re: AOL--my company's health benefit went up a miniscule amount, which was commented on in the annual "Here are the new changes" meeting. Turns out the new CEO of the health company said something about "Aren't we supposed to be non-profit? Why are we pushing so hard for profit, then?" Of course, there have been some nasty lawsuits against non-profits, but I prefer to think the CEO has at least some of a heart.

I go in and watch the opening ceremonies until the damned announcers drive me out. "OK, the next two countries are X and Y. A great time to bring Apollo Ohno in to talk about speed skating."

Once the athletes' entrance is over, there's the weird modern dance production number of the history of Russia. Which I found even more bizarre than usual this year because, up until the twentieth century, I had very little idea what was supposed to be going on, and it didn't seem like the TV announcers really knew, either. When they did a similar thing in London, I could at least sort of follow the story.

Suzi, I wish I could send cake and birthday happiness for Sunday. You deserve it.

Thanks y'all. B just texted that she and KCD want to take me and CJ out to dinner Sunday. She is even going to deal with K-Bug. I'm thinking of sending a message to my female friends to see if anyone wants to do brunch on Sunday.

Well, so far it's been all commentary and commercials. I'll record it so I can fast forward through the parts I don't want tomorrow...that modern dance number sounds fascinating.

Meanwhile I have poured myself some Templeton Rye (introduced to me by juliana - anyone surprised?).

Suzi, you remind me of this: A friend of my parents' wrote to a bunch of friends saying she wanted to celebrate her birthday with them and she had these various meals available on these different dates. So she got to have a swell birthday week with a bunch of different people! It sounded like an excellent idea to me.

Okay, the spinning jellyfish women were a little baffling.

Saltwater pool sounds fancy!

It's the newest Y (it replaces the old facility- has 2 pools even! Lap and rec/shallow lesson pool) and it is my understanding that the Y org in general is moving to saltwater where viable. It's the second in the MD network. The other is out near where I used to live (but wasn't there when I was.)

I have to say, all the pools I swam at in Australia were salt (well, all were on the coast, one was just filtered ocean water!) and I really liked it. It had a lovely effect on my skin and was less drying than the chlorine.

Someone tell me I don't need the last piece of king cake.