I think Hell just froze over. Or the apocalypse will be happening soon.
Because just for kicks, I asked my employer if there was any way they could allow me to take this trip even though I am technically locked into working the first and last weeks of just about any month.
And today, they said YES!
So I asked Christy N. if she would be interested in splitting the expenses to avoid the single supplement, and she's interested. I'm going to email Kevin and copy Christy later when I'm at home to get some logistics. I have successfully taken an ABD trip where my roommate was in another household, so I know it is possible to charge us separately. And I was added to my friend's reservation, so Christy would be the "lead" guest anyway.
I have to say that I really could not pass up this opportunity, so look out Europe, here I come!