Life's Big Questions Answered: Part I

I learned something interesting in class yesterday. Imagine that! It was the answer to a question originally posed by Mimi and probably by others as well.

Why do we brush our teeth before going to bed if we're just going to do it again first thing in the morning?

Because mouth bacteria thrive during the sleeping hours. While we sleep, there is a much higher chance of inhaling said bacteria which then have the potential for causing infection in the airways. We brush to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent this from happening. These bacteria are also responsible for morning breath. Yummy!

Barn Dance Pics

Most of these pictures are pretty rough as I'm still figuring out my camera and I'm really stupid when it comes to technology. But anyway, you get the point.
Grant & Missy, Burr "lord of the barndance" & his woman.


Annie's pardner swings her 'round as Mark and Tara look on.


"Long lines"

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night

The barn dance was a smashing success, at least in my mind. Others may disagree. There will be pictures to follow. I was the first of my crew to get to the dance, so it was somewhat awkward for the first half hour or so. The guy instructing the beginners' lesson had sharp talons and managed to take a chunk out of my thumb. It bled for like an hour. My partner was this super intense guy who brought two pairs of cowboy boots. You know, one for everyday wear and the other for dancin'. He thought he was a stud.

Eventually, I was joined by Annie, Fred, Grant, Mimi, Burr, Mark, and Tara. A few of them walked in with looks of "I want to kill her" in their eyes and the others wore "What the heck?" kind of expressions. In the end though, everyone admitted to having had a good time.

The barn dance was contra dancing which is much like square dancing, except that it is done in long lines with many people. It is old-timey wholesome fun for the entire family.

After that extravaganza, we moved on to Louise's for some pool, etc. Then Peachimi left and the rest of us (Annie, Fred, Burr, and me) moved on to 815 for some more dancing. We incorporated some of our new moves onto the dance floor there, with Burr doing most of the calling. Do-si-do!! Ladies' chain! It was grand.

Then, after 815 closed, (it was indeed a long night) we went to Last Call. Bad idea? Nah. Culture shock? Definitely. Annie looked hilarious on that dance floor with her cowboy gear on from head to toe. We saw at least three catfights and two weaves pulled out. (Jerry! Jerry!)

The evening/night/morning was complete after breakfast at IHOP. So much diversity. I love you, Lawrence.

It's Official

What's official?

1. I own a beautiful violin. I bought it from my new friend Steve yesterday evening along with a couple cds. Apparently he is part of the Alferd Packer Memorial String Band. Perhaps you've heard of them? So far I've taught myself a scale and can badly play Good King Wenceslas and Mary Had a Little Lamb. Take that neighbor!

2. I am one of the official U.S. applicants for the pharmacy Student Exchange Program. This was the biggest hurdle in the application process. Now, I just need to fill out another form and wait to hear back from the countries on my list. I think I will list Ireland, Spain, and Slovenija. The chances are really good that I will be spending the month of June in one of these countries.

3. Classes start tomorrow. Let the bittersweet last semester of academics begin!

Lawrence Barn Dance Association

Yes, this is a real organization. Here is their t-shirt design:
Steve, an interesting character I recently met, told me about the association. I found him in the yellow pages. He is a "luthier" which I have learned is a person who makes, repairs, and improves stringed instruments. I made an appointment to look at some fiddles. He greeted me at the door with a huge smile. He was wearing suspenders, a huge gray beard, and a pair of crocs. I have found that almost everyone I talk to about fiddles or anything bluegrass related is ecstatic when someone new is interested in becoming a part of their world. Steve also told me about a weekly "fiddlers' jam." Maybe in a year or so I'll be ready for that.

The barn dances are on the third Saturday of the month. The dances are taught at the beginning and called throughout the dance. The music is live and usually lead by a fiddle. Wonderful. The next one is on January 21. Megan and maybe Annie and Myrinda have agreed to go with me. Anyone else who is interested is more than welcome to join us. P.T. likes to dance, right? Peachimi? The Glow Couple? Holla.

Dumpster Diving!

My day was made when Molly called this afternoon to tell me that the dumpster at their complex was loaded with old records. "I'll be there in 10 minutes." I pulled my truck up beside the dumpster, put on some rubber gloves, and went to task. I figured that I would take them indiscriminately and sort through them at home. Although the dumpster was not terribly disgusting, it was somewhat difficult to get at some of the albums. Dumpsters seem much larger if you're trying to grab something from the bottom. It took cunning and athleticism that I can thank the student rec center for.

There were more records in that dumpster than I wanted to count. It took me three trips to get them into my apartment. This was after leaving the ones on the very bottom because I feared their filth.

About 70% of the albums were Spanish language or Mariachi. I'll have to see if the Rofo is familiar with any of them. Approximately one quarter were Christmas music and the rest were wildly assorted. The noteworthy Christmas albums: Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, "Disco Noel," Glen Campbell, Wayne Newton, Mannheim Steamroller, and Stevie Wonder.
Notable Espanol: Trini Lopez, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass
Etc: Linda Ronstadt, Placido Domingo, The Platters, Jesus Christ Superstar, and the best of all....drumroll.....THE BEE GEES!! I love me some Bee Gees.

This is one of the cutest album covers ever. 

Violin

Inspired by Andrew Bird* and encouraged by Myrinda, I have decided to learn to play the violin. It is something that I have been considering for some time now. I find violin music haunting in a pleasant way. My shaky hands will make for a great vibrato. Also, I find myself running low in patience recently. Pushing through the frustration of learning something new will be good for me.

I love the sound of a well-played violin, but can’t wait to irritate my crappy-music-playing neighbor with the screech and squawk of a beginner violinist. I think eventually I may learn some blue grass fiddle, but being a purist I will start with classic violin initially. Anyway, this is the object of my current obsession.


*I got 3 more of his CDs for Christmas and they’re each excellent in a slightly different way. You can stream his latest album from the link above. (Lower left)