Dancing Again

My desk at work is awash with invitations: cocktail receptions, press conferences, signing ceremonies, fashion shows, art gallery launches, parties. These past 2 weeks have been completely packed with assignments, both day and night ones. I've come down with a mild flu, due to the strain, I think. This job keeps me busy without being too challenging though.

Tuesday night's dance rehearsal was great; we are preparing for the 3rd annual Malaysian hafla (bellydance party), which will be happening on 18th June. I still have to brush up on the Egyptian choreography we'll be performing (too many mis-steps and vital bits forgotten for comfort!), but I'm quite happy with the other item I'm involved in - I will be performing with zills (finger cymbals) for the first time ever! Quite excited about that. I've always been keen on learning zills, and am self-taught. Glad I finally get to use my newly acquired skills (though I still am a long way from being an expert). :)

S just asked me to stand in for her at a class on Sunday. Am surprised and quite nervous bout it, as I've only stood in for one class previously. Most of the students are beginners, and I know the choreography well, so I am hoping I will be able to teach the class well... but I know being a good performer doesn't necessarily mean one'd be a good teacher. I'll just try my best. Wish me luck!

Also found out we'll be getting more dance gigs. Hurrah! It's great being back in the scene! :D *so happy*

I'm currently reading On Beauty by Zadie Smith. Finding it warm and witty so far, and much to do with relationships and how people live their lives... like Nick Hornby's books, which I enjoy very much as well.

This article by Australian bellydancer Despina is a good reminder of why women should learn to love their own bodies, how bellydancing helps with that.

On Being Happy

Hmm, what to write about today. This entire week has been filled with night assignments so I'm pretty knackered. Ah, yes..

Allegra has finally entered the blogosphere on Dragonfly Wings. From what she tells me she will be publishing her tales of what it is like being a girl-about-town who dreams of a glamourous, high-flying lifestyle. Hurrah, no-longer-tech-neanderthal bessfren! *spin cycles and waves epilator around :P*

On a more serious note.. I've just discovered this term, "Poverty Mentality". What is poverty mentality? It's when you have many blessings in your life, but you still feel like you don't have enough - whether they be material possessions and wealth, attention, compliments, power or even sex. So you try to get more, but you are never satisfied, no matter how much more you get. The strange thing is, people who are affluent are just as prone, if not more prone to this poverty mentality.

I'm as guilty as the next person of this, but lately I find I've been trying to be more generous, more forgiving, more content with what I have. I won't be a perfectly and completely benevolent person anytime soon, but I will definitely attempt it...

So what do you get for being content with what you have? Well, for one thing, you will enjoy life much more; you will be happier and healthier (less stress). I never thought I'd ever quote a motivational speaker, but this quote by Zig Ziglar is simple and true: "Happiness is not getting what you want but wanting what you have." Don't believe him or me? Just try it. :)

And now, for some interesting links:

Sexual attraction: the Magic Formula

The "it" factor: Charisma, charm, or that special something - do you have it? The secret to former US president Bill Clinton's charisma is his electrifying eye contact, which makes you feel as if you're the only other person in the room. (try that intense gaze on that cute guy/girl, but prepare for strange looks)

P/S: It feels like I've got a lot more to say, but I will save it for another post...