Made it to my friend Todd B.’s townhouse for Stephen and Skye’s engagement and brief-welcome-back-from-Japan party last night. Got to see old buddies from residence: the Infamous Casey B-W, Les “Son of Keith” Blackwell, Jack I., Will Strug, Adam N. and many more.

Thought S&S were coming home from Japan permanently, but no, they’re just paying a quick visit. Which is sad in one way, but awesome in the way that I can now mend my feelings of remorse at not having taken advantage of the amazing couch-surfing opportunity afforded by having friends who can speak Japanese and who are currently living in an apartment with space for guests in the middle of Japan.

Hellooooo Expedia.ca!

Expedia.ca says: Toronto (YYZ) to Osaka (OSA), Dec. 27-Jan 14, Air Canada from $1286, United Airlines from $2024. Which sucks, because JVL and I have $1400 credit with United, but what’s the use if their flights are $700 more per person than AC anyhow?

We might as well fly with AC and save ourselves the bother. When the heck are seat sales to Japan, anyhow? Surely it’s a seasonal destination, too. Travelocity.ca is full of hot air, since they claim the lowest fares until February are: Asiana Airlines at $1636.00, closely followed by Continental at $1777. Bullpoopy.

Oh, now hang on – is that an AmericanAirlines seat sale I see before me? $625USD return air fare from New York or Buffalo? I’m going to make a little call to good old TD Travel Rewards and see what they tell me…

Also went to Dan’s birthday party yesterday. Baked him a peach pie and persuaded JVL to help make the pastry by mixing dry ingredients and cutting in the butter. Sweetened the deal with 2-player “Burnout 3” on Xbox while waiting for pie to bake. Pie was awesome thanks to the Superman logo I artfully cut into the crust and then coloured in with strawberry juice and egg yolk glazing.

Started off Saturday morning with a trip to the Weston Farmer’s Market (to get the peaches), then visited Mum and Dad in the afternoon, which was nice. While I was there, I bought three plants destined for the front yard from the Oakville Farmer’s Market, because I just can’t get enough domesticity, apparently.

Acquired one tall red/yellow miniature-flowering daisy named “Helen’s Plant” (sorry, Uli, I have no idea what the actual classification is), one Rose of Sharon/Lilac(?) named “Althea” (in honour of ‘s lovely Mum), and one tiny 2-year-old Japanese Maple, which I am now pondering how to winterize. Shall I ask JVL’s Mum to winter it in her greenhouse? Or dig a big hole, put it in, pile up the mulch and take my chances?

Have been very nervous at work lately due to terrifying photo assignment dropped into my lap. Had to take head shots of Deputy Minister for her alumni magazine and United Way promotional materials. She is quite photogenic, but also very very particular and did I mention she can totally have me fired?

There has been much nail-biting over the past three days as I delayed emailing the digital proofs to her, but armed with ‘s reassurances that the photos are actually not that bad, I sent them off this morning. Still waiting for a response. Also not looking forward to transcribing massive one-hour interview I did at lunch on Friday. Can I take a mental health day, please?

Still waiting for school grade, also. Must harden in my resolve to not call the admin office until after the registration rush. Must wait until September 6th at least. Must not be evil.

ps – Yes, I too am gripped by grisly fascination/horror at the goings-on in New Orleans. Want to kick my own ass for passing up the chance to go in April! Damn!