I was feeling pretty whiny today, especially about missing M. I hadn’t really thought of this weekend as a holiday weekend, until I tried to do stuff today and was reminded of this burg being a Catholic stronghold. Many things were closed. However, the nearest liquor store was opened, so I guess the “Blue laws” are a thing of the past.

I kept running into large and very loud immigrant families together for the holidays and generally being in my way. For a split racist second, I was full of thoughts of “get out of my way, learn to speak English, act like a native…” Pretty indicative of my mood, really. But, then, I went out for a bit of a walk and remembered why I live in the city and usually don’t hate diversity. I got some good Indian takeout for dinner and a steaming chai to go from the local, non-chain cafe. A little aloo nan and I’m back to my usual xenophilic self. (OK, I don’t embrace all strangers, just the ones as sweet and cute as M., of which I pretty much have only met one. I say “pretty much” so if any interested parties read this post they maintain a little buddhist-type humility.)

Meanwhile, here’s a greeting that only one potential reader will understand: