I had one simple expectation from my day.

But, Manda, you say, haven't you had enough good things? You got a job that makes you happy. You got a shiny new AlmostBoyfriend*. Most importantly, the Sox made the playoffs. Isn't there a limit to which good karma can not be stretched?

Apparently I hit my limit this morning when, despite my best efforts, I was unable to obtain tickets for the Barenaked Ladies concert. I was at work, and that forced me to leave a few things to chance. But at 10:00 this morning I dropped my responsibilities like a hot rock and poised myself in front of my computer at work. Credit card in hand, I made a valiant attempt. I almost had pretty good seats. I was even ready to not fuss about that stupid "convenience fee" they always charge. I'm not sure whose convenience I'm paying for, but I'm pretty sure it isn't mine. I entered the necessary information. I clicked "Buy." And there was an "Error Processing Your Request."

I don't know what kind of &*^%$# error it was.

I tried for an hour on an endless loop.

And then all the tickets were gone. All because some programmer at Ticketmaster has his head up his bum.

I don't think I have to actually say what Ticketmaster does to dogs for quarters. I don't want to be crude.

*We're in uncharted territory here, but M. finally developed a term that didn't make me break out in a rash, so we're going with this one for now. I think I owe somebody a dollar.