From the Midway airport, I was off to the Grand Ballroom for Holla Back Thursday – late in so many ways. I parked on a back street which is a big no-no. I missed Tyk and Sherry’s prelim for the Master’s category. I ran upstairs hearing Pete Frazier’s 9,8,7. During the open dance, I danced, danced, danced. At about 9:30, I was off to The Entrance to catch the last of Cermella and DJ Vell on the box. Light crowd, great music.

I was up early to move to the ranch Airbnb. I used the auditorium at a public library for my Zoom call. Went to the mall and stopped by Pete’s Market. Headed out to the party at 8:30 pm again at the Grand Ballroom. Turnt up! I loved the vibe and atmosphere there – warm, friendly, inviting. I saw folks from Donnie’s class. Fun times!

The 50 Yard Line. Wearing Masks is back officially. There was a Black Lives Matter raffle and I didn’t win. Eric Lewis received an award for his work to support Black Lives Matter. I saw folks from Atlanta. Hollywood Frank was bartending and I enjoyed my Easy Livings, but he made sure I drank water which I am forever working on. Spells of dizziness and a headache took over halfway through the night. I danced with someone drowned in cologne. Even after washing my hands, with every turn, I wanted to just sit down. Then, a headache and the strong smell of cigarettes made it a wrap. I left early. I slept it off. Ready for Day 3 to make up for two hours of stepping that I missed out on.

Extreme fun. First, I was running around to get some Livingthe8count t-shirts made. I waited forty minutes at the post office to get to the window when I was only 8th in line. Sigh. I was disappointed because I missed Donnie’s class. It’s a priority on my next trip. I made it to the Fifty Yard Line. It was not too crowded. Today, they didn’t require masks like they did yesterday. Ronnie B was in the house and the DJ played one of his songs, “I Want You.” I got many dances in. Fun times. After the Fify I went to McDonald’s for a quick bite. That was the end of the night. A great day. Ready for Day 5.

Yesterday was interesting and lovely. Du Sable Park started a great time. I had a great conversation with a couple who wasn’t sure about entering the WLSC. Now, I am waiting to see the outcome on Wednesday! I didn’t dance too much. After two dances, these knees really don’t like concrete. The weather was remarkable. Then, I went to the Good Times Productions Leo Birthday Celebration set at The Grand Ballroom. It was my first time and I have never seen the Grand Ballroom so packed. I met Hadiyah. Such good energy all around. I met a lot of people last night. I ended out the night at Hero’s. It was a light crowd because everyone was at the Grand Ballroom. I enjoyed a few dances and then went home. Happy Feet!

I moved over to the Westside to one of my favorite Airbnb’s. I am laying in this California King right now. Ooo weee! Life is good. I went to the Fifty to DJ Sam Chatman’s set – my favorite place to be in Chicago. I stayed all night and I had some memorable dances. I got invited to a birthday party. Yes! And I had the shrimp for the first time. Hands down that’s the best food coming out of that kitchen. Delicious! I danced with Ernie Baby. Ernie does not let up ever to put me under pressure so I had to give him a little something. This lady came and said to me I bet you haven’t had a great dance like that since dancing with your partner. I told her, “I don’t dance like that ever – in public.” I don’t even know what I meant by that and I am still trying to figure it out. I danced with one of my favorites – Dwain and then someone new – Wobs. I like his rhythm but doggone it, I was nervous. Geez! Then the old-schoolers all tried a little bit with me. I have no clue what I am doing there so I just did my own thing. Then I danced to two of the most difficult songs back to back. I wanted to go ask Sam about those songs. It was a great night and I stayed almost until shutting it down. Ready for Day 7!

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I started the day off at Breakfast House. The menu had me salivating. I spent the morning scrambling with editorial for Wednesday’s blog post. I went to the Yacht Club to go stepping and that was a lovely first-time experience. I spoke with Charles Cross who was glad to see me finally make it to his event. The weather was great. The yachts were beautiful. The dances were nice. I popped out of the yacht club at about 9:30 to head to the Blue Note. I was invited to a birthday party so I was late but present. LOL. I saw some out-of-town friends from Detroit and tore up the floor there. I danced with a few folks from Chicago. My feet are happy. I ended the day on a sad note hearing about the passing of two beautiful steppers in my local area and community. I have daily reminders that time is precious. RIH my friends. On to Day 8.

I had a great time at the Last Chance Prelims watching all the contestants. The performances were great. I came. I saw. I had fun. Thank you, Chicago.