The thing I noticed most last night was how alone I felt. It really made a difference that my little Birdie wasn’t there. Conrad really is good company and if you’ve never had a bird you may not believe it, but they’re great pets!
When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought of was that he wasn’t here, and I prayed he was okay at the office. I started thinking about all sorts of horrible things that could have happened to him and freaked myself out.
I got showered, dressed, and almost finished packing. I know I’m still grossly overpacking, even though I put more than 5 things back in the closet last night. I still have a few things to take that are still hanging on the clothes line. The suitcase closed easily, but I was told it can’t weigh more than 50 pounds.
I tried to weigh it on my scale, but it wouldn’t register. So, I got on and picked it up. I don’t know how accurate it was, but it read 170. I weigh 125, so that means the suitcase weighs 45 pounds. I figure even if I’m off by a few, I’m still okay!
I am going to try to put my laptop in the case inside my little pink carry-on. Then, I have to put my jewelry (I’m bringing some great costume stuff), my make-up, my camera, Betty (I wouldn’t feel comfy traveling without my GPS, even though I know NY!), and the CDs I need to give Andrew for my computer. If it doesn’t fit, I’m going to have to pack my pocketbook and make the computer case into my purse, so I can carry that and the pink rolling carry-on. Oy!
I usually blog at night, after the whole day is finished, but now it’s only 7:07am and I’m typing this, because I don’t know how much time I’ll have later. I decided if I post it before my flight then at least I’ll have my last day at work posted, and then the whole story of the flight will be included in Saturday’s blog.
It’s confusing, I know – but think about how I feel? I want to keep up, and know this is an exciting time to actually read what I’m up to, but I’m going to be without my laptop for a few days, so it will be tough for me. I’ve really gotten into the habit of blogging, but I have to say that it’s really a great thing to do, even if no one else reads it!
Journaling has never been something I’ve been into. I have friends who keep journals and they always say how helpful it is. I think the best part of this journal/blog is that when I forget something I can go back and find it and confirm something, or remember where we were on a certain day, or what state we were in when I bought something. It’s all there for me, and it’s nice, because my memory gets worse each day.
It seems I can remember the details of my youth so much better than what I had for lunch yesterday. I remember when my grandmother was alive. She spent her last few years in a nursing home in Manattan Beach, Brooklyn, and she really enjoyed it. She had been a widow for so many years and was pretty lonely, so having a great social life really perked her up!
Anyway, she would tell me all these wonderful stories about the day she met my grandfather (at a dance) and their first date, and could reminisce for hours and remember every detail. At the same time, she could never remember Eric’s name and used to say, “How’s your hubby?” She also used to ask me about my house all the time – how many rooms, how was I decorating. I used to wonder if she really didn’t remember any of it, or if she couldn’t think of anything else to talk about. She was the sweetest little thing (yes, I looked tall next to her), and I still miss her so much.
So, I am supposed to find out today at work if they need me to come back after my vacation. I knew it was imminent, because thing have slowed down considerably and if it was MY firm I certainly wouldn’t be paying someone to read articles on YAHOO!
I know I had that breezy job for 5 months where I read novel after novel, but they had to have someone in that position, whether they kept me busy or not. Now, I’m just an extra set of hands (and sometimes a brain) for the department, and if they don’t need me, they don’t need me.
I decided it’s a win-win situation, because if they don’t need me I can stay in New York a few extra days, or go see my parents in Florida. That would be fantastic, because I miss my Mom so much and know she would be thrilled to have me for a few days.
If they DO need me back, I’m hoping I can make it last until the end of the year, because this is the best time to work in an office! I’m still going to the office party with Rosemary, no matter what, but it would be nice to still be working there!
Also, there’s a possibility that they may need me in another group, which would be fine, but not as great as staying in HR. Every day in HR is lovely and I know I can’t be that lucky someplace else!
Well, I’m going to close, for now, because I have to go meet Elsa. I will have a few hours when I get home to pack my laptop and figure out if everything fits. She’ll be taking me to the airport and I’m going to ask her to pick me up at 7:00pm. I’ll be there by 7:15pm, but that’s okay. I’d rather sit around and drink my STARBUCKS and read a trashy newspaper than stress because it’s busy and I’m having a problem with Security!
I’m back! It’s now 5:27pm. I had an okay day at work. I was kind of stressed, because I was going to find out if they needed me or not when I got back, and I was anxious to find out.
Conrad was fine overnight, but was still skittish and neurotic. I brought him up to Tifney at around 2:00pm and he was the hit of Marketing Communications!
I worked hard until the moment I left and got hugs from all the girls. It’s not too sad, because we’ll all be together at the office holiday party on the 13th. I heard from Rosemary today. She’s in Seattle for the weekend, but she was dying to know if I’m coming back or not. I told her what they told me: They won’t know until after the 15th, so it’s wait and see.
I spoke to my parents and asked if they’d like a visitor. They were thrilled. I confirmed what dates were good for them and then I went to ORBITZ.COM and made my reservation. Now, instead of flying back to SD on Wednesday, the 3rd, I’ll leave Thursday afternoon, the 4th, and go to Florida. I’ll come back Sunday morning on the 7th. Then, I’ll fly back to SD on either the 8th or 9th. How wonderful to extend my vacation!
One of the girls showed me how to print my boarding pass (I never did that before), so I'm all set!
When Elsa dropped me off I went to Citibank to deposit two checks and then I walked to KEIL’S to get some ready-made sushi for a quick and easy dinner. I’m exhausted and know I won’t have any problem sleeping on the plane, unless I have a crying baby next to me. Let’s hope for the best!
When I got into the apartment, Conrad's "babysitter" started texting me with pictures. She said he was fine on the car ride home and her son is so excited (he's 14). Here's a picture she sent with the caption "Conrad's Vacation." As you will see, his cage looks small next to the big one she has for the seven finches they own!
I have a little bit more organizing and packing to do and then I can relax and watch TV until it’s time to get picked up. I won’t be back on the computer until I’m in NY, so I’m going to close and say, “See some of you VERY SOON!!!!