i still have scars all over my face from my fall off my bike three weeks ago. I have a feeling these are going to take a year or two to fade. It doesn't matter how old I am: When my parents see me, they are going to freak.

*

Speaking of my parents, an email from my dad yesterday included an update on what everyone in the family was up to, including the line, "...and your mother is hard at work training people in Manila to take over her job". He's a wry, funny man, and I miss him. I know I didn't need a vacation, but this time away from home has been a good opportunity for some perspective. I'm starting to look forward to spending the summer in Canada. Instead of thinking of all I will miss at home in Nola, I am finally able to think of it in terms of what I will gain. And I'm starting to think about future-type things with BT, and they are not making my stomach hurt, so maybe I've almost figured out a good plan. It's all very complicated but i think we might be able to work it out.

*

Instead of working this afternoon, I made a big pot of dal and rice for the friends that I'm staying with. We're going out for oysters and beers this evening, but I figure they'll enjoy it tomorrow. I have no idea where the rest of the day went, but that's the only thing I can say I concretely accomplished today. And now it's 5 and I think I want one last walk through the cherry blossoms. I love these drifting days, even when i know I'm going to pay for them.

4:57 p.m. - 2012-05-08