Hey sure, the bks. would be useful. I actually have an extended vacation period simply because it falls on the time period I get my compressed work day off. Having a job closer to home, to train station, means I can jump onto train to Seattle after I finish work. Not like my previous job in the boonies...

It's interesting looking at the hotel deals far in advance..with the economic downturn there's interesting stuff out there now. (Just like the better Vancouver hotels are offering great deals right now. )