Every time I go to those Japanese bento box Web sites, I just want to make cute little lunches. Would you want to eat boiled eggs with faces? I would!!

I wish I had gone outside to look at the lunar eclipse a couple of nights ago. My friend was over. She brought flowers from the girls, and we had pizza. We agreed we could just catch it again in a couple of years.

I'm just so touched by everyone who has offered their support, including those of you who read my blog, of course! (Sorry I've been a bit slow on responding to comments.). One thing I've noticed is that you can definitely tell if someone talking to you has or hasn't lost a parent. The COO at my office here said to me, "oh hey, sorry about your loss. Welcome back!" 

Yesterday, I worked from home with the intention of actually working from home, but I ended up running errands. My next thing to do is to find a lawyer. I've contacted several. One gave me some good information, one never e-mailed back, one is out of town until next week (I don't want to wait that long), and I'm in the midst of playing phone tag with another.

My uncle has suggested I find a Chinese lawyer because they tend to have package deals. My only concern is that they lawyer will be less competent as someone whose first language is not English. My dad's case isn't totally cut and dry because he had no official will, and he could have been considered to be in a common law relationship. I don't know this woman, and I am trying to protect my father's wishes. She may end up deciding that she is entitled to my dad's assets. So I think a good lawyer would be important.

I've already had to deal with my dad's Chinese insurance agents. It's really difficult trying to understand through their thick Chinese accents and poor verbal English. And they left a bad taste in my mouth because they showed absolutely no compassion. Maybe I shouldn't expect any. The first one apologised for my loss and went right into my dad's RRSPs and what I should do. The second one didn't apologise at all. This is how our conversation started:

Me: Hi, I'm RosieTulips. My dad passed away on the weekend, and I was told by the company to call you. I have some questions about his insurance policy.
Her: Yes, ah. George Tulips. Yes, what can I do for you?
[I was a little flabbergasted at this point. What did she mean "what can I do for you?"]
Me: I said my dad passed away this weekend. I have some questions about his policy.
Her: Oh! I am driving right now.

She gave me a few details about what I would need. She then told me she wouldn't be near a computer until 11:30 that night and wouldn't be able to call me back until the next day. She told me she was very busy right now as it was RRSP season. Why should I care that she's busy with RRSP season?

But she did end up calling me back, which was nice. But I didn't like how she was talking to me. Maybe I should be thrilled at her efficiency, but I don't know. I'm not all that impressed. First she told me that one of her clients experienced my situation and the process took one and a half months. Why should I care about her clients? Why should I care how long the process is going to take. I was fully expecting it not to be done over night. Then she wanted to know how soon I could meet at her office? WTF? I want to file a letter of complaint about this woman.

The funeral is scheduled for March 11. I have to leave town March 8 at the latest. I still need to call about my Vegas trip, and see what my options are. That trip was scheduled for March 6 - 9, and show tickets have been paid for for the 7th.