Punting Pigeons

There is a gang of pigeons that gathers in the courtyard of the school where I teach. Some mornings, when I'm walking from my car to the dance room, a few of them cross my path. And do you know what I think?

I wish I could just kick that pigeon.

I wonder how far it would go.

Isn't that one of the most awful and inhumane things you've ever read? What did pigeons ever do to me? Well...they do poop on my car, make their homes where they don't belong, carry disease, walk around all proud and pompous, and Mike Tyson loves them. But despite any obvious offenses, it simply wouldn't be right to go around punting pigeons.

Sometimes thoughts like this cross my mind, and I think... Am I really the type of person that would go around kicking birds just for, well... kicks? Luckily, an experience earlier in the week helped me answer this question.

I was out in the courtyard with my students, cleaning up after lunch, and the pigeons were plentiful. They were walking around, enjoying the spoils from that day's spills, especially a spot occupied by a squashed muffin. I stepped very close to the muffin--only about a 6 inches away. The pigeons, startled at first, moved away quickly. But the fear didn't last long because they really wanted that muffin. One pigeon in particular. He meandered back to the treat, just inches from where I was standing So there I was--one foot away from a muffin-occupied pigeon, and I thought: Now is my chance. I could kick that pigeon.

I didn't, and I feel good about it. I just thought about how someone in the world loves pigeons, (besides Mike Tyson) and I need to respect that. I'm still not proud about my violent mental wanderings, but as the saying goes, "You are what you repeatedly do," (Aristotle...out of context, but still applicable) not necessarily what you think. (Otherwise, by now, I'd be a Jazz singer on the weekends.) Life is all about action.

Do I still think about wanting to punt a pigeon every once in a while? Yep. But I won't. Because I'm better than that--and so are they.

I was serious about that Mike
Tyson thing. It's an issue.

The World According to Mr. Rogers

I read a terrific little book just a few weeks ago... It is a compilation of quotes and thoughts by Fred Rogers and is entitled: "The World According to Mr. Rogers: Important Things to Remember." I loved it, and I wanted to share a few of the thoughts that impacted me the most, plus a little personal commentary...

"Confronting our feelings and giving them appropriate expression always takes strength, not weakness. It takes strength to acknowledge our anger, and sometimes more strength yet to curb the aggressive urges anger may bring and channel them into nonviolent outlets. It takes strength to face our sadness and to grieve and to let our grief and our anger flow in tears when they need to. It takes strength to talk about our feelings and to reach out for help and comfort when we need it." (There is so much value and importance in sharing how we feel in an effective manner, and letting people know what we want and expect. As someone who has a hard time expressing her true feelings, I really appreciated this thought.)

"It's not the honors and the prizes and the fancy outsides of life that ultimately nourish our souls. It's the knowing that we can be trusted, that we never have to fear the truth, that the bedrock of our very being is firm."

"One of my wise teachers, Dr. William F. Orr, told me, 'There is only one thing evil cannot stand and that is forgiveness.'" (So profound.)

"Mutually caring relationships require kindness and patience, tolerance, optimism, joy in the other's achievements, confidence in oneself, and the ability to give without undue thought of gain. We need to accept the fact that it's not in the power of any human being to provide all these things all the time. For any of us, mutually caring relationships will also always include some measure of unkindness and impatience, intolerance, pessimism, envy, self-doubt, and disappointment." (I think most people in the world today think that a loving relationship should just come easy, and that if work is necessary to maintain the relationship, you should just move on. That's a problem. Anything that is worth having, will take work, effort, and dedication. I used to be one of those people, who would just move on when things got hard. But I have since learned that my strongest non-familial relationships stand today because there was struggle involved at one point or another. There is only one exception that comes to mind, but I believe kindred spirits like that are few and far between.)

"The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self."

"When we love a person, we accept him or her exactly as is: the lovely with the unlovely, the strong along with the fearful, the true mixed in with the facade, and of course, the only way we can do it is by accepting ourselves that way." (I know this is factual. I feel that my love for others increased when I realized that I am imperfect, and I can't expect others to be more than I am.)

"As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has--or ever will have--something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression." (Amazing, that there is something inside you, and me, that is unique to ALL TIME. I believe it.)

"As different as we are from one another, as unique as each one of us is, we are much more the same than we are different. That may be the most essential message of all, as we help our children grow toward being caring, compassionate and charitable adults."

Oh, the wisdom! I'm overwhelmed. I don't care who you are--we can all learn a little something from Mr. Rogers, whether it be how pianos are made, how to play make-believe,  or how to be a good neighbor. What a guy. Thanks, Fred. Thanks for everything.

Halloween Highlights

I've never been an avid fan of Halloween. There is no magic in it for me. Maybe it comes from a traumatic incident in my childhood I've buried deep inside; such is the case for most adult tendencies. (I may or may not be referring to the amount of times I had a less than mediocre costume... and maybe one time in particular when I felt so self-conscious I refused to go on the class parade around the school. I just sat in my chair, tears in my eyes, watching everyone else file by in their store-bought ensembles that were oh-so enviable. Memories from an 8-year-old...) Or maybe I just think Halloween's pointless. The world may never know.

Due to it's mid-week location, my Halloween was pretty much a normal day, except for a few highlights:

1) I watched Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (I'm talking the full 10 minutes) at least four times. I can't say it enough--I love my job.
2) My commute was more entertaining than usual, despite the horrific holiday traffic. I took the surface streets (for a looooooong time) which made it possible for me to observe people driving in opposite traffic... so many serious faces with hair and make-up pumped for a good time. Loved it.
3) Last year on this day I had Valley Fever. This year I didn't. Win.
4) It was my dad's birthday, so my mom pulled out all the stops for his birthday turkey dinner. This means that pumpkin pie was included. I'm always in the mood for pie.
5) I got onto Facebook and saw this little gem at the top of my news feed:

The newest member of the Mecham clan, Dallin. Only 2 months old, already so distinguished.

I'm grateful for the little things that made my Halloween enjoyable. I'm also glad it's over, Now we can move onto more important holidays. And more delicious food.

The Whole30 Experience

For the last 30 days I was on a... well, let's call it an eating plan because I hate the word diet. It was called The Whole30. (Run-down: No dairy, no grains, no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, no legumes... for 30 days. Click on the link if you want more deets.) The purpose of it was to escape from any bad habits or emotional ties with food, get rid of processed staples in your diet, learn how your body feels when you're feeding it only the good stuff, and learn good habits when it comes to eating lots of vegetables.

I felt good while I was eating the Whole30 way--like my body was functioning more efficiently. I trimmed up a little bit; most importantly, I just felt slimmer and more fit. It was a pain having to eat differently than everyone else around me, but definitely manageable. Yesterday, (Day 30 of the Whole30) I was proud of my diligence, and feeling very accomplished for achieving my goal. Not to mention being super excited to eat whatever the heck I wanted in just a few hours.

...I had been envisioning this day of eating for weeks. I pictured a lot of different meal possibilities... Orange rolls and cold cereal for breakfast, some fat burger with fries and a shake for lunch, a mass pizza consumption for dinner, and homemade pie for dessert. I just knew it was going to be a special day...

So here we are, the end of my break day, and guess what: I ate like a champ. I started out with a green smoothie and German Pancakes for breakfast with cinnamon honey syrup. For lunch I went to a Thai restaurant with a friend and enjoyed some drunken noodles. For dinner I actually had Thai food again: (Thai twice in one day is fine with me) yellow curry, pad thai and some mango-chicken-stir-fry dish. It was all good. For dessert we made some oatmeal cookies (enjoying the dough throughout the preparation) and tried them with some Bluebell coconut fudge ice cream. I enjoyed every bite.

I know you want to ask: How does she feel now, with all that butter and sugar consumption after 30 days of nothing? Well I'll tell you.

Awful.

Someone get all these simple carbs out of my system. And grab me a spinach salad while you're at it. I feel like a walking log with a stomach ache, and it's not my favorite.

Good Idea/Bad Idea- Root Beer

GOOD IDEA:
Grandpa making homemade root beer (for the first time) for the entertainment and enjoyment of the grandkids.

BAD IDEA:
Trying to make five gallons of it in a five-gallon container, adding all of the dry ice at one time.

It was cause for quite a lot of excitement in the Mecham home.

An Evening with Glen Hansard

What you can expect to feel after an evening with Glen Hansard:

floored.

grateful.

touched.

pensive.

moved.

musically fulfilled and enriched.

emotionally drained, and filled, all at once.

happy. oh so happy.

^ I took one good picture. ^

touched his guitar.

got a pick.

laughed.

cried.

sang.

hyperventilated, just a little.

This guy creates music that speaks so easily to my soul. He is an example that strength and vulnerability can be present in the same person, and the same song. He digs deep, but stays light-hearted. I've needed his words, chords and talent in my life. I love him--I really do.

Thanks for coming to Phoenix, Glen.

The Tallest Man on Earth

This one time, as in yesterday, my friends and I made a turn-around trip to L.A. to see The Tallest Man on Earth perform. Not a mistake. This man is an incredible performer--his presence is so engaging, with a unique sound, and manner that's chock-full of quirks. I LOVED seeing him live, and feeling what he brought into the room with that deep voice of his, and those nimble fingers. This man has serious skills, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about his performance; hence, the need to make a post. Here's a little taste...

It's probably just the dancer in me, but I'm obsessed with how this guy moves. He has such a tiny frame and he walks in such an awkward and appealing way. When he's actually playing, it seems as if the music is just flowing through him uncontrollably; as if he has a hard time keeping his body from going all directions at once. I could watch him all day. In fact, that's what I did. This next video has a better portrayal of his body language. (Feet especially.)

Thanks, Kristian Matsson, for being so choice, and living up to your moniker:

The Tallest Man on Earth.

The Wiltern

Sing it: Summa-time Summa-time Sum-sum-summatime.

I never knew that teachers looked forward to school breaks as much as their students do, if not more. After a pretty stressful but wonderful first year of teaching, I feel so very blessed to have this ample recuperation time. You better believe I will make the most of it.

I've never felt this way about my summer vacation before... perhaps it comes from the new-found freedom of having my own car and money in the bank. Maybe it's the drastic change between major grown-up responsibilities the last 10 months, and promised frivolity in the next two. Whatever it is, it feels good.

Here are some specific things I LOVE about summer:

1. I don't have to keep a schedule. I can do what I want, when I want, without answering to anyone.
2. Everything feels... loose. Clothes, time, muscles... it's exhilarating. I feel like I can really breathe.
3. I can go on trips to see family or friends, and I don't have to rush. 
4. Matinee movies. No explanation needed--they're cheap, and magical.
5. Naps. On the couch, in the bed, by the pool. They don't get old.
6. Swimming and/or sun-bathing. I adore the feeling of being warmed to the bone by the sun, and then cooling off in the pool. Dip, drip, dry, repeat.
7. Never-ending supply of BBQs. I love me a homemade hamburger.
8. Having the time to take dance classes--I love teaching dance, but there is something special about taking class, especially when you don't care who's watching. It feels great to dance just for myself.
9. Reading. Books and time are in ample supply.
10. I can play with my ukulele every day if I want to. And I want to. Here's a song dealing with sunshine that I plunked out a little while ago. I'm not great on the ukulele, but it sure does make me happy.

It's obvious the joy of summer (for me) comes from being pretty relaxed with my time. And boy, am I grateful to live this way. Work hard, play hard; right? So here comes the play.

I had to share this picture: taken in Austin, TX last weekend. I feel it does
a great job at capturing the essence and pure joy of summer.
Food, family, fun: A mix which can't be beat.

Birthdays

I happen to really love birthdays. Really. Part of this love comes from the fact that the birthday really is a monumental occasion. (Let's take a Back to the Future moment and just think: how would the world be different if I had not been born? We don't have to get cocky about it, but we can admit, it would be... different.) The other part is just having an excuse for a celebration involving food, people, presents, and balloons. If you knew the birthdays of all your friends, it would give a reason to celebrate almost every day for the whole year, and I love it. (Thank you, Facebook.)

I already celebrate my birthday throughout the year by reminding the world when it's my half-birthday, seven-month birthday, 2/3 birthday, etc. I never do anything extravagant on these days--it's just a way for me to add a little more excitement into life.

Speaking of which... Today is my 11-month birthday. Just one more month until this girl is 24. I don't know how I feel about 24. Somehow it feels so much more mature than 23. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. But the real day is approaching quickly, and unlike my pretend monthly celebrations, this time I get to make some real birthday wishes. I have wished for the same thing, every year, for the past seven years, when blowing out my candles and it has yet to come true. Of course I can't share that wish with you, otherwise all hope would be lost. :)

Here are the birthday wishes I can share, without concern of any universal interruptions...

1) I wish I had one of those balloons that looks like a fish and can just float around the house on its own. It looks like it's swimming and it's one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I want it!

2) I wish I could get a new ukulele. Luda has served me well, and proven himself to be one of the best birthday gifts I've ever gotten. However, I do desire an alto/tenor ukulele with more solid construction and a more resonant tone... maybe one that can be plugged in...

3) I wish I had these turquoise earrings.

4) I wish I could go sky-diving with my best friend. Oh wait; that's reality, not wishful thinking. :)

5) I wish I could get one of those living lockets from Origami Owl. They are beautiful, unique, and right up my alley.

6) I wish I had a Camelback backpack for hiking... my return to the Grand Canyon is coming soon and I'd like to be prepared with my own.

7) I wish I had a never-ending supply of iTunes gift cards. My wish-list has reached a staggering length. I'd really like to put a dent in it by making a bounty of purchases. 

There you have it.

*And here's to my last month of being 23. May it round out a successful year of wins, losses, and overall learning and progression.

Remembering...

It's Memorial Day, for a few more minutes, at least. Today I made more of an effort than usual to remember those who sacrificed so much (and still do) for the wonderful country in which we live. I am simply overcome with thoughts and feelings of gratitude, appreciation, obligation and love; so much so, that I just ache inside. I don't think I'll be able to communicate my feelings adequately, so there is a good chance I'll just end up rambling on with disjointed thoughts... I apologize in advance.

I spent the evening with my Dad, watching Flags of our Fathers and a WWII special on the military channel. He filled me in on various facts and gave the background to what we were watching--teaching me things about WWII that I had not heard before. I am so grateful for my father's example of patriotism--showing me that learning about and honoring our fore-bearers is an essential part of being an American citizen. We honor them by living in daily thanksgiving for all our country can offer us; mainly a safe environment in which we can enjoy life, liberty and be free to pursue happiness.

I am so grateful for the feeling of safety we do enjoy and almost always take for granted in this country. In my life, I have never had to wonder if a sounding plane belonged to an enemy. I never worry about the possibility of foreign soldiers over-taking my city and forcing me into captivity. Why would I? But such thoughts are common for people in various countries throughout the world--they fear for their lives on a daily basis. What a frightening existence!

War is a harsh reality. The world has never existed without it, and it will never exist without it. These men and women who have faced the reality of war, with all its brutality, are so courageous. And they do it so I don't have to. I feel so indebted to them. I am indebted to them. Many soldiers never recover from what they witnessed in battle. Not only to they give up months or years of their lives serving, they live with those memories for the rest of their existence. I cannot imagine what this is like for them. But again, I'm grateful I don't have to. I can live my life, pursue my dreams, and honor them with continued dedication to the blessed country in which we live.

Thank you, friends.

Thank you, brothers.

Thank you, Seth.

Thank you Grandpa Mecham and Grandpa Newman.

Thank you to all service-men: past, present and future.

Adjectives

Sometimes I wonder how another person would describe me. What words they would choose to use. I know and understand the intentions behind my actions, but what if someone else reads them differently, and sees me as something I'm not? I don't like that thought.

There are a few adjectives I hope I can use to describe myself someday:
1) Dependable
2) Open
3) Sincere
4) Brave

However people describe me, I hope these adjectives may be in the mix. I'm trying, and it's hard. Especially for those even ones; they are just oh-so-intertwined.

And I really think that whatever a person does and says, it ought to be sincere, what is the point otherwise?

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

On another note, but still speaking of sincerity, I've recently spent a lot of time listening to and watching videos of Glen Hansard. A good friend of mine introduced me to The Swell Season a few years ago, of which he was a part, and I immediately fell in love. Lately, that love has been rekindled as I've discovered his solo work. 

This video was the flint. His sincerity, honesty and passion just floors me. I can't get enough. (Ahem... Please excuse his language in the explanation to the song...it's that passion, you know.)

Recent Wanderings

There have been a few things, thoughts, mental-wanderings that occurred recently and caused some personal surprise on my part. Things that made me wonder if I even know myself at all. Has this ever happened to you? Here's some examples:

1) I pulled up to a gas pump and noticed a can of Dr. Pepper sitting on the rim of a garbage can right next to the pump. I thought, "Oh, that looks good. I wonder if there's any left in there." (Then other thoughts began to flow... Really, Elizabeth? If there was, would you take a swig? Gross.)

2) "When will I be able to catch up on The Bachelor...?" I never thought I would care about something so utterly heinous. And even at this point, I wouldn't say I cared so much as I just really needed to know what was going to happen. I'm not proud.

3) I was walking out to my car after the school day was over and saw a perfectly pink gum-ball on the ground. Obviously I thought, "I want to eat that. I could just dust it off a little... it's probably nice and warm from the sun." (Anybody who eats gum-balls on a regular basis knows that they are much more enjoyable to eat when warm.)

4) I was at Wal-Mart and walked past the dog-food aisle. On the end of the aisle was a display for Beggin' Strips, the popular dog treat that supposedly tastes just like bacon. I thought, "I'd eat that." It's another testament to the tip that you should never go shopping when you're hungry.



I suppose the fact that I didn't act on these initial thoughts gives me some redemption. (Except for number two, that is.) But it still makes me wonder, is there anything I wouldn't eat?

Moving

When in doubt, dance it out.

I'm so grateful for dance as a means of expression. I have had a lot on my mind the last few months, and I've discovered that one of the greatest comforts for any mental turmoil is movement. If I'm feeling stressed, broken, confused, or frustrated... all I have to do is improv a little bit, work up a sweat, breathe hard, and let those emotions just ooze on out of my system. It might sound strange, but it is fact. As someone who keeps most negative emotion to herself, dancing has really provided an incredible outlet for me.

I've started recording some of my improvisation sessions for a couple reasons... 1) So I can give myself corrections to make sure I don't start losing my technique. (It's hard to not be a consistent student anymore!) and 2) So I can look back and see if I did anything worth repeating in some choreography. I recorded a video a few weeks ago and thought I'd share it... I'm very nervous about this. But hey--this is a blog about my thoughts, and if there's one thing I'm thinking about more than anything else, it's dancing.

Just keep in mind that this is not choreographed, so there's nothing brilliant here. There's some rough transitions and repetition... I'm just moving for my mind's sake, trying not to think too much, doing what felt good to my body and soul.

Random Nugget of Thought: The human body is an amazing creation. The intricate intertwining of all the systems and their functions just boggles my mind. I am proud to be the keeper of such a fantastic facility.

STYX

Whenever I wear my STYX shirt, sporting the artwork from "The Grand Illusion" album, I get quizzical looks. Those puzzled glances are usually followed with a question like: "STYX, huh?" I answer, "Yep."
Then a pause precedes the next question: "... and how old are you?"

I have often wondered what made my twenty-something self became a fan when there is so much other good music out there. How did they work their way, so effortlessly, into my heart, playlists and banter? All I can say is, there's something about STYX.

There's something about those sweet harmonies.

There's something about those tasty guitar licks.

There's something about those kick-butt power stances.

There's something about those aging men, and how much they love their music.

There's something about being at one of their concerts, seeing it all in action.

Most particularly... there's something about Tommy Shaw. Those biceps. That hair. That face.

And there's something about meeting him (and kissing him) that will cause you to do something like this:

And there's something about sharing it all with your best friend, that just puts the icing on the already-audibly-delicious delight that is STYX. No shame. No apologies. No regrets. 

I love STYX.

Civil Rights Day

I was talking with some friends over the weekend about Civil Rights Day today, and what our plans were for the national holiday. I carelessly made some statement about how I was so glad for the Civil Rights Movement; even though it didn't really affect my life, at least I got a holiday out of it. One of my friends called me out on that statement, saying that the Civil Rights Movement affected all of our lives, more than we care to realize.

I pondered about this... I had thought that my growing up in the west, being white, and from a middle-class family would all add up to a pretty similar life for me, even if the Civil Rights Movement had never occurred.

What a narrow way of thinking.

My eyes were opened to all the ways that my life and perspective has been affected by the Civil Rights Movement. This realization came just today from viewing a beautiful piece of choreography entitled "Lament" by Dwight Rhoden, danced by Desmond Richardson. Both of these men are amazingly talented artists who have made lasting impressions on the dance world, and both of them are black. I thought, who knows if I would be enjoying this incredible piece of work if the Civil Rights Movement had not taken place. I continued thinking, what other beautiful areas of the world would have been left wanting if equal opportunity and rights were not awarded to people of all races, cultures and colors? I didn't like that thought. Here you can see why:



Desmond Richardson is one of my favorite dancers. His technique is impeccable, his physique flawless, and his performance quality--simply breath-taking. I could sit and watch him all day. I'm so glad to know that everyone has the equal right and opportunity to create, invent, and express. The Civil Rights Movement helped to bring that result about, and I'm so grateful. Happy Civil Rights Day.

Lessons Learned in 'Eleven

2011: It was a good year. I received my college degree, traveled to Europe, got a solid job that I love, directed an entire show on my own, made some incredible new friends, and solidified friendships that I know I'll cherish forever. Plus, I learned some very valuable lessons, including (but not limited to) the following:

1) Spending quality time with a ukulele is always a good idea.
2) STYX is one of the greatest bands of all time. I know this simply by listening to their sweet tunage, and going to one of their concerts. Those men are quite wrinkled, but they love their music and rock so hard.
3) Throwing a pot on the wheel is one of the most rewarding activities--you are able to clear your mind while being productive and creating something useful. Love.
4) When you're in the market for a used car, always get it checked by a mechanic before making the purchase.
5) Valley Fever is not a joke! You can really catch it, and it will keep you down for weeks on end.
6) What I accomplish and achieve in my life is up to me. I am the only person who can hold me back.
7) Betsy Johnson earrings are a treasure.
8) We can learn a lesson from everyone that we meet. All we have to do is open our eyes and see what they have to offer. 
9) A budget is a must-have. I do not live paycheck to paycheck, I give every dollar a job, I roll with the financial punches, and I save for a rainy day. I feel in complete control. (Thanks, YNAB!)
10) You must let the people around you know that you care... it will add value to their lives as well as yours.
11) Pina Bausch speaks the truth: "Dance, dance--otherwise we are lost."

When it comes to 2011, there is no room for complaints.

And I have this feeling... a remarkable warmth inside my soul, that 2012 will be even better. I am eager to embark on all the adventures this year holds in its hand. If only I could peel open the fingers, get a glimpse of what lies in its palm, and see what is coming my way. Who will I meet? Where will we go and what will we do? What new lessons will I learn? Only time will tell the story. But I know, it's going to be a good one.