Rebecca Ludwick

Happy Early New Year!

2008-12-28T23:33:00.004-06:00

Today was our annual family Christmas Party on my mom's side the "Hunts" My Grandpa Roy used to own a moving business in bensinville called Hunt the mover http://www.huntthemover.com/ before he died he gave it to his oldest son who isn't in this picture due to his wife being sick but usually makes it for this party. I sporadically will see some of my cousins, aunts and uncles thru out the year. But this is the only time we get everyone together and it makes me happy to see every one even thou we all look so different as we get older. Actually almost everyone we have one aunt that moved to Florida and one that moved to Wisconsin so we don't always get to see them but I am so thankful my family makes such an effort to get together at least once a year. Since it seems life moves so fast the older I get lol I like to make time for distent frineds and family around this Christmas time. Well its late and Im tired Im getting ready to leave for NYC I'll be in times square when the ball drops this year!! Im so excited to see this. As it is a dream of mine which I happy to make come true. Cheers and a Happy prosperous and Safe New Year to you!

Merry Christmas!!!!

2008-12-25T16:42:00.003-06:00

It's Christmas time at my house once again!! As it is at your house probaly too, unless of course you dont celebrate Christmas in which case its just another day!! But any way I went to a wonderful christmas program at willow creek church the day before Christmas Eve to see the performance called the LIGHT http://light.willowcreek.org/ it was a nice show put together with great visual affects and some pretty good musicians. I would advice you to go next year if you had the chance. The theme changes each year but the tickets are still free, which is great for big familys or students who cant affored any more money this month. Well im off to eat dinner with my family. love you all

Helping others thru the Holiday!!

2008-12-18T11:17:00.004-06:00

Today this organization http://www.lydiahome.org/ came to my house and picked up all these presents and gifts for the kids in the orphanage. My mom and her twin sister have been doing this for 12yrs now. Every year in October the orphanage sends us a wish and needs list for each kid in the home. Then we find people we know who want to help or support a kid for the holiday. For example one boy wanted art supplies: pencils, markers, paper, but he also needs a winter coat, underwear and socks. So we go out and buy this for them, and then the orphanage comes and picks it up. So the kids have presents under the tree avery year for them that they wished for. I just wanted to let you all know about this since its a great program. hugs

traveling thru the snow!!!

2008-12-06T13:02:00.003-06:00

My favorite part at the US Open was the Cabaret Division this is the entire family they all dance West Coast swing and Irish step dancing and write music as well as play instruments. I danced with one of the little boys it was so fun I had to duck to do alot of the swing moves. hahah well we are off to wisconsin to see my cousins and their dogs. later

Disneyland!!

2008-12-02T19:22:00.003-06:00

I was at the US Open dance championship http://www.usopenswingdc.com/ in Anahiem, CA It was a really fun event nice weather and great location. It was interesting to see how nervous every one got before compeating, even though they have been doing the same thing all year. Thats when I realized how much presure we put on ourselves just for the title or name of somthing. Versus the best that we can do for ourselves. Compeating in West Coast Swing is fun to me because of how laid back and relaxed it is even with the routines division. Its not as stressful as other forms of dance.

While there for the weekend I also got to go to disneyland this was my first disney experience ever in my life. It was truely an amazing experience and a totally fun, relaxing time. There was hardly any lines so I got the chance to check out almost the whole park in just a few hours. For those of you who have never been it is not like 6flags which has the fastest coolest and most exciting rides. Its more like the layed back remember the good ole days type of place.

its been a year!

2008-11-23T22:37:00.005-06:00

I went to the coolest thing last night! It was a armature ufc fight in Hammond, Indiana www.c3fighter.com I had the best time! Which is a little strange since all I do is dance, teach, perform and watch dance shows but for some reason it was a really exciting and enjoyable time. Of course having good friends to go with is important too! Also I had great tickets which put me ringside front and center provided by my friends company www.missprintsusa.com. He was sponsoring the main and last fighter who ended up winning! But it got me to thinking about how could i get sponsors and help promote them. As a competitive dancer there are alot of expenses and its getting increasingly more difficult as for everyone with the economy and all.

hectic holidays

2007-12-04T13:54:00.000-06:00

Hey all this was a really great email I got from a friend over the holiday. Hope it touches you just as much as it did me

If your home is like most, your Thanksgiving day will be very busy, with either traveling to where you want to go or preparing your home to have others over for the day. Either way, that can be very hectic and emotionally trying, which doesn't lend itself to preparing your heart to be reflective and thankful.

This means all the more that if we want to be the kind of people who are characterized by thankfulness, then we must make sure that we focus on it, and not just on Thanksgiving Day, but at all times during the year.

Here are a few key words as well as some thoughts that are simple and practical to apply; something you can use right away in your quest for becoming more thankful:

Time. Set aside time regularly to be quiet, to reflect. We live in the fastest paced time ever. From the moment we awake to the moment we collapse into bed, we have the opportunity to go at full speed and never slow down. If we schedule time every day in which we can be quiet and reflect, we will free our hearts and minds up from the tyranny of the urgent and rushed.

Thought. Give thought to the many blessings that you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have and how we absolutely must have "it". But how often do we reflect upon that which we already have? Take some time each day and think of one or two things that you have that you may typically take for granted and then take a moment and give thanks for those. In fact, I make it a part of my reflection time to review a list of things that I'm thankful for.

Generosity. Be generous toward those with less and not envious of those with more. We tend to look at others who may be wealthier than ourselves and think, "I sure wish I had what he does." That kind of thinking breeds envy and jealousy rather than contentment. What can we do to break that cycle? I would suggest being generous to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Go to work at a food bank. And not just during the holidays - everybody works there then - but on a regular basis during the year. That will remind you of how good you really have it.

Ask. Ask a friend what they are thankful for. The next time you are at lunch with a friend, ask him or her what they are most thankful for. You will be amazed at the answers you receive and you will create a meaningful bond with your friends as you focus on this powerful question.

Acknowledge. Lastly, tell those you love how thankful you are for having them in your life. So many times we neglect to take the time to craft the words to express to those closest to us what their presence in our lives means to us. Take the opportunity of Thanksgiving Day to write them a note or sometime during the day put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and tell them. Let them know what they mean to you, and in return you'll begin to create the possibility of deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationships with those you love.

movement

2007-11-16T10:20:00.000-06:00

So If you were to sit down and think about how many times a day we are in constant movement you would most certainly get tired out from it. Good thing God gave us a subconscious mind so we don't worry our pretty little heads over it. But next lets look at how much we interact with other people in movement....and I don't mean walking by a college and handing them a envelope or bumping into a lady at the grocery store. No, No I mean really giving of your self like; a hug or a back rub, taking a quite walk together or even a dance in the rain. These are things that we can count on our fingers how many times we have had contact and movement with other people. But you say to me "I don't like any one or I have significant other these are to romantic for just friends."
That's just it If we block out these parts of life because we think some one might take it the wrong way. Well then we aren't really living. A hug is wonderful gesture that as a kid you could give it to any one, any time you pleased even if it was Mister Scrooge he would smile. I don't know why I'm writing all this but I just think sometimes people get lonely and we build a wall and then we don't even realize how we got so uptight. Peace

Stepping out

2007-11-08T23:25:00.000-06:00

So Im really tired to night this should be short I just felt I needed to touch on something real quick. Im leaving for Boston tomorrow for a swing competition and I am flying stand by which Im very nervous about but excited to see God work thru it. Because with Him all things are possiable. But you may ask why are you flying stand by well I have a friend who works for the airlines and is letting me use their pass so as long as there is a seat available I get on for free!! So Im really putting my faith out that I dont need to worry about it becasue God has good plans for me. GOOD NIGHT

my first video

2007-11-02T00:59:00.000-05:00

I finally got my act together so this is very exciting for those of you who havent seen westie danced by some fun people. Lets check this awesome video clip out of my ss (strictly swing) partner Oscar and I at a comp here in Chicago yeah!video courtesy of my mother orla ludwick:-)<3<3 thanks for watching P.S. we took 1st oh and one other thing its my moms birthday today send her well wishes luv ya

Keep the Good times Rolling

2007-10-31T14:20:00.000-05:00

wow time sure does fly by fast its almost November we have had really great wheater here in Chicago. I tried to post a couple time on here but then I realized I had forgotten my password so I didnt bother but this afternoon I met with Sarah Barlow and she is very motivational person. So Im posting once again. I have been very busy traveling for competitions in west coast siwng all over the states and I just got my first free rountrip with Southwest because I have flown so much. Yeah! Next weekend I will be in Boston for another competition. Im believing God to have a great flight I'll be flying stand-by with American for the first time. kinda scary.. any tips would be helpful. Im praying that I make it there and back on time I went this route because it was discounted and I was purchasing it last minute. Oh well I guess better prepare next time. The pics are of me and Brad Sweeney we took first In advance strictly swing

Good Times

2007-05-22T01:38:00.000-05:00

St. Louis is pretty cool place they have some good food, nice wheather, awsome people, and a clean city. Dallas and I took some pretty funny pictures while there here is 1 of them. I wanted to tell you guys about something. A couple of posts ago I was asking God to bring more work to me for my new hobby westie. I just realized he did, a few weeks ago I got asked to start teaching 2 more lessons so I have a little extra cash. yea which I want to continue to be faithful with and tithe my 10% so that I will be blessed. But do you think it matters to God if I spend my money that I just earned before titheing and still give him 10% just not right a way? hmmm interesting I think

friends 4 ever

2007-05-16T23:31:00.000-05:00

Whose a real friend; some 1 you grew up with? or is it a friend of a friend? maybe just aquaintences. You met randomly at a concert and have been connected at the hip ever since. Whatever the case, you just know that no matter what, no matter where you go in life you both will be in touch and watching out for each others back. Is it some thing that grows on you? or do you know instently you were ment to be kindred spirits? I was just thinking about how we percieved people as our friends. let me know what ya think

traveling

2007-05-15T15:08:00.000-05:00

Im sorry guys for not posting for so long I was traveling alot and then I forgot my account info but we are all good now. Lets see where to start I am posting this from my friends computor in Indiana and you ask, Why am I there? Well I got asked to do a score film and the director lives in Indy and I came out here to get fitted in the dress for the film which is set in the mid 1800's and do a little rehearsing too but when I get back Im going to St louis, MO with Dallas this weekend. So besides these trips I also went to milwaukee and madison for a couple days and I was compeating in a pro-am wcs and took 4th place with my coach christopher hussey. So I will try to catch you all up further tomorrow. love ya all lots peace out

New Experiance

2007-03-22T12:51:00.000-05:00

I went to the shooting range today with my friend Erik it was so much fun I shot a 40caliber, a 5.7mm, and a 44magnum it was so fun I never shot such powerful weapons before. Erik works for the army so he's used to firearms, which means I had a good coach. He shot a 500magnum I didnt feel comfortable fireing that one yet maybe next time. When he shot the 500 a flame came out the front of the barrel. You have to wear eye and ear protection when in the shooting range you cant use your cell which of course means no picture of mean looking so cute. Hope you all are enjoying the weather today!

Just thought I would show my mom some luv cause she isnt feeling well muah!

2007-03-16T10:49:00.000-05:00

So I was asking God for a little more cash to help with my new hobby westie(west coast swing) cause we travel alot for competitions and this week I got 2 extra babysittng Jobs whoooo hoo but I have some other things that people have told me about and I need to check out how flexiable they are for me. I Just wanted to say thanks for supporting me. The picture is of my friend Dallas(the cute girl in white shirt) in a westie workshop last weekend. As soon as I figure out how to put a video up I will cause I have some great footage of me winning 1st place in novice J&J division. c ya guys

its already march

2007-03-11T23:44:00.000-05:00

So again its been to long Im really not doing to well at this game, but more people are starting to read my stuff so I guess I should be consistent. Lets see where to start I have been doing alot of West Coast Swing lately more then Ballet and Im getting pretty good at it. But like an new thing it takes time and money, which a starving artist like my self usally doesnt have. So Im thinking up new and creative ways to increas my income but still have time to dance with flexiable hours so far I've got: dog walking, modeling, baby-sitting, become a caddie, fitness instructor, party consultant, photographer assistent, a barista(starbucks person), secretary, waitress, a DJ(not really sure I would be good at it), jewelry maker, dance retail, and last but not least telemarketer! Got any Ideas let me know. On a different note I cant believe the great weather we are having it was 53 today yippee! spring is coming

Rejection

2007-01-19T18:44:00.000-06:00

How do you handle it? Its important to understand how you react to it. Is it something that keeps you down for awhile? Do you get very emotional then let it go just as quickly? If you dont know how you handle it then. How can other people help you out? When you need to lean on them. I recently had to endure this feeling and was thinking not many people talk about. Also how do you learn to handle it? If you've never been rejected in something really big or important. I mean little things here or there for me are just like nothing. example:If you make pictures in your mind like I do, I think of them as little dandelion seeds that just float away in the spring. But big things that you just cant seem to accept or wrap your mind around. picture: Big rock or brick falling out of know where right on your toes as you walk down the street. Thats alot tougher and I tend to try and carry it by my self. Which is silly! If Im walking with Christ. Picture: Jesus as a gentleman walking down the street along side you He can carry the heavy things in my life that are to big or to much for me to handle.

ITs 2007!

2007-01-16T16:45:00.000-06:00

Its time to turn over a new leaf and blog more often. Sorry I have'nt posted in awhile but I know you still love me. I am currently teaching ballet in Wheaton, Elgin, and Chicago. I dont have any dancing jobs but am auditioning this season. Working with Lyric Opera was so much fun I met so many new people. I hope to keep in touch with most of them thru the year. Its hard being a full time dancer you have to rely on word of mouth or constent exposure to survive but God has been faithful. I am continually trying different forms of dance, the newst one is West Coast Swing! I know what probly comes to mind is jitterbug or lindyhop where they throw the girl up in the air or around their backs very fast paced. Thats not it at all. Think of something more subtle and coy yet proper but also street. I guess its hard to understand until you've seen it. I love it thou I have a feelling we will be together for a long time. Well I see ya around have a great day with lots of dancing

Trust God and your self

2006-07-28T01:11:00.000-05:00

For those of you who dont already know I got a contract with the lyric opera of chicago!
Im really looking forward to working in the city its something Ive been wanting for awhile. So If you havent heard the story already I went to the audition which was on the same day as a Dress Rehearsal for Upper Rooms show. It was going really well I made it to the end of the audition but didnt get the job. So I drove to the rehearsal performed my heart out and in a few weeks got a call from them asking if I was still available and, I said" yes!" I am so excited to be here at this time in my life. Praise god! For this opportunity he has given me. Im so glad I kept on trusting God and that He knew what He was doing and was in control of the situation.

take the first step

2006-07-04T23:51:00.000-05:00

Its easy for any one to say they dance but If you enjoy dancing then you should take classes to better your self and to bring out your own personal creativety. It may seem hard at first but taking class will improve your confidence in the long run. So Go for It and Have Fun!

First Post!!

2006-06-22T16:17:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new blog!