We have a black squirrel living around our apartment building. I’ve never seen a black squirrel before. I thought I was crazy. Or that it was a very dark grey squirrel standing in a shadow. One of the two. But they are real, black squirrels. I’m going to try to take a picture of him for you. He’s wily. I’ve named him Francis.

Seasons. Reality can wait. In the meantime, enjoy this:

Hi. I’m still stateside. I don’t have much to report except that the memorial is tomorrow. And I should be heading back up north on Wednesday. I’ve been here a week and I miss Wm and The Kittens. I can’t sleep without them. I think when I get back, I might sleep for 24 hours. Because, yes, I miss my wonderful bed, too.

I decided the last few weeks have been too emotionally draining for me, I have not written about my immigration issues, so you might not understand. I think because my mind was full of my stepfather, I just couldn’t seem to blog about it. I’m not going to today, either. We’ll talk about it when I get home. But, the point is, because it’s been so draining, so many stressful things, sad things and extremely good things going on at once, I had better go pay a visit to the Naked Lady Spa while I’m down here. For medicinal purposes of course.

Also, I’m going to go ahead and recommend that ya’ll see the movie Waitress. It’s a quirky and funny film, and I’m saddened that Adrienne Shelly is no longer with us, because I think I would have become more of a fan, as she made more movies. Also, Nathan Fillion is in it, so all Capt. Mal fans, like myself, will be so happy to see him. His pants aren’t as tight as Capt Mal, tho. And that’s a darn shame. Seriously. A darn shame.

Thank you for all the nice comments and emails. I haven’t felt much like writing/blogging in the last week or so. Still don’t really. But I thought I’d better say something so you’d know I’m still alive. I’m down in the states for a few days, taking care of some business. My dad’s memorial is next Monday as well.

I expect I’ll get back to blogging soon, ok?

My stepfather passed away yesterday, a little over 4 months after his diagnosis of cancer.

I miss him already. But I think I’ve been missing him for a while now.

There is a theory, held by many, that if you look to young, urban, Asian kids you will see what stores will be trying to sell you a year from now. And, if that is true, then we are screwed, fashionwise. Because I saw two young, urban, Asian girls wearing knickers on Saturday in downtown Vancouver. Why? WHY? No! I won’t stand for it. It’s ridiculous. I’m not going to wear knickers anymore than I am going to wear the high waisted pants that are, unfortunately, coming back into fashion. No freakin’ way.

Don’t be sheep. Don’t wear knickers. Or high waisted pants. And just say no to pleats, while you are at it.

I went down to the states to take care of some “needs.” For example, I went to Target. With no real purpose other than to expose myself to it’s bright sunny goodness. It’s Targetness. (Canadians, hear my plea – you must DEMAND that Target come to Canada. Trust me.) I bought several boxes of Milk Duds and some black licorice candy for Wil. He loves the black licorice. He’s weird. Then I went to Bath and Body Works for some new bubble bath. Sparkling peach. It smelled juicy. I also went to Nordstroms. Shoe Department. I explained my withdrawal to the sales guy. He told me people, and employees, have pleaded with Nordstrom to go international. But they resist. Sigh. I didn’t need new shoes so much as I needed new shoes from Nordstrom. They were so red and fun. And the sun was out. It felt like spring.

But, perhaps the most important errand was turning in the rental car I’ve been wasting money on for months, and picking up my BRAND NEW CAR FROM THE FUTURE!! Yes, it’s from the FUTURE. How else would I be able to get a 2008, when 2007 is barely a quarter over? I bought a 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback – LL Bean Edition. Black, with taupe interior. I cannot tell you how pretty it is. I can’t even show you because, since it’s from the future, it does not show up on pictures taken with traditional digital technology. Actually, the truth is, it’s been raining ever since I got it home. Which is a shame because it’s got a mother fuckin’ HUGE sunroof, which I am in love with. I have never had a sunroof before. Thank god it was nice and sunny when I picked it up, so I could enjoy it, briefly.

It’s got an input for my iPod and a Navigational System. I really wanted one. For the first time in 19 years, I am living some place new, I don’t know my way around. And already we’ve enjoyed the benefits. Yesterday, I went to Canadian Tire, one that I’ve been to before and know is not the closest one. And it took me on a route I never knew of, and I learned a lot. Like where Costco is. And where to buy fresh blueberries off a blueberry farm. Important things.

I had a number of names picked out for her. But when we were driving down 405, sunroof open, “Born to Run” came on and I realized. My new car IS born to run. So I named her Wendy. Wendy the Jet Black Princess Action Wagon. Or JiBPAW for short.

I went on a bit of a cleaning tear yesterday. Cleaned the entire house, except the bedroom. Mopped. Put stuff away. Vacuumed. The works. Luckily Wil acknowledged my hard work before the end of the day. Nothing cheeses a housewife off more than when her hard work is not acknowledged.

Let me ask you a question. Have you ever seen the stuff that gets wrapped around the brush underneath the vacuum? It’s DEEEEsgusting. There was several layers of hair, most likely mine, wrapped around it. Are you supposed to clean that? On a regular basis or something? Gross.