Tell Me Thursday~ Thoughts on Dancing

As you can see, from yesterday's post, my little Sugar Bear is in her first year of dance. Her class is made up of 3 and 4 year olds, and basically focuses on music and movement. I had my doubts that this activity was the right choice for her, and had actually set her up to play fall soccer instead. When that fell through, I felt strongly that she needed something to get her body moving more. I am a firm believer in physical activity, and even more so a supporter of finding an activity a child loves, to give them focus, and purpose.

The only dance school in our area is a very traditionally run program. It is quite focused on the discipline of dance. The children are to wear a plain light pink leotard and footless tights. Her hair must be UP, and out of her face. Those are pretty easy to accommodate.

The one rule that had me thrown for a bit of a loop was the fact that parents are not allowed in the dance class, and we can only watch through a little window in the door. For some reason, this felt very uncomfortable to me in theory, but in reality....it has been fine. The very first day, we were allowed to participate with the children, and observe for a portion of the class. THAT is when I got these shots. Since then, we are to kiss our little dancers, and wait in the chair lined hallway for the 45 minutes to pass by. The purpose behind this is to ensure that the parents are not a distraction to the children, and it is clear to me, that we most definately would be just that.

Once I knew that Sugar Bear was enjoying the class, and wasn't worried about me not being in her sight, I quickly decided that I wanted to make sure that I made use of my 45 minutes (twice a week) in a way that honored me. I didn't want to waste it. You see, I am go go going every day. Rush the Sugar to school, head to work, work, work, work, rush to get Sugar, head home, make dinner, play, bath and bedtime. THEN spend time with The Hubby. When he falls asleep, I stay up late editing photos, and posting to my blog. I feel like I'm constantly connected to something....or someone. I decided it was time to pick back up something I dropped when Sugar came along.

PLEASURE READING!

I used to read at least one book a week. The library and I were good friends. I would read for a couple hours each night, and sometimes a whole day on the weekends. Let's face it. I was home alone a lot. The Hubby's job took him away for a week to a few months at a time, and I had no kids. My books were my company. When Sugar came along, I had my company....and I was TIRED at night, so the reading didn't happen. Then The Hubby sort of retired, and is home every night. Then BLOGGING, and PHOTOS, and everything else I love to do replaced my beloved books.

I decided it was high time I got back to it. Instead of using my waiting time to chat with other parents, or making a phone call (let's face it...those that know me...know I can talk someone's ear off), I made the choice to read. It has been WONDERFUL! I have officially been sucked back into the world of reading. Seriously....I woke up at 5:20 am today, a full hour and a half before I normally wake, and decided to turn on my bedside lamp and READ. People....this mama is NOT a morning person. I am a "push the snooze 5 times" sort of person, but I just couldn't resist my book. I'm also going to bed about an hour earlier than usual, and reading. Yes....I'm behind in other things, and I'm wondering how to fit it all in, but I'm thrilled to be reading again.

This new adventure has been wonderful for both of us. Sugar is very much enjoying her dancing time, and has improved many of her large motor skills in the past month and a half. She has learn to deal with her teacher, who is fairly strict, and a bit ruff around the edges. Her confidence has soared. I have found myself lost in the world of literature again, and feel like a better person for it.

I am keeping a running list of books I have read recently, down at the bottom of my home page. I'd love if any of you would leave me some comments with book suggestions. I pretty much read anything except for "smut books". tee hee....I like romance, but only if it has a major factor of something else in it.