Another moment occurred on Survivor last night - not as momentous or history-making as when Varner outed Zeke as trans - but still one of those events that Survivor fans will remember for a long time. I'm not talking about Debbie getting blindsided AGAIN, although that was quite awesome for those of us that are highly annoyed by Debbie's smug "my alliance rules the world" mentality. No, I am of course talking about Cirie's struggle in the reward challenge.
For the reward challenge, the contestants were split into two teams: Troyzan, Tai, Zeke, Sarah, and Cirie on one team; Culpepper, Andrea, Sierra, Aubrey, and Debbie on the other. It was a schoolyard pick, and Michaela was not chosen. Michaela said it herself: The teams were picked based on alliances and strategy, not on physical ability. That is why the strongest woman was left out of the challenge.
It was a tough challenge - an obstacle course in the water. Even Tai, who bested the beast Ozzy in an endurance challenge the week before, struggled in this event. The contestants had to swim to a wall, get over it, slide down it, get up on a platform, tread through more water, then make it across a balance beam and swim to a dock. Cirie was the last person on her team to attempt the course. And they were already behind in the challenge, but not by that much. Cirie could not make it through the course. She got over the wall, but she couldn't hoist herself up on the platform to get to the next part. Her team started falling further behind.
Finally Sarah swam out to her and helped her up on the platform. That meant that Sarah had to complete that part of the course again - in theory anyway. But she didn't have to in the end, because the other team won easily.
There were multiple important elements to this moment. First of all, the other team was exceptionally subdued in their celebration, out of respect to Cirie's struggle. And Probst, who is often so critical of contestants who don't do well in the challenges, was remarkably kind and encouraging to Cirie. I guess even hard-hearted, holier-than-thou Probst recognized a teachable moment when it smacked him in the face. He told Cirie that even though the challenge was over, they would keep it going if she wanted to try to finish. It was already an inspiring situation, made even more remarkable and uplifting when her teammates swam out to that part of the course and surrounded her as she attempted to make it across the balance beam. Troyzan told her to be calm and believe in herself. And Cirie made it across the balance beam. She swam to the dock, and the members of the other team pulled her out of the water and hugged her. Yes, I'm a sentimental fool. But it was a beautiful moment. This is what Survivor is all about. Yes, it's about the alliances and the blindsides and the ability to outwit and outlast in the quest to win a million dollars. But the show is also often about persevering, about triumph in the face of adversity, about conquering fears and insecurities and succeeding in tasks you never imagined you would be able to accomplish. Those are some of my favorite moments of Survivor.
librarianintx
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
DWTS Boy Bands vs Girl Groups Nite Recap Part 2
Results:
The boys are all safe!
The girls are in jeopardy!
WTF?!?!
That means that a girl is going home, which is very, very, very wrong!!
All of these girls have the talent and the ability to be in the finale.
Ggggrrrr!!
Part II
Boy Bands vs Girl Groups team competition
Team Boy Bands
music from the Jackson 5, New Kids on the Block, and One Direction
It was a very fun routine. They kept it very simple on the choreography, which made it effective and kept everyone on an even playing field.
The "Magic Mike" chair sequence was hands down the best part of the performance. It was hot. Everyone looked sexy.
There was good synchronization.
The mosh pit / crowd at the end of the routine kept the momentum going.
The performance was better than I expected.
Good for you, guys!
Bruno: "Spinal Tap version of a boy band"
Carrie Ann: "loved it, especially the Magic Mike section"
Nick: "y'all missed your calling"
scores: 8, 9, 8, 8
My score: 8
Team Girl Groups
music from the Chiffons, TLC, and Fifth Harmony
Obviously there were major lighting problems, especially at the end of the routine, which were not their fault but made it difficult to judge the performance. I thought it was a good routine, but I expected more. It took them awhile to start dancing. The big reveal from robes to their bright dresses wasn't a revelation because we had already seen their costumes before the commercial. When the girls were dancing without their partners, Nancy was in front, which was awkward because she is taller than Simone and Normani. Overall, it was just an okay performance for me. It wasn't exceptional or especially memorable. They didn't slay it.
Bruno: "girl power is alive"
Carrie Ann: "a bit underwhelming"
Nick: "the girls are some of the best"
Len: "the guys routine was more entertaining"
Scores: 8, 9, 8, 9
My score: 8
End of Part II
And then came the shocking elimination. Nancy & Artem and Heather & Maks were revealed to be the bottom two. And Heather & Maks were cut. But was it so shocking? This has happened before. Sabrina Bryan was eliminated early from her season of Dancing with the Stars. Many people said it was because she is already a dancer. Heather is already a dancer. She's a choreographer. She was a choreographer on "Glee" before she was cast in a role on the show. So is that why she was eliminated? Or was it because the voters didn't like her personality? Or because they thought she was safe so they didn't bother to vote for her? We'll likely never know for sure. What we do know is that she was certainly good enough and talented enough to be in the finale, and likely to take home the Mirrorball Trophy from this season. We also know that being a dancer and a choreographer in other styles of dance doesn't mean that you already know ballroom dances. The producers put her on the show, and I think she deserved to be there, and she definitely didn't deserve to be eliminated. But she's out, and hopefully that gives the other women even more of a shot of making it to the finale. For me, the only guy who deserves to make it is Rashad.
Overall, Boy Bands vs Girl Groups Nite wasn't the triumph that I thought it would be. I guess my expectations were too high. But there were some great performances, and I adored the music.
End of Part 2
librarianintx
The boys are all safe!
The girls are in jeopardy!
WTF?!?!
That means that a girl is going home, which is very, very, very wrong!!
All of these girls have the talent and the ability to be in the finale.
Ggggrrrr!!
Part II
Boy Bands vs Girl Groups team competition
Team Boy Bands
music from the Jackson 5, New Kids on the Block, and One Direction
It was a very fun routine. They kept it very simple on the choreography, which made it effective and kept everyone on an even playing field.
The "Magic Mike" chair sequence was hands down the best part of the performance. It was hot. Everyone looked sexy.
There was good synchronization.
The mosh pit / crowd at the end of the routine kept the momentum going.
The performance was better than I expected.
Good for you, guys!
Bruno: "Spinal Tap version of a boy band"
Carrie Ann: "loved it, especially the Magic Mike section"
Nick: "y'all missed your calling"
scores: 8, 9, 8, 8
My score: 8
Team Girl Groups
music from the Chiffons, TLC, and Fifth Harmony
Obviously there were major lighting problems, especially at the end of the routine, which were not their fault but made it difficult to judge the performance. I thought it was a good routine, but I expected more. It took them awhile to start dancing. The big reveal from robes to their bright dresses wasn't a revelation because we had already seen their costumes before the commercial. When the girls were dancing without their partners, Nancy was in front, which was awkward because she is taller than Simone and Normani. Overall, it was just an okay performance for me. It wasn't exceptional or especially memorable. They didn't slay it.
Bruno: "girl power is alive"
Carrie Ann: "a bit underwhelming"
Nick: "the girls are some of the best"
Len: "the guys routine was more entertaining"
Scores: 8, 9, 8, 9
My score: 8
End of Part II
And then came the shocking elimination. Nancy & Artem and Heather & Maks were revealed to be the bottom two. And Heather & Maks were cut. But was it so shocking? This has happened before. Sabrina Bryan was eliminated early from her season of Dancing with the Stars. Many people said it was because she is already a dancer. Heather is already a dancer. She's a choreographer. She was a choreographer on "Glee" before she was cast in a role on the show. So is that why she was eliminated? Or was it because the voters didn't like her personality? Or because they thought she was safe so they didn't bother to vote for her? We'll likely never know for sure. What we do know is that she was certainly good enough and talented enough to be in the finale, and likely to take home the Mirrorball Trophy from this season. We also know that being a dancer and a choreographer in other styles of dance doesn't mean that you already know ballroom dances. The producers put her on the show, and I think she deserved to be there, and she definitely didn't deserve to be eliminated. But she's out, and hopefully that gives the other women even more of a shot of making it to the finale. For me, the only guy who deserves to make it is Rashad.
Overall, Boy Bands vs Girl Groups Nite wasn't the triumph that I thought it would be. I guess my expectations were too high. But there were some great performances, and I adored the music.
End of Part 2
librarianintx
DWTS Boy Bands vs Girl Groups Nite Recap Part 1
I'm excited for Boy Bands vs Girl Groups Nite!
This sounds like my kind of show!
Oh yeah, if the opening is any indication, I'm gonna love it!
Nick Carter is a guest judge! Yay!
And Maks is back!
I will make a prediction here and now. The guys will be good. But the girls will SLAY IT!!
Part I: Individual Dances
Simone & Sasha
Samba - Destiny's Child -"Survivor"
Simone had to bring the sexy in this performance. She certainly did with the costume. But Simone is very young, and she's an athlete. She's still not comfortable being sexy, and it showed in this dance. The steps were there, the technique was there, the athleticism was definitely there. I can't fault her for any of that. But there was little chemistry between her and Sasha, and not enough body contact. It was fast, it was energetic, but it was not sexy the way a Samba should be, so overall it was disappointing for me.
Len: "control, lots of Samba, but timing was a little suspect"
Bruno: "glowing with confidence, but timing wasn't perfect"
Carrie Ann: "sexiness in the way it should be" (mmm, okay)
Nick: "powerful woman"
Scores: 9, 8, 9, 9
My score: 8
Bonner & Sharna
Rumba - Backstreet Boys - "I Want it That Way"
I feel like a broken record, but honestly, for me, Bonner's best assets as a dancer are his partnering skills and his chemistry with Sharna. Oh, and the fact that he's smokin' hot in tight jeans and an open shirt. The chemistry was off the charts in this dance. His Rumba technique was just fair. I didn't see much hip action. Sharna did most of the work. And it took them awhile to start dancing, which annoys me and Len, especially Len.
Bruno: "Rumba is hard for a man"
Carrie Ann: "You were in sync - solid Rumba"
Nick: "You have to let go, Bonner"
Len: "needed more emotion"
Scores: 8, 8, 7, 7
My score: 7
Nancy & Artem
Paso Doble - En Vogue - "Free Your Mind"
Poor Nancy. She's doing well in the competition, but I feel like the show is making it harder for her. First they fill the stage with extra dancers two weeks in a row, which makes her nervous and insecure. Then they give her the same dance with the same song that Mel B and Maks absolutely slayed in their season. Nancy was watching back then. She remembers how awesome it was. I remember too. So its difficult not to compare the two performances. But I thought she coped well. I thought her skirt work was very good. Unfortunately I also thought she was in the cage for too long. It was a fast, sharp, tight Paso. She looked fierce. No Nancy Kerrigan smile during this dance. My other crticism is that the lights were a little blinding at times.
Carrie Ann: "amazing! exciting!"
Nick: "Wow! Commanded the floor"
Len: "don't doubt yourself"
Bruno: "unleashed the beast"
Scores: 9, 8, 8, 8
My score: 8
Nick & Peta
Jive - Beach Boys - "Fun Fun Fun"
Even the plethora of extra dancers couldn't save Nick in this dance. The beginning was the worst - bad timing, choppy, no musicality. He did get a little better as the routine progressed, but overall he was like a car in the wrong gear - too slow, then too fast. He performed some decent kicks and flicks, and a few of his non-Jive moves were okay. But overall - no bueno. I'm sorry Nick. You're a fun dude. I like you.
Nick: "gotta work on the moves"
Len: "lacked polish and finesse"
Bruno: "jive with a sunstroke - no precision and timing"
Carrie Ann: "your feet were all over the place"
Scores: 7, 7, 7, 7
My score: 6
Normani & Val
Salsa - Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up"
Normani channeled her inner Beyonce AND her inner Simone on this routine. She brought the sexy AND the athleticism. She was very good with Val, but she was even hotter when she was dancing without him. Her outfit was sexy, but could have been even sexier I think. I didn't mind the extra dancers in this routine. It was a fantastic dance. Go Normani!
Len - "showcased what a great dancer you are, but needed more Salsa content"
Bruno - "melted all my wiring - You are in it to win it!"
Carrie Ann: "every move you stick it"
Nick: "You have what it takes to go all the way"
Scores: 10, 10, 8, 10
My score: 9
David & Lindsay
Argentine Tango - N'Sync - "I Want You Back"
Again with a comparison, even though it wasn't the same song. But the Argentine Tango performed in those red costumes reminded me of Lindsay's amazing "Hotel California" Argentine Tango with Calvin last season. That routine had some tricks that I've never seen before. This Argentine Tango was a demanding routine with tough lifts and tricks that required a lot of strength and partnering skills. I'm impressed that David was able to hoist Lindsay over his head in that press lift, even though the dismount was shaky and hesitant. Again, I have to give him an "A" for effort. The performance wasn't perfect, but it wasn't disasterous by any means. Lindsay made him look pretty good overall.
Bruno: "you nearly actually did it"
Carrie Ann "you went for it - it was rough around the edges"
Nick: "You are a fighter"
Len: "You did a marvelous job"
Scores: 7, 8, 7, 7
My score: 7
Rashad & Emma
Tango - The Four Tops - "I'll Be There"
Rashad dancing to the Four Tops - swoon! I loved it! Great routine! Rashad is back! Excellent partnering skills, solid frame, wonderful speed, nice and tight. It was a proper Tango - fast and exciting and they covered the dance floor. Yay!
Carrie Ann: "style and technique"
Nick: "elevated yourself to elite"
Len: "proper Tango"
Bruno: "classic Motown and classic Tango"
Scores: 9, 10, 9, 9
My score: 9
Heather & Maks
Rumba - TLC - "Waterfall"
That looked like a professional dance. It was arguably one of the best Rumas I've seen on Dancing with the Stars. Heather has as much chemistry with Maks as she did with Alan. She was sexy as hell in that red dress. She and Maks are gorgeous together, and their similar height complemented each other. Her lines were STUNNING. It was sharp, fast, tight, ah-mazing. I'm in awe. Outstanding.
Nick: "my favorite dance of the night"
Len: "It was a knockout dance"
Bruno: "like Kim Bassinger in DWTS Confidential" (She DID look like Kim Bassinger!)
Carrie Ann "your best dance - stunning"
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 (!!)
My score: 10
End of Part I
End of Part 1 of recap
This sounds like my kind of show!
Oh yeah, if the opening is any indication, I'm gonna love it!
Nick Carter is a guest judge! Yay!
And Maks is back!
I will make a prediction here and now. The guys will be good. But the girls will SLAY IT!!
Part I: Individual Dances
Simone & Sasha
Samba - Destiny's Child -"Survivor"
Simone had to bring the sexy in this performance. She certainly did with the costume. But Simone is very young, and she's an athlete. She's still not comfortable being sexy, and it showed in this dance. The steps were there, the technique was there, the athleticism was definitely there. I can't fault her for any of that. But there was little chemistry between her and Sasha, and not enough body contact. It was fast, it was energetic, but it was not sexy the way a Samba should be, so overall it was disappointing for me.
Len: "control, lots of Samba, but timing was a little suspect"
Bruno: "glowing with confidence, but timing wasn't perfect"
Carrie Ann: "sexiness in the way it should be" (mmm, okay)
Nick: "powerful woman"
Scores: 9, 8, 9, 9
My score: 8
Bonner & Sharna
Rumba - Backstreet Boys - "I Want it That Way"
I feel like a broken record, but honestly, for me, Bonner's best assets as a dancer are his partnering skills and his chemistry with Sharna. Oh, and the fact that he's smokin' hot in tight jeans and an open shirt. The chemistry was off the charts in this dance. His Rumba technique was just fair. I didn't see much hip action. Sharna did most of the work. And it took them awhile to start dancing, which annoys me and Len, especially Len.
Bruno: "Rumba is hard for a man"
Carrie Ann: "You were in sync - solid Rumba"
Nick: "You have to let go, Bonner"
Len: "needed more emotion"
Scores: 8, 8, 7, 7
My score: 7
Nancy & Artem
Paso Doble - En Vogue - "Free Your Mind"
Poor Nancy. She's doing well in the competition, but I feel like the show is making it harder for her. First they fill the stage with extra dancers two weeks in a row, which makes her nervous and insecure. Then they give her the same dance with the same song that Mel B and Maks absolutely slayed in their season. Nancy was watching back then. She remembers how awesome it was. I remember too. So its difficult not to compare the two performances. But I thought she coped well. I thought her skirt work was very good. Unfortunately I also thought she was in the cage for too long. It was a fast, sharp, tight Paso. She looked fierce. No Nancy Kerrigan smile during this dance. My other crticism is that the lights were a little blinding at times.
Carrie Ann: "amazing! exciting!"
Nick: "Wow! Commanded the floor"
Len: "don't doubt yourself"
Bruno: "unleashed the beast"
Scores: 9, 8, 8, 8
My score: 8
Nick & Peta
Jive - Beach Boys - "Fun Fun Fun"
Even the plethora of extra dancers couldn't save Nick in this dance. The beginning was the worst - bad timing, choppy, no musicality. He did get a little better as the routine progressed, but overall he was like a car in the wrong gear - too slow, then too fast. He performed some decent kicks and flicks, and a few of his non-Jive moves were okay. But overall - no bueno. I'm sorry Nick. You're a fun dude. I like you.
Nick: "gotta work on the moves"
Len: "lacked polish and finesse"
Bruno: "jive with a sunstroke - no precision and timing"
Carrie Ann: "your feet were all over the place"
Scores: 7, 7, 7, 7
My score: 6
Normani & Val
Salsa - Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up"
Normani channeled her inner Beyonce AND her inner Simone on this routine. She brought the sexy AND the athleticism. She was very good with Val, but she was even hotter when she was dancing without him. Her outfit was sexy, but could have been even sexier I think. I didn't mind the extra dancers in this routine. It was a fantastic dance. Go Normani!
Len - "showcased what a great dancer you are, but needed more Salsa content"
Bruno - "melted all my wiring - You are in it to win it!"
Carrie Ann: "every move you stick it"
Nick: "You have what it takes to go all the way"
Scores: 10, 10, 8, 10
My score: 9
David & Lindsay
Argentine Tango - N'Sync - "I Want You Back"
Again with a comparison, even though it wasn't the same song. But the Argentine Tango performed in those red costumes reminded me of Lindsay's amazing "Hotel California" Argentine Tango with Calvin last season. That routine had some tricks that I've never seen before. This Argentine Tango was a demanding routine with tough lifts and tricks that required a lot of strength and partnering skills. I'm impressed that David was able to hoist Lindsay over his head in that press lift, even though the dismount was shaky and hesitant. Again, I have to give him an "A" for effort. The performance wasn't perfect, but it wasn't disasterous by any means. Lindsay made him look pretty good overall.
Bruno: "you nearly actually did it"
Carrie Ann "you went for it - it was rough around the edges"
Nick: "You are a fighter"
Len: "You did a marvelous job"
Scores: 7, 8, 7, 7
My score: 7
Rashad & Emma
Tango - The Four Tops - "I'll Be There"
Rashad dancing to the Four Tops - swoon! I loved it! Great routine! Rashad is back! Excellent partnering skills, solid frame, wonderful speed, nice and tight. It was a proper Tango - fast and exciting and they covered the dance floor. Yay!
Carrie Ann: "style and technique"
Nick: "elevated yourself to elite"
Len: "proper Tango"
Bruno: "classic Motown and classic Tango"
Scores: 9, 10, 9, 9
My score: 9
Heather & Maks
Rumba - TLC - "Waterfall"
That looked like a professional dance. It was arguably one of the best Rumas I've seen on Dancing with the Stars. Heather has as much chemistry with Maks as she did with Alan. She was sexy as hell in that red dress. She and Maks are gorgeous together, and their similar height complemented each other. Her lines were STUNNING. It was sharp, fast, tight, ah-mazing. I'm in awe. Outstanding.
Nick: "my favorite dance of the night"
Len: "It was a knockout dance"
Bruno: "like Kim Bassinger in DWTS Confidential" (She DID look like Kim Bassinger!)
Carrie Ann "your best dance - stunning"
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 (!!)
My score: 10
End of Part I
End of Part 1 of recap
Monday, April 24, 2017
Sugar Journal Week 6
The good news of the week:
No Gatorade all week!
No juice all week!
I miss the drinks a lot. I do not enjoy drinking water, but I'm trying to get more accustomed to it. I know I need to be drinking more. It amazes me that when I was in my late teens and early 20's, ALL I drank was soda. For the past few years I've had a soda maybe once or twice a year. With my decision to cut back on sugar, I'll likely not drink soda at all.
This past week I went back to an old snack - graham crackers. The good news about graham crackers is that they are lower in sugar than a lot of other snacks, and I don't eat a whole serving. One serving is 8 crackers, and I think a serving has either 7 or 8 grams of sugar. I usually eat four crackers. I also ate some of my low sugar chocolate cookies this week. But each day I ate either graham crackers or cookies, not both. Or maybe one day I ate both. But I don't think so. I honestly can't remember. If I did, it was only one day.
My willpower dissolved over the weekend, but at least I didn't go crazy. I had a small, fruit-filled pastry on Saturday (there were three in the bag, but I've only eaten one so far.) And on Sunday I ate a chocolate chip cookie. Both sweets were consumed at a chorus concert that I was volunteering at. There were snacks on sale, and I couldn't resist. All I had to do was see a guy walk by me eating one of the chocolate chip cookies, and I was out of my seat and at that table, money in hand, almost in the blink of an eye. I went back to my seat, and I savored every morsel of that cookie. Because that is what I have decided to do in this journey. I am trying hard to avoid sugar. I am congratulating myself when I'm successful, but I'm not beating myself up when I fall short of my goal. If I really want something sugary, I'm going to eat it. I'm going to enjoy it, and then I'm going to get back on track. At this point I just don't see myself going 100% sugar free. I have to be okay with that for now. Life is too short to constantly be disappointed in myself.
Celebrate the achievements. Take the setbacks in stride.
librarianintx
No Gatorade all week!
No juice all week!
I miss the drinks a lot. I do not enjoy drinking water, but I'm trying to get more accustomed to it. I know I need to be drinking more. It amazes me that when I was in my late teens and early 20's, ALL I drank was soda. For the past few years I've had a soda maybe once or twice a year. With my decision to cut back on sugar, I'll likely not drink soda at all.
This past week I went back to an old snack - graham crackers. The good news about graham crackers is that they are lower in sugar than a lot of other snacks, and I don't eat a whole serving. One serving is 8 crackers, and I think a serving has either 7 or 8 grams of sugar. I usually eat four crackers. I also ate some of my low sugar chocolate cookies this week. But each day I ate either graham crackers or cookies, not both. Or maybe one day I ate both. But I don't think so. I honestly can't remember. If I did, it was only one day.
My willpower dissolved over the weekend, but at least I didn't go crazy. I had a small, fruit-filled pastry on Saturday (there were three in the bag, but I've only eaten one so far.) And on Sunday I ate a chocolate chip cookie. Both sweets were consumed at a chorus concert that I was volunteering at. There were snacks on sale, and I couldn't resist. All I had to do was see a guy walk by me eating one of the chocolate chip cookies, and I was out of my seat and at that table, money in hand, almost in the blink of an eye. I went back to my seat, and I savored every morsel of that cookie. Because that is what I have decided to do in this journey. I am trying hard to avoid sugar. I am congratulating myself when I'm successful, but I'm not beating myself up when I fall short of my goal. If I really want something sugary, I'm going to eat it. I'm going to enjoy it, and then I'm going to get back on track. At this point I just don't see myself going 100% sugar free. I have to be okay with that for now. Life is too short to constantly be disappointed in myself.
Celebrate the achievements. Take the setbacks in stride.
librarianintx
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
DWTS Disney Nite recap Part 2
Bonner & Sharna
Tango - Wreck it Ralph
It took them a long time to start dancing. The music was an odd choice for a Tango, which threw me off. Sharna's costume was distracting. I wanted more Tango content. But it was a fast and tight dance. Bonner's partnering skills are still strong. It was just an okay routine for me though. I'm not familiar with Wreck it Ralph so that's probably why I didn't connect with the performance as much.
Len: "You didn't take the easy way out" (He disagreed with me, and thought there was a good amount of Tango content. Okay.)
Julianne: "You came to life"
Bruno: "You did not wreck the Tango"
Carrie Ann: "technique was good, but needed more dynamics"
Scores: 7, 8, 8, 7
My score: 7
Normani & Val
Hold up, they are in jeopardy?!?! WTF!?
Paso Doble - Mulan - "I'll Make a Man Outta You"
Take that, DWTS voters!! Wow! Incredible! Passionate, fierce, powerful, blazing speed, I loved the martial arts aspects! Normani reminded me of Mel B. during her Paso, although Mel B dancing to En Vogue's "Free Your Mind" was a much better song vocally for the Paso than Donny Osmond. NO WAY that Normani deserves to be in jeopardy. But I do have to admit that this is a very strong, competitive season. Simone, Heather, Nancy, Normani, and Rashad all have the talent to make it to the finale. But there's only room for three. Anyway, that was a terrific, exciting, powerhouse of a Paso! Normani slayed it! And Val's "man bun" was awesome - very martial arts AND 2017!
Julianne: "that was brilliant"
Bruno: "power, attack, precision, artistry"
Carrie Ann: "perfection"
Len: "I enjoyed watching it"
Scores: 10, 9, 10, 10
My score: 10
David & Lindsay
Jive - Cars III - "Rise"
Extra dancers - ugh!
But I have to give David a big "A" for effort. He really tried hard, and he almost had it. His kicks and flicks were actually quite good, and he had a sexy move or two with Lindsay, who once again rocked a smokin' hot jumpsuit. Jumpsuits should be required attire for that Mormon girl. But David couldn't quite achieve the bounce of the Jive. He lacked the energy and the musicality. But dang I thought he was close. Good try baseball dude!
Carrie Ann: "you didn't miss a step"
Len: "high energy, full on" (mmm, okay...)
Julianne: "your top half was exceptional"
Scores: 7, 7, 8, 7
My score: 7
Nancy & Artem
Jazz - Enchanted - "That's How You Know"
AAARRRGGG, all those extra dancers!! WHY!?!?!? There were too many, and why were there any in the first place? Nancy didn't need them, and they made her nervous and insecure and second guess herself and her ability, so why put her through that? The dance should have been about her and Artem, period. They make magic together, they have wonderful chemistry, just let them dance!!
BREATHE
The good news is, it was still a magical performance. It was sweet, whimsical, with wonderful musicality. And even with all those extra dancers, Nancy was the star. She may have been insecure during rehearsals, but she didn't let any worry or negativity show through in the live performance. She smiled that Nancy Kerrigan grin and sailed around that dance floor like she owned it. Which she did during that routine. Good for you, Nancy!
Carrie Ann: "princess-like, exuberant"
Len: "joyful"
Julianne: "I was caught up in the moment"
Bruno: "You held your own" (Damn right she did!)
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9
My score: 9
Simone & Sasha
Contemporary - Moana - "How Far I'll Go"
This was a fantastic routine! I liked the African Jazz elements infused with the Contemporary style. Obviously Simone is mega athletic, and Sasha put her extreme gymnastic skills to excellent use in this performance. And Sasha was able to keep up with her. They threw everything in - lifts, tricks, somersaults, spins, sprints,- it was an exciting, high-energy, spectacular performance. And Simone's rather skimpy costume managed to stay on through all those tricks and somersaults.
Len: "the routine floated my boat"
Julianne: "showcased your gymnastics"
Bruno: "triumphant, magic"
Carrie Ann: "uplifting, high energy"
Scores: 9, 9, 10, 10
My score: 10
So all in all, Disney Nite was pretty good for me. Erika & Gleb were eliminated. It was the right decision. They are the weakest couple. But I'm glad she left after her best routine in the competition.
End of Part 2
librarianintx
Tango - Wreck it Ralph
It took them a long time to start dancing. The music was an odd choice for a Tango, which threw me off. Sharna's costume was distracting. I wanted more Tango content. But it was a fast and tight dance. Bonner's partnering skills are still strong. It was just an okay routine for me though. I'm not familiar with Wreck it Ralph so that's probably why I didn't connect with the performance as much.
Len: "You didn't take the easy way out" (He disagreed with me, and thought there was a good amount of Tango content. Okay.)
Julianne: "You came to life"
Bruno: "You did not wreck the Tango"
Carrie Ann: "technique was good, but needed more dynamics"
Scores: 7, 8, 8, 7
My score: 7
Normani & Val
Hold up, they are in jeopardy?!?! WTF!?
Paso Doble - Mulan - "I'll Make a Man Outta You"
Take that, DWTS voters!! Wow! Incredible! Passionate, fierce, powerful, blazing speed, I loved the martial arts aspects! Normani reminded me of Mel B. during her Paso, although Mel B dancing to En Vogue's "Free Your Mind" was a much better song vocally for the Paso than Donny Osmond. NO WAY that Normani deserves to be in jeopardy. But I do have to admit that this is a very strong, competitive season. Simone, Heather, Nancy, Normani, and Rashad all have the talent to make it to the finale. But there's only room for three. Anyway, that was a terrific, exciting, powerhouse of a Paso! Normani slayed it! And Val's "man bun" was awesome - very martial arts AND 2017!
Julianne: "that was brilliant"
Bruno: "power, attack, precision, artistry"
Carrie Ann: "perfection"
Len: "I enjoyed watching it"
Scores: 10, 9, 10, 10
My score: 10
David & Lindsay
Jive - Cars III - "Rise"
Extra dancers - ugh!
But I have to give David a big "A" for effort. He really tried hard, and he almost had it. His kicks and flicks were actually quite good, and he had a sexy move or two with Lindsay, who once again rocked a smokin' hot jumpsuit. Jumpsuits should be required attire for that Mormon girl. But David couldn't quite achieve the bounce of the Jive. He lacked the energy and the musicality. But dang I thought he was close. Good try baseball dude!
Carrie Ann: "you didn't miss a step"
Len: "high energy, full on" (mmm, okay...)
Julianne: "your top half was exceptional"
Scores: 7, 7, 8, 7
My score: 7
Nancy & Artem
Jazz - Enchanted - "That's How You Know"
AAARRRGGG, all those extra dancers!! WHY!?!?!? There were too many, and why were there any in the first place? Nancy didn't need them, and they made her nervous and insecure and second guess herself and her ability, so why put her through that? The dance should have been about her and Artem, period. They make magic together, they have wonderful chemistry, just let them dance!!
BREATHE
The good news is, it was still a magical performance. It was sweet, whimsical, with wonderful musicality. And even with all those extra dancers, Nancy was the star. She may have been insecure during rehearsals, but she didn't let any worry or negativity show through in the live performance. She smiled that Nancy Kerrigan grin and sailed around that dance floor like she owned it. Which she did during that routine. Good for you, Nancy!
Carrie Ann: "princess-like, exuberant"
Len: "joyful"
Julianne: "I was caught up in the moment"
Bruno: "You held your own" (Damn right she did!)
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9
My score: 9
Simone & Sasha
Contemporary - Moana - "How Far I'll Go"
This was a fantastic routine! I liked the African Jazz elements infused with the Contemporary style. Obviously Simone is mega athletic, and Sasha put her extreme gymnastic skills to excellent use in this performance. And Sasha was able to keep up with her. They threw everything in - lifts, tricks, somersaults, spins, sprints,- it was an exciting, high-energy, spectacular performance. And Simone's rather skimpy costume managed to stay on through all those tricks and somersaults.
Len: "the routine floated my boat"
Julianne: "showcased your gymnastics"
Bruno: "triumphant, magic"
Carrie Ann: "uplifting, high energy"
Scores: 9, 9, 10, 10
My score: 10
So all in all, Disney Nite was pretty good for me. Erika & Gleb were eliminated. It was the right decision. They are the weakest couple. But I'm glad she left after her best routine in the competition.
End of Part 2
librarianintx
DWTS Disney Nite Recap Part 1
I will try not to be the Grinch in this recap.
I have so enjoyed the past two weeks of Dancing with the Stars.
But Disney Nite is typically not one of my favorites.
The opening was very elaborate!
Yay, Alfonso sang and danced! And look, there's J.T. from So You Think You Can Dance, The Next Generation!
Rashad & Emma
Foxtrot - Beauty & The Beast - "Evermore"
When he first started after they came down the stairs, Rashad gave Emma a very romantic look, and I thought the dance would be amazing. It wasn't bad, but I think the routine was overly ambitious. Rashad seemed to struggle a bit to keep up with the choreography. It was a tough dance. His partnering skills were good, but not great. His frame was similar. The tricks toward the end looked a little messy. So still good overall, but not brilliant like last week.
Len: "elegant - Prince Charming - I haven't seen you do a bad dance"
Julianne: "song was hard to dance to - but it was timeless"
Bruno: "classic Disney dance"
Carrie Ann: "You're like a wild horse - you felt trapped in"
Scores: 7, 8, 9, 8
My score: 8
Ugh, they're already announcing who is in jeopardy. That is so hard for the dancers to perform after learning they're in the bottom. I think that's unfair.
Erika & Gleb and Nick & Peta are in jeopardy so far.
Nick & Peta
Jazz - Pinnochio - "I've Got No Strings"
This is why I don't like Disney Nite. The song and outfits were SOOO cheesy. But okay, I'm judging the dance. It was another ambitious routine, but I think Nick coped quite well. There were a lot of difficult jazz elements in there. I'm not sure why they threw in the can can and Nick donning a skirt, but okay, whatever. Nick was amazingly focused and didn't get carried away. His partnering skills were quite good. Good job Nick!
Julianne: "so much fun!"
Bruno: "spontaneous child's play"
Carrie Ann: "breakthrough"
Len: "feel good factor"
Scores: 9, 8, 9, 8
My score: 8
Erika & Gleb
Viennese Waltz - Finding Dory - "Unforgettable"
The special effects - lighting on the dance floor was lovely. The least successful part of the dance for me was the beginning, when Erika was dancing by herself. She was much better when she was in hold. The routine had the sweeping, flowing, romantic Viennese Waltz feel, and there was strong chemistry between her and Gleb. It was their best dance in my opinion. Very solid routine. I enjoyed it.
Bruno: "I can see your honesty, fragility"
Carrie Ann: "I saw you open up"
Len: "beautiful, flowing movement"
Julianne: "you gave everything you had"
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8
My score: 8
Heather & Alan
Jazz - Frozen - "First Time in Forever"
I've seen Frozen, but I didn't remember that Heather's character looks like Heidi. All I could think of was Heidi during the routine. Pantsuit last week; Heidi this week.
Anyway, great routine! Tons of energy, very fast spins, excellent lifts, that fall backwards off the judges' table took major courage and faith in her partner! Very impressive performance!
Carrie Ann: "a bit underwhelming"
Len: "brought out the fun"
Julianne: "amazing"
Bruno: "vibrant, alive"
Scores: 8, 8, 9, 9
My score: 9
Maks will be back next week. I'm happy that he's recovered, but I have to say I will miss Alan. He has great chemistry with Heather. I hope Alan is promoted next season!
End of Part 1
I have so enjoyed the past two weeks of Dancing with the Stars.
But Disney Nite is typically not one of my favorites.
The opening was very elaborate!
Yay, Alfonso sang and danced! And look, there's J.T. from So You Think You Can Dance, The Next Generation!
Rashad & Emma
Foxtrot - Beauty & The Beast - "Evermore"
When he first started after they came down the stairs, Rashad gave Emma a very romantic look, and I thought the dance would be amazing. It wasn't bad, but I think the routine was overly ambitious. Rashad seemed to struggle a bit to keep up with the choreography. It was a tough dance. His partnering skills were good, but not great. His frame was similar. The tricks toward the end looked a little messy. So still good overall, but not brilliant like last week.
Len: "elegant - Prince Charming - I haven't seen you do a bad dance"
Julianne: "song was hard to dance to - but it was timeless"
Bruno: "classic Disney dance"
Carrie Ann: "You're like a wild horse - you felt trapped in"
Scores: 7, 8, 9, 8
My score: 8
Ugh, they're already announcing who is in jeopardy. That is so hard for the dancers to perform after learning they're in the bottom. I think that's unfair.
Erika & Gleb and Nick & Peta are in jeopardy so far.
Nick & Peta
Jazz - Pinnochio - "I've Got No Strings"
This is why I don't like Disney Nite. The song and outfits were SOOO cheesy. But okay, I'm judging the dance. It was another ambitious routine, but I think Nick coped quite well. There were a lot of difficult jazz elements in there. I'm not sure why they threw in the can can and Nick donning a skirt, but okay, whatever. Nick was amazingly focused and didn't get carried away. His partnering skills were quite good. Good job Nick!
Julianne: "so much fun!"
Bruno: "spontaneous child's play"
Carrie Ann: "breakthrough"
Len: "feel good factor"
Scores: 9, 8, 9, 8
My score: 8
Erika & Gleb
Viennese Waltz - Finding Dory - "Unforgettable"
The special effects - lighting on the dance floor was lovely. The least successful part of the dance for me was the beginning, when Erika was dancing by herself. She was much better when she was in hold. The routine had the sweeping, flowing, romantic Viennese Waltz feel, and there was strong chemistry between her and Gleb. It was their best dance in my opinion. Very solid routine. I enjoyed it.
Bruno: "I can see your honesty, fragility"
Carrie Ann: "I saw you open up"
Len: "beautiful, flowing movement"
Julianne: "you gave everything you had"
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8
My score: 8
Heather & Alan
Jazz - Frozen - "First Time in Forever"
I've seen Frozen, but I didn't remember that Heather's character looks like Heidi. All I could think of was Heidi during the routine. Pantsuit last week; Heidi this week.
Anyway, great routine! Tons of energy, very fast spins, excellent lifts, that fall backwards off the judges' table took major courage and faith in her partner! Very impressive performance!
Carrie Ann: "a bit underwhelming"
Len: "brought out the fun"
Julianne: "amazing"
Bruno: "vibrant, alive"
Scores: 8, 8, 9, 9
My score: 9
Maks will be back next week. I'm happy that he's recovered, but I have to say I will miss Alan. He has great chemistry with Heather. I hope Alan is promoted next season!
End of Part 1
Monday, April 17, 2017
Ten Ways to Counter Anxious Thoughts
http://blog.thebreastcancersite.com/cs-mindfulness-tips-depression/?utm_source=bcs-bcsfan&utm_medium=social-fb&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=cs-mindfulness-tips-depression&origin=bcs-bcsfan_social_fb_link_cs-mindfulness-tips-depression
Recent studies, including a new report published in British medical journal The Lancet, show that mindfulness therapies can be very effective at treating depression. While not all cases of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety can be treated this way, having the right mindset can make a big difference when you’re depressed. Take a look at these tips for using your mind to defeat your emotional trial.
1) Watch Your Self-Talk
Part of being mindful involves being aware of what your mind and emotions are doing. Stop to take a look at what you’re saying to yourself, and acknowledge if you’re sending yourself negative messages.
2) Focus on Your Physical Environment
Pay attention to the small sensory input you’re getting from your immediate environment. If you stop to focus on the sound of the air conditioning or the feel of the fabric of your desk chair, your brain gets rerouted from negative messages and starts shifting its chemical balance.
3) Practice Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
This type of therapy teams Eastern-style meditation with Western-style cognitive therapy to help people stop brooding over the negative. Studies at the University of Exeter show that for up to 75 percent of people, this therapy is of more value than drugs or counseling when it comes to treating depression.
4) Focus on the Physical Symptoms of Your Anxiety
If you find yourself suffering from anxiety, employ mindfulness techniques to calm the physical symptoms of anxiety. By focusing on your rapid heartbeat, digestive upsets and other physical symptoms, you can begin to calm them down.
5) Be Objective
If you define your depression as a negative thing, you’re likely to spiral down into further negative feelings. Instead, take a step back and try to be objective, making yourself aware that your brain is misfiring and causing you to feel a certain way.
6) Keep an Emotional Diary
If you write down how you’re feeling during certain experiences, you can be more objective about depression and anxiety. By tracking your emotions, you can train your brain to help control them rather than being controlled by them.
7) Breathe
Focusing on your breathing is a key element of mindfulness training. As you concentrate on the rhythm of your inhalation and exhalation, you find your mind detaching itself from negative emotions and become better able to face your situation objectively.
8) Recognize When Threats Aren't Real
Much anxiety revolves around threats that are only perceived or potential, rather than actual. Mindfulness-based therapies are shown to be highly successful at reducing anxiety symptoms. Explore the things causing you anxiety to determine which ones are real.
9) Question Yourself
When you find that you’re speaking negative messages to yourself, stop to ask whether what you’re saying is actually true. Ask yourself how you would respond if someone else communicated these same messages to you.
10) Take a Class
Typical mindfulness courses run for eight weeks, and help participants learn to be totally aware of what their minds are doing. Homework includes focusing on daily activities, such as brushing your teeth, with complete mindfulness as a way to train your mind to follow healthy paths when depression or anxiety attack.
librarianintx
Recent studies, including a new report published in British medical journal The Lancet, show that mindfulness therapies can be very effective at treating depression. While not all cases of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety can be treated this way, having the right mindset can make a big difference when you’re depressed. Take a look at these tips for using your mind to defeat your emotional trial.
1) Watch Your Self-Talk
Part of being mindful involves being aware of what your mind and emotions are doing. Stop to take a look at what you’re saying to yourself, and acknowledge if you’re sending yourself negative messages.
2) Focus on Your Physical Environment
Pay attention to the small sensory input you’re getting from your immediate environment. If you stop to focus on the sound of the air conditioning or the feel of the fabric of your desk chair, your brain gets rerouted from negative messages and starts shifting its chemical balance.
3) Practice Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
This type of therapy teams Eastern-style meditation with Western-style cognitive therapy to help people stop brooding over the negative. Studies at the University of Exeter show that for up to 75 percent of people, this therapy is of more value than drugs or counseling when it comes to treating depression.
4) Focus on the Physical Symptoms of Your Anxiety
If you find yourself suffering from anxiety, employ mindfulness techniques to calm the physical symptoms of anxiety. By focusing on your rapid heartbeat, digestive upsets and other physical symptoms, you can begin to calm them down.
5) Be Objective
If you define your depression as a negative thing, you’re likely to spiral down into further negative feelings. Instead, take a step back and try to be objective, making yourself aware that your brain is misfiring and causing you to feel a certain way.
6) Keep an Emotional Diary
If you write down how you’re feeling during certain experiences, you can be more objective about depression and anxiety. By tracking your emotions, you can train your brain to help control them rather than being controlled by them.
7) Breathe
Focusing on your breathing is a key element of mindfulness training. As you concentrate on the rhythm of your inhalation and exhalation, you find your mind detaching itself from negative emotions and become better able to face your situation objectively.
8) Recognize When Threats Aren't Real
Much anxiety revolves around threats that are only perceived or potential, rather than actual. Mindfulness-based therapies are shown to be highly successful at reducing anxiety symptoms. Explore the things causing you anxiety to determine which ones are real.
9) Question Yourself
When you find that you’re speaking negative messages to yourself, stop to ask whether what you’re saying is actually true. Ask yourself how you would respond if someone else communicated these same messages to you.
10) Take a Class
Typical mindfulness courses run for eight weeks, and help participants learn to be totally aware of what their minds are doing. Homework includes focusing on daily activities, such as brushing your teeth, with complete mindfulness as a way to train your mind to follow healthy paths when depression or anxiety attack.
librarianintx
What I Want From Life
My top five hopes for my life, in no particular order because they're all important:
1) Physical health
Being active as possible
Getting as much exercise as I can without overdoing it.
Eating well (variety of healthy foods, more fruits and veges, continuing to cut down on sugar, drinking water)
Sleeping well
Taking medications and vitamins daily
2) Emotional health
Continuing to find ways to deal with my anxiety
Exploring meditation
Focusing on mindfulness
3) Motivation
Focusing on the motivation to succeed
Motivation leads to success - however you choose to define success
Finding ways to be productive at work and in my personal life
4) Having more "me" time
Taking the time to enjoy what I like to do.
Having a social life
Keeping a list of accomplishments, adventures, events I've attended, new foods I've tried, etc
Writing / blogging
5) Financial security
Looking into extra jobs / work from home opportunities to supplement my income.
Exploring career moves in case I lose my job
I want to be able to say to myself as I climb into bed every night, "I had a successful day today. I was happy. I was productive. I took care of myself physically and emotionally. I made good choices. I did not waste the day."
librarianintx
1) Physical health
Being active as possible
Getting as much exercise as I can without overdoing it.
Eating well (variety of healthy foods, more fruits and veges, continuing to cut down on sugar, drinking water)
Sleeping well
Taking medications and vitamins daily
2) Emotional health
Continuing to find ways to deal with my anxiety
Exploring meditation
Focusing on mindfulness
3) Motivation
Focusing on the motivation to succeed
Motivation leads to success - however you choose to define success
Finding ways to be productive at work and in my personal life
4) Having more "me" time
Taking the time to enjoy what I like to do.
Having a social life
Keeping a list of accomplishments, adventures, events I've attended, new foods I've tried, etc
Writing / blogging
5) Financial security
Looking into extra jobs / work from home opportunities to supplement my income.
Exploring career moves in case I lose my job
I want to be able to say to myself as I climb into bed every night, "I had a successful day today. I was happy. I was productive. I took care of myself physically and emotionally. I made good choices. I did not waste the day."
librarianintx
Sugar Journal Week 5
At last, a pretty good report for the sugar journal!
Except for the mini cupcake I mentioned last Monday, and two glasses of Gatorade this week, that's all the sugar I had, except for yogurt, but I've already given myself permission to eat yogurt.
A big reason why the past week was so successful was that it was Passover. So I couldn't have the low sugar cookies or graham crackers or anything made with flour or wheat. I drank sugar free chocolate smoothies to get my chocolate fix.
Passover ends tonight, so we'll see how this week goes. I can already see graham crackers and low sugar cookies in my near future. :-/
But at least this past week had a pretty good outcome!
librarianintx
Except for the mini cupcake I mentioned last Monday, and two glasses of Gatorade this week, that's all the sugar I had, except for yogurt, but I've already given myself permission to eat yogurt.
A big reason why the past week was so successful was that it was Passover. So I couldn't have the low sugar cookies or graham crackers or anything made with flour or wheat. I drank sugar free chocolate smoothies to get my chocolate fix.
Passover ends tonight, so we'll see how this week goes. I can already see graham crackers and low sugar cookies in my near future. :-/
But at least this past week had a pretty good outcome!
librarianintx
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Survivor Game Changers 4/12/17 - My Thoughts
In the 34 seasons of Survivor, we have been witness to some truly extraordinary moments of television. We have seen medical emergencies of contestants, announcements of ill relatives back home (both real and faked), accusations of inappropriate touching, personal meltdowns, shocking blindsides, and surprising triumphs. The theme of last night's episode was "metamorphosis," and featured a tribal council that gave us approximately fifteen minutes of a devastating, heartbreaking, appalling, and ultimately inspiring teachable moment in time.
If you're reading this, then you're likely a fan of the show, and know this year's crop of contestants, all of which are returning players. But just in case you don't, let me set the stage. The Nuku tribe was sent to Tribal Council after losing the immunity challenge. Andrea, Debbie, Jeff, Sarah, Ozzy, Tai, and Zeke were members of the tribe. Jeff (who is known more by his last name, Varner), Tai, and Zeke are gay, and all of them are out on the show. Varner went into Tribal Council knowing he was likely to be cut from the tribe. He had aligned himself with Sandra, who was eliminated the previous week.
At the beginning of Tribal Council, Varner launched into a diatribe, attempting to pit members of the team against each other in order to save himself. In an effort to get out Ozzy, arguably the strongest player on the team, Varner made his case that Zeke was not being truthful with members of his alliance, namely Sarah and Andrea. And to prove his point that Zeke was a deceptive person who could not be trusted, Varner looked squarely at Zeke and uttered this destructive question, "Why haven't you told anyone here that you're transgender?"
Complete silence ensued. It was as if all the oxygen was suddenly sucked from the jungle, from the contestants, from host Jeff Probst, from the living rooms of the fans. Zeke stared straight ahead, shoulders slumped. And then like a sudden hail storm, Varner was pelted with accusations and condemnations. Tai was crying. Andrea was crying. Sarah was crying. Zeke was a statue, likely in shock. The reaction was swift, intense, and 100% in support of Zeke. All five members of the tribe were outraged at what Varner had done, and they all agreed that Zeke's resolution not to disclose his transgender status was a personal decision that had absolutely nothing to do with the game they were all playing.
Varner was all over the place in his defense. First he said Zeke's decision not to disclose did matter, because it was evidence of his deceptive nature. Then he said he didn't think it was a big deal because Zeke was obviously "out, proud, and loud" about his identity. But as negativity continued to pour down on him, the enormity of his action started to sink in. He teared up, put his head in his hands, and started apologizing profusely. As Jeff Probst put it, "You're realizing that you didn't just tell five people here, you told millions of people watching." Understatement of the year right there.
Probst gave everyone a chance to speak, which was important. Ozzy and Debbie were the least vocal, but both showed total support for Zeke and disgust for what Varner had done. Sarah talked about her conservative background and how knowing Zeke has made her a better person. Andrea spent most of the time in tears, expressing concern and love for Zeke. Sarah's revulsion of Varner's action was evident and palpable.
Make no mistake:
OUTING SOMEONE'S SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY IS NEVER OKAY.
Never.
The End.
The fact that Zeke was outed by a fellow gay man, someone who, according to Varner himself, advocates for the gay, lesbian, and transgender community is his conservative home state, is especially disturbing and heartbreaking. And further, as Zeke said, he and Varner were becoming close. Allies in the game. Zeke was feeling like he could trust Varner. As much as you can trust anyone in the game of Survivor.
But here is where this terrible event becomes a teachable moment. Because number one, Tai, another gay man in the tribe, reached out to Varner. He recognized, as I know I did and hopefully many others do as well, that Varner acted in desperation. He is not a monster. He is not evil. In a moment of rash thinking due to an obsession with winning a game and a million dollar prize, he made a momentous mistake. Something he will never be able to erase or forget. Unfortunately, his fateful decision will live on in Survivor lore. What he did was seen by millions and will be remembered for a long time. And he will have to live with that. And hopefully he will be able to ultimately make peace with that. My sincere wish is that the show producers will work with him on getting the professional help that he will obviously need. What he did was horrible. But I hate to think that the rest of his life will be defined by that one incredibly inappropriate question.
And second, this becomes a teachable moment because of the way Zeke reacted. After initial silence and understandable extreme discomfort, Zeke showed incredible inner fortitude, strength, and grace. He said he didn't want to be known as "the transgender contestant" on Survivor, but now that everyone knew, he was okay with it. He recognized that his story could help a lot of struggling people, and that was meaningful to him. While I know he wasn't ready to forgive Varner, he didn't vilify him either. He simply said, "That wasn't cool, what you did, but I'm fine." And I absolutely loved it when Varner said to him, "Please know I'm your biggest cheerleader," and Zeke swiftly replied, "I don't need a cheerleader."
Zeke will be greatly admired for how he handled the situation. And hopefully Varner will recover.
From the ashes of an inferno, we can all hope for common ground.
Understanding
Forgiveness
Redemption
Metamorphosis
librarianintx
If you're reading this, then you're likely a fan of the show, and know this year's crop of contestants, all of which are returning players. But just in case you don't, let me set the stage. The Nuku tribe was sent to Tribal Council after losing the immunity challenge. Andrea, Debbie, Jeff, Sarah, Ozzy, Tai, and Zeke were members of the tribe. Jeff (who is known more by his last name, Varner), Tai, and Zeke are gay, and all of them are out on the show. Varner went into Tribal Council knowing he was likely to be cut from the tribe. He had aligned himself with Sandra, who was eliminated the previous week.
At the beginning of Tribal Council, Varner launched into a diatribe, attempting to pit members of the team against each other in order to save himself. In an effort to get out Ozzy, arguably the strongest player on the team, Varner made his case that Zeke was not being truthful with members of his alliance, namely Sarah and Andrea. And to prove his point that Zeke was a deceptive person who could not be trusted, Varner looked squarely at Zeke and uttered this destructive question, "Why haven't you told anyone here that you're transgender?"
Complete silence ensued. It was as if all the oxygen was suddenly sucked from the jungle, from the contestants, from host Jeff Probst, from the living rooms of the fans. Zeke stared straight ahead, shoulders slumped. And then like a sudden hail storm, Varner was pelted with accusations and condemnations. Tai was crying. Andrea was crying. Sarah was crying. Zeke was a statue, likely in shock. The reaction was swift, intense, and 100% in support of Zeke. All five members of the tribe were outraged at what Varner had done, and they all agreed that Zeke's resolution not to disclose his transgender status was a personal decision that had absolutely nothing to do with the game they were all playing.
Varner was all over the place in his defense. First he said Zeke's decision not to disclose did matter, because it was evidence of his deceptive nature. Then he said he didn't think it was a big deal because Zeke was obviously "out, proud, and loud" about his identity. But as negativity continued to pour down on him, the enormity of his action started to sink in. He teared up, put his head in his hands, and started apologizing profusely. As Jeff Probst put it, "You're realizing that you didn't just tell five people here, you told millions of people watching." Understatement of the year right there.
Probst gave everyone a chance to speak, which was important. Ozzy and Debbie were the least vocal, but both showed total support for Zeke and disgust for what Varner had done. Sarah talked about her conservative background and how knowing Zeke has made her a better person. Andrea spent most of the time in tears, expressing concern and love for Zeke. Sarah's revulsion of Varner's action was evident and palpable.
Make no mistake:
OUTING SOMEONE'S SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY IS NEVER OKAY.
Never.
The End.
The fact that Zeke was outed by a fellow gay man, someone who, according to Varner himself, advocates for the gay, lesbian, and transgender community is his conservative home state, is especially disturbing and heartbreaking. And further, as Zeke said, he and Varner were becoming close. Allies in the game. Zeke was feeling like he could trust Varner. As much as you can trust anyone in the game of Survivor.
But here is where this terrible event becomes a teachable moment. Because number one, Tai, another gay man in the tribe, reached out to Varner. He recognized, as I know I did and hopefully many others do as well, that Varner acted in desperation. He is not a monster. He is not evil. In a moment of rash thinking due to an obsession with winning a game and a million dollar prize, he made a momentous mistake. Something he will never be able to erase or forget. Unfortunately, his fateful decision will live on in Survivor lore. What he did was seen by millions and will be remembered for a long time. And he will have to live with that. And hopefully he will be able to ultimately make peace with that. My sincere wish is that the show producers will work with him on getting the professional help that he will obviously need. What he did was horrible. But I hate to think that the rest of his life will be defined by that one incredibly inappropriate question.
And second, this becomes a teachable moment because of the way Zeke reacted. After initial silence and understandable extreme discomfort, Zeke showed incredible inner fortitude, strength, and grace. He said he didn't want to be known as "the transgender contestant" on Survivor, but now that everyone knew, he was okay with it. He recognized that his story could help a lot of struggling people, and that was meaningful to him. While I know he wasn't ready to forgive Varner, he didn't vilify him either. He simply said, "That wasn't cool, what you did, but I'm fine." And I absolutely loved it when Varner said to him, "Please know I'm your biggest cheerleader," and Zeke swiftly replied, "I don't need a cheerleader."
Zeke will be greatly admired for how he handled the situation. And hopefully Varner will recover.
From the ashes of an inferno, we can all hope for common ground.
Understanding
Forgiveness
Redemption
Metamorphosis
librarianintx
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
DWTS Most Memorable Year Nite Part 2
David & Lindsay
Viennese Waltz
It was too choppy for a Viennese Waltz. He didn't achieve the ease and flow of movement that he needed for a successful routine. He tried, but just didn't quite make it. But it was a nice dance, and I loved his big smile. His partnering skills were decent; he just didn't have the technique down.
Julianne: "a little squatty and skippity"
Bruno: "wonderfully dynamic"
Carrie Ann: "skipping and hopping" but she loved the enthusiasm
Len gave him baseball signals (??)
Scores: 7, 8, 8, 8
My score: 6 (Reminder: I'm "judging" the dance.)
Rashad & Emma
Contemporary
Excuse me while I finish my bawling.
I can't even see what I'm writing (from my notes last night).
Deep breath.
I thought a few spots were a little rough. They almost missed hands at one point, they baubled or hesitated on a transition here and there. But it was still a powerful, stunning routine. The lifts were superb. The emotional content was even stronger than the technique, but even with the few hiccups the technique was excellent. It was one of those routines that stay with you. It spoke to me; it moved me. And to lighten the mood for a minute, thank you to the wardrobe department for Rashad's barely there shirt. :)
Bruno: "I was mesmerized"
Carrie Ann: "You are a born dancer"
Len: "fantastic - wonderful lyrical movement"
Julianne: "I have no words for what you just did"
Scores: 10, 9, 10, 10 (!!)
My score: 9
And can I add how beautiful his humility is! His comments after the critique made me bawl again.
Erika & Gleb
Cha Cha
She looked smokin hot in that bustier, and she looked like she was having fun. It wasn't a bad performance. But it could have been better. She was too stiff and hesitant. She needed to relax and go for it. She could have danced it better; I think she has the ability to give a more dynamic performance than that. Something was holding her back. She let her nerves get to her or something.
Carrie Ann: "pushed her past her boundaries" (I don't agree)
Len: "same old same old"
Julianne: "needed more hip action"
Bruno: "got it and flaunted it - but needed to refine it"
Scores: 8, 7, 7, 8
My score: 7
Simone & Sasha
Viennese Waltz
That was an excellent Viennese Waltz - grand, sweeping, flowing, powerful, but also tender, graceful, delicate. They look so good together; they are well-matched height-wise. Technically, it was the best dance of the night, although it wasn't my favorite dance of the night. Sasha's choreography was on point.
Len: "your best dance"
Julianne: "do this every single time"
Bruno: "beautiful"
Carrie Ann: "you trusted your partner" (I agree. It was their best dance as partners)
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9
My score: 9
Bonner & Sharna
Foxtrot
I liked the beginning with the "invisible" cowboy. I really liked the music too.
Bonner had a good frame and good partnering skills. Next to Rashad, he easily has the best partnering skills among the guys this season.
At times the dance seemed a little slower than the music. But overall I thought it was a solid routine.
Julianne: "ballroom suits you"
Bruno: "new leading man"
Carrie Ann: "fluidity, honest integrity and authenticity...effortless dignity" (Carrie Ann had the best comments of the night!)
Len: "welcome to the competition"
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8
My score: 8
Mr. T & Kym and Erika & Gleb were in jeopardy, and Mr. T & Kym were eliminated. Sad face, but it was the right decision. We love you Mr. T!
This was a tremendous night of dancing and personal stories. Thank you DWTS!
End of Part 2
librarianintx
Viennese Waltz
It was too choppy for a Viennese Waltz. He didn't achieve the ease and flow of movement that he needed for a successful routine. He tried, but just didn't quite make it. But it was a nice dance, and I loved his big smile. His partnering skills were decent; he just didn't have the technique down.
Julianne: "a little squatty and skippity"
Bruno: "wonderfully dynamic"
Carrie Ann: "skipping and hopping" but she loved the enthusiasm
Len gave him baseball signals (??)
Scores: 7, 8, 8, 8
My score: 6 (Reminder: I'm "judging" the dance.)
Rashad & Emma
Contemporary
Excuse me while I finish my bawling.
I can't even see what I'm writing (from my notes last night).
Deep breath.
I thought a few spots were a little rough. They almost missed hands at one point, they baubled or hesitated on a transition here and there. But it was still a powerful, stunning routine. The lifts were superb. The emotional content was even stronger than the technique, but even with the few hiccups the technique was excellent. It was one of those routines that stay with you. It spoke to me; it moved me. And to lighten the mood for a minute, thank you to the wardrobe department for Rashad's barely there shirt. :)
Bruno: "I was mesmerized"
Carrie Ann: "You are a born dancer"
Len: "fantastic - wonderful lyrical movement"
Julianne: "I have no words for what you just did"
Scores: 10, 9, 10, 10 (!!)
My score: 9
And can I add how beautiful his humility is! His comments after the critique made me bawl again.
Erika & Gleb
Cha Cha
She looked smokin hot in that bustier, and she looked like she was having fun. It wasn't a bad performance. But it could have been better. She was too stiff and hesitant. She needed to relax and go for it. She could have danced it better; I think she has the ability to give a more dynamic performance than that. Something was holding her back. She let her nerves get to her or something.
Carrie Ann: "pushed her past her boundaries" (I don't agree)
Len: "same old same old"
Julianne: "needed more hip action"
Bruno: "got it and flaunted it - but needed to refine it"
Scores: 8, 7, 7, 8
My score: 7
Simone & Sasha
Viennese Waltz
That was an excellent Viennese Waltz - grand, sweeping, flowing, powerful, but also tender, graceful, delicate. They look so good together; they are well-matched height-wise. Technically, it was the best dance of the night, although it wasn't my favorite dance of the night. Sasha's choreography was on point.
Len: "your best dance"
Julianne: "do this every single time"
Bruno: "beautiful"
Carrie Ann: "you trusted your partner" (I agree. It was their best dance as partners)
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9
My score: 9
Bonner & Sharna
Foxtrot
I liked the beginning with the "invisible" cowboy. I really liked the music too.
Bonner had a good frame and good partnering skills. Next to Rashad, he easily has the best partnering skills among the guys this season.
At times the dance seemed a little slower than the music. But overall I thought it was a solid routine.
Julianne: "ballroom suits you"
Bruno: "new leading man"
Carrie Ann: "fluidity, honest integrity and authenticity...effortless dignity" (Carrie Ann had the best comments of the night!)
Len: "welcome to the competition"
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8
My score: 8
Mr. T & Kym and Erika & Gleb were in jeopardy, and Mr. T & Kym were eliminated. Sad face, but it was the right decision. We love you Mr. T!
This was a tremendous night of dancing and personal stories. Thank you DWTS!
End of Part 2
librarianintx
DWTS Most Memorable Year Nite Part 1
Before I begin my recap - a caveat. My scores for the evening's performances are based on the dancing, not on the stories that inspired the routines. All of the stories deserved tens last night - they were poignant, emotional, some of them were gut wrenching. All of them were intensely personal and from the heart, and I felt every single one of them.
Normani & Val
Rumba
It was an emotional, lyrical (of course!), sexy, sensual routine. I loved their costumes, and her hair flying everywhere. I liked Fifth Harmony being there to sing. It was a beautiful performance, but I had two issues: 1) not enough hip action, and 2) There was a lift. I don't grade down on lifts like Carrie Ann does, but I do mention them when I see them (or when I think see one).
Len: "needed more content"
Julianne: "powerhouse"
Bruno: "owned the stage"
Carrie Ann: "all about your empowerment - but there was a lift" (!)
Scores: 8, 7, 8, 9
My score: 8
Nick & Peta
Rumba
Extra dancers - ugh! I understand why they were in the routine, but I'm still not happy about it. Interestingly, though, I thought his hip action and partnering skills were better with the group than when it was just him and Peta. But he was good with Peta too. Decent. I thought the part at the end with Vanessa was overkill. It's like they're trying to convince everyone that they're in love. Anyway, I digress. I'm obsessed with that Ed Sheeran song, and yeah, NICE body, Nick. :)
Julianne: "best dance of yours" She also mentioned how much calmer he was, and yes, he was calm, which showed some growth.
Bruno: "something new stirred inside you"
Carrie Ann thought the beginning was awkward.
Len also said it was his best dance.
Scores: 8, 7, 8, 7
My score: 7 (but almost an 8)
Nancy & Artem
Foxtrot
It was a sweet, precious, dreamy, floaty routine. I just adore Nancy and Artem; I know I've said that more than once, but I just can't help myself. She looked maybe a touch crooked in one of the spins, and I thought I saw a lift, but overall it was a beautiful routine. They achieved a lovely flow of movement around the stage, and the spins were good. I loved it.
Bruno: "amazing lyricism"
Carrie Ann: "incredible vulnerability" (She didn't mention a lift!)
Len: "you've become a front runner" (yay!)
Julianne: "childlike purity"
Scores: 8, 9, 8, 8
My score: 8
Mr. T & Kym
Waltz
Yeah, I teared up. Because it is such a powerful, uplifting song / hymn. And because his faith is so important to him. And because he is trying so hard to dance. He attempted rise and fall. He attempted a frame. He treated Kym like a china doll. It was a lovely routine.
Carrie Ann: "winning our hearts...gallant, genteel, and full of grace"
Len: "I admire you"
Julianne: "the beauty was in the performance"
Bruno: "love and respect"
Scores: 7, 7, 7, 7
My score: 6
Heather & Alan (Maks)
Cha Cha
Okay, I'm probably being silly and petty here, but for me, there are elements that influence how I "judge" a routine. Of course the technique and performance level are key factors, but things like costumes and music play a part as well. Why on earth did she wear a pantsuit for a Cha Cha? That really threw me. I think she needed to wear a dress or skirt. I've never considered myself old-fashioned and I'm definitely not anti-feminist, but unfortunately I found myself focusing on that during the entire routine. A pantsuit for a Cha Cha? See, I'm still obsessed with that. Anyway, the routine had loads of Cha Cha content, which Heather handled with ease. It was a fun performance, and she looked youthful and happy. But a pantsuit?
Len: "sharp and crisp, lovely"
Julianne: "so much content"
Bruno: "Can I marry you both?"
Carrie Ann: "'A' game - but there was a lift!"
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9
My score: 8 (I'm sorry - it would have been a 9 if she had not worn a pantsuit!)
End of Part 1
Normani & Val
Rumba
It was an emotional, lyrical (of course!), sexy, sensual routine. I loved their costumes, and her hair flying everywhere. I liked Fifth Harmony being there to sing. It was a beautiful performance, but I had two issues: 1) not enough hip action, and 2) There was a lift. I don't grade down on lifts like Carrie Ann does, but I do mention them when I see them (or when I think see one).
Len: "needed more content"
Julianne: "powerhouse"
Bruno: "owned the stage"
Carrie Ann: "all about your empowerment - but there was a lift" (!)
Scores: 8, 7, 8, 9
My score: 8
Nick & Peta
Rumba
Extra dancers - ugh! I understand why they were in the routine, but I'm still not happy about it. Interestingly, though, I thought his hip action and partnering skills were better with the group than when it was just him and Peta. But he was good with Peta too. Decent. I thought the part at the end with Vanessa was overkill. It's like they're trying to convince everyone that they're in love. Anyway, I digress. I'm obsessed with that Ed Sheeran song, and yeah, NICE body, Nick. :)
Julianne: "best dance of yours" She also mentioned how much calmer he was, and yes, he was calm, which showed some growth.
Bruno: "something new stirred inside you"
Carrie Ann thought the beginning was awkward.
Len also said it was his best dance.
Scores: 8, 7, 8, 7
My score: 7 (but almost an 8)
Nancy & Artem
Foxtrot
It was a sweet, precious, dreamy, floaty routine. I just adore Nancy and Artem; I know I've said that more than once, but I just can't help myself. She looked maybe a touch crooked in one of the spins, and I thought I saw a lift, but overall it was a beautiful routine. They achieved a lovely flow of movement around the stage, and the spins were good. I loved it.
Bruno: "amazing lyricism"
Carrie Ann: "incredible vulnerability" (She didn't mention a lift!)
Len: "you've become a front runner" (yay!)
Julianne: "childlike purity"
Scores: 8, 9, 8, 8
My score: 8
Mr. T & Kym
Waltz
Yeah, I teared up. Because it is such a powerful, uplifting song / hymn. And because his faith is so important to him. And because he is trying so hard to dance. He attempted rise and fall. He attempted a frame. He treated Kym like a china doll. It was a lovely routine.
Carrie Ann: "winning our hearts...gallant, genteel, and full of grace"
Len: "I admire you"
Julianne: "the beauty was in the performance"
Bruno: "love and respect"
Scores: 7, 7, 7, 7
My score: 6
Heather & Alan (Maks)
Cha Cha
Okay, I'm probably being silly and petty here, but for me, there are elements that influence how I "judge" a routine. Of course the technique and performance level are key factors, but things like costumes and music play a part as well. Why on earth did she wear a pantsuit for a Cha Cha? That really threw me. I think she needed to wear a dress or skirt. I've never considered myself old-fashioned and I'm definitely not anti-feminist, but unfortunately I found myself focusing on that during the entire routine. A pantsuit for a Cha Cha? See, I'm still obsessed with that. Anyway, the routine had loads of Cha Cha content, which Heather handled with ease. It was a fun performance, and she looked youthful and happy. But a pantsuit?
Len: "sharp and crisp, lovely"
Julianne: "so much content"
Bruno: "Can I marry you both?"
Carrie Ann: "'A' game - but there was a lift!"
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9
My score: 8 (I'm sorry - it would have been a 9 if she had not worn a pantsuit!)
End of Part 1
Monday, April 10, 2017
Workplace Snacking
A relative of mine was pre-diabetic for awhile, but through diligent dietary changes and exercises she has been able to bring her numbers down to normal range. She has not yet had to take any medicine for diabetes, and hopefully she won't have to.
She talks about how difficult it is to stay away from the treats that co-workers bring to the office. Now that I am trying to limit my sugar intake, I know what she means. There always seems to be a reason to flood the office with sugary treats! Birthdays, promotions, people leaving to take other jobs, holidays, Fridays, "food days," "just because" days - I am constantly receiving e-mails heralding the arrival of delicious desserts and where they are located in our work space.
Five minutes after I wrote a blog post about my lack of willpower on Saturday, and my internal FIRM decision to make this a better week, here comes an e-mail announcement: "Diana's birthday! Cupcakes, brownies, etc, on the cart in Office Services! Enjoy!" Two minutes later, I was standing at the cart in Office Services, breaking the seal on the container of mini-cupcakes.
But as usual when it comes to my battle against sugar, I choose to look on the at least somewhat bright side. I am a big fan of both brownies and cupcakes, but I limited myself to one mini-cupcake. I ate it, I reveled in it, I savored it, and then I worked on forgiving myself and moving on. No obsessive worrying. No beating myself up about starting off the week badly.
I did it.
It happened.
Carry on.
Try to do better tomorrow.
librarianintx
She talks about how difficult it is to stay away from the treats that co-workers bring to the office. Now that I am trying to limit my sugar intake, I know what she means. There always seems to be a reason to flood the office with sugary treats! Birthdays, promotions, people leaving to take other jobs, holidays, Fridays, "food days," "just because" days - I am constantly receiving e-mails heralding the arrival of delicious desserts and where they are located in our work space.
Five minutes after I wrote a blog post about my lack of willpower on Saturday, and my internal FIRM decision to make this a better week, here comes an e-mail announcement: "Diana's birthday! Cupcakes, brownies, etc, on the cart in Office Services! Enjoy!" Two minutes later, I was standing at the cart in Office Services, breaking the seal on the container of mini-cupcakes.
But as usual when it comes to my battle against sugar, I choose to look on the at least somewhat bright side. I am a big fan of both brownies and cupcakes, but I limited myself to one mini-cupcake. I ate it, I reveled in it, I savored it, and then I worked on forgiving myself and moving on. No obsessive worrying. No beating myself up about starting off the week badly.
I did it.
It happened.
Carry on.
Try to do better tomorrow.
librarianintx
Three Steps to Thriving in Chaos
Here are my notes from the webinar I attended, entitled "Three Steps to Thriving in Chaos."
I am not a person who thrives in chaos. I hate chaos. Chaos makes me anxious and scared. I tend to avoid chaos whenever possible.
But chaos happens to everyone. Some people have more chaos in their lives than others. But we all have to learn to survive chaos. And evidently it is actually possible to thrive in chaos.
librarianintx
I am not a person who thrives in chaos. I hate chaos. Chaos makes me anxious and scared. I tend to avoid chaos whenever possible.
But chaos happens to everyone. Some people have more chaos in their lives than others. But we all have to learn to survive chaos. And evidently it is actually possible to thrive in chaos.
librarianintx
Three Steps to
Thriving in Chaos
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Objectives:
Review
brain research
3
phases of change
Behavior
styles & change
Personal
aspects of change
Reasons to change:
Financial
Technological
Regulatory
Global
Cultural
Environmental
– example: recycling
Personal
Change
can be overwhelming
The
only constant in life is change.
Why is
change so difficult?
Brain science – aspects relating to change
Stress
Exercise
– helps us handle stress – which can increase our thriving capacity
Safety
– first priority
Interesting
– second priority
We need
to balance the need for safety and the need for interesting.
The
number one reason why change initiatives fail:
Resistance!
Risk
and opportunity affect change.
Do you
think more about risk, or about opportunity?
Your
answer is significant in how change affects you.
Change
is often harder on you if you focus on the risks. But there are also challenges
if you focus on the opportunities.
Change
can be:
Life-changing
Insignificant
Big
Small
Transition:
Endings
Neutral
zone
Beginnings
Transition
can take anywhere from seconds to years depending on the situation.
Endings:
Beginning
of a transition
Wide
range of emotions:
Anger
Sadness
Denial
Anxiety
Betrayal
Shock
Grief
Frustration
Fear
Resentment
Relief
Excitement
Neutral Zone:
Period
of time between old and new
Time of
creativity and problem-solving
Emotions:
Impatient
Hopeful
Disconnected
Lost
Creative
Disoriented
Confused
Afraid
Apathetic
Doubtful
Frustrated
Cautious
Beginnings:
Fully
entered a new reality
Emotions:
Settled
Excited
Renewed
Clear
Confident
Energetic
Enthusiastic
Satisfied
Eager
Completion
Peaceful
Closure
How to deal with change:
Recognize
emotions
Sort
your losses:
Loss of attachments / connections /
relationships
Loss of turf / projects / technology
Loss of structure / how things work
/ where you live or work
Loss of future
Loss of meaning
Loss of control
Naming your losses can help you
manage them.
Conduct
a reality check: stop an anxiety spiral
Appreciate
what was
Create
structure / routine
Imagine
the future
Clarify
your focus:
What is in your control
What is out of your control – wasted
worry
Reward
yourself
Behavior styles:
Controller
Persuader
Stabilizer
Analyzer
Steps for thriving:
Exercise
Use
tools and techniques
Be open
Take
care of yourself during change
Try not
to resist change
Become
part of the solution
Help
make change more effective and successful
Be
mindful of strategies and behavior styles
Change is always going to happen so we need
to learn how to deal with it.
If you
are a leader, help your team adapt to change.
Book:
Deep Change: Discovering the Leader Within
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