Oscars night, sort of...

Jane loves the Oscars. Jane loves them so much that last year – separated from all her friends – it fell to me to drink Champagne and talk about the merits, or otherwise, of the many shoes and frocks parading down the red carpet. It took a lot of Champagne.

This year, I played it smart. This year, I secretly invited a number of locals, some Canucks and some Aussies from the High Commission, to come over on Oscar night. I figured the ladies could enjoy Champagne and smack-talk the frocks, while the guys have some manly beers and play board games (Catan & Betrayal at the House on the Hill) in the next room. It would be perfect. I would be close enough to duck in and admire Anne Hathaway's ample talent and dress, but not actually need to engage with the rest of the *cough* glamour of the event.

When all was in place, I revealed my plan to a most appreciative wife. And all was going perfectly, until just over a week ago when Jane’s work decided she was needed overseas, for a week. This week in fact. Yeah. 

So tonight, everybody is still coming over for booze, board games and, of course, the Oscars. All will proceed as planned, minus the guest of honour. And that is totally OK, because cunningly I only invited people I like.  So as far as I am concerned, tonight is friends with beers and board games. Meanwhile, the TV will be on in the background and Jane will be swaning about the Sub-continent on DFAIT’s dime.