Last night I watched the premiere of "So You Think You Can Dance". I think the best part about it is watching all the amazing talent. Many times, the judges get emotional, and I totally get that. I get the excitement and the joy in watching someone dance with beautiful lines and expressive emotion. I get their reactions because I am a dancer.
I will NEVER be good enough to be a professional or to be on a show like that, but I am a dancer. I know this because every part of me feels the need to dance all the time. When I'm walking down an empty hallway, I want to skip, chasse, and leap through it, not just walk. When I find mirrors, I want to practice my pirouettes in front of them and take a look at my arabesque. I have to dance.
So knowing that I will never be a professional and knowing that my technique will always be lacking, watching someone execute moves perfectly, gracefully, and correctly is a VERY beautiful thing to me. I appreciate the talent. I appreciate the love, the heart, the passion for dance, because I get it.
I know a lot of people don't get it, I'm kind of the "weird" one in the family because I feel this way about an art form. But I think that's why I love it, it's an art. It's expression. It's the only art where your only instrument is yourself. Painters need brushes, musicians need instruments, sculptors need clay, dancers just need themselves.
So thank you for a show like SYTYCD, cause it reminds me of my true passion, dancing. It reminds me that even though I might not be a professional, I am still a dancer.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Woman of the Word
I am listening to a podcast by Kelly Matte, who recently spoke at All Women's Breakaway at Texas A&M.
I went to Texas A&M for three years, but barely went to Breakaway. I'm not exactly sure why that is, I know I had late dance rehearsals on Tuesday nights, the same nights as Breakaway, and I'm sure that was the excuse I used not to go.
In part of her podcast she talks about being women of the word. I've thought a lot about this lately, the Lord has been bringing this up with me in many ways, church sermons, small group, and now, podcast.
But what exactly does that mean? How do I become a woman of the word? Do I simply memorize scripture? I don't think so. Do I just read? I don't think so either. I think it is a combination of reading, studying, memorizing, meditating, etc.
The problem is, I'm not much of a studier. I am a lucky person who usually has a great short term memory. I am also very visual. So when it came to college, I actually spent very little time studying. I could just read the text and remember where information was on the page the next day for the test. Ask me about it a month later, and I probably couldn't tell you much about it.
So how do I go about studying the word?
What about meditation? I'm not exactly a pro at that either. I imagine myself sitting Indian-style with my fingers curled on top of my knees, Bible laid out before me, quietly repeating scripture. Is this what meditation looks like?
And what about memorization? I'm great at short term...long term however, not as good. Will I remember something months from now, years from now.
And more importantly, how do I really absorb His words? I can read Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." I believe it very much, but how do I live it? How do I keep renewing my mind?
These are my thoughts, my struggles, my prayers. I want to be a woman of the Word. I want to be noticeably His.
This is my prayer, Romans 12:1-2 "1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spirituala]">[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
I went to Texas A&M for three years, but barely went to Breakaway. I'm not exactly sure why that is, I know I had late dance rehearsals on Tuesday nights, the same nights as Breakaway, and I'm sure that was the excuse I used not to go.
In part of her podcast she talks about being women of the word. I've thought a lot about this lately, the Lord has been bringing this up with me in many ways, church sermons, small group, and now, podcast.
But what exactly does that mean? How do I become a woman of the word? Do I simply memorize scripture? I don't think so. Do I just read? I don't think so either. I think it is a combination of reading, studying, memorizing, meditating, etc.
The problem is, I'm not much of a studier. I am a lucky person who usually has a great short term memory. I am also very visual. So when it came to college, I actually spent very little time studying. I could just read the text and remember where information was on the page the next day for the test. Ask me about it a month later, and I probably couldn't tell you much about it.
So how do I go about studying the word?
What about meditation? I'm not exactly a pro at that either. I imagine myself sitting Indian-style with my fingers curled on top of my knees, Bible laid out before me, quietly repeating scripture. Is this what meditation looks like?
And what about memorization? I'm great at short term...long term however, not as good. Will I remember something months from now, years from now.
And more importantly, how do I really absorb His words? I can read Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." I believe it very much, but how do I live it? How do I keep renewing my mind?
These are my thoughts, my struggles, my prayers. I want to be a woman of the Word. I want to be noticeably His.
This is my prayer, Romans 12:1-2 "1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spirituala]">[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Sunday, May 17, 2009
O-h-i-o
This past weekend I got to go to Dayton, OH to visit my mom's side of the family. I was born and raised in Texas and this was only the third time for me to visit, the last time being about 14 years ago when I was 12.
Getting up there was a bit of a trip. My mom and sister headed up a couple days earlier, so it was just me headed up on Friday. I was thinking I was so clever, I had managed to get all my stuff in two small bags that I packed at 11pm the night before.
As soon as I showed up at the airport and got in line for security, I noticed something that I should have taken note of before. I had packed ALL of my full size toiletries. Full size shampoo, full size toothpaste, full size soap, full size hairspray...everything. This does not exactly go well with the semi-new 3 oz. carry-on rule. So there I was re-arranging all my luggage so that I could check one of the bags....which turned out to cost me $15!
So finally I have my bag checked and I'm going through security, only to be stopped for forgetting to bag a few makeup type items. Board plane, sit for 20 minutes, we taxi out...a minute later captain says we have to taxi back in....
So we taxi back in for mechanical stuff (AC wasn't working), everyone gets off plane, I buy candy bar, go to RR, then we all board. Flight to Dayton....take 2!
I finally made it! 2 hours later!
More about the rest of the trip later, but it was so great to be there and to be around family. I think the best part of it all is how I feel welcomed and so loved around them all when we barely get to spend time together or see each other. My aunts are loving, my uncles are so good to love on me, and my cousins act like we've been there all along. That is the best feeling of all I think, that when I walk in, I feel like family and not like a foreigner....when, let's face it, being from Texas, I kind of am one up there!
Getting up there was a bit of a trip. My mom and sister headed up a couple days earlier, so it was just me headed up on Friday. I was thinking I was so clever, I had managed to get all my stuff in two small bags that I packed at 11pm the night before.
As soon as I showed up at the airport and got in line for security, I noticed something that I should have taken note of before. I had packed ALL of my full size toiletries. Full size shampoo, full size toothpaste, full size soap, full size hairspray...everything. This does not exactly go well with the semi-new 3 oz. carry-on rule. So there I was re-arranging all my luggage so that I could check one of the bags....which turned out to cost me $15!
So finally I have my bag checked and I'm going through security, only to be stopped for forgetting to bag a few makeup type items. Board plane, sit for 20 minutes, we taxi out...a minute later captain says we have to taxi back in....
So we taxi back in for mechanical stuff (AC wasn't working), everyone gets off plane, I buy candy bar, go to RR, then we all board. Flight to Dayton....take 2!
I finally made it! 2 hours later!
More about the rest of the trip later, but it was so great to be there and to be around family. I think the best part of it all is how I feel welcomed and so loved around them all when we barely get to spend time together or see each other. My aunts are loving, my uncles are so good to love on me, and my cousins act like we've been there all along. That is the best feeling of all I think, that when I walk in, I feel like family and not like a foreigner....when, let's face it, being from Texas, I kind of am one up there!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Dear Sir...
Pardon my inquiry, but what in your right mind makes you think it is appropriate to still be pulling up your zipper as you exit the bathroom? All that tells me is that you didn't wash your hands!
Please complete zipper raise while still inside the restroom and then follow with a gentle wash of the hands.
Thank you.
Hannah
Please complete zipper raise while still inside the restroom and then follow with a gentle wash of the hands.
Thank you.
Hannah
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The List
For whatever reason I've been seeing references to Hawaii all over the place. I turn on the TV, there's a movie on set in Hawaii. I check my facebook, someone has pictures up from Hawaii. Going to a wedding reception next weekend for my cousin who just got married in Hawaii. I have a pretty extensive list of places that I want to visit...and Hawaii is definitely on the list. But I think with all I've been seeing, it's jumped up a few spots. Here is my list of places, in somewhat of an order, but let's be honest, I'd be more than thrilled to visit any of these places at any time!
By Country and/or City:
1. Venice
2. Mykonos
3. Amsterdam
4. Hawaii
5. Kenya
6. South Africa
7. Sydney, Australia
8. New Zealand
9. Chicago
10. Washington, DC
11. Las Vegas
12. Fiji
13. Monaco
14. Cairo
15. Jerusalem
16. Barcelona
17. Lisbon
18. Dublin
19. Edinburgh
20.Berlin
This is just a starter list....
Here's a list of where I've been thus far:
1. New York City
2. Quijing, China
3. Beijing, China
4. London, England
5. Tour of England, including Bath, Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Oxford, Brighton, Canterbury, and Dover.
6. Paris, France (and Versailles)
7. Rome, Italy
8. Cozumel, Mexico (on a cruise excursion...if that counts)
Hopefully this summer I will get to add on to the bottom list!! :)
By Country and/or City:
1. Venice
2. Mykonos
3. Amsterdam
4. Hawaii
5. Kenya
6. South Africa
7. Sydney, Australia
8. New Zealand
9. Chicago
10. Washington, DC
11. Las Vegas
12. Fiji
13. Monaco
14. Cairo
15. Jerusalem
16. Barcelona
17. Lisbon
18. Dublin
19. Edinburgh
20.Berlin
This is just a starter list....
Here's a list of where I've been thus far:
1. New York City
2. Quijing, China
3. Beijing, China
4. London, England
5. Tour of England, including Bath, Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Oxford, Brighton, Canterbury, and Dover.
6. Paris, France (and Versailles)
7. Rome, Italy
8. Cozumel, Mexico (on a cruise excursion...if that counts)
Hopefully this summer I will get to add on to the bottom list!! :)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The "One"
So this week I am off work (woohoo!) and I am watching lots of movies. Right now I am watching "Ever After", the Cinderella spinoff starring Drew Barrymore. The prince character is debating with Leonardo da Vinci (I don't really recall him in my Disney version of Cinderella...) about whether or not there is only ONE person for everyone.
This is interesting to me because it brings up the idea of soul mates and whether or not they actually exist. I think that I believe in a version of soul mates. I believe that there is someone that God has placed on this earth for you. Of course then that opens the whole debate between pre-destination and free will. Did God choose your mate? Did you choose your mate? I don't know exactly how it all works, especially since I believe the Bible and the Bible says that God knows all and it says that we are free. When you get into to all the debates it becomes cloudy and confusing.
I think that I just believe this: that God is in control. I believe that I should be praying for the man that I will hopefully one day marry. And I believe that when I enter into a relationship, as long as I seek the Lord, he will show me if this relationship is blessed by Him or not. I don't know what it's like to be "in love", so I rely on the Lord to let me know. I don't really know if that is considered "soul mates" or not, but it's all I've got at this point.
This is interesting to me because it brings up the idea of soul mates and whether or not they actually exist. I think that I believe in a version of soul mates. I believe that there is someone that God has placed on this earth for you. Of course then that opens the whole debate between pre-destination and free will. Did God choose your mate? Did you choose your mate? I don't know exactly how it all works, especially since I believe the Bible and the Bible says that God knows all and it says that we are free. When you get into to all the debates it becomes cloudy and confusing.
I think that I just believe this: that God is in control. I believe that I should be praying for the man that I will hopefully one day marry. And I believe that when I enter into a relationship, as long as I seek the Lord, he will show me if this relationship is blessed by Him or not. I don't know what it's like to be "in love", so I rely on the Lord to let me know. I don't really know if that is considered "soul mates" or not, but it's all I've got at this point.
Hannah needs...
So, I decided to play a little game that my friend Jana told me about. Rules: Type in "(Your name) needs" into google.com and then post the top 10 entries that show up. These are my results:
1. Hannah needs a shave
2. Hannah needs some alone time
3. Hannah needs to go into the tunnel and face the prisoner (?)
4. Hannah needs a hug
5. Hannah needs a boyfriend
6. Hannah needs to prioritize her most expensive debt first and get rid of it
7. Hannah needs a kick in the pants
8. Hannah needs a laptop
9. Hannah needs a fella
10. Hannah needs help
Can I get an amen on #'s 5, 6, and 9?
Thanks and Gig 'em.
1. Hannah needs a shave
2. Hannah needs some alone time
3. Hannah needs to go into the tunnel and face the prisoner (?)
4. Hannah needs a hug
5. Hannah needs a boyfriend
6. Hannah needs to prioritize her most expensive debt first and get rid of it
7. Hannah needs a kick in the pants
8. Hannah needs a laptop
9. Hannah needs a fella
10. Hannah needs help
Can I get an amen on #'s 5, 6, and 9?
Thanks and Gig 'em.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Music of the Heart
I don't know about you all, but for me, when it comes to musicians, forget guitars, I'm into pianos. Give me Beethoven over Clapton any day! I think it dates back to elementary school when I had a crush on *Nate Pearson*. Nate was a third grade genius who played the piano. He had brown hair, glasses, kind of nerdy, Harry Potter-ish if you will. And yet I found him so interesting as a young girl. I distinctly remember going to Mrs. Lhuillier's music class (we pronounced it Low-wheel-yur, very different from the pronunciation of say, Monique Lhuillier, pronounced Loo-lee-yay, which is probably more correct) and she would ask him to play the piano for the class. So we'd all sit Indian style on the rough carpet as he would pull the bench in towards the piano and then bust out Beethoven's "Fur Elise". For some reason those memories stick out in my head from third grade music class...that, and dancing like fools to the Beach Boys "Kokomo". It's amazing what you remember...
Anyway, all this to say, even since then, the piano spoke to me, unlike any other instrument. Something about the way the music flows together and yet is still so distinct. The range of possibilities on the piano has to be significantly more than that of other instruments, you have 88 keys to work with! I think there is also something sophisticated about the piano that I am drawn to, though I don't know why that is. All I know is that the music is beautiful and if there is a nice looking man playing...all the better!!
Anyway, all this to say, even since then, the piano spoke to me, unlike any other instrument. Something about the way the music flows together and yet is still so distinct. The range of possibilities on the piano has to be significantly more than that of other instruments, you have 88 keys to work with! I think there is also something sophisticated about the piano that I am drawn to, though I don't know why that is. All I know is that the music is beautiful and if there is a nice looking man playing...all the better!!
Beginnings...
I got a new laptop and I'm extremely excited to use it. To go with my new laptop, I also received a free paid vacation due to the swine flu. Awesome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
