Despite all the weekend drama, I actually had a really good day yesterday. I got up and called Norm and did major damage control. Maaajor! I think I actually dialled her number and hung up before it even rang a couple times before actually going through with it. Most of what she said I had already predicted. This is the jist of the conversation:

"Angel Boi, how could you let Mark deposit that check?! I told you not to let him"

"I didn't let him. It wasn't made out to me. Have you spoken to him?"

"No! What is he going to say? That he's a thief?! I'm sick to my stomach. I wake up Saturday morning and all I have is 70 dollars. I was going to put a stop on it but how was I supposed to know two crooks would do that?"

"I am not a crook. I'm sorry that Mark did that. I told him not to deposit the check. That was before it even got here!"

"The only reason I didn't call the cops and get my lawyer on the phone is because you wouldn't have a place to stay."

The crook comment totally pissed me off and I felt my eyes flare. I mean, Mark really shouldn't have done that but the check wasn't post dated or anything. Making a fuss that what he did was illegal doesn't stand. There was a lot of silence on my end and then on hers. I had no idea what to say and I was just getting sadder instead of angry. She also, again, compared me to my sister. She knows I hate that and I quickly told her not to. I could've only said 'I'm sorry Mark did what he did' so many times. The words started getting bitter in my mouth and I fell silent. He shouldn't have and I'm not justifying it, but at the same time I understand why he did it. The rent's been late for so many months now. I also felt Norm's reaction had a lot to do with the fact that I've been doing a lot of work for Eric and it seems that her work isn't being done. It's not like that though. Eric's just a little bit more organized so I'm able to finish whatever he needs much sooner.

"Tell me something, Angel Boi. Tell me something so I can resolve this."

"I ...I don't know what to say anymore. I really don't."

She asked about a brochure I was working on for her and asked if I could get a copy to Eric. I finished breakfast, showered and made for the city. With at least a bandaid over the whole mess with Norm, I felt much better. I got a lot of work done. Eric managed to get my Airport card. I didn't feel like asking Eric for money after the whole weekend mess so I borrowed a hundred bucks from Kim to get the frames and prints I need for Gary's gift. I didn't really want to have to borrow the money but he's coming over later and I can't put off getting his Christmas/birthday present.

Left the office after seven. Rushed downtown to Bed, Bath & Beyond (I'm sure there's one closer to the office but I didn't feel like risking walking around to find it and then not finding the frames I needed). Went over to the Kinko's on Astor place. Understaffed and a little clueless. I went back uptown to the Kinko's near the office. The prints didn't come out like I'd hoped. I think I had the resolution too low. I edited the photos in Photoshop and gave them a nice burnt-sierra type wash but I think I fucked up with the resolution. They were only about eleven bucks though and it was late so I just came home. I did have someone on the bus ride home compliment me on them though. I was looking at them and pretty much mumbling to myself about the resolution when the girl sitting behind me asked, "Did you take those? They're really good. Can I see them?" I quickly explained the low resolution thing but she didn't seem to care. She liked them anyway.

They look amazing in the frames. I showed them to Mark and Laura. Laura's gonna get me much better prints when she goes back to work. So I'll give them to Gary tonight and them explain that I'll pretty much be asking for them back to replace the photos. I just hope he likes it. I couldn't think of anything else he really needs or wants. I think the photos are a nice idea. They're places we were together. The walk in the woods and the visit to the Guggenheim.