I'm in Urgent Care again this morning.
Based on my last visit, I know they have wireless so this time I come prepared with my own entertainment.
I run into the wife of someone from work.
I really do run into people round here more than half of the time I go out. It's no longer remarkable, yet I will still remark on it.
You couldn't really have an affair in this town. Raleigh, maybe.
Not that I want to. Not that I even could have an affair, seeing as I'm not married.

Today, I learn that the material that makes the seat of this chair is called caning.
And this material is not available at any craft shops in the Triangle.

I learn that even though I feel sick almost every time I go to Red Robin, I want to go again.

I learn that you won't necessarily see fireworks at a Bulls game even if you purchased the "Fireworks Ticket Package" (Fireworks are Friday night only).

I learn that as much as I begrudge the noisy party Dookies, the dance club in Durham is probably more fun when they are here.

And lastly, Mr. Video Store Guy I learn that this movie is not a comedy.

Opening night. I see "Sex and The City" with my Qwesty pals. My cough is distracting me. The line is long and lots of people dressed up and enthused. I notice some poorly done boob jobs too. Interesting suburban crowd. There are maybe 2 guys in the theater. Boyfriends? I like the enthusiasm but I hope everyone shuts up during the film. I hope my coughing shuts up mostly. There are cops too. That's funny. Cat Fights?

I look around. I am in a movie theater in a parking lot. I am not wearing black. I will not take a taxi home. At the movie end I am grieving my NYC life a little bit. That movie was kind of my life. That's not my life anymore. At least I still have my 646 cell phone.

Thought provoking.

Pizza Night #2.
Romas Pizza, Durham, Patterson Place.
Verdict: Not as good as Sal's (Week #1) probably not as good as Randy's either (scheduled for Week #3)

Swing Out Inside Out.

McKinney recently announced a program called "Inside Out." Basically, it's a program designed to highlight the talents on McKinney employees to the rest of the company. Typically, Inside Out type things are debuted on Thursday nights, when we have pub night. Yes, we have a bar here where I work, we open the tap and have booze and munchies every Thursday. Did I mention that despite my occasional woes, I do work at a cool place.

Anyway, I decided to share my enthusiasm for Swing Dancing with McKinney by inviting my instructors, Sue & Naomi, to McKinney for a demo and lesson. Pics below. It was a fun night.

Rainy today.

Such good hush puppies at Bullocks.

Tonight is the last Wednesday night dance at Loafers. It was dress to impress. I don't make it there. SARS and other factors keep me home.

Bull City. Yeah.

I must have gotten SARS in Seattle.
I have a bad cough.
I feel fine otherwise.
My co-workers make me go to Urgent Care.
At Urgent Care, they tell me I have a cough.
Now, I have prescription strength Mucinex.
Thanks so advertising, this is what I visualize in my chest.

Sunday morning. Fresh start. I trot off to my beginner class. I'm excited because I've heard that the follow instructor is terrific. I have noticed, however, that terrific dancer doesn't really mean terrific instructor - especially beginner instructor.

Follow instructor doesn't smile. Follow instructor doesn't say anything. The only thing I hear is the sound of her chewing gum. Follow instructor is also wearing "mom" waisted RED jeans with a blue and white long sleeve tie-dye that is UNDER, yes, I said under a green tank top. All tucked in. I dislike her attitude to I get some joy out of how ridiculous she looks.

She's "world-renowned" apparently. I guess I just don't get it.

Things I'm learning at Dance Camp

If the leads are rotating, and you are a follow, pick the spot by the fan. Everyone will love dancing with you.

Boy shorts.

There are some non dance pals in the group. They decide to get a little buzzed in the parking lot before going in. There is no booze at the dance.

Naomi and Chris strike a pose while the folks in the car do their thing.

At the dance. Guess who was in the car drinking?

I love my sister. She's at the dance. She grabs Bill and without a lesson in their life, they get on the floor. Bill is 6'7. Teri is 5'11 but in most of her shoes, she's plus six feet. They are the tallest couple by far (OK, I'm going to say it, there tend to be more short men in dancing than in the rest of the population). And they're having fun. That's what it's about. Somehow, I feel that Teri is supporting me by getting out there and I love her for it.

Time for the Obligatory Memorial Day BBQ

My sister has a kick-ass grill. If only she could work it.


Peek-a-Boo-Boo-Boo (I miss that dog).

The Ladies of the South

I must admit I was fairly nerved out by the concept of dance camp.

When I registered, quite some time ago, I thought I would be an intermediate by Memorial Day.

I just wasn't sure so I went to the intermediate class in the morning. There were over 100 people in there. And they were doing moves I didn't know.

I leave immediately for beginner class.

It's kind of too easy. And there are so many people in this one too. I'm not sure how much I'm going to learn.

I do meet some boys from Alaska and have lunch with them.

Then, I do a partner only class with one of them and learn a really "money" move involving my hand on the floor and then me getting lifted up. Money.

I know dancing isn't about the moves - especially as a follow.

But after the day, I was glad to walk away with a move or two. How I will do it in a skirt or dress I do not know.

On our way to class

Makes me want to play hookey from class.

In the beginning of the year I made some resolutions

I'm pleased to report that I've kept up with the dancing. The progress hasn't quite been what I wanted (distractions!) but when I missed dance camp over the holiday I considered going to Camp Jitterbug in Seattle and well, here I am.

With some NC dance friends too.

This is Friday night. There is a jump show. I don't think it was intented to be as funny as I found it.

Heidi and Rebecca (both NC dance girls)


And Naomi and Nate. Naomi is a NC dance girl moving to Seattle (Boo. Wait, I am jealous). Nate is Teri's man.

I get especially excited when a Swing Dance move requires some sort of athletic skill. I feel like the odds are with me that I'll maybe kind of sort of get it. I was delighted to find out that every other Tuesday there's an opportunity to practice aerials which are pretty much swing dance moves where your partner throws you, the follow, in the air (there's one move where the follow throws the lead).

Practice takes place in a gymnastics center so the floor is all bouncy, which makes me feel like a jumping superstar. And there's a purple pit of foam that I got thrown into (initiation). Actually, I didn't get thrown in. Tobias picked me up and dove on the side into the pit with me still in his grip.

I have to get pictures next time.

Wheee! I love being upside down.

Took rides in "Dairyland" (not Wisconsin - just an area near Maple View Farm in Hillsborough) on both Saturday and then Sunday. The street signs there are really complicated pointing in different directions than the map. Got lost both times.

It's lovely country out there. The chair in the field especially.

I saw a musical? tonight at the Manbites Dog Theater. It's a good theater and I've enjoyed shows seen there but this one felt like watching someone else do kareoke. Sorry.

A few months ago, we were in a drought. Now, it just can't stop raining. Especially when I have plans to be outside. Like tonight. Went to a Bulls game and "dined" near the bullpen sponsored by Businessweek.

It was rainy and chilly. The Bulls were playing the farm team of the Tigers.

Bob's cute baby Zoe didn't seem to mind the rain.

Ben, the McKinney employee formerly known as Snowglobe Boy, also stays dry underneath his flowery umbrella.

But nobody made it to the ninth inning.

McKinney just installed a snack machine.
You can pay with your fingerprint.
That is too, too easy.
I hate it.

Ever had a meal you've been meaning to eat that just gets postponed?
I was supposed to have Pesto Gnocchi on April 6th.
Over a month later, it's finally dinner.

Delicious.

Another successful clothing swap. Each of us with our choice piece from the event.

Clothing swap followed Carleton event. Popular me, double booked. Double hosting.

First North Carolina Carleton College Club Event. Featuring Sara (below) - talking about Madagascar. There are about 14 people in the room. 4 of them have been to Madagascar. Cool, no?

Car. Serviced. Today. Almost 20K miles.

Enjoyed semi-defrosted cheesecake and Durham folks stuck in the 80's here.

Wafting the Eno River with River Dave.

Where the last one home finishes the race.
Wafted, made a wish, swimming hole, snake.

The whole vibe of the tour was to be mellow. I was into it. So, on the waft back decided to sit still, say nothing and keep my eyes closed for 3 minutes. My eyes are closed. I am listening to nature. I am also in my head, thinking about the spring, and then trying to think about nothing.

For a while I enjoy it. I'm mellow - hooray! Until it really feels like 3 minutes should have passed. I mellow out again but still don't hear a timer. And then I just get all frustrated that I'm so not mellow that I can't even be mellow for 3 minutes. Am I that impatient and rushed? No, I am not. There is no timer. I really hope 3 minutes passed before I got antsy.



Fun.

Went to a youth baseball league practice.
Mistaken for a Mom.

Avenue Q came to Raleigh this week. I first saw it in New York right before I left for Minnesota (you start to jam in all sorts of New York stuff when you're on your way out). I remember thinking "Darn, probably not going to get the New York cast." And then someone pointed out to me that the cast is puppets. Hmmmm.

Celebrated a birthday and an unbirthday. Jamie and Barb below minus boyzzzzzzz.

In Minnesota this weekend for Carleton Volunteer Alumni Thingy. I am delighted to learn there is a swing dance on Saturday night at the college. I wonder if I can show up and pass for a student. Maybe like a 5th year Senior or something. I ask someone to dance the next song. When the next song comes on he says "Where's that lady?" I leave promptly to go drink and dance with the boys from the class of 1992 and feel young again.

Boo. Friends moving. Really sad.



Some Bella Monica for dinner made it better.