So I headed into work on Wednesday like it was a normal work day. But I should have known. It wasn't a normal work day. I was the only person dressed in business casual. Although I was more on the casual side of business casual, I couldn't compete with my co-workers' shorts and flip flops. Oops!
The office wasn't as full as I expected, which was kind of refreshing. Part of the reason was the annual CISPA pool tournament was the night before, and it had turned into a late night for some. But it also seemed like some people were genuinely out of the office enjoying their holiday. And why shouldn't they? Just because I had forgotten that the U.S. had any holidays from January 1st through April 30th doesn't mean accountants should ignore them world-wide. I was quite happy to see a mix of real work and casual attitudes in the office. Who's not happier than when wearing flip-flops, eating homemade chocolate chip cookies (thanks to some extras I brought in from NS' latest batch), and keeping one's hours for the day under the standard ten or more? Needless to say, I couldn't shake the holiday spirit, and by late afternoon, I fell victim to the persistent sunshine and went home to finish out my work day. After a quick half hour by the pool, I felt revived enough to put in a couple more hours with my laptop on my kitchen counter, watching NS prepare dinner.
When NS realized that Wednesday was a holiday and he'd be working from home, he offered to make one of his all-time favorite Italian recipes and host B&K for dinner. KK has proved to be a most gracious friend, inviting NS and I over on a regular basis for what has now become a traditional "family" dinner night right in the middle of the week. During busy season, I cook on a very limited basis, and almost never during the work week. Sitting down for a real dinner - the kind where you pray before you eat, you're not in front of a laptop, and you chat about your day - is truly a luxury that I've never had during busy season. I am so thankful for friends that are looking out for us! It's been beyond a blessing.
So getting back to my original point: We've been eager to return the favor, and Ash Wednesday was the perfect opportunity. I photographed while the boy rustled up some pasta, breaded chicken, and a famous-secret-recipe white sauce:
We didn't even need dessert. I wish there were no such thing as calories, because I would eat this every day.
Can you tell we're not Catholic? I'm not sure this meal would fly... |
After such a relaxing day, going into work on Thursday felt like a Monday. But it wasn't a Monday - what a bonus!
I'm thankful for public holidays. I'm thankful for friends to spend them with. I'm thankful for a husband who cooks and bakes (and is grocery shopping for me at this very moment.) And I'm thankful for weeks like this that give my energy a jump start in the middle of a long season.
Great post - so timely! And that dinner was A-MAZ-ING! I wish there was no such thing as calories too...maybe in heaven...
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