Good Call

The hard part about working from home is the absolute dearth of social interaction.  I mean, I also sit all day, and that's pretty terrible, but mostly, it's social.

I went to lunch yesterday with a colleague.  He works in facilities and is busy closing our old office - but had time to meet for a McDonald's QPC.  We sat at one of their little outdoor benches, and this man drove by and commented to us that we made a cute couple.  Which, I was a little surprised by.  I love this kid, but he's a kid.  I out-age him by multiple decades, and I think that's pretty evident to anyone who would see us together.  We're also both part of a different cute couple.  He and his girlfriend have a kid, and he's devoted to them both.  I'm married nearly 20 years, and we have a dog, and I'm devoted to both.  It was nice of the man to say, though - and I guess it shows that I'm invested in the people I care about.

Last night, I was driving to Kroger, and I saw this couple walking a terrier mix that could have been the reincarnation of my first dog, Lola.  She was black and white rather than brown and white, and maybe a little bigger - but the shape, coloring and attitude were pure Lola.  She was giving this other dog and its owners hell.  It just made me slow down and gawk.   Honestly, the 10th Ave S/Lealand/Kirkwood drive is delight because of the dog watching.  Granted, we are a neighborhood overrun with Doodles, but I do like seeing some of the variety.  I've seen more than a few dachshunds, Boston terriers, and the ubiquitous pit mixes.  I am a sucker for a pit mix.  Our cross-alley neighbors have a little short, stocky bully named Rudy, who is a ruddy brown, gentle house hippo.  Apparently he visits nursing homes.  I love our alley neighbors, if I haven't already said so.

I do listen to music a lot while I work.  Sometimes I sing along, but I'm mindful when Matt is around, because he's working on things as well.  But you know, my life is just one good opening vamp from being a musical.  One of the perks of work from home.

Another mark in the against column is my proximity to Baked on 8th.  Specifically, their Peanut Butter/Chocolate Rice Krispie treats.  I have to unhinge my jaw to take a bite - but that doesn't stop me.  Nor does the thought of losing a foot or feet to diabetes.  It should.  But what can I say - the little happy pinball bells in my brain light up and ping just thinking about them.  Eating them?  It's like full on pachinko.




So it would be great if Baked on 8th weren't within stumbling distance.  Well, two minute drive distance - which makes stumbling too easy. 

Meanwhile, the weather is finally getting a little more fall-like.  I still haven't retired my Birkenstocks for the season - and that's not an easy proposition - especially while it's still in the 80s and such in the afternoon.   But, I need to plan for fall.  When we were in pandemic times, I typically wore my slippers during the winter.  I need to find some slippers that are compatible with taking the dog out every last second of the day.

I found some that reminded me of a pair my grandmother gave me when I was in Elementary School - I loved them dearly:


But given my dog's propensity to destroy plus toys and steal socks/shoes - that seems like a recipe for disappointment - also, they are NOT for wearing outside.

So, onward and upward.

See you later.  Or after awhile.

ae







Comments

Christopher said…
I've found that a disadvantage of hybrid working--some days at home, some days in the office--is that there's still a dearth of social interaction even when I'm in the office. People have different schedules but even when we overlap it feels like we've all gotten so used to communicating electronically that personal tete-a-tetes just don't happen even when the other tete is less than ten feet away from me. So I'm glad you took the time to be part of a platonically cute couple at McDonald's. And just getting out, even if it is to Baked On 8th.