I tend to work through the usual lunch hours to accomodate anyone who may be stopping by the Mall Management Office for gift cards or other questions while on their lunch break. Soon, 2:30 - 3:30 was my hour by habit (which makes the last 2 hours of the day fly by!). Back in 2008, I found a nice quiet corner in Barnes & Noble near the journals and office knick-knacks.
My corner back in January 2009
I love the smell of the leather journals and the soft music they play throughout the store. There is nothing like curling up with my drink of choice (hot tea, chai, frappuccino... depends on the day) and picking up right where I left off the night before on my Kindle. Rainy days are particularly enjoyable and soothing.Andrew, for two days this week, you took your lunch hour at the same time and joined me in my little corner of the world. Instead of reading, we talked and laughed and browsed the journals. You could not get over how much stress was relieved by just taking an hour and relaxing. I love the way you just kicked right back to your regular jovial self once we were seated in our little nook, away from work. The hour flew by way faster than it ever has before.
Right in front of our chairs was a shelf that held several bookends and desk knick-knacks. And of course you noticed my very favorite alabaster owls. Within the first five minutes of that first day you sat with me, you had one little green owl turned so he could eyeball me the whole time we sat there. Soon after, he was dubbed "Petey," and I just knew he was a Ray owl. Petey mysteriously shuffled back to his usual spot overnight, but you made sure to fix that when you joined me the next day. You weren't able to join me yesterday, but I made sure you knew that Petey was eyeballing my rice krispie treat. You decided Petey needed a friend, so the lone gray owl was named "Hootie." (You just think you're so clever, my love!)
Petey and Hootie sparked a conversation about what life would be like if they lived at home with us. How I would randomly find Petey next to my toothbrush while Hootie would spend the night in the key bowl waiting for you to leave for work. What you don't know, my love, is that Petey and Hootie will be starting their crazy Ray adventure... tonight.
Hootie and Petey pose for an impromptu photo shoot on my desk at work
Update:
Before bed last night, I placed Hootie next to the toothbrush holder, and hid Petey under the hand towel close by. Andrew, you found them this morning as you got ready for work, and I really wish I could have seen your face! It wasn't until mid-way through my morning tinkle when I glanced over and saw Hootie sitting on the window-sill watching me. I turned him around so I could have a little privacy, then moved him to sit on the dvr box in the living room. (He kind of blends in, so I hope he gives you a little bit of a shock later when you are relaxing on the couch.) Then, as I hopped in the shower, I found Petey next to my face wash. I should have known you would have placed both little Ray owls somewhere they could catch me with my pants down. Perverts, the three of you! After a stern talking-to about privacy and nudity, Petey is waiting for you to get your post-work glass of water.
It's these little quirks and fun things that make me love our life together even more, Andrew. I hope we continue to be goofy when we're gray-haired and wrinkly.
