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22 October ~2009
I seem to have a renewed zest for life since recovering from my surgery, understanding what a good life I have and enjoying almost every bit of it. Things are tough at work sometimes, since in spite of me being essential, and going above and beyond in helping to bring a new system up the last couple of years, a last promotion seems out of reach. I had a talk with my supervisor about it and we agreed that things are not always fair, or sometimes even equal. The most substantial complaint she had was that I am too quiet. I explained there is a connection between sitting at my desk solving problems and achieving the results I have.
I tend to believe in Karma and perhaps me not getting what I think I deserve, yet working hard anyway, may even out with other blessings in my life. I can see one right now, in the speed that I recovered from surgery. The fun I have had at dances recently is certainly another one.
The East Coast and Lindy Swing I have learned at the Mercury and the Turnverein fit incredibly well with the two step and triple step I have done at the country dance halls the last twenty years. It is satisfying to switch from one to the other, to transition from moving counterclockwise around the floor to dancing in one spot, and have a strong enough lead that most of my partners follow right along.
Saturday at the Rose I danced with a woman from Texas, and another from Louisiana. The Louisiana girl was petite and blond and about as cute a woman as I have seen. She said she was moving to Colorado next year and was looking forward to riding her bicycle and hiking here. I told her I backpack above timberline, off trail with my three border collies, to the most incredibly beautiful places you can imagine. She was able to pick up the swing and the triple step on this one night. She struggled a bit with the two-step.
I keep telling a friend at work that if you get experienced at dancing you can date some gorgeous women. So far he hasn't gone for it though - sort of like me learning Spanish. I want to, since it would help with some of my nature programs, but don't have the drive to get started at it. Maybe this winter.
It's true about the women though. Once in a while I take one of my swing dance friends to the Rose late at night. The regulars had me figured as always going solo and dancing with everybody, and I show up and dance only with my talented and beautiful date. Mystery can be a fine thing.
I am thankful for all of it - the music, the feeling of community in the dance halls, the women, especially the women. I have said before how damn thrilled I am to be back to it so soon. It is more than I expected seven weeks ago..
After the dances I come home to my three border collies waiting patiently for my return. After a good nights sleep we head out to the mountains, or to horse rescue, or on some days just a walk on the Greenbelt. These activities keep me grounded in nature and the simple and joyful view of life from a border collie perspective.
This weekend we went up high, to timberline and upwards from 12,000 feet. It got cold when the wind picked up. Ben chased Mollie in the snow as if he were a one year old pup like her, instead of the nearly ten years old that he is.
It was perfect, a Church of white heights and freedom. Us four came down with tired muscles and satisfied hearts.
I still had enough left to go swing dancing at the Mercury Sunday evening though.
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