I try not to be superstitious. But its very hard to avoid the temptation to find messages in everything when you are alone in a strange place and doing things you've never done. Case in point: I rented a car and drove from Denver to Boulder in the dark. Besides going round and round just outside of the rent-a car place to figure out which direction on Pena Blvd I was supposed to be going, I really had no trouble at all in my little snappy blue KIA. The first song on the radio station I stopped at? Taking my time by Boston (...just movin' on. you'll forget about me after i've been gone...) But don't worry, as I drove in the dark watching for where the mountains would show up, their majesty made me more claustrophobic than inspired. But maybe that's because I was driving on a highway in the dark in a car I've never driven before.

I guess I also went round and round the front of the hotel (picture to the left, sorry its a fuzzy picture of a picture) trying to figure out what to do with valet parking the thing. It's kind of humorous reflecting on how clam and collected I was trying to be while talking to the incredibly tall guy at the front desk. I know there is fancier name for what he does, because everything here in this historic hotel is damn fancy. The elevator must be hand operated. There was a clear sign on the wall next to the elevator instructing you to ring the bell for elevator service, but I still stood there dumbstruck, and gazing with wide eyed hope at the next person who passed by. "Did you push the button?" he says naturally. Ah! Yes I will follow directions. Then the tall desk guy came around to kindly double as the elevator operator.

I ordered room service which was a delicious fiasco as well. Luckily the waiter was helpful and laid back. This is how out of sorts I am.. I was totally comforted by his funny attempt at customer service -- making up for how awkwardly I was fumbling paying for my room service -- he complimented me on putting together a great dinner combo (chicken quesadilla appetizer and a ellie brown ale). So, I felt relieved and cool enough for Boulder at that moment. (my fancy li'l room at right)

I was pretty bummed to realize before I left that I actually would not be in my hotel room on Tuesday in time for the LOST season premiere. I thought that would be the perfect unwind from my busy day on Tuesday. But guess what they have? "Just missed TV". The think of everything.

BTW, TV is crazy. I got TV sick watching Dateline -- all the fast paced camera action to keep your attention. Plastic surgery is rampant. I finally settled on the very tortuous Extreme Home Makeover . It was about a teacher who has cancer. Bawl-ing.

So, that's it. I'm about to plan out my day tomorrow of sight seeing. Must remember to drink lots of water.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today is the first day of J's preschool at the little red school house. She is helping me update you on what all went down.

J: On the top there's the very part waiting for me. And then one day, when we go to the little red school house on Thursday and Tuesday, I get to collect and say all the seasons and pick the season that is today.
Me: What was your favortie part of the day?
J: Well... my favorite part was my job. I liked to pick the season that I wanted. So I drew a picture with a black marker of a snowman, snowflakes, and words.
Me: What were the words?
J: January, February, Sunny Snowy.
Me: Nice.
J: That's the end.

Me: E, is there anything you want to say about J's first day of school and the picture you drew of your friend S?
E: Um...my picture of S.
Me: What is she doing [in the picture]?
E: She's dancing in the grass so she can find her mommy.

I thought I'd include E picture that she drew on J's first day ofschool because its the first time she's really drawn a scene, with grass and a sun. I liked it. So here it is along with J's picture of the school.

Me: J, anything you want to type about your picture?
J: So, i went to the little red school house. i liked my little red school house.