OAKLAND, Ca. -- Upon the insistence of one of my co-workers, I went salsa dancing last night. There's a dance studio about five minutes from where I live, so I went to a beginner's salsa class. I soon discovered what my problem with dancing has always been: I'm easily confused when the steps get too intricate. It's frustrating to be doing something and then suddenly not know what it is you're supposed to be doing. By the end of the night, I was able to do the basic steps -- not sexily, but at least I could do them. As Jared pointed out, the more I do something that I've never done before, the more neural pathways I'll build for that task.

I'm waiting here for the guy from PG&E (the electric company) to come and light the pilot.

Oh, and guess where I'm going the evening of Dec. 9? To see a little guy called Gallagher at Cobb's Comedy Club! I told Jared about the good acts that come through Cobb's, and he went to the website. We were both flabbergasted to see that Gallagher was going to be there, and for only $30. Hells, yes I want to see Gallagher for $30! The only problem is that Cobb's lists this as a "no sledge or no mess" show. Crap! Why go to see Gallagher if he's not bringing the Sledge-O-Matic™? Well, I don't know how much longer Gallagher will be touring, so I figure I'd better see him while I can. And, besides, he has to at least end the show by smashing just one watermelon.

Things in O-Town are humming along. I will need to start rock climbing again so that I don't forget how.