sweet relief....

My cell phone has been acting a little funny.  In my apartment I can't always talk to my parents on their land line because I fade out, same with my friend Gabe.  But then other days there is no problem at all.  I got an unwanted solicitation from a person with a heavy accent asking me about updating my plan because I don't use all my minutes, and wouldn't I want to pay more for a plan with less minutes?  Anyhow, I have been thinking that I might do away with my Sprint plan altogether come Fourth of July weekend when my plan expires.  Until then...hold out, make do, etc.  This contingency plan did not include dropping my phone fell in the toilet this morning.  Nope, pretty sure I was not expecting that one! The screen stayed normal for a minute and then turned into a pool of white light... I turned it off, put it in a sunny window on my way to work, and hoped.  Walking to work, I agonized about the lost phone numbers and all that.  But tonight, it worked!  Yahoo!

FIRST SKI DAY!!!!

I know so many people who would be dismissive that it took so long to have a ski day this season.  But I am planning a wedding, working full time, and just really busy without tons of disposable income. I had to sit out last season because of hip surgery in 2008.  And the winter before I spent much time traveling and starting a new job, so I skied just a few times.  Well, unsure what the winter would hold, I didn't get a ski pass.  Anyhow, after a false alarm, today was the day.  I got a bit nervous about a snowy forecast.  Then I heard on the radio this morning that the high was 28 and snowy.  Dios mio....not Colorado conditions for a first day up.  It was sunny for alternating runs, and though I didn't look great, I got my form back a few times.  It was a lot of fun, and I am super grateful for my friend Sarah Hafner spending the day with me on the slopes! Next trip in 8 days!

Sad news...

Death has a profound way of stopping us in our tracks and making us wish we would have made one more phone call, sent one more card, paid one more visit. Ron, you were my first mentor of Denver.  You taught me to navigate the streets, to appreciate landmarks, to back a pick-up into a dock, and to notice little things nobody else could.  Riding around in the little red truck, talking about the past in full color like we could both see it on the dash, sharing stories about our families, and feeling the wind blowing through the cab... Ron, you always made me feel important.  You always took the time to notice or ask about how I was.  I can picture you like you are sitting next to me, thumbing through your beard with your cap and sunglasses on, coffee in your other hand.  I can hear you voice, chuckling.  I remember riding up to staff retreat in your truck and playing taboo with you and Steve, Beth and Jesusita, Britta and Sarah...some funny clues you gave for sandals. I am sad it has been two years since we visited.  I think you would really like Tom...soon to be my husband.  He's a handy guy like you...remember cleaning Liz's corroded car battery with a coke and a steel brush?  Tom would have liked meeting you, too.  You'd approve, but tell him to take good care of me anyway.  I am sorry I didn't make one more phone call, but know you were often in my heart.  May you rest in peace. love, tori