For those of you who read last week’s post, just wanted to let you know that Kate’s toes are fine, and she’s reassured me she is NOT trying out for the San Francisco Ballet. Moving on . . .

I’ve been having kind of an issue at home. It’s not something I’m seeking professional help for (yet), but it is worrisome and pretty much due to a friend of mine who shall remain nameless (Eileen Rendahl — that’s E-I-L-E-E-N R-E-N-D-A-H-L). Oops, did I spell that out loud? Anyway, it all started with an email (shocking, I know) I rec’d from my sis–it was this cool computer game where you place your cursor over boxed numbers 1-33 and it times you each time you complete the set (it’s more fun than it sounds).

Being the competitive gal that I am, I indulged over and over (my high score was 30 seconds). Being the good friend that I am, I forwarded this email to a select few, including Eileen. She writes me back, tells me it’s fun and addicting, but nothing compared to Spider Solitaire. Hmmm . . . what’s Spider Solitaire?

(WARNING: If you’re addicted to video games, proceed reading with caution. I know I should’ve.)

So, I played my first game of SS. In one long evening, I mastered it, then realized there are different levels of difficulty and I was on “easy”. Although winning and getting to see exploding fireworks on my screen was satisfying, the competition bug made me move on to “medium” difficulty. It took me several days till I’d win consistently. Then, I moved on to “difficult”. This is where the trouble began (and the laundry and dishes started piling up).

Seven days later, I still have not conquered this level. I have, on the other hand, eye-strain from staring at the cards on the computer screen, pain in my wrist from clicking the mouse, and frustration beyond believe that I CAN’T SEEM TO WIN THE GAME! I’m sure I will someday, but how long can the laundry wait before it grows legs and comes after me?

Former games from my past include Dr. Mario, Tetris, and Minesweeper. Are you a slave to any computer games? Which ones?

I’ve zoomed off on my jet plane and am currently here in California–yay!  There’s nothing better for a California Girl than getting her Cali Fix (you can take the girl out of California, but not the California outta the girl). 

In a little over a week, I’ve enjoyed the staples:

• sushi (twice)
• coffee with writing buddies (twice)
• mani/pedi with sis 
• massage day with the gang
• lunches and dinners with girlfriends (x5)
• Easter with the fam

Ironically, while I’ve been basking in the glory that is C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A, my hubby has been working and having Chuckle Time with his co-pilot who’s apparently married to a California Girl as well (I’m sure she rocks). 

The pilot and his wife live in Salt Lake City instead of Montana, but hey, Tomay-to/Tomah-to.  Cold is cold.  I feel her pain.  Apparently, the two Chuckle Buddies have bonded over making fun of us Cal Girls…I will quote my DH “It’s less than 65 degrees outside - wahhh!”  And then they bust up laughing.

Now, I’d like to state for the record that I walked from Target to Borders in -4 degree Montana weather (yes, NEGATIVE four.  ‘Tis not a typo.).  I concede I might’ve considered saying “wahhh!”, had my face not been frozen.  Numb jaw muscles, people.  From walking two stores down to buy my friend’s book.  Not a thing to chuckle over.

So, I say “Bask in the golden weather, baby!”  Or at least I will continue to do so for the next twenty-four hours till my jet plane flies me home.