What a Day...TGIF

The day is done, thank goodness. My main focus at work was to order two very expensive camcorders for public safety training and two adult crisis manikins for the emergency medical services program. Dealing with our procurement office was a test of my patience and I just don’t have it anymore. It’s my age, I know it. After nearly four years of working for the States of DE and NC, I’ve had it with the red tape, protocol, and lengthy procedures. I’m sick of endless forms and requirements. They had me on an obstacle course today, jumping through hoops, running through very dark tunnels, and then they apologized for forgetting to tell me there is another step involved…blah, blah blah. If "they" knew their "own" jobs, life would be easier for us all.

Ten or twenty years ago, my response to these ridiculous requests would have been a sincere, “Oh, no problem. No reason to apologize. It’s been my pleasure working with you.” I still say the same things although a bit curtly and after I slam that phone down, I mumble out loud, “Stick your procedures up your a--, where the sun doesn’t shine! I’m sick of this runaround, you nit-picking idiots!” My coworkers and I find it very amusing and we all share grumpiness together. This ordeal still isn’t a done deal yet so I have it to look forward to on Monday. I need to get away from this circus. I really do.


For starters, while making my breakfast oatmeal in the campus kitchen this morning I opened the blinds to find that elusive Eastern Towhee staring at me, only about fifteen feet away from the window and perched on the top of an evergreen shrub. And it seemed he was staying… I don’t run anymore since ankle surgery but I took a shot at it, leaving my oatmeal in the microwave to overcook. Looking like a peg leg freak, I ran to my office, grabbed the camera, and then ran outside only to find the bird was gone. The birds were out and about today and feeding on the seed I scattered until I went for my nature walk later in the afternoon. No birds. Gone. I did see the towhee disappear into the dark brush. Gone. While cursing the construction site across the street, I did manage to see some color shout out from the brown and gray of winter. These leaves served at magnets to me and the camera. To coin Julie Z’s phrase, I was fast approaching the “advanced stages of crankitude” near the end of the workday.


After arriving home, I needed a little more therapy. I walked the neighborhood for a short while and found where the chickadees live. A neighbor who lives two doors down the street really knows how to attract the birdies. I need to meet her.

Me loves my Chickadees!

Most of all, me loves my two girly girls. We played ball, romped, gave hugs and kisses, and now I’m feeling much better. Whew. What a day.