It’s not like I’ve been sitting here and picking my nose, ignoring my blog. I’ve been sitting at work picking my nose, not blogging. Don’t feel left out, I haven’t been writing over at Runagogo.com, nor have I been running!

Sure, work’s been busy, but when isn’t it? It’s the nature of busy-ness. The new month offers a chance for a new beginning. But, before I rush into the future, let’s look back at the first month of 2007.

I have tried a new restaurant, Sebo (or on Yelp.com) with my dear friend M. Great, fresh fish, but TINY nigiri! I won’t be running back anytime soon, unless it’s with my neighbor who’s gotten friendly with one of the chefs.

Speaking of food, I enjoyed some amazing eats on a business trip to New Orleans. Here’s breakfast from a po’ boy place down the street from our hotel. It wasn’t business as usual. In lieu of sending people abroad to work with Habitat for Humanity (like my 2005 trip to Poland), we’re going to send people to the Big Easy. In addition to the local H4H, we met with Common Ground Relief, Acorn and Emergency Communities. All are doing amazing work, and so needed. The magnitude of the devastation that remains 17+ months later cannot be described. If you can, donate, get your butt down there or find a way to help out. It’s more than a tragedy, it’s a national disgrace. Luckily, people are coming together to make things right. I hope to head back there, myself.

Knitting-wise, I’ve finished one of my Scout’s Swag socks, and I’m closing in on the toe of the second. Photos upon finishing. I started a scarf, but I’m not proud of that (a variation on a certain drop-stitch sensation that everyone and her mother did a year or two back—MdV, I’m so ashamed). I am proud of finishing and gifting the Knucks for my synchro team coach (Tsunami Tsynchro). She’s a knitter too, so she appreciates all the finishing required by that embroidery.

Speaking of said coach, Dr. S. (she’s a physicist) and I swung by Stash to say hello to Ms. Vickie Howell. Still cute as a button and rocking some killer shoes. I wish I could have stayed longer to chat… next time?

There’s a snoring puppy (who turned 3 today) and a snoring boyfriend next to me on the couch. I should go walk them before we head off to bed.

Thanks for your kind words during my absence.

‘Twas five nights before Xmas and I was away from the house;
Playin’ hooky in Las Vegas, wearing a nice blouse.

We had arrived at midnight, Wednesday A.M.
Our goal was simple, see a show with some friends.

The first room they gave us, had only one single bed.
Fine for the engaged couple, but not right for my head.

Back to reception, to ask for one more.
They kindly obliged, giving us 16-304.

I awoke early, put my feet to floor.
While B slept quietly, next to her C snored.

A trip to the lobby, procuring a cup of Starbucks,
Wandering to kill time, realizing casinos are f@*!’ed.

At last they arose, and breakfast we ate,
At a proper sit-down restaurant, with nary a buffet plate.

Then back to the room to shower and repose,
A chance to unpack, knit and change clothes.

C went off to the gym; a headache rendered me ill,
So B and me wandered in search of water and Advil.

I started to feel better, so to celebrate (I suppose)
What could be better, than a bag of pretzel cheddar Combos?

We talked all afternoon, and I practiced my splits.
B shared her journal and my Knucks I did knit.

At last it was time to leave for the show;
Off to Bellagio to meet Onofrio.

He’s the head clown and gave us our tix;
We quickly grabbed a bite, so we could be in our seats by half past six.

The show was magical, better than before;
Even though just a dress rehearsal, I didn’t leave wanting more.

The swimmer Bill May, whom I had met in the past;
Showed off double-jointed shoulders, the most flexible guy in the cast.

After it was over, we remained in our seats;
Bill and Onofrio came to get us, and to backstage we did retreat.

A brief little tour, showing costume rooms and the gyms;
Said hello to other performers. Alas, we couldn’t swim.

When make-up was off, the artists ready at last,
We piled into cars with Bill to get tapas.

A mojito and conversation mixed with sangria and laughter,
A night to remember for many, many years after.