Monday, November 18, 2013

Extra practices

Last month, during the pipe band trip to Sidney, NE, I learned that one of the bands pipers works as a firefighter jut down the street from me! Since he brings his pipes to the firestation he suggested extra practices - for him to play for a dancer, and for me to dance.  This has lead to extra practices for both of us! It has been a bit of learning curve for both of us.  As "piper-speak" and "dancer-speak" are two totally different languages. Luckily, I've been dancing with the band long enough that I know a bit... and my firefighter buddy is game to try lots of new songs. 

We've been getting together about once a week to practice.  The bays where the engines sit are HUGE... so I have a lot of space to work with.  Its all concrete floors, so my steps aren't the most perfect or precise... but its helping me with more stamina (yea!) since each tune is typically long enough for 6 full steps. I also get to push myself to work on bigger things (like leaps) since I am comfortably laced into my tennis shoes.

taking a breather between dances
This whole arrangement is based on how often the Engine gets called out for things.  Sometimes our practice sessions get pushed back a bit...depending on how busy the firefighters are.  This past weekend, on Saturday, in mid-session my firefighter friend got a call.  So I hung out in the kitchen and helped the guys make brunch/lunch. 
yum!
Since I had nothing else on my calendar for the day, I even got to take a short ride in the truck! My inner 5-year old was totally freaking out, I mean, who doesn't want to ride in a fire truck?
checking out the gear in the truck
Its a pretty exciting arrangement that we have.  Extra pipes practice and extra dance practice. Its good for all!!!  Julie has come with me one practice session.. she's working on learning everything for her TCRG (Irish dance teacher) exam.  Hopefully I can convince a few more dancers to join me as well.

 

Two more fall hikes

Despite the incoming cold weather, girl's Sunday hikes are still goin' strong!  Last weekend, Anne, Brandy and I headed up to North Table Mesa.  Its super close to Golden and not too tough... since we don't want to wear Brandy out as our still hiking preggo friend!
Brandy and Anne

beautiful day!!
This past weekend we went over by Red Rocks to hike. The day was cold and windy, but very beautiful!  Mary Margaret joined us again and Brandy brought along Loui, her super hyper but loving chocolate lab.  He liked to be the leader of our group. 

Brrr! Chilly start
which way shall we go?
Loui leads the way!
another beautiful day!
There will be more hikes to come... and I am sure more layers added to our hiking outfits!

Fall feis

Fall Feis this year was bad for me. Bad placings mostly. However, I felt like I danced pretty well, so I try not to let it get me down. Luckily, mom took lots of pictures for me, so I can see what I need to work on (extension!) and where I look pretty good.  It was also my first time rocking the side-bun look at a competition. Which I think I really like!
In class recently, Julie had been having us work on stamina, stamina, stamina.  While the Judge's might have not liked my dancing... at least I didn't feel like I was going to die by the end of my steps.  Stamina is a must!!!
Until next time... I will just keep working.




see? I have to work on landing straight-legged
I also need to learn to smile!

I think pictures like this are fun! It looks like I am flying
 
I have an awesome support team!
Stacey makes my Irish Dance family that much more awesome!

This is what happens...

When you leave your phone in the dance studio during class.

You get hacked!! Luckily, Hannah-banana is one of my favorite kiddos ever, so it was ok. And these pictures totally crack me up!! Love you, Hannah!

Hannah-banana!

Halloween post (a little late)

For Halloween this year, instead of our typical night of house parties...we all dressed up and went out downtown instead!

the birthday girl!
Within our group, we had two different "Big Bang Theory" costumes... too bad we don't all get along ;)
 
Big Bang couple #1
Big Bang couple #2
Jay and I went with a Dia de los Muertos/Voodoo couple vibe.  It was quick, easy and cheap! But a lot of fun! Jay lent his creative hand to my lovely "la calavera" type mask (which allowed me to not have my face painted all night long)
Jay and I
One of the crowd favorites was Brandy and Drew's costume.  They were "Flo" and "Mayhem".  It was hilarious and awesome.
the pink hand weights were key!
All in all, in ended up being a great night. Now to think about a costume for next year...

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Fall in Colorado




Fall Hiking

So the girls and I are hoping we can continue hiking into the winter, buckle on spikes will be the next purchase! But... a couple weekends ago we had our first "cold" weather hike. It was chilly, but I know we'll have much colder days coming up!

We went hiking right near Brandy's house in Golden, there is a great trail that was only about 4 miles round trip, so it was perfect on that windy, cool day.
 Loui, Brandy and Drew's happy chocolate lab, was loving the hike.  He even found a giant puddle of water to play in. That was one excited dog!
 The three of us! Going hiking is such a wonderful way to spend part of the weekend.
 Colorado can just be so gorgeous!  I am glad we've been taking advantage of what there is to do here

Halloween Party

This fall has passed far too quickly. I can't believe its already November.  Regardless, lets catch up with the month of October....

A couple weeks ago, Julie hosted a lovely Halloween/Pumpkin party at her place.  We all brought pumpkins to carve, there was chili, hot cider, beers, and all sorts of yummy treats!

Which pumpkin do you think was mine?




 I made the Cheshire Cat!!! It definitely made my hands hurt, but I was really proud of my work!!
 Heeeyyy! I love these two girls to death!