The Man Behind the Scene

Everyone has heard and read about my Best Friend, Luke, but I have not written much about the man that has been by my side for the last 15 years. The man that stepped back and allowed me to focus on taking care of our friend for months. Luke told me that he knew I would be okay after he was gone because of this man. This man who knows me better some days than I know myself. The man that has been there every day for the past 15 years and my support during the loss of Luke.

 This man knows how to keep me sane and also drives me insane. He has always been there when I felt the world was totally against me. He knows when to comfort and when to let me rant.  He is the calm when I am the storm and always knows just which buttons to push. The man I trust with my life, my mental stability and I know I would be totally lost without, my partner in life, Paul. 

Paul and I came into this relationship knowing we both came with baggage, both strong willed and definitely set in our ways. I mean after all we were not in our twenties and it was not our first rodeo when it came to being in long term relationships. Paul was married for 22 years and I was in a 17 year partnership.

Paul has two children, so that was a big adjustment for me. I mean it is difficult enough to start a new relationship and learn each other’s little idiosyncrasies. Then you throw in having a teenager on the weekends. Oh My God! Yet we both learned how to deal with this added pressure and grew together as we did.

We came from totally different back grounds and extremely different lives yet it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for me and I hope for Paul as well. I can't speak for him although he would argue otherwise but that is what makes our friendship/relationship work. 

We are totally opposites in so many areas of our lives yet that is also what makes us a good fit. We don't try to hold each other back or feel guilty doing what we enjoy. We support each other even if we don't understand the draw the activity or subject has on the other.

What we have most in common is our commitment to family and friends. I think it was one of the things that drew us together; we both had a strong connection with our families and had a group of lifelong friends.

It has not always been easy for Paul to live with a crazy hillbilly who is stubborn as a bulldog and as protective as a grizzly. I am the first to admit I am not an easy person to live with or to deal with 24/7.  Yet he has persevered, even after retiring from the Post Office, moving away from Florida after 39 years, leaving all his friends and being totally together with me a true 24/7 for the past 2.5 years; he is still my rock and my biggest supporter. He is my cheerleader, my counselor, my friend...

I have been told recently that as a couple we bring life, energy and comfort to those in our life and those we encounter. I think that is the best compliment I have ever received and says a lot about how well we complement each other as partners.

 

I would not be where I currently am in my life without this amazing man. He completes me in ways I never realized that I needed to be completed. Paul, I am blessed to have you in my life and look forward to the what the future holds for us,

Keep dancin' Larry B

Working the City of Clarksville, Tennessee

I am lucky to have a great Boss, who allowed me to take a PTO day, today. Thanks Elaine...

I spent the majority of the day traversing the City of Clarksville, Tennessee.  International Line Dance Flyer and business cards in hand, I worked my way from Ajax Senior Center to the YMCA.  I have a tendency to be a stubborn Missouri mule with a single mindset to accomplish an objective. Currently, that objective is to establish at least one line dance class of my own in Clarksville.

Although I did not finalize a host for a class today, I did get my name is out there and my goal is known. The Senior Center has a Tuesday night class taught by a physical therapist from Ft. Campbell, I will meet with her in March and see if we can work together at the center.  The proceeds for this class go to help the center with operating cost. So this would be a great way to give back to the community.

Melissa at the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department was encouraging.  They currently do not have a program but she thought it was a great opportunity for the 2012 calendar. She was in budget discussions this week and would discuss with her department. She stated she would have one of the staff contact me in within the next two weeks to discuss the possible opportunity.

The YMCA was more receptive today, especially since I informed them at present, I am not interested in being compensated but looking to establish myself here in Clarksville.  This time I got a business card and a promise that my information would be given to Amanda, the Executive Program Director.  So I will see if I get a call back from Amanda or this Missouri Mule will be making a call next week.

The Rainbo Roller Rink is still a possibility but not until summer. They have a Rhumba class and do special projects for Special Olympics and feel they just don’t have the space to start a Line Dance Class at this time. They would be interested after school is out and advised that if they could get a feel for the type of response they would get from hosting a Dance Class, then it could be a summer program. I will put this information on LineDanceNews.com in the next week to get the word out.

Over all I feel good about the day’s activities. I will continue to work on researching other locations to investigate for possible host locations for a dance class.  The one accomplishment for the day is I am not a registered voter in the Great State of Tennessee.  Till Next time... LB

Promoting Oneself

Now that I am back in Tennessee, the next 90 days are dedicated to promoting myself as an International Line Dance Instructor here in Clarksville.  I have always disliked the marketing aspect of my professional  life, the idea of going out to sell a product, service, etc. It just was not my forte but when the product and services is ME.  Well that is even more unnerving to me.

Anyway I decided I had to get out this week and start beating the bush so to speak. I stopped by the local skating rink on my side of town. They offer Zumba classes two nights a week, so I thought if the rink was willing to offer Zumba why not a Line Dance Class. So I presented myself in my Line Dance News embroidered oxford shirt, Larry B’s Dance Flyer and business cards. I cannot remember being so nervous opening a door to a building.

I explained I was new in the area and looking to establish a new dance class. I saw that they offered Zumba and wanted to inquire if they might be interested in offering a dance class one or two nights a week as well.  I went on how it was a wonderful form of exercise much like Zumba. In fact the song playing for the Zumba class I knew a line dance to. The lady at the counter, thought it was a great idea but unfortunately she did not make those type of decisions. She took all my material and promised to discuss with the manager and owner if they arrived that evening or the next day.  “Note to self, ask for the decision maker before launching into my sales pitch.”

Actually, it was a great practice run for me and the lady was super nice. She stated she loved Line dancing and would let the manager know she thought it a great idea.  So my confidence was up as I left the Rainbo Skating Rink. On my way home, I passed Lana’s Dance Studio and decided to stop. I thought might as well get to know some of the Dance teachers in the area and see if they might have any input to a place that might be looking to host a Line Dance Class. I figured professional courtesy may count for something..

The stop was a good move, I got several great leads and now have a few more ideas on where to go to promote a class.  Keep

Here's to a Happy Healthy 2012

Well we are leaping into this year, okay it’s Leap year. February gets an extra day and it just throws off all the other holidays this year.  That being said, it shall be my only complaint.

I have decided that I am taking this new Leap year in a more positive attitude. Okay I can already hear all those “yeah right” comments coming through the internet.  I am really going to make the extra effort; I am not getting any younger and stress will just kill you. So to combat the stress I am working to give as much cheer as one possibly can this year.

I have started sending out little Day of Recognition notices to my fellow co-workers. For example, I think everyone should be observing this Sunday, January 8^th, Bubble Bath Day.  We can all use a nice hot quiet bubble bath; personally I want mine with a nice glass of Amaretto on the rocks.

The point is we tend to take our busy corporate ruled lives too seriously. We let the corporations dictate how we live our lives. We need to take a step back and take it one day at a time. Tomorrow is another day and the Goddesses willing we will be here to carry on with our duties.

Everyone needs to find that special hobby, activity that lets you unwind at the end of the work day or week.  We have to put an honest effort in sticking to a schedule to unwind and distress.  Even if you chose an activity to go outside and scream; do it on a regular schedule. The benefit of stress relief will make you feel better as a person, not to mention the overall health benefit.

Not only will the lower stress level work for you as an individual but the benefit it will provide to your family, co-workers and just the man on the street will be enormous.

For me I am going to be dancing the stress away, hopefully by creating my own new dance class in Tennessee. Here is to a great 2012, may everyone have a happy healthy new year.

Remember the first Friday 13^th is next Friday... it is Make Your Dream Come True Day!!! So Dream Big!

What Attack on Christmas?

I keep hearing that Christmas is under attack. Congress has even touched on the matter as if that is the most important issue they have to deal with at this time. But I digress.. I am having a hard time understanding just what is attacking Christmas.  Is it the fact that the retail stores start advertising and putting out their Christmas items before Halloween has past.  Maybe its the Condo Association that is fighting a owner for putting out colored lights instead of only clear lights. 

I just can not figure out what is attacking Christmas, as I sit in front of our beautiful Christmas tree, listening to Christmas music and all the Christmas cards from friends and family. Where is the attack, what is the attack, who is doing the attacking?

Can anyone tell me? 

The only thing I can think of is the attack is from those spouting the issue that Christmas is under attack.   I just don't understand why human beings can not just get along, this country was founded on freedom.  Freedom of speech, Freedom of religion, Freedom to be who and what you are without prejudice.  At least that was what I was taught in a small country school in the rural midwest.

I personally, think that those that are claiming there is an attack on Christmas are just trying to create a diversion so they gain more votes in the upcoming election.  We as Americans are always under attack, from outside our borders and more dangerous within our borders. Ultra conservative, Ultra liberals, Ultra Religious, Ultra white, Ultra Black, Ultra, Ultra Ultra. Oh there I go digressing again..

Attack on Christmas, I don't think so. The attack is on the American people, who for the most part just want to enjoy the Holiday in Peace and Good will to all.

Merry Christmas  and Happy Holidays to All.....

Healthier Lifestyle

I am alway reading articles on ways to make my life healthier, not that I follow a lot of what I read. But I do try to take part of each  and implement a portion in my life.  Hey, I at least try it, may not last but I do attempt.. I thought this was a pretty good article and thought I would share. We are visiting Dad in Missouri this weekend and when I do, always look at ways to make his life healthier. Although he does pretty good.. read this article..

A Healthier Lifestyle Calls For Additional Things Than Starvation As Well As Exercise

by Bobby Stentfeister

Most people today automatically believe that healthy living is exclusively about depriving yourself of foods that you like. A lot of people likewise believe that healthy living involves sustained, rigorous exercise. The truth is that there are easier and simpler methods to attain the healthy lifestyle you are hoping to have.

In your quest for a healthier body, are you beginning to feel like you live at the gym? Well, it's alright to spend a little less time there. You can simply start taking walks after you've eaten, or even on your lunch break at work. I know several people who love a quick lunch, then go out for a nice, twenty minute walk before returning to their office. Other people like to stay in the building for their walks, especially when the weather is bad. Be aware that simply walking will help you start circulating your blood flow and help carry oxygen to your brain.

And, obviously, there's a lot more to think about. A lot of people wake up in the morning and enjoy a couple cups of coffee to start their days off. But why java and not tea? If you drink tea, you don't need to suffer through the unavoidable mid-morning crash because of the caffeine wearing off. And by selecting the right teas, you may find that you even have so much more energy than you did with your caffeine high.

Many people assume that, if they want to move toward a healthier style of living, they must starve themselves. This is a typical area of confusion. The reality is that by merely choosing a little better, you can still eat almost all of the things you love. Pizza? Sure. Simply try avoiding the frozen pizzas and go for handmade instead, using fresh ingredients. Sure, going from the freezer to your table in 15 minutes is good, but the darn things are simply isn't great for your health. At any rate, it's fun starting from zero with fresh ingredients. Now, most groceries include a whole section devoted to natural, healthy foods, where you can get everything you may need for your pizza. Therefore, you can enjoy your pizza and continue living healthy.

Want another hint? Do Away With candy and sweets in general. This may appear like a very tough thing to do, but it in reality isn't that difficult. The next time you're wanting candy, eat fruit or a cup of hot chocolate sweetened with an all natural, low calorie sweetener like Stevia.



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