Our Newest Blazer Dancer

"A packed Wonder Ballroom was the setting for the final round of auditions to determine which 16 ladies would grace the Rose Garden floor as BlazersDancers during the 2008-2009 NBA season. The 32 finalists shook, spun and jumped their hearts out in front of panel of eight judges and hundreds of fans in hopes of earning a spot on one of the best dance teams in the NBA. Eleven BlazerDancers from last season participated in the tryouts, as no spaces on the team are reserved for former members. They did, however, get a bye into the finals.

Comcast was also on hand to record the auditions for a reality TV show set to air later this year, adding to the excitement for both the dancers and their fans.

After three rounds of cuts two weeks prior and interviews with Trail Blazers front office staff, the final 32 dancers were put through a grueling four routine final, testing their ability to perform various styles of dance, both in a group and as individuals. Finalists danced to Satisfaction, Beyonce's "This One Thing", Solo's Hot Time Out and Twilight Zone. Along with the provided routines, each dancer had to create their own solo routine.

One routine, set to Benny Benassi’s “Satisfaction,” tested the dancer’s ability to share the stage with up to two other performers. The most frenetic and technical of the two team choreographed routines, each dancer had to be watchful of the other dancers on the stage while executing a wide array of athletic moves ranging from contemporary to hip-hop.

Another routine, solos choreographed by the dancers themselves, allowed each contestant to display their creativity through the dance itself and their costume. Most of the finalists chose a routine befitting the kind of performance typical during a timeout at a Trail Blazers game, though some dancers chose to display their skills by performing more artistic and adventurous dances.

The finalists rejoined their previous groups for the last dance, a typical BlazerDancer pom-pom timeout routine common during the later stages of a game at the Rose Garden. Along with performing a set routine, each dancer had to freestyle for two eight-count measures, testing their ability to play to the crowd while falling back into place in time to sync up with their fellow dancers. The former BlazersDancers, already having the benefit of previously going through the tryout, looked particularly comfortable performing a routine they had already perfected during the 2007-2008 season.

After a brief break, the judges conversed among themselves, eventually asking for 16 of the dancers to perform the “Satisfaction” routine again. Those dancers were scored one more time before the judges were comfortable with turning in their scores.'

Taken from www.nba.com

Our Anniversary

When we were first married and for the 3 years that followed, we studied for finals together, stayed up late playing games and talking all summer long, made crazy trips home (22 hours) without sleeping longer than our car would stay warm at a truck stop, dreamed of all of the things that we would one day be able to accomplish, and managed a checkbook that rarely went over a few thousands dollars (and only after a long summer) and sometimes managed to carry no more than few cents. I cheered from the sidelines for years as Steve pursued the coveted sac from the defensive line. It put us through college. All the while, with special permission, I took more credits each semester than normally permitted in order to graduate in three and half years so that we would finish together.

Now, 8 years later, these are but faint memories as we live on the other side of the world raising two children and preparing for a third in a few short weeks. We are living the life that we so often dreamed of and discussed. We are where we have always wanted to be at this stage in our life. Traveling, making a difference, and raising happy, healthy children, while still enjoying staying up too late together.

Steve, thank you for a wonderful 8 years filled with lots of love, laughter, and growth. Thank you for working so hard for your family and for your country. I love you.

Moving Day Has Arrived

I can stop holding my breath now because my house is filled with boxes and packing paper! We really are moving.

As a note: The same guys are here to pack the boxes as those who delivered our boxes and car 8 months ago. Immediately, when I started explaining to them what would go first and what was staying, they stopped and looked at me as they commented on my vastly improved spanish and expanded vocabulary. I have to admit that it is still rather pathetic, it is just that I can get my point across now. Who knows if I will ever really be able to conjugate anything properly... Poco y poco.

After 8 months...

...in temporary housing, we are MOVING!!!

On Saturday, Steve and I moved and assembled the kids bunkbeds.

The surveyor just inventoried our belongings and determined how much time it will take them to move us. We are moving on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

We will just keep praying. We can't believe anything until we see it! There is actually a possibility that I might get the house together before the baby arrives. WooHoo!!!