Work perks

I have come to realize it takes me an inordinate amount of time to organize my thoughts, construct my sentences, and/or connect my photos into a narrative. And I can't really do any of that with distractions, which basically means I can't do it unless Brian is in bed. Which he is at the moment, but the news is about to start and I haven't watched news in days (weeks?), and every once in awhile I do think it is a good idea to get a handle on what is going on around this world I live in. So I'm going to throw a post together even though my brain feels like that fried egg in the old commercial. ("This is your brain on drugs" – remember that?)

First, the title. Yes, there are some unexpected perks to working, besides the obvious – additional income that will eventually help us get our heads above water. I like my job, my co-workers, my boss, my work space. It is lovely to know without a doubt that I'm needed, doing a good job, and appreciated for what I do. Then there are these sweet gestures –

homemade fudge from a co-worker and a box of Belgium chocolates from a caretaker of one of our clients. The boss brought something in for each of us today, too. Gobsmacked!

During our family visit on Sunday, I finished the last gift knit on my to-do list; woohoo! Now to cast on those socks in the yarn my friend bought at the LYS. That friend was diagnosed with breast cancer last week . . . that's got me a bit shook.

I snapped the above photo of Mt. Hood yesterday morning on my way back to the house from doing chores. A bit later on my way to work, I had to pull over to capture the glorious morning sky:

Last night, Brian fenced in his first tournament. It was a Team, Mixed Weapon event, with a beginner, an intermediate, and a rated fencer on each team. At the end of the evening, Brian's team was declared the winner!

Brian had tons of fun, and it was fun to watch. Made for a looong day, though, and a late night.

Now I'm home for a couple days for Christmas. I plan to enjoy my family, clean, cook, eat, shuffle the sheep, ride my horse, and probably watch a feel-good holiday movie or two. We are blessed in so many ways; I count all of you who care enough to visit this little corner of the blogosphere among those blessings – and am even more thankful for those who comment!  ;-)

That's it for now from . . .