Friday was an odd day. I don't think I ever actually woke up. At about 10 am I had to escort a drunken senior citizen to the property office because he had lost his keys and was too hammered to walk without a wall to hold on to. It was an odd experience because I watched my initial repulsion turn to pity. I mean, I know this man well enough to know that I should stay away from him. The term "dirty old man" comes to mind, along with "permadrunk"

Still, I offered my arm and supported him as he stumbled across the parking lot. I steeled myself against his odour. I strained to hear the words that he croaked out of a throat that had been ravaged my throat cancer. On the way back to his apartment, he asked me what my name was. When I told him, he said "Leila..... that's a nice name" and he continued to mutter this phrase to himself all the way back.

What does life hold for him? How many years, filled with what? Beer and the playboy channel? Loneliness and self medication? It made me sad. Is there yet redemption for such an individual?

I spent a good portion of the weekend at my mom's place.... again... this weekend I don't have to go anywhere, but I have at least one friend who's probably coming to town. This means that this coming weekend will be somewhat more relaxed than they have been in quite some time. I will spend the time sleeping, playing video games, and hanging out. Good times. I need the rest, because as it stands I'm exhausted, and I can't very well leave for Africa ALREADY exhausted!!

Maybe if I'm lucky I'll be kidnapped by a rich and beautiful Liberian, miss my plane, and spend the rest of my days basking in the African sun. If he's rich enough, I can get started on reclaiming that Sahara..... I need a project I can really sink my teeth into.