Shakin' It Off

[Rhody]

Tuesday night I was in a bad state. I met a few of the guys at Chaucers, and I couldn't get into it. I really didn't like Chaucers, although that could have been my state. Also, I thought the girls were tough for how average they were. Again, that could have been my state.

Anyway, I was out, so I opened a couple of sets. I bombed. The first set was a 2-set of girls, but before I finished my open, it was about 6 girls and a guy. I got overwhelmed and ejected. The second set was a couple of 5s. They were rude and patronizing. I should have plowed just for the experience, but I didn't think they were worth it. I think I have a hard time hooking a set if I know in my mind that it's just for practice. Actually, I was just glad I got over approach anxiety enough to open a couple of sets considering the state I was in.

So on Wednesday night I was determined to erase my Tuesday night debacle. Boomer and I went to Martini Park, which appears to be a great place to go on Wednesday. Lots of 8-10s. I started out really slow, but I managed to open a couple of warm-up sets. Then, before I left, I opened a 2-set of HB8s. My state was good. I held off facing them until they opened up, but they opened up really easy. I turned my opening routine (who lies more) into an open loop and came back to it when the conversation stalled. I did the best friends test, which worked like a charm because they knew each other since 2nd grade. After that, the banter was easy, and I found myself not relying on routines. I was controlling the frame. I was taking their picture (it was one of their birthdays), but I was qualifying them, bossing them around, posing them (kino), teasing them. I was in set for a while. I didn't get a #close, which I'm kicking myself for. But I got past my previous sticking point (the hook, getting from routine to natural banter), so I'm proud of myself. Instead of walking away thinking about all the things I did wrong, I was thinking about all the things I did right.

If nothing else, I erased Tuesday night and revived my confidence.

[evolve]

I know what you mean about Tuesday. I was on that same boat with you. I left disappointed but realize it was my frame. It was my first night in a social environment in over 10 years- but no excuse. I set out after I left to begin to work on those things that I am weak on the very next day. I went to Grapevine Mills mall and opened up a lot of people to get warmed up. I stepped into Starbucks and was attended by a HB9 with a great smile and banging body. She was laughing at what I was saying and asked me for my name. I know she was interested and when she handed me my drink I asked her about the tattoo on her ass and she turned around and showed me a closeup and raised her shirt. I proceeded to tell her I had to run and asked for her number. She politely said she had a boyfriend. I hit a snag and didn't know how to proceed, ejected and told her it was a pleasure meeting her and left. I think I did a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong. I learned from that experience. I opened up a lot of other HBs but didn't converse with the others as well as I did with HBStarbucks. Mainly because I didn't find the others attractive. I need to stop doing that and just close for the sake of closing. I am beginning to feel more comfortable approaching but can't help being frustrated with my own ineptitude.

I signed up to take dance lessons and begin tonight. I have always wanted to dance, bit I think it should also help with my posture and body language. I couldn't help but notice the confidence in the instructors as they walked.

Brody- let's get together sometime and go sarging. I also would like to play basketball sometime and work on my skills on the court. Let me know if you would be interested.