“Get up, Get up, Get up” (x4)…..”Now sit back down"

I give all the credit in the world to professional performers. Today we had to get set up for our group photo. WHAT A PRODUCTION!!! I think it took the photographer about an hour to get us all “balanced” for our pictures. I admit, I’m probably exaggerating…but when it’s already hot and sweaty and you’re standing hip to hip (if not closer) with 80 people…it gets mighty frustrating. However, we were able to smile and giggle for our 15+ photos. Sometime soon we will be getting our head shots done. All those in their cultural costumes went first. They did look great. I couldn’t help but feel sad that I did not have a costume. Another one of the “Boston boys” and I were joking that we were in our costume…a button down shirt and dress slacks, but I had a tough time justifying that as a costume when men from other countries were wearing the same thing. Ah well. That may be our task as Americans, to find our own culture.

The remainder of the day was spent in a presentation on journaling our experience, home teams, and MORE DANCE. I love to dance, but I must say that I was getting a bit feisty after the second hour. I was really impressed at how, though frustratrated, we were all able to rally to learn three pieces (I think J ). We have lots of energy here. I hope that we can keep it up.

Speaking of keeping up the energy, two other cast members and I have volunteered to give a presentation on self care. I will likely be talking about mental health. Julie will be talking about physical care. Bob will talk about spiritual health and possibly teach us a meditation. I’m a little worried about my part. I’ve never had to teach about mental health….I just do the work. It’ll be interesting to see how it turns out.

Tonight I had an opportunity to share some photos and deep personal experiences with Wouter. Really great bonding moments.