The Country Dancer

I began this year by setting some goals to accomplish during 2010. One of those goals was to learn how to country dance. I'm 29 and I had only been country dancing once before this year, and it wasn't a pleasant experience, because I had no clue what to do. Since then, I've had opportunities to go, but being that I don't know how to dance, I don't go. I have always been really big into Hip-Hop dancing, and I can throw down some pretty creative moves that stun everyone I'm with.
I have been fortunate enough to have a good friend teach me, who is an excellent country dancer. She has shown me high-tech dance moves that involve spins, dips, twirls, the use of quick feet, and flexible arms in order to accomplish the desired dance move.
The term "country dancing" is a loose term which is used to describe a variety of dances. The term "Country Dance" in the western European tradition is believed to originate from pre-16th century folk dances, where along with the music that accompanied them, were brought to America by the people of the British Isles, continental Europe, and Africa.
There are so many different types of country dance moves that range from Line Dances, Two Step, Traveling Cha-Cha, Polka, Waltz and so much more, that it is difficult to remember which move to do next. The most important part of country dancing is to first have a dance partner. If you don't have a partner, then you won't get very far. Traditionally the man sets the pace of the dance, establishes the length of stride, and decides when to change steps, and the woman follows. I'm still trying to figure out how to lead the woman and it has been tough, because it seems that every girl I have danced with has a new move that I have never done before. My dance partner has been the lead in our duo, but gradually I've been taking the reins. I now know over a dozen different moves, and I have only scratched the surface of the various dance moves that exist.
I have found the most valuable skill that can be obtained, is one that doesn't require the use of anything materialistic. You can travel anywhere, dance with anybody, and be able to use dance to woo anyone around the world. This skill may eventually turn into a talent, which in return becomes a very priceless attribute that can be pulled out of your bag of tricks wherever you go.

In ReAL Time

I recently began a Media Relations internship with one of Major League Soccer's most prestigious teams, Real Salt Lake. RSL is the defending champions this year after winning the 14th MLS Cup title in 2009.
The 2010 home opening game kicked off April 10th at the Rio Tinto Stadium, where they played the Seattle Sounders.
I am amazed at how much work goes on behind the scenes in order to make one of these MLS games happen. There are guys running around before the game getting everything from camera/audio equipment set up, fireworks, to concessions, and so much more. Not to mention the parking and ticket guys. I'm curious how many employees work for RSL.







My work station is upstairs in the Press Box room. There are numerous reporters and photographers who belong to a number of newspapers, blogs, or are hired by the MLS who all have their own spot at a desk where they can plug in their laptop and watch the game. I got to be the stats guy for the Seattle Sounder's sports commentator. I wore a headset like the guy in the picture and listen to the the guys in the TV trailer, and the commentator at the same time, all while watching the soccer game. Basically I kept tract of stats and informed the commentator of anything unusual or interesting that stood out during the game. Since I couldn't talk to him during the game, I had to write notes and pass them to him. I also got to go downstairs to the Press Conference room after the game to assist the journalists with anything else and listen to them question coach Kreis.
The atmosphere during the game was great, and it was just exciting to be there where everyone there is happy and loves soccer. David Archuleta even came out during half time to woo the crowd, while making the wish come true for a youngster from the Make a Wish Foundation, by singing with him on the field.
Most of my internship will take place during home games. However, I'll be able to work on a few other assignments away from the game which include: statistical research, and writing press releases for the RLS and Rio Tinto Stadium events.
This home game ended with a tie, but I'm eager to learn, and excited for RSL. I hope they play well to defend their championship title. My main goal is to try to learn as much as I can about how PR in a major league organization works, and what all goes on behind the scenes. This is a great opportunity, and hopefully my experience will be useful in gaining future employment.

Visiting Old Stomping Grounds

This past week I flew to Washington to visit my aunt in Kennewick, along with with my cousins who were visiting from New York. It has been many years since we all have been gathered together at my aunt Katie's house. When I was in high school I used to visit my aunt with my brother and my three cousins every summer. We'd spend a month every summer with my aunt playing around, traveling, and camping. We loved being with my aunt Katie. She is always a delightful person to be around, and she treats us as if we were her own kids.

It has been probably 12 years since we have all been at my aunts house together at the same time. Everyone went their own way after graduating high school. Two of my cousins joined the military, while my brother and I served missions and went to college. One of my cousins, Mike, had recently returned from his tour of duty in Iraq a few months ago. He has spent a total of 3 years in Iraq as a sniper, and a gunman hanging out of a helicopter. Unfortunately we were missing one cousin, Nate, who is lives in Florida.

Katie is our dentist, and had to do some much needed work with all three of us. My two cousins and I all had to get crowns. We took turns being Katie's assistant and helping things to go smooth.

Their mom and youngest sister came out with me from Utah to visit as well. We spent some great quality time playing games, movies, and doing yard work.

I was the "DD" one night accompanying my cousins to the local bars, so they could get their much needed female interaction in. That was interesting, over rated, boring, and just a waste of money, but seeing my cousins drunk was pretty funny.

Visiting with family is always a good time. The time spent together is valued much more when your family is scattered all over the U.S.

Historical Utah Jazz Game

Tuesday April 6th marked the phenomenal Utah Jazz win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, which happened to be the highest scoring Jazz game in nearly 20 years. My roommate and I were lucky enough to not only attend the game, but go down onto the court and welcome the OKC Thunder onto the court for the pre-game-warm-up with other friends.
I have to brag a little bit here, I busted out a few of my sweet dance moves while I was waiting for the players to come out. Now I can say I have danced (somewhat) on the Utah Jazz basketball court.

Every player on OKC gave us a high-five. One player, DJ White came out all spazzy. It was quite funny to watch him sort of mock us with his excitement.

We ran into former Jazz player, Jeff Hornacek in the tunnel downstairs. That was cool.

The game was a fast paced, high-scoring game. The Jazz were up by 10 points with a few minutes left in the 4th quarter, when all of a sudden Kevin Durant became the man-on-fire and made four 3-point shots, tying up the game. The game ended up going into overtime. D-Will made a clutch shot with just over one second remaining that put the Jazz up by one point. There was then tons of controversy with what happened next. After the Thunder's time out, Kevin Durant shot the ball and was blocked by Cj Miles. Durant, and the entire Thunder team felt there was a foul involved with the final shot, but it wasn't called. The entire team and staff remained on the floor for a few minutes after the game, bitching and complaining about the missed call. The final score, 140-139. Great game!

Beginning Spring with a colorful bang

March 27th marked the beginning of Spring for those who attended the Holi Festival located at the Lotus Krishna Temple in Salem Utah. This Holi Festival of Colors happens to be the largest festival of its kind celebrated in th United States. Thousands upon thousands were in attendance. Hindu's believe that chanting, dancing and the throwing of the colors is the best way to celebate the arrival of Spring.
My favorite part of the festival is being able to enjoy some messy fun with a bunch of my friends. The pictures take are also priceless. I went inside the temple where I joined in with some chanting and dancing. That was a lot of fun. If you have good company you will have a blast. One week later, and the Holi Festival still has had no effect on the Utah Spring weather. It has been snowing on and off, and too cold to ride my motorcycle. Hopefully the Spring weather will begin soon.