Well, here we are once again! Nationals in Palm Springs! It took us a whole year to get here from last nationals. And it feels like yesterday. A slightly different group of people; some old, some new. An eclectic mix as always.
I really looked forward to coming back here!
This year, I decided to wipe my hands clean of my duties until I return home from this trip. I made sure I was at a reasonable spot and let the rest go from there.
I realized that stressing myself out wasn’t the best way to come into competition. ESPECIALLY since I will be competing as well as my children.
When you go away to competition, you are in a hotel, with a pool and different surroundings than one is used to on a regular basis. THIS is the time to take advantage of new things and not have your head stuck in a computer (kind of like I am doing now!)
I NEED a vacation, and I will do my best to make this a mini version or ANY version of a vacation that I could possibly have!!! I’m around friends who I pass in the night when we are at home. Tonight I actually sat by the pool and chatted with those very people. How nice was that???
All that said, I have to mention my anxiety level….. When at competition, surrounded by so many familiar faces, it is easy for the kids to slip into “Studio mode” and take off with their friends….. WITHOUT TELLING US PARENTS!! Boy, that drives me nuts! I know THEY are comfortable and fine where they are at, but I am the one responsible for them and when they ‘disappear’, I can’t help but have mini heart attacks at times. The competition room is dark, save the stage, and the kids don’t think twice about grabbing a friend and high tailing it off somewhere to either wish their friend good luck, or jump back up into the room.
Our first day went well. We saw friends dance and overall, our studio is getting some nice accolades. I hope that is the precursor to the rest of the weekend. We have two dances coming up tomorrow, and another 5 throughout our stay.
It would be nice to leave with some nice happy accomplished feeling children, rather than deflated, depressed sad children.
All in all, it will be fine. The experience is good and we will get to hang with our friends and enjoy some good old-fashioned down time. Something we are in DESPERATE need of. The Go Go GO of the last few months have worn on me and I’m ready for decompression phase!
And therefore my decision to take a step back and “relax” this competition has made my heart a little lighter.
I really don’t care, personally, how my kids do on stage. I KNOW what they are capable of! But for the sake of all they have been working towards, I do hope their efforts pay off and are acknowledged.
Tomorrow is the first round and the kids are in bed. We have a semi-early wake up call and we will be ready to go. We’ve worked all season for this!
I’m seriously proud of who my kids are becoming! They take their role as dancers seriously, and I appreciate that! They have shown me this year that they can live up to the task of what is expected of them. As long as it’s for other people, I might add. A clean room is all I ask and they have yet to deliver….. but costumes pressed and ready? YOU BET!!
And that is JUST fine by me! They know when it matters and that is all I care about!
So on a wing and a prayer we will get through this weekend and with a little diligence, we will have some personal time and some fun and possibly even a little relaxation.
A few awards….that would be a bonus!
Fingers crossed!
Happy Friday!
Mom of two grown ass girls and married to a short guy who is funny and cooks really well! I’m a photographer by trade, so you can say I’m a bit “peopley”. My favorite sessions are the one on ones where I just get to chat and find out about my clients. I’m blessed with what I get to do every day! Blessed by the support of my husband and kids, and blessed by the ongoing support and encouragement of my friends who are always lifting me up.