The latest event most of you already know about, my little surprise motorcycle. :) I must say it's much fun and can't wait to get around more on it. Perhaps I can even make Daytona this year. ;) Takes a bit of getting used to, since on my Lobster's sport bike the shifts are very easy, just a slight lift with the tip of my foot, but on mine they are a bit harder, and must be done farther into the midsection of my foot. It's very easy to ride... now if the weather would just cooperate a bit more; I'll have pictures up soon.

Books I've read this month: my On Creativity choice Life, Paint and Passion, and for my Classics choice The Collected Poems Emily Dickenson (which I had begun reading last year, but only got around to reading it again during January this past month). With those two I've met my two books minimum for the month of January, and it didn't feel to rushed. I'm thinking of setting up my book blog up again, so you may see that up soon.

Otronicon - best video gaming event I've ever experienced. This was a 10-day convention held at the Orlando Science Center, and it was magnificent. My son and I attended both Saturdays. I must admit that the event exceeded all expectations for me. There were several tournaments that I watched -as much as I like games there was no way I'd even fancy the idea of playing with the pros. My son played every game he got a chance to get a turn on. Imagine how exciting it was to watch the pro gamers play Halo 2 on the gigantic CineDome screen!

The first Saturday I attended I had hoped that I'd be lucky enough to meet and perhaps even interview Alex Jebailey, who I read held several tournament championships under his belt, as well as several world breaking records. While watching awe-struck at the gamers playing Dance Dance Revolution -a game that had me hooked immediately- I exchanged a few words and questions with a couple of young men, one of them mentioning how he lost 40 pounds playing the game, and I had noticed he played the game with a particular ease. The other young man, also quick with the feet, told me I could find a metal game controller such as the one at the event if I searched online, since the one that comes bundled with the game is plastic, and wouldn't last very long with daily use. I kept watching the players line up and play, and some of them just blew my mind. The coordination and speed they had was amazing. Hooked, I was hooked I tell ya! We ended up leaving shortly before midnight, my son brimming with joy at all the time he was able to spend playing, me a little disapointed that I hadn't gotten a hold of this record-breaking gamer.

Sunday morning I Googled for the metal game controller, and for whatever information I could find on this headliner. I also found Alex Jebailey's website and immediately realized I had actually spoken two words with the young man the night before! By Sunday afternoon I had already purchased my own DDR game. I've been playing it daily ever since. I believe it was later during the week that I was able to make contact with Alex via IM, chat for a while, and make plans for the following weekend. He mentioned he'd be answering questions from 1 to 3 PM on Saturday, then participating in a DDR challenge from 7 to 9. I missed both. My son and I were there on Sunday, to watch the Tournament finals, and cheer our new favorite gamer since he was competing - at least that was the plan. My son practically attached himself to a gaming station and I was left to cheer and later play -yes, I played till midnight- all by myself. My new friend Alex did not dissapoint, and won the tournament. :)

Now I'm off to visit all of you and catch up, and to continue watching the Super Bowl XL. Part two will be coming soon!