Can I get a romp romp

I did it. I bought a romper the other day. Wore it last night and loved it! (accessories photographed to the right)

Take the Stage

Part of the fun of dance is the costumes.

One of the things I miss most about dance is the performance factor - the costumes, lights, energy - I love it all. Those who know me, know I'm quiet by nature. On stage though, I take on a whole new confidence.

However, I'm afraid some of the dancers on So You Think You Can Dance have had quite the misfortune recently. Have you seen some of these costumes?!

Yikes!

On a dance note there were several pieces I loved this week. Some of my favorites were danced by: Lauren, Cristina and Ashley. Melinda was still on my vote to go home, but they kicked off Cristina instead.

Also, a quick note on Billy's krump - while it was definitely not krump - I think he did a nice job at a good hip hop. If you didn't know his style before watching this dance, you would have been impressed. He did an awesome job popping and hitting every move. I loved it!

And, yes, I know how to krump. Thanks to my girls I mentored at Manual. They taught me some sweet moves that I even pulled off in heels thank you very much! If you're interested in krumpin it out, just let me know. I'm always up for a dance off.

/dance

I realize the first cut has already been made on So You Think You Can Dance, but here's my ranking from best (1) to least best (11) based on what I've seen so far.

(By the way, I am not yet convinced of this All Star method. I love seeing some of the old dancers, but think I'd like to watch the couples grow together through the show. Just my opinion.)

1. Alex
2. Lauren
3. Billy
4. Kent
5. Robert
6. Ashley
7. Adechike
8. Jose
9. Christina
10. Alexie (she was actually the one eliminated)
11. Melinda

For more, check out fox.com/dance (photo credit)

Well, she (I) was just seventeen

Last night we celebrated our 4-year wedding anniversary. It's always nice to stop and really think about how lucky I am. For the past almost 10 years (again, wow!) I've been in love with Robert. I think we're a lot different than a lot of couples I know, but I wouldn't ask for it to change. We definitely have different interests and in many ways are opposites, but for as many differences as we have, we have just the same number of similarities.

After dinner we headed to the riverfront to see American English, a Beatles cover band we've seen in the 'burbs before. As we sat listening to the music, I was quickly reminded on our common love for a good beat and all types of music.

Here's a list of songs that have meant something along our relationship journey:

• Everything, Lifehouse
• In Your Eyes, Peter Gabriel
• Erin, Sister Hazel
• Let Love In, Goo Goo Dolls
• What a Beautiful Day, Chris Cagle
• She's Got a Way, Billy Joel
• Now and Forever, Richard Marx
• Amazing Grace

We love musicals (a little too much) and sometimes even blast them in the car with the windows down. Yes, we can be a nerdy couple but that's okay with me.

And last night as we listened to American English, this song flashed me back to the beginning of it all. Love you hun!

Well, she was just seventeen,
You know what I mean,
And the way she looked was way beyond compare.
So how could I dance with another, (Ooh)
And I saw her standing there.

Well she looked at me, and I, I could see,
That before too long I'd fall in love with her.
She wouldn't dance with another, (Ooh)
And I saw her standing there.

Well, my heart went "boom",
When I crossed that room,
And I held her hand in mine...

Whoa, we danced through the night,
And we held each other tight,
And before too long I fell in love with her.
Now I'll never dance with another, (Ooh)
Since I saw her standing there.

From Simple - To Chic

At work, I've been helping brainstorm these 'From - To' situations to help communicate some of the culture change we're making. And it made me think about a conversation I had with my group of friends recently.

Heading downtown on the L, one of our friends jumped on to meet us. After "Hey" one of the next comments was, "Cute outfit D. (note the names have been shortened to protect the innocent) Is that a dress or a skirt?" The conversation stayed focused on fashion for a while; and we had to ask - when did we become so fashion-savvy. Seriously. Because in high school, we were anything but.

First a quick background: In high school (actually starting in jr. high) I was fortunate to find a group of amazing friends who I still love today. We've been great friends for 10-12 years. Wow! (that still amazes me when I think about it).

Our group is a funny one. All so different. We became a close-knit group through a common activity - marching band. Yes, marching band.

From flute, clarinets, french horn, drumline, trombone, drum major and co-captains of the colorguard team (myself and Seibs) we created a lifelong friendship. To give you a perspective of how diverse of a group we were, outside of marching band, here's a list of activities we were involved in - these are just the girls:

• Myself: Orchesis (dance team), Orchestra (viola), Choir
• L: Wrestling student coach, Softball, Volleyball
• Seibs: Mixed Company (show choir), Soccer
• D: Track, Volleyball, Gymnastics
• Nashi: Golf (at least for a year or so)
• Laur: Bowling (rock star)
• C: Tennis, Track & Field, Basketball student coach

And funny to say, when we got to college almost each of us joined a sorority - as you can see we are involved people and have tended to stay that way.

But back to the original point of this post - when did we become stylish? That, I don't know. However, here are some before and after photos to illustrate the change 'From Simple - To Chic'

Okay, while we may be ready for bed in this picture, I would say our day to day fashion wasn't much different - jeans, tshirt, sweatshirt & often ponytail. Our most fashion forward friend at the time was Nashi (not pictured here).


And a few from today...

Point made.

Pair Up with the Junior League - Ready for my first race!

It's Friday night and I'm staying in. Said no to happy hour. No to dinner out and even no to the Ice Cream Shack...unbelievable.

But staying healthy tonight (and as a lifestyle) is one of the many reasons I'll be running my first race tomorrow - the Junior League's Pair Up for Health trail race!  

"In an effort to raise awareness of the escalating obesity epidemic among children, the Junior League of Peoria will host Pair Up for Health. This project addresses the growing issue of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Information and materials related to healthy eating, nutrition, and benefits of exercise will be provided to all participants."

Hope I make it to the finish line!

As an aside - since moving here, I've had the opportunity to get involved in many organizations and the Junior League is one I've continued to be part of - truly a great organization that is helping build a better community.

So far my main placement in the League has been focused on helping make the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum a reality through volunteering and most recently chairing the committee. Now, as part of the Board of Directors, I'm proud to help share how the Junior League is making a difference in everything they do to improve the lives of children in our community through education and opportunity. Shout out to all of the great women in our community who help make a difference!

Good luck to all the runners out there. Interested? There's still time to sign up!