I finally got to talk with my boss this afternoon about my request to take two months off in the Summer. And he approved it! I can't tell you how excited and happy that made me feel. As soon as I was off the phone with him, I was on the phone to American Airlines booking a ticket. I had enough frequent flier miles to upgrade to business class so, although the base cost of the ticket is pretty expensive, at least I'll be comfortable. Of course, it was hard to concentrate during the rest of the afternoon - visions of the green hills of England, and the men of Italy kept dancing in front of my eyes!

On Wednesday night, I took Cecilia out to dinner at our favorite restaurant, 2223. It was to celebrate her birthday, belatedly, and also to thank her for the great workouts I've been having recently. We had a really great meal, as always, and great conversation about boyfriends, girlfriends, sex, movies, and the value of a good old cry. Whenever I go to 2223 now, I think of my former friend Paul, whom I was with the night I discovered 2223 shortly after it opened (and before the great unwashed discovered it :). I really miss our friendship (we haven't spoken since I was in New York in July where I saw him in a new light, after over ten years of friendship).

With Cecilia at 2223

And now it's Thursday night! Why the exclamation mark? Because silly old Keith is excited about his date tonight. No matter how frequently I think of myself as a hardened, cynical "post-romantic", on the rare occasion when I meet someone whom I instinctively warm to both physically and emotionally, I can't help but open myself up a little, despite the risk of being hurt. I tell myself not to get my expectations up - but all to no avail. I'm not saying that I'm already choosing place settings at Macys, but I'm hoping that something develops with this guy. Wish me luck!