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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Harvest Moon Ball


What a weekend.
I thought it would be a good thing to go ahead with the competition because it would be kind of therapeutic for me.
It was probably too soon....but I did make the best of it.  
It was still kind like the twilight zone.....a few disconcerting things happened...and a funny thing too...
This post is not for the faint of heart.....

This is my beautiful friend Karen who won 1st place in Gold Latin Scholarship/Championship.  That means she's dancing at the top level (Gold) and she was the best.  She's an amazing dancer.

Karen and her Pro teacher Rodolfo.  It's hard to capture the action shots...but I think this turned out OK.

Karen and Rodolfo

I just received this photo today of my September competition, taken by a friend.  I will be posting photos from this weekend's comp as they arrive.



During the competition, a male competitor collapsed during his dance.  He went into full arrest on the floor.  I happened to be there (I am a former paramedic and still teach CPR) and so I ran to him as did other competitors and spectators who were medical professionals.  We ended up giving him CPR.  We found out later that night, that he survived and will need surgery.

I am so thankful he pulled through....immediate CPR saves lives.  I think everyone should be certified.

Later that night, I went with Marcel and a married couple who are also his students to the high priced restaurant in the luxury hotel that housed the competition. We were starving!  I was walking toward the bathroom and spotted a frantic little MOUSE scampering the floor.  He darted left and I darted right to the bathroom door.  As soon as I opened the door, the little rodent scurried in MY direction.  I guess he needed to use the bathroom too...because he ran around and over my feet to get in there.  Of course, I let out a spontaneous squeal while I was doing a hat dance with the mouse.  In the ladies room he (or she) went.  I ran into the stall because I really need to go and slammed the door shut quickly.  Of course, I'm noticed that the door had a little space at the floor and I was afraid he would squeeze in under it.  He didn't, thankfully because I didn't want to share the small bathroom stall with him.  I opened the door cautiously and didn't see him so I ran out.
When I returned to the table I shared my story with the waitress and soon after the manager came and took away our check.  The entire meal was comped....we didn't have to pay the bill at all.  That's good because it was a very expensive meal; but I'm not sure it was worth having a frightful encounter with a mouse!

I thought I danced my best ever.  I placed with some 2nd's and 3rd's, but didn't win the scholarship (which means no money).  There was tough competition and I should be happy that I did survive the elimination rounds to be in the finals.   To win money, you have to place 1st, 2nd or 3rd.  I place 6 out of 22.  I should be happy with that right?  Sign.  I'm not used to not placing, so I'm going to have to take a better look at my dancing and figure out what I need to do to change it.

Marcel was happy with my dancing in some aspects...but his comment was "anyone who loses their mother and has to do CPR on someone gets a pass".

What a weekend.

I'm ready for things to return to normal.  Anytime now.

24 comments:

  1. What a weekend! Thankfully you and others were able to perform CPR and the dancer is going to be ok. So freaky about the mouse. Your instructor was right, you definitely get a pass after all you've been through.

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    1. Thanks, Heather! I'm very thankful that there were people there to help the fallen dancer.

      BTW...I really hate mice and creepy crawly things!

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  2. I am guessing that the man you saved is extremely grateful that you were there while you are still grieving. Your inner strength contributed to saving his life. I'm sorry you didn't place higher than you wanted, but maybe you were meant to be at that competition for other reasons. *hugs*

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    1. Thank you Kristen. Maybe you are right. I don't want to take all the credit for saving him...it was a joint effort of several of us.
      Thanks for your kind words.....I hadn't thought of things this way.

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  3. Brava to you, Lisa, for getting through such an emotionally exhausting weekend! I think 6 out of 22 is AMAZING, considering you just lost your mom, and considering you also dealt with having to administer CPR AND a mouse! Yikes! Girl, you are strong!

    Congratulations on your success - you look beautiful!

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    1. Thank you Sheila. Your kind words make me smile.

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  4. Congratulations on a great performance! I look forward to seeing your pictures. The mouse would have freaked me out too!! At least you got a meal for it! But, then you begin to wonder if there is one.... but hey maybe it's Ratatouille making your meal lol.

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    1. Joanna......I'm not a fan of critters! I'm glad they comped the meal but I was scared! I had a hard time sleeping that nigh...thinking there had to be more mice in the hotel!

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  5. Holy moly! You have been having a lot going on. I'm so glad you were able to help that man. Yes, I'm certified in First Aid and CPR also. I'm on the Red Cross DAT team, and we need to certify. I have never actually used it, though.

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    1. You never know when you will have to use it. Just keep it current. I do hope you never have to use it.

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  6. Wow - what a weekend indeed. Wise words from Marcel. And how amazing - you saved someone's life. Place or not - you are a star.

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    1. Thank you for that...but I do want to point out that it was joint effort..not just me.

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  7. That's wonderful, I love dancing! I also did it once for two years, but then I realized that playing music is more important to me and I didn't have enough time for both ;-)
    And thanks so much for your sweet comment!

    xxx Anita

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    1. You have to choose what you love best! It's hard to have two great hobbies.

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  8. I'm so proud of you, your tenacity, and strength, dear Lisa. You look, and did, amazing, and I hope you feel proud of yourself as well, honey.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you, Jessica. Its been quite a week! Now I'm seeking tranquility!

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  9. Good for you on all of this...dancing so well and helping to save a man's life. Is CPR just chest compressions these days? I think the last class I went to (few years ago) the switch from breaths & compressions to just compressions was just starting.

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    1. For lay rescuers compression only CPR is taught. For professional rescuers and medical professionals it is still the same...rescue breaths and compressions with a specific protocol.

      If you are ever in a situation when you needed to do CPR as a lay person, you can do compressions only...immediate compressions do help circulate blood to the brain and heart. It is critical that CPR is administered right away. And honestly, as long as no one is pumping on a person's stomach, you can only help, not hurt them.

      Thank you for your kind words.

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  10. I am in awe of your talent and skills. I'm not a dancer at all, and I'm so impressed with the practice and dedication it takes. I think it's a beautiful art form!!! I also have never taken a CPR course or anything, so I'd be confused and fearful in the event of someone needing help; not good. You are beautiful, courageous, and disciplined-an amazing combination of traits.

    I am so sorry you have the pain of losing your mom. I know it's so very hard.

    Take care!! I'll be back to say hello!!

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    1. Thank you Jean, I appreciate your kind words.
      I really enjoy your blog and will also be back to say hello and peruse your beautiful posts.

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  11. Wow - what an eventful day - well done for helpful the man out though. Glad he was ok. X

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    1. It was! I'm happy that he survived but he has a long recovery ahead.

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  12. Lisa I totally agree with Marcel - you have gone through a lot- and you keep going, that's worth so much more!
    I am sure your mom is very proud of you.

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    1. Thank you Lorena......my mom loved that I dance.....she was very supportive.

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"When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect"--Mark Twain