I'm not a penny-pincher. Really, I'm not. But when my total comes to $4.99 and I give you a $5 bill, I expect my penny back. I don't expect you to say "Thank you" and give me my receipt and close the register drawer. This is because if it's one penny today, then next week it will be two pennies, and sooner than later, you will be taking a whole nickel from me and that just can't happen. It's not right.

Last night, I was Paige Davis. Scene: Adrian is holding my hand with eyes closed, as I swing open the door of his closet and say, "Adrian, open your eyes and see your new clean and organized closet." Exclamations that follow (in a very sarcastic and mocking manner): "Oh my god, you moved the shoes to the top shelf...Oh my god, you can actually see the floor...Oh my god, there's so much space." I don't think Paige Davis is usually doubled over laughing as hard as I was to Adrian's reaction, but I know he secretly liked his new closet.

I consider myself to be a very observant person, almost more so than any other person I know. Yet, I was clearly reminded of other people's observation skills on New Year's Eve night when a complete stranger in the alcohol/wine aisle of Safeway asked Adrian and me - "You guys live on Hermann right?" We do live on Hermann and I heard him correctly the first time, but I was so shocked at what he was asking I faked like I hadn't heard him and said "Excuse me?" He went on to explain that he lived on Hermann as well and told us the general vicinity of his house. He then proceeded to say, "I see you guys walking there all the time." I don't know about you, but that sketched me out a bit. What does this guy do all day - sit at his window and stare at the people on his street?? I mean, during my current sabbatical, I might get bored, but will I take up a spot at the window? I think not.