Things I learned today…
Travel by plane is not my favorite form of transportation, but today’s trip from Memphis to Atlanta to Connecticut was uneventful and smooth. That’s all I can hope for in a long trip. I am grateful.
Being without Keith on a trip is weird and not my preference. When people “joke” that we’re rich and we can set our own hours because we own our business(es), they have no idea what they’re saying. It takes working hard to afford work-related travel to better ourselves. And sometimes we have to sacrifice being together, because one still has to work and keep everything going. Those are never funny “jokes” to any business owner.
So Starburst makes this zip-top package of mini chews in only the pink/red flavors. This is absolutely a gift from the Divine, a glimpse into heaven, a holy blessing. Except the watermelon flavor. I could have done without that one mixed up in there.
Seeing the beautiful faces of my Gold Alliance friends made me the happiest this evening. Oh, how I love these people. Over the past 2 years…TWO…YEARS….we have laughed, cried, encouraged, built each other up, given of ourselves, shared, and supported all over Zoom. To actually see them in front of me, get to sit at a table and laugh, watch their eyes sparkle, and hear their voices in person…oh, the joy. And tomorrow, I get to see the ones I missed tonight!
I took “All-Day Less Drowsy Dramamine” today to keep from getting pukey on the plane. Slept like a rock on the plane. Benefit of wearing a mask on a plane…falling deeply asleep with your mouth open and nobody noticing! And for whatever reason, everyone kept their windows closed so it was nice and dark. Good times.
Did y’all know that they don’t use the word “turbulence” in their spiel when giving safety instructions on the plane anymore? They use “rough air” as in, “In the event of rough air…blah blah.” Why do you think that is? Do you think people didn’t know what turbulence meant?
Those guys who chauffeur people around and are standing and waiting near baggage claim are the funniest to me. They look like funeral directors, grave and sullen, almost embalmed and waxy, brow furled in a sneer, standing there in a slump holding a sign that says “Julie Sandoval”. I never get to see them get greeted by Julie. I wonder if they light up and get excited when she reveals her presence and is ready to go with them? I wonder if Julie pauses before getting into the car with Alfred Hitchcock, or if she just goes merrily along?
Tomorrow I shall rearrange the contents of my brain to make room for a week’s worth of inspiration, motivation, encouragement, and business sense. I have every confidence that I will leave in a week ready to be a better studio owner, more effective teacher, and all around better person for my dance families and all our dancers. This is a highlight of my year, and I’m excited.
That’s all. We learn every day, don’t we?
Amanda Herring, Writer 