Monday. It has the worse reputation of any day of the week and deservedly so.

Monday. I arrived at work and my boss, the courseware director, came to me and said, "J. is sick. You're going to have to fill in for her."

"Really? What's J. doing today?" I ask in complete innocence.

"J's going to New York. For the _____________ photo shoot. Except she can't, so you're going. You fly out at 1:15."

So, I got to spend the week in New York City, the City that never sleeps, the City that smells really strange, the City of, I kid you not, rank rudeness. I mean, it's like everyone in the city is on the brink of an emotional meltdown.

Anyway, what all this means is I got back last night, drank a bit, drank a bit more, went to my neighbors, drank some more . . . I think you get the idea.

This morning I'm drinking Coke for the carbonation and catching up on the news here at the Guild.

Let me say to Monk and the others: I'd really appreciate your help. I'd like to start this maybe by next week or so -- I may be traveling again in a few days, but I'll post a note so people know.

Thanks to all for your interest.