I read 180 pages of my book today. It’s like having a reunion with a great friend whose company you always enjoyed, but whom you haven’t seen in a long time. I was hooked on page 1. Dick’s writing is always so friendly, like you’re sitting across from him and he’s just telling you what happened to him.
I thoroughly enjoy every single page. It’s so reassuring to know that even though I might finish this book tomorrow, there are at least 30 more in his repertoire! He’s a very prolific (and successful) writer and there are a lot more where this came from. I might not even realize I’ve already read one of his books until a specific incident reminds me, at which point I may want to read it all over again, just to see what happens (just like a MONK episode I know I’ve already seen, but can’t really remember).
So, do I even need to say I wasn’t busy at work today? My boss was in all day, but didn’t ask me to anything. I answered the phone occasionally and did an expense report for another man I work for (who usually works in New Jersey and only comes here about once a month). The expense report was actually the highlight of my day. The firm has a great expense report system, which is used by many big firms. It’s called CONCUR and it’s so easy to use. When an employee uses his American Express credit card for a business expense, it automatically gets uploaded to the CONCUR system.
You create an expense report for the executive, click on CHARGES and compare the expenses listed on the system with the receipts he has given you, which include airfare, restaurants, hotels, taxis, and other miscellaneous expenses. You click on the expense, give a few details as to where, when and with whom the expense occurred, and that’s it! You hand in the hard copy receipts and electronically submit the online report.
They do all the math, so you don’t have to worry about a thing! Easy, fun and efficient! What could be better? If I could just get a job inputting expense reports all day, I’d be in heaven! I love when you itemize a hotel bill, with the taxes, meals, internet fees and room charges and it equals the exact amount of the credit card charge. It’s just so satisfying when everything all adds up!
When I got home Eric was already watching basketball. He told me he went for a short ride on his bicycle today, and he’s planning to go out more, because he really wants to get back into shape. I think he realizes that laying around and watching TV is not doing him any good. He’s starting to take his vitamins and seems more enthusiastic about things than he’s been for a while. I’m so happy he’s feeling better!
Tonight for dinner I made swordfish and asparagus. All fresh, healthy and delicious! To me, there’s nothing like a piece of fish – especially sushi! Eric and I really enjoyed it.
My nephew, Eddie, is turning 21 on Saturday. He was actually born on Mother’s Day in 1987. It seems impossible to me that he could possibly be 21, but I did the math and it’s true! Time DOES fly, doesn’t it? It’s inconceivable to me that my sister has a 21 and 23 year old! It seems like only yesterday that they were babies and we were having so much fun playing with them and now they’re in college, or working!
My nieces and nephews on Eric’s side are as old as 33 and as young as 14. I can’t believe they’re all grown up, too, and now the only babies in the family are great-nieces and great-nephews (we have one of each!). It makes me feel really old sometimes, but I can just imagine how my sister feels, having children so grown up!
My niece, Melissa, called me last night. She is so sweet. She calls periodically, to see how we’re doing. She fills me in on everything happening at work, at home with her husband, David and their boxer, Shelby, and with the whole family. It’s always good to talk to her.
Today, I got an email from another niece, April. She’s good about keeping in touch, too. Most of my nieces call or email, or send cards. It’s always nice to hear from them. Girls are so much better about communicating. I’d fall off my chair if my nephews ever called or wrote, because they’re just like that, but Eric’s the same way, so I understand. Eric never calls his sisters. It’s always me who says, “Why don’t you call your sister?” I don’t know why that is, but I’m pretty good about keeping in touch and he’s just not.
Eric doesn’t use the computer, so I’m always the one who sends the emails, but I’m also the only one who ever sends a card, or makes a phone call. I know my Mom has always been the one to send the cards and letters, and make the phone calls. She’s also the one who sends the emails (my Dad, also, doesn’t go near the computer). So, I tend to think it’s just the way it is in most relationships – there’s always one who is “the communicator” and one who lets the other do the communicating. I doubt if there’s a couple on earth who share those responsibilities 50/50, but I could be wrong!