Christmas in March

I received an email this morning from a family member who will remain nameless (you KNOW who you are) informing me that the only people who have to work today are my Dad and myself. No school due to weather and spring break for the other lazies. Brian is taking the day off to watch basketball in Des Moines. Dad, you and I should take a marvelous vacation sometime!

Anyway, the sky is so gray today. There is no sunshine. It is cold - okay, at least I am cold. I really have no concept of what it is like out there other than that it LOOKS cold. Half of my office (I am not exaggerating) is on vacation. Mind you they are going places like California and the Bahamas. They will come back in a week and a half with glorious tans and relaxation hangovers. But here I sit. My portable heater whirring away as I type.

You might think I would be bummed by all of this - and maybe I am - but I’m in denial so just play along. You see we got this box at work today that just Made. My. Day. For some reason, we go bonkers over office supplies around here. We open the boxes of new pens and click them. We unwrap the stacks of legal pads and sniff them. We shake the boxes of toner with glee. We even do little dances - jigs if you will. Today was just like Christmas! I got two new things for my desk and I am just lovin’ them. One is a clear desk pad under which I can put all sorts of important notes or pictures or business cards. Whatever I want. The other (see left) is a brand new purple gel mouse pad. Welcome friends. Enjoy your stay.

Before you start calling mental hospitals about availability, please understand that those of us who had to get out of bed - and even more our pajamas! - need to celebrate these little sparks of joy.

Dad, I should send you a box of office supplies.