"Written In The Stars" (AIDA)

What a beautiful weekend. I spent it doing a lot of time on subways, trains, shuttles, ferries, and a couple of cars. Saturday morning I met up with my co-worker Rose to travel to Fire Island Pines. We were going there for the first time to DRA's 13th Annual Fire Island Dance Festival. It took about three hours to get out there and the experience was wonderful and the weather could not have been better. The stage was set against the bay where different dance companies presented pieces, some commissioned especially for the festival, and hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. A lot of the co-workers call this event the closest thing to a staff retreat we have. I simply went out there for the afternoon to enjoy the performance and get back for a friend's birthday party in the city. Belinda is a dear friend from open play, obviously. She had her birthday on Friday and had prior commitments so she was not able to play with us at open play. So we had a gathering for her on Saturday evenin and it is times like these, surrounded by friends and laughter, that I feel blessed. Blessed that people in my life care about me when sometimes I feel like there is no one. Belinda has a beautiful soul and an infectious laugh. She has a quiet appearance when you first meet her but she can be a rambunctious voice if given the chance.

Then today was another day of relaxing on Long Beach. I have been extremely tired lately and just want to sleep and sleep some more. So I laid out my blanket and pillow and slept a great deal today. It was a special day because our friend Jordi was leaving us and it was his last day at the beach. Jordi is a gifted player and I called him a few times to sub for me when I was captain of a men's team. He really shines on the beach with his agility, good humor, and exemplary sportsmanship. He's going to be traveling and spending time in India so we hope to see him back on these shores.