The Hump Day Lindy Hop Story

Hi loves! 

Happy hump day! It's Wednesday and we are half way there. My district is on spring break so I am taking advantage. 

Today I wanted to share with you how Nick (my boyfriend of 6 years) and I got into swing dancing...or what it's really called, lindy hop. I get asked this question a lot by friends and family who are not apart of the dance community.

Well, it all started at the land of the mouse. Yes, Disneyland. We are annual pass holders. One sweet summer night we were passing by Tomorrowland Terrace when I heard the rich sounds and beats of Elvis music. Yes, I'm talking Elvis Presley, the King. Needless to say, Nick and I decided to stop and listen. I've been an Elvis Presley fan since I was a kid. Heck, thanks to my papi, I love all old music. We noticed that towards the back of the crowd there were a group of people dancing to this music. Now I don't mean like booty shakin' poppin' lockin' type of dancing. No I mean like really dancing to the music. Nick and I looked at each other and said "Hey they're swing dancing."

After a few weeks and some google searching, Nick found the Atomic Ballroom in Irvine, Ca. On Sundays they were teaching beginning swing. So every Sunday for 6 weeks we drove to Irvine and gave it our very best. Let me tell you, it is not easy. I was starting my steps on my left foot (wrong!) and there were times where Nick and I almost broke up in disagreements regarding our dancing.

Nick and I at the beginning.
Photo Credit to Debbi Hart

To make a long story short...err or longer, we finished the course. After that we decided to try it out for ourselves. Every Saturday night the sights and sounds of Carnation Plaza Gardens at Disneyland come alive with some sensational swing bands. Nick and I used this time to get our practice in.

About 3 months later, we came to point where we needed more. This was when we found Rusty Frank's school, Lindy By The Sea in El Segundo, Ca. Personally, this is when I felt that I became a real dancer. After taking her six month track Nick and I really started dancing. This is when we grew even more.

And the rest is history, my friends. 

I cannot imagine my life and my relationship with Nick without swing dancing. It has helped me as a person and in my relationship with Nick. We became closer and we challenged each other in many ways. It has helped me build self confidence and so much more. Not just that it's great cardio and I swear it's the only way I stay skinny and in shape :) It has also opened up many doors for us, as well as, many great adventures!

So are you ready to sign up? 

Nick and I now.
Photo Credit to PhotosWithClass.com

XOXO

Annette 

Sunday Evening Blues.

Good evening babes! Or maybe it's good morning depending on what time I post this. 

The weekend has come to end and I can't help but feel some Sunday blues. Strange right? This weekend was rather different because Nick worked all day on Saturday and I had a family day with my parents at home. 

My Mom's recovery has been somewhat tough. She is doing well but the pain is just straight annoying. However, I want to take the time to really thank those of you who have been there for her throughout the past couple of weeks. Our Martinez family has been nothing but amazing to her. She appreciates that and I do as well. It's during times like these that you know who really cares. 

Tonight Nick and I are heading to Joe's in Burbank to get a little bit of our dance on. I was at Daiso yesterday and purchased this cute little fan for dancing. 

XOXO 
Annette

Flowery fan from Daiso Japan.

#TBT and exciting news

Hola friends!

I hope you are all well. I am making an effort and trying to blog more often. At the moment this blog is basically like a journal for me. I don't think anyone actually reads it but I am ok with that right now. I am quite shy at letting friends and family know about my blog because I feel like I will be judged. Does this mean I am nerdy? Bored? Too much time on my hands? Not sure.

I have some exciting news! I've recently started subbing at Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified! I love working there. The schools and area are so beautiful. It puts a smile on my face to look out the window of a classroom and see the ocean. I am very lucky.  

I have to admit that I did not picture my career heading in this direction. All I want is my own classroom. Is that too much to ask? I wish I could see the future. But I will not complain. I am very grateful for what I have now.

Here's a little #TBT for your Thursday night.

xoxo
Annette