and speaking of which... why don't I tell you how I really feel?

A salesman from the university's official supplier of swag called me up today and started the conversation with a polite (but with a hint of trying to be funny) question about the spring weather we've been enjoying lately, and who doesn't like sub zero temps at the end of March?

Well, I don't. And he asked so I told him. Probably more in depth than he had anticipated.
But then we talked about pens and note pads and he seemed a lot more comfortable.

Another day and a half left of this work week and then we're off for an Easter adventure. Further north.

For the love of sanity... stop snowing!

It dropped another inch and a half or so overnight. Woke up to daylight savings in a slight blizzard. And since it's Sunday and I have nowhere I have to be and could just stay in and cozy up with coffee and a slow breakfast.... I decided to head out for a run in the snow instead.
To feed the anger.
It's ridiculous, all this snow.
I'm starting to seriously question the mental health of everyone living here, including myself.

My future's so bright I gotta wear shades

Maybe not quite.
But what is bright is the sun shining right smack in my face the whole way to work.
Pair that with lots of icy spots, and yeah... shades might not be a bad idea.
Maybe my future will be all the brighter for it.

First world problems

I ride my bike to work. I recycle. I try to bring my own bags to the grocery store. I don't eat a lot of single wrapped foods.
But hairspray in an aerosol can is just better than the pump stuff.
Can someone fix that, please?

Tears, guilt and gratitude

Yesterday when I picked up Lou after work (right at five even though I insist on putting down 4:45 in the scheduling system, like that makes me a better parent... I don't work till 5, c'mon, I totally balance my work/family life) there was a dad, trying to get his daughter dressed to go home.

He was failing miserably. The little girl, older than Lou, probably four-ish, was bawling and didn't want anything to do with mittens, hats, socks.... or her dad.
He didn't look like he wanted anything to do with the whole deal either, but that's the deal with being a parent... you don't get to choose. Meltdowns are reserved for the kiddos, you just ball it up inside and save it for the heart attack.

Lou tried to help, picked the mittens up off the floor several times and tried to put them on the girl's hands, without luck. Partly because the girl didn't want the mittens, but also because Lou honestly didn't do a very stellar job.

Anyways, the whole situation was just special because
A) Lou tried really hard to help out, and even though she's a sweet kid she's definitely no saint so that made me surprised and proud.
B) the dad working up to a heart attack made me feel all sorts of sympathy for him. Because I've been there, it could have been me and this day it just happened to be him instead. But he also made me feel kind of grateful for making my kid look good and also turning my feeling of"godammit I'm always fifteen minutes late" into "ha, well at least I'm not that guy!"

What tears?

Never once have I dropped her off and she's been upset to see me go. Getting her ready in the morning sucks, she doesn't want to get out the door and will do anything to stall...  I don't blame her. Even though it's not far, sitting on the back of a bike in -11 with windchill, doesn't sound like fun to me either. 
But once we get there, and she sees all her friends and teachers, I have to force her to come give me a hug and say good bye.
It's nice.
I always thought the drop off was a given tear jerker.
But no.

office manners

When you make a little bit of coffee. Don't.
Make a full pot. Obviously.

Duh.

Another week another lunch

A German, a Russian, another Swede and I went to eat Indian food.
I’ve never had deep fried eggs before and would be alright with never having them again.

During lunch we covered happy subjects like dying of stress, drowning, and financial reports. Not dying from financial reports…. obviously. Just writing them.

I believe that’s all. Happy Friday.