Zoning Out

One of my favorite places is my comfort zone. But I didn't spend much time there this past weekend.

First, on Saturday night, John and I danced the night away (til 10:30 p.m.) at the Formal Christmas Dance. We've taken 7 weeks of Ballroom One lessons, learning the foxtrot, the waltz, the rumba, and triple-step swing (or "slow" swing, which I've avoided in the past because it's not as much fun as single-step swing). The ballroom dance community that offers the lessons hosts the Christmas dance to provide an opportunity for people to use the skills they've learned, and of course, show off beautiful dresses. (The camera flash doesn't do justice to the dimmed lights and Christmas decorations that made you forget you're in a gym.)

In spite of the Intimidation Factor, using our lowly Ballroom One skills in front of the Ballroom Three and Bronze people, it was a lot of fun. We also got to know a young couple from our class who sat at our table.

On Sunday afternoon, our subdivision had a Christmas party at the clubhouse. We only knew one family there (barely), so it was a chance to meet our neighbors and Talk To Strangers. People who know me think I'm not shy, but I AM SHY. Trust me on this. I don't describe myself as a mute in high school for nothing.

I went to get some punch, and when I returned, John was deep in conversation with a couple; he was from Nicaragua, and she was from Brazil. They love to dance. We just went to a dance. They want to take lessons when the next round starts in March, and they'd like to go with us to the Saturday night casual practice sessions once a month. We talked about how hard it was for them to learn English, how it's tough to find one's way around the Atlanta area when you're not FROM here!, and about how he wants to go to school to be a pharmacist. She works out in the evenings, so I could go at the same time and have some company!

We had a good time and signed up for some activities where we'll also get to know our older neighbors. (Our subdivision has smaller, ranch houses in the front where many retirees live, and 2-storey family houses are beyond that.)

From there we drove a half hour (which would have been an hour in traffic math) to eat supper with some young couples from the PCA megachurch that's in our area. (The church we attend is one of its many plants.) John had contacted the head of the young couples' group at that church and asked about events, Sunday school, etc. to get plugged in (and not to steal couples to come to our church - not at all).

Over dinner, we laughed a lot with the two other couples who have been married about as long as we have, two years. One of the guys was an eagle scout, just like John. It felt really good to be there. We've missed being around other young couples!

I've been telling God that it's lonely here without other couples and friends to talk to and spend time with, but He can be sly - He knows that part of defeating loneliness involves getting over myself and talking to people. And it's not John's job to do it for me! That's the easy way out.