After a eight days, two breakdowns, and innumerable phone calls, we have recovered Janet's handbag.

I had a haircut today after class, and I thought I'd return the video of Titus to Blockbuster while I was out. Janet stayed home. I got the haircut, drove over to Blockbuster, returned the video, checked out two DVDs (The Italian Job and South Park: The Passion of the Jew), then decided on a hunch to head over to the Caribou Coffee around the corner. It was in the area, and was one of the last places we were the day Janet's handbag got lost.

I went up to the counter and asked the girl behind it if she had seen the handbag or heard of any news. She wasn't sure, but the guy behind the counter overheard and asked me to describe it.

"It's courduroy with all sorts of earth-toned stripes on it."

"Does it have a charm on the strap?"

"Yes."

"Hang on, I'll be right back."

He walked into the back room, and after a few moments returned to the counter, handbag in hand. I jumped up and down, then looked inside to make sure all of Janet's identification was still there: passport, work permit, student IDs, Singapore ID, credit cards, all there. I told the guy that if I wasn't married, I'd kiss him on the lips.

So apparently, it was at the coffeehouse all along. This was the third time either Janet or I contacted them, once by phone, and twice in person. Janet even gave them our phone number in case it turned up. The only thing I can think is that either the employees there are incompetent or unobservant or something else. I don't know. It really doesn't matter now. The important thing is that we've got the handbag back.

Here is Janet's account.

***

Fie on all those at WorldCon this weekend. A plague on all your houses! (Not really. I'm just jealous of all the cool people who are there right now, and the fact that I'm not. Have fun, y'all.)

Paul Di Filippo mentioned my story "Enlightenment" in his recent Asimov's review of Intracities. Yay! I'm officially slipstreamy and vervy. :)

In a half-hour, Janet and I will head to the Six String in Cary, to hear my pal Kyler in concert. Tomorrow, she'll be opening for Sting and Annie Lennox at Alltel Pavilion, which is freaking awesome. Check out her tour schedule and see if she's playing near you in the future; you won't regret it.

And congratulations to the newlyweds! Christopher and Gwenda, may you two continue to make each other happy.

Now Reading:
The Devil You Know by Poppy Z. Brite

Stories Out to Publishers:
7

Books Read This Year:
46

Zines/Graphic Novels/Fiction Mags Read This Year:
25