Madame Hooky's Crystal Ball

Our own Madame Hooky divines whether it's worth calling in sick Friday and heading for the slopes. She'll conjure your excuse and tell you where to go.

Ah yes, I am seeing something. People in your office have been falling like flies all week; tired, sore throats, nasty coughs. You will show up on Friday, but by late morning you will be too worn out for that afternoon team meeting, because the Ski and Snowboard Expo at Qwest Field starts at noon. Don't overdo it--no sudden hacking cough or bouts of sneezing, you simply will need to go home and rest. You wouldn't want to get more people sick.

I foresee sale-priced gear and clothes, hordes of manufacturers pushing swag into your welcome arms, and young men and women trying to kill themselves sliding on handrails in fake snow. Avoid the "travel destination" booths and the zip line if you want to survive. The ski swap is chaotic but beckons if you want to either unload your own old crap or buy someone else's old crap.

The wise and predatory show up Friday afternoon if at all possible. Truly good deals will have vanished by Saturday morning, and on Sunday you would only be running from the ski resort time-share condo people hoping to peck at you like carrion. When you bounce back into the office Monday morning, extol the virtue of Airborne and tell everyone "It was created by a school teacher!"

Ski and Snowboard Expo
11/17-11/19, Qwest Field Plaza
Adults: $10 (get a $3 coupon here)
Children under 12: free