Your Momma Don't Dance... But Mine?
Monday, May 4, 2009 Totally does. And much to my surprise, she pretty much tears up the dance floor. Actually, I'm lying. It doesn't surprise me one bit. Take this with a grain of salt because she is my dear old ma, but I have never encountered anyone more driven than she. And never will.
She is also the most humble person I have ever met, so I risk getting a phone call after this post where my mom screams frantically "Jim!! take it down, take it down!" So, while I can, I'm going to tell you about the little woman that could.
My mom came to this country as the wife of a diplomat. She decided she wanted a job. So she got one. Her first job in the US was as a bilingual kindergarten teacher. As much as she loved her students (and they loved her, evidenced by full grown adults stopping her in the street to thank her for being the best teacher they ever had), she needed a bigger challenge. Maybe a Master's degree. So she got one. Working full time, taking care of my sister and me, and hitting the books in the basement "study" after we were in bed, she achieved it. And she moved on to teaching high school. But she needed a bigger challenge. Maybe a Doctorate? So she got one. In the same way as she got her Master's. And she eventually made her way up the ladder. This time into the (major metropolitan city) school department, where she has been runnin' thangs in the foreign languages department for close to a couple decades now.
But the tale is not over. Back in my early martial arts days, I did Shotokan Karate. My mom, who failed at anything athletic she had ever encountered (her high school gym teacher once told her "you couldn't run even if a tiger was chasing you") was intrigued by Shotokan's graceful power and decided to try a class. And maybe eventually earn her black belt. She got one. And along the way, this woman they all called "mom" at the dojo was throwing back Black & Tans with the boys every thursday night after training (when prior to this, half a glass of Lite beer would knock her out).
So a little over a year ago, when my sister gave mom a gift certificate for a few ballroom dance lessons at a local studio, we all should have known. We all should have known that we'd get the phone call that went like this:
"Hi Jim! I'm going to be in Las Vegas in April."
"For a conference, ma?"
"No, to compete in the Ballroom Dance Nationals!"
And a picture like this:
With mom and her dance partner Chris, Fury (with medal) and sis
Of course, I made you all a video. Because you have to see this. My mom is 60 years old with only a little over one year of experience. And also, I wasn't allowed to film this and it's always more fun when you don't have permission. And last also, Ford had contacted me about 2 weeks prior to our trip and asked if I would like to drive the Ford Flex for a few days and review it. A free tank of gas, a pimpin' ride to Vegas, and a fridge in the middle console (of all things, that is what made me say yes)? Bring it on.
For those of you not interested in cars, my review appears below the video (it's about 6 min long).
What I Think of the Ford Flex
Style: Urban, but not too urban cool that you look like a fool driving it at 36 yrs of age. But I have to say I did feel a little bit over my head in hip factor when I was driving the Flex. It didn't help that so many people would turn their heads and look at the car when they drove by. I'm hoping it was because they admired the styling rather than because they were laughing at me.
Mileage and Safety: Excellent. Not that I tested the safety features... but the brochure points out that it has earned a 2009 Five-Star rating and gets 24 mpg highway. That stuff matters now that I have a family and no discretionary income to waste on gassing up a huge 4x4.
Handling: I have read the reviews stating that the Flex has great pickup. I guess if you measure this vehicle against other vehicles in its class (i.e. compare it fairly), it probably does. But to me, it felt sluggish. Then again, my car is turbocharged, and my other car has an 8.1 liter, 6 mpg behemoth of a engine. Not good comparisons. But the ride is smooth. So smooth that you won't even notice going 110 on the highway to Vegas. Theoretically.
Interior Room: Oh lordy! It's like a limo in there. You could probably play raquetball in there too. Room for days. It's the low floor, high ceilings and spacious boxy design. Awesome.
Amenities: This is where the Flex just kicks major ass. Power liftgate is awesome. I hate having to put 10 grocery bags and two 12-packs of soda down just to close the liftgate in my wife's SUV. Being able to press a button is a luxury you don't realize you need until you have it. Also, the Flex's SYNC system, that lets you hook up your phone, MP3 player and whatever other gadgets you have, and then control it all with your voice makes you feel all warm and futuristic. It's also safer, but I'll go with futuristic.
My Favorite Thing: The fridge in the middle console. So you lose a potential seat with the fridge, but I would gladly tie an extra passenger to the roofrack to be able to enjoy a cold beverage whenever I want to. Especially in LA, where traffic and heat are a daily challenge. It even has freeze mode -- perfect for keeping specimens from field trips that didn't make the drive home and are starting to smell.
Overall, I have to say I really like the Ford Flex. I wouldn't give up my current car to have one, but my wife would. And has been asking for one ever since Vegas. Hook it up, Ford.
Reader Comments (35)
Mom was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Although I'm still a little traumatized seeing so much skin. And of course I LOOOOOOOOVE that Flex. I want it! I want it! I want it!!!!!!!!! I'll give you a baby for it. How 'bout it???
Fury is soooo adorable in the video. He's totally rocking that teeeny Harry Potter backpack - so urban. HAHAHAHAHA!
Like I said, you shoulda just kept on going past Vegas and hit the brake pedal at the south end of the SLC valley with that fab ride. I want one too (but I won't give you a baby for one...but d'Wife! Do it!).
Ma2BusyDad is one amazing mom...I can't even dance like that in my dreams, much less at 60 with a year of practice!
Duuuuuuuude! How cool is your mom?! Very impressive. And? I hope I can pull off dresses like that when I'm 60. Go, mom!
I hadn't seen the Ford Flex yet - pretty cool. I now officially want a fridge in my car. Thankyouverymuch.
Your mom is freaking AWESOME. And (sorry to say to her son) looking SMOKING hot in those dresses!!
Love the Cribs like review of the car. Fury is a fine representative of badassedness. Which apparently runs rampant in this family!!
Your mom.. she's a rockstar.
Fury, love him.
The flex review.. awesome. I want a fridge.
and exactly WHERE.. are you carrying (should I say HOW?) all those groceries and 12 packs (NOT soda)??? ahem.
Daaaa-um! Your mom is a hottie!
hey! That was a good movie! Yay to mom who always rocks!! I posted her pics on my FB page :)
Fury as always is much too cute, and yeah, that ford flex was very comfy. The fridge was definitely a plus. Now if they can come out with a hybrid version...we can do Episode II: the Flexbrid!
Proud much? Congrats to mom on her stellar performance. I hope I am that sassy at her age.
I agree with Mei - if Ford make a Flex Hybrid I'd be soo down and probably wouldn't mind the weak (accdg to you) pick-up. I'd be like, "Whatev! Pass me - I'm saving gas!!!" Hahaha!
JIm,
Take it down, take it down, on the double!
Please tell all your blog friends that I normallyI dress like a nun-according to Mei,
Love, mom
Your mom is absolutely incredible and looks like no 60 year old I know. She is an inspiration. I can tell you're very proud of her and should be. I hope I look that good at 60. I'll never dance that well. Congrats to your mom on her medals at the dance competition.
Your mom is great! What poise! What Style! So what happened- gene pool wise?
(J/K) Ballroom dancing is hard and physically demanding- She looks like she is in great shape. Ford Flex is cool- but I must ask- why oh why when you had the oppurtunity to belch on camera (While drinking that Coke) Did you not take it???
-----
[BusyDad] HAHAHAHAHA!! DUDE, I totally DID!! Lisa turned the camera off too quick. She thought she got it, and I was all happy that I could include it on video, but alas, she hadn't.
Your mom commands RESPECT! Way to go, Mom! And let's hope she realizes the love and pride you have in her and doesn't make you take down the post :-)
xoxo
Weather Kim in DC and on TV
WOW! If she can't run with a tiger chasing her, she can totally calm him with her dancing! Thanks for posting this. Hopefully she doesn't make you take it down, cause she Rocked It! Way to expand your horizons Mrs. Busy Dad's Mom.
Jim, your Mom is SIXTY with gams and moves like that? Amazing! She looks awesome, congrats on all her achievements (I suppose there isn't anything your Mom can't do, from the looks of it.) You guys must be so, so proud of your mamma mia -( sorry couldn't resist) And I do not for one minute believe that she normally dresses like a nun :).
Great review on the wheels too. Whoever thought of the cooler was genius.
Your mom sounds amazing! Love it :) I guess she needs to be your next guest blogger right?
I have to admit that I am way impressed with all your mom's accomplishments BUT...what I want to know the most is how she scored that smoking young man as her partner ;-)
We looked at a Flex and it was super cool but still a wee bit small for this family. That 's what happens when you have a bajillion children, you need a bus.
That is so sweet Busy! Both the car AND your mom! I love how she's working in schools, yay!
Your mom is AMAZING! What a hip lady and sooo in shape. Car seems pretty cool too. Hope Ford hooks it up for you!
Know why your Mom never ran from that tiger? Because she didn't have to. Something tells me that if that tiger got anywhere near her she'd have kicked it's ass! Way to go Mom! She moves better at 60 than I do at....29, er, 37, (sigh) 40 something.
Whoa! Your mom is made of WIN. Amazing!
P.S. Fury standing in front of the car... :)
Jim, your mom is beautiful! What a fantastic video...it cracked me up!
Vegas Baby, Vegas!
Your mom frikkin rocks! I want to be like her in my 60's!
I'm not at all surprised that your mom rocks, too! The car sounds cool but WAY too big for someone like me.
It must be hard to be the son of such an over-achiever. Oh, wait, what's that saying about apples and trees again?.... Anyway, I am cracking up over your mother's comment. "dresses like a nun" This post is awesome, and now I want a Ford Flex too. Whenever we're ready for a new car. Which, in our house, might also take a new baby. :)
Amazing video, very positive mood for the rest of the day.
Every time I think I can't possibly love you more, you go and show me that your mom is super hot and has ballroom dance moves to kill! DUUDE! Good genes!! Good genes!!
Great review.. wanna drive one now, for realz.
(P.S. Still lazy on the ICC front. Will get to it SOON!) lol
I love your mom and her humbleness adds to her noble character. My mom is equally as humble. Only my Mom loves Bud Light. Yuck! Black and Tans were one of Brian's favorite. I think I may have one this weekend in honor of Brian and your mom.
KEEP BELIEVING
Yes, kudos to Mom! She's amazing!
My mom once danced to "Maniac" (from Flashdance) at a wedding reception...where she poured a pitcher of water over her head. I was 12. I almost died.
I've always wanted a dress with the nude-like coverings and all that glitter. She's awesome!!! Totally an inspiration to go get it done even with the little crazies running around. BD, you just keep impressin witcha genes.
your mom rocks. we should introduce her to MY mom ... 79 and taking pole dancing.
it was the g-string that really got to us.
Your mom is awesome. She has a since of adventure, and I trully understand! As I got closer to 40, I wanted to do more. Realizing life if very short, I had to get off the sidelines and jump in the game!
My mom can dance too. I've always liked that my mom loves to dance. I grew up with so many people that had mother's that would not even think of dancing. Mine danced in the kitchen the whole time she cooked dinner. Danced while she vacuumed. Danced while driving down the road. I always thought it was great. I do it now. So in x amount of years, I imagine that my daughter will be writing a blog post about how I always dance in the car.
Get d'Wife that car, I wanna read about a new BusyBaby =)!!!!!