe a few days ago. It's very funny.

Admit it - you tried to moonwalk. And you tried to do that Brady Bunch dance. Or shake it like Travolta. I even do a reasonably good impression of the N'Sync dance from bye-bye-bye.

Word to your mutha.

Saying It Outloud

On the chance that my attempt at being silly comes across as hurtful, I want to revise something.

The wedding I mentioned was that of the former Miss O'Hara's and her Darling. I thought what I was saying was goofy. It was pointed out to me that it came across as though I didn't want to be there.

I wanted to be there. I was honored to be a part of their special day. It was my privilege to be there and support their union before God and their family and friends. Shoot - I was the one crying during her walk down the aisle - at rehearsal and the ceremony.

I am humbled that the former Miss O'Hara thought enough of me to ask me be a part of her wedding though we had only met in person one time.

It continues to be my privilege to lift them up in prayer every day that God will watch over them, guide her Darling as the leader of their house, strengthen their relationship together and in Christ, and that the former Miss O'Hara will continue to grow in the Proverbs 31 woman I know she is.

She is someone that I look up to, respect, and admire. There are many qualities about her I want in my own life. Knowing her and being a part of the biggest day of her life outside of the day she accepted Christ is a blessing.

The former Miss O'Hara and Darling, I truly apologize if my comments were in anyway hurtful or cast any shadow on your special and joyous day.

Easily Entertained

My dad used to say that about me.

Occasionally I like to look at my sitemeter thing-a-ma-jig to see where and how people got here. You know how google will put together random words found on your blog and you'll get hits for "clowns ice cream sex" or some such nonesense. This amuses me in the same way my kitties are amused by shiny things. It's good for about 2 minutes and then I need to move on.

Well, my latest surge in hits was courtesy of my Kenny Chesney post from a couple of weeks ago. It was linked to a fan board. They were discussing whether or not I was legit. Was it nice to say that Kenny looked rode hard and put up wet (he did. At least I didn't say he looked gay - which other bloggers have said.) And "What kind of person sees them at lunch and then runs back to blog about it? They do deserve some privacy!"

Uh... and that person making that statement would probably have bothered Kenny for his autograph while he tried to enjoy his potatos. Celebs in Nashville have it better than just about any other major city. They can go out to lunch and eat in the main room and not be bothered. Not that Jackson's has a super-secret VIP room. We don't have legions of paparazzi running around town. Unlike in LA, we don't have reports of stores shutting down just because Faith Hill wants to go clothes shopping. And as much as it drives some fans crazy when they see their favorite star out at Kroger, and they DESPERATELY want a picture/autograph, we just don't do that.

Why? Because they need their privacy. By the time I got back to my desk to blog about my Kenny Chesney sighting, I'm sure they were done eating and gone. I stand by whatever journalistic ethics I have! I didn't break the Nashville-resident code! I am innocent, I tell ya!

Home again, Home again

or "Why PK finds the Department of Homeland Security amusing."

So I have spent WAY too much time in airports over the last 3 weeks. First there was some girl's wedding that I barely know.. but she asked me to be in the wedding. I couldn't very well say no to the opportunity to buy a new dress and some fab shoes so off we went to Detroit.

Then there was belly dancing in Florida...

And more belly dancing this past weekend in Denver. Aside from Nashville, Denver has to be my favorite city.

But this isn't about that. This is about why I find airport security funny. They have this program called US-VISIT. It's slogan: Keeping America's Doors Open and Our Nation Secure. I don't know why but... I find this little slogan incredibly amusing. Particularly when my flight back home is delayed by almost 45 minutes while Homeland Security folks inspect the plane I'm supposed to be on because its point of origin was Cancun and international flights require extra stuff.

Note: this is the imagined conversation I had in my head while waiting in line to get to the detector, behind the couple that had WAY more junk than the 2 carry-on bag limit. They had to use 6, 8, or 14 of those gray bins. I lost count. They had at LEAST 6 bags and then were carrying a bunch of stuff on hangers - some big ugly purple/white 'fur' pimp coat. Eww. Whose bright idea was it to buy that thing? It made me wish I was wearing my GoFugYourself "I hate what you are wearing" t-shirt.

"What's in your bag?"
"Stuff."
"What kind of stuff?"
"Notebooks, water bottle, jewerly, pens."
"Is there anything that would stick me if I were to reach down there."
"The large silver hair pins. The earrings. The big tribal bracelet has some sharp edges, too."
*concerned look from screener because I certainly don't look like the kind of girl that would wear spikey jewelry*
*awkward silence*
"Are we done? Can I go now?"
*silence*
*sighs*
*pokes through bag, minding the sharp objects. Hands bag back.*
"Have a nice day."

But this conversation didn't happen. Not the other day. It did on the way back from Detroit when I had to warn the screener about the earrings.
"OH! I have a necklace just like that!" said the screener.
And then it almost collapsed into a discussion of jewelry instead of looking for bombs and stuff. Doesn't *that* make you feel all safe and secure at our nation's aiports?

At least they were nice.

Just to have some fun, what should the motto of Homeland Security be?

Gastronomical Gateway

Yep, PK is traveling again; so it's Elena's turn to "woman" the helm. So...here's the promised post...a little late.

Find some great dining ideas here...


Denver, CO

Mataam Fez
PK raves and raves about this great Denver eatery. Or did you mean the Boulder location, PKs?


Charleston, SC (with Duke Diva last fall)

Tommy Condon's
The Irish pub we lunched at on a cloudy day... Yummy sandwiches!

Bocci's Italian Restaurant
In a city where seafood is king, you can also get some fine Italian food. This lovely place, facing Church Street, combines elegance and simplicity, dignity and warmth. It's like a Sunday lunch at an Italian grandma's house, that got a little gussied up for dinner. Enjoy the coastal breezes from the French door openings.

Hyman's Seafood Company
Eating at Hyman's is an experience and an event. Be prepared to wait in line. But trust me, the food is worth the wait. Yes, you can go in your cutesy-pootsy wear, but if you must wear jean shorts, those are fine too. Part of the fun is finding out what famous persons once sat at your table. I think Timothy Dalton sat at a table near ours, when he was filming Scarlett (the sequel to Gone with the Wind). *sigh*

Jestine's Kitchen
Hoo, boy! You ain't eaten in Chahlestuhn, till you done eat at Jestine's! (There's a tidbit o' Gullah thrown in there for ya.)


Detroit, MI

La Shish
This Detroit-area chain of restaurants boasts some of the best hommous PK has ever eaten. I agree with her.


Nashville, TN

Cibo
Fresh ingredients and tasty combos make this little place on Church Street a favorite lunch destination for downtown Nashville workers.

House of Kabob
Chicken should always taste this good.

Parisa's (Search for it here.)
The Persian restaurant every foodie must try. Delightful atmosphere as well as delicious dishes.

Germantown Café
Review
Trendy meets casual dining. You can go there in khakis or your favorite little black dress. (Please, no dungarees—this is a NICE restaurant.) It is the place that made me change my mind about eating pork... pork tenderloin can actually be an elegant dish. (No more dry, season-salt-dredged pork chops for me!)

Krispy Kreme
Review
Beware the Hot! sign... it's like the song of the sirens, calling us all to the doom of our healthy eating plans. If you can resist making the trek a daily one and can keep your donut dining to a once-in-a-blue-moon treat, then your treat outta be a ring of KK yeasty goodness. If you're gonna leap off the wagon, you might as well go for the good stuff (not the mediocre stuff).


Enjoy your gastronomic adventures!

Next time... Meat 'n' Threes and Greasy Spoons :)

NO!!!!!

Ben Affleck rumored to play Kirk in new Star Trek movie

OK... I know. It is actually kind of funny to think about it. Ben Affleck [who needs acting lessons (see Team America for the song)] would play Capt. Kirk, originally played by William Shatner... who can't act his way out of a paper sack.

What would be said over the Star Trek franchise in Sick Bay? "It's dead, Jim."

I want Firefly back.

Ohhh. That would be funny. A scene between dueling Capt. Kirk's - one by Shatner and the other by Affleck. Wasn't there an episode with 2 Kirks and they had to fight each other? That seems to happen alot on Star Trek.

On the Road Again...

I was on the road this past weekend. I went to an undisclosed location in Florida for a bellydance thing-a-ma-gig. Lots of dancing. Lots of drumming. Lots of feeling like the geek trying to figure out a way to sit at the cool kids table. Add that to the dance geek moments... "OH WOW! That's so-n-so! Sitting at the next table!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" or "I'm in a class taught by so-n-so!" - /end internal monologue. And lots of good times to be had by all...

And lots of pit hair.

*gags* *shudders* *twitches* *gags again*

On women.

Not just the "I haven't shaved in a few days" kind of hair. NO! I'm talking full-on, fully grown, "I'm making some sort of granola-crunchy/feminist statement about beauty" arm pit hair. I know that shaving is a recent development in the human schemes of things but... ick. It completely distracted me from one performance for about the first minute. And this other lady... I looked at her and she just exudes a wonderfully soft feminine quality that I would love to have in my life (I can be a little.. uh.. hard and blunt). So lovely, graceful, and sweet. And then she lifted up her arms and there's all that hair. *twitch*

And the hairy legs. The umpteen piercings didn't bother me. The tattoos? Nope. But pit and leg hair? You bet ya.

Truthfully, I'm just way too preppy for the tribal crowd. I'm not all that granola crunchy. I like red meat. I like my car. I was fighting the urge to channel Eric Cartman and go on a hippie hunting rampage. It would have been like shooting fish in a barrel.

UPDATE 5/2/06: Funny, how I found this article on the history of shaving our pits and legs via fark.com just this morning.

Elena at the Helm

PK is out of town for the weekend, so y'all will just have to be content with lil' ol' me. *grin*

Since travels seem to be the theme for PK right now, I figure it would be great to honor her with some linkies to favorite destinations my best gal pal and I have discovered in our many adventures. Food, culture, shopping, and more...

Part 1: Gastronomical Gateway...to be published tomorrow morning

Something Just for Me

Do or do not. There is no try.

~ Yoda. The Empire Strikes Back.

Today's Celebrity Sighting

brought to you courtesy of Jackson's Bistro in Hillsboro Village.

Kenny Chesney, who looked like he had been rode hard and put up wet.
Unidentified blond woman with a scraggly braid... wearing flannel. Her back was to me.

They were at the next table. No, I don't have photographic evidence. I left my cameraphone at my desk. Besides, despite the CityPaper's photographer making a living off snapping pics of Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Nashville is still a place where a celeb can eat his grilled chicken something or other with squash in peace.

BEHOLD!

The power of Rhapsody!

So it isn't iTunes... I don't have an iPod so it would be rather pointless to pay for iTunes, I think. I do get my weekly dose of South Park from iTunes, though.

Rhapsody, however... does work with my mp3 player... the device I can't leave home without. I think I should attach it to my keys. Maybe not. I am notorious about mis-placing my keys. But, if my mp3 player were attached, then I wouldn't lose my keys.

How did I live before you, little SanDisk player? How dull my life was before I had Pentaphobe, Amr Diab, Shakira, Peter Cincotti, Hakim, Alabina, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy with me - all the time?

Now, with Rhapsody, I can search for oodles of dance music... buy just the track I want off that CD. I don't need the entire thing. Only one song on there is good for west coast swing. It makes me so happy. I don't think I will be getting up from this chair for about 3 weeks. Heh.

Birthday Blog Wishes

NashvilleIsTalking is one-year old today.

It is one of my regular reads. Without the NIT blogroll or the Mr. Roboto sponsored blog gatherings (which are a sort of by-product of the very first blog meeting sponsored by WKRN), there are a number of blogs I would never have found and people I never would have met.

Happy Birthday, NIT. Congrats to Brittney on her one-year anniversary in her job. It is harder than it looks.

Return from Motown

Elena and I travelled to Detroit for the wedding of Miss O'Hara and her Dearest (or whatever name she gave him. She kept changing it). It was a lovely affair, full of style, grace and a presence that only the lovely and talented Miss O'Hara could have pulled off - with the help of yours truly.

Observations:

1) Michigan is very... flat.

2) When you tell people that you met the bride via a blog and that you've only met face to face twice before... "and you are a maid of honor?!" must be the standard response.
"Yeah. It's very cool the way people can connect and get to know each other. I'm thrilled to be here and meet her family and friends..." was PK's response. Smiling. Always smiling.

3) Maybe that post on BDSM wasn't such a good idea knowing that many of these people know who I am because of her blog. Maybe they didn't read it. Thank God no one said anything about it.

4) I think I found a place with drivers worse than those in Nashville. I never thought I would find that place. That place is Detroit.

5) I am SO GLAD to be at home... in my bed... with my pillows... My bedroom looks like a closet exploded since I just opened up my suitcase and dumped everything on the floor but... whatever.

6) Just because I'm from Nashville doesn't mean I know how to line dance. We very much made up the "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" dance that everyone joined in on. That's ok. You know why? Everyone had fun and THAT is the important thing.

7) Miss O'Hara and her Dearest were so cute dancing! They asked me for a critique and joked that I was laughing at them when they messed up. As I said to them "You had fun. You looked great. Who cares what I think? It is your day!" Though I did offer Miss O'Hara some advice in the middle of the waltz with her father. Heh. :)

8) I caught my heel on the dress as I took my first step down the aisle. I must have looked like a deer stuck in headlights as I was sure I was going to fall down. For all the walking I do in heels, it was rather embarressing.

9) People must not run around barefoot up there. After the ceremony was over and the pictures behind us, I took off my very painful shoes that no one could see anyway because of the dress. Every now and then, people saw my bare feet. My nails were done. There were no scabs or anything. I didn't go outside and play in the wet grass. Why was this a problem?

10) Spring just arrived in Detroit. When we got there Thursday, most everything was kind of brown and dead. 2 days of rain and when we drive back to the airport on Sunday, everything was green.

Things I wish I read earlier...

Kat's fisking of the Scene over the Bill Hobbs story. Spot on, dear. That's why you are one of my favorite peoples.

If I had, I wouldn't have picked up a copy of the Scene when I was at lunch.

I doubt my little statement will have any effect on anyone else's choosing to read either publication... but it is just about me.

The Biggest Compliment....

Last night I was at the studio for a marathon dance lesson. We are working on a West Coast Swing choreography and needed to really practice it. I think I've got it now. Just have to work on making my feet faster.

But before I go into the rest of the story, here's a bit of background. On Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, I go to the studio of the social dances. If a song comes on that I can belly dance to and am not otherwise occupied on the floor, I will run off into the corner or behind one of the posts and dance to it. I try to get out of the way of traffic but generally I wind up in full view of everyone.. there just isn't any place to hide, ya know. This past Saturday, they played "Rich Girl" by Gwen Stefani. It has a samba rhythm, and it happens to be a song I use for my belly dance practice.

So I took the choreography Linda and I have been working on and adapted it for that song. It worked out reasonably well and I had fun. That’s what matters.

David Hamilton (one of the owners… a 3-time US National Champion!) comes up in the middle of my lesson and says “Todd, I need to talk to you about your student.”

I’m thinking ‘uh-oh… what happened? I didn’t hit anyone in the parking lot. Have I violated some code-of-conduct I didn’t know about?!’ I started to get a little nervous.

“OK. What about?”

“She was so CUTE on Saturday night. What was it that I played, PK, a samba?”

“Yes. It was a samba…” now I know what he’s talking about.

“She just walked over there by the double doors and did her thing. Dancing all by her self. She didn’t care who was watching. It was great. I loved it!”

Now I’m turning 14 different shades of pink and red. So they may offer a belly dance class after all. Hee. We’ll see.

Random Question...

How many of those little plastic bar code things, like the Kroger Plus card, do you have on your key chain?

I have 5: Kroger Plus card, Harris Teeter VIC card, Metro Library card, DSW frequent shopper card (uh.. hello? shoes?), and the Pet Smart shopper card.

Everything is Fair Game....

Or nothing is. - paraphrase of Kyle of South Park- "Cartoon Wars".

I will revise the quote once I watch it again, but I have something to say about this episode. Aside from being uproariously funny (that fight that we've been waiting for years between Kyle and Cartman and the way Family Guy is written - brilliant!), Trey Parker makes the most salient point of his career.

Either you make fun of everyone - or you make fun of no one. We can't bow to pressure or the threat of violence if the First Amendment is something that you believe is a right. Actually, this isn't even about the First Amendment - it is about hypocrisy. Make fun of Christians, Jews, Scientologists all you want, but don’t make fun of the Muslims. Is it because they are attempting to be respectful or is it out of fear?

For the longest time, I didn’t watch South Park. I thought it was juvenile, base, crude, and something I shouldn’t put into my little brain. Not exactly the good and noble things Paul tells Christians to meditate on, ya know? Finally, I watched one episode. I laughed so hard, I cried. I don’t watch South Park for the spiritual encouragement. I watch it because it’s funny and one of the most libertarian leaning shows on the air. There should be no sacred cows. Everything should be fair game for satire. We take ourselves far too seriously.

I remember when I saw the episode several seasons ago where Cartman forms a Christian rock group to get a platinum album before Kyle.

Kyle: “You don’t know anything about Christianity!”

Cartman: “I know enough to exploit it.”

How many of us have felt that some of the Christian acts on the radio might not be Christians at all… that they only started making Christian music because they wanted a record deal and perhaps aren’t quite talented enough to make it onto mainstream radio?

I saw a brief clip on Fox with a Christian pastor who was furious that Jesus was shown defecating on President Bush and the American flag (the Muslim retaliation for showing Mohammed on Family Guy). My thought? Get over yourself. If you can’t take a little heat from a secular cartoon show, how on Earth can you intellectually defend Christianity to a non-believer?

Stand up for our faith. Yes. What South Park did was in bad taste…. Almost everything they do is in bad taste. That’s why I’m not all up in arms about it. They are equal opportunity offenders.

Since it now known that Comedy Central censored the South Park episode this week, what are they going to do about the older episode called "Super Best Friends" where Jesus, Mohammed, Buddah, Moses and other religious figures team up to stop David Blaine? Are they going to ever air that episode again? If they do, will a little black box appear over Mohammed with a big red "CENSORED" tag?

Dear Dance Bag,

Please come home. I don't know where you are... but I need you to come home. Or if you are at home, make your presence known. Shoes.. if you are mad because I've been cavorting with another pair - get over yourselves.

Dance notebook - PLEASE come back! It's like I've lost my right arm! I've been taking notes in my non-ballroom book and.. *sigh* it just isn't the same. We've been working together for almost 9 months. I thought I was treating you well.

Come home soon,

PK

Real Player is wacked.

I put in Millennium by Amir Sofi (if the artist's name didn't give it away - it's a CD full of belly dance music).

Real Player asks me if I want to save.
Clicks "yes."
Real Player pops up with suggested album titles....
Millennium by Amir Sofi

or...

Linkin Park

Because Drum Solos sound SO much like Somewhere I Belong.

On Being Fat

Kat, Aunt B, and Winston have been talking about being fat - the struggles, the issues, the realities of it all.

As you all may recall, I have been on a weight loss program (and am now almost at the -50 lbs mark. So you all have some reference - that's a 6 year old.) Over the last few weeks as the constantly monitoring my calories wore on me, I stopped and ate what I wanted to, when I wanted to for about 2 weeks. I wanted chips? I had chips. I wanted the bean and cheese burrito at SATCO? I had two. McDonald's hamburger here I come! Pizza Perfect, you were next. The chocolate chocolate biscotti left over from the morning meeting? Mmmmmmmmmm....

I gained a 1/2 lb. To you that may not seem like much. It might have been more if I weren't walking/dancing/using the elliptical machine so very often. To me, it was a smack upside the head. It said "PK, to get where you want to be, you are going to have to treat this seriously. Elena has to monitor her blood sugar every day and take insulin. She will have to do that every day for the rest of her life. You are going to have to treat your weight like Elena treats her diabetes."

So, I went back to the food journal. Counting the calories. Adding everything up. And when I went for my weigh in last week, I lost 5 lbs for the month of March. The relief washed over me like a wave. I did it. I fell off. I got back on the wagon.

People have been noticing.

**My belly dance teacher: "You look amazing! I can really see the difference. Just be aware that as you lose the weight, you will have to re-learn some of this stuff because your center of gravity will change."

**Other instructors at the dance studio: "I can really tell that you have lost weight. You look great. Do you feel better?" (But not the one who sees me every week. Hrmph. But he may be trying to be polite - one never ever discusses a woman's weight unless she brings it up.. but he did say he loved the new practice skirt I've been wearing. Miss O'Hara found it for me online. I didn't think it would fit because it's almost a non-XL size but - yes! It fit!)

**My boss: "Your complexion is so much better."

**My former boss: "You look great!" "Thanks." "No thank you. I get to look at you!" She even sent me an encouraging note when she saw me walking around the campus the other day.

Friday, I took a look at this picture from October, shortly before I started this program but still down 15 lbs from my heaviest. I became physically ill. I felt a churning in my stomach like I was going to throw up. Elena sent me a very encouraging email that helped me to re-gain perspective. The last time I weighed what I weigh today was when I was a freshman in high school. That was 15 years ago. Half my life ago.

I agree with Kat and Aunt B - people offer suggestions thinking they are trying to help. Or the snide remarks will somehow shame us into better habits. How often do you tell a smoker that what they will doing could ultimately kill them? Do you think the smoker isn't fully aware of that? It's right there on the side of the pack.

There isn't a warning on the side of the Big Mac box "WARNING: This hamburger is full of fat and cholesterol. In 20 years, you may die of a heart attack. Don't eat this. Eat carrots instead." Or some such non-sense. But I'm pretty sure we all know that a fried hamburger isn't as good for you as a salad. Honestly, do we need a label to tell us that? Though some study released this week said that people don't know they are obese. So they may not call themselves obese. They probably know they are overweight. I am in the extreme obese category. Do you think I actually *want* to know that? No. But do I know that? Yeah - I see it every time I look in the mirror. I don't need my Dr. or a government sign politely informing me.

For the record - the fried hamburger probably tastes better than the salad.

One of the things I'm worried about as I lose the weight is that I will become a weight-loss nazi. You know those people that whatever change they have made in their life (yoga, quitting smoking, running, dance -- yeah, I'm one of those people!), they become convinced that you should make it, too.

I pray that I don't because being a libertarian, I believe everyone has the right to choose whatever personal behaviors they want to... just don't go asking me to support it - morally or financially. You have to be willing to accept the personal responsibility for your actions. If that means you die from fatty arteries, lung cancer, reckless driving, or dehydration... whatever - that was your choice. The minute your personal choices start affecting me - we have a problem. I don't want to pay for anti-smoking ads or "eat 5 a day" commercials in just the same way I don't want to pay for studies that analyze the emissions from cows or the Department of Education. It isn't (shouldn't be) a function of government. See? Everything is the fault of the government. ;) Heh.

Back to the story at hand.... reaching this point and what I read on the blogs this morning caused me to think about why I was making these changes.

- Health. Both of my parents died before they were 60 from largely preventable causes. I'm not done - I don't think God has called me home yet. So if I don't want to leave prematurely, there are changes I need to make.

Elena put this in a very poetic way (as only the Poetess could do):

Just think of it as shedding physically all the stuff that you've been shedding spiritually, mentally, and emotionally! AND God had long ago set you free from your body being a prison, and now you're living out that reality. Your body is becoming a temple indeed. Your stewardship of it is improving and improving. And no longer will you be seeing your size as what you yourself and other people use to define you.

Some of you might be concerned that I will be/am a slave to food journals and calories. Believe me, I thought of that too. But... to expound on what Elena said - why would I want to trade one prison for another? I know what I should be eating. I know how many calories are in my lunch when I pack it. I don't write every blipping thing down anymore. If I watch my snacks - particularly at work and when I get home from dance - it's all good. I don't feel enslaved by it. More than anything, I'm incredibly annoyed (as I told my nutritionist) but... it is a part of my life. If I want to get to point B, I have to walk the road. One day at a time.

- Emotional well-being. Plain and simple: I'm tired of being fat. I've been fat my entire life. I know the odds are against me, but, I've never felt better in my entire life. I'm healthier and happier than I've ever been. I don't want to lose that.

- Appearance. I won't lie about it. I want to look better in my clothes. Though right now, I look like I'm hiding in a tent in some of my shirts that are 2 sizes too big and I hate - HATE - everything that is out for this Spring. Which is it: being in clothes that are too big for me or clothes that fit but I dislike?

Several weeks ago, I went into Charlotte Russe for the first time. I never went in there because I knew they wouldn't have anything that fit me. They had this little red halter dress in the window. Every time I did my walking at the mall, I would see it. I would stop and drool. It would scream "PK! You need me for salsa dancing!!!" For a month, I would walk by this dress, whimper and keep going. Finally, I went in. They had it in a large. Ohh.. it's stretchy... in a few more months, it might fit. It's $20!!!!! OH YEAH - you are coming home with me!

I get home, hang it on my closet door and stare at it. Well... let me see how much more I need to lose before it fits. I pull it on.. and it goes on. All the way on. Now, it doesn't look good and I wouldn't wear it out right now... but by the end of the summer? You bet baby. I am wearing that dress out. I jumped up and down. WHOO-HOO! I am wearing a LARGE!!!!! Not an XL. Not an XXL. Not a 1X. A LARGE! Hot ****! Talk about your positive reinforcement.

That chocolate biscotti can't hold a candle to this red dress. I need to remember that the next time they bring that tray of goodies down.

I don't know where else I was going but... there ya go.

C.S.A - The Review

Now that it isn't playing in Nashville and that I've had the opportunity to really think about the movie, here's what I thought:

As a movie, it was good. As the director said in his talk while in Nashville, it could very easily have gone way overboard on satire and not been effective in challenging people to consider the continuing issue of race in America.

My questions for Kevin didn't really gel in my mind until the very end (when the Q&A portion was over, of course)—Wasn't all of this the fault of government intrusion into the personal lives of individuals? When does it become the responsibility of the state to make moral decisions? Should they be making moral decisions? Can a state even make moral decisions?

You say that we shouldn't be trying to impose our culture on other countries [this came out in a question about what was going on with American policy in the Middle East and how that paralleled with the film and its 'Tropical Empire' plans the Confederacy had] but as Vox Day pointed out over a week ago, where are those complaining that the British were wrong in ending the practice of widow burning in India?

You say the end of slavery was good but in the same breath say that we shouldn't 'export democracy' or our way of thinking/life to other countries and cultures. Should we not export the Western value that ALL types of slavery is bad? There seems to be a serious problem with sexual slavery across the globe. People might say that is a human value but you can't say since not all humans have the same values. Ted Bundy didn't value the lives of young women the same way, oh.. Mother Teresa did.

You are right in saying that when a prime field hand was worth the equivalent of a luxury car. When the government attempted to take individuals luxury cars, there was going to be a fight. Unfortunately, that is not the case anymore. There is no fight. By sucking the taxes out before we get our pay checks, people don't think about it. That money was never theres. Yes it was. You earned it. It should be yours.

(Side rant: I love DC's comment that the IRS is like the mafia.. except that the mafia tells you how much you owe them up front. The IRS gives you forms, makes you fill it out and if you do it wrong, they will beat you up. People who think that they still own their property ought to not pay their property tax... see how long they own their property then.)

Other things that I took away from the screening: a room full of white guilt mixed with the anger of black people. One woman admitted that after seeing the movie that for the first time she wanted to beat up some white folk. Several white folks got up and stated that they felt guilty for what happened. I was probably one of the few people in the room completely indifferent to the whole white guilt tidal wave.

I didn't do anything to cause slavery, Jim Crow laws, or the like. Therefore, I have no reason to be or feel guilty over something that happened in the past. The only thing I can control is my attitude and response - now.

Also, as a Christian, guilt and shame can become tools of the enemy to trap us and hold us down. How many people do you know that are held hostage by guilt over something?

Don't mistake this for being cavalier about it. I'm not. Yes, there are racial issues that need to be addressed.

I applaud the director for also saying that liberals are just as much at fault for covering everything up with politically correct language that the lingering hurts, pain, continuing discrimination cannot be openly and honestly dealt with.

You know...

I was going to say something, but I forgot what it was.

PK's Rules of Sidewalk Etiquette

When you and your party are walking in a horizontal line, thereby using the entire sidewalk, the person(s) walking into oncoming traffic should move to either the front or back of your little group before I knock their butt down because you are in my way.

I do not have to move off the sidewalk to accomodate your conversation about... whatever it was you were talking about.

Hope your shoulder is OK. Mine is still a little sore. But... you should have moved.

Question for my fellow libertarians

Why is it that in debates about social policy, we come off sounding like callous, un-caring folks that 'don't care about the poor'? Is there a way that we can structure what we say and the message of "the government may be here but it isn't here to help" in speaking of helping the poor and less blessed in society?

Or has American society just gone too far in to the sense of entitlement that the libertarian message of self-reliance (as well as you help your neighbor voluntarily) will forever be lost?