stupid and very wrong move

pain, originally uploaded by Jane Bird.

OWCH!!

Dammit. I am incredibly sore.

So much so that I am unable to reposition myself without groaning and David can attest to that. While attempting a lovely ichat conversation, I periodically groaned and griped about the pain I inflicted upon myself.

I need to take better care of my body.

Blues lesson: + $55
New phone: - $36.56
Dinner with Alicia: - $20 <-- EEK!
The day's outcome: - $1.56

... At least I had that $55.

well, i showed up for class

dancers, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

It's too bad no one else did!!

Out of the seventeen students enrolled,
FOUR showed up to class today.
Tech weeks suck.

Up note: great class with Alicia and fabulous party at Dana's.
I KILLED HER AT BEER PONG!! ... first time :)

it's back to work for me

bored at work, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

Gosh... I hate this job.

Side note:
I spent at least two hours at AT&T looking at new phones.
I didn't buy anything.
Once home, I watched Lost...

EPIC!!!

oh... I should mention that I love NPH.
Glee was amazing last night.

wish my teeth were all fixed

Day 28: Does a body good!, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Have I mentioned that I hate the dentist.
I should have.
Cuz I do.

Got new shoes though.

And I'm trying out the whole to-do list thing.

again, the countdown begins

2 Weeks, originally uploaded by *Zara.

Just two and a half more weeks.

Mer.

sunday was a very good day

Garden Party, originally uploaded by David Shackelford.

You can take my word for it.

another day, just me and you

Me & You Show Sign, originally uploaded by marchorowitz.

Amanda and Beamer spent the day elsewhere,
while David and I, again, chose to rest.

mm... rest.

Followed up by some house party dance time!

:)

it's that time of year again

Birthday Girl, originally uploaded by David Shackelford.

Happy
Birthday
to
ME!!

What a glorious day
spent with Big, Lauren,
Candace, Amanda, David,
and the rest of the boys!!

I'm so lucky.

And the dancing wasn't too bad neither.

we went for beer. . . bbiab

Cold Beer, originally uploaded by David Shackelford.

Crappy work situation.
Good beer.
Great company.
And overall, a pleasant day.

we stayed in all day long

Day 54: All we can do, originally uploaded by viva la vibs.

Movies and television shows.

Do you need much more?

it's the rhythm of my heart

Swing @ York, originally uploaded by indoloony.

We danced absolutely everywhere today... So much so that we couldn't even go out dancing tonight. It was certainly worth it and we hope to get out to more venues later on in the week. Either way, it'll be a good time! :)

<sub>Can't explain all the feelings that you're making me feel
My heart's in overdrive and you're behind the steering wheel

Touching you, touching me
touching you, God, you're touching me

I believe in a thing called love
Just listen to the rhythm of my heart
There's a chance we could make it now
We'll be rocking 'til the sun goes down
I believe in a thing called love
Ooh!

I wanna kiss you every minute, every hour, every day
You got me in a spin but everythin' is A.OK!

Touching you, touching me
touching you, God, you're touching me!!
♫ The Darkness</sub>

i see you still believe in me

spear street, originally uploaded by telmo32.

I shall see you soon,
dance in your streets,
eat from your kitchens,
smile at your friends,
and enjoy all you offer.

You're just three hours away.

<sub>I try hard to be more
What you want me to be
But I can't help how I act
When you're not here with me

I try hard to be strong
But sometimes I fail myself
And after all I've promised you
So faithfully

You still believe in me

I wanna cry...
♫ The Beach Boys</sub>

lift your hearts & sing to me

together, originally uploaded by Little Starling Photography by Lauri.

Mom, I love you.
Thank you for all you do for me!
You are a wonderful woman.
A great role-model.
And a fantastic friend.
Thank you!

<sub>Let's all get up and dance to a song
That was a hit before your mother was born.
Though she was born a long, long time ago
Your mother should know (Your mother should...)
Your mother should know (...know)

Lift up your hearts and sing me a song
That was a hit before your mother was born.
Though she was born a long, long time ago
Your mother should know (Your mother should...)
Your mother should know (Aaaah)
Your mother should know (Your mother should...)
Your mother should know (Aaaah)

Sing it again.
Da-da-da-da...
♫ The Beatles</sub>

when i touch you, i feel happy

TRIUMPH!, originally uploaded by D_m_i_t_r_y.

After a long morning of picking up trash, I got to clean up and dress up for the sorority banquet. I'm excited to be dressed in my best vintage attire and spending the night with my lovely Randoms! It's been a freaking fantastic week thus far and I see that it's only getting better by the moment. :)

<sub>oh please say to me
you'll let me be your man
and please say to me
you'll let me hold your hand

now let me hold your hand
i wanna hold your hand

and when i touch you, i feel happy inside
it's such a feeling that my love, i can't hide
i can't hide
i can't hide

yeah you
you got that something
i think you'll understand
when i feel that something
i wanna hold your hand
♫ The Beatles</sub>

limitless undying love shines

happiness, originally uploaded by Ivan Pires.

It's been a good day today. A lazy day. And I can't wait to see David in just three days. I almost don't believe that I'll be seeing him again and although it felt like the time dragged on, now I can hardly remember what happened during the time in between. Mm... Monday night...

As for tonight, it's time for a birthday blues party at Blue Bella! I am SO looking forward to it and I'm even giving a private lesson just before. I don't have anything in particular to work on with him for this first session, but hopefully, I'll have a better idea after tonight. :)

<sub>Images of broken light which
dance before me like a million eyes
That call me on and on across the universe
Thoughts meander like a
restless wind inside a letter box
they tumble blindly as
they make their way across the universe

Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Sounds of laughter shades of life
are ringing through my open ears
exciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love which
shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on across the universe
♫ The Beatles</sub>

i say high... you say low

, originally uploaded by Krisztina Tordai.

Eyes are finally feeling better. And I'm so glad. It's been FAR too long. Going in for an eye check-up. Taking my car in for the burnt out headlight. Grabbing a bit to eat. Teaching my CYT kids. Going to Alicia Milo's class. Rocking out at Mark's show. It should be a wonderful day!

<sub>You say yes, I say no
You say stop and I say go, go, go
Oh, no
You say goodbye and I say hello
Hello, hello
I don't know why you say goodbye
I say hello
Hello, hello
I don't know why you say goodbye
I say hello

I say high, you say low
You say why, and I say I don't know
Oh, no
You say goodbye and I say hello
Hello, hello
I don't know why you say goodbye
I say hello
Hello, hello
I don't know why you say goodbye
I say hello

Why, why, why, why, why, why
Do you say good bye
Goodbye, bye, bye, bye, bye
♫ The Beatles</sub>

i don't need no other lover

wednesday, originally uploaded by rhirhian.

Hm... It was definitely an odd night of dancing last night. I don't understand it, but somehow, even with my texts earlier in the day, it was hardly the normal turn-out. There were very few leads and I sat out on a ton of songs because of it. It really wouldn't have mattered later in the night, because I had several birthday drinks and shots, but that was not the case.

The birthday jam wasn't as lively as it has been in the past, but it was still a lot of fun. Due to the small turn-out, I danced with all the leads two, if not three, times during the jam. I hope more people will turn up at the Firehouse tonight. I want a real San Diego lindy hop birthday jam!!

Oh, and in case you were wondering... no, I'm not too hungover this morning. :)

<sub>Something in the way she moves
Attracts me like no other lover
Something in the way she woos me

I don't want to leave her now
You know I believe and how

Somewhere in her smile she knows
That I don't need no other lover
Something in her style that shows me

I don't want to leave her now
You know I believe and how

You're asking me will my love grow
I don't know, I don't know
You stick around now it may show
I don't know, I don't know
♫ The Beatles</sub>

i'll just dream of him tonight

tuesday, originally uploaded by rhirhian.

This is not a night to stay in and read a book or two.
I'm pumped about Henry's Pub tonight.
I have arranged for a ride to and from the venue,
so I won't have to worry about taking the time
to sober up for the drive home.
I apologize in advance...
for any texts you may receive...
Happy Birthday to me!! :D

<sub>I've just seen a face,
I can't forget the time or place
That we'd just met, she's just the girl for me
And I want all the world to see we've met
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm mmm mmm

Had it been another day
I might have looked the other way
But I had never been aware
And as it is I dream of her tonight
La, di, di, da di di

Falling, yes I am falling
And she keeps calling me back again

I have never known
The likes of this, I've been alone
And I have missed things and kept out of sight
But other girls were never quite like this
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm mmm mmm
♫ The Beatles</sub>

obladi oblada, life goes on

monday, originally uploaded by rhirhian.

Monday, you don't suck as hard as you may think.

My day was pretty effing fantastic. I went to two jobs and then out to dance the night away. I drank away $15 and lindy hopped pretty damn hard. I even had to sit in my car for a while before I was comfortable driving home. All in all, wonderful night, wonderful people, wonderful dancing.

I can hardly wait until tomorrow.

<sub>Desmond has a barrow in the market place
Molly is the singer in a band
Desmond says to Molly - girl I like your face
And Molly says this as she takes him by the hand

Obladi oblada, life goes on, bra
Lala how the life goes on
Obladi oblada, life goes on, bra
La la, how the life goes on

Desmond takes a trolly to the jewellers stores
Buys a twenty carat golden ring
Takes it back to Molly waiting at the door
And as he gives it to her she begins to sing

Obladi oblada, life goes on, bra
La la, how the life goes on
♫ The Beatles</sub>

tried to cut me down to size

yo! sunday, originally uploaded by rhirhian.

What a busy day...

I spent the day running around to the last Frippleville performance of the season and immediately to the Ciao Bella set, to help Greg with his film. It was a fun experience, but I don't feel as if I understand anymore about film after all of that. He was appreciative of my help, so I chalk it up to a good time.

Since I only got three hours of sleep after dancing last night, I returned home and relaxed the rest of the night. The spa has never felt so damned good!! Starting tomorrow, I will be running around like crazy, to the various dance venues to celebrate my birthday. I'm excited! :D

<sub>Oh, how you tried to cut me down to size
Telling dirty lies to my friends
But my own father said, 'give her up, don't bother
The world isn't coming to an end'

(he said just) Walk like a man
Talk like a man
Walk like a man, my son
No woman's worth
Crawling on the earth
Just walk like a man, my son
♫ Jersey Boys</sub>

i wanna go swim in your eyes

hello saturday, originally uploaded by rhirhian.

To Evan and all the people who attended Underground Blues:

Thank you so much for one of my most enjoyable nights of dancing. The energy, in and of itself, exceeded the norm a hundred times over. Thank you for welcoming me into the group and treating me as one of you.

It was a rough day up to the point of the concert and it turned immediately as I saw all of you lighting up the stage in concert! I feel priviledged to have shared in the Alumni Night, of all nights, and I hope to come back up, if I ever get another free weekend.

Thanks again! :)

<sub>well you're my green eyed girl and i been running around with you
its the afternoon and we got nothing left to do
so wipe the dirt off, take your shirt off
and we should go hit the cantina; we got work off

i said its hot outside let me go swimming in your eyes
we been running for awhile why don't you lay down i'll make you smile
i could never ask for nothing better than this
it's just tequila and the beach, it's quite salty when we kiss

i said i think that we can stay here
cuz i feel our time has come
and we can walk down to the ocean
and sit with the rising sun
so unpack your bags this instant
no more running from town to town
and now that we've arrived so safely
baby you can lay me down
♫ Dirty Heads</sub>

more than love at first sight

friday, originally uploaded by rhirhian.

Last night was an odd night... Great classes, awkward dance party, and a fantastic night of conversation with Christian! We sat in Denny's talking about anything and everything, until 5:30 in the morning. We talked about Christian's wife, my David, and all of the random things that we have in common. I look forward to the next time I can hang out with Christian.

<sub>I want a Sunday kind of love
A love to last past Saturday night
And I'd like to know it's more than love at first sight
And I want a Sunday kind of love
Oh yea yea

I want a a love that's on the square
Can't seem to find somebody
Someone to care
And I'm on a lonely road that leads to no where
I need a Sunday kind of love
♫ Christina Aguilera</sub>

i want the touch of your hand

thursday, originally uploaded by rhirhian.

I'm off to meet with a boss, teach a class, take a dance class, and then dance at a brand new venue. I'm FINALLY busy, even though my day didn't begin until 3 pm!! Yay!

p.s. I'm completely smitten and SO happy about it! :)

p.p.s. Check out THIS amazing gem!! Mm... it's comic greatness!! *drool*

<sub>Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it’s free
I want your love
Love, love, love
I want your love

I want your drama
The touch of your hand
I want you leather studded kiss in the scene
And I want your love
Love, love, love
I want your love
Love, love, love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want a bad, your bad romance

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
♫ Lady GaGa</sub>

o, my feet, they always bleed

mermaid, originally uploaded by Krisztina Tordai.

While waiting for my dentist appointment yesterday, I read a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale on my iPod. The Little Mermaid. I have always enjoyed and will continue to enjoy the intricacies of children's literature. The decisions made by authors were written to keep children in line. To encourage them to make the choices deemed correct and to always respect their elders.

The story was actually pretty closely followed by Disney's animators for the movie The Little Mermaid, with the exception of the ending and a few omitted details. Disney is the land where dreams come true and because of that, children very rarely face difficult choices or unwanted circumstance, when watching Disney movies.

Critical thinking must be nurtured from an early age. Of course, CT will look much different for a seven-year-old, compared to a high school senior, but both deserve the chance to stretch the muscles in the hopes of becoming stronger.

Many parents and educators read to their children and ask questions throughout the story. You are correct to state that this is one of the best ways to encourage critical thinking with younger ages. However, you're probably doing it wrong.

The Disney version: girl wants boy, girl warily seeks solution, easy solution offered, small sacrifice is made, girl fails, dad saves her, happily ever after.
Anderson's version: girl wants boy, girl eagerly seeks solution, extreme and difficult solutions are offered, death is sacrificed, girl is about to fail, given opportunity to betray boy for her life, fails again and dies

When the choices offered to children are heavily weighted on one side, what decision-making skills are they really implementing? Everyday we are faced with decisions that need to be made, which do not read as right or wrong. Our children should face the same tasks as well.

In the original version of this story, the Little Mermaid (who has yet to be name Ariel) chooses to drink the potion which splits her tail into two legs, only to feel the pain of walking on knives with each step. The Sea Witch does take her ability to talk, but she does so by cutting off her tongue.

Now there's a choice to make: healthy, safe, but horribly lovesick OR dumb, in pain, at risk of death, but a chance at love. It sounds borderline cruel to ask a child what decision they would make, but why is it so? You are not actually making them choose between the two. This is a hypothetical, made up world, in which the child should feel the freedom to make his or her own decisions, without the restrictions of right or wrong. Those two words shouldn't have precedence in critical thinking.

If the only questions you ask all have easy answers, you are breeding sheep, who will only learn to fall in line. Teach your children to think and lead the flock instead.

<sub>I'm a mermaid
but I've sold my voice
for a couple of feet
and they always bleed
when I go walking in the road

I'm a mermaid
but I've sold my voice
for a couple of feet
and they always bleed
when I go walking in these streets

and I once saw a most beautiful man
at the local record store
he bumped into me and said,
well excuse me, young ma'am,
but haven't I seen your pretty eyes somewhere before?
I smiled but gestured at my throat
to show that I was mute
well, he quickly looked down at the floor
and shuffled in his boots
he was out of there so fast

I'm a mermaid
but I've sold my voice
♫ Regina Spektor</sub>

yer beard... yer beard is good

twohundred and sixtytwo., originally uploaded by atomic turquoise.

I had an entirely different post for today. I began writing it out, got about half way, and decided to save it for tomorrow. I just feel far too conflicted about other things.

This long distance relationship is awkward, unfamiliar, and altogether awful. Set aside the times when David seems unreal -- due to like-mindedness, sincerity, acceptance, and all-encompassing sex-appeal (you may blush now) -- as I still feel it is often the case... the thing distance does to torture and betray me is to mislead me into believing things that are untrue or unproven either way.

It's easy for me to believe that I care about this wonderful man, who I often talk to, via phone or webcam. But when I think about his life and how I fit into it, it's nearly impossible for me to believe. The biggest problem for me is that I normally receive the bulk of my validation through physical contact. The distance has forced me to adapt and I am fairly capable of surviving a few days with several texts and an occasional call.

But with each day, a little bit more of the reality is stripped away. It felt real (as real as it could) for quite a long time. I guess everything comes back around at some point. Two weeks from now, it won't matter. I'll be in his arms, dancing to the same song, holding his hand, clinging to each moment we get together. It's hard to be excited when it's still today... and weeks away from touching his face.

I'm fine, really. I just hate when the realities of life make everything feel unreal. I also hope this feeling that I am somehow a nuisance will fade. It's just in my head. I'm working on it.

<sub>Your beard is good.
It's just a compliment for you.
You're beard..
Just a compliment about your beard being good.
And also I have another one here...
You're good at finding shortcuts around this part of town.
Would it be gay to write you a song to cheer you up?
It's called, "Bret, You Got it Going On."

Hey there Bret, I see you looking down.
Don't want to see my little buddy there with a frown.
Just because I get more women than you, well that's only because they don't know you like I do.
Sure, you're weedy and kind of shy.
But some girlie out there must be needy for a weedy, shy guy.
They want you as the needle when they're rolling in the hay.
Just hear me out when I say...

Bret, you got it going on.
The ladies will get to know your sexuality
When they get to know your personality.
I said, Bret, you got it going on.
Not in a gay way, just in a "hey mate.
I wanted to say that you're looking okay, mate."
Why can't a heterosexual guy,
Tell a heterosexual guy that he thinks his booty is fly.
Not all the time, obviously
Just when he's got a problem with his self esteem.
Don't let anybody tell you you're not humpable.
Because you're bumpable.
Well, I hope this doesn't make you feel uncomfortable.
If I say you've got a boom ow-ow.
Come on Bret, help me out now.

Bret, you got it going on.
(You got it going on!)
That's the conclusion that I've come to.
But that doesn't mean that I want to bum you.
Bret, you got it going on.
(Got it going on...)
No doubt about it, we'd be gettin crazy.
If one of us was lucky enough to be born a lady.
♫ Flight of the Conchords</sub>

never gonna say goodbye

(RED), originally uploaded by *Zara.

T
W
O

W
E
E
K
S
.
.
.

I feel as if I might just start counting the hours. I hope these next two weeks pass as quickly as it did the last time around. I really can't wait to see all of my Bay Area lovers... Big, WIll, James, Lauren (I hope), and David!! You can just know I'm thinking about you and hopefully that will hold you over. :)

<sub>We're no strangers to love
You know the rules and so do I
A full commitment's what I'm thinking of
You wouldn't get this from any other guy
I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand

Never gonna give you up,
Never gonna let you down,
Never gonna run around and desert you,
Never gonna make you cry,
Never gonna say goodbye,
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you


We've known each other for so long
Your heart's been aching but you're too shy to say it
Inside we both know what's been going on
We know the game and we're gonna play it

I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand
♫ Rick Astley</sub>

cooking to do on their own

Sculpting Hands, originally uploaded by Josh Sommers.

I want to get my hands dirty again. Creating. Inventing. Dissecting an idea and making it into something tangible. I miss it dearly. I need to find the time for it... eventually, I will. For now, however, it's time to take a dip in the spa... After which, I need to write up a parent letter and get it sent out and edit the instrumental music that I was able to find in order to make the CDs for tomorrow's class. Mer.

<sub>And don´t be afraid of the Big Bad Wolf
he´s just a sheep underneath those teeth
And don´t be afraid of the Wicked Witch
She ain´t so bad she ain´t no bitch

Woo ooo it´s a wicked wicked world
Yea-a-a-ah Woo ooo ooo ooo it´s a wicked world

La-la-la-ladies if you feel me holler
Fellas show us all a dollar

Little Riding Hood is such a flirt
She got Miss Muffet all up her skirt
Hansel and Gretel never made it home
They got some cooking to do of their own

Woo ooo it´s a wicked wicked world
Yea-a-a-ah Woo ooo ooo ooo it´s a wicked world

Once I tried to be so good
All sweet and spice like good girls should
But I don´t see why I try why do I try?
When every time I climb that hill
My Jack is somewhere chasing Jill
♫ Laura Jansen</sub>

the way your sea sees me

Where the warm fuzzies are born, originally uploaded by *Zara.

“One might argue environmentalists are actually the worst advocates of their own message,” Dorman says. “We don’t have a solution challenge. We have a communication challenge. Until we start talking about green choices in terms of things that matter to all people and not just to other environmentalists, only environmentalists will hear us.”

Dorfman shares a story from the first season of “The Lazy Environmentalist” when he was trying to green a family that produced an enormous amount of trash. The father was hardest to reach. It was only when Dorfman began talking about the possibility that trash pickup prices might increase that the father opened up to his suggestions.

“We’ve got to talk about it in terms of things people are personally invested in and get away from this feel good-ism which the majority of Americans don’t believe in, even if I personally do,” he says. “It doesn’t compromise our integrity to communicate with people on their own level.”

[The Lazy Environmentalist]

The Creek to Bay cleanup went extremely well today. I was exhausted, but luckily, I was still able to function at some level. When I left the park where I was stationed, even the surrounding streets were looking cleaner and better cared for. We picked up trash, pulled weeds from the creek, and planted some new trees. At some point, I had the lovely task to pick batteries and syringes from the bags of the more careless volunteers (who didn't listen when we asked them to call if such items were found, rather than add them to their bags). It was a good day... I just hope I don't have to do another early morning of work right after a kick-ass late-night of dancing. Until the next event, I hope to ride out this high...

<sub>I once heard Captain Dan tell me a story
about this lovely girl who's name was Jane
She was vast and deep and filled with glory

Aaaahhhh

Bottom served as home for hull and anchor
She's always fit to quarrel with the wind
The great Titanic yes it's she that sank her

Aaaahhhh

Then she heard me
Say that oath that
made everything clear

I love you
My ocean blue
I like the way your sea sees me
My darling Jane
She speaks to me at times through falling rain
♫ Maroon 5</sub>

it can be big like an ocean

Earth Day, originally uploaded by Theresa (Bloch05).

In lieu of a written post, I am simply going to leave you with this marvelous video (TAKE NOTES!!):

<sub>It's not that easy being green
Having to spend each day the color of the leaves
When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow or gold
Or something much more colorful like that

It's not easy being green
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're
Not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water
Or stars in the sky

But green's the color of Spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like an ocean, or important
Like a mountain, or tall like a tree

When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why, but why wonder why
Wonder, I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful
And I think it's what I want to be
♫ The Muppets</sub>

we will make a better day

Shopper's dress, veggie produce, originally uploaded by mleak.

In class today, I talked with the kids all about Earth Day and the importance of using reusable items. I heard their ideas and provided a few of my own. It was really nice to discuss a topic like that at CYT and I hope they were listening. There are some pretty amazing things that have been created from old products, like the dress above or the house in this article: Building With Bottles

It must feel amazing to complete a project like that. One that requires innovation, collaboration, dedication, and deliberate action. I'll let you all know if I suddenly feel the urge to create something fantastical!

<sub>When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There's no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well, let us realize
That a change will only come
When we stand together as one

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me

We all need somebody that we can lean on
When you wake up look around and see that your dreams gone
When the earth quakes we’ll help you make it through the storm
When the floor breaks a magic carpet to stand on
We are the World united by love so strong
When the radio isn’t on you can hear the songs
A guided light on the dark road your walking on
A sign post to find the dreams you thought was gone
Someone to help you move the obstacles you stumbled on
Someone to help you rebuild after the rubble’s gone
We are the World connected by a common bond
Love, the whole planet sing it along
♫ original: Michael Jackson & Lionel Richie</sub>

i'll keep a smile on my face

The World, originally uploaded by *Zara.

Be sure to stay busy and plant a variety of crops, for you never know which will grow -- perhaps they all will. Light is sweet; it's wonderful to see the sun!
[Ecclesiastes 11: 6-7]

That sense of aloneness, without kinship in the natural world, is central to the argument that many of us are making these days; that is, if we deny children direct experience with nature, we deny them access to a fundamental part of their humanity.

In Last Child in the Woods, I coined the term nature-deficit disorder to serve as a descriptor of the human costs of alienation from nature, not as a medical diagnosis.

That’s one way to look at our lost kinship. Glenn Albrecht, director of the Institute of Sustainability and Technology Policy at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, has coined a different term, with a related meaning — solastalgia — the unconscious fear of the loss of nature, a peculiar kind of homesickness.

Fortunately, there’s a growing international movement to connect children — and the rest of us — with nature. An appreciation of nature is rooted in the cultures of Australia.

Yet, that country — like the United States – has been battling the problems caused or exacerbated by a sedentary, de-natured life.

[Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods]

I taught a class of fifteen autistic second and third grade children about watersheds and pollution prevention this afternoon. It was wonderful working with them and probing them to think deeper about the small choices that they make every day. After the presentation, the students were begging to help us clean (which we accepted gratefully) and I couldn't stop thinking about their passion for life and exploration! I can't wait for my day tomorrow. I hope to get a little time outdoors, even if it is still raining. Mm.. rain... :)


<sub>Sittin' here in my problem
What am I gonna do now
Am I gonna make it
Someway, somehow

Maybe I'm not supposed to know
Maybe I'm supposed to cry
And if nobody ever knows
The way I feel
It's all right
And it'll be ok

I'm gonna make my world a better place
I'm gonna keep that smile on my face
I'm gonna teach myself how to understand
I'm gonna make myself a better man

Climbing out of the window
Climbing up the wall
Is anybody gonna save me
Or are they gonna let me fall
Well I don't really wanna know
I´ll just hold on the best I can
And if I fall down
I´ll just get back up
It'll be alright
It'll be ok
♫ Keb' Mo'</sub>

the trash washes up to shore

total immersion program, originally uploaded by nardell.

Every piece of plastic ever made still exists today, and much of this plastic has traveled from our hands, to our oceans. The most important thing you can do is use less plastic.

More and more products are hitting the shelves that are made of bio-based materials and/or are biodegradable. Simultaneously, confusion and questions about what to do with these products are rising at the same rate which they are landing in our grocery carts.

But what is most important about these products is that we understand how they actually work and that we are disposing the various materials properly.

“The overall theme is that [bio-based materials and biodegradables] are innovative, but we need to be careful about it and we need to do some careful analysis,” said Christman.

Lilienfeld agrees. “Ultimately, like it or not, it’s all about the numbers. It’s not about making people feel good. Sometimes, natural gas may be the better source. On the other hand, if something grown domestically reduces our need for foreign oil and our need to defend ourselves, then that’s an important consideration too,” he says.

[For more, read What “Bio” Really Means.]

For anyone who may be worried about my current state, I awoke with a swollen eye this morning. I went in for my eye appointment, got new drugs, and it's looking better. I'm not in the clear just yet, but I'm still in good spirits. That's good enough for me! :)

<sub>I bet you think we didn’t know
Didn’t even see the tides change
But it’s a small, small world, girl
Getting even smaller every day

I bet you think we didn’t know
Didn’t even see the tides change
But it’s a small, small world, girl
Getting even smaller every day

You can fake that smile
For a hollow while
But the kids all learn
Once those bridges burn

Ssssssssssssss

The trash washes up to shore
Even in this landlocked place
The ** gets thicker
It’s toxic
Get it out my face

The trash washes up to shore
Even in this landlocked place
The ** gets thicker
It’s toxic
Get it out my face

And don’t be surprised
If they don’t buy your lies
Some of us can see through
Your stained glass eyes

Pot kettle, pot kettle black
Talk that, talk that smack
Pot kettle, pot kettle black
Watch your, watch your back
♫ Tilly and the Wall</sub>

just noticed this crying earth

20081107-40D-2666 Nat in the Autumn, originally uploaded by orangeacid.

I'd love the spend more time on writing out an actual post, but my eyes are killing me, so read this article instead: How Kids Are Saving the Planet. It makes me very happy. I also have a new book on my reading list, which I might write more about tomorrow. Get outside and spend some time beautifying the world around you!!

<sub>What about sunrise?
What about rain?
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain...?
What about killing fields?
Is there a time?
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine...?

Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before?
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth? Its weeping shores?

Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh
Aaaaaaaaah Oooooooooh

What have we done to the world?
Look what we've done.
What about all the peace,
That you pledge your only son?
What about flowering fields?
Is there a time?
What about all the dreams,
That you said was yours and mine?
♫ Michael Jackson</sub>

roamed, rambled, & followed

earths, originally uploaded by ntmtk.

So, I am completely unsure if I will actually remember to do this, but I would like to post an environmental photo and song (as well as content) each day of the coming week. I love Earth Day and it was nice to be a part of the EarthFair, at Balboa Park, this year. I hope to be just as involved each of the coming years as well.

I talked to one man today who seemed seriously upset by the city of San Diego's lack of incentive to recycle. He told me that they should offer more money for recycling, so more people might actually start doing it. He leaned in, looked me square in the eyes, and said, "What real incentive do we have?"

Without pausing, I explained to him, as kindly as possible, "The only incentive that I have is that our waterways and oceans might actually be less polluted if we just took the little time it took to throw a bottle or two into a blue bin. I saved cans and bottles up to take to the recycling center when I lived in an apartment and I would do it again, even without monetary incentive."

It seems obvious to me. I'm surprised that it's not! I guess I'm not the only person interested in Why People Don’t Recycle.

Life's going to be a bit crazy this week,
but it seems to be slowing down ever-so-slightly.
TODAY: EarthFair
MONDAY: Filing & CYT in La Mesa
TUESDAY: Eye appointment & choreography for next week's classes
WEDNESDAY: Elementary presentation with the EnviroScape (observed!), between Filing at Byrom-Davey
THURSDAY: EARTH DAY, hopefully spent outside (walking, meditating, picking up trash), and CYT in Encinitas
FRIDAY: carpool to doSomethingBlue in Pasadena
SATURDAY: Creek to Bay Cleanup

Mm... I love that weekends don't even exist for me anymore...
I love it. So. Much.

<sub>As I went walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw below me that golden valley
This land was made for you and me.

I roamed and I rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
While all around me a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me.

When the sun came shining, and I was strolling
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
A voice was chanting, As the fog was lifting,
This land was made for you and me.
♫</sub>

nothin more than you and me

socks, originally uploaded by Peonies and Polaroids.

Days like this are more difficult than I'd like to realize. It's not even apparent to me, until it's spelled out and again I'm reminded. Reminded of the distance and the longing and the pain that comes along with it.

The dancing and drinking tonight should help, but we will certainly see. I can't help but feel frustrated at the thought of another month. And I'm eager to hurry the minutes and hours along, to serve my own selfish purposes, of course.

I miss you tonight.

<sub>The storm is coming but i don't mind.
People are dying, i close my blinds.

All that i know is i'm breathing now.

I want to change the world...instead i sleep.
I want to believe in more than you and me.

But all that i know is i'm breathing.
All i can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

All that i know is i'm breathing.
All i can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.
♫ Ingrid Michaelson</sub>

we're gonna be sinkin' soon

Happy (Rainy Day) Monday!!, originally uploaded by squeakypeach4.

If I keep a green bough in my heart,
then the singing bird will come.
[Chinese Proverb]

I love learning about and making more attempts to be green. To illustrate how ridiculous I've become: I was far too excited today to get a reusable grocery bag that folds up for easier transport. Since my mom doesn't use it, she offered it to me and I'm glad that she did. I keep turning down the offer for plastic bags at stores, but often leave with heaving armfuls of loose items. Not anymore. :)

<sub>In a boat that's built of sticks and hay,
We drifted from the shore.
With a captain who's too proud to say,
That he dropped the oar.
Now a tiny hole has sprung a leak,
In this cheap pontoon.
Now the hull has started growing weak,
And we're gonna be sinkin' soon.

We're gonna be
Sinkin' soon,
We're gonna be
Sinkin' soon,
Everybody hold your breath and
Down and down we go.

Like the oyster cracker on the stew,
The honey in the tea.
The sugar cubes, one lump or two?
No thank you none for me.
We're the golden crust on an apple pie,
That shines in the sun at noon.
Like the wheel of cheese high in the sky
Well ... we're gonna be sinkin' soon.
♫ Norah Jones</sub>

we are corresponding shapes

Sharon Davis & Juan Villafane, Photograph by Bryant Gover, originally uploaded by SharonDavis.

It's very strange, but I'm actually enjoying this swing class. I don't know what it is really. It could be that I'm just more open minded, but I have the feeling that it's because Alicia is such a hard-ass. You aren't asked to dance to the music or in a way that feels right to you. She tells you straight up that it's not the only way to lindy, but it's what she expects her students to do while in her class.

Knowing that she doesn't expect me to like it, or use it, makes me more open to learning it in the first place. I have become more aware of each step that I take and where I expect to be at any moment during the swing out. It's pretty neat.

One thing that's a bit frustrating is that it's hard to dance with the lindy hoppers who I thought were decent leads before. Knowing each intricacy of the moves and how they should feel only makes the dancers here seem sloppy and somewhat lazy. I don't mind much, because I goof off more than anyone, but it does rip away a bit more of the San Diego pride.

I love the people down here, but I look forward to moving.

<sub>I have to speculate that God himself
Did make us into corresponding shapes like
Puzzle pieces from the clay
True, it may seem like a stretch, but
Its thoughts like this that catch my troubled
Head when you're away when I am missing you to death
When you are out there on the road for
Several weeks of shows and when you scan
The radio, I hope this song will guide you home

They will see us waving from such great
Heights, 'come down now,' they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away,
'come down now,' but we'll stay...

I tried my best to leave this all on your
Machine but the persistent beat it sounded
Thin upon listening
That frankly will not fly. you will hear
The shrillest highs and lowest lows with
The windows down when this is guiding you home
♫ The Postal Service</sub>

you're the sweet to my mean

Mr. Blue Eyes, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I am really just at loss for words.

I have been feeling disconnected and a bit run-down, partly because I'm a girl and I have my moods and partly because I haven't had the chance to talk to this amazing guy in a few days now. It's weird to lose connection with someone who is already so far separated. I just want this distance to disappear.

[edit] I got to talk to him this evening and I enjoyed every moment. If only ichat would work just a little better... It would make for much smoother conversations!

<sub>I just wanna sing a song with you
I just want to take it off of you

Cuz, Blue Eyes,
You are all that I need
Cuz, Blue Eyes,
You're the sweet to my mean

Fess it up, dot on the palm of your hand
I can help you to stand
Saved it up for this dance
Tell me all the things you can

I just wanna sing a song with you
I just wanna be the one that's true

Cuz, Blue Eyes,
You're the secret I keep
Cuz, Blue Eyes

All the lights on and you are alive
But you can't point the way to your heart
So sublime, when the stars are aligned
But you don't know
You don't know the greatness you are
♫ Cary Brothers</sub>

we won't sleep at all tonight

In excelsis Deo, originally uploaded by Jane Bird.

I don't like who I have been lately... I've been far too critical and far too analytical of things that I haven't any ___ in. I hope this day off (with exception of the dentist) will allow me to clear my head and heart of these negative and judgmental thoughts.

Why must I take it upon myself to speak against the teachings that I don't agree with? I cannot control the instructors' lesson plans, so I'm done. I'll teach all that I can to those who seek me out.

My life is sufficiently lacking in sleep... This must change. Soon!

<sub>If you want more love,
why don't you say so?
If you want more love,
why don't you say so?
Just say so...

How come the only way to know how high you get me
is to see how far I fall
God only knows how much I'd love you if you let me
but I can't break free at all.
It's a heartbreak...

I don't care if we don't sleep at all tonight
Let's just fix this whole thing now
I swear to God we're gonna get it right
If you lay your weapon down
Red wine and ambien
♫ John Mayer</sub>

you like it, you like it on top

how many?, originally uploaded by viva la vibs.

how many more jobs?
how many more appointments?
how many more hopes are lost?
how many more longing hours?
how many more days?

Today was tiring. I worked five hours filing (didn't finish the day's work), ran off to I Love to turn things in and get bombarded by questions about upcoming events (ack!), and then taught in La Mesa for over two hours. I appreciate the work, but I just desperately want to have one job that drives me crazy, rather than three that tear me apart. I have no consistent schedule and it just makes life difficult. I need to find the time to hunt down a good job in the Bay. *sigh*

<sub>A pretty face don't make no pretty heart
I learned that, buddy, from the start
You think i'm cute, a little bit shy
Momma, i ain't that kind of guy

Doctor, doctor, give me the news
I got a bad case of lovin' you
No pill's gonna cure my ill
I got a bad case of lovin' you
Whooaaa

I know you like it, you like it on top
Tell me, momma, are you gonna stop?
♫ Robert Palmer</sub>

stay with me in the morning

257.365, originally uploaded by rebeca :).

I feel less inclined to share what has been on my mind lately. It makes me feel a bit too exposed, for now, but I may share in the future. I am still digging and slowly discovering more about myself. It's an unending process, right? :)

<sub>You want to stay with me in the morning
You only hold me when I sleep
I was meant to tread the water
Now I've gotten in too deep
For every piece of me that wants you
Another piece backs away

'Cause you give me something
That makes me scared, alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
'Cause someday I might know my heart

You already waited up for hours
Just to spend a little time alone with me
And I can say I've never bought you flowers
I can't work out what they mean
I never thought that I'd love someone
That was someone else's dream
♫ James Morrison</sub>

so hard, you'll go numb

tea in the sunlight., originally uploaded by viva la vibs.

It was interesting interacting with the children at the health fair today. I don't know if the families were any different from the people I meet normally, but it kind of bummed me out to see how the children interacted with us at the booth. It got me thinking...

As I looked at them, I wasn't seeing the child and their motives or desires. As I watched the little boy grab at the various freebies, without knowledge or care about the environment, I saw his parents and the things they taught (and failed to teach) over the years. It's sad to me that even the young children don't know about the fragility of their environment and how to keep it safe from further harm.

I know it's a heavy burden to place upon new parents, some of whom did not plan or prepare for such a life, but it is crucial for the upbringing of an aware and well-rounded individual. I hope that the reflection that is seen in my children (someday in the far-away future) is one that I am proud of.

<sub>Hey all of you, I love you.
I embrace you with a melody so sweet you'll melt
And a beat so hard, you'll go numb,
I'll do anything to make you go mad.

How 'bout it?

Hey all of you, I'll take you along.
To worlds never seen by anyone before.
Along with our dreams we're wide awake,
But the night's still still still not spoiled yet,
The world's not awake.

I don't care what happens anymore,
So let's just love each other tonight.

Selfish love.
Love me, cause I love you
This is my way of love.
♫ Miyavi</sub>

only one thing in common

Sharon Davis & Juan Villafane, Photograph by Bryant Gover, originally uploaded by SharonDavis.

I felt horribly unspecial today... I was shunned at the KUSI filming this morning. It was quite uncomfortable and just really unexpected. I don't know if I will agree to help out with another event like that again, unless I go knowing that I have a partner to dance with. *sigh* Oh well...

<sub>He was a hard-headed man
He was brutally handsome, and she was terminally pretty
She held him up, and he held her for ransom in the heart
of the cold, cold city
He had a nasty reputation as a cruel dude
They said he was ruthless, they said he was crude
They had one thing in common, they were
good in bed
She'd say, 'Faster, faster. The lights are turnin' red."

Life in the fast lane
Surely make you lose your mind, mm
Are you with me so far?
♫ Eagles</sub>

blow it on a bottle of wine

honey, originally uploaded by Jane Bird.

today

was

one

effing

tiring

day.

i

could

recount

the

ways,

but

it's

just

too

painful.

mer.

<sub>Life could be simple but you never fail
To complicate it every single time

You could have children and a wife, a perfect little life
But you blow it on a bottle of wine

Like a baby you're a stubborn child -- what's the matter
Always looking for an axe to grind -- what's the matter
While you're wondering what the hell to do
We were wishing we were lucky like you

Blame it on the girls who know what to do
Blame it on the boys who keep hitting on you
♫ MIKA</sub>

the one who must finish last

winter love, originally uploaded by Jane Bird.

- Work at Byrom-Davey
- Practice with Em
- Dance at the Firehouse
- Home to talk to David

It was a good day and I'm glad that it ended on a high note. I always enjoy hearing your voice, even if it's only for a short amount of time, David. :)

<sub>Am I the face of the future?
Am I the face of the past?
Am I the one who must finish last?

Look at me,
And tell me who I am,
Why I am
What I am.

Will I survive?
Who will give a damn,
If no one knows
Who I am?
♫ Jekyll & Hyde</sub>

my heart coming alive again

day three hundred fifty three. a lady always sits with her legs crossed at the ankles., originally uploaded by ::reflecting truth::.

I got extra work during the day and ran off to go dancing afterward. Drank quite a bit, danced a whole lot, and had an amazing time. I love the nights I end up sleeping on Amanda's couch. She's amazing!!

<sub>I've gotta get in step while there's still time left
I'm ready to move out in front
Life without life has no reason or rhyme left
With the rest of them
With the best of them
I wanna hold my head up high

I need got a goal again
I need got a drive again
I wanna feel my heart coming alive again
Before the parade passes by...
Before the parade passes by

I've gotta go and taste Saturday's high life
Before the parade passes by
I've gotta get some life back into my life
I'm ready to move out in front
I've had enough of just passing by life
♫ Carol Channing</sub>

started sweet-talkin' to me

chris and hannah, originally uploaded by p r o m i s e.

I'm apologizing in advance for my anger and mild cursing, but I've just about had it with this damn town and it's horrible blues scene! I cannot believe the things that were taught during his class tonight. It frustrates me to no end that he teaches effing moves, rather than the flippin' basics of partner dancing and connection!! Argh... here are the descriptions for the classes:

JUMP SWING classes will give you the basic tools to dance to fast-tempo swing/rock/jump songs with EASE. In the first 30 mins, we'll cover the Rockabilly/East Coast basics, then in the last 30 mins, we'll learn a fun new turn, spin, dip or lift each week. No prior dance experience is necessary. Class is not progressive, so drop-in at anytime!

SULTRY SWING classes will give you the basic tools to dance to slow-tempo blues/soul/funk songs and make it look SEXY. In the first 30 mins, we'll cover the Slow Swing/Blues basics, then in the last 30 mins, we'll show you how to execute a sultry "Dirty Dancing" move to impress all your friends. No prior dance experience is necessary. Class is not progressive, so drop-in at anytime!

If you can't see the problem, allow me to point it out to you. Both classes are designed specifically for beginners and both have a specific focus on the moves that you will learn in the class. Come on, LIFTS and a SULTRY dance move (specifically for the "Slow Swing" portion).

Why is this bad? First, the Slow Swing was referred to as blues before and during the class, so I rated it as a Blues class. Second, he didn't teach a thing about connection to these beginners. What I believe to be most important in dancing was completely ignored as something they will learn later (if ever). And the excuse? That we probably will never see them again anyway.

WHO CARES?! At least they would be able to really connect with someone and move to the music, if the mood ever struck them in the future. Now, they can only move with the girls who came to the class and learned "how to follow" those specific moves. It makes me sad.

The third, and most heartbreaking thing to me, was how the dancing was promoted to the MEN throughout the class. Leads were always men and I was just acting like a man, since I had joined the leads. The moves that were taught were designed to pull the women closer, so you could connect in a "more romantic way" with them after rocking out to lindy.

The whole class felt like a speed-dating tutorial that would set them up for the rest of the night. I flat out refused to do two of the three moves he taught and I had to correct how the follows moved, with each new girl, since the basic side to side step was taught WAY wrong (he taught an effing STEP-TOUCH!! no, weight-transfer was mentioned AT ALL!!).

I feel like he spit on everything that I consider sacred about the dance and I am reluctant to return. But if I don't, only more will go away thinking as he is telling them about Blues. No wonder they think I'm a lesbian... He's telling them that Blues is all about getting closer to the girl so you can ask for her number!! ARGHH!!

If I want to get close to someone, who might be a good dancer, I do not hit on him while on the floor. The dance floor is a neutral space, of which we need to reinforce so we can trust our partners with our bodies. If we turn it into mating grounds, then the people, who are there simply to dance, would never be able to relax into the Blues music. I'm just dumbfounded... insulted... and tired of living here, when there is so little to nourish my Blues dancing ways.

*sigh*

<sub>Bein' good isn't always easy
No matter how hard I try
When he started sweet-talkin' to me
He'd come'n tell me "Everything is all right"
He'd kiss and tell me "Everything is all right"
Can I get away again tonight?


How well I remember
The look that was in his eyes
Stealin' kisses from me on the sly
Takin' time to make time
Tellin' me that he's all mine
Learnin' from each other's knowin'
Lookin' to see how much we've grown...
♫ Joss Stone</sub>

we always do it nice & rough

Sound Unlimited., originally uploaded by k.olsonnn.

For whatever reason, I am overcome with the desire to be back on stage. Singing in the spotlight and dancing in unison to Broadway numbers from Rent and Jekyll & Hyde!

I miss the incomparable feeling that nothing else in the world matters but that one moment in the spotlight, with the stale air moving at each breath, a curl twisting it's way into your eyes, sequins dropping to the floor, and accompanied by the taps and clicks of character shoes. I miss feeling as if my lungs could explode with each extended note held over the thundering music of the band. I miss beginning each competition with aching legs and abs from the last-minute lift rehearsals, only hours before because someone didn't make grades. I miss losing myself in the music and still hitting every note, beat, and dance move.

If I could keep anything from High School, it would be the opportunities brought about by Show Choir. It was inspiring, uplifting, and it made me who I am today. Confident, bold, and eager to share with others, in whatever way I can. To share my thoughts, my voice, my body, and all of myself. I put all of myself into those performances and I would love to give more of myself in the future as well!

<sub>Ya know, every now and then
I think you might like to hear something from us
Nice and easy
But theres just one thing
You see we never ever do nothing
Nice and easy
We always do it nice and rough
So were gonna take the beginning of this song
And do it easy
Then were gonna do the finish rough
This is the way we do proud mary

And were rolling, rolling, rolling on the river
Listen to the story

I left a good job in the city
Working for the man every night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleeping
Worrying bout the way things might have been

Big wheel keep on turning
Proud mary keep on burning
And were rolling, rolling
Rolling on the river
♫ Tina Turner</sub>

the twin delineating curves

It took four days, but I finally cried., originally uploaded by rosa joy.

To be honest, I just really miss you right now.

I could probably sit here long enough to think of something else to say. With more substance. More information. But all of my emotions lead me back to this one phrase.

I miss you.

<sub>The Most Beautiful Part of a Man's Body
I think it must be there,
where the torso sits on and, into the hips,
those twin delineating curves,
feminine in grace, girdling the trunk,
guiding the eyes downwards
to their intersection,
the point of pleasure.

Duane Michals</sub>

hrumph.. i don't feel like it

purse, originally uploaded by ohsweetnuthin.

It's very odd... I haven't been in the mood to write lately. It's not that I don't have anything to say... In fact, I have plenty that I would love to share, but I think the added pressure of lyrics and video that I have placed upon myself have proven to be too much.

So I'm not going to worry about it.
Now to go back and fill you in...

:)

all-night sorting and editing

Sandals, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

What did I do all night last night? Go dancing, as I do every other night? NO! I stayed home and worked on my computer for hours... Sifting through photos, editing where needed, and finally getting them uploaded. I have been wanting to do it for a while, so now, I finally have!

I also stayed up until 5am...

What's up with that?!


*sigh*