I’ve been back on Gabriola for a few days now, and the weather has been amazing so far. As soon as I got here I realized it felt completely different being here this time. I’ve been trying to figure out why, but I think it’s a number of different factors. For starters, last time I came here I knew no one. Not one person. This time, I saw someone I knew the minute I got on the ferry. It just so happened to be James, the dude whose book I’m illustrating. We chatted the entire trip over about my progress on the book, and some ideas we both had regarding it. Then I got off the ferry, and knew exactly what to do to get me where I was going. Last time I was here, I stood around holding a shit load of stuff trying to find a cab phone number, a working payphone, and my way to where I was going. This time, it was simple. Called a cab, knew where I was going, and was there in no time.

I’m staying in the same place I stayed last time, so arriving here was different as well. Instead of feeling uncomfortable and awkward meeting a new person and staying in their house, I felt like I was returning to a sort of vacation home or something. I knew David already, so instead of that awkward initial banter you usually experience in situations like that, we just caught up on events that transpired since I was last here in November, and I smoked a joint.

Another difference I noticed is that, it’s so much nicer being here without thinking your significant other is loving having time away from you. Instead I know she’s missing me as much as I miss her, and in the same ways. We talk every night, and all day if possible. She even was willing to listen to instructions on how to get the webcam she bought (all just to talk with me!) working. Something I could never have gotten Andie to do. She’d have either made some lame excuse up, or just said, “Can’t you just do it?”. Instead, Holly stuck with it, regardless of how frustrated either of us got, and we managed to get it to the point where we can now see and hear each other. It’s not the same as being able to hug and kiss her, but it’s much better than only being able to chat on MSN. Plus I found it incredibly hot the way she was willing to try something even though she had no idea what she was doing. So smart, and so hot. What more could I ask for?

Also, she’s going to come see me! Yup, that’s right. Her. Not her parent’s and sister, but actually HER! I’ll get to be in a place I love with a lady I love and, maybe even make love!