Meanwhile, at work I've been organizing my files and drawers, and keeping my nose to the grindstone finishing up projects and data entry. There are a few year-end projects to take care of, and whatever else they throw my way.

In the middle of all that I managed to get a Christmas package out to mom and dad, sent in my last TiVo rebate, mailed some holiday cards, went to a Christmas luncheon for horse farm administrative assistants (all women) and sat at a small table across from a short younger boring woman and next to a tall older even more boring man-lady (GAH!). My co-worker showed up late, so I was forced to make small talk with these strangers, which lasted all of one minute. Then I stared at my salad, the silverware, the wall, and out the window. Finally the gal who'd organized the event told us we should all go ahead and eat. My co-worker showed up about 10 minutes later. Whew.

I looked around the room filled with support staff from the various farms and I knew none of them. Not even in an over-the-phone friends way, like my co-worker ("Oh hi! It's so nice to finally meet you in person!")

So I chewed my weirdo salad. Odd greens. Some sort of deep purple squished bits. Pine nuts. And a sweet (raspberry?) vinagrette which made my stomach turn. I saved the known veggies for every 5th or 6th bite as safety spots (eat that leaf with the stem, and then you can eat the cucumber).

But the buffet was pretty good. I was stuffed, especially after a big piece of rich chocolate cake. I rolled out the door and promptly felt like taking a nap in the car.

When I returned back to the office, both bossman and farm manager had things they needed me to do.

Oh! That reminds me: Earlier that morning, farm manager came buzzing by and said "Halo, what are your plans this afternoon?"

"Umm...I was going to help with the big mailing. Why, what do you need?"

"Well, I have a project for you. You gotta about 3 weeks?"

I knew he was kidding around, but my eyes grew big anyway. (3 weeks? Actually, no.)

"Awww, I'm joking. I'm gonna need you to send out thank you notes to these folks who sent us gifts. No big rush -- sometime by early next week would be good."

I looked at the list, which had been scribbled hastily by the farm owner's assistant. I quickly realized this was normally something SHE took care of.

But whatever. I had time to kill before the luncheon, so I got busy. I wasn't given any addresses, so I had to look them all up. My boss threw in a few names as well, yet I had all 11 cards handwritten, addressed and stamped with enough time to leave early and pick up a Christmas card for the owner on my way to the luncheon (farm owner's assistant asked if'd stop off).

As I was getting ready to dash out the door, I popped by her desk to let her know I'd get the card while I was out. She looked at her watch and said "Dangit. I was going to run out and put gas in my car before you guys went to the luncheon."

"Oh, I'm sorry...but I really need to jet. You might be able to go and get back before co-worker leaves."

"No, there's not enough time. I'll just *SIGH* have to wait until you guys get back."

"You shouldn't have to do that..."

"I don't have a choice, do I?"

HEY FUCKER! SORRY YOU DIDN'T BUDGET YOUR TIME EFFECTIVELY. Your little project was thrown into my mix and I managed to complete that, plus leave for lunch with enough time to run an errand that you requested, so don't bitch to me.

Jesus. I can't help but wonder how things will go there once I'm gone. Will they find someone new quickly? (or even before I leave?) Will she be any good? If so, I hope she gets fed up after a month and leaves. (YOU GO GIRL!)

The thought of not having to deal with all their shit next year makes me soooooo happy! I have no idea how 2007 will turn out, but taking time off, traveling and reorganizing my life should put me in a much better place to start a new job (maybe even an actual "career"!)

And goddamn, I hope it pays well. And requires the ordering of business cards.

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