Bal Simon’s “Heart-Fires”

R-R-R-R-Rumba! Quick Quick Slow

Good evening -

Fun stuff tonight!

At Arthur Murray, Donna and I have started their Bronze 2 lessons. There’s a lot more styling that goes into Bronze 2 versus Bronze 1. For example, you have to hold the slow position and then sharply move your foot to start the quick 2-step.

We found that we could do a step for both the Rumba and the Swing. In the Rumba, it’s called the Promenade Twist. (At some point, I’ll put up videos of Donna and me dancing so we can show you what we’re doing).

Once again - I recommend dance - almost any kind of dance - to connect with life and to keep your mind alive.

- Bal

Addendum 2008-08-23 - Oh yes… and to keep your marriage fresh, too. Not a small thing…

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A unique marriage of convenience

I visited a friend recently who has separated from her husband. Jane and Joe (not their real names) have a daughter, and I have to say that the couple has done a remarkable job raising her, even though they are separated.

They opted to not get divorced for economic reasons, and because of their daughter, their paths cross frequently.

They seem to be friends, though the marriage is gone in all but the law. But that’s a heck of a lot better than the destructive divorces that I have seen many others go through.

And Joe told me that one of the big benefits of not getting the divorce is it makes it easier and less expensive to support his child, to provide both his daughter and Jane with health insurance, etc. And, of course, since they haven’t formally (legally) divorced, there was no messy attorney manipulations that they had to deal with.

There’s a lesson in this even for couples who are not close to separation. Before I tell you what I think the lesson is, give it some thought, and you might even give your opinion as a comment.

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It’s the little things

Good evening,

It’s the little things that make some of the bigger things more enjoyable.

I was doing my workout this afternoon at the local Bally’s.

After a good walk and stair climbs, I spent the last 15-20 minutes listening to Otmar Liebert on my Sansa MP3 player and dancing the Rumba to his music. I’m not that great a ballroom dancer, and dancing solo did feel a little bit odd. But it’s a great workout and the time flies by.

I’m thinking of doing more dancing and less walking laps might be in order.

- Bal

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Randy Pauch: Extraordinary - In More than One Way

Professor Randy Pauch died yesterday. He gave a lecture called Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.

I remember watching this lecture several months ago. He inspired me back then. With his death, he has inspired me again.

This site is ExtraordinaryInOneWay.com. Sometimes people are extraordinary in more than one way. Professor Pauch fits the bill.

For as long as it remains on YouTube, you will find it here.

It is an hour long, but if you have an hour, it is well worth it. Really and truly.

May your dreams come true.

Good evening,
Bal

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Just kinda happy…

Good afternoon…

I was looking at my last entry.

Donna and I really are a happy couple. I am blessed.

- Bal

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Medal Ball Photos

‡‡‡‡ A few weeks ago, Donna and I went to our first formal ballroom dance - Arthur Murray’s Medal Ball in at the Hyatt Hotel in Bellevue, WA. I promised pictures. Here they are. The happy couple kicking up their heels; having a delightful time.

Pictures From Arthur Murray’s Medal Ball

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Kindred spirits - a meme to consider

Good afternoon,

There is a meme I’d like us to consider: Kindred spirit.

A kindred spirit (I’m just going to use kindred as a noun this point forward) refers to a person with whom you have an easy time relating; with whom you can talk easily; with whom you can walk a ways in comfort.

Kindreds are people to value in your life. Such people may turn out to be those with whom you can do more than the simple things of friendship, though that is wonderful enough.

For example, you could find the basis for partnering and masterminding in various ventures together.

The most kindred of kindred people in my life is my wife (no rhyme intended), Donna. After 20 years, she continues to be the light and the comfort of my life.

And when I find other kindred people, it makes my life much richer.

The reason for telling you about this is to warm up your awareness of this meme. By being aware that there can be kindreds in your life, you can stay alert to the possibilities.

One more point on this: not every kindred will be of the soul-mate variety. I have found kindreds in the workplace - regarding work, and little else. I have found kindreds in business, who also turn out to be people with whom Donna and I can spend time with. There’s no hard-set rule.

Be aware; be alert to the opportunities to connect with those who seem kindred to you. Your life will grow immeasurably richer as you do.

- Bal

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