[DanceDiva]

I'm back.

I've got some memorable moments and some shout-outs. Normally, I don't kiss and tell, but:

Nick (ninja): is sweet, funny, and an awesome organizer & facilitator. From the moment I got off the road, called him about the hotel's lack of knowledge of me, and he said it would be taken care of, I knew I was in good hands with Allstate. And in case he tries to deny the sweet, he knows I met his mom.

Bill (RacerBill): Thanks for letting me ride shotgun

Greg (hard_rox): It was just a joy for me to get to know him.

John (Mahler): I see he didn't say, but he literally swept me off my feet when I said hi to him. Good job I fall like a clown.

Alan (Alan Aragon): you'd think I would have met him courtesy of Karla, but Nick did the honors. Alan is Charm with a capital C. But he doesn't listen. I told him chicken fried steak only comes in 3 versions: good, mediocre, and awful and that you couldn't be sure what you'd get. Shamed after only eating the edges, he had to redeem with Chocolate Milk(shake). And then the next day you could see he doesn't learn too quick. He tells me he can't believe Karla picked him up. As soon as he finished that sentence I picked him up.

He did totally have me cracking up trying to convince me I beat up a drunk I kept from running into me; but I know better.

Jamie (coach hale): I have met a kindred skeptic spirit. I had the pleasure of his company at dinner twice. And after our second discussion, I think he has me convinced that this brown girl could actually workout in the sun ON PURPOSE.

Tom (stingo): We met when he was sleepy, and I promise he acted as if he didn't know me -- he's sweetly shy. Got him out of that one, and he didn't tell you, but he has a lovely Baritone (we were singing together).

Sidonia (Kristin): This is my booty-be-poppin' comrade. Tom doesn't know this, but I actually got some bars out of her on Saturday night. I know next time to put my request in early. She and Paul (pjb923) are the cutest couple.

Julie (UConnJulie): was gracious enough to let me strip my shirt off and have her run her cold hands across my back. Give that girl a margarita anytime she wants.

Celeste (Celestialmom)/Galina (galya): our encounters were too brief, but I know we get each other.

Karla (kfisherx): This woman was born to be my sister (although, I'm the sister that's rolling her eyes upward at what she's just about to do). I didn't see her dance, however after seeing her jumping jacks, I'm thinking my sister lacks some rhythm.

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I was blessed to be in the company of these fine people because of a Mahlership. And have memories that I love. I drove to KC and stopped and spent the night in STL each way. Stayed with my aunt on the way there and another aunt on the way back -- both of whom I hadn't seen in 9 years. Also got to spend time with my grandmother, grandfather, and favorite cousin. Just lots and lots of love.