I used to be a dancing queen. Ok, I still AM a dancing queen, but years ago, I would dance 20 hours straight if someone dared me. Shaking and shimmying at the club until 4am was my fun of choice, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Also? I could get up the next day and go to work. I was a crazy person, also known as a 20 something. Lately, though, I have felt more like I’m dealing with old lady parts. Achy joints and muscles. I blame conferences.
This past weekend, I attended Type A Parent Conference,my favorite of the bunch, in Atlanta. As usual, I had a blast. It was so great to meet new friends, hug old friends, hang out with my FrugalCrew partner, Isra, and talk until I lost my voice. It was also great to dance. One of my favorite aspects of Type A is that everyone is invited to the parties. There’s no need to wait for an invitation to enter your email, or stalk companies to see if they will be hosting private events at the conference. All attendees are encouraged to come. They’re encouraged to dance. And dance they will.
photo by Kelby Carr of Type A Parent
Since boogying on the dance floor is the outlet that this introvert chooses to release stress, I do it hard. I jump, get low, wobble, cupid shuffle, and blur those lines like nobody’s business. After boarding two planes yesterday, making dinner and then going to bed way too late, I now see that I’m not dealing with well-lubricated arms, legs and thighs anymore. Do I hurt? Uh, sweet Jesus yes. Do I care? Heck no. One of the best things you can do in life is dance like nobody’s watching (or when EVERYBODY’S watching), even if you know you’ll ache the next day. While I sit here, rubbing arnica gel on my legs, I can’t help but smile at the amazing experiences and interactions I had this year at Type A Conference. Just like last year, I’m re-energized mentally and ready to take on this new year of blogging. So, next year, when my old lady parts and I meet you on the dance floor, be ready. We’re going to party rock it until our legs hurt. But no twerking. We’re too classy for that.
Ah, I didn’t know you were an arnica fan! (Best stuff on earth). I loved your post! Last year, I danced (with my kids there) at my nephew’s wedding. The dj and music rocked and we did too! I was so sad when my sister informed me the music had to stop @ 10 PM because of a noise ordinance.
Dancing is ALWAYS worth it–no matter how you feel the next morning! What amazed me was I never even took off my shoes and I was jumping up and down on solid stone…
Girl. I may or may not have just requested Workman’s Comp from Kelby following the knee injury that I clearly obtained whilst getting low at the party. Getting Bengay and Advil to sponsor the parties next year, I swear.
Yes, please! I can just imagine the posts we would write after using Bengay all weekend.
Love this post! If I had known you had arnica, I would have stopped by to get some for Susanne – she limped around all weekend after being introduced to burpees. And I wish I had come to the Fri night party – that’s my kind of music:-) Dance on!
I always pack arnica for conferences! We are on our feet so much, walking around. Plus, I have to be prepared for any dance injuries.
Girl, I totally woke up on Saturday morning and said, “I think I’m going to need to go to the chiropractor.” Loved shaking my groove thang with you. It was SO fun.
Ha! Thank goodness for the bing suite. They saved my back on Saturday. Hope to see you again soon, Erin!
Ok…. what is this magical Arnica gel everyone but me seems to know about????
Old lady parts is right… but it sure was fun to dance the night away with you.
🙂
I call dibs on rooming with you next year. Colleen can join us. She’s A-ok with me too.
Seriously! I don’t go anywhere without my Arnicare. I should probably own stock in the company, actually, but it really is worth it to let loose and relieve stress on the dance floor. Next year, though, I need to visit you for private dance lessons before I go to the parties…..;)