I have a new story about my evil stepmother Denise. I thought the stories would end years ago, but maybe they never will. She just went through my full sister Karine's childhood diary in the garage, tore out a bunch of pages (including some cute notes from our step-sister) and mailed it to Karine's work address. Unbelievable. Karine moved out 12 years ago and has always been a perfect kid (like myself ;-). This is a mild story compared to many that would make your hair stand on end, but the fact that this is still going on in her head is really something.

Anyways, my life is all upside down with preparations to go home for Christmas. (Home meaning California, not meaning where my evil stepmother still lives with my dad). Finishing some work at the office, getting my furniture delivered (couches! finally!), packing, etc. I hope the weather in California is nice and toasty by the time I get there.

Tonight we went to a hidden pirates theme restaurant behind Marco Polo that few people know about. The atmosphere is impressive, as good as Disney himself could do, and the food was ok... but the portions/prices left something to be desired. The important thing is that I got a soup and a smoke free atmosphere for my slightly sore throat. In any case Hovik was with us, who had left Armenia 13 years ago and it was his first trip back. It was fun to see him here at last. I think things look so much better than 5 years ago that he has been saved from shock. 5 years ago there were practically no restaurants, cafes, landscaping, city maintenence, there were large packs of wild dogs, and well, no a couple of hours of electricity a day. The city has undergone a massive transformation.