Fresh Out of F**ks Tour 22
Salsa and Bachata Dancing
Great first day on the Fresh out of Fucks Tour ’22.
I did a video call with my oldest son, Taylor, this morning, and we were both still in bed and he said, “Oh good, we BOTH look ugly right now.”
Then he said that my new haircut made me drop 5 years in age. I’ll take it as a win.
Had a 3 hour massage for $40 and a deep conditioning treatment, which clearly didn’t do anything to help contain my monstrous hair. It’s soft and fluffy though. You’re not supposed to touch curly hair, but it’s really hard not to.
The massage was interesting. Usually I find about 16 reasons to laugh when I’m laying there in a paper diaper, mostly naked. Today was a period of reflection. They sit a bowl of flowers under where your head goes, so if you have your eyes open, it’s something pretty to look at.
It became a little vessel to capture my tears, as I thought about my dad always referring to me as his “Bali girl.” I have a little stone made from his “cremains” to place somewhere on the island while I’m here, since it’s one of my special places. That way, I know I have a little bit of him here always. I think he was proud of me. He always told me that he didn’t worry about me…which, as a parent, I think it’s the best compliment I could have. (I worry about my kids like crazy! )
I guess the massage purged some of the grief, as we round down to the first anniversary of his death, Sept 15th. And that’s why I’m here. It’s time to live again, and that’s what he would want.
And in the spirit of living…
Ran into my Bali sister Purnami as I was leaving the villa, and she gave me a ride down to CP Lounge, which has totally changed into a fun beach club with a pool.
No, I’m not telling my mom I’m out alone on a Friday night lol. Some things are better for a mom to know after the fact. She still worries about her feral, world-traipsing daughter, so I’ll take it easy on the old girl.
Curious to see what the night brings. I could be in bed eating cashews and watching HOD by midnight, or salsa dancing under the moon with a cute (much too young for me) French guy. #yolo
Happy Friday!
Update 1: I was just propositioned by the salsa/bachata dance instructor to dance, but I haven’t had enough Bintang for that yet lol. Plus, if I’m getting up, I like an audience, and it’s early lol
Update 2-9:30pm: After being approached about 7 times, I finally caved and danced bachata for the first time. I’m not good at choreographic dances, but bachata is easier than salsa. I like reggaeton bc it’s more freestyle
About the Author
Keri Tietjen Smith is an Applied Psychology Practitioner, talent strategist, and writer focused on the future of work, reinvention, and human systems. Her work blends psychology, culture, and storytelling to help people navigate complex transitions in careers, identity, and modern life.
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