Posting a tad early today. And, what do you know?, the photo has actual relevance. Yep, I'm movin' on up, takin' it to the next level. And what is "it", you ask? Salsa.

O.K., now that you've picked yourself up off the floor (at least, you have if you actually know me), I'll explain. I'm going to an actual dance. You know, the sort of event that people who actually know how to dance attend? People with rhythm, grace and style move effortlessly in pairs in time to very fast Latin-type music? Of course, if I were just going, this wouldn't be a problem. The problem is that I will have to be an active participant. Yes, I will actually have to wander up to a total stranger, who almost undoubtedly has been dancing for years, and invite her to dance. With me. A total rookie.

Now, if you've never danced this sort of "formal"-ish dance, you might not realize the intimidation factor, here. You see, being the "lead" means that I'm supposed to guide the moves, I'm supposed to tell my "follow" what to do. If I don't, she just stands there (that's her job). Of course, that's not good. So, ever noticed how well your memory works when you're totally stressed? Think "oral exam", for those of you with too much education. Or, think "first date", repeatedly over the course of the evening. Let's see, first there's the constant possibility (likelihood?) of rejection. Then, supposing acceptance of the invitation, there's the even higher possibility of deep ineptitude leading to even deeper general humiliation. Oh, boy! Can't wait.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Update! Update! Update! O.K., it was a debacle. Ever thought how a baby bird might feel thrashing its stumpy little winglets around while watching the adults actually fly? "How do they do that?" I felt like I'd had my brains sucked out, taking what meager dance knowledge I had with them. "1, 2...um...what comes after 2?" If it hadn't been for my companion of the evening, I wouldn't have gotten in any dancing at all. A very experienced dancer, she showed great forebearance in helping me stumble through a few tunes, giving me instruction as we went.

Weirdly, though, I had a pretty good time.