Ok - this is the last post for the day ....
I understand the rationale for sending call centers overseas. I have no problem with this service and am happy to talk to whomever is able to take my call.
BUT .... when you use a name that is not your name and, when you hesitate in giving your name because you can't remember the name you are using for the day it starts to destroy my trust in the conversation I am having with you and more specifically my trust in the company you represent.
I don't care what your name is ... but let's both be honest here. Your name is not Jack!
Whoever came up with this idea of changing the names to better appeal to an American consumer should be fired. This is a bad idea that does nothing to hide the fact that these jobs are being sent out of the country and at the same time puts into question the honesty and intergrity of the organization.
Ok , I am off my soap box at least until I have to call the soap box customer service line and talk with Bob.
Friday, February 24, 2006
advice from a 4 year old
Last night my friend Kira shared the following advice:
"When you wake up in the morning you should go to the bathroom and then go back to bed."
Words to live by.
"When you wake up in the morning you should go to the bathroom and then go back to bed."
Words to live by.
Danny and Annie
Danny and Annie have become a symbol of NPR's StoryCorps project. Their first visit to the StoryCorps van resulted in a charming tale of their first meeting and the love which has flourished over the past 27 years. Last month Danny was diagnosed with cancer. This morning I heard their latest entry into StoryCorps and felt tears come to my eyes as I listened to Danny talk of the love he had for his wife and the love he hoped she would find after he was gone. Life is not always peaches and cream. Sometimes we find the pit. But through it all it is valuable to remember that the relationships we have are gifts to be cherished. Check out Danny and Annie’s story on NPR.org
1000 places to see before you die - #7
It was a cold drive into work today. My little car slipped as I maneuvered through the icy curves, and I wondered aloud if the sprinkling of snow on the sidewalks constituted enough reason to call it a snow day. Then, as I was reaching the climax of psyching myself up enough to call it a day and head back home I saw Lake Washington with Mt. Rainer off in the distance. Ahh yes, this is why I love living in Seattle. Sure it rains a lot. And, yes the multitude of grey days drain the life right out of me. But, every once in a while you head over the hill and are treated with a view with the power to wipe out the memory of all the rainy days that proceeded.
So, here we go …. In my list of 1000 places to see before you die #7 – Seattle, WA.
So, here we go …. In my list of 1000 places to see before you die #7 – Seattle, WA.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
best is not best anymore
I think I have read most of the popular management fables -" Who moved the cheese", "Fish", "Radical Leap", "How to take the obviously and make it into millions", etc… What continues to astound me (aside from how much money has been invested in me personally reading these books) is why as adults we have not yet learned how to play well together.
Initially I thought as children we did play well together in groups and those skills somehow diminished as we moved into these strange corporate worlds. Then it occurred to me that no, people are people and those who were willing to share the red crayon are still willing to share the red crayon and those who were not are not.
My latest foray into the self-help management section was the Five Dysfunctions of a Team which can be basically boiled down to one – COMPETITION. Perhaps that is my own competitive nature, perhaps that is because we as a culture like to WIN WIN WIN!!!! (this Olympics not withstanding.) Not once have I ever been taught that collaboration is better then winning. Although I understand that it can lead to winning. But, even in your traditional sports team scenarios there is always one person who wins more, the all-star, the most valuable, the water boy. So is that really colloboration if you are the all-star or is it getting other people to support you in winning?
It seems that as a nation we are trying to embrace a world economy through collaboration vs. our usual competition. I certainly can see the theoretical benefits of being able to utilize varying skills and resources to achieve an overarching global goal but the question remains how? How do we redefine the “est” as a key motivator? How do we change Biggest, Brightest, Best into something that does not reflect the inherent comparison?
A friend of mine recently sent an email that said “you don’t have to be the best, just do your best.”
There are many things I do in my life for enjoyment and not to be the "best." These are things we usually classify as "things I do for myself." I think I would like to take the idea of "things I do for myself" and spread that through all aspects of my life. Perhaps by applying the forgiveness of imperfection into work we can parlay a very self-centered idea into true collaboration.
Initially I thought as children we did play well together in groups and those skills somehow diminished as we moved into these strange corporate worlds. Then it occurred to me that no, people are people and those who were willing to share the red crayon are still willing to share the red crayon and those who were not are not.
My latest foray into the self-help management section was the Five Dysfunctions of a Team which can be basically boiled down to one – COMPETITION. Perhaps that is my own competitive nature, perhaps that is because we as a culture like to WIN WIN WIN!!!! (this Olympics not withstanding.) Not once have I ever been taught that collaboration is better then winning. Although I understand that it can lead to winning. But, even in your traditional sports team scenarios there is always one person who wins more, the all-star, the most valuable, the water boy. So is that really colloboration if you are the all-star or is it getting other people to support you in winning?
It seems that as a nation we are trying to embrace a world economy through collaboration vs. our usual competition. I certainly can see the theoretical benefits of being able to utilize varying skills and resources to achieve an overarching global goal but the question remains how? How do we redefine the “est” as a key motivator? How do we change Biggest, Brightest, Best into something that does not reflect the inherent comparison?
A friend of mine recently sent an email that said “you don’t have to be the best, just do your best.”
There are many things I do in my life for enjoyment and not to be the "best." These are things we usually classify as "things I do for myself." I think I would like to take the idea of "things I do for myself" and spread that through all aspects of my life. Perhaps by applying the forgiveness of imperfection into work we can parlay a very self-centered idea into true collaboration.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
where is the love?
THESE ARE ENTRIES TO A WASHINGTON POST COMPETITION ASKING FOR A RHYME WITH THE MOST ROMANTIC FIRST LINE BUT THE LEAST ROMANTIC SECOND LINE:
(1) Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss
But I only slept with you, because I was pissed.
(2) I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother.
(3) Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's empty and
so is your head.
(4) Of loving beauty you float with grace
If only you could hide your face.
(5) Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;
This describes everything you are not.
(6) I want to feel your sweet embrace
But don't take that paper bag off of your face.
(7) I love your smile, your face, and your eyes -
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!
(8) My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you screwed up my life.
(9) I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.
(10) My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?
(11) My feelings for you no words can tell,
Except for maybe "go to hell".
(12) What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.
(1) Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss
But I only slept with you, because I was pissed.
(2) I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother.
(3) Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's empty and
so is your head.
(4) Of loving beauty you float with grace
If only you could hide your face.
(5) Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;
This describes everything you are not.
(6) I want to feel your sweet embrace
But don't take that paper bag off of your face.
(7) I love your smile, your face, and your eyes -
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!
(8) My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you screwed up my life.
(9) I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.
(10) My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?
(11) My feelings for you no words can tell,
Except for maybe "go to hell".
(12) What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
7 x 7
This post is the result of what I think may be the latest metamorphosis of a chain letter. Alas, I am a sucker for questions so here it goes:
1. Seven things to do before I die
1) Travel to every continent. 2) Write a memoir (not in the same vein as a million little pieces.) 3) Work for a charitable organization. 4) Dance the Tango. 5) Create amazing art. 6) Learn to speak a foreign language fluently. 7) Live in a home where I can watch the sunset.
2. Seven things I cannot do
1) Bungee jump. 2) Swim a mile (although I hope to learn). 3) Not have my family as a priority. 4) Tell a lie or keep a good secret. 5) Give up coffee. 6) Not laugh at life. 7) List 7 things, life is full of too many possibilities and there’s not much that is impossible.
3. Seven things that attract me to [Seattle]
1) The man who sings in the morning. 2) The city. 3)The mountains. 4) The water. 5) The friends. 6) The proximity to an international airport. 7) The food.
4. Seven things I say most often
1) Awesome. 2) Too Cool. 3) You know (or you know what I mean). 4) Too Funny. 5) That’s ridiculous. 6) Oh my god. 7) Geez.
5. Seven books (or series) that I love
1)To Kill a Mockingbird. 2) Anna Karenina (the book I am most likely to reread multiple times). 3) Grimm’s Fairytales. 4) Nickel and Dimed 5) Collier’s Encyclopedia (I loved these books growing up like I love the internet now) 6) Chick lit 7) E=MC2.
6.Seven movies that I watch over and over again (or would if I had the time)
1) Breakfast Club. 2) Terms of Endearment (always makes me cry.) 3) White Christmas. 4) The Full Monty (always makes me laugh). 5) The Graduate or almost anything with Dustin Hoffman except Ishtar and Outbreak. 6) Gross Pointe Blank. 7) Same time next year.
7. Seven people I want to join in, too.
This is where I always get stuck in the “chain letter” process. Everyone I know who blogs has already completed the chain. So, to my friends who don’t blog (Lynette, Denise, Syd, etc…) Start bloging and have this be your first entry. : )
1. Seven things to do before I die
1) Travel to every continent. 2) Write a memoir (not in the same vein as a million little pieces.) 3) Work for a charitable organization. 4) Dance the Tango. 5) Create amazing art. 6) Learn to speak a foreign language fluently. 7) Live in a home where I can watch the sunset.
2. Seven things I cannot do
1) Bungee jump. 2) Swim a mile (although I hope to learn). 3) Not have my family as a priority. 4) Tell a lie or keep a good secret. 5) Give up coffee. 6) Not laugh at life. 7) List 7 things, life is full of too many possibilities and there’s not much that is impossible.
3. Seven things that attract me to [Seattle]
1) The man who sings in the morning. 2) The city. 3)The mountains. 4) The water. 5) The friends. 6) The proximity to an international airport. 7) The food.
4. Seven things I say most often
1) Awesome. 2) Too Cool. 3) You know (or you know what I mean). 4) Too Funny. 5) That’s ridiculous. 6) Oh my god. 7) Geez.
5. Seven books (or series) that I love
1)To Kill a Mockingbird. 2) Anna Karenina (the book I am most likely to reread multiple times). 3) Grimm’s Fairytales. 4) Nickel and Dimed 5) Collier’s Encyclopedia (I loved these books growing up like I love the internet now) 6) Chick lit 7) E=MC2.
6.Seven movies that I watch over and over again (or would if I had the time)
1) Breakfast Club. 2) Terms of Endearment (always makes me cry.) 3) White Christmas. 4) The Full Monty (always makes me laugh). 5) The Graduate or almost anything with Dustin Hoffman except Ishtar and Outbreak. 6) Gross Pointe Blank. 7) Same time next year.
7. Seven people I want to join in, too.
This is where I always get stuck in the “chain letter” process. Everyone I know who blogs has already completed the chain. So, to my friends who don’t blog (Lynette, Denise, Syd, etc…) Start bloging and have this be your first entry. : )
Monday, January 16, 2006
three things and a good steak
I once had a conversation in which the question was asked "if you found yourself in an empty apartment what three things could you not do with out?" or put another way " what three things would you require to survive happily in an empty apartment?" The apartment element was crucial to the conversation since it allowed for the assumption that heat, pluming and electricity were available.
Most people answered with the usual "cocktail party approved" response; favorite music, books, a television perhaps. For me it came down to these three things:
A bed - while I am not opposed to sleeping on the floor I find that a mattress plays a big part in my attitude toward life in the morning.
A shower - again feeding into the fact that I am not a morning person and like my rituals.
and (drum roll please) ...
Internet Access!!!!!
This may not seem like an obvious choice however, I believe that everything you want can be found on the internet if you are willing to search. For example:
With the internet you can
be entertained
read your favorite book
buy furniture for your home
listen to music
communicate with friends and family
the list goes on and on ....
And, as of last night, I am now convinced that you can also eat off of the internet. Enter Omaha Steak Company
Last night we had steaks which were absolutely delicious. They were tender, full of flavor and delivered to my front door! Amazing.
Now, I wonder if I can find someone to clean my refrigerator on the internet? I will let you know what I find.
Most people answered with the usual "cocktail party approved" response; favorite music, books, a television perhaps. For me it came down to these three things:
A bed - while I am not opposed to sleeping on the floor I find that a mattress plays a big part in my attitude toward life in the morning.
A shower - again feeding into the fact that I am not a morning person and like my rituals.
and (drum roll please) ...
Internet Access!!!!!
This may not seem like an obvious choice however, I believe that everything you want can be found on the internet if you are willing to search. For example:
With the internet you can
be entertained
read your favorite book
buy furniture for your home
listen to music
communicate with friends and family
the list goes on and on ....
And, as of last night, I am now convinced that you can also eat off of the internet. Enter Omaha Steak Company
Last night we had steaks which were absolutely delicious. They were tender, full of flavor and delivered to my front door! Amazing.
Now, I wonder if I can find someone to clean my refrigerator on the internet? I will let you know what I find.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
it's the idea that counts ...
For those of you who are still doing your holiday shopping and may have run out of ideas, I thought I would post some of the more unusual options for holiday gifts:
First on the list ... The Bacon of the Month Club
Bacon of the Month Club
Not only can you send the gift of bacon every month, you can also purchase specialty bacon items such as Bacon Brittle which is not unlike the classic Peanut Brittle but with bacon instead. yum?
Have fun! And remember, it is better to give then to receive ; )
First on the list ... The Bacon of the Month Club
Bacon of the Month Club
Not only can you send the gift of bacon every month, you can also purchase specialty bacon items such as Bacon Brittle which is not unlike the classic Peanut Brittle but with bacon instead. yum?
Have fun! And remember, it is better to give then to receive ; )
Monday, November 28, 2005
let it snow ....
Oh …. The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, so as long as you love me so, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow ….
Baby it’s cold outside ….
That can only mean one thing – SNOW DAY!!!!!! Yes siree, the weather man is predicting snow in Seattle and being that I live at the bottom of a hill (meaning I would have to go up a hill to exit my home) tomorrow may be a snow day! I love Seattle snow days, less than an inch of snow and the entire city shuts down. I’ll walk up to get coffee (Starbucks doesn’t shut down) and then perhaps into town and then back home where I will start the fire in my fireplace by turning on the switch and spend the rest of the afternoon cuddled up on the couch with my laptop computer.
So far, this year looks like it might be a good one for snow. And I can’t wait! Bring on the Christmas movies and the hot buttered rum.
Baby it’s cold outside ….
That can only mean one thing – SNOW DAY!!!!!! Yes siree, the weather man is predicting snow in Seattle and being that I live at the bottom of a hill (meaning I would have to go up a hill to exit my home) tomorrow may be a snow day! I love Seattle snow days, less than an inch of snow and the entire city shuts down. I’ll walk up to get coffee (Starbucks doesn’t shut down) and then perhaps into town and then back home where I will start the fire in my fireplace by turning on the switch and spend the rest of the afternoon cuddled up on the couch with my laptop computer.
So far, this year looks like it might be a good one for snow. And I can’t wait! Bring on the Christmas movies and the hot buttered rum.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
cabin fever ...
Being that my dad was a teacher, there were always lots of descriptions thrown around during this time of year to describe why the kids in his class were bouncing off of the ceilings. Even though I am way past the age when I should be diagnosed with one of the "fevers" I have to admit that I am itching for Christmas vacation! I can't wait to put up the lights, hang the stockings, go and see Santa, put up a tree, drink egg nog and cider, put on a CD of Bing Crosby, watch White Christmas on a Sunday afternoon while wrapping Christmas presents, watch the snow fall, go for a drive to look at other people's lights, stop in front of the house where the old lady rocks for hours on her front porch, and the other one with the bubble machine where parents drop off their kids to sit on some strange man's lap - ok that is weird - debate the existence of three kings vs. a whole bunch of kinda smart guys, dodge the Christmas tree planted in the middle of town, slip on the ice, pull out the long johns from the hall closet, and basically remember that some of the best things in life are the celebrations and traditions we carry with us.
cooking for scientists ...
so, I am not a scientist, but I am what one (one being my mother ) might refer to as an anal-retentive cook. I like things precise and if the recipe calls for the bacon to be in bits than, I want those bits to be uniform. (Ok I might not be that bad, but I must admit the uniformity of the bacon bits did ensure that the bacon was evenly distributed throughout the salad. And, grating the hard boiled eggs provided the perfect dusting of egg.) I digress. The cooking site: cooking for engineers is a fun site for those of us who believe that cooking is as much a science as it is an art form (not that either are mutually exclusive.) So, check it out and let me know what you think - and if you need tips for creating egg dust, let me know : )
1000 places to see before you die - #6
sometimes, places worth seeing can be right in your own backyard. Vienna Teng reminded me of this last night while she sang "Shasta." Growing up so close to this mountain, I often overlook its splendor and magic. So, here is a photo of what it looks like today - thanks to ShastaCam. And, here are a few lines from Vienna's song:
"and you're thinking about clouds the color of fire
and the scent of an orange peel
the way Mt. Shasta explodes into windshield view
and your hands steady on the wheel
and you're thinking about how someone died that day
the you that was so carefully planned
but then again maybe this life is like a sleeping mountain
waking up to shape the land"
Thursday, October 27, 2005
boo ...
Today is the day in which all of the kids come to the office dressed in their Halloween costumes! Not only is it a great excuse to get out of work early, I love seeing every ghost, goblin and princess as they parade through the halls. For the first time in many many years, I too have a costume for Halloween. I think that it might be my first store bought costume ever.
Growing up Halloween was a "BIG" holiday which required months of planning. First there was the giant pumpkin which my grandfather would nurture in his garden and the haul up to our house to be carved. Then there were the parties, usually one or two for my parents and a carnival or haunted house for my sister and me. Finally there were the costumes!!!!! My mom would sew lavish costumes with my dad often helping with the artistic touches to the masks, heads etc... The year I went as French Fries, the costume had to be modified so that I could still play the flute in the elementary schools marching band. Never traditional, even as my friends were dressed as cheerleaders or the occasional witch, I had something different. The devil costume still remains one of my favorite. The skirt was fire red with enough red tulle beneath so that it floated as I walked. The tail did not hang limp behind me, but stood with attitude straight up in the air.
As I got older I scoffed at the idea of the big costumes, passing on the opportunity to dress as a giant Donald Duck and instead going as a punk (complete with the dog collar and blue Mohawk hair.)
This year when I found out that Halloween would again be an opportunity to dress up I called my mom for ideas. She quickly suggested a giant pumpkin with the pi sign printed on the front: Pumpkin Pie. I again passed on the idea of the big costume, feeling somewhat intimidated by the idea of dressing as a giant squash in front of people whom I don't yet know. So instead, I made my way to various stores and purchased elements which I hope will come together as a cute albeit not clever costume.
I have to admit, as I sit here watching the kids pass, I am dying to go to the car and grab my own costume and join in the parade. Too bad this year's costume is not work friendly. Maybe next year I can go as the pumpkin and partake in the kids fun as well.
Growing up Halloween was a "BIG" holiday which required months of planning. First there was the giant pumpkin which my grandfather would nurture in his garden and the haul up to our house to be carved. Then there were the parties, usually one or two for my parents and a carnival or haunted house for my sister and me. Finally there were the costumes!!!!! My mom would sew lavish costumes with my dad often helping with the artistic touches to the masks, heads etc... The year I went as French Fries, the costume had to be modified so that I could still play the flute in the elementary schools marching band. Never traditional, even as my friends were dressed as cheerleaders or the occasional witch, I had something different. The devil costume still remains one of my favorite. The skirt was fire red with enough red tulle beneath so that it floated as I walked. The tail did not hang limp behind me, but stood with attitude straight up in the air.
As I got older I scoffed at the idea of the big costumes, passing on the opportunity to dress as a giant Donald Duck and instead going as a punk (complete with the dog collar and blue Mohawk hair.)
This year when I found out that Halloween would again be an opportunity to dress up I called my mom for ideas. She quickly suggested a giant pumpkin with the pi sign printed on the front: Pumpkin Pie. I again passed on the idea of the big costume, feeling somewhat intimidated by the idea of dressing as a giant squash in front of people whom I don't yet know. So instead, I made my way to various stores and purchased elements which I hope will come together as a cute albeit not clever costume.
I have to admit, as I sit here watching the kids pass, I am dying to go to the car and grab my own costume and join in the parade. Too bad this year's costume is not work friendly. Maybe next year I can go as the pumpkin and partake in the kids fun as well.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
pom poms ...
It is scary what can happen when you pick up a pair of pom poms ...
Fortunately my team thought I was being supportive and not that I was having a mid-life crisis ...
Fortunately my team thought I was being supportive and not that I was having a mid-life crisis ...
I am not so sure ... but, I think I should invest in pair of pom poms just for fun : )
Q is for quantum ...
My four year old niece is learning about the alphabet in school. Yesterday the teacher introduced the letter Q to the class and asked each student to come up with a word that started with that letter. Rawnie's word was quantum. I am sure the teacher is still scratching her head.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
dice hola ...
Over the past year I have developed a pretty good relationship with the Starbucks up the street from my house. Often now they will have my drink ready for me before I reach the counter to order. Sure I drink a lot of coffee but, that is still impressive. Today I had another coffee experience that may have topped my neighborhood Starbucks and given me a new "coffee home." Upon walking into this coffee show I was greeted by not one, not two, but three smiling baristas with "Hola Melissa." Ok, I have been to this particular Starbucks in Mexico City no less than 10 times in the last 2 days. And, I am usually ordering coffee for 7 of my co-workers in a Spanish accent that sounds a lot like Apu from the Simpsons. I guess it is not that unusual that I might stand out from the crowd in this environment. But still, they know my name and my drink preference in less than a week. Sorry Seattle Starbucks, it looks like I will have to make the Mexico City Starbucks my new home. Too bad the commute is so bad...
Monday, October 17, 2005
me and alice ...
In case you had started to wonder ... Alice Cooper isn't dead. He is alive and well and for the weekend at least, was enjoying a good time listening to a cover band in Cabo at the infamous CaboWabo during Sammy Haggar's annual birthday bash. This I know because, even though I haven't posted in a while, I too am alive and this weekend at least was enjoying a good time listening to a cover band in Cabo at the infamous CaboWabo duing Sammy Haggar's annual birthday bash. Life continues to be a strange ride ...
Thursday, October 06, 2005
what is in a name?
this is my new business card ...
I also just received a fresh box of new business cards for my "real" job but they aren't nearly cool enough to post.
I also just received a fresh box of new business cards for my "real" job but they aren't nearly cool enough to post.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
day one ... skating through memories
When I was a kid my family and I would often drive up north to Medford and spend a Sunday afternoon at Skate World! This magical place, complete with disco balls and strobe lights, would offer us hours of fun as we skated around in circles to the music of Men at Work or Men Without Hats – I can never remember the name of that band …
On occasion we would visit the armory in Yreka (a town much closer to mine) to skate in what I imagine was once a hanger. Unfortunately, the seams in the concrete floor made the skating process difficult and about as rewarding as skating on the sidewalks back home.
I tell you this because, while I have not skated since skate wheels were aligned horizontally instead of vertically, I am now the proud owner of rollerblades!!! As I tried the skates on in my office, nearly falling on the floor as my feet moved one way and my chair the other, I realized that much has changed in the skating world. Not only do my new skates feel more like ski boots then tennis shoes (I used to have a great pair of skates that actually looked like tennis shoes – too cool), but along with the skates I am now expected to wear all of this other protective gear – helmets, wrist pads, elbow pads, knee pads etc… Given that I am much older now, I suppose that all of this extra protection is a good thing. It just seems that it takes some of the fun out of the experience if I am constantly reminded that this activity might be hazardous to my health.
Unfortunately, my new skates come just as the weather has started to turn cold and wet. Perhaps, I will be able to encourage my friends to join me for an afternoon at an old fashion rink…. Anyone up for Skate King?
BTW – it should be said that I purchased the skates, practically new, from another person who had fantastic memories of skating. Hopefully, I will not be passing them off to yet another dreamer anytime soon.
On occasion we would visit the armory in Yreka (a town much closer to mine) to skate in what I imagine was once a hanger. Unfortunately, the seams in the concrete floor made the skating process difficult and about as rewarding as skating on the sidewalks back home.
I tell you this because, while I have not skated since skate wheels were aligned horizontally instead of vertically, I am now the proud owner of rollerblades!!! As I tried the skates on in my office, nearly falling on the floor as my feet moved one way and my chair the other, I realized that much has changed in the skating world. Not only do my new skates feel more like ski boots then tennis shoes (I used to have a great pair of skates that actually looked like tennis shoes – too cool), but along with the skates I am now expected to wear all of this other protective gear – helmets, wrist pads, elbow pads, knee pads etc… Given that I am much older now, I suppose that all of this extra protection is a good thing. It just seems that it takes some of the fun out of the experience if I am constantly reminded that this activity might be hazardous to my health.
Unfortunately, my new skates come just as the weather has started to turn cold and wet. Perhaps, I will be able to encourage my friends to join me for an afternoon at an old fashion rink…. Anyone up for Skate King?
BTW – it should be said that I purchased the skates, practically new, from another person who had fantastic memories of skating. Hopefully, I will not be passing them off to yet another dreamer anytime soon.
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