i've discovered that i really enjoy the challenge of sparring. i like being able to get into a discussion of opinions (ethics, morals, politics, etc), even though some of those things may be socially edgy at times. i don't like to get into discussions for the sake of conflict, but i really do like the push-and-pull of such discussions. it's very interesting to me to discover other people's perspectives on issues or topics. i do need a sparring partner in my life, it keeps me on my toes. :)

random trip to sd was much fun! we spend the weekend at the home of liz's friends anne and kyle, who are wonderfully entertaining. they have three beautiful cats, too... i'm not even that much of a cat person, but these three were quite lovely. we also got to see my favorite nomadic friends, kristin and jonathan, though not for very long. next trip down to sd will be longer, i promise! and more planned-ahead, presumably :)

lsu won the sugar bowl over oklahoma! i'm somewhat surprised by that, although i hear that jason white didn't look anything like mr. heisman. everyone is speculating over what a usc-lsu game would have looked like, but the stats still rank lsu higher. poor usc, they have to share the title yet again. in other football news, it is sweet satisfaction that the cowboys did indeed lose out in the first round of playoffs. so sad, maybe next year. then again, maybe not ;) i'm hoping for an eagles-pats super bowl (although i wouldn't mind seeing peyton manning and his colts in there, too).