With all this mention of ex-boyfriends, is it really a surprise that two of them popped up - directly and indirectly, like in the dream - in the span of one evening?

Last night I got a surprise phone call from an ex, who was supposedly ringing me up just to say hi - oh, and to offer me free vouchers for air travel, seeing as he's flying the big jets now. But truthfully, although I was trying to find a way to tell him that a friendship might not be a great idea for us, the chit-chat reminded me of the good stuff we used to share, and why he was such a fun friend to hang out with (caution: good friend does not automatically equal good boyfriend). And the vouchers! But then I realized that he was barely mentioning his new girlfriend, so I asked him to talk more about his relationship. He hummed and hawed and avoided speaking of her, which made things weird. And then he asked me if being single was nice, and I said it generally was. He said he missed being single. And do I have any, you know, burning physical desires I wish I could satisfy? Right, let the games begin - non merci! I quickly ended the conversation.

Then Manon and Jena were off to the decadent Black Tomato for a late supper, and they very nearly dragged me out with them - very nearly. Their convincing skills were quite sharp and I almost caved in. In fact, a few minutes after they'd left I stood in front of my closet, wondering if I shouldn't just throw something on and run out the door after them. But I shut the door with a shrug and spent a lovely evening cooking an omelette with onions, tomatoes, avocado and parmesan, and eating alone by candlelight as I flipped through the current Food and Drink magazine. And when Manon finally returned, the first thing she said was, "Man, was it a good thing you didn't come out with us after all tonight." She paused and I knew what she was going to say. "[name removed] was there." I haven't seen him since that fateful night, when I learned the truth on the dark lonely street as he sat on his motorcycle. "Was she there with him?" I had to ask. I was having visions of them sharing an intimate candlelight dinner over wine. "Not unless she's a fifty year old East Indian woman with coke bottles for glasses." I breathed a sigh of relief. Turns out he was just sitting there with a bunch of people from work. But still, I know they are together and they must share these romantic dinners, and I know I'm glad it's over and that I was above and beyond that relationship. I just don't want to face the sight of them together.

Now moving along, I sure hope that was the end of the blast-from-the-past for now so that I can keep concentrating on my own things right here, right now. Tonight, for example, I'm having supper with Vero and then the movie at the Bytown, and Saturday will be a fun day of hanging out with Allison as she works her magic on my hair, as well as Manon's and my Mom's. Watch out, the Crôteau family is going to be one nice-looking group of people! Then a concert by a South African cellist at St. George's church in the evening with Maggie and Manon, which I'm looking forward to. Apparently he's like a one-man show who plays all kinds of instruments, which should be quite mesmerizing to watch. I will report back on Sunday with more information, as always.

By the way, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Eric at Virtual Zen. I just called him and sang him an unfortunate, off-key version of the Bonne Fete song, but the sentiment is there all the same. Hope you have a memorable and fun day, Eric!