It was a hard day at work. We announced that we are closing the location I was just at last week. Of course, I already knew but couldn’t say anything, which made my visit there painful. I don’t like that part of my job, being in the know on tough decisions that affect people. But it’s an unfortunate part of management.

The last few years have been nothing but changes at work, and I don’t think it’s done yet. It’s been crazy. Mostly I’ve been sticking it out because the insurance is great and I’ve really needed it. I still do. But I also care about some people there, and I want to believe that eventually, things will turn around. I’m hoping I can help with that.

I tried today to help my group process this recent change. We discussed what it meant to them and how we can streamline processes to ensure the workloads aren’t too much. I also talked individually with the ones who are part of the closing, saying how sorry I was and making sure they knew it had nothing to do with their personal performance. I also said they could call me later if they needed someone to yell at. Small consolation, I know.

I’m grateful that my conversations today weren’t confrontational because they could have been. Maybe they will be later, once this sudden change really sinks in. And that will be ok.

I had a super early flight, so it was another long travel day. However, I got a seat upgrade to a row with more leg room and no one sitting beside me. The flight also got in almost 1/2 hr early, so I caught the bus that I needed just as it was pulling away from the sidewalk. The driver stopped when he saw me running after it. And then Patrick got out of class just before I got into town and was able to pick me up. As a bonus, the sun was out all day long. Yay!

I’m thankful for a decent travel day and for getting back home safely to see my boys. I think someone missed me.

I feel like I needed at least another day to get things finished up at Emma’s. We got most of what she needed, but we didn’t have time to put it all together. It’s a cute start, though. She’s happy with it, and I can leave knowing that she will be settled. I’m thankful for that.

Emma and I spent all day looking for cheap furniture at various antique and thrift stores and came out empty handed. By 3:00 pm we were desperate to get SOMETHING checked off the list. And we weren’t looking for anything elaborate, just a couple of end tables, small dining table, and a cabinet or dresser to put her tv on. But the antique stores were way too expensive, and the thrift stores didn’t have much for furniture. We ended up back at Homegoods and Target, getting curtains and other smaller items, just to say we accomplished something. Then we went back to her place, made popcorn and other snacks to have with wine, and then relaxed for a bit.

We spent the rest of the evening hanging pictures and curtains. I’m thankful some things are coming together, and we had fun today regardless. Tomorrow we will be back at it.

It was such a long my day traveling. We left for the airport around 8 am. My flight was at 12:30. I had a connecting flight an hour after I landed, and of course it was at the opposite end of the airport. I rushed to the gate just in time only to hear that the plane had issues and so we had to wait for a new plane to arrive. It ended up being about a 2 hour delay, with a gate change that required walking once again to the opposite end of the airport. At least I got my steps in for the day. And thankfully, we made up some of the lost time in the air because I arrived in New York only about an hour and a half late. I’m grateful to have made it here safely, and to be able to hang out with Emma for the weekend.

Yes, menu, you’re right. That’s a wrap… on this work week. I’m glad on our last night for dinner, I talked my colleague into going to a place we had been driving past every day called Cult Classic Brewery. The atmosphere was just what I needed—upbeat and fun. They had artwork on the walls that was for sale, and they started a trivia contest before we left. The food was good and so was the beer. Too bad we were too tired to stick around for long.

I’m thankful I got done what I needed to this week. Tomorrow will be another long travel day, but then can now enjoy the weekend with my daughter. Yay!

We’ve been working long days and getting stuff done, but it doesn’t feel like it. Tomorrow I’ll do performance reviews with a couple people and make sure I don’t have any more questions on processes that we reviewed earlier in the week. Then I leave Friday to go visit Emma for the weekend. I’m looking forward to that. I’m thankful to have this week almost over, for the sunshine, and for getting done what I needed to.

Long days happen when you’re traveling, especially for work. I’m thankful for some lovely views though.

After a lousy night of sleep, I was exhausted all day. However, I’m thankful our meetings went smoothly and I have a plan for the rest of my week. I’m also thankful for an early night back in my room and a good book to read before bed.

Once again, my day started out well. I didn’t sleep in much but instead went to the gym with Patrick. And on the way home, I noticed a little something wedged between the seat and console in his car. My pen! Yay!! I cannot tell you how relieved I was.

The rest of the day went by quickly. We ran a couple errands and had lunch out again since I was getting picked up late afternoon by a work colleague who is traveling with me. Our flight was delayed slightly but we got our rental car quickly. We even got an upgraded car for free. We’re traveling in style…

Our flight landed at 10 pm local time, and we still have an almost hour drive to our destination, so it has been a long day. I’m thankful we made it safely, though. I’m looking forward to getting into my hotel room and collapsing into bed.