disco skating

Ever since I heard that tonight's American Idol performances will follow a disco theme, I can't help but think about disco skating. Disco music and disco skating are two of my not-so-guilty pleasures. In fact, I'm rather proud of my disco skating skills. I'm not the best skater in the world (I've only mastered a handful of tricks), but I was very flattered that a recruiter once approached me on the roller rink and asked if I would be interested in joining a touring team. Sometimes I wish that I hadn't declined the offer. Then maybe I'd be better at my tight twirls.

I started disco skating when I was sixteen, and I bought a pair of "old school" quad skates about a year later. In high school, my friends and I used to go disco skating at least once a month. This picture is of me (with a younger, more agile body) doing the "sweeper" move - I am skating on one foot and keeping the rest of my body close to the floor, but not quite touching it.

If I had to pick some kind of Desmond-esque "constant" in my life, it might be disco skating at the roller rink in Salt Lake City. Things never change there. Any Saturday night, I know that the same people will be there: the guy in the white wifebeater that always sticks his chest out while skating, the man in black who always skates backwards in the middle of the rink, and the old man who tries to go around and skate with the fourteen year olds on the slow songs. The same music will be played, the same moves and tricks will be performed.

I haven't seen many books on disco skating, but I came across this one last year by accident (the books on "capoeira" were shelved next to the "disco" books in the Dance section of the library). It's not the best book in the world, but it categorizes some of the skating moves. Does anyone know of any other books about disco skating?

As for American Idol tonight, I hope that I get to hear something by the Bee Gees. "How Deep is Your Love" is one of my favorite songs from the disco era. I also like "Play that Funky Music," "Jungle Boogie," "Superstition," "Everlasting Love," the list goes on and on...

What disco/funk music do you like?

home again, home again

Sam and I are back home. Phew. It's nice to visit my family and I am glad to help out, but I can't deny that I love being home. I definitely feel more capable and in-control when I'm in my own space, and I can tell that Sam relaxes more too. There is just too much excitement at my family's house for Sam to truly relax and, you know, sleep.

He's finally sleeping now. And I am enjoying the silence.

So, I'll spend the next few days getting back into a normal routine. I also am trying to get a better variety of food into my husband's body, since J dined on refried beans and Caesar salad the whole time he was home alone. Sometimes I wonder what he would eat if he was still single...

Spring has finally come to Seattle, which has made it extra nice to be back home. Sam wants to be outside every moment that he's awake.

springtime + kaleidoscope = a happy baby

easter highlight

Sam laughed and laughed when people threw the bouncy balls that the Easter Bunny brought:

in utah

I have been in Utah for over a week, helping out my family while my mom recovers from surgery. The surgery went well and my mom is feeling better each day. I have been running around, watching my siblings (the youngest two are on Spring Break) and trying to cover all of my mom's duties. Needless to say, I'm getting tired. J was here for a while to help, and we got to spend Easter together (which was nice, since I was in Utah for last Christmas, our anniversary, New Year's Day, and Valentine's Day).

Sam loved Easter. I'll post a video of his favorite Easter activity soon.

sleepwalk with me

I haven't listened to all of Mike Birbiglia's comedy routines, but what I have heard is really funny. If you have ten minutes and need a good laugh, you should listen to this clip. Be careful, though, if you listen to this at work with headphones. J first listened to this at work and had to turn it off - he was crying from laughter and it was too hard to stifle his chuckles.

The last couple minutes of this clip are the best. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.

american idol top 8

So, even before watching the show tonight, J and I decided that either Scott or Anoop will probably get voted off this week. I actually thought that Anoop did a pretty good job (a lot better than last week, eh?), but I'm ready for Scott to leave. I wouldn't be surprised if Lil is in danger too - she has had a really hard time picking songs and building up her image as an artist. I like her, but I don't feel like her voice and style are becoming identifiable to the audience. Unfortunately, she's becoming forgettable.

My favorites from the night were probably Matt and Adam. I've said this before, but the control in Adam's voice is quite remarkable. He is able to sustain his notes and phrases very well (even though for a split-second I thought that the final note in his song was shaky - but he quickly regained control). And if your DVR stopped recording the show before Adam performed, you can watch a clip of his performance here.

Who do you think will go?

russian ark

Last weekend J and I watched the film "Russian Ark." I was interested in watching this Russian film because it is comprised of one continuous, uninterrupted take. Since there are no cuts or breaks between scenes, I think that the cinematography is interesting and compelling. If you love art, Russian Ark is a must-see because it was filmed in the Hermitage (St. Petersburg). Here's a trailer for Russian Ark (although I don't think this trailer captures the mood of the film very well):



J and I aren't experts on Russian history, and we had a few lingering questions after the movie ended. This Wikipedia entry helped to clarify some of our questions.

Has anyone seen Russian Ark? I highly recommend it.