random thoughts – Day 1,851 – (Friday) –stress and peace

Friday arrived, for real this time. Yesterday, confused over having worked remotely on Wednesday, I thought it was Friday. The voice in my head that narrates so much of the day was even bitching about how the Friday traffic was surprisingly heavy and obnoxious. Except it wasn’t Friday.

Today, the real Friday, the traffic was at the normal volume and level of assholery, which was good. The parking garage is half closed due to repairs and spots are limited, but not as scarce as Thursday. The rest of the day was not the usual Friday quiet wrap things up kind of day.

Some long-awaited data files were delivered that required a stressful level of review, sorting, and cleanup of the unnecessary date fields provided. The file needed a conversion to minimize the size so it could be uploaded to the email program. One list took all morning to prepare for use. Fortunately, the next list was quicker to prepare.

Slightly scorched spanikopita
with olives and feta

By the time it rolled around to being able to pause for lunch, which I slightly scorched in the toaster oven, my head was pounding. At least I was finally able to cross the pain in the butt project off the to-do list. Of course, the scales must always balance, and in work’s (and life’s) little way of kicking my butt, a new hemorrhoid immediately replaced the previous one, because the surprise data issues of today now require another entire project to backfill a gap. 

Had we been aware of the data issue two weeks ago, the new project would already be mapped out, formatted, and in review. Next week's headache/pain in the arse is already logged on the to-do list. At least today's stress headache reminded me I’m still alive. I was very aware of being very alive all day today.

Gray and dreary.

The world outside the office window was gray and dreary and it didn’t feel like a loss that I never made it out for a walk. At least it wasn't snowing, which happened elsewhere in the state this morning and is in the forecast for the weekend. It was deserted and blissfully quiet on my side of the suite, the same peaceful environment I enjoy at home, and there was no need to flee the office to escape drama or noise. Lunch was eaten while working, and the working ran right up until 5:00. 

Along the not so horrendous Friday drive, I imagined what to have for supper. Stop by Seoul Bunsek for some kim bap? Delivery order from Primo’s? None of the above and have food that is already paid for? Supper ended up being a grilled cheese sandwich, chosen for ease, speed, and availability of the necessary ingredients.

After a glass of malbec, the day's headache melted away, clearing space to enjoy a murdery romance series on Netflix (You with Penn Badgley). That, plus some face rubs for Kiki, and the workweek slipped away. Like magic. The cleansing power of a glass of wine and a purring, furry friend is underrated. The mind is cleared and prepared for the weekend.