Almond Thieves and Sensitive Types

I don't know what my deal is. I just never feel like blogging lately, and don't want to do it simply out of guilt. Things have been busy, to be sure, but it shouldn't be hard to find a few minutes to share a thought or two. I think I have this idea that if I can't be funny at all, I shouldn't post. Like no one will read my blog if I don't make them laugh. But I think less people will read it if there are never any new posts. ha

SO though I am tired and as yet coffeeless, I will attempt to update you all on life over the last couple weeks, in no particular order.

Someone ate my almonds. I had an at least half-way-full can and this morning there were 10 almonds left. Now, I know I ate a good portion of that can, however I also know for a fact that at least one person in this office will help theirself to a handful even if I am not there, and this is becoming a bit taxing on my generosity. Almonds are not cheap, people! I have three left now (I put 7 in my oatmeal this morning) . Bait for the thief! Will they be so audacious as to eat the last three? Bulletins as events warrant...

Yesterday was a very long day. I had to attend a meeting in the afternoon that didn't go very well. I cannot say much about it except that someone's feelings got hurt during the meeting, and it was very hard for me to deal with because they were reacting to what they THOUGHT someone was saying, and not what they were really saying. It was startling how strongly they reacted, and bewildering because the reaction was not at all based on what was really being said. The hurt person ended up leaving the meeting in the middle, and that pretty much stopped the meeting cold. A few of us remained afterward, discussing what happened. We all feel that it is unfortunate that this person so misunderstood, though there was nothing we could have done about it. What can be done when all communication fails? It was interesting to observe how a person's feelings and sensitivites can powerfully affect communication (and actually prevent it). I learned firsthand that it's so important to really listen and try to understand what someone is saying, despite how you feel about it. I am a little anxious to see what the ramifications of this event will be. I don't know what to say to this person when I see them again. I was one of the ones misunderstood (as far as I can tell) and though I don't have anything to apologize for, I feel like I want to do something to heal the relationship. For now, I am just praying that God helps them to see where they misunderstood and brings an opportunity for clarification.

After that I was really drained, and I think I am still feeling it today. I've been a little cranky this morning, and I don't want to be like this. I just feel so tired.

On the happier side of my weekend, I got to see my friend Carrie yesterday. Yea! And even better, she's moving back up here in December. YEA! We had a nice chat over a couple tasty Starbucks Mint Mochas.

Thanksgiving was great. I had a really nice relaxing day with my family, and my sister and I made the little chocolate turkeys I wrote about earlier. (I'll post some pictures tonight). After dinner we all had a little casino night at Grandpa's--he has a slot machine, craps, BlackJack, and roulette as well as a full coffee bar and soda fountain upstairs. So while we all laughed and made ridiculous bets (not of course for any money), Grandpa served us mochas and foamy hot cocoa. He also made some to-die-for candied yams that were the talk of the dinner table.

And on Saturday I did nearly all of my Christmas shopping. I got up nice and early, and was surprised to find that almost no one else did! The mall was empty and even the infamous Empire Center was nearly a ghost town. It was great. I had lunch at Baja Fresh with my aunt (though there was an unfortunate mix up about the times which left her sitting for half an hour waiting for me. oops) They have recently changed their menu and the did away with the heretofore favorite of mine, the mini Tostadita. Boo Baja Fresh! Then we walked to the mall to visit my uncle, a police officer, who was on duty there. The three of us walked around together and chatted though he was of course a little distracted.

Oh yeah and one last thing--went with the family Friday to see the Incredibles. I enjoyed it, and would like to see it again. The characters was great as was the animation (of course). I think I liked some of their other stories a little better--it might just be that I am not a huge super hero fan--but that is not to say that I didn't have a good time. The character who designed the super-suits was especially hilarious.

OK so I'm gonna get to work now. I'll post pics tonight...