We have officially started rehearsals for our production of Romeo and Juliet. The kids are trying so hard, and it shows. They're adorable. My lead teacher is super into it; she's the director, but she's one of those directors who just wishes she could play every part. One of the kids was absent today, and Ms. Lead filled in for said kiddo. She hammed it up so hard. Love her.

I had the pleasure of choreographing a fight scene today. I pulled the two kids playing the servants in that opening scene ("the heads of the maids!") to the hallway for some major work. I tried to impress upon them the importance of safety in stage fighting. There's a little chase thing, there's a bit where one trips the other, there's a slap, and there's a kick. Not bad. They were really enthusiastic about it during blocking; I just hope they remember it for the next rehearsal.

I am officially training for a half marathon, everybody. I printed out a schedule and everything. I got knocked off track a bit by getting sick earlier this week. (My first sick day so far this school year. That's way better than the last time I worked in a school.)  But hey, whatever, I went right back to it. I've run further than the "long" runs at the beginning of the training plan, but I have plenty of time and I want to ease my body into it lovingly.

Speaking of loving my body, I went out dancing on Saturday night. It had been too long. Oh man. Have I told you lately, dear reader, that I love dancing? It's wonderful stuff. I drove into DC and headed to U Street Music Hall, where there were some thumping beats, low lights, and sweaty bodies. As a woman who was clearly by herself, I got hit on a lot. Whatever. I'll chat back, but then I just close my eyes, smile, and dance. Oh, strangely, I think I was the only woman in the whole place with short hair. I guess I missed the memo.

I also signed up for Belly Dance II and Vinyasa yoga starting in January. Yes, I know, the belly dance instructor is obnoxious, but you know what? The class is damn cheap, and it's about a five minute drive from my house. I am not yet dedicated enough to belly dance to find and pay for better classes, much less transport myself to them regularly. So, really, it was a question of, "Am I going to continue with belly dance?" and I decided to answer, "Yes."

I still sing and play guitar, too. Wanna see? This week's sleepy cover was Slip Sliding Away by Paul Simon.

I'm heading to New York City this weekend and I am exploding with excitement about it. I will be meeting up with some phenomenal people, staying in a hip hotel, running in Central Park, and generally having a blast. Bring it.