Earth, Wind, and Fire

photo courtesy of aroundcarson.com

This is what I couldn't take my eyes off of last night while I drove home from work. Dry lightning (another new thing to me) created a substantial brush fire in the Northeast of Carson City. It started Sunday and burned until it was contained today. With up to seven fires burning in Northwest Nevada resources were scarce, the sky was black with smoke and the fire went on for days. It was scary to watch a hillside burn from my ridge across town. I can't imagine what hell it would be to be living near the fire in North Carson City. I was driving behind a car today whose driver was casually flicking his cigarette ashes out the window and I seriously would have liked to kick his door in or pummel him on that outstretched arm. Folks, we've got record high temperatures, afternoon thunderclouds with dry lightning, and mountains ready to blaze up with just the slightest provacation....do you think you could use the ashtray in your car! GGRRR! The thunderclouds finally opened up today and let loose some rain.

My other preoccupation: closing escrow this week. Besides the paperidge, which I spoke of previously, it seems it is not possible to close a house without the inevitable last minute details that require digging through boxes of old tax returns, tracking down stray W-2's, running to an office store to fax documents, making far to many phone calls, and being glued to my cell phone. Consequently, I feel as if I am in a constant state of distraction, have an amazing compulsion to make lists and of course, forget said list and needed documents when I leave the house. Monday I jumped in my car for yet another errand and realized I had left my keys in the house and had locked myself out. Bravo! Luckily, I had the forsight to make and hide a spare house key...for which I promptly patted myself on the back.

Generally, I imagine myself to be handling this process fairly well, I have to laugh at myself when life smacks me and says...silly girl, you are sooo all over the place. I took my sister with me today for the final walk through. Good thing, I was just so busy gawking and admiring my soon to be new abode that I really would not have noticed any of the repairs and such we were there to inspect.

Finally, I must share a moment that makes me a proud aunt. One of the best conversations I had with my college niece when she was visiting: As we are driving up the highway from Minden to Carson City we are discussing books. My niece keeps a list of books and authors she wants to read (that really must be the auntie gene).We talk about her books and authors and generally get all geeky and bookish. I am thrilled that some of my favorites are on her list and that I can gush about this or that book while my niece nods and bobs her head in that way that only another bookish gal understands. I am just so thrilled that she loves books and that I can share that love.

AuRevoir Bob

I found Bob's mom. During one of Bob's visits I put a collar on him with a note taped to it asking if the owner of the cat we call Bob would call me. She called. She lives four houses up on the corner of our street. She was very grateful that we contacted her. Especially when we told her we were moving and if no one claimed Bob, Bob would be moving too...so strong has my attachement to Bob become. She seemed very suprised that Bob had taken up residence here part-time. She claimed that Bob came home every night. Ha, that Bob...catting around in my yard at all hours while Bob's mom thinks Bob is home safe in bed...Bob must be a teenager. She laughed that we named Bob since we obviously have no respect for gender. She calls Bob Monkey, having no respect for species. Still, I am grieving the loss of Bob's company. Bob was here for almost a week after we spoke to Bob's mom. Then suddenly Bob no longer appeared. No Bob for almost 10 days. I miss Bob. Bob was very attentive and liked to be scratched and would sit in my lap and just hang out. Bob was a very relaxing end to my work days. Bob was just a great, sweet cat and I will miss that sweet face.

Stacks

I was warned. Though many things go into buying a home it appears the paperidge, in vast quantities, is the thing people remember most. Large manila envelopes full of stacks of paper have arrived at my house. Yikes! It doesn't help that I am still toting what feels like cotton balls around in my head making it difficult to absorb any information of the printed variety. Then again perhaps the denial is wearing off and the shock has set in. I'm buying a house. WTF! It appears my mind will be sifting through various stages of thought and emotion over the next two weeks. I'm feeling roller-coaster-ish. A good aspect of it all is that half of my stuff has been in boxes for over a year. Imagine my suprise, when I actually get to unpack them, at all the forgotten treasures stored therein. Whee, it'll be like christmas!

Meanwhile, I should be packing BUT my angel from Flagstaff (aka College Niece) is visiting so there's much to do with her. We are going out to Virginia City today. I have yet to visit this old mining town. We've gone to lunch and a movie earlier this week and browsed used books in town. So that's the plan, even though my mind wants to toy mercilessly with odd words and phrases from these stacks of paper I am off to have a little fun and roam old time Nevada.

Down for the Count

AAAGGGHHHHH! I'm sick. I stayed home today. I had chicken noodle soup and vast quantities of kleenex. I am chugging orange juice. I think today is the worst of it and tomorrow I will feel better. Lesson learned: as soon as you utter the words "I never get sick" you will and it will happen when there is too much going on. I have learned to roll with the whole succumb to it, loll in it...because I do know that is what my body wants and needs. Loafing in bed and watching crappy television...just because.

New Vocabulary

Lots of new words today. ESCROW! Mortgage...contract...pest inspection. Yup, I'm in escrow! First day in fact. All I know is I am sitting and staring at my rental house and wondering what the hell I should do. I actually don't believe this is happening or I am in major denial that I am 45 days away from moving into a house that will be mine. Of course, we all know the slight shiver and dread of moving and here I am...doing it again!!! Jeezus, I am crazy! Plus, first house buying adventure = I really don't know what the hell happens here. Luckily, my realtor and my lender seem to be bonding over my new escrow status and I am feeling like I don't have to worry much. I can console myself with the fact that the move itself should be fairly easy. Four blocks from my current residence...I'm thinking, if I am lucky I can round up all my co-workers and all their SUV/trucks and just have them shuttle back and forth while I load and unload...of course, I'm not sure they would volunteer their services but I'm not shy...I'll ask....I'll weeddle...I'll cajole...or I'll rent a truck for a day and shuttle it back and forth.

Needless to say there's a bit of excitement afoot. A lovely little house, a bit smaller than my rental, nicely painted, new tile, high ceilings, small (read: manageable) back yard with deck, view of my beloved mountains, appliances included. Phew, I'm getting choked up here...so let the list making begin while I mull over the pressing question of "What about Bob?"

Step On In

Have I got your attention now?
Finally, today I got my first look at the new Dillard's store in the new mall that opened in May, the Sierra Summit. My friend K. and I decided to meet in the shoe department at Dillard's because we both had heard from various other women that the shoe department is a sight to behold in an area severly lacking in BIG shoe departments. We entered the store and this long expanse of shoes lined the entire right side of the store, it extended out to what appeared to be the horizon. In typical girl fashion we both let out a huge "aahhh" and proceeded to browse for upwards of an hour. Stocked to the rafters with cute shoes, reasonably priced shoes, some expensive salon shoes, a few really ugly shoes, and a ridiculous 40 something woman taking pictures. And this that you see is only about a third of the department. I was shoe-phoric. I did, alas, settle for living vicariously through my friend as she bought several pairs. The trip itself was designed to distract me from obcessing over what I hope will be fabulous, big news but I'm not ready to disclose it until said news is confirmed and positive and oh, I can't talk about it....it was a great distraction.
Though the mall is severly lacking in eating establishments at this point, there are several restaurants that should be moving in soon. It is not pedestrian friendly. My idea would be to build a huge parking garage somewhere behind the mall where you can go park your car and grab a golf cart to cruise around the place, or a scooter, maybe a tram like at disneyland....Still, if you just want to pop into Williams Sonoma you just pull up right in front of the store. I'm curious if this actually works on a weekend during prime shopping hours and I'm not sure it will be easy at all when the snow falls...and yes, I am that easily distracted by a room full of shoes, though my mind keep trying to figure out "If the big news happens will I be able to come back anytime soon and actually buy a couple pair?"

Twentysomething

This lovely, slightly windswept visage is the reason I went to see this guy last night.

Had she been here her two aunties would have taken her with them. Alas, she is in Flagstaff preparing for or recovering from a fabulous cocktail party to usher in her 20th year. My niece has amazing and impeccable musical taste and for that I am grateful since I am at a point in my life where "keeping up" is not always on my list of things to do. She played Jamie Cullum's CD for me two years ago while visiting for the holidays. She raved about his talent and his song writing abilities. She was spot on. I am so glad I got to see him perform live and I was enamoured with his music, his stage presence, and his impish CUTENESS.

For the birthday girl, you are loved and cherished. And thanks for keeping the aunties up to date.
But I'm still having fun and I guess that's the key
I'm a twentysomething and I'll keep being me
THESE ARE THE DAYS
-jamie cullum-

Lucky Girl

I want to thank you for so many gifts
You gave me love and tenderness
I want to thank you
I want to thank you for your generosity,
The love, and the honesty that you gave to me
I want to thank you, show my gratitude,
My love and my respect for you
I want to thank you
-Natalie Merchant-


At a certain age I realized how lucky I was. At a certain time in my life I had a gaggle of women friends who, along with myself, were recovering from various substances and abuses. A group of open, honest, raw, and revealing women who did not shy away from talking about the tough stuff, the uncomfortable stuff, unimaginable stuff. Willing to open up and discard all the built up baggage that they had been dragging around and find a spiritual talisman to carry them forward through life in a different way. During this time it became apparent to me that I have a wonderful mother and so many of the women I met did not. Shocked and saddened for others, I was filled with gratitude. For so much of my own journey she is my rock, my touchstone, my best friend. Intelligent, funny, difficult to shock, filled with encouragement, trusting my decisions (clenching her teeth over the bad ones), teaching by example, the best role model for independence - mental, spiritual, financial. Put me through college at great expense and sacrifice on her part. Spoiled me rotten in the process and always, always encouraging me, cheering me on, sharing chocolate and insight. In those early days of recovery she did not shy away from the tough stuff, the questions, and she shared more history with me than I had ever imagined she would. It’s obvious to all who know me that I am blessed by her presence and support. Even better there’s not a close friend in my life who doesn’t inquire about her well being during the course of any conversation. She’s the one everyone wants to call mom and she’s mine. Lucky girl, me. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, you are the best.

Flowers for Mom

Flowering Pampas grass???

There wasn't alot of talk about it. In fact, it got strangely quiet as the day got closer. D and I chuckled about the silence. It must be a genetic thing that the women in my family start ignoring an approaching birthday. Still, of course, we all remembered. When I heard from her today she told me that those geographically close to her remembered too and suprised her with goodies and presents and this makes me happy that she had a lovely day. I serenaded her answering maching first thing this morning with a froggy voiced-just woke up rendition of happy birthday. And here I post flowers for her to see that are blooming in my backyard. She's the gardener, green thumb in our family so when there's a question there are phone calls and e-mails until I know what the heck to do. Imagine my suprise as I got older that the old sayings "listen to your mother" "mom's always right" are actually true in my case. My mom knows an awful lot and I benefit from it daily.

Happy Birthday, Mom! You totally rock! I love you.

Lovely

This is the latest bit of color to bloom in my backyard. I have no idea what it is but it is lovely and beautiful and has a faint scent similar to jasmine. I had no idea that pampas grass, of which I have three large clumps, blooms little yellow flowers. They are just starting to bud. I've got two trees that are blooming flowers and the wind whisks the tiny blooms all over the yard, pink and magenta dots along the ground cover. It's strangely pretty. Watching the yard come to life this spring is really fun and it changes everyday. Not so fun is the ongoing weeding and the dang dandilions but I am making progress even though I lose interest after about an hour. It's alot like cleaning house, once it's done you can sit back and enjoy and admire your work, the process...ugh...

My current residence is a rental. That makes becoming so fond of my backyard a challenge because it may not be mine for long but I am bound by my lease to care for it, which I would do anyway because it is so lovely...there's a good chance that once I am settled in a home of my own I will try to replicate what I see here because I am delighted by it. I met with my mortgage broker last week and updated all my information with new bank stuff and new work stuff and he is crunching numbers to get me pre-approved, yet again, so that I can start my house hunting. Oy, it is so weird sitting there with him. My stomach tightens and all sorts of strange thoughts pass through my head....mostly just a loop of "oh, is it enough? It has to be enough. Do I qualify to buy a nice house or a shack??" Stuff like that. Doesn't matter that I've done this before with him and know pretty much what the numbers will be, the whole house thing just seems to create a smidgin of doubt, a rolling of the stomach. Then once the house hunting begins...you know there's those nights when you are weighing options, trying to decide, tossing out what you don't want, trying to find what you do want, putting in bids....EECCKK, I sleep badly as it is. I don't cheer to the thought of the process. Who knew I'd be so enamoured with skylights in the living room or a gas stove or a built in microwave. Honestly, I just want to buy my rental. How great would that be?

Dentalship Down

I am always grateful to the employment gods for finding me work. Despite the Nevada Dental Board's best efforts to keep me from working in Nevada I have been lucky to secure work here in the early part of this year. Two offices, like a tale of two cities...one ideal, perfect fit for me, full of veteran dental folks who've seen most of it over the years and have a calm and focused attitude toward the work and realize that humor will get you through the day better than anything. The other nothing like my Minden Oasis. Beautiful office, brand new...appears they thought of everything when designing it. Ambidextrous equipment, spacious, light and airy, comfortable, computers in every room, digital x-rays...the whole 21st century upgrade. The Chief is likable and shares my philosophy. I am lulled into a state of low grade excitement to work in such a lovely atmosphere. AND THEN I got my first eye full of the Chief's headmistress, Queen Dripslobber we'll call her. I knew right then I was not long for this job. Bossy, loud, very quick to point out any and all mistakes as you try to make your way through the day under the feigned pretext that she is doing you a favor correcting you before you do something dumb yet again. Indeed, there is a learning curve when entering any new work situation...I am, however, a fairly bright, seasoned veteran of the dental culture. I can usually figure things out if given time and a few pointers. Queenie, though, she's more likely to catch you off guard, swope in and correct any mistakes before you even know what hit you. She wants it done her way and rather than explain, which would be helpful, she is more likely to just do it and leave you puzzled still. Then she wonders why you ignore her or approach her helpfulness with distain. As I sighed for the hundredth time at the end of the day while she pointed out what I had forgotten to do before leaving and dragging me back to my cubicle to point it out, her comment "Oh, no sighing...it's just tweaking." No, it's petty oneupmanship AND it's only so you won't have to do that particular bit of your job tomorrow. One of the things I realized after 6 weeks of watching this tazmanian devil spin out in the hallways of the office was that most of what she required in the way of my job details were areas in which it made her job that much easier. Sly fox she. However, in my quest to stay on schedule and have a smooth day at a new venue I was constantly hung up for precious minutes on the minutae of how she needs things to be done. So with the alarm in my guy flashing red I gave the Chief my resignation. He was curiuos as to why and I played diplomatic and said the office just wasn't a good fit for me. I know he wanted more but with little knowledge but pretty good intuition about small town business goings on, I figured leave on the best terms possible, word gets around. I am free of one office that could not provide the slightest possibility of a fun day at work...oh, and did I mention a complete lack of humor....agh...who needs that! I have needs people and one of them is a good chuckle and authentic smiles.

Meanwhile, my Minden oasis continues to be a source of fun and a study in how a good fit is possible. There is no power tripping at this office. It's a group effort and cooperation is second nature. So far my timing was pretty lucky in that for the last three months we have had birthdays to celebrate and it is a big production including home made desserts, presents, lunch ordered in and the staff and doc sitting around together BS-ing. My induction into this office was so easy and seamless. We laugh, we mock, we keep the stress level to a minimum and we support each other. Lucky, I am telling you. I've worked alot of offices and have always been blessed with finding the ones that operate like this. It's such a gift. So I await the day that this office can give me another day and I can make it my home. Meanwhile, I think I will be temping for those days I lost with the office from a bad sitcom. That way if I find myself in that situation again I can just remind myself that it's temporary and I get to leave and move on when I am done.

Red Fish, Blue Fish

On the Nevada political scene:

The Nevada Democrats held a state convention in Las Vegas on April 22. According to the Reno-Gazette Journal, the Dem's hope to win back six statewide offices that were swept by Republicans in 2002.

Upon moving to Nevada you would have thought I would do my political homework. I was lulled into a sense of false security by the fact that the Senate Minority leader is Harry Reid, a democrat from Nevada. Alas, it appears I am living in a predominately red state. It is good to know the democrats are rallying in a state election year.

I attended a kick off rally in the capital a few months back for Jack Carter, who is running for State Senator and makes his home in Summerlin outside of Vegas.



He is the son of a humble peanut farmer named Jimmy.






It was a political rally so all the right things were said and there was some funny Bush bashing. More interesting was a group of approximately 500 democrats converging on the capital mall in our small town to support the democratic nominee. I was thrilled to see a large crowd on a weekday afternoon. It was cool to be in the presence of a former president as well. Jimmy and Rosalyn made the trip along with members of Jack's family. What was interesting to me as well was that the following day at Coretta Scott King's funeral our Jimmy outright snubbed the current president after he spoke by refusing to shake his hand as others had before him. Pretty ballsy and somewhat out of character for Jimmy Carter. I think he is cranky as all get out with the Bush administration. The democratic convention affirmed that they are banking on our dissatisfaction with the Bush administration. Hopefully, it will help rally the Dem's and inspire the voters. Blue is my favorite color.

Spring Glory

Spring Glory Forsynthia! Blooming in my backyard. Spring, Spring is here! When I left town for Easter weekend to visit my family there was nothing happening in the garden. Nada. Bupkus. I returned and this little bush had decided it had waited long enough. Viola. Lovely little yellow flowers. So far it's the only thing that has come out in its fully glory but with the rains this week there are buds on everything and it is suprising to me (the garden neophyte) how quickly that happens. That and how the weeds appear first, in abundance! Now should you think "well, how does she know what this flower is called if she knows nothing about gardening?" The previous owners were kind enough to leave the tag on it. I love them, who ever they are.



This is "Zeke in the Wilderness." My kitty was very anxious to stroll the backyard grounds on Saturday and sniff out all signs of Bob, that interloping cat that hangs around. Lucky for us there was no sign of Bob on saturday which meant the possibility of flying fur was at a minimum. Yes, that's a harness on my cat. He has been an indoor cat for all his 15 years and I take him out on a harness and retractable leash so he can wander about. He thinks he's a black labrador retriever anyway so he's perfectly happy on a leash...okay, not thrilled but he knows if he wants to go outside he has to stand still for the harness. It's working out very well. Zeke is a marvelous wonder cat with only slight psycho tendencies. He is very smart. He knows the commands sit, shake, and sit UP which he will do for you if there is a treat in your hand. I taught him this when he was 10. So, you can teach an old cat new tricks. He is a funny, steadfast companion to me. The least I could do is take him out into a whole new world.

Chocolate Bunnies

Happy Easter!!

How'd They Know??

You are a Brainy Girl!

Whether you're an official student or a casual learner, you enjoy hitting the books. You know a little bit about everything, and you're always dying to know more. For a guy to win your heart, he's got to share some of your intellectual interests. A awesome book collection of his own doesn't hurt either!

What Kind of Girl Are You?

Mondaze

Headed into Reno today to run some errands and get a photo of Flat Stanley at the Reno Arch. The Truckee River was running fast and furious through town. There was a tremendous amount of traffic in the downtown area due to the protests regarding the immigration issue. Perhaps, not the smartest day to go but the call of Pollo Loco and Trader Joe's were too strong. That isn't why I went but it was a nice reward. Pollo Loco is all over Los Angeles. I have found one here, in Reno. Good chicken, all sorts of dishes with chicken, chicken fast food that doesn't look like it will clog your arteries as you eat it. When I lived in SF and LA there was a Trader Joe's within 5 minutes of my residence. There is one here, it's in Reno. So, I drive to Reno, it's about 30-40 minutes, and take care of things that you can only do in Reno.
Flat Stanley needed to visit Reno anyway.

When I was deciding to make the move to Nevada I considered Reno as an option to Carson City. My concern being that Carson City was small for a city girl and the city type atmosphere of Reno might suit me better. Not so much, I decided. I'm drawn to the University of Nevada at Reno and the art museums and the performance spaces in Reno but I'll travel there to enjoy them. Turns out I wanted more open space, more quiet, less city. Suprised myself even. I'm happier that I live close to Highway 50, which climbs over the mountains and drops right into South Lake Tahoe.
City smitty...I'll take pretty.

I've been trying to master adding things on to my blog this evening. I've figured out a few things but it took a while to get the "weather pixie" up. She's pretty cute and comes in various incarnations. I can't seem to get my book list up the way I want it, there's some time to be spent there. I finally got a blog roll going and last night I spent an inordinate amount of time reading other blogs, following links to other blogs and generally being nosy and giving myself mouse thumb...as in - ouch is that a cramp!

I'm looking at a long work week ahead of me topped off by a much needed visit to the Bay Area to see family. Yea!

Girls Night

A co-worker of mine hosted a Body Shop at Home party on friday night. I went and dragged my sister along to show support and check out the goodies. We spent too much money but that's part of the lure. You can spend the whole evening sampling the wares to extreme if you like. I would never have lingered over these products in a store for the length of time I did the other night. I do have a weakness for bath products and lip gloss so I had fun picking out stuff for myself. The Body Shop has a new scent that is a really yummy citrus, something I prefer to fruity scents, that I invested in. It doesn't hurt that The Body Shop is an ecologically and community building company. You gotta respect that. The really fun part though was meeting my co-workers friends. It was an eclectic group and they were hecka fun to spend time with. My co-worker is a delightful young (26) woman who has already lived one heck of an interesting life. She reminds me of my college age niece in her sense of humor and the way she talks sometimes. The longer we work together the more I like her. Meeting her friends was the icing on the cake. All were engaging and intelligent and funny. All at that age of trying to figure out how to do this life and work thing. All with distinct looks, hair, tattoos. From my mother on down the women in my family have always enjoyed spending time with and observing the younger generation and do not shy away from befriending them and embracing them. It keeps you young, reminds you where you have been, and keeps your mind open. It is easy to be harsh and judgemental of a younger generation, how they decide to create their identity and spend their time. Spend time in a room with a group of them and they will make you laugh, show you that some things never change, suprise you with their hopes and plans. It was a great evening.

Bob

This is Bob. I'm sure Bob has another name. I'm fairly certain Bob is a girl. Bob probably has another home but Bob likes to hang out in my backyard. Bob defends his turf (my backyard) against other cats who feel inclined to wander across the fence or the deck. Bob is very affectionate with humans which leads me to believe Bob has humans some place else. I know all this. I am a cat person with strong cat intuition. So when my spousal unit decided that Bob looked hungry and we should feed Bob I knew where this was going to go. Bob is going to end up either very fat or Bob will end up being our next cat. I don't mind this, I like cats. Bob has to stay outdoors because Zeke (my cat) is an indoor cat and quite happy being the sole recepient of my affection and food. Bob and Zeke eye each other through the screen. The hissing has stopped, that's a good thing. None of this is a problem except now I worry about Bob. Bob appears on the deck and at the door everyday now. This evening it was raining and I was concerned about Bob being outdoors in the rain, regardless of the fact that Bob is clearly an outdoor cat, and Bob would not leave the deck so I fretted and worried about Bob until I finally saw Bob head under the deck. I, of course, am developing an attachment to Bob.

Flat Stanley

Meet Flat Stanley. He is based on a character from a book authored by Jeff Brown. He flew to Carson City from Massachusetts to visit me. He is a friend of Jonathan G. who is doing a school project. Stanley and I are going to hang out for a few weeks and have adventures. We are going to take lots of pictures and make lots of new friends so he can write about them in a little book and tell Jonathan and his classmates about his adventures. First, I think he may need a cowboy hat since he's in the Wild West. Today we will send Jonathan a post card so he knows that Stanley arrived safely. The post card has a map of Nevada on it so Jonathan will know where Carson City is. Then we shall see where the day takes us. It will be fun!!

Ice is Slippery

I am watching the ISU World Figure Skating Championships. Currently, the pairs are competing but I am waiting patiently for the Women's Long Program portion of the coverage. The title of this post is a response Sasha Cohen gave when asked about a fall she took during a program she was performing. Sort of a "hello, have you forgotten what it is we are doing here...1/2 inch blade on ice???" My gal Sasha doesn't suffer fools gladly and she can get a bit fiesty when the criticism hits a fever pitch.

About three months after I moved to Los Angeles I went in search of an ice rink. I ended up out by the airport in a city called El Segundo. There's an amazing rink out there...2 actually - one for hockey, one for figure skating. I was checking out the schedule for classes and public skate times and wandering around in the pro shop. I was suddenly amazed to be looking directly at one of my favorite figure skaters, the lovely and diminuative Ms. Cohen. I had no idea she was so tiny. Every one looks big on screen and she's quite a commanding performer. I was flumoxed. I wanted so to be a big, goofy fan and go up to her and gush but I was overwhelmed seeing her, I was speechless, no doubt the best possible outcome. She was having her skates fiddled with by the guy in the pro shop. I decided I would hang out and possibly see her skate. I didn't get to see her skate but she did do her pre-skate stretching right near me in the cafeteria area. I was thrilled. Of all the celebrity sightings I experienced I was the most excited by this one. I have followed her career and rooted for her for years. I am hoping she has a top finish at the World Championship.

I am a novice ice skater. I do love it. It is one of those things I rediscovered in my adulthood. I had a year in my early teens where I skated at a local ice rink with a friend every weekend. Somehow, that hobby went by the wayside. Years later a new ice rink was built in San Francisco at the Yerba Buena Center. On a whim I went to a public skate and the enjoyment of it all came rushing back. I took lessons. I got better. I can do some fairly small elements like turns and stuff. I got to a class where we were going to learn how to jump. A simple jump known as a waltz jump, and it does look simple but for some reason I am just terrified of leaving the ice...even for a split second. I still have a waltz jump as a goal. There's a rink in South Lake Tahoe and my skates are in the car.

Here's hoping my gal Sasha has a wonderful program.

PostScript: Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Sasha came in third. Dang!