Olives and Olive Branches

I was not going to come into the office today. Every fiber of my being revolted against the thought. First of all, I have been feeling extremely run down and tired lately. I go for my ultrasound and mammogram next week for my lumps, so I have been bent of shape. Also, I have tons of things to do at the house and I work an average of 47 hours a week. Add my commute to it, and I spend very few waking hours at home. However, looking at the number of sick hours I have left, I thought it was wise not be playing hooky when fall is around the corner. I must save days for when I get my yearly bout of bronchitis.

Of course, my desire to crawl back under the covers when the alarm rang also had something to do with the number of martinis consumed last evening. Truth be told, I love a martini with extra olives--and when Eric ordered me a dirty martini, I found love. Mmm...just a bit salty. The bartender at Bahama Breeze found me amusing, remarking that I was quite the animated conversationalist. "At least you're not counting carbs like most of my patrons" he remarked as I debated whether or not to order habenero wings or island chips and salsa. I settled on the wings because I love spicy food. Conversation quickly turned to politics, as Eric felt relieved to chat with a fellow Democrat.

For me, it was nice to talk to someone who thinks you are attractive. He noticed my nail polish, my five inch heels, and my filmy skirt. He commented on them, and told me that I still give the girls from New York a run for their money. "Still that sense of style--understated but sexy.  Very sexy."  Never underestimate the boost of self esteem worn by black lace underwear--Superman may have his red cape and tights, but when I'm in my lace, I feel like I can do anything, too. Initially he was nervous around me, and it reminded me of when we would work on the newsletter at work and he would talk very fast and add a lot of "you knows" and "likes" to his speech patterns. After twenty minutes, he felt more at ease.

I haven't seen him in two years. We were supposed to go see Possession together at the movie theater and I stood him up. A bunch of coworkers from my old company went out for drinks, and I had more than one too many. My cell phone wasn't working great, so when I did call him, I don't know if he really got the message. He was rightfully angry with me, but after two years, I guess the statute of limitations has run out. It was probably one of the meanest things I've ever done to someone. Rather dispicable when you come down to it, actually.

Despite my many failings and personality flaws, it's good to know that I rate forgiveness. We're at peace; no more feeling funny sending business-like E-mails to one another when coworkers inquire about each other to one of us.  Now I am back high on the rungs of the ladder, and I rate many things. Stuffed flounder. The movie Collateral. And a call to make sure that I am OK.

However, I am glad I came to work today. It's Hawaiian Shirt Friday, and the people in our building are in a great mood. We've got our box of leis in the kitchen, and even the directors are telling people to go into the kitchen and to get lei'd...on the table, of course. Later is the ice cream social where I shall recruit more victims, oops, I mean donors for the blood drive. I am not running this blood drive (unlike the other two wildly successful drives), and my lack of cajoling and guilting people into giving blood is noticeable.  They're short donors, and now they have asked me to recruit. Feels good to be needed.