What a Week!

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Well, THAT was an insane week ... that culminated in one really rough day ... and that day ended with a reminder that nothing's ever really that bad when I have these two boys to come home to!

A former co-worker passed away on Tuesday. I'm feeling an interesting combination of surprise, because she wasn't much older than I am ... sadness that she's gone ... and not sure what, because we were never all that close and haven't kept in touch since she left the project five years ago. And maybe a bit guilty for not feeling more.

My company just laid off over 1,300 people and this week was the last week for most. Final check-out paperwork stuff was held in the building where my office is located, so I spent the week watching a parade of folks enter and leave; people I've worked with for over a decade, many of whom I'll probably never see again because they're having to relocate to find work. I'm sad because they're leaving, and feeling a bit guilty because I'm staying, and worried because I don't think we've seen the last of the lay-offs. And feeling a bit guilty because there's one or two I'm not in the least sorry to see go ... yeah, talk about mixed emotions!

My intern's last day was Thursday. I wish we could have kept him. Not only did he do a bloody good job, but he had a great sense of humor and fit right in with my team. He was a real pleasure to work with. I really hated having to say good-bye. Most of the team got a bit misty-eyed when he walked out that door. I had to hide that lump in my throat when he hugged me, covering what I was feeling by joking around so I wouldn't make him feel uncomfortable.

Anyway, yeah, bit of an emotional and exhausting week week. I left work and stopped at the liquor store to grab a weekend treat 'cause I felt like I deserved it(!), stopped at the market up the road for a gallon of milk and a bag of ice to go with my liquor-store bounty, then at the pet store to grab some treats for the boys. Pixel was almost out of canned food (which would NOT go over well!) and I wanted to grab a couple of bully sticks for Lachlan so I could have some peace and quiet that night.

Back in my car and turned the key. You can see it coming, can't you? rrrrr-click-click-click Sigh. Oh yeah. That's just about right, isn't it? Dead battery. Called Triple-A; a very nice young man (eye-candy!) showed up and got it started, then sent me on my way to the nearest auto-supply for a new battery.

Got there, left the car running and went inside, just my luck to get the old feller with a deep-seated need to patronize the blonde. "Oh no, it's probably not the battery, let's test it and see." Long story short, two hours later he's admitting that it's the battery. Sigh. He was trying to be nice and save me some money so I wasn't terribly annoyed, but ... yeah, just sell me the bleedin' battery and let me go home with my now-melted bag of ice, would'ja?!

Finally got home, was hot and sweaty and a bit frazzled and fed up. Sorted out the boys, poured myself a drink, and flopped into my computer chair. Next thing I know I have Pixel draped over my shoulder purring like mad and rubbing the side of my head with his cheek, going "I love you I love you I loooooove you"+, and Lachlan resting his chin on my opposite leg, looking up at me with those big brown eyes from under his fringe like "anything I can do to make it better, mum?"++ Pixel grabbed my wrist with both front paws and started chewing the end of my thumb, craning his head around to gaze into my eyes+++ and Lachlan pretty soon shoved his nose into my side and snorfled loudly, obviously telling me to cheer up.++++ Wasn't long before I was giggling, completely relaxed.

Yeah, they're why I do this.

In other news, Lachlan lifted his leg to pee for the first time yesterday. My little boy's growing up! *sappy sigh*




+Thanks for the nummy wet noms, lady, now go to bed so I can play with my furry toy mousy.

++I can smell that bully stick from here, mum, now give it up!

+++Fine, I'll just chew on YOU then!

++++Walk! Now!

 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Wow what a tough time to be at work! Coming home to the dogs are the best part of the day!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I love how they can do that...one of the greatest benefits!

Oh and Lachlan you got yourself one big ole nose, I love me some big nose! Kiss kiss.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Furry stress relievers are absolutley the best! Hope you next week is better.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh I remember those days so well.....and I'm glad they're over for me.  Hopefully things will be a little better next week.  It sure is nice to know you're coming home to a Dood who loves you and is always there for you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Whew! Glad that week is over. I am also glad that you were not among the lay-offs.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sounds like a slice of American corporate life about now. I'm glad you furry friends help smooth things over.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

hope next week is better!!  Great pic!