After waiting months & months for April to finally get here, it came & went so dang fast it was unbelievable!!!

Anyway, the weekend of my 22nd anniversary, I went with my teacher & classmates to Ft Lauderdale, FL for the "BIG" BellyDance event of the year. It's called Spirit of the Tribes, & it's incredible! Thurs-Sun with nonstop workshops, vendors & FUN!

Dave dropped me off at Kathy's house in the nick of time, as she was arriving with the big a*s van . . . Julie was already there, so her & I chatted while we waited for Kath to park. Once situated, we loaded our stuff, made a last minute bathroom run before heading off to pick up Lucinda.

I got to be the co-pilot & it was a hoot giving Kathy the directions into the sub division where Lucinda lives. If you don't have a map or at least a good idea where she lives, one can easy get lost!!! Arriving a tad bit behind schedule, Lucinda was waiting in her walkway with words of admonishment . . . Course, it was all in fun - it was comical watching her "perform" her little *I'm mad* routine.

Again we loaded the bags & costumes . . . made another last minute bathroom break & headed to the next stretch of the trip to Anne's house. Lucinda thank goodness took over the co-pilot job & I got to sit WAAAAAY in the back. It was neat, it was like having my own little nook back there! ~ cackles ~

It seemed like it was taking forever to get to Ann's - Then again, it IS a long drive to St Augustine! Good thing the scenery was worth looking at. Anne was waiting in front when we arrived, so without wasting anymore time, we got her stuff loaded quickly. Did I mention there was another potty break? Yep . . . Course, Lucinda had to browse through Ann's library as well as camel collection & each of us stood on the back porch admiring the gorgeous view of the water.

Back on the road, Kathy was our illustrious Driver, Lucinda remained the co-pilot * Yeah * Julie & Ann took the middle seats & I had the nook in the back. The four began sharing stories of past Tribe events, & of course I listened a little bit before taking out my PSP . . . I mean, what did I have to share? I had never gone before - DUH.

We made one gas stop & before we knew it, we were in Ft Lauderdale closing in on the hotel! "What great time we made." was the exclamation from Julie & Lucinda . . . I was too busy playing my PSP to have noticed anything. However, once they started talking about the hotel & hoping the rooms were available, I put away my games & started listening more closely.

Kathy managed to park the van & yes, it was a HUGE feat to do! Then her & Julie went in to secure our rooms as the rest of us waited in the van. When they came back out grinning, we knew things were ok. They each got a parking pass 'cuz both answered they had a car (seems Julie forgot she had rode in the van)!
~ roflmao ~ You know, it was one of those moments when you had to be there to appreciate it.

Each of us were given a key (which looked more like a credit card), & headed up to our respective rooms. I was fortunate to share a room with Kathy & Lucinda & trust me, that was a GOOD thing considering the cost per night was $100!!! So, split 3ways over the course of 3nights... Well, you get the point, right? We had to wait for a 'buggy' to carry up the luggage - so needless to say there were more jokes, poking fun & stories from past experiences. I did my best to keep up...

The room was actually pretty nice . . . 2large beds, a good amount of space - yet only 1 bathroom. The worse part was the vanity with the mirror was IN with the toilet & shower...unlike other hotels I've been to in the past where the vanity was separate making it waaaaay easier when there's more than 2women!!!

I had just about unpacked when it was announced we were heading to the store & then straight to the event to register. WTF?! What about my stuff?! Oh well, when you're told to go - ya gotta go!

"How many BellyDancers does it take . . . " Publix is where we ended up first, in search of tv dinners & other small snacks to tide us over through the weekend. I guess that means no going out to eat? No matter, I did my best again to keep up. Next we scurried to the war memorial where the event was being held. In the foyer, the floor tiles reflect all the countries that were involved with a war & on the walls were other reflections of the military. Through the main doors were 2tables with tons of business cards, fliers & other stuff about the BellyDancers present. There were black curtains hanging in the next doorway keeping the gigantic center room private. A sign was posted "No admittance when class is in session" - Yet there went Julie, Kathy, etc...so naturally I followed along.

At the table, (actually there was 1 on each side of the entrance), there sat ladies with boxes of envelopes. Julie, Ann & Lucinda went to the right, as Kathy & I were on the left & go figure - as I was giving my name, the girl who was taking my info suddenly said she recognized my name! Doe! Suddenly it hit me - DUH - it was Ameera whom I had met on 'facebook'!!! We exchanged pleasantries & to my dismay, I totally blew a camera moment as well as a hug (which I had planned to do when I did actually meet her)! Can you say 'dumb a*s' ?!

Next thing I know, Kath, Lucinda & Julie were getting ready to attend their first workshop (one I had not signed up for) & I had to leave. Where Ann went, I don't remember, all I know is - I headed to the bazaar to check out the vendors. WooHoo!!! What a cornucopia of color & WOW! And I was told later, that what I had seen were not all the vendors. You mean there's more? Holy moley, just when you think it can't get any better, it does!

Back to our room we go & of course the girls were non stop talking about their workshop. Flipping of hands & laughter filled the van as I sat in the back thinking of what would happen next...Well back in our room, I attempted to unpack & reorganize a bit more while Lucinda went next door to visit with Julie...Next thing I know there were mojitos all around! So let the drinking begin! We all got to sleep fairly early . . .

Next morning Lucinda was the first up...Kathy had put in the wakeup call & the 'fight' for the bathroom ensued. Fortunately it wasn't that bad since some of us took a shower the night before, etc...Soon we were heading to the 2nd floor for breakfast & OH what a spread they offered! Yum-E...Barb & her mom were just finishing up as Kathy & I looked for a spot to sit - we had enough time to visit & eat before heading upstairs to prepare to leave for the day. Not all of us took the same workshop, so working out the ride situation was a wee bit weird at times - thank goodness Meghan, Barb & Francine had their cars!

First workshop was Ariellah followed by Zoe . . . I was the only one who signed up for the East Coast Tribal class, so, that meant I needed to work out a ride. I managed to get a ride with Meghan in time to rush to eat & get ready to head back to the event for the evening show. And what an awesome show it was!!! Just wish I could've taken my own photos, however - no cameras or videos were allowed.

It was near midnight before everyone gathered at the pool for the 'after show' party...Beth had brought a ton of snacks as others brought the booze. Some others (who they were I have no clue) brought their drums while others brought zills...And thus, the Dance-ing began & went on until about 3am...For me, I held in there til about 2:30ish...Workshops would begin at 8:30am! Needless to say, I didn't hear Lucinda or Kathy when they came in.

First workshop for me - Hula Hoop. For Lucinda, Kathy & Julie; drumming. Barb, Denise & Meghan ended up in the hoop class with me - so it was neat to have someone I knew. And what a hell-acious time I had! As a child I could not keep a hoop up to save my life...neither could I as a teen, nor in my 20's - so it was my hope, that the girls who taught the class would finally help me learn how to keep a hoop spinning. Well, my hoop ended up on the floor more than on my waist...the sweat streamed from my face, stinging my eyes as my anger rose! Denise quit 1/2way through class...I held on til about 3/4's of the way. I was able to spin the dang thing on my hand - bring it behind my back & back up as well as drop it down from my hand to my waist...however, I still was unable to keep it up which then meant I couldn't bring it up & back onto my hand! ARGH And even though I couldn't do it, I still really loved the class & made a promise to myself that I'd practice. * sh*tty, and thanks for asking *

Next came another Zoe class. Today she was to teach a burlesque inspired choreography...Things started off ok...that is until there was this 'thing' on the floor ...OOPS, it was Lucinda's hair!!! (roadkill as she referred to it later) And then it was time for music - which I didn't like, so 20mins into class I sat down just about the time in walked Gina. She had left Zoe's class the day before, so when I suggested we go shopping, she agreed, so off we went...Half way around the room, Gina disappeared as I got lost in Father Dunn's jewelry. It was a dang good thing I had gone shopping when I did - otherwise, I would've not gotten anything! (more on that later in the story)

Ok, so now we have to get back to the hotel, as I was supposed to meet up with the rest of Troupe Tarab to have a 'last minute' practice...Thankfully Barb gave me a ride back to the hotel...or was it Meghan? Oh well, I got back to the hotel & called Denise to find how how soon we'd be practicing, as the plan was /right after Zoe's class...Ok...I was ready - was everyone else? Nope - come to find out the other 7were out to dinner! Thnx for the invite gals...Anyway, I scarfed down some crackers, turned on the tv & waited for the call to meet in the parking garage. When it finally came, I took my time getting down there . . .

In the parking garage; Barb's Ipod died...Cindy & Martha didn't have good batteries in the boom boxes, so James (Martha's hunny) came to the rescue with his car! Yeah James! About an hour of practice time - from our entrance, the Dance, to our exit we went over & over...A few questions came up with a few ruffled feathers & quickly were smoothed by running through the number one last time...It was now "do or die" - so, after we each went back to our respective rooms to prepare for the Sat night show in which Troupe Tarab was FIRST!!! AcK . . .

The troupe was to meet at 6pm for a photo session (thnx to Barb). Some of the group was there early & were posing for photos when Barb, Francine, Cindy & I walked in. There was a bit of confusion, then Martha whisked Francine to the bath -room to fix her makeup...The lady photographer arrived & since 'the group' was not ready, she did single shots. * she seemed fascinated by my sleeve * Finally the group was ready & I positioned us in what I felt was a pretty good pose... After a few shots in that pose, the photographer changed it a little & took a bunch more...

After, we asked if it was ok if we went backstage. Our hostess; Maja said it was fine, so off we went to get a look at the stage. On stage were 3-4 ladies who kept messing around - worrying about some tape they had put on the floor...Gina & I struggled to figure out our lines & how 8 of us would fit comfortably on the stage. Just as we were about to walk out again, the stage manager abruptly told us to get off ...She explained the 'rules' & suggested we go to the dressing room to wait...We did & that's when the panic began to set in! OMG!!! While we sat, other performers arrived & it seemed like forever as we waited for Julie & the rest of the Silks to arrive.

We formed our circle, clasped hands & prayed...wishing for a kick a*s show, after we released our grip, I made my 'goooooo team' gesture & each of us went a different direction to either stand, sit, or pace as we waited for the show to start ...And then it was time...Standing in the wings while the MC began our intro was so nerve racking I could barely breath! Course, the fact I damn near passed out 3times earlier didn't help . . . nor the fact I had forgotten to take my meds wasn't good either! Getting the signal, I led out the troupe...and as we turned to pose, the music started immediately & there I was - fighting to hold a steady smile as my lip, arm, hand & knees trembled! From the corner of my eye I saw Gina & she was smiling from ear to ear...We're doing it! And I did not make a mistake! Before I knew it, the routine was ending & we were walking off stage...WOW - our first ever performance at Tribes a success!!! So now we wait for the video... THEN we'll see exactly what or who did what . . .

Since we were the first act, we were able to get in our audience seats to watch the rest of the show. We didn't need to be back stage until the last number - so, when Julie gave the sign, we'd all get in line to go backstage. Sat night's show was FAR better than Fri night with the exception of the one number that seemed to go on forever...it was like "ho hum, can you do anything different?" Or how about spicing up the music...Pah-leeze!!!

Uh oh, it's time to get back on stage! Hope the girls remembers their tambourine! There were 3who didn't. (it was planned) NOTE: Troupe Tarab is a Middle Eastern * fusion * Dance troupe...this means, our Fantastic choreographer as well as Director takes a little of this & that when she creates new routines...Also, let me point out, that in my 2yrs of being with Julie - none of her past or present routines are 'tribal'...So, in the middle of the finale, when 3Tarab ladies broke into 'tribal' leaving the rest of us doing something totally different...Well, you get the drift, don't you? Ok.

I remained silent on the ride back to the hotel...the fact I was whelmed, starving & frazzled had me wanting to forgo the big after party & just hang in the room... Lucinda pried out of me what was wrong & once it was out on the table - she gave me her 2cents (along with Kathy) I realized it would be better to go to the party rather than sulk...So I went & brought my tambourine 'just in case'. Good thing I did, as there were drummers playing up a storm when we arrived. After a few minutes I got next to Julie & did my best to keep up with the gang . . .

The party was held at a public Hooka lounge, so needless to say - there was a lot of drunk people breaking into the party area. Some were making fools of them - selves, however...what can you do? I hung in there as long as I could & when I noticed Barb & her mom getting ready to leave, I made sure to leave with them, as it would've been extremely dangerous to have gone back alone. Good thing I did, as Julie, Kathy & Lucinda didn't come back until about 2hrs after I had left...

Once in the room, I stuffed my face with what I found in my goodie bag, had a drink & passed out watching tv...I never heard Kath & Lucinda come in & the next thing I remember is the phone ringing in the wee hours of the morn! FIGHT (again) for the bathroom. Whew, glad I had taken a shower the night before... Now it was a matter of - do I pack or wait until after the workshops? Kathy assured me we had a 'late' check out, so it wasn't necessary to rush ~ sighs with relief ~ So after grabbing a quick bite for breakfast, we headed to the event for the early morn zill class.

Thinking it would be an easy class, our teacher tricked us by commenting that if HE was up late & Danced all night, we could do the same. WTF? No sitting down?! How on earth can this be? No matter, we drilled, did exercises that made our calves burn & Danced until we were dizzy! And after class, when we could write our emails, I frantically waited in the line & watched the clock hoping I wouldn't be late for my last workshop! * who CUT the line? *

Charlie Chaplin . . . OMG it was the most awesome workshop of my entire weekend!!! Ok, it was up there with East Coast Tribal & hoop...I had a great time! The choreography was adorable, the music was likable & Bodhicitta (or Gwyn actually) our instructor was phenomenal!!! Sure wish she didn't live in TN, as I would LOVE to be in her class on a regular basis! She's up with my current teacher; Julie Battaglia - who is by far, the BEST BellyDance instructor in Jacksonville, FL!!!

Well, as the class came to an end, I rushed the stage to ask Gwyn if there would be notes for the choreography. That's when I noticed Kathy standing in the door way...Uh oh, what was wrong? I quickly wrote down my email, rushed over to the Maja booth to pick up last minute goodies & then to Kath to see what was up. "We gotta go, I'm double parked!" What's the rush? I thought we had a late check out & surely we'd be coming back for last minute shopping . . . right? Wrong - someone wanted to get back in a hurry, so better move faster or else! ~ whine ~ I commented to Kath "See, I told you I should've packed my stuff earlier!" She reassured me it was ok, that her stuff was in the room also. Um, her stuff was NOT in the room, someone had put it on the cart & was now loading it in the van in a hurry . . . So the slacker? Yep - me...

Quick as I could, I stuffed my bag & attempted to NOT to feel like crap...Rush downstairs - throw it in the van . . . Then I find out I can't sit in my little nook! Oh man!!! I felt crappy, sleepy & now I had to sit in the middle (uncomfortable) & be in the 'center' of things...EEE-yuck!!! Did I feel even more out of place? You betcha...As the conversation again drifted to past events, I found myself at a loss. Thus was why I liked the back seat, so I didn't have to worry about the subjects. So, when I felt myself getting drowsy, I allowed sleep to overcome me & passed out. It wasn't until we pulled into a rest area (some 2hrs later) that I came to -

QUICKER than lighting stop! Must hurry & get back in the van! Did I pee? Guess I did, it was so fast I didn't remember...My tummy was past grumbling when Kath made the first gas stop & asked if we wanted something to eat - the majority said no - I was the only one that said yes...I heard what sounded like a couple of deep sighs (hopefully not), fortunately, Kathy did a food run (Yeah), I was able to get some real food (hell Yeah) & in a blink of the eye we were on the road again in record time. Mind you - 4 of the 5of us bought food . . . So I knew it wasn't just me who was hungry.

Ann was first to be dropped off. She was met us at a truck stop in St Augustine. Another 1/2hr & we'd be at Lucinda's house - so it was time to call hubby to let him know when to pick me up. Where the hell is my phone?!!! When it was obvious I didn't know or couldn't reach it, Lucinda let me borrow hers. Once I connected with home, no one answered...Um - excuse me? Hello - I need to be picked up! Fortunately Dave had been next door, came home to hear the beep of the answering machine & called back. Whew . . .

Arriving at Lucinda's house, everyone hugged, laughed before making sure to get directions out so as not to get lost! Next stop - Kathy's house where I'd finally see Dave. Although we were a tad bit late, Dave's smile could be seen through the front window of the car when we drove up.

The end? Sure . . . until next time . . .

Points of interest: Lucinda losing her hair in class, chickens, dandelions, plants on the head, f*cking a duck, Bill the parking attendant, the elevator/Moo & marbles, drinks, not eating right, lack of sleep, sarcasm, eye candy, & last yet not least: DAAAARK Fuuusion. Did I forget anything?