Le 'Bun'

 
In this update we'll learn that a certain ABWE office staff member has a weakness for chocolate croissants; booking plane tickets is easy when someone else does it; and the feud continues with sister-in-law Tammy (she started it). 

Death By Chocolate

First, I must say that it has been a pleasure dealing with Brenda in the ABWE office.  She has been very accommodating and quite helpful during the process of getting approved and all of the paperwork started for going to Togo.  She has a fun sense of humour, as well, which is always a bonus.  I am also learning that she has a weakness for chocolate croissants! 

You see, Brenda has 'suggested' that things might work out better for me if she was provided with a homemade chocolate croissant made in the kitchen of my sister (who is in Togo).  Brief history lesson:  Togo was a French colony from 1920 up until 1960.  The French brought their love of pastries and cooking to Africa and the locals learned to cook / bake these treats from the colonials.  This talent stuck with the Togolese people even after the French moved back to Europe.   Brenda has since gone so far as to offer to provide a plastic bag to bring said croissants home with me from Togo.  Is that even legal??? 

Regardless, now that I have found her weakness I shall try to leverage this to my benefit!  (insert evil laugh here)

Travel Plans

I was referred to travel agent Colleen by Brenda at ABWE.  Colleen appears to be a magician.  Once I contacted her, gave her my home and destination info and available dates she had a reply to me in less than half an hour.  Government agencies take note - this is efficient!  I have a couple of flights to choose from, but these would be flying economy class and making several stop-overs for fuel, passengers, and to get directions.  (I have pictured the flight to be something out of the Dreamworks "Madagascar" cartoon movies - with the crazy penguins as the pilots, cobbled together aircraft and an unknown destination!) 

I have yet to finalize the arrival and departure dates only because I'm waiting for some information to filter it's way out of Africa.  Blame my sister Erin for that.  Once I have that info, it's a matter of contacting the efficient Colleen and getting my name on a ticket.  Then I will be ready to 'move it, move it' to the destination.

The Feud

As some may know, there is a feud - a rift, as is it were - in the family.  A family feud.  I was made more aware of it again just yesterday after a lovely meal with the family.

You see, my sister-in-law Tammy is jealous of me for some reason.  I figure it has to do with my good looks, or that her parents call me more often, or something like that.  Anyhow, she is always finding ways to make my life miserable or cause me pain in some way. 

I'm not looking for sympathy or a shoulder to cry on.  No, I'm a big boy.  I can handle it.  I just want people to be aware that behind that lovely smile, sweet disposition and caring spirit is a mean and nasty girl.  She forced food upon me, even to the point of me eating it in fear of my well-being.  (It was roasted chicken, whipped potatoes, broccoli-carrot casserole and green beans.  I didn't want to but she forced me!) She has even resorted to physical abuse.  Sure - it looked like a hug, but she squeezed hard!  She even punched me in the shoulder once.  I've done my part to try to put this behind us, but she sometimes gives me that knowing look, like she saw me take the extra chocolate chip cookie square...  (well, I did - but still...)

It's not over, Tammy.  No, not over at all.  Remember - you started it!






Oh, one more thing...

Why do the French call it a 'croissant'?  Couldn't they just call it a 'bun'?