So, my sisters had a heyday teasing me about Dance Dance Revolution. Oh how they mocked me. Bryn was here when I got it (my friend works for Nintendo; I got the Mario version for free), and she gleefully recounted to Molly how I'd get down to the techno Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star beat. She also made repeated false claims that I told her she needed to just "feel the music" when it was her turn. Of course, Molly shared all of this with me when we chatted on the phone. Then, when I'd call Bryn, she'd tell me how much Molly laughed and laughed picturing me hopping around on my little mat. Hmph. Back and forth it went. I always had to hear about what a weirdo I was for my DDR hobby.

Surprise, surprise. Molly comes for a visit and now she is HOOKED. In her few days here, we played enough to progress to the difficult levels that make you look like you're dancing a crazy jig. When she calls, I tell her how much I miss Travis, and she tells me how much she's missing the Dance Dance. She's even asking for it for Christmas and is looking forward to me bringing my game and mats to K Falls over the holidays so we can have dance offs. Who's laughing now? Har, har.

When Mols was here, I also lost something small but very important to me, and I'm having a hard time getting over it. The night we went to the concert I wore my Celtic triple spiral necklace (a triskelion). I've had it for several years; it's something I bought during a difficult time in my life. I never really knew too much about the meaning, but for reasons that are a mystery to me, I've always felt very connected to it. Normally I don't get too attached to things, but wearing the necklace always brought me a sense of peace and strength. I haven't worn it so much over the past couple of years, but when I was thinking about getting a tattoo in Hawaii, I knew right away that the triple spiral was exactly what I wanted and was ultimately what I chose. And, when Molly and I were getting ready to go to the concert, it caught my eye in my jewelry box, and I decided to wear it.

Well, after downing a couple of plastic cups full of wine, Mols and I had a kick ass time at the show. During the encore, we even went up to dance with the rest of the audience near the stage --something I never do anymore but really loved. Holding hands, we jumped around laughing and singing. It was totally exhilarating and funny, because everyone was obviously having a fantastic (most likely drunken) time, but we were not down with the boys trying to start a mosh pit. It didn't even fit with the music, but whatever. They were determined. Whenever the rockers started pushing and shoving into us, we'd back away to the outer circle, with our arms outstretched to protect us, saying, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!" We're very grown up now you see. Somewhere in the middle of all that activity, I must have lost the necklace, and I didn't even notice until we were out for dessert after.

A few weeks later, the thought of it still tugs at the back of my mind. The necklace is gone for good, and I'm sad. I bet I bought it for something like ten bucks, and I'm sure I could find another one pretty easily. Like a whiney little kid, though, I don't want a replacement because it won't be the same, or as good, as the original. Boo. I feel guilty fussing about a silly necklace, too, because I know it is miniscule compared to the huge losses people suffer every day. It was just a small thing that held great value for me. What I hope is it was found and kept by someone who will enjoy it, rather than swept up into a dustbin with all the grime and smelly beer cups.

Total holiday gifts purchased: Still holding strong at 1.5.

Congratulations Ms. Em on your fantastic new job!