1) Dad. Lately, every time I have a dream about my dad (which is more often than you would think, despite being estranged for 12 years), it’s always a positive, happy dream. In these dreams, my dad has come back into my life and our relationship is good. He’s in a good place, I’m in a good place, and we’re getting along. We’re spending time together and joking around like old times and it’s just the best. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of having. I always wake up from those dreams out of sorts and sad because my reality is vastly different, and I miss my dad so very much.
2) Twelve. My nephew, J., turns 12 today and that feels unfathomably old. Was it really 12 years ago that I sat in a waiting room and heard the sound of a sweet lullaby stream through the hospital’s speakers to announce his birth? At 12, J. is fully obsessed with sports (even more than my brother is, which is saying something), loves his video games, and adores Chip. He has a cohort of best friends that have been around for most of his life. He’s not keen on school or reading or his little brother. He recently had his first major injury—breaking his collarbone—and handled it like a champ. He’s shy and sensitive, but has a great sense of humor (he reminds me a lot of myself). He’s a truly sweet kid and it’s such a joy to watch him grow up.
3) Desk. I am really close to pushing purchase on this desk. My tiny, 40-inch desk worked for my needs in my old place, but now that I actually have a dedicated work area, I am dying for something bigger. Since it appears I will be working remotely for a long time (there are no immediate plans to bring people back into the office until 2021, and even then, we will have the option to be full-time remote), I want to focus on making my little work area more functional. But, ugh, I have been spending so much money lately and I don’t know if it’s the smart choice!
4) Fall. I don’t want to jinx things, but we’re having surprisingly mild weather here in Florida right now. It’s been in the mid-70s in the morning and has been staying in the low 90s during the day. Yes, it’s still HOT and not fall-like at all, but listen, I have to take what I can get. Next week, we have a few days with highs in the low 80s! Does this mean I can start taking midday walks again? Man, I hope so!
5) Election. I received my polling assignment for the upcoming election! I will be serving as an Inspector, which is the person who checks people in and makes sure they’re eligible to vote. I’m nervous about it, as this election is going to be a busy one, but I’m looking forward to being able to help out in this way and hopefully make the voting process easier for people. I have to go through another training, this time for the Inspector role, which I’m doing today. I will definitely discuss my experience working as a poll worker for this historic election when it’s all over (and please, dear god, when we have a new president-elect).