Carbonite backs up everything in your Documents and Settings folder (called Users in Windows Vista), including documents, photos, email and data files from applications, such as Quicken, Money, etc. Once a subscription is purchased, music is also added to the list.

I am so busy that I never remember to actually backup and store my files. I love the fact that I never have to think or worry about what is stored on my computer. Anyway, just a quick tip to make your life easier in the event of a computer mishap.

                       Want to Become a Better Dancer?
                                                                    by Michele Rasmussen

If it is your wish or desire to become a better dancer than you are now, it is my opinion that one of the most important factors is to be trainable. To be "trainable" you must be willing to receive information and apply it. You must check your ego at the door and pick up your stiff upper lip. You must be willing to allow your instructor to critique your dancing, expose your weaknesses and make suggestions. After all, that is what you are compensating them for. Their experience and their knowledge. 

Sometimes there may be very simple suggestions that are easily applied to your dancing. Other times it may take weeks, or even months to break old habits and retrain muscle memory that you have already established. To prevent becoming stagnant, or at  your current level of dance, you must always be working on yourself. I know that  there are many things that I wish to improve. My turn technique, foot positions, connection,  timing or even just the way I hold my hand, my dancing is always a work in progress.

Last night I danced a Country Two Step with a gentleman that I have never danced with before. While leaving the dance floor, he thanked me, asked me where I got the ball bearings installed on my shoes, said that I had the best connection he had felt in a really long time and that it was the best dance he had had in years. I thanked him for being so kind and for such a great dance. His compliments  reassured me that all of the hard work, practice, effort and willingness to take constructive criticism , apply it and come back for more was worth its weight in gold. It made me want to improve even more. I know that I am trainable! I know that with good instruction, an open mind, hard work, practice and a willingness to be critiqued I can continue to improve my dancing. 

So, if it is your goal to become a better dancer, be trainable. Whether you are taking a group class or receiving private instruction, listen, be willing to make changes and apply what you learn. To improve your dancing you must take what you learn during class, practice on your own and bring it to the social dance floor. If you only utilize the information you learn in class, during class, you will be the same dancer you were when you walked through the door. Remember that dancing is supposed to be FUN! Enjoy the journey and celebrate each new step, we are ALL a work in progress!

Heading out to a Dance Convention? Check out: What to Bring to a Dance Convention.
Stop by and share your dancing stories with me. I'd love to hear about your trials and triumphs! http://www.ras-this.com/