short weeks

I took a long weekend last week, and thus weekend is Thanksgiving, which means only two full work weeks to go until we go to Palau!

wfh

Working from home once a week is kind of awesome. Never did it much before, because it seemed silly, given how close I lived to work, but now that my commute is a bit longer, I'm making it a thing, and loving it.

new direction

Last weekend (not this past weekend), I met up with a college friend to hear the Stanford Chamber Chorale sing a concert under the direction of our college conductor, who was a key figure in our college experience. He even remembered my last name, after all these years.

bribery

My team totally gave me some gummy candy that they had been holding back for a couple months to apologize for the amount of work they've been piling on for a big launch last week, and I'm OK with that.

separation anxiety

And then today, I reunited with Henry after our first separation in the five months since we adopted each other.

vegas baby vegas

Spent this past weekend with my sister and cousin in Vegas. We gambled a whole dollar, did some light shopping and heavy eating, and watched a show.

room service

Is there anything quite like sleeping in, and waking from a light doze because your boyfriend is bringing you a buttered toasted bagel and coffee?

hi neighbor

Next door neighbor rang the doorbell today, and I braced myself for some kind of complaint about contractor noise and prepared to apologize for whatever we'd done wrong. She just wanted to invite us over for drinks to get to know each other, which ended up lasting for over two hours.

dog god

The new house is on the chilly side, so Henry has started devoutly worshipping the space heater in the living room.

maintenance

Finally got in for a facial (after a year-long gap) and a pedicure (after a 2.5 month gap). Hoping to get a haircut before crossing the six month mark.

lightly

Finally figured out that the "light loop" on Henry's jacket is to clip on a safety light, so I got one for Henry and one for Jersey (on sale), and a headlamp for me (also on sale) for our dark winter walks. I also unpacked some night lights (and my boyfriend-notifying doorbell). Slow and steady...

it just works

Our new router doesn't have to be rebooted multiple times per day.

old is new

Today's happy moment: unpacking Henry's toys and watching him get all excited about toys he hasn't played with in weeks.

see clearly

I went to the eye doctor to get new contacts in preparation for our upcoming dive trip, and found out that I will only pay a minimal co-pay for the exam, fitting, and a year's worth of contacts because my prescription is so bad that they're a medical necessity and insurance covers even the part that most people have to pay out of pocket, even with insurance.

fan mail

Yesterday at lunch, Henry made friends with a little boy, who blew him some enthusiastic kisses before I told his mom that Henry is fine with kids and that they could meet each other up close. Dad said that at bedtime, his son asked for a picture of Henry. Henry has a fan club!

type aa

My manager told me today that the only expectations I'm not meeting are my own, and that I shouldn't try so hard to get everything done perfectly and on time, and that some stuff will drop. On one hand, it was good to know that I'm not quite as bad as I think I am, but on the other hand, I don't really know how to do less.

coming soon

Maybe it's time for a little bit of self indulgence? Ordered the Hyperbole and a Half book, as well as a Chromecast. Watched some of my favorite YouTube videos. Put in an order for Google Shopping Express to deliver some staples to the house so we won't have to schlep things up the stairs. Hopefully this will make up for the ongoing plumbing and dryer repair drama, as well as our suspicion that there are furry critters living in the walls.

corner

I think I may have turned a corner. We're in the new house and gradually checking off the things we need to do here, including a scary visit from an emergency plumber who then required backup. All of the interviewing I've been doing has resulted in one offer, which will make my life a lot easier when the person shows up. Three of my deals closed in the last couple days. There is some hope that this underwater tunnel of darkness ends.