The Vietnamese community in New Orleans is so tight-knit that they recovered pretty quickly from Katrina, even though many of them live in New Orleans East, which was hit hard.

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In response, some politician proposed a law that all public school graduation speeches must be in English only.

OK, see, this is why I don't like to go to other parts of Louisiana.

Also, I would like to get to Dong Phuong Oriental Bakery for a bahn mi and pho and some pastries.

I'm standing in line to get my book signed by Lynda Barry. This guy pushes to the front of the line to say something to her. It was Matt Groening.

Cool! Please tell Lynda she's awesome for me. "My friend David says to tell you that you're awesome."

Thank you, msbelle!

Also, I learn SO MUCH from Buffistas. IJS.

I am now craving Ethiopian.

I went to a craft fair today and bought 2 pretty mugs. Oz just broke one of them jumping up to get the empty cat food can. I was very mad for about 30 seconds, but let it go. Interestingly, Oz seemed unfazed. Most of my other cats seem to sense when they've done something that could get them in trouble.

Also, the tree lot that delivers hasn't set up yet. It was pissing rain here today, but it makes me anxious. I want my tree!

Ethiopian food is my favourite, bar none. I haven't been able to find a good cookbook for it, or I'd try making it at home. There's a few Ethiopian places in London, but we love the first one we tried, so we're sticking with it (and have since heard it's the best one anyway). If any Buffistas visit, it's totally where I'm taking you.

Since my lesson was canceled, I've put the time into making gingerbread, buying most of my family Christmas gifts, and watching the snow through the window, while the cat snuggles with me. As alternatives go, this one is not bad at all.

I love Ethiopian food but haven't had it in a while. There's a pretty good place on Haight Street too.

I have a giant pot of stew going on the stove. Grass fed beef, some of the Pinot Noir I was going to take to a party tonight (it's snowing and I feel like crap, so I'm staying in), pearl onions, carrots, celery, red potatoes, crushed garlic, freshly smashed black peppercorn, bay leaves, olive oil, thyme. Later on I'm going to add some barley, and when it's finally ready for eating, I'll slice up some serrano peppers.

I meant to say this earlier, but I know it's a luxury that I can afford to change my diet to grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, and organic fruit and veg. I don't have any real dietary restrictions, and I'm not responsible for the care and feeding of anyone else.

Privilege: I has it.