Tech Specialist School

I spent the weekend watching video after video of skating competitions. Sounds like a good time for someone like me, and it was sort of, except that I had to do it while calling elements to be certified as a "Technical Specialist."

There is a new judging system in skating instituted as a direct result of the issues that came out in awarding the 2002 Olympic Pairs gold medal. Each competition is now to have a "Technical Panel" in addition to the judges. The panel consists of a controller, a technical specialist (who must be a former skater), a video operator, and data monitor. It's the specialist's job to call elements and determine the levels of difficulty for each move of a skater's program together with the panel.

The whole system is completely new to me, but I liked what I saw. There is a lot more transparency and accountability involved, and that is a healthy move for the sport.

I will receive my certification results in another month or so, after the Governing Council Meeting.

Best and Brightest

Sad news: David Halberstam died yesterday in a car crash not too far away from here. I remember him not just because we as American history majors were required to read his books, but also because he took a special interest in nurturing young journalists via the Crimson.

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Not Talavera

There was a "ceramics center" poolside at PB where we spent many hours. Here's some of our handiwork. . .


The best part was how they would "fix" the pieces, like you paint in the lines of the traditional Mexican scene, then they re-line and embellish. Looks fantastico, no?

Also pictured is the tablecloth I got. What a great week of vacation--it's been a little difficult re-adjusting to the pace of things back home!

40th Birthdays

A lot have been happening, including my prima's. Then there were two others this weekend.

Yeah, so party-on.

Aguate Relleno

We have the same thing every day for lunch, poolside: J has chicken nuggets and a Fanta. I have a half avocado stuffed with a corn, pea, and shrimp salad and a Sprite.

Have not done much otherwise, except for maybe some ocean swimming. In fact, I've only been out to town twice for dinner, that's it. Just happy to relax in the sun.

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Happy Easter!

I decided to plant real grass in J's basket this year, but ran out of time. Instead, I put in other groundcover. Looks nice, no?


It's been a great weekend so far not having much to do. I am so relieved to have a break from school. This morning, the Easter Bunny came and we went to mass. Then some friends over for brunch and an egg hunt. Now J is riding bikes outside with the neighborhood kids and I am getting ready for our big trip to Mazatlan. We are staying at the new, luxurious timeshare. Should I bring my tennis racket?

Spring Is Sprung

We hatched baby chicks in our classroom this past month. They were born on the 27th. Here they are still in the incubator. . .


And here they are in their coop. . .


There were nine eggs originally, but only four hatched. My favorite is the first one born, probably a rooster because he's fearless and loud. I call him Achilles. After Spring Break, families from our class and school will permanently adopt the little guys as pets. Until then, they are hanging out in class.