Outside my office (aka the front bedroom) window, there is an old crabapple tree. Riddled with woodpecker holes, it's been relaxing to watch two sets of birds (sparrows) find and build homes within a couple of perfectly-sizes knotholes for them to pop in and out, as well as a robin's nest on one of the lower branches. Something to watch during the work-day. It's great working from home!

The anxiety level has been high for the past month or so, as we wait the word on the latest reorganization. We managers had to reapply for our old positions, reporting to new management, plus options for other jobs. I applied for three positions, neither of which I was particularly enthused, but wouldn't say "no" in this economy. A safe haven until the next step. Both interviews went well - at least as far as I could tell. Confident answers with a recent example. The thank-you emails sent, it's been a waiting game since.

Boyfriend is stressed in his own right, a downturn in his business, but not so bad from the outsiders' perspective: Clients still call, just for smaller jobs. A recurrent theme I tell him is how lucky we have it. We have a nice house that we didn't pay too much, food on the table, and good times together.

Lately, I've been taking him on 'mystery dates' on weekends. We went to the zoo a few weeks ago. Another trip went to the animal shelter. Still another was to "Oldfields", the historic estate at the IMA. Our mystery trips must cost nothing or have discounts. He has enjoyed all things selected so far, so I'll plan more.