Sidetracked

Life has a funny way of getting in the way of what you plan to do. Activities and obligations with work, family and friends, while important and often times fun, have taken me a bit off course. I haven't checked one item off my list, so far in 2010.

But it's not like I haven't been busy. Among my activities, I visited a friend in Dallas, ran a 1/2-marathon, celebrated four birthday, wrote one bylined article, caught two colds, made one trip to Tucson, ran a 5K, went to a rodeo, read bedtime stories to children at a domestic violence shelter (twice) and climbed South Mountain. In comparison, it seems like a short list, but it was enough to take me away from my other list, which I now must return to.

Looking ahead to the next three months, I've identified several things I'd like to do. I haven't set any specific dates yet, but I am looking for friends and family to join me. Check out "What's Next?" If you see something that interests you, let me know.

The more the merrier!

Detour: Dog Gone It!

Last month I took a detour and went to Phoenix Greyhound Park. It's not on my list, but I've also never been there. If you haven't, you've missed out. They ran the last live race December 19.

The dog park has had a long history in Phoenix, over 55 year. Some of the people I saw that night looked like they'd been coming to the park since opening day. You might say dog racing attracts an interesting collection of people. There are your hard-core gamblers, but others are simply there because they feel luck that night.

I'm in neither category. I don't know much about gambling, but I was enjoying the atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. It was fun and festive. There were no losers. Everyone looked like a winner.

But it all came to an end with the last race.

I'm glad I could visit Phoenix Greyhound Park, before the dogs were gone.