LaurenRakissa

Wrote the first three chapters. Hit some snags and got bogged down for a while… but I’m going back in!

Wow, I wrote that last post 3 years ago!

Now I’ve been to Cairo, saw dancers, studied. I’ve also opened a studio where I teach bellydance and yoga, and I perform regularly at a restaurant and at private parties, nursing homes, art shows and other events. I also produce an annual student show.

This has taken over my life, but I still love it!

Went with my daughter to Spain, France, and Italy. Get a good backpack and comfy shoes and learn at least a little of the language everywhere you’re going. (Hello, please, thank you, that one, how much).

Hostelworld.com was a great help in planning the trip, highly recommend them!

It’s only 49cc, so it doesn’t go very fast, but it’s SO fun to tool around on. Now I want a bigger one!

I started taking lessons just to get a little exercise & have some fun. It WAS fun! Next thing I knew I was totally addicted. Every time I think I’m about to get bored with the whole thing, an entire new area of knowledge opens up: history, culture, different styles, new types of music, etc. I’m completely in love with middle eastern music & dance now.

I was a member of a troupe for a while, I teach, I perform, I travel to workshops. I hope to travel to Cairo someday to see Egyptian dancers in action!

Just do it…

I’ve been self-employed since 1994. Started my own magazine & ran that for 8 years. Now I do freelance work on other people’s publications. Also teach belly dance & yoga. There’s really nothing I miss about working for other people.

Being self-employed requires a lot of drive, independence and flexibility, along with a willingness to take risks and to be poor for extended periods of time. But the freedom & self-determination are totally worth it!

On weight watchers since January. Lost some, but still have 15 pounds to go. I keep going “off the wagon,” don’t seem to be able to get back on long enough to do any good! Haven’t given up, though…