Dancing Shoes

So, we are officially 122 days away from the wedding! Geez, I just can't believe it. I think that having a long engagement was good for us but it sure did build the anticipation. I just can't wait!!! We are pretty much on track to have everything done, without too much stress...I think. :)

One of my favorite activities we're doing in preparation for the wedding is taking dance lessons. We found this great dance studio in Clarendon and go on Thursday nights. Last week we worked on the waltz and foxtrot with turns and other basic steps. We're in a class of about 25 people and our instructor, Nadia, is great. Because Diego's schedule is so crazy 99% of the time, we usually spend our time doing very mundane things: cooking, studying/paperwork stuff, or watching a movie. I love everything we do together, but it's really been refreshing to have a physical activity in such a jovial social atmosphere to look forward to each week. And the bonus is that he's on his OB/Gyn rotation and doesn't have to be on-call ever on Thursdays! Man, did we luck out!

This is certainly not to promise a dynamic-dancing-duo at the wedding, but I will promise two sets of feet that are a little less beat up after dancing. :)

Where Do I Stand?

So, this blog is literally in the process of being born as I sit at work on a very quiet Friday. I have nothing to do and I hate wasting my time (unless, of course, it's in a pile of my girlfriends, with junkfood, and a good movie!), so I feel that this is more productive than web surfing, right?

I chose the title of my blog, "Standing Outside the Fire," because of a line in my favorite song, of the same name by Garth Brooks. Happy or sad, defeated or enlightened, joyful or melancholy, this song always manages to re-focus me and remind me of my priorities. Check out the lyrics:

We call them cool
Those hearts that have no scars to show
The ones that never do let go
And risk the tables being turned

We call them fools
Who have to dance within the flame
Who chance the sorrow and the shame
That always comes with getting burned

But you've got to be tough when consumed by desire
'Cause it's not enough just to stand outside the fire

We call them strong
Those who can face this world alone
Who seem to get by on their own
Those who will never take the fall

We call them weak
Who are unable to resist
The slightest chance love might exist
And for that forsake it all

They're so hell-bent on giving ,walking a wire
Convinced it's not living if you stand outside the fire

Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried, it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire

There's this love that is burning
Deep in my soul
Constantly yearning to get out of control
Wanting to fly higher and higher
I can't abide
Standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried, it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried, it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire

~Garth Brooks



I hope to use this blog as a place to discuss my thoughts, communicate with friends and family, and just spend some quality time (because playing another game of sudoku just ISN'T productive!).

Enjoy.