Sorry, the husband is home. You, know...

Sorry! It's been a while since I've been on here. But, with good reason. Monkey is "home", so you all understand, right? I say "home" (with quotes) because, as you know (or may not know), Monkey lives in Bangor, and I live in Portland. Story for another day if you don't already know it. 

Anyway...

We've basically had a couple mostly full weekends together since he's been back. But in between that, it's been a mad hunt for a home for him. As I've written in previous posts, his base has ended Geo-bach because they are tearing down one of the barracks buildings and there isn't room for everyone. So, now we get to pay for two apartments. Oh... yea. 

So, I've been a diligent little wifey and spent all my spare time on Craig's List looking up apartments and rooms for rent. I can't believe how expensive apartments are up there! A scary looking studio is at least $750-$800. Wha??! Too far above the budget for how shady the places looked. I found a few promising leads. Most were filtered out by people not wanting to rent one room to a couple. (I will be spending enough time up there that for all intensive purposes I'll "live" there too) A couple places were rented out before we could make a decision. But, we ended up finding a good room with a private bathroom, and walk-in closet, in a really nice house owned by a retired middle aged couple and a couple other younger tenants. So, less privacy than an apartment, but it's a great house, and good price, and beggars can't be choosers. We actually ended up with some pretty cool digs. Oh, did I mention it's furnished! Yeah, saves him the hassle and cost of having him having to buy a bed. He's actually going to be staying in their guest bedroom for now. They very graciously offered it to him until his room is available in March so that he doesn't have to sleep on the couch at a friend's until them. We'll move him all the way into his final room when he gets leave in a couple weeks.

In other news. 

We've started taking west coast swing lessons together. Now, while we've both been dancing for about 5+ years and he was my ballroom teacher for a while, we still have yet to actually be dance partners. I mean, of course we have danced together. As in, we go out and social dance whenever we can. But, we have never performed a choreographed piece, or taken lessons together. I think this will be a fun challenge for us. Especially, considering that the only time we argue is when we are dancing. But, starting a new dance mostly from scratch I think will put us on a level playing field where we can't really try and critique each other. Plus, we've made a rule. I'm not allowed to be bossy, and he's not allowed to teach me. We both often very much think we are right, and regardless of whether or not we are, the other doesn't want to be corrected. So, from now on that right is reserved for the instructor. Our first lesson actually went very well. No arguing. And actually, i was giddy with the fact that I finally have a competent dance partner (aside from instructors, of course). It's so fun to watch him learn. The instructor shows him something, and he can just do it, and it's looks good. It's amazing, and refreshing, and just makes me love him even more. Happy dancer, happy ducky. Plus this new style of dance really compliments the way he moves naturally. And, for me, the shoes may be ugly but they're so much easier to dance in. I can't wait for choreography!

Here's a video for your reference. This couple is kind of Monkey's West Coast idols. I love this particular piece because the first half isn't the "traditional" west coast music, but it really proves that you can dance it to almost anything. Then the second half is how you would normally see it danced. Plus, yeah.. this couple is pretty awesome.

 Ummm... I think that's all for now.

Oh, unless anyone can tell me if there is anywhere to do ballroom/salsa/west coast swing near Port Orchard? I know Banbridge island has some, and poulsbo kind of does. But those are a bit too far to go on a regular basis. (Well, Poulbo is ok if we're not crunched for time) Tacoma is the next closest I've seen, but that's quite a drive to go out every weekend like we'd want to. And the drive/ferry to Seattle is too much of a hassle on a regular basis too.  Anyone know of any places? Google is not finding me much.