Dancing My Life Away

Now there's a dramatic look at ballet class! This week, we had 3-5 people per class; it gives the feel of having a "real" class, though our ability levels vary wildly. We have Liz, who just decided to begin ballet at the age of 20+; she may have energy, but she's very heavy. Who cares? Just put on the rights and slippers and join us at the barre. At the other extreme is Rozelle, a high school sophomore who dances with the company. In the middle are my niece Stephanie, Mo, and myself ... Mo danced quite a bit and has a dancer's body; however, ballet is one of many things she does to keep fit. Steph has become a metal worker; she creates useful items by shaping and welding metal bits together. She's come back after a killer teaching schedule that kept her at work for all hours ... and then there's myself. I returned to the barre after 20+ years ... although I'm not as heavy as Liz, I am the oldest student (so far). I'm the poster child to persuade parents that they, too, should join the adult classes.

At least for 90 minutes I can concentrate on something besides the "crisis in the classroom" (state & federal budget cuts to education) and the homefront problems ... We began Stage 2 of the Big Change, although I'm anxious about my mom. It seems she dates her problems from the week in 2008 when the drug interaction messed her up ... or maybe she's gotten the dates confused. I'm not sure, but I may have to re-arrange my life -- or at least my schedule -- to deal with the problem. Luckily, the brothers will help; the question remains: can they? Jon is a salesman; Rob works as an engineer in Arlington. It's a tough call. Janelle warned me at her mom's funeral to get ready ... but it always comes before you think it will. Fortunately, the law now recognizes the need for children to take care of their parents -- and that works in my favor if I go into bankruptcy court.

Such a cheery subject! All the way from dance to doom ... well, here's a quick prayer for all the dolly and anime and manga creators who live in Japan. May St. Barbara, the patron saint for those dealing with explosives and electricity, watch over them. This year's A-Kon will not be quite the joyful event as in prior years.