Although I will be writing today, I’ve got packing to do, etc. , for the Vegas trip.  I’ll be taking along a few clothes from Chico’s  for the lunches and dinners  (according to Jen, her memoirs will be titled, “The Devil Wears Chico’s” ), and bopping around in jeans the rest of the time.  Thank heaven I can wear them again–have lost not quite 20 pounds, so the difference is starting to show.  Still a long trail ahead, but at least I’m headed in the right direction!

One of the best things about the NFR is seeing friends I don’t

My giant, beautiful flourite sphere arrived from China yesterday, and I’m so excited.  The thing is HUGE.  This being my favorite member of the mineral family, the stone I call the spiritual super-conductor, I have big plans for using this one in meditation, etc.  (Levitation probably won’t be happening, especially if I’m holding the thing–it weighs in at a serious 4000 grams.)  I’m planning to keep this not-so-little powerhouse in my room, near my bed–most of the time.  I might move it around–to the office, say, or the living room–if the need arises.  As I’ve mentioned before, all stones have