Creyole tagged me and I'm happy to share 5 unknown facts:
1. In high
school and college I played the clarinet and bass clarinet. At one time I wanted to be a musician and play for Disney movies but that path didn't look like it would pay anytime soon so I went into the more lucrative field of science (note: lucrative is said with sarcasm). I played in concert bands, orchestras, musicals and marching band. It was such a fun and creative process. Unfortunately, I lost my chops and don't play anymore, but I still have my
Buffet clarinet just in case (:
2. I don't know if I said this already but I've been a Salsera for about 7.5 years! I love dancing salsa, bachata, Cha Cha, bolero, merengue and Mambo. I kind of taught myself with a few lessons here and there but I learned a majority of the latin dances through a multi-generational organization called Cultural Expressions. Every other sunday at the Presidential Towers, this organization would bring beginners and instructors to one location and we would dance and learn from each other. Unfortunately, sets are no longer held there but Cultural Expressions hosts an
International Salsa Congress in Chicago every February.
It's the place to be to hear great bands, take workshops and see some great performances. I love latin dancing! It also took me awhile to learn how to follow but once you let go, you get better and learn to enjoy the dance. I feel so feminine and sassy! I highly recommend it at any age. What has made my experience memorable is that I go out with my "salsa crew": fellow Salsera/o's and I never have to worry about not having a partner. I love you guys! You're awesome!
3. I'm addicted to reality TV (but tasteful TV no Fear Factor!) My favorites are The Apprentice, Judge Mathis (I was an audience member on the show!), Project Runway, Deal or No Deal, American Idol (in the last weeks), What Not to Wear and The Best Week Ever. Unfortunately (?) I don't have cable so I'm at the mercy of friends and family but right now I hardly watch anything because I get home when the news comes on ):
4. I'm addicted to NPR--
Chicago Public Radio is well known for being a pioneer in public radio broadcasting. So in addition to listening to Morning Edition and All things considered, I also enjoy listening to Cartalk, Marketplace, This American Life, Afropop worldwide and Wait, Wait, Don't tell me. It's my main source on world news, culture and entertainment. They used to play jazz in the evenings but they took it away ): However, I really enjoy listening, I even listen through the pledge drives (I'm pretty addicted).
5. Ok, last one. I'm a board member, along with my sisters and parents of the Tochi ("Praise God") NFP (not for profit) organization. Spearheaded by my Mom (: Our mission is to help improve the health conditions of our town in Nigeria. The organization started because my Mom witnessed the death of many expecting women in our village who didn't receive basic prenatal care or services when before and during birth. Initially, we want to provide expecting mothers with the resources to have prenatal vitamins and counsel about childbirth. But eventually, my Mom wants to open a clinic. We are brand new and still submitting paperwork to be organized. We've never headed a NFP so any advice is welcome. But I'm really excited to this work and look forward to it.
Alright, that's five. I'm tagging the following people. Can't wait to learn more about you!
TraSunsailTaiBygBabyGo Bears! (:
school and college I played the clarinet and bass clarinet. At one time I wanted to be a musician and play for Disney movies but that path didn't look like it would pay anytime soon so I went into the more lucrative field of science (note: lucrative is said with sarcasm). I played in concert bands, orchestras, musicals and marching band. It was such a fun and creative process. Unfortunately, I lost my chops and don't play anymore, but I still have my Buffet clarinet just in case (:
It's the place to be to hear great bands, take workshops and see some great performances. I love latin dancing! It also took me awhile to learn how to follow but once you let go, you get better and learn to enjoy the dance. I feel so feminine and sassy! I highly recommend it at any age. What has made my experience memorable is that I go out with my "salsa crew": fellow Salsera/o's and I never have to worry about not having a partner. I love you guys! You're awesome!
