Weekend round-up.

After spending 8 hours in the office on Saturday, I was pretty darn happy to have the rest of a three-day weekend ahead of me (thank you, Dr. King). After I finally left work, Steve and I joined his roommate and the roommate's girlfriend for dirt-cheap pizza and beers at our new favorite hole-in-the-wall in Golden, then stayed up late playing a heated girls-against-boys game of spades. Of course we kicked the boys' butts, though they claim it was the result of too many beers on their part.

Sunday brought us the first lazy, relaxing weekend morning we've had in weeks. We decided to forego skiing and instead slept late, made waffles for everyone with Steve's new waffle iron, played some more spades (the boys did somewhat better, but we broke for the afternoon dead even), and then hit the rock climbing gym for the first time since early December. I climbed surprisingly well, and even managed to make the first couple of moves on a 5.12- route that was more balance-oriented than burly.

After a nice dinner, we returned to the card table to resume the spades match. Despite some setbacks, the girls had a comfortable lead when Steve's roommate left for his hockey game. Steve and I settled into the couch and watched Brotherhood of the Wolf on DVD. What a phenomenal movie -- beautiful photography, great acting, and an engrossing and disturbing story. Plus, I love the opportunity to listen to French!

Today, we did ski, and had an awesome day at A-Basin with my friends Dawn and Jeff. The snow was marginal, but the slopes were practically empty and the sun was shining, so it was a great day for me to really push myself. This was my first day on alpine skis after a month of tele, and I was pleasantly surprised that I remembered how to ski steeps and bumps.

Now I'm home, showered, slightly rested, and about to head out to my women's discussion group this evening. Our talks are always satisfying and interesting, and I love spending time with this group of diverse, talented, and fun women. While most of what we discuss must remain within our circle, I'm hoping that tonight's gathering will provide me with food for thought and fuel for this forum.

Then again, I have to finish my brief tomorrow, so perhaps it's better if I don't have any huge ideas bouncing around in my head, crying out to be transformed into something bloggable.