All I heard was "after party."

Tonight was my first DWTS rehearsal, which means I'm 20% of the way there. During the opening instructions and overview of how the week would go, the manager of the PAC explained that there would be an after party, and to be honest, I don't remember much after that.

This is Alex.

He is my partner this week, and has been paid by the Utah Ballroom Dance Company to teach me how to dance. In exchange, I will teach him patience. He is an OSU grad, who has applied to graduate school to earn his PhD in Physical Therapy. While he expects to hear if he's been admitted next week, I've got my fingers crossed for him. In addition to teaching charity cases to dance, he is a personal trainer.

During tonight's practice we ran through the entire routine twice, which he explained is a record. And while it's mostly a blur, I do remember these words: "The salsa is all about attitude and shaking your ass." Awesome.

When we arrived tonight, we were each handed a stack of business cards with our head shot and a bold "VOTE FOR ME!" headline across the top, as if shaking my ass on stage were not embarrassing enough. Apparently, I am to hand these out to people and beg them to vote for me. I'm willing to do this, but I'm going to be selective, because I know that in the wrong hands, these cards will haunt me forever.

In any event, I'm going to resume non-stop planking, eliminate carbs and salt, and go back for more tomorrow. It's a gamble as to whether or not Alex will return.