I hope you enjoy your vacation! Your homework assignment sounds like fun. I took an MBA class that used the 'Artist's Way' book (it might have targeted business?) and enjoyed the assignment to do one new thing each week.

To move things forward, could you just express enthusiasm about possibly joining her team? It seems unlikely that they would actually lower your salary, doesn't it? If you have the strong recommendation of your friend and if the manager is trying to recruit you... I might ask my friend what design programs they use so I can mention my familiarity with them to the boss

I'm trying not to think about my situation. I've already spent so much time being stressed out about this place when they aren't even paying me - it's kind of ridiculous