Waiting on Your World to Change...

Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer

Two weeks ago, I attended a 30-hour training related to working with children who have been sexually assaulted or abused. Tough stuff to listen to but crucial in my work. During the last hour, all I could think about was getting into my car in the -25º weather and fumbling with my ipod apparatus to play "Waiting on the World to Change." I can't explain why I wanted to hear that song but listening to it, I thought "our world is about to change but what will really change about this issue?" I could also vividly remember leaving class on the Thursday before election day and saying goodnight to the professor. He said "see you next week" and I said "you know, the world will be a different place the next time I see you." He replied "let's hope so." This past Tuesday, January 20, 2009, the world has, in fact, changed. Not only was President Barack Obama sworn in, he has already made strides on the economy and eliminating the use of torture. While President Obama stated that his administration would be one of change, he also called upon each of us to work towards the change we want to see.

So now that we are no longer waiting on the world to change, what are we waiting for? What am I waiting on to call to schedule a shift at the hotline or to start mentoring or adult literacy tutoring again? Somehow, I feel like I am waiting on my world to change. I tell myself I'm waiting to graduate, to not work 12-hour days, to have more time. The truth is that my life won't get any less busy after I graduate and I have time to do those things now. So, I need to stop waiting on my world to change to change the world.

What are you doing to change the world? If the answer is "nothing," What are you waiting on?

Losing Momentum...

I started this post last Saturday. If I remember correctly, I was in some kind of mood last Saturday - not feeling like going to gym or to my book club meeting and loving the way my couch felt. I hadn't worked out at all the week prior except maybe a failed attempt to do an exercise video at home and my dance classes.

This week, I have mixed emotions. I'm feeling good. I made it to the gym today and yesterday and worked up a sweat in my dance classes last night. However, when I woke up this morning I was 2 pounds heavier than I was last week. There are a number of reasons for the weight gain - bloating, water weight, and my indulgence in all of the chocolate, cheese, and dulce de leche Hӓagen-Daz that I wanted. I'm a little sad about the 2 pounds but not discouraged. I have a plan for the week and I'm steadily ticking things off the list. I went to a play for the month on Sunday, went to happy hour with some friends last Friday, and caught up with a good friend last night. So while I haven't lost any weight, I am no longer losing momentum...

Keeping the Momentum Going

Last night, I started belly dancing and salsa classes. They were perfect. The belly dancing class was small enough for me not feel too awkward messing up turns and isolations. The salsa class was small and had just the right number of rhythmless men to disguise my lack of coordination. I'm excited to go back and I might even check out salsa night at few clubs to practice in between. Lé Empress, next time we go salsa dancing, I will dance.

The next thing on my list that I'm going to tackle is my weight. I've decided to go ahead and post my weight weekly.* (Thanks Spiderlgs for letting me know that it's not that hard or that bad.) Just posting weekly won't help me lose a pound, so I've decided to create a weekly workout goal and schedule. My goal is to workout 4 times per week. The schedule part is tricky. I'll figure it out and post it here. I'm trying to figure out how to motivate myself to go to the gym even when I don't have 2 hours to spend there and how to do my workout videos at home without stopping after 5 minutes. I'll try later this afternoon. This morning, my average weight was 159lbs. I am officially back at my pre-holiday weight. Now I just have to keep taking the pounds off. My goal weight is 140lbs. However, I will reevaluate this as I get closer to it.

Also, I really want to take a trip. Preferrably some place warm, so visiting Canada is not a goal that I'm willing to tackle right now (unless someone knows of a quaint little inexpensive, yet beautiful, town that isn't as cold as Chicago). I'm thinking of traveling alone and giving myself 3 days of R&R. Any ideas? Has anyone traveled alone before?

*The weekly weigh in can be found below my profile.

Making Progress

This week started off pretty stressful, but it's over. I love my 3-day weekends! I'm glad to say that I've made a little more progress on my 28 things. So here's an update and some info in case you're in Chicago and looking to take in a show or a dance class.

1. I dropped a class that I didn't need to take in order to free up some time and relieve some stress. I now have my Fridays and Saturdays free. I'm thinking of signing up for belly dancing and salsa classes here. If the weather is not horrendous, I'll start tomorrow.
2. I also found a social event at the same place - they are having a studio party and they even have Salsa Speed dating. I'll keep y'all posted on the party. Don't know about the speed dating. Maybe after I learn a few moves. Has anyone ever tried it? What do you think about it?
3. I called a friend. She didn't answer. Phew!
4. This is my second blog post this week, thanks to b. I have a couple more in mind.
5. I've decided to post my weight here, weekly, starting this Saturday. Hopefully, that will keep me in the gym and eating right.
6. I researched and created a list of plays that I want to see in the next few months. I'm posting it below in case you're in Chicago and want to check something out. Also, if you know of something, send me suggestions.

PLAYLIST

"FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA"
Written by Dr. ENDESHA IDA MAE HOLLAND
November 20 – January 11, 2009
Directed by AUDREY MORGAN
Living in a time in a world that would deny a woman her most basic rights did not deter Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland as she journeys through her pain and gains the strength to appreciate herself as not only a woman but as an individual. Her story is an inspiration to all.
Showtimes: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 P.M. & Sunday at 3:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M.
Ticket Prices: General Admission $30 Students: $15
Location: eta Creative Arts
7558 S South Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60619-264


“I STILL LOVE H.E.R.”
Produced by Wendell Tucker (WY Graduate)
January 8 – February 28, 2009
Theori Productions is proud to re-introduce its ground-breaking contribution to theatre,"I Still Love H.E.R. (A Tribute to HipHop)." "I Still Love H.E.R." takes viewers on an insightful tour down memory lane, while taking time to stop and see what conditions and events helped to create the cultural phenomena known as HipHop.
This sociological musical centers on Love 1, a revered Chicago on-air personality who is about to begin his final broadcast. In the midst of his farewell show, HipHop arrives to tell her story the way it really is. Through the dialogue that follows, Love 1 and his listeners are told the story of Hip-Hop through her own words. Social issues such as feminism, parenting, racism, capitalist media domination and violence in the HipHop community are examined throughout the show, with relevant HipHop classics as the backdrop. By the end of his broadcast Love 1 reconciles his love affair with his culture and realizes that he must "always take time to listen to the soundtrack of his life".
Showtimes: Thursday & Friday – 8:00 P.M. , Saturday - 3:00 P.M. & 8:00 P.M., Sunday - 3:00 P.M.
Ticket Prices: $10
Location: CCPA's "WestTown Studio Theater"
777 N Green St
(1 block west of Halsted, just off Chicago Avenue)
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 733-6000


“STAGE BLACK”
Written by Lydia R. Diamond
Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance
January 16 – March 1, 2009
Today critically acclaimed and nationally produced playwright Lydia R. Diamond is known for The Bluest Eye, Stick Fly, Voyeurs de Venus, and the recent Harriet Jacobs. Back in 1998, MPAACT had the honor of producing her play The Inside.
In Stage Black a well-respected but under-produced African-American playwright, attempts to write the "perfect producible black play". As the writer attempts to script the black play that falls within the comfort zones of white and black audiences, her subconscious leaps to the fore and her characters rebel. The rest... well, you'll just have to see it to believe it.
Show Times: Thursdays and Fridays – 8:30pm, Saturdays – 7:30pm, Sunday – 3:30pm
Ticket Prices: $16
Location: The Greenhouse Theatre
2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
BOX OFFICE: 773-40-GREEN (404-7336)
Love of Heritage and Tradition


"TALKING BONES"
Written by SHAY YOUNGBLOOD
January 29 – March 22, 2009
Directed by RUNAKO JAHI
With a desire to lead a normal life, Bay-Bay ignores the wisdom and spiritual yearnings of her steeped-in-African-tradition mother, Ruth, by refusing to be a vessel to connect with the ancestors. Ruth is ready to join the ancestors but who will take her place?
Showtimes: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 P.M. & Sunday at 3:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M.
Ticket Prices: General Admission $30 Students: $15
Location: eta Creative Arts
7558 S South Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60619-264


SAINT JAMES INFIRMARY
By: Brian Tucker
Directed by: Harry Lennix
Dates: March 19, 2009 – April 12, 2009
Previews: March 12–14
Featuring Ensemble Member: TaRon Patton
A bluesy noir that examines the soul-less inhabitants of a world dominated by gamblers, thieves, and women of the night. Borrowing from the mythic tales of dealing with the devil, the play follows what takes place when the purchaser of lost souls comes to collect.
Location: Center for the Performing Arts
777 N. Green
Box Office: (312) 733-6000