Ziplining amidst the pines of Waukeela.

I start my ascent. Note the cabin rooftop.

Let's put the height of this thing in perspective. Note the lack of cabin rooftop.

I expected to jump from the teeny tiny platform.
You actually launch from a seated position.

It feels like you're falling so you scream, then you're gliding and then because I'm me, there was posing.

It's dance camp, not the CIA

I like Fruity Pebbles.
I like Pop's Pizza.
Pop's pizza with Fruity Pebbles topping?
Probably not.

Next week, I'm going to experience two other things I like at the same time:
Swing Dancing & Summer Camp (dance event in summer camp setting).
I hope it tastes as good as it sounds.

Registration for the camp felt a bit like applying to college. I had to indicate the class level most appropriate for my skill. I was also asked to list every instructor, private lesson, class, workshop, exchange, camp, event I ever attended. Plus one reference.

The placement process feels like ripe territory for further exploration through the lens of Behavioral Economics. When my paper on this topic is published in a high profile journal and I'm at cocktail hour at a conference this will be the backstory (I dont even know if they have cocktail hours at conferences - if they don't they should).

I appreciate the intention of the questions & inquiries. The event organizers are trying to manage class size, lead/follow balance and make sure the dancer is in the track that will benefit their dancing (instead of their ego) most. I've been in classes with folks who have over or under estimated their ability. I've been that person. It's not good for anyone.

I do wonder the extent to which self assessment, the sum of your dance activities and the opinion of an instructor is indicative of your skill. I grant they are likely good indicators (I'll stay away from any discussion of statistics/modeling since this blog is supposed to be about adventure and drama). For my upcoming event the dance organizers took it upon themselves to contact many of the instructors listed on my registration form and I very much wonder the value in doing that (to say nothing of the intrusiveness of it). I think it's worth listing I took a class with "so and so" at "xyz" but would not expect "so and so" to necessarily recall me, let alone my dance skill. Even if they could speak to that my dance skills are not static (though sometimes my dancing is).

I'm no dance class admissions counselor but onsite auditions and observations seem like the best way to make an assessment. And many dance events require on-site auditions for the advanced levels. That approach does propose a bit of a planning challenge in not knowing exact class size and follow/lead ratio but enough events do it I have to imagine they've figured out how to manage it.

For example, the camp I'm attending required a video submission prior to the event for dancers who wanted to be in the advanced track. They put a cap on size and track is closed.

I put myself in the lower part of the intermediate track (after the fact someone who attended the event and has a vague sense of my dancing suggest I track up within intermediate). On my registration form I indicated I had no problem being moved up or down if deemed appropriate by the instructors. I noted that class size and ratios might not allow for that but was advised by the organizers that was not a concern for the intermediate level.

So, why then, all the fuss?
I'm half expecting they'll be talking to gym & music teachers from my elementary school.
This is a dance camp. Not the CIA.

And my dance camp classmates better be my mirror image.

I've still got sand in my shoes

I'm home now
And things still look the same
I think I'll leave it till tomorrow to unpack
Try to forget for one more night
That I'm back

Skidoo Wild Blooper and Space Walk

Tonight's move: Skidoo Wild. All I have is a blooper that bears no resemblance to the move (though it was an attempt) because falling is just funny.

I felt so cat-like landing on all fours.
John probably felt more like "London Bridge is falling down. On my head."

Right foot red!

We also practiced the double flip we learned last time. In slow motion. In space.



You Tube recognized the brilliance of the moves, predicted views in the millions and offered me large sums of money to place ads on this video. Actually You Tube just recognized the music.

I want a party with rooms full of laughter

Ten thousands tons of ice cream

And if I don't get the things I am after.
I'm going to scream.

I guess I like Spin Art more than Skee Ball.

My birthday, birthday is tomorrow (at 11:34 EST to be exact) but the festivities began on Sunday with a "Stupid/Retro Party Games Birthday Party" featuring an assortment of silliness and including Spin Art which is probably as close as you'll ever get me to crafts.

Spin Art was a very demanding celebrity guest. I had to drive to a Toys R Us in Cary on Saturday during tax free weekend. I felt like a guy in Victoria's Secret. A little uncomfortable, a little intrigued.

The last time I came anything close to a similar situation was simply starting to open the door to a Chucky Cheese on a weekend afternoon (down time, wanted to play Skee Ball) and closing it based solely on glimpse of the volume of children and a nanosecond of the noise from within.

With that, an extremely unexciting video.

I want a ball. I want a party. Pink macaroons and a million balloons. And performing baboons and ... Give it to me Rrhh rhhh Now!

A little bit of my inner Veruca Salt comes out during my birthday party.

Haven't been to Connecticut in a while and lyrics aren't my strong point.
So, here's the real deal.



Veruca doing this number is up there with Meryl Streep falling down the stairs during "Death Becomes Her" on the list things from Jon (my brother) and Jamie's childhood that are just as funny today as they were when we were ten.

Look out Camp Hollywood 2015, here comes, er. Nevermind.

Practiced the double flip tonight.

In an effort to make it more dance-like we wrapped some moves around it. The Little Miss Sunshine's were rocking out to J-Lo in another part of the gym so we went with it.



I've got a birthday jam coming up so in an effort to get the aerials out of the gym we tried a single flip on a floor that doesn't talk back.

Take One



Closing Time (listen for the janitor closing the door and the encouragement of cameraman)



I've got lots to work on but my focus in my landing and keeping my left hand to myself on the flip.

Aerials Blooper. Not quite as funny as Meryl Streep falling down the stairs in "Death Becomes Her"

But funny nonetheless.



Ben and I did the move successfully several times, but there's not as much entertainment value in that.

Yes, this is the second post about cereal today.

I gained my "Freshman Fifteen" picking marshmallows from Lucky Charms.
Here you have a 20 pound bag of the culprit. Marshmallows only.
I so wanted to believe boxes and boxes of Lucky Charms had been purchased and picked through.
I was worried (for my figure) to learn you can order them online.

Where?

"At CerealMarshmallows.com. Duh."
-Kristy (pictured below in the midst of telling me to hurry up and take the picture because the bag was really heavy)

A laugh in aisle five

Even though I know most people don't eat gluten products due to allergies something about Gluten Free front and center on the Fruity Pebbles box in Kroger amused me. The Kroger is near my house so I stop there more often than I would otherwise given how depressing the place feels to me (something about the lighting I think) so I found a laugh in aisle five.

Little Uno

Swam my little one mile race this morning.
Positioned myself in the front-ish for the start (I told myself I would do this last time).
Goggles flooded up (and there aren't any flip turns in this race)
Sighting tricky.
Energy reserves have been really low and I felt it. A lot.
Pushed through and swam with my mind. Repeated words to myself.
My goal was to best (nicer word than beat, no?) my time from a few weeks prior and I did.
Not by a lot, but enough.

Who named this stupid race?

I registered for "Little Uno Big Deuce"
It's a swim race.
You can swim one mile or two. Little One. Big Two.
The dumb ass name of the race almost made me register for two.

Instead, I swam two at the pool.
That's the first time I've ever cared that there's a lifeguard.
Who wasn't 14 and reading People magazine.

That was like "Not Good" with a side of Goonies & E.T.

Until friends post wedding pics here's what I've got from my weekend in Ithaca

Bored while waiting for hotel shuttle pickup at airport. I did very much enjoy the fresh mountain air. NC summer weather is a little repressive.

Not exactly before and after (below).
Sarah and Jamie in the mid nineties at camp and then Sarah and her dad walking up a hill (to hell with the aisle) for to meet her groom
Incidentally, I was seated next to a Carleton person. Ah, the cult can't help but form itself.

Usually I'm entertained by whatever convention is taking place at a hotel were I'm staying.

I've seen crochet conventions, D&D gatherings. drag queen competitions, pimply model UN kids. And yes, I've snickered. Or been annoyed because they crowd up the elevators.
This time I was just plain jealous.

I wonder if he fits in the overhead compartment

Even when I lose, I win.

Jack and Jill ended up feeling a bit like Hansel and Gretel

Fucking law books I'm making my own laws Recited like scripture I make my own cross

Ashley's Workout of the Day: The Assignment

Ashley, the form queen coach at Cross Fit, tasked us with the following assignment

The rules are simple. We have to list 10 physical things that we like about ourselves regarding our looks or things that we can do. Characteristic traits aren't allowed because they're too easy of an out.

#1
I love my nose.

#2

I can pull off short hair (I especially like my left side profile)

#3

I’m a pretty swimmer (I have thirteen summer at camp and synchronized swimming to thank for that) and my endurance is pretty good too (just placed 34^th out of 152 women for the swim portion of a triathlon)

 #4

I’m also a really good skier. I was on the ski team in high school. I can do squats while skiing.

#5

I like to be upside down (handstands) or in the air (aerials). I laugh when I do either.

#6

I’m left handed and which makes me a better candidate than expected to open a jar of something (lefty-loose-y).

#7

I find my weaknesses & flaws (physical and otherwise) more amusing than frustrating. I laugh at myself easily.

#8

I have no doubt that with training and time I will be able to do a pull-up. This has been my goal since 2007.

#9

I’m bold enough to “play” to my weaknesses. Instead of improving what I’m already good at, I work on areas where I need improvement (kinesthetic activities like running, dancing and almost everything we do at Cross Fit).

#10

I’m just a touch above average height. Given that I'm the shortest person in my family it took me a while to realize that. I like my height.

Smile Train Triathlon Take Two. Two years later.

Highlights

• I lost a contact lens in the pool. So, I the ride and run with one eye closed.
• On Friday and Saturday my Achilles were on ice and I was hobbling around. I was able to run the whole damn hilly course.
• My swim rank was #34 out of 152 women. Had I not got stuck behind slowpoke I might have trimmed down my time further but learning to pass is a skill in and of itself.
• I set a race personal record for biking.
• I did the Tri with my extraordinary pal Barb. This whole Tri thing two years ago was her idea. I got hooked on the triathlons she got hooked on running and did a marathon. She was kind enough to share her magic marathon socks with me. It was our special bond. Barb needs a different bike but otherwise the girl rocked it.

Here's the video story of the triathlon set to none other than Dar Williams and Lindy Hop.

Pulling Up

In early 2007 I decided it was my goal to do a pull-up.  This goal appeared on whatever list provided me the opportunity to broadcast it (New Year's Resolutions, intakes with trainers, etc).  Four years later I still can't do a pull-up.  I don't wake up every morning fretting about this or anything.  I've got lots of goals and my focus on them varies.

Since I started a Cross Fit I actually haven't really focused on the pull-up.  That's part of the program.  Constantly varied.  At Cross Fit I use a green band to assist me with a pull-up.  I love those damn bands.  They allow you to experience the motion of a move while you're building up strength to do the move.

Anyway, today I graduated.  I showed up for the 11:00 workout of the day and was the only person in attendance (no church or Father's Day plans for me).  So, I had the Coach all to myself.  He customized a workout for me that included pull-ups.  I grabbed my trusty green band and did a few pull-ups while Coach Paul observed.  It was apparent to him (and a few folks hanging around from the 10:00 that I was ready to "graduate" to a band that made me do more work.  Blue/Red combo as pictured below.   

Hip Hip Hooray.  Progress.  Actually, if I want to sound like I kind of know what I'm talking about that would be "Kip, Kip, Hooray!"
 

And then there were three.

My bikes got it on.

And then there were two.

There was something about the mess I made making a smoothie this morning that I liked

Maaaango.

Rare footage from the 1923 Pan American Coaster Tossing Championship in Bayonne, New Jersey

Back in March I posted about a morning on farm in Hillsborough wearing vintage clothes and a mini-pony (Foal Foehl). Here's what it was all about.

Rare footage from the 1923 Pan American Coaster Tossing Championship in Bayonne, New Jersey. The gold medal that year went to America's sweetheart, Little Lurleen LaChance.

Enter the 2011 Coaster Tossing Championship on June 18th at the Big Boss Brewery, by registering at http://bigbossbrewing.com/coaster-toss.aspx

I don't know why the screen gets so big on my blog. It blocks my headshot, damnit.

No flip turns.

After an 8 year hiatus, I did an one mile open water swim race.
The last time was in the Hudson. I think I needed to show proof of shots for that one.

This morning's race was in Lake Jordan (North Carolina).

Of course, it started off with a live pre-race broadcast. With me interviewing me.



It was kinda neat to look out and see the whole mile. Somehow looking at the pool and thinking "X number of laps" isn't quite the same.

After the pre-race interview of course there was the pre-race photo shoot featuring me and my classic LL Bean catalog pose. I am leaning against a pole on the dock that didn't make it into frame. The "photographer" had been up early. I am trying to look wistfully off into the distance but I can't help grinning.



It was a fun swim. The placement of one of the sighting buoys was a little wonky if you know anything about geometry. Pace was good and seemed consistent.

Here's the post race recap. Equally as thrilling as the pre-race footage.



Next time (I'm thinking next month, not a decade) I won't start in the back even if it means getting kicked in the face and I won't hesitate to pass people who for whatever reason "lined up" for the finish. And, I'll make sure my Martha Stewart anklet is on tight since that thing almost fell off.

I did go to Cross Fit after. Just because I'm that hard core. Actually, I was hardly hard core. I think many of the other swimmers were Ironman trainees. As soon as the swim ended a ton of people were off on bike for who knows how long.

Return to Aerials: Hat Trick and Sack of Potatoes

After a long hiatus (due to schedule, not lack of interest) I finally made it to aerials tonight.

Practiced the "Hat Trick."  You would go into a dance move after this, not the pose I struck at the end.


Also learned a move called "Sack of Potatoes."  I believe this is referring to the flyer (me).  Next time I'll wear burlap.

So. Good.

This brownie tasted like Rex

Shhhhhh

You are a welcoming back from the ocean

And the ones that can know you so well
Are the ones that can swallow you whole
I have a good and I have an evil
I thought the ocean
The ocean thought nothing,
You are the welcoming back from the ocean
-Dar Williams

Vegan Delight

Cheesy work & sports metaphors. But for real.

To hell with metaphors.  During our account management outing we were given the opportunity to hit one out of the park.  So, I stepped up to the plate.  For real.

Swing dancing, golf swing, baseball swing, tennis swing.  Not all the same thing.

I made contact with several of the balls you see at my feet.  I just didn't get them out of the cage.

Batting practice was followed by some food, department chat and then a game.  Against the Columbus Clippers.  Man, wherever I go, there you are C-Bus.

A few folks in the department knew what they were doing and did hit the ball almost out of the park.  During games, if this billboard gets hit there's a free salad or steak involved (anyone know how this work - every seen it happen).  I wondered what would happen if one of us hit it.

All in a day's work.

Pimping Out My Saab

I was doing reasonably well with running prior to a hiatus I had to take for medical reasons.  When I say "reasonably" I mean I was putting in some good distances.  I always found the first 3 to 4 miles the toughest and after that it was just a matter of settling in and I just kept going.  But I have always been really really slow. 

Running is part of what we do a Cross Fit, but as Cross Fit Paul aptly pointed out, it's not viewed as a skill.  I do think we take running for granted since it's something we all do - but not well.  What I like about Cross Fit Paul is that he saw a need and now he's running (haha) the Endurance Workout of the Day (WOD) at Cross Fit.  I took my first class today at 6:15am.  I warned Paul that I was good and slow.  He's confident in his method and abilities and assured me I would be just fine with the drills that were part of the program.

First, stretching.  A tennis or lacrosse ball can be your best friend here.  Then an "easy" 800m (1/2 mile) meant to be run as a group.  I was the caboose.  Paul is an advocate of pose running so all the drills and tips were focused on form.  I was pleased to learn he was a fan of minimalist shoes and gave my Vibrams a thumbs up (I love those things - so much easier to respond to a coach saying "On your heels" when you don't have inches of shoe between your heel and the floor).

And then the WOD.   Run up Geer street for 45 seconds, turn around and run down.  Given that it's the second half of the run, but you're doing "downhill" Paul estimated our times up and down should be equal (for a total of 1m 30 s running time).  For all the reading I've done about running I've never been great at understanding things like split & negative intervals but with Paul's timex on my wrist (thank for the loaner) I was kinda getting it.

After the run you went right into tire tossing.  Flip over these monsters five times starting with a squat.  After that, you rest for ninety seconds and then you do the same 45 seconds up the hill and back down but you end with 10 box jumps on the tire.  Repeat Run, Tire Toss, Rest, Run, Box Jump, Rest x 4 and you're done.

Here's me in the midst of a tire roll (and a sunburn).  And major calf pain that would catch up to me on Friday.  Big time.

"That tire isn't going to flip itself.  Nice job!" - Paul, CFD Endurance Coach

I'm getting ready to pimp my ride.  My Saab.  Monster tires.

I'm excited about working on running.  It's a tough one for me and as much as I want to get better, I need a push and some tips.  And now I've got that.  

Papa Bear and Baby Bear Cross Fit Stations

I almost didn't go to Cross Fit this morning because it was a partner workout (You do an activity, you rest while your partner does something).  In an AMRAP (as many reps as possible) situation I fear my unlucky partner will get a lot of rest and not a lot of working out while I plod along.  Also, my form suffers because I'm rushing.  I planned on doing the workout of the day on my own and just resting in between.  Wasn't able to get away with that (damn). 

Fortunately, my partner was tired from the day before and we were well matched in terms of time taken to complete the activities.  I also used lighter weights and lower height for the box jumps.  Here's our setup.  It really does have a Papa Bear and Baby Bear look to it, no?

Basilicious

A Carleton/Swing Dancing/Cross Fit friend of mine who shares my name, but not the spelling (Jayme) own ducks & rabbits.  She's also got a delicious selection of greens in a garden.  I was inspired/jealous and decided that I wanted fresh basil nearby.

So, I bought some basil and the Durham Farmer's market, went to Target for a pot and some soil (it was really strange to buy dirt).

Based on what I read, basil requires good drainage so I walked around my apartment complex and found some small stones to line the bottom of the pot.  I felt a little bit like my dad, scavenging for stones.  He's built stone walls based on a gradual mining of rocks from various areas.

And here's the finish product.  I've tried this sort of thing before and my black thumb prevails.  So basil plant, I will water you, give you sun, harvest you and necessary.  Please don't die.  

And now I have a 1/2 bag of moisture control potting mix in my apartment.  The minimalist in me doesn't love the idea of storing dirt but who knows.  If I have any sort of green thumb, I might find the basil a friend.

Reporting Live From The Doughman In Bull City

And here are the photos.

11.05.28 Doughman Album

You push and you push and you cross over

Happy Birthday Frankie Manning