Green Pajamas

Nobody stopped thinking about those psychedelic experiences. Once you've been to some of those places, you think, "How can I get back there again but make it a little easier on myself?"
-- Jerry Garcia

Thursday, February 4, 1999
One year ago: Being Candid

I think Wally may be back on the Microsoft campus. When I got back to my office after a meeting today, I found his name written on my white board. I looked him up in the address book at work, and called the extension listed -- no answer. So I sent him mail but I didn't get a reply. It will be fun to have him back on campus, and I know that he wants to be working full time. But I hope he likes his new assignment and group better than the last one! I did enjoy it when he'd call me up and we'd chat.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *    *

I had a good dance class tonight with Jen and Chris. I'd missed class last week because I worked late, but I was able to catch up on the new material quickly. It's tougher for the leads; they actually have to learn how to dance a move, and lead it at the same time. Follows just need to follow. I asked Jen and Chris to go over one of the moves they'd taught last week, because it was evident to me that a lot of the leads hadn't actually learned how to lead it! It's a cool-looking step, though, and I liked what Chris had to say about why they'd created it the way they had. Learning what's behind the aesthetic choices is a good step into more advanced dancing.

I'm not sure about what to do for dance class next session. I think I'm ready for a more advanced, smaller class. Perhaps I'll sign up for a class at the Savoy Swing Club for one night, and a beginning Lindy class as a lead with the Swing Girls at the Century Ballroom. I miss Hallie, my teacher there!

My dance buddy R--- (I don't think he'd like me to name him in this context, though I have used his name before) told me that he's dating someone now. He revealed this at the beginning of class as we were dancing together, then told me more details afterwards. (Then he left to go see her! Lucky guy!) He deserves someone nice. He seemed especially pleased that she plays the organ at church, and she's the same denomination as he is. Usually Protestants aren't so picky about that, in my experience.

After class, I danced with several beginners and many of my usual partners. I saw a man who looked familiar, so I asked him to dance and asked where he'd been lately? He reminded me that he's from out of town, and is in Seattle on business. We last danced six months ago. He complimented me, saying I'm a much smoother dancer now, which was good to hear. People who've been dancing with me all along might not notice a gradual change.

On the way out, Joe Ross walked with me to his van to get me a copy of the latest CD from his psychedelic revival band, the Green Pajamas. It's called All Clues Lead to Meagan's Bed. He says it's getting a lot of airplay on college radio stations. I'll listen to it tomorrow. I've enjoyed the previous CDs, like Strung Behind the Sun and Indian Winter. Joe's also teaching swing dancing and DJ'ing the first Friday of the month, at a new production from CSL called "Mid-Tempo Madness"! I hope that works out.