I hereby declare the phrase keep on truckin’ obsolete. From this day forth, you shall use keep on tangoin’ to express the human need to endure hard times. Not to sound like a country song, y’all, but I’ve lost a few things this past week that have put me behind schedule:

• my video camera,
• my tolerance for stress,
• my ability to moderate sweets,
• and my motivation to tango (resulting from the above)!

As I wrap up the final shoot for footage on the recently-announced Intend, Extend, Send tutorial series, I look down and witness my camera coughing up screws and widgets. I think nothing of it until I transfer the files to my computer.

Behold, the results:

Slow down. You guys sound like chipmunks!

It’s sad, I know. The file is corrupt and I’m unable to edit the footage, so it’s only good for a laugh. With my camcorder on permanent disability, the tutorial series is delayed until further notice. In the meantime, I plan to avenge my camcorder’s killer and hope the tango gods grace me with a new one soon.

Maybe it’s time to put that Paypal donation button to use. What do you think?

You’re a real downer, Pete. Cheer up, little buddy.

You’re right. Where are my manners? It’s just that all the mental hoops I jump through to keep The Tango Notebook alive burn my candle at both ends. It’s worth it, though. The hard work is a reminder that my passion for tango, writing, and entertaining is stronger than the sum of its obstacles. After all, if you’re not pursuing what you love, then you’re just living someone else’s life.

The Hope You’ve Been Waiting For

So, with my camcorder down and my sugar levels up*, what’s next on the list?

Wonderful posts, obviously!

This week, I dive deep into the branches of tango to explore American and International styles (boo! hiss!). By the end of the month, expect a guest post from a heavy-hitter in the D.C. tango game and – I’m excited about this one – an exclusive interview with the owner of Maryland’s oldest dance school who fell in love with Argentine Tango amidst the ballroom craze.

A Thank You

I learn and endure because you, the readers, continue reading my posts. For that, I am eternally grateful and therefore must keep on tangoin’.

Keep dancing (and reading),
Panayiotis Pete Karabetis

*The correlation between my stress and increased consumption of sweets is because my family owns a bakery down the street. It’s like crossing the road to your own triple bypass!

You May Enjoy These:

1. P90X Supports Argentine Tango?
2. The Music vs. The Dance: Will Tango Win?
3. The Tango Notebook Weekly Review
4. How the Tango Saved My Life
5. Follower Defaults and Leader Absurdities