Yikes! Where did April go? I’ve gotten through some MAJOR hurdles lately and I’m feeling there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and I can breathe easier for a bit. The exam is over and done with, I’ve turned in my keys to now empty grandmother’s house, and my health is back on track. After some time being detailed with the big brass upstairs, I’m back at my regular desk. Frankly, I’m a bit bored after being under so much pressure and working round the clock for so long.

I may be travelling to the Philippines next month – at long last, gasp, for a holiday! Of course, this trip is contingent on a variety of elements, but I’m hoping things will happen. It’s the perfect time to go. Although I’ve been sworn to secrecy on certain details, my visit will be timed with a dear friend and former editor’s book launch. Lemme tell ya, this “novel” will be ruffling some feathers in the media and entertainment world, and I don’t want to be missing this party. Hilarity will ensue! I’m also trying to arrange some downtime at the beach in Palawan or Bohol. There’s a lot to pull together in so little time! There are so many friends and “family” I’m dying to see.

I’ve had the French pressing of Benjamin Biolay’s A L’Origine for about a week and a half now and haven’t really had a chance to give it a thorough listen. A L’Origine drops in the US, I believe, tomorrow. My first impression is that it sounds kind of “one note” (like his past few releases) and Biolay’s lyrics are becoming increasingly irritatingly polemic and the overall tone is a bit heavy, but I’ve only gotten through it barely. Francoise Hardy makes several appearances but they are pretty much lost in the mix. I hate to say it but maybe a compilation of Biolay’s catchier work (especially tracks from his stunning debut, Rose Kennedy!) might serve as a more appealing introduction to US audiences. At any rate, Benjamin Biolay should be a more difficult "sell" than Keren Ann stateside.

I made some rather odd movie choices last week – mostly because they were convenient showings and I needed a refuge to battle out my illness between the busy office and the chaotic house. Both Walk on Water and The Upside of Anger were rather heavy-handed and mawkish affairs and their endings were absolutely ridiculous, but both films were redeemed by solid, nuanced and charismatic performances by their casts. I never, ever, thought I would be saying this, but actually really took a shining to Kevin Costner!

My dad is all over the press right now for doing the “right thing” and setting certain records straight. I won’t be going into details, in fact, my mother won’t let him appear on the news talk shows - and they have been calling - for fear of what this administration is capable of doing to people in this town, but I am very proud of him.