Heh. But will my mother recognize us as married?

---

Beth, that exact plan was already in the works (irt timeline). One of the reasons this trip is so hard is that it's become increasingly clear what the result is actually going to be.

Java, I'm so glad to hear this. While the waiting/expecting can be really hard, focusing on it never seems to help. One way to ensure an easier exit...or the avoidance of an exit, if that's possible...is to simply close the exit for a while. As I tell my couples...it will always be there if you need it. The 'break' you give yourself by putting it out of you mind can be the only refresher available. In any case, clarity and comfort vibes coming your way.

Nicole, that may be the most beautiful wedding site I've ever seen.

In me being dim news, the bff and I went to the gym this morning. The place was predictably packed...damn the resolution makers who will keep the parking lot jammed for exactly 3 weeks. We parked in a place I've seen loads of other people do so and went on our merry way in the wind chill of 1 degree. (Yep, in DC) When we came out, we rounded the corner and my heart fell to my feet...the (quite pricey) car was gone. I wanted to die, considering parking there was my idea.

We talked to the gym. No tow. We called the cops. No tow. We made plans for how to proceed with a stolen car report. Then, we ran into our city council rep and whinged about the crime rate. He asked if there was broken glass.

We went out to search for clues.

You may have guessed the outcome.

The car was still there! Just hidden behind someone else who did the same illegal parking maneuver. God, we laughed our guts up until my friend, who is hugely introverted thought about having to tell everyone about the gaffe.

I totally fell on the grenade.

Ah well. If that's the worst mistake I make this week, I'm good with that.

---

Bless the city council rep, bonny.

ETA: That's not an order, but I'm not sure which is cuter, the city council rep having that automatic response which led to your happy recovery of your car, or your bff's introversion stopping the side-splitting laughter.

---

No kidding. His being actually helpful may just lead me to let go of a grudge I've had against him for a while. I don't need it. I suppose I can give it up.

That's not an order

Actually I AM taking it as an order. Both from you and from the big U. If ya know what I mean.

---

from the big U. If ya know what I mean.

Have you been taking orders from the University of California for a long time?

ducks

---

I have been cleaning and cleaning because I have this notion, completely unsupported by my past actions, that if I get the house in some sort of order, I can get the rest of my life in some sort of order this year. It's a triumph of optimism over experience. I swear the miracle of the loaves and fishes has nothing on my dining room table. I've been taking things off it for three weeks, yet it's still covered with stuff.

---

Have you been taking orders from the University of California

bahaha.

As a Californian, I acknowledge that UC might be the center of the Universe, but that isn't where the call came from.

---

if I get the house in some sort of order, I can get the rest of my life in some sort of order this year

I subscribe to the same notion. I really do believe the Universe rewards order, but, quite apart from any mystical leanings, I think environmental calm breeds emotional calm and intellectual clarity.

---

I got home, turned on the heat, changed into pajamas, and lay down for a nap that ended up being five hours. Getting slightly concerned about being so tired lately. But I woke up to my apartment finally warm, and now I'm boiling water for spaghetti for dinner and trying to get used to typing on the little keyboard on my netbook. I think I'm getting the hang of it.

---

This is an overhead shot from my friend M's wedding in December on Vomo Island. Just gorgeous.

divorces DH so we can remarry in Fiji.

---