Ok, I wasn't skiing in India but got to teach of few people from Chennai how to ski.

Up at Cascade, we seem to get a lot of people in from the Chicago area. I ask them where they're from and they just say "Chicago" instead of what actual suburb they're in since they think I don't know any of the suburbs. Well, I do know some of them and they're impressed when that happens. What's even more impressive is when I get to teach people from India. I ask where they're from and they usually say where they're living here in the US. I then ask where they're from originally and they say "India" but that's not good enough for me. I ask which city. When they say they're from Chennai and I give an indication that I know where it is, they're usually pretty surprised. When I can mention which parts of the city I know, their jaws usually hit the ground. It creates an instant connection and helps me teach and helps them learn.

Honestly, when I teach people from India how to ski, they are the most fun lessons. We don't turn them into expert skiers but it's a riot. When one person falls, they all laugh like crazy. If I can get them stopping and starting to make turns, then that's success. They're always smiling and they have fun experiencing the snow and learning something new. So I really had fun with them and I know there will be more lessons like that to teach.

I hope to take another trip over there in April. If I can avoid going in May, that would be good - way too hot then!

It was a cooler day on Saturday but there was sun. There were 2 races going on and also a PSIA event. We were short on instructors but did just fine. I had 2 group lessons and 1 private lesson. I lost my voice after the first lesson since I've been sick this last week but somehow got it back.

This next weekend is Presidents' Day weekend and one of those where everyone from Chicago (suburbs!) come up to ski. It'll be busy but fun.

-Tony

I went to Guitar Center the other day to pick up some drum stuff. I needed a kick pedal, sticks and a throne. I enter the drum area and there's a dude there at the counter. He's staring at a computer and doesn't say hello or acknowledge me at all. Ok, maybe he's busy. I better not bother him. He looks pretty engaged in whatever he's doing there.

I search around and find the items I want, which takes probably 5 minutes as I try different thrones and pedals. The pedals are right by the counter. Still... nothing from him.

Even though their prices were good, I left. They lost probably $180 from me. To their credit, I was greeted when I walked in but the dude surfing the Net or whatever dropped the ball. He must not be on commission or else just didn't care. I ended up paying more over at Ward Brodt but Riley over there took great care of me and helped me tons. He was a drummer and had experience with the pedal I was looking at. To me, paying more and knowing I was getting the right things was totally worth it.

-T

I think the threat of rain scared everyone away today. It's usually pretty busy at Cascade but today... nope. I didn't even get any lessons but had a fun day anyway. I took a clinic with Erika in the morning, then some free skiing with Bob and Jaime C. and then lunch up at the Daisy with the other Jaimie and Tom. We then headed over to the NASTAR race course. I able to get a bronze on my runs and had fun turning around the gates. It was good to see Todd in his skiis just 6 weeks after having knee surgery.

Since there were still no lessons, I rented a snowboard and spent over an hour on the green runs improving my snowboarding skills while throwing snowballs at as many co-workers I could find. I had a nice war going with Noah on every chair ride I took up and I got the lift attendants involved as well. After that, I was soaked - not from getting hit with snowballs though. It didn't rain there but was so foggy that by that time, I was just wet head to toe so I called it a day.

I have to say that snowboarding is so much easier being about 30 pounds lighter now. Yeah, in just over a month, I've lost that much. I love it. None of my pants fit me anymore - even the ones I just bought are loose. I'm eating so much better and like what I'm eating. I cook about every meal myself but I don't mind doing that after seeing the results. It's a great way to start the year.

My brother, Mike, was in town this last week. We got to spend some time together as he stayed over at my place one night. We had 2 dinners with my folks - including my dad's birthday - and it was nice having the whole family together again. Like my mom or dad said, it was like we hadn't even been apart. I love that our family is like that.

Oh, I went to Beth and Ryo's sendoff last week. Some old friends were there, which was cool. I can't believe he's done with school now. I think he's been in school over 30 years. That's not my style but good for him. Dr. Ryo. I'll have an excuse to go up to St. Paul to visit them.

Ok, that's it for now. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
-T