Zaina’s Zany Adventures
Egypt -No- Bust * I just DECIDED!
Well, it has been awhile since I sat down and wrote about anything for my “Zany” adventures. Probably because it seems life has been one roller coaster ride after another, and I don’t ever seem to get off the ride and since I have been burning the proverbial candle at both ends - - well, the thought of writing about it all and mentally having to re-experience some of it , yeah - - just made my head swim. But alas, have I just been “slacking”?
After receiving many e-mails asking where the adventuress have gone, I decided to try to put the most recent events to paper (or viewing screen), as short and concisely as possible. So, rather than go back to the beginning, or where I left off, I am going to back into the latter part of my story - - yeah, just going backwards as normal.
So, it is Tuesday, June 17th, and I leave for Santa Cruz on Friday and the Evolution of The Double Crown Belly Dance Competition which is now in the capable hands of Vashti and Belly Dance Odyssey (I have been referring to them as the Dream Team). They are producing the show now, while I am still the owner, I don’t have to do all the work anymore (so you understand the term “Dream Team” – everyone should be so lucky). Teaching workshops, performing and standing at the microphone and heckling the audience in my own unique way - - yeah all the things I LOVE to do. Big Hair Pose Down – I wonder if I can actually compete myself this year - - never have before and it is an intriguing thought.
I will fly out of San Francisco after the Double Crown to New York and meet up with the other half of the OZ Team, Oberon. We will then embark on our journey with Morocco and the rest of the “gang” (Saqra and Shira included) to EGYPT AND TURKEY. That’s right - - the trip it seems I have waited a lifetime to take, complete with Nile Cruise and a side trip to Istanbul.
To be honest, I used to think there would never be enough money and if I had the money, how would I get the time off work to make a trip of this magnitude – an entire month? I could just hear the boss now. As so many women can relate these days, being a single parent and working two and three jobs to raise your family seems to put you in never ending work mode. A mode that is hard to step out of for any length of time without feeling guilty in some way. Sure, I get my week long vacations – hard earned to be clear with a full time job demanding 45 to 50 hours per week, teaching three classes a week, and owning a magazine - - yes, hard earned. But I wondered, could it all really come together so I could go? YES.
How? By first being grateful. I am grateful for everything in my life, my family first, friends, health, and so very much more.
As to Egypt, I simply said, “I am going”. Nothing more, nothing less. Not, I want to go, or I wish I could go, just simply, I am going. At the time I made the decision, the complications that might surround it fell away, I just “decided”. Odds be damned. And it appears the Universe was with me the entire time.
And everything started coming together, not without complications, but at each turn it was simply, well, I am going and a door would open – even if another had closed.
When the trip deposit was due, it just turned out that one of my costumes sold. When it was time to pay the bulk of the tour fee, my tax return check came - - almost to the penny the amount needed. When it was time to collect the cash needed for tips, and exchange in Egypt and Turkey), my kicker check arrived – exactly the amount needed. I did the Zaina’s Zany Two Day Intensive - - enough to cover the remaining portion of the cruise portion of the trip and my insurance. Are you beginning to see the picture? Every time money was due, something I had previously worked hard for seemed to show its face and provide. Why? Because I said I was going – period – I had no doubts, just moved forward with a clear picture of myself where I wanted to be (IN EGYPT). Anyway, what’s an adventure anyway without fortitude?
Oh, believe me there have been obstacles along the way, isn’t there always? That is why I call it a roller coaster rather than the teacup ride. I had sick doggies, an unforeseen expensive car repair (aren’t they always), my car was broken into which cost out of pocket to fix, and the final blow, I had a couple of health scares and for just a few days wondered if I was really going to go after all. Biopsy, schmiopsy - - GET ME TO THE AIRPORT ON TIME.
So, here I am, a few days out, passport in hand (with copies tucked away), a suitcase in a suitcase so I can bring back lots of yummy costumes and stuff, money tucked away, carry-on packed to specifications, hair did, my will updated, kids briefed, students set for practice while I am gone, costume preciously packed, articles uploaded to iShimmy, sunscreen, hat, hijab, and only 3 pairs of shoes, (giggle giggle giggle) packed, with my students taking their finals tomorrow at the college and an evening of posting their grades, it seems all is finally in order! And I even have a blind date tonight. Wheeeeeeeeeee. Tomorrow we celebrate Brandey’s birthday - - being with family before I go and having their support as I always have is the icing on the cake (another pun).
Camels, Costumes and Classes, here I come, I am so ready for Egypt - - now the only question left is: “Is Egypt ready for Zaina and the OZ Team?”
Moral: If you want something, just put yourself there - leaving the doubts behind. Just decide it is yours and be grateful it is.
