mizChartreuse || redefiningSuccess

I LOVE summertime in the city, because I have such a fun life.

Also, last night proved to me that I’m really good at everything I try to do. 

My new roommate Rachel came over to sign the lease and discuss moving plans for this upcoming week, and she and I and her boy toy, Vinit, went over to Lalo’s on Maxwell Street. 

Unfortunately, MY boyfriend was unable to join [even though I threatened him, which is my usual tactic for getting people to do what I want them to do, but it didn't work in this case].

Anyhow, LALO’S HAS FREE SALSA DANCING LESSONS EVERY WEDNESDAY from 9:30-10:30. WHY DID I NOT KNOW THIS BEFORE.

tequila: guaranteed to put you on your ass.

We got there a little early, and three of Rachel’s friends, Farrah, Nancy and Thien, met up with us shortly thereafter. I have NEVER salsa danced in my life, and we missed the first lesson on the basic steps of how to salsa because we were busy drinking mango margaritas. But we watched from the bar. I mean, that part is easy; the one-two step thing back and forth.

I’m not a huge Dancing With the Stars fan, but I’ve seen it a number of times and I LOVE the nights when they do salsa.  Vinit was busy drinking his Bud Light and making excuses not to dance, so Rachel and I took the floor as a couple.  But this time, the instructor was already in the advanced stages, and we probably looked ridiculous trying to figure out who was the man and what “turn her around! turn him around! turn her around! brush her hair! back to basic!” meant. The instructor was laughing at us. 

Eventually, Vinit and Farrah came up as well, and the instructor found two guys to come up and be me and Farrah’s partners. My partner was some man probably in his 50s, and HE WAS SO GOOD. Of course he was great; I’m sure most older Latino men KNOW HOW TO SALSA. Come on.

an artist's rendering of my smooth moves.

So we began. And I was amazing. I fully accredit my salsa dancing abilities to my cute, flippy skirt and having a good partner who could lead. And my two giant margaritas. What a rush; being on the dance floor with a dozen other couples, and everyone in the restaurant watching us. My guy was spinning and flipping and dipping me everywhere, and I bet we looked fantastic. Nobody believed it was my first time salsa dancing, but hey, I guess everything I do, I do extremely well.

Highlights of the night: Vinit’s Converse “dance shoes.” Me whoring out my business cards. Rachel and I consuming $84 worth of margaritas and convincing Vinit to help us paint. This random funny bitch sticking her boobs in my face and blathering nonsensical compliments and complaints. And finally, Rachel and Vinit ending up on the floor–and the look on Rachel’s face when he let her fall. HILARIOUS. I think I’m still laughing about it today.

Summer has cometh, and I love my life.

Lalo’s. Wednesday night. 9 p.m. Be there, or I’ll beat you up.