What a long week. It felt like Wednesday on Monday, with time moving at a snail's pace. I finally completed my take-home exam on Wednesday night and submitted it yesterday, and now I have just one exam to go. It's going to be a big one and I have a lot of studying ahead in the next week, but as of December 23 I will be on holidays and temporarily freed from school and work.

Today feels good. Mike arrived late last night from Toronto, just in time to catch The Stars show at Zaphod's and have a drink with Manon and Jean-Sébastien at Chez Lucien's afterwards. I, on the other hand, was fast asleep at Manon's and trying to make up for a week of stress and rushing around. But Mike was up by the time I got out of the shower this morning, so we got the chance to sit around, chat and listen to some new albums that Mike brought with him. Anyway, I also went to bed early last night so I could be rested for the event of the holiday season taking place tonight, which is Manon's party. I'm particularly excited about this gathering because virtually all the people I hoped to see over the holidays will be together under the same roof. Mike's in from TO, André and Fred are taking a bus from Montréal for the event (for which André has apparently silk-screened an exclusive t-shirt for Manon, which will say "Manon forever"), Lisa and her boyfriend/fiancé got in from BC a few days ago, along with the old gang formed of Martine, Alain and Julie, Mark, etc. I'm also looking forward to seeing Sarah, who lives in the city but is apparently very busy these days - if you're reading this ma poulette, I'm in serious Sarah-withdrawal mode! - plus other friends. Adèle will of course be around, and apparently Aderyn the mysterious Welsh magician may make an appearance... Or not. I haven't seen him in nearly a year and I'm not counting on him showing up this evening. It may actually be a bit uncomfortable, considering our strange past.

Adèle, Manon and I have spent the last few weeks painting Manon's apartment and getting it prepped for the holidays. The living room and bathroom are finished, and now Manon and Adèle are racing the clock to try and get the Ruby Room finished by this evening. Manon is supposed to put up her new painting this evening for its unofficial vernissage - it'll look great in there. And, I've already made a deal with myself to completely ignore my upcoming exam during the party tonight, and will allow myself to kick back, have a few drinks and enjoy my friends' company. Mike brought his digital camera along so hopefully I'll be able to get some shots of the party and put them up on the blog.

Great friends, good atmosphere, good snacks, drinks and music - that's what I love best about the holidays, along with family time. If only school and work were all over by tonight!