reunion plans dashed

Lisa and I have been talking about meeting up with Sarah and Carolyn while she's in Toronto and I'm in Philly later this summer. I was ready for some rolicking good times and general revelry, but it seems grown-up schedules and budgetary constraints are making it difficult for everything to fall into place. Translation: I'm a cheap ass and don't wanna spend $450-$500 for a plane ticket from Philly to Montreal with silly stopovers in between for just a weekend. Okay, so it's not just the money, the travel time is stupidly long, and stopovers that extend the travel time even further just mean that I'll only get to spend a day with the girls, if I'm lucky. I'd rather spend twice the amount and enjoy more time with them.

In one of her reunion-planning e-mails, Lisa mentioned that she just realized we're all in different cities. How 'bout this? i just realized that I'm the only one still living at home with my parents (in the good old hick-town of Surrey, no less!). Gawd, now I'm depressed... Gah! Hurry up and get your ass back over here so you can save me from my misery!

On a brighter note, my friend Genny is planning a Habitat for Humanity trip to South Africa in October or March.

Explore a lush, pristine forested coastline with deep gorges and rivers, lagoons and lakes. Walk under towering trees amidst beautiful bird and amazing animal life. Go on a kayaking trip, paddling to a colony of over 2,000 African penguins. Swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Go through winelands and famous estates. Build a house for a family. Meet local folks on the other side of the globe and be exposed to life in their community. Explore parks and game reserves - home to elephants and other wildlife. Visit the Cape of Good Hope, one of the most significant geographic points in the history of explorers and traders....

I'm there! Now I've just got to rustle up some funds. Watch for my lemonade stand and bake sale - coming soon to a corner near you!