"Dancing With the Stars" 2020 Nite 1 Recap Part 1

The ballroom is back, dance fans!

And with lots of changes.

A new host - Tyra Banks

A new judge - Derek Hough

And no audience (but with an audience track)

Also a new pro dancer - Britt

Let's get right into the competition. As I always say, I have never ballroom danced. I have watched the show every season, but that doesn't mean that I know anything. The judges are the experts. I like what I like, and I see what I see. Sometimes my comments and scores are aligned with the judges, sometimes not. So take what I say with a grain of salt. And here we go!

AJ McLean & Cheryl

Jive

Good energy, good kicks and flicks, good bounce, and good chemistry with Cheryl.

It was a good start to the show, but that’s all it was – just good. It felt too safe, except for the leap off the stairs, which I’m trying to figure out if he fell on. If he did, he made a nice recovery.

Derek – needed more jive action

Bruno – powerful, strong, needs to polish the kicks and flicks

Carrie Ann – needs to “dance out”

Scores: 6,6,6             My score: 6

Chrishell Strausse & Gleb

Tango

Distracting lasers and choppy camera footage likely worked in her favor. She looked lovely, but Gleb was definitely leading her and she was trying to keep up. The final move looked scary, like she wasn't ready for it. 

Turn down the fake audience - its too loud! Everyone is screaming over the screaming. 

Bruno - went wrong lost footing and posture

Carrie Ann - potential, but got knocked off your feet

Derek - pidgeon-toed

Scores: 4,5,4        My score: 5

Vernon Davis & Peta

Foxtrot

They had fantastic chemistry and I love the song, but his frame and footwork were atrocious. They were all up in each other when they were standing still, which was a few beats too long, but not enough body contact otherwise. Still, I see potential here.

Carrie Ann - potential but more to learn

Derek - so smooth, frame was good (?!)

Bruno - sizzling, light and stylish, attempted rise and fall

Scores: 5,6,6            My score: 4

Anne Heche & Keo

Cha Cha

They are going to be fun to watch. She looked lovely and so youthful. But I didn't see much cha cha content in this routine. The steps were choppy. It was a rough start, but hopefully she will improve. 

Derek - clean, neat but finish every step

Bruno - needed more hip action

Carrie Ann - precise, good tension

Scores: 6,6,6        My score: 4

Jeannie Mai & Brandon

Salsa

She is fearless! It was a very ambitious routine for someone with no dance experience. It felt rushed and chaotic at times, but I enjoyed it. She is infectious! I love her spirit! Not enough salsa content, but F-U-N!

Bruno - energizing, radiant, work on footwork and balance

Carrie Ann - even it out

Derek - work on your turns

Scores: 6,6,6            My score: 6

Jesse Metcalfe & Sharna

Quickstep

My least favorite dance; I don't know how to judge it. (Some would say I don't know how to judge any dance.) He had good speed and I think his footwork was good. It was fun to watch. He's still hot. :)

Carrie Ann - passionate, a little wild

Derek - leading man

Bruno - did well

Scores: 6,6,6        My score: 6

Skai Jackson & Alan

Tango

WOW! I thought the height difference would be tough to deal with, plus she is so young and the Tango is such a sophisticated dance. She blew me away! So sharp, so clean, great speed, her hand placement on Alan's arm was exquisite! Stunning performance, especially on night one! Go girl!

Derek - clean, flexible, great posture

Bruno - shining jewel, so mature

Carrie Ann - beautiful and exciting

Scores: 7,7,7        My score: 8

Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem

Cha Cha

The dances are so short - there isn't much content in them, but I did see some cha cha elements. Maybe cut down on the sometimes awkward banter with Tyra and have more time for dancing. Also, the camera work is terrible. I understand about social distancing (joke), but sometimes it seems like the camera is in another state. Anyway, I love seeing a contestant so excited about being on the show. Her energy and ability couldn't quite keep up with the tempo and pace of the song, but there is potential. 

Bruno - good foot placement

Carrie Ann - work on pointing feet

Derek - a little safe, needed more attack

Scores: 6,7,7        My score: 6

End of part 1

Note: sorry about the paragraph issues. I don't want a space between each line, but I can't figure out how to fix it.

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" - Milestone

Yesterday was an unfortunate anniversary. On September 14th, 2020, I passed the 6-month time frame of being in isolation. I have been at home since March 14th. I never thought this would be my life, but I know pretty much everyone feels this way during the pandemic . And I know I have so much to be grateful for. I have a place to live, a job, food and medical care. I have everything I need at home. I know many people right now are not as lucky as I am .

And as I've said before, there are advantages to working from home. My commute is amazing. I have the ability to get more sleep, exercise more, and eat better. I also have more time to read, to play games, and to do other things that I enjoy.

But the isolation is terrible. I have spent too much of my life having to stay home because of illness. Now luckily, I am not sick, but I still have to stay home to protect myself. The last few years have been wonderful for me. My health has improved, and I have been able to do things I didn't dream of, like going out of town on weekends, and even occasionally going out on weeknights to concerts or book clubs. I want my life back. Actually, I would love to have a mix of my old life and new life.

I am surviving by reminding myself that this situation is not forever. There will be a vaccine eventually, and doctors are working on treatments as well. I believe that life will get back to some kind of normal at some point. That is what we all have to focus on.

Until then, I will keep busy with work and activities that I enjoy at home. I will find contentment and some measure of joy until I am able to resume the life that I had.

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" - Sunday

Yesterday was almost an "A" day.

I read nearly an entire book in one day. It was a short, small book, but I still read nearly 130 pages.

I did all of my exercises, and I finished them earlier than usual. I did some of them on the patio. I surpassed my step goal thanks to 20 minutes of pedaling.

I journaled a bit, and I wrote a blog post. I worked more on the seemingly never-ending goal of getting my room organized. My desk looks pretty good.

It would have been an "A" day if I had not spent part of the time worrying. But the rest of the day went very well.

librarianintx

Dancing With the Stars

Dancing with the Stars returns tomorrow night, and yes I am very excited. It has been a long drought, and I have missed the ballroom. Dancing with the Stars is one of my favorite shows. Even though the pandemic has caused a lot of shows to go on hiatus, I have still found other shows to watch. But I am happy to have my dance show back.

But the show is going to be different this season. Because of the pandemic, there will be no audience, and I'm not sure there will even be a ballroom. The dancers might be performing in some kind of remote location. We will find out more tomorrow night.

But the big difference for me will be that Tom and Erin are no longer part of the show. They have been replaced by Tyra Banks, who is also the new executive producer of the show.

Honestly, I cannot imagine Dancing with the Stars without Erin, and especially without Tom. They are very important to the show. They are so funny together, and they are so good with the contestants, knowing when they need to provide humor and when they need to provide comfort and encouragement. I don't know if Tyra will be able to do what Tom and Erin have done for so many years. I am willing to give her a chance, and I hope she does well, but I know I will miss Tom and Erin terribly.

I also recently found out that Len will not be a judge this season. I think this is because of the pandemic, but I don't know for sure. He may not return as a judge. Len is cranky and difficult sometimes, but it's hard to imagine the show without him. I think he will be on the show in some capacity, and remotely, but it won't be the same not having him as a judge.

So there will be a lot of change this season, and we will see what works and what doesn't. I am not a fan of change, but nobody asked me if Tom and Erin should be replaced. Of course I would have said no. Definitely not! But I will be watching tomorrow night and hoping for the best. See you there dance fans!

librarianintx

Lazy Sunday

I was outside earlier, but now it's too hot. 

Looks like I have competition for my patio chair. 

:-)

librarianintx

 

The Vow on HBO, and cults

https://www.hbo.com/the-vow

If you haven't seen the first episode, you might want to stop reading, because there are spoilers. 

I have been fascinated by cults for years. 

How do people caught up in a cult? 

Don't they realize what they're getting into? 

What I'm learning though, is that people are lured into cults because they often have a very positive message. Cults start off as communities that appeal to lonely, vulnerable people, people who want to better themselves and be a part of a group that is doing great work for society. 

Jim Jones' People Temple looked fantastic on the surface - a utopian society where people of all races came together to take care of each other, help the poor, and fight racism and bigotry. 

NXIVM, the organization profiled in the Vow, lured people who were interested in self-empowerment and overcoming fears that held them back from living their best life. Individuals could rise in the ranks and recruitment was a big way to do that. Although it turned out to be a pyramid scheme and sex cult for it's leader, the first episode of the documentary showed how happy people were initially, as they learned how to be their best selves and found a community of like-minded people who encouraged and celebrated their every success and emotional breakthrough. 

I think I could have been very susceptible to a cult at certain times in my life. I have struggled with fears, self-empowerment, and the definition of success, and I have also searched for a community where I feel I truly belong. An organization like NXIVM would have been highly attractive to me. 

The first episode of the Vow was very good, and I am quite interested in the rest of the series. I also watched the Lifetime movie Escaping the NXIVM Cult: A Mother's Fight to Save Her Daughter, about Catherine Oxenberg and her daughter India. 

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" - Mindfulness / Meditation apps

 Here are a few mindfulness / meditation apps.

They should be available for both iOS and Android devices:

Headspace

My Life

Insight Timer - free

Calm 

Buddhify

10% Happier

Headspace is not free. Most of the others have both free and paid subscriptions.

Also, both Alexa and Google Home offer free daily meditations.

Mindfulness and meditation take time to adjust to. Don't give up if you can't the hang of it right away. Be patient with yourself. 

Benefits of meditation:

Reduces stress and anxiety

Improves sleep

May improve cognition and memory

May be linked to other health benefits:

Lowering blood pressure

Reducing risk of stroke

Reducing risk of heart disease

librarianintx

 

 

"Living Under the Threat" - A Luxury of the Pandemic

I have a few luxuries because of the pandemic. 

Lack of a commute is a big one.

Ability to set my work hours throughout the day is another.

I used to wake up at 5:40 am, and had to be ready to leave my apartment by 6:45.

Now I wake up around 7:30, shower around 8, walk, and usually start work between 9-9:30.

I stay in bed, drifting, relaxing, enjoying the comfort that laying down affords my body - no aches or pains in my legs, my back, my neck. I know once I get up I won't be this comfortable for the rest of the day.

I feel guilty for the luxury of that time and that comfort - but I take advantage of it every single day.

I am grateful for those moments of rest, of freedom. My pain is not immense by any means, but it's still not easy.

It doesn't feel right to have luxuries during a pandemic, but I do. 

And I am appreciative.

librarianintx

Turning a Rough Morning Better

When you wake up feeling worn out...

You don't know if you can do your morning walk...

You not only walk...

You take the more arduous route.

And then you sweep into the apartment belting out Cher's "Stronger," surprising your roommate and making you both laugh.

That's two ways to make a rough morning better:

Do something you didn't think you could manage (taking a walk)

Do something you really shouldn't do (sing in the presence of anyone, especially your roommate who IS a singer)

😁

librarianintx

Better Today

Two fruits today

One vegetable

Almost 32 ounces of water

All my medicines and supplements

Exercises, including a quick morning walk

And ready for bed shortly after 11

So today was better than yesterday.

Maybe tomorrow will be even better than today.

That is what I strive for.

librarianintx

One More Exercise Update

A surprising update...

I just performed an unassisted bicep curl with my LEFT arm!!

My left hand might be slightly stronger, but my left arm is not. I haven't been working out as consistently with my arms as I have with my legs, but I have never been able to do a bicep curl with a one pound weight with my left arm. I've had to hold the little barbell with both hands to do a curl with my left hand.

And then tonight - I did it!

Not once - but FOUR times!!

I was tired tonight.

I almost skipped the arm exercises.

You never know when you're going to be able to do something that you previously had been unable to do.

Keep trying.

Don't. Give. Up.

Life can surprise you.

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" - new exercise classes

This week I tried TWO new exercise classes by Zoom.

The first is called "Osteo Strong" - a free class from Ballet Austin.

The second is from an organization called Angel Eyes Fitness and Nutrition, based in Georgia.

Both classes turned out to be too difficult for me.

Too much cardio

Too much work with weights

Too long in duration

They were just more than I could do.

But in both cases I didn't quit.

I stayed for the hour both times, and I did as much as I could do.

I may not attend these classes every week.

The Osteo Strong one is during work time, so that's a complication.

But I may do them every once in awhile.

I can take what I've learned in these classes and incorporate those moves into my evolving routine.

And I will continue to look for more classes.

I felt disappointed after the first class.

But not after the second.
Because I understand that I have health conditions, and I'm not going to be able to keep up with a regular exercise class, even ones that are designed for older persons, or people with disabilities.

I have to go at my own pace, and be happy with what I can do.

Any movement is good.

I also have to understand that in doing these classes, I can improve.

If I don't try, if I just say "I can't do it," then I won't have any possibility of improving my balance or gaining bone or muscle strength.

Confucius said, "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" - this past week

Today is August 1st, and I'm setting a new goal for the month:

Blog at least 15 times

Not necessarily 15 days

Just 15 blog posts

Goals are important.

So here is blog #1.

I think I had a small milestone this past week.

Or maybe it isn't so small.

Anyway...

I walked every weekday this work week...

OUTSIDE

and

BEFORE work!

I consider that an achievement.

I'm not promising I can do it every week.

But I was able to do it this week.

I knew I was doing something good for my physical and emotional health.

And that made me happy.

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" Gratitude List 7/28/20

Today I am grateful for (not in order of importance, just thinking and typing):

Fresh strawberries

Grocery delivery

Getting lost in a book

Much-needed, cooling rain

Still having a job

An in-person (outdoor, mask-wearing, socially-distanced) visit with a co-worker

Seeing some of my family on video chat

Motivation

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" - A Better Schedule

Nearly four months into the pandemic, and I'm finally getting on a better schedule.

Not perfect, but better.

I'm procrastinating less.

I'm not waiting until 9 pm or later to eat dinner.

I'm not finishing my exercises close to midnight.

I'm figuring things out.

Last night I ate dinner around 6:30 and I had my exercises finished before 8 - except my arm ones. I still did those late.

Every day this week so far I have walked in the morning, before work.

That has helped tremendously.

Because of the heat, if I don't walk in the morning, I have to wait until 8 or 8:30 at night.

Today I have been very tired.

I only did a short walk.

But it was still a walk.

I've been listening to an audio book on my walks, which has been nice.

Something to concentrate on, to help me not focus on my achy legs and fear of falling.

I've also been remembering to take my medicines earlier.

Eating and taking my medicines late have resulted in some rough nights of heartburn.

Not good at all.

Had to fix that.

So now I have more time to relax in the evenings.

Watch shows.

Read.

I'm still staying up too late, but not as late.

And it's not because I'm procrastinating.

So I'm happy about that.

If something isn't working, fix it.

Make your life better.

Find that balance.

It's 7:25.

Time to do those exercises.

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" - Today Will Be Perfect

Today will be the perfect day.

Or as perfect as possible.

I will be productive with work.

I have several meetings and webinars scheduled, so I think productivity will be a given.

I will not procrastinate with my exercising.

So far so good on this one.

I already got my walk in.

I will drink a lot of water.

My first 8 ounces is on the table near me.

I won't go to bed at midnight.

Fingers crossed.

I will have time for something enjoyable too - a show or two, some reading.

I already listened to my audio book on my walk.

Yay me!

I will be happy today.

I won't worry.

I'll concentrate on what is good in my life.

I'll be grateful.

I'll live in the moment.

And it will be a fantastic day.

Even during a pandemic.

librarianintx

"Living Under the Threat" - My Favorite Day of the Week

Wednesdays are my favorite day of the week.

Not because it's hump day.

I do enjoy the camel commercials.

Wednesday is my favorite day because it's grocery delivery day.

I start holding my breath on Sundays.

Will we be able to get a delivery?

Will the store be out of important items?

Will the store have to institute restrictions because people are hoarding again?

Both my roommate and I have dietary requirements.

So I breathe a sigh of relief when the friendly and helpful delivery people deposit the grocery bags at our door. 

I am so happy when I don't receive a text that the store has run out of something important.

I feel so grateful when I know we are stocked for another week.

And I try not to automatically start worrying about the next week.

librarianintx

Not Listening to the Little Voice

Sometimes I get to the end of the day, and I haven't reached my step goal.

The little voice in my head says, "It's okay. You can miss your goal today. You'll probably achieve it tomorrow."

But I don't listen.

I get out the pedal exerciser.

Or I walk in place.

Or I make multiple trips from one room to another.

So I can reach my goal.

There are many mornings when I don't want to do my bridge exercises.

They're not easy.

They are the first exercise that I do.

Usually I'm half asleep.

"You could do them before you go to bed," the little voice says.

"Or just skip them. Just for today," she pushes.

But I don't listen.

I do the bridges.

I'm often so tired at night.

The last thing I do before I brush my teeth is take a tablespoon of flaxseed oil.

It's a new health-related activity.

It's one of my least favorite things to do in a day.

I do not like the taste.

But I believe it is good for me.

I can't swallow the huge fish oil pills.

"It's gross," the little voice says.

"You know you don't like it."

"Just don't do it today."

But I don't listen.

I take the supplement.

My little voice is terrible.

She works against me.

She tells me not to do the things that are good for me.

She encourages me to avoid and procrastinate and delay.

She also tells me that I'm going to fail in my goals.

It is a daily struggle to ignore her.

Maybe one day she will shut the hell up.

librarianintx