So You Think You Can Dance Top 10 8/13/18

The five pairs performed two dances each, all out of their usual dance styles.

1) Darius and Magda
Bollywood
It was a colorful, playful routine, with lots of energy. It wasn't my favorite Bollywood routine on the show - it wasn't especially memorable, apart from the vivid costumes, but it was solid.

Evan and Chelsea
Lyrical hip hop
I so enjoy lyrical hip hop, and I so enjoy Christopher Scott's choreography. He weaves stories with such emotion and depth in a less than two minute routine. Both Evan and Chelsea were out of their dance style, but you wouldn't have known that. Their bodies moved so well to the musicality of the routine. I still saw chemistry between them. And working with props is not easy! The judges still complained about their supposed lack of chemistry. Sigh.

Cole and Hannahlei
Stepping (and Strolling)
I have no idea how to critique this dance. I've seen stepping before, but as an exhibition, not as part of a competition. What I will say is that due to Hannahlei's cheer background I think she had more natural ability here. Even if she didn't have more experience in a similar activity, she simply sold the performance more. She looked relaxed and in the zone. She also seemed more on the beat. Cole looked lost. It was a fun routine, but for me the music seemed out of place with the dance genre. I felt a little confused.

Jay Jay and Jensen
Contemporary
I loved the intricacy, the hard and soft, the push and pull of the routine. They are strong dancers individually and as a team. I think they may have stumbled at one point but it was still a lovely performance.

Slavik and Genessy
Jive
Yay for Sharna Burgess from Dancing with the Stars!
For two non-ballroom dancers, I think they did well. It was fun and flirty. The kicks and flicks were strong, but I felt the bounce and energy could have been better. The tricks were predictable; there was nothing new or spectacular. It was very good, but in my opinion not standing-ovation worthy, which was the reaction of the judges.

Darius and Magda
Jazz
CHEMISTRY!
HOT!
SIZZLING!
Fantastic song, of course.
A song can make or break a performance, in my opinion. "Singing in the Rain," is a wonderful song as well, but the tempo, combined with the rather boring choreography, made the performance dull last week for Evan and Chelsea. This was a slow routine as well, but it was deliberate, the moves were sharp and crisp, there was a delightful sexual tension and alluring quality to the dance. I loved Darius in the long-sleeved white shirt and vest, and Magda in the little bustier dress. This was old Hollywood glamour and it absolutely worked for me. Performance of the night!

Evan and Chelsea
Contemporary - Travis Wall
Travis wanted this to be their "breakout" dance, and while I'm glad they finally got decent comments from the judges, I actually didn't feel as much of a connection between the two of them in this routine. I did, however, feel their individual connection to the performance. They both had beautiful lines and extensions, and the music was hauntingly lovely.

Cole and Hannahlei
Disco
I swear, Doriana Sanchez tries to kill these young dancers with her outrageous disco routines! The performances are so high energy and fast-paced, with non-stop explosive tricks and lifts that can be potentially dangerous if not executed correctly. Hannahlei is such little dynamo, and she looked gorgeous in her sparkly costume with her big disco hair. Cole had quite a workout keeping up with her. I loved it!

Jay Jay and Jensen
African Jazz - Sean Cheesman
What a cool routine! I love seeing moves I've never seen before - like the "spider walk" in this routine. The tricks and gymnastic elements were awesome. It was also a visually stunning performance with the bright costumes and colored lights on the stage. I think it showed a lot of versatility on the part of both dancers. Jay Jay's body and movements were a little more fluid than Jensen's; he was in the pocket more, more down and dirty. But she showed a lot of strength and flexibility as well.

Slavik and Genessy
Broadway - Al Blackstone
It was a sweet routine - reminded me of Travis and Heidi's "Bench" routine choreographed by Mia Michaels. It wasn't as good as that one, however. Again, the judges fell all over themselves with praise, but I thought it was just okay. I mean, good, but not spectacular. What is it about this pair that makes the judges rave about every performance? Is it because Slavik is an animator, and they were on the fence for a long time about Genessy, and almost didn't put her into the Top 10? Why do Evan and Chelsea get all the criticism and Slavik and Genessy get all the adoration?

Results:
I was absolutely furious about Nigel's comments to Chelsea before the elimination. "I don't know why you chose to do a tap routine last week," he said to her...like it was her choice to do tap!?!? It wasn't her choice - HER PARTNER IS A TAPPER! She was paired with a tapper. Her partner and the routine were given to her - she never had a say. He was blaming her for things that were completely out of her control. One could say she could have danced the routine better, but it was a poor routine, and she's never tapped before. I think she did the best she could. Unfortunately all she could do was stand there and take the completely unnecessary criticism with a smile plastered on her face. She knew she was going home. I knew she was going home. Everyone knew she was going home. The judges got what they wanted. She and Evan were eliminated. Mission complete. I bet she and Evan felt like the children no one wanted. The other couples were praised to the hilt on this show and the previous show, but they were criticized in just about every performance. It was very obvious what the judges wanted, and they made it happen.

librarianintx 

So You Think You Can Dance Season 15 Top 10 8/6/18

Since I'm so far behind I'm not going to a "proper" recap where I discuss every routine. I'll just say that I think the producers did a great job with the pairings this season. And I am THRILLED to have THREE ballroom dancers in the Top 10 this season: Jensen, Magda, and Cole.

I disagreed with the judges twice in this episode:

1) I didn't think Slavik and Genessy's hip hop routine was as amazing as the judges did. It was good, but I just wasn't blown away by it.

2) I didn't agree that Evan and Chelsea lacked chemistry in their jazz routine. While I didn't think it was the best performance of the night, it was solid, and I thought they sold it. I didn't see anything missing the way the judges did.

However, I did agree with the judges on Evan and Chelsea's tap routine. I thought it was boring, bland, and plodding. But I don't think that was their fault. I blame the choreography and the slow music. I think Evan and Chelsea did the best they could with a less than mediocre routine. They don't have any control over the choreography or the music. And I will readily admit that my bias is likely showing because tap is my least favorite dance genre.

To end this quick summary on an up note, I thoroughly enjoyed all the great choreographers that were showcased in this episode - Jean-Marc, Travis, Mandy, Val, Luther, etc.

librarianintx

Thirty Day Writing Challenge: Five Fears

I can only list five?

Unfortunately, I'm serious.

But I don't want to do this writing challenge. I don't want to list my fears. I have too many, and I think it would be depressing to see them all on the screen. There is the school of thought that voicing, or writing, about your fears can render them powerless, or at least make them less potent. Maybe for some people that works. I feel if I list all my fears it will make them more powerful somehow.

I am a work in progress on a daily basis. I have fears but I do my best to live my life as normally and happily as possible. Some fears are stronger and make my existence more limited than it could be.

Okay, I'll name one. I have a big fear of flying. I've only flown a few times, and none of them were pleasant experiences. I had major anticipatory anxiety before each flight, I had tremendous pain in my ears during every descent, and I couldn't hear well for hours after. I was nervous the whole time I was in the air. It's just more than I can deal with. So I don't fly. I don't have the stamina or the money to travel much anyway, so all of that helps to avoid the possibility anyway. But I love history and I know I would enjoy visiting places - if I had the physical ability, the financial means, and could overcome my fear of flying.

Life is too short to be scared of so many things. But all I can do is take life one day at a time, and walk though as many situations as I can. My strong desire to live an active, purposeful, healthy, and successful existence helps me deal with at least some of what scares me.

librarianintx

My Favorite Color and Why

Anyone who knows me even slightly is likely aware what my favorite color is. I think most people have a favorite color, but I don't think everyone is as attached to their favorite color as I am. I am a pink person, specifically pale, pastel pink. I like darker shades of pink too, but light pink is absolutely my go-to color.

I have been this way most of my life, and my extreme affection for the color has not waned as I age. I think some children grow out of the their pink fascination as they mature, but that has not happened to me. I see something pink - I want it. It can be almost anything: shirts, t-shirts, shoes, socks, pens, journals, note cards, stuffed animals, watches, jewelry, phone cases, purses, etc.

Interestingly, though, my room is not decorated in pink. I'm not sure why. I wouldn't be opposed to a pink bedspread and pink sheets, but I have had the same comforter for many years now, and it is green, blue, and yellow. It reminds me of the Texas bluebonnets. Maybe I'm afraid it will be pink overload if I have a pink bedroom too. My bathroom is not decorated in pink either. But I have a plethora of pink items that I mentioned above - t-shirts, pens, journals, note cards, purses, etc. I  have a pink laptop, and a pink Nook cover. My Kindle cover has pink in it. The list goes on.

I have more than ten t-shirts, probably at least seven short-sleeve and about five long-sleeve shirts, plus a sweater set, three sweaters, and three sweatshirts, all in various shades of pink. This doesn't include t-shirts, shirts, and sweatshirts that have pink in them, but aren't the dominant color. I lamented when I had to get rid of a pink sweater set and two pink shirts because they were too old to wear.

Story #1
"That pink shirt has a hole in it," my friends said, "Throw it out."
"It's a very small hole, and my hair covers it up." I argued.
"Throw it out!" they ordered.
I did so, very reluctantly.

Story #2
Mom and I were in Walmart.
"A pink purse!" I exclaimed. "It's so cute!"
"Are you going to buy it?" Mom asked.
"No," I answered resolutely. "I already have three pink purses. I don't need another."
I didn't buy the purse.
But I totally wanted to. 

I simply gravitate toward that color. I see it, and it makes me happy. I wear it, and it makes me happy.

I am tickled pink when I wear or use or carry something pink.

"Pink is my signature color" - Shelby, "Steel Magnolias"

librarianintx

Thirty Day Writing Challenge: A Quote You Try to Live By

I don't just have one. I have four. :)

Two of them are about courage:
1) Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to walk through it.
So true. Courageous people are not fearless. I believe everyone is afraid of something. Some fears are more debilitating than others. Some people have a better handle on their fears. They can compartmentalize them, succeed in spite of them. Courageous people feel the fear but do it anyway. And I think that is so empowering.

2) Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is that still, small voice at the end of the day, saying, "I will try again tomorrow."
I endeavor to live by this quote. Obviously some days are better than others. Life is that way for everyone. Some days I struggle more with my anxiety, fears, procrastination, lack of concentration and motivation, than other days. When I have what I consider to be a difficult / unsuccessful day, I try not to beat myself up and label myself a failure. I say, "Today was rough. I didn't accomplish what I wanted to. So hopefully I will do better tomorrow."

3) It gets better.
So succinct. So simple. Yet so incredibly powerful. It is so important to remember this quote when you're having a bad day, especially when you're having a really tough day, or multiple harsh days. Repeat to yourself, "It gets better." Because it always does get better. It might not happen right away, although many times it does. A bad day can turn itself around in a matter of minutes sometimes. Think positively. Don't dwell on the negative. Believe that your situation will improve. It will get better.

4) Make today so great that yesterday gets jealous.
I absolutely loved this when I saw it, and I adore it more every time I see it or write it myself. What a fantastic quote, and what a glorious idea to base your life on. Make each day better than the previous day: more fulfilled, more interesting, more fun, more exciting. Make life a wonderful experience, a grand achievement. Do what brings you joy. Never stop learning. Keep growing and accomplishing. Be kind and helpful to others. Never take anything for granted. Be healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Live your best life!

librarianintx

Thirty Day Writing Challenge: Bullet Your Entire Day

A typical work day for me:

• Try to get up before my third alarm goes off for a second time at 5:50.
• Shower and dress
• Be outside to wait for my ride by 6:45. Check Facebook and e-mail, or read while I wait.
• My morning commute varies between about 30 minutes and an hour and 45 minutes.
• If I get to work early, I read, journal or blog.
• During my break, I read, journal, or blog.
• Wait for my ride between 2:30 - 2:45, unless I have to work late. My afternoon commute varies between 20 minutes and an hour and a half.
• Some days I go to the grocery store after work, or have a doctor's appointment.
• I try to lay out my clothes and get my food ready for the next day when I first get home. I listen to music or an audio book while I do my chores.
• I snack a lot at work, but I don't take a lunch break, so I eat often during the afternoon and evening. Usually a big meal in the late afternoon (chili, spaghetti, beans with quinoa, and a vegetable), then a sweet snack around dinner time (low sugar cookies and milk), and a light meal in the mid-evening (cottage cheese and fruit, or a hard boiled egg, toast, and fruit)
• I talk to my mom nearly every day. Usually we talk on the phone; sometimes we use an online video system like Skype or Duo. I write my nieces at least once a week and sometimes Duo with one of them, but that's usually on the weekends. 
• I do various activities between getting home from work and going to bed: laundry, dishes, organizing, etc. Three to four days a week I have a caregiver who helps with shopping and laundry. When my roommate gets home we usually eat and watch a show or two. I watch a lot of television. I'm also trying to exercise: I use a pedal exerciser, and do arm and balance exercises. At least once a week I walk down to the mailbox.
• Sometimes I have a few minutes to read before bed.  
• Lights out between 10 - 10:45

librarianintx

Thirty Day Writing Challenge: Three pet peeves

Luckily I don't feel like I get annoyed a lot, but that may be changing as I get older. But there are at least three pet peeves that I can think of, and I'm sure I've mentioned them before:

1) People taking up more than one seat on a bus
This is a big one for me. When you purchase a seat on a bus like Megabus or Greyhound, that is exactly what you are buying: ONE seat. You are reserving ONE space, ONE seat, not two. ONE ticket does not mean that you have the right to board the bus, plop down in a seat, and put your bags on the seat next to you. It does not give you the right to sigh or pout or scowl or look put out when someone asks if the seat next to you is occupied. That person should not have to stand there and wait and hold up other people trying to board the bus while you gather your belongings and put them where they belonged in the first place - under your seat, or in an overhead compartment if available. It galls me especially when bus personnel explicitly say that the bus is sold out and no one should be putting their belongings on the seat next to them, and people do it anyway! Then they have to take the time to walk down the aisles of the bus and remind each person that's breaking the rules. I even saw a woman one time that just refused to move her stuff. She was on her phone (or pretending to be) and the other passenger was standing there, waiting for her to remove her belongings. She never did. The other person had to find another seat. The woman was able to keep the two seats to herself. I wanted to march over there and throw her stuff out the window. Or rat her out to the bus driver. But I didn't. I understand that it's more comfortable to have seats to yourself. More personal space, ability to have easier access to your possessions - I get it. But it's not fair to have people who board after you have to grovel for the seat next to you. If having two seats to yourself is that important to you, then buy two tickets. I have seen people do that.

2) The comparison game
I think comparing yourself and your life to others is so harmful. It really is. It can damage your self-esteem, make you feel less than, question yourself and your abilities, and keep you from living your best life. Do what makes you happy, live the life you want to live, don't listen to other people's judgements and pronouncements. People can think whatever they want to, and they are going to. Don't listen. Don't let what they say influence you. BE YOU. DO YOU. Don't let life pass you by because you're worried about what others will think about your decisions, your dreams, your ambitions. Define success on your own terms, and create that success. Be happy for others, but not at the expense of your own joy. Distance yourself from the people in your life that play the competition game. That can be difficult, but ultimately you'll be glad you did. 

3) Not acknowledging a gift
I know that the art of writing a thank you note is mostly dead. I get that. I'm not wanting or expecting lavish praise because I bought someone a gift. I'm simply asking for an acknowledgement so I know they received it. I'm talking about when I send a gift through the mail or by e-mail. I'm not referring to an in-person gift. I just want to know that they got it, that it wasn't lost in the mail or sitting in someone's spam folder. That's it. Just let me know you received it. The end.

librarianintx