You mean it's still winter?

There’s no better reality check than coming back from four days of sand, sun, good food and great friends to work and home - where it is a wet, 37 degrees and chances of snow overnight. It was cold in Tofino, and the sun being out was an exception rather than the norm. We made sure to soak it up by going on hikes and seeing the quaintness of the little artsy town. Once that was done, I spent some time catching up on my reading and watching old movies while the rest of the group played football out on the beach. As much fun as it looked, I was so happy to switch to some downtime and was fully content being in the warm cottage in between hot tub soaks.

But now it is my second day back at work. I’ve got my scarf wrapped around my neck, my fingers are icicles and the frozen toe syndrome is starting to kick in despite the wool socks. It’s taking all the willpower not to get up, tell the Hag to go fuck herself, go back home and straight into the warmth of my goose-down. Incentives to staying? Hmmm.. 1.) Not quitting job assures future vacations. 2.) I really would like to stick around to watch her die at her desk and go undiscovered for days. 3.) Nanay’s squash soup for lunch. Mmmm…. A hot, creamy, puree of squash, onions, garlic, potatoes, herbs, with my own twist – a pat of melted butter, ricotta cheese and soy milk – and a dash of chili powder for some heat. I guess that settles it. I’ll stick around, if only to enjoy my lunch while hoping for the Hag to choke on hers.

Another reality check? There are only 28 shopping days until Christmas, even less for the ones that I have to mail out. ACK!