The Joy of a Busy Weekend

6:55 PM Edit This 11 Comments »
I went to Des Moines this weekend for my sister in law's baby shower. I think she's an amazing woman and I love my little brother with a passion. I think they're going to be awesome parents. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Baby Z will be here any day now... I can't wait to be the Fabulous Dancing Auntie.

It's a trick to get our whole family in one place at a time, but we were all there. And since my brother and sister are super into yoga and I used to be at one time, we went to Yoga in the Park. It was incredible. My sister is a Registered Yoga Teacher in Anusara Yoga. I've always done Vinyasa, so it was fun for us to go to a class where there was no agenda.There were over 200 people there. I freaked out just a little bit when my brother told me there's always a mob, but he kept saying it wouldn't feel like it.
And of course he was right. I loved every minute of it. Look at all these healthy people!
I practiced yoga religiously when I lived in Des Moines. It was about the only healthy thing I ever did in residence there. But did they have Yoga in the Park then? No. And was this park pretty when I lived there? No. It was like rediscovering a hidden gem that you knew was there all along.
I took this picture when I was supposed to be doing Shavasana. I couldn't help it. It was a gorgeous day. And as I laid there, I kept thinking that maybe Sioux Falls is not the place I'm supposed to be long term. I've said all along that I love the size of this community. I feel SAFE here. But it doesn't challenge me. I did some serious thinking on the way home about where I belong in the world. It might not be here. Sure, getting sober in Sioux Falls makes me connected to this community in a way I will never forget, but I'm no longer sure this is where I belong. It remains to be seen. Because when I left loving Des Moines, I went to Omaha to DANCE!
Lindy in the Park in downtown Omaha has got to be one of the most fabulous venues I've ever been to. Swing dancers galore! There's really only a handful of people to dance with here, so I was super looking forward to going there and experiencing something different. And I did. And it was amazing. I would like to state for the record that someone said, "How long have you been dancing?" And I responded, "Almost exactly four months." And he said, "What? But you do the perfect Lindy Hop swingout!" I was pleased to say the least. I like praise. Like a dog, I like praise. I will completely admit that.
The person I was most imtimidated to dance with? Um. It was great! He didn't care that I was new. And he likes to be silly and I like to be silly, so it was a perfect fit. He kept telling me that I shouldn't ever be shy because I am an awesome follow. What?!
So I danced until I couldn't breathe and then danced some more. I can't wait to go back.
As I was driving home, I watched the fronts come through; one after the other. And I sang and drank Diet Coke and had a blast. I won the Karaoke contest in my car. What? I was the only one. I always win! And when I pulled up to my house and went down the stairs to Tiny Apartment, I realized that my life doesn't just exist within those walls. My life is full. And I intend to keep it that way. No matter what.


11 comments:

Captain Crab said...

A cool weekend!

buffalodick said...

Good observations, and written well! Life is indeed, what you make of it...

carrster said...

What a great post! Glad you had a fantastic weekend!!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

Perfect weather. Perfect activity. Perfect amount of introspection. Perfect!

G said...

This post captures what life should be all about: singing, dancing and loving others.

*Akilah Sakai* said...

And a joyous weekend it was! Yoga sounds like fun; I may try it one day.

melissalion said...

De Moines is closer to Portland, right? I could look at a map, but I choose to believe.

Unknown said...

I wanna do Yoga in a pretty park. We don't have any cool shit here!

Anonymous said...

Wow! That is sooo cool!

Kate, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog posts even the ones where you're down on yourself because I know that in a few days you'll recover and post a positive blog to tell us about it. :) It lets me know it's ok and everybody has bad days or bad moments not just me.

Jen said...

What a great weekend! Dancing and yoga? What else can a girl ask for?

Dingo said...

You do so many fun things like frisbee golf, dancing, and yoga in the park. Remember these moments and the joy when you start feeling bad. You've come such a long way.