Of COURSE I am going to talk about roller skating. The first time I went to practice on Saturday morning was memorable. There were only about four of us at the rink and the heat wasn't on, so we all swooped around in the morning chill. It was quiet, and a train went by outside, and there was something about the sound of the whistle and the faded decorations on the wall of the rink and all of us in our sweatshirts concentrating on various steps that was very sweet and satisfying.

I've had several memorable skating experiences, starting in Goose Bay, Labrador in our back alley where the ice was very lumpy. I really learned to ice skate (not particularly well) in South Florida where we'd make a field trip to the downtown Miami rink (the only one around) two or three times a year.

The first time I went skating with Emmett and JZ was very memorable. She hadn't been skating since she was a kid, but she was very natural out there, and looked so beautiful with her cape flowing around her. Emmett had been skating regularly since he was 4, and while he's still a bit stiff kneed, he gets around fine on the ice.

And, of course, the book party for the Bubblegum book was at World On Wheels down in LA. Best. Book Party. Ever! So much fun, particularly watching jengod go zooming around the track very ably.

I started roller skating when I was five years old and pretty much went weekly from then until I was 16. I took lessons for four years so there are an awful lot of memories (most of them pretty good). I think the most memorable might have been winning a speed skating contest on New Year's Eve when I was 12. I beat a lot of boys in my age division.

We had much gronk here this morning. Olivia's not quite over her bug so she was a crying, screaming mess until about 2 a.m. last night. DH mostly dealt with her but I could hear her down the hall as I was trying to get to sleep. We all finally fell asleep. Then at 5:30 a.m., I heard the "WOOF, WOOF" as Mac stood at the bottom of the stairs barking to go out. I leapt out of bed with a huge adrenaline rush because I was afraid she was going to wake Liv. So I let her out to potty. Then, of course, the cat assumed I was up to feed him and he started weaving about my ankles trying to trip me so I would feed him. After feeding the cat, feeding the dogs, getting Mac's medication, making sure the dogs didn't eat the cat's food, it was 6:00 a.m. and I was awake for the day. I started the coffee and Owen got up at 6:30.

DH said, "fuck it" and called in today. He gave me a nap until I go up to fix lunch. He's catching a nap now and I'm considering taking the kids to Michael's to check on getting something framed.

I think the most memorable might have been winning a speed skating contest on New Year's Eve when I was 12.

Cash is so cool!

Baby and godsister

I love thinking about JZ with her swirly cape.

I love thinking about JZ with her swirly cape.

It's a lovely sight. She has a very stately skating style too, which suits it.

The heater guys have left for lunch. (Well, 20 minutes ago -- skipping and skimming takes a long time.) My fluffy cat has come out of hiding. (Behind the sofa.) She is still disgruntled and is occassionaly letting out a mournful sound.

I went down to the basement to visith the other one. He has climbed up into the pipes etc that are in the basement ceiling and just sits there and looks at me as I call him. Well, if he stays there all day and I can coax him out once the heater guys leave for real -- it will be okay.

Behind the sofa

Was she drilling?

t /obscure joke

Eddie Izzard...cats hiding power tools when we come in. Right?

erika gets a dollar.