If I’m not dilligent about this, then I forget; for now, just the highlights.

• Monday - we spent 2 hours at the social security office where we found out that we would have to wait 4 weeks for Eriko's SSN. Then we went to uwajimaya on the (round-about) way home and in the eveing I brought Bailey to Aaron's house.
• Tuesday - we went to uwajimaya and the japanese bookstore and then we waited around the house for our new mattress. After that, we walked around QA and ate some ice cream.
• Wednesday - a very hectic day; we went to Bainbridge Island via bus/ferry and then found out the trip was more exciting than the island. We went to my favorite Indian restaraunt in the evening to celebrate my birthday.
• Thursday - we went to the Woodland Zoo but Eriko wasn't feeling well and so we came home early and she took a nap until some things arrived from her mother. In the evening we jogged around QA and then walked our route, it was quite pleasant and nice exercise.
• Friday - the exercise must have tired us out, as we had a late morning. I went to work for about 3 hours (leadership training program) and then we checked out the library in the internation district (Eriko rented two books) and bought some things at uwajimaya.

In the evenings, Eriko usually reads her book on the couch. I either read a book with her, play on the computer, or watch TV. The nightly shower starts about 9; Eriko spends about an hour in the bathroom before it is my turn.

Be gentle with Bailey.

We arrived in Seattle about 2 PM and quickly discovered that the airlines had misplaced Eriko’s luggage. This was a bit of a downer and after the shuttle ride and a little house tour, we headed off to Fred Meyer to buy some clothes, supplies, and food. Eriko made dinner, which was pretty exciting for me. It was quite different from my normal tastes, but good. The shock of being together, without romance to fill the silence, made for a long night. Bailey came into the house (I opened the window because I was hot) and Eriko was quite unhappy. We survived, though. In the morning, things were very cool until Melissa & company arrived and we could focus on someone else (Matthew) besides each other. Eriko’s luggage arrived, Aaron agreed to take Bailey (although the transfer has yet to take place), and we all spent a relaxing day around the house. Trader Joe stuff for lunch, Red Robin for dinner. The evening was long again, but shorter than the previous. We both had trouble sleeping and didn’t get out of bed until late. Eriko had a list of items to be retrieved – towels, bath mat, cleaning supplies, conditioner, and more. We went to the bank and then to Target; we were able to procure almost everything on her list. A short visit to home so I could eat (more Trader Joe stuff) and then we were off to the Japanese bookstore so Eriko could pick up a romance novel she had seen advertised in the Seattle monthly Japanese magazine. Back home, Eriko made dinner while I entered receipts into the computer. Then we took the bus downtown so Eriko could find a keychain wallet. After about 30 minutes at Macy’s, we had to call off the search so we could watch the annual Seafair parade. We found a decent spot and Eriko really enjoyed the bands and other musical floats. After about a 100 vehicles, we were tired and ready for home. A short wait for the bus, a short ride, and we were back in a warm (but not too warm) condo. I was hungry again (TJ’s) and then we read our respective books and I played on the computer. Sleep was difficult for Eriko, but much more so for me. I never really seemed to fall asleep, just drifted from minute to minute until it was time to wake up. Eriko made breakfast and then checked her email/wrote in her diary while I watched ‘Meet the Press’. Now she cleans the house. Soon, we will go looking for a new bed (or mattress, at least) as the current one is no good for two people. I’d also like to purchase a laptop, but I haven’t decided whether to go Apple or Linux. If Bailey is around this evening, then I’m hoping Aaron and I can get together. Bailey has actually adjusted very quickly to not being allowed inside the house, although she is less comfortable with me – I have been bit and scratched more in the last two days than I was in the previous six months. Eriko is biting less, though.

I have known her for five years. It was love at first sight and so I brought her a hostile home (two allergic roommates). After a year and a half apart, we were finally reunited. She let me know immediately that she was mine – the first time I was absent (for three days) she bared her throat to me (upon my return). It took her a long time to trust me on a day to day basis, and she would often correct me with both teeth and claws. As our time together went on, she began to trust me more and more: remaining in the same room as I made loud noises, sleeping with her head on my arm, and allowing me to hold her for longer and longer durations. I knew she loved me for me, not just for my food; I would leave the window open and the food bowl full and she would still come around just to see me. She would follow me from room to room when I was home, always wanting to curl up in my vicinity. She helped me through a lot of really tough times: overcoming my substance abuse, finding myself, moving to a new city, and many, many lonely, solitary nights. Now, we must part. Whether our separation is permanent or just prolonged, she will again be a different cat when I see her next. I hope that she remembers my love and I remember hers.

at least one more round of mud/sand is needed on the closet. i have to pick up Eriko’s ring from the jeweler, pack, and… clean!