A week after returning from L.A. by way of Reno and Vegas (unplanned), I had to take a day off from work due to what seemed like stress induced illness. Fortuitously, that same weekend I was able to go skiing at Sierra-at-Tahoe with Susan. Stress symptoms gone! The very idea of skiing has some negative connotations in my mind, if only because it’s inextricably connected with awkward introductions with strangers, who believe that the entire population of the GVRD is issued a snowboard as soon as they leave the maternity ward.

“I grew up in Vancouver.”
“Wow, you must ski or snowboard!”
“No. I don’t.”
“Oh.”
(Awkward silence.)

Anyways, I took a few lessons as a kid, but haven’t touched skis in maybe fifteen years. So I was pleasantly surprised to find myself hitting the green runs without having to resort much to snow plowing, and with little difficulty, apart from a few minor tumbles.

This weekend friends and family invaded my home - spring break for educators. A dinner party for six erupted. I don’t know what people did for recipes before google - some prehistoric technology involving index cards, no doubt. A quick search found recipes for very tasty satay marinade and peanut sauce, meat on sticks was prepared on the grill despite rain, cucumbers and shallots were tossed in vinegar and sugar, a small vat of rice was cooked, and the result was an easy Thai themed dinner enjoyed by all.

David dragged me climbing at Vertical World Sunday, which was the first time I slapped stone after a long hiatus. I also purchased a set of Nike NDS irons and a Taylor Made Rossa Monza putter this month, so if I do manage to hit the golf courses in the next two weeks, I will complete an unprecedented trinity of sporting activities. Since I decided to blow through some more bonus money and upgraded to a proper theatre setup (at least, in terms of the audio components), a relapse to couch potatodom will doubtless soon follow.

However this evening I might end up accompanying an old acquaintance who is playing some Paganini violin concerto - this despite atrophication of fingers due to piano nonplaying. We shall see how the sight reading goes. It’s odd how all attempts at being a slacker this month have so far met with failure.

Random media commentary of the day: Rosalind suckered me into Tivo’ing House simply by pointing out that the lead actor, Hugh Laurie, was prominent in Blackadder, one of my favorite BBC comedy series ever. That’s right, Mad “thick as a whale omelette” Prince George from Blackadder III is Dr. Gregory House. I don’t know how I missed that.

George: “I’ve just had another brilliant idea!”
Edmund: “Another one?”
George: “Yes, you remember the one I had about wearing underpants on the outside to save on laundry bills?”