Happy Hours: The Angeliness Continues
I’m off tomorrow, and this is good, because a four day work week seems to work really well for me (wouldn’t it for anyone?). By the end of the week I’m usually pretty wiped out, but overall, I’m adjusting quite nicely. I usually spend Saturday resting up, and on Sunday, if my brain’s working at all, I try to do some blog reading and writing. I really miss bloggling regularly, but I’ll soon be back to my regular schedule. In the meantime, I hope to do a post or two this weekend, because my brain starts bulging when I get too much stuff in there, and I don’t want it to rupture.
I hate to keep harping on about the angels at work (yes, that was sort of a pun and I can hear you groaning), but that’s what I’m going to do here.
The majority of the people I now spend my weekdays with are the kindest, caringest group ever assembled in a corporate work environment. You just wouldn’t believe it. Since this contract will be ending soon, there’s sort of a last day of school feel to things– a little sad, a little goofy, somewhat apathetic. The contract was supposed to end almost two years ago, so you can imagine that some people are a bit frustrated with the amount of time they’ve had to put their lives on hold to get their severance. Many have already quit, deciding to go ahead and get on with their lives, but about a third are hanging on.
There are a few (very few) who seem so much angrier and more unhappy than before I left, but truly, these were the ones who were pretty miserable to begin with. I can see the looks they exchange, hear their bitchy comments and their gossipy whispers. I feel for them, but at the same time, I sort of steer clear of that kind of negativity. I’m sticking with the kinder, gentler folks.
These people are so sweet, and I’m thrilled to be able to be with them again, if only for this short time. We exchange hugs, laughter and heartfelt talks, and my supervisor is constantly checking in with me to see how I’m doing. When I seem wiped out or in pain, she tries to send me home, but I often say, “Let’s give it a few minutes– I might feel better,” and often I do. With Fibromyalgia, you never feel the same from one minute to the next, and sometimes that’s a good thing.
Last week, Miz Supervisor called me at my desk and told me she needed to meet with me. “Grab your purse and your cell phone and meet me at the door.” Uh oh. That’s usually the “last call” before they escort you out forever. But when I met her at the door, she instead escorted me to her car, which she promptly drove to a nearby steakhouse for lunch. Later in the week, she treated me to lunch again, and both times, our “meetings” were just talk about life, work, and assorted drivel. It was nice and fun, and this stuff just fills me with happiness and gratitude.
It’s unbelievable. There have been SO many kindnesses this woman has shown me. It’s overwhelming to me, and I can’t tell you all of the things she’s done (I don’t want her to get into trouble with any evil bigwigs), but trust me, it’s like suddenly having a guardian angel materialize and extend her hand. She pulled Tom and me out of what was becoming an increasingly desperate situation, and she had no clue that she appeared at just the right time. Her boss knows about all of this sweet stuff she’s doing and has given her blessing too.
The woman I’m staying with (yet another supervisor) has made her home my haven, and I will never be able to fully express my gratitude toward her. She makes me feel that she’s absolutely thrilled I’m there. In fact, I ask her often if I’m in the way, and she says things like, “Are you kidding? We LOVE having you stay with us!” How lucky I am to have such a gracious hostess. Her house feels so peaceful, and she told me that she and her daughter had worked on creating the right energy for me before I got there. I don’t know exactly what they did, but it’s working.
Seriously, I want to just bundle all of these people up and keep them close forever, but we will soon be splitting up and saying our goodbyes. My last day will probably be at the end of this month.
Next week, a few of us are going out and having drinks after work, and I’m SO excited! A real girls night out, a real grown up drink with olives and everything. It’s been a long time since I’ve done any socializing, and I’m hoping I don’t poke my eye out with the little plastic sword in my martini.
Sigh… life is good.
Note: This painting is by an artist named Simone Martini. That makes it a Martini Angel, which I thought was very fitting.
randomyriad said,
April 27, 2008 at 2:00 pm
It’s nice to hear that you are in a place where you can be among angels. My work is similar, and I must say there are times when I fall into the bitchy camp. But, I, like you, have chosen at this time to be positive. I wish my supervisor could be as angelic, not that she’s a terrible person, she just tends to live in a world of worry and dissatisfaction. Although she really makes me lean to the positive in order to balance things out.
I’ve had jobs where the environment was contagiously negative. I think it says a lot for my manager and supervisor that they just don’t allow that to happen here– even negative people who come on board seem to rise to the occasion and adapt to the nice environment. It’s not the whole company– it’s just this little area.
I’m glad you supervisor makes you “lean to the positive.” It’s a nice way to rebel!
Little Miss said,
April 27, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Oh, you are so inspiring, MB. This is just wonderful to hear. I know exactly the type of environment you’re in, and I’m usually the one who would leave before waiting for the severance. The negativity of those who bitch and moan and live in fear of the inevitable would wear me down, and I always chose to just move on. But to be able to be surrounded and supported by such kindhearted and generous folk is something I’ve never experienced. Ever. I really am so tickled and happy for you – it couldn’t come to a more deserving person.
Love the idea of socializing and the Martini Angel. How appropriate is that! Have a great time and soak it up (the fun, maybe not so much the martinis. LOL but then again…)
I’ll bet you’ve heard of this outsourcing company, LM. I’ll e-mail you the name. They are not so nice, but the people who were with the original company (the ones who are losing their jobs and getting severance) are fantastic. It’s lovely, and thank you for being so happy for me. I feel very fortunate.
I WILL soak up the fun and the martini. I’m only having one (okay, maybe two), because it’s a work night– but I’m going to drag it out and enjoy!
thebeadden said,
April 27, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I’m so happy you are “in a good place” in your life right now, Moonbeam. Just when we think life is sloping downhill, an opportunity presents itself. And you went for it!
Good things happen to good people
Take care and enjoy every minute of it.
Thanks BD! I hope this represents a huge turnaround for us. I’m not sure how good I am– lucky is more like it!
kaylee said,
April 27, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I am so happy for you!
Hey are up for chatting?
Thanks Kaylee– let’s try to chat again tonight!
Adam said,
April 27, 2008 at 4:14 pm
A Martini angel!? I didn’t know those existed! That’s about enough to get me back to church! —Throw in a patron saint of gin, and it’s a done deal.
So glad it’s going so well for you… you deserve this blessing.
Oh yes– martini angels are EVERYWHERE! There are patron saints of gin, vermouth and olives as well. See you in church! And thanks!
kaylee said,
April 27, 2008 at 4:14 pm
“My last day will probably be at the end of this month.”
Wait the end of this month or may???
Oops! Thanks for catching that– it’s the end of May.
writerchick said,
April 27, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Aw Queenie, these sound like amazing people. I’m so happy that they found you or you found them. It’s always such a wonder when true goodness comes into our lives, isn’t it? I’m sure that you will be able to ‘keep’ some of them even after your current project is over. mmmm…drinks with olives. Yummy.
WC
Thanks, WC. They are amazing, and I’m really appreciating this goodness right now. My supervisor’s made me promise to visit her when she moves away, and I’ll definitely be doing that. I’m collecting phone numbers and e-mail addresses, so I won’t let them get too far off of my radar.
I heart drinks with olives.
ellaella said,
April 27, 2008 at 5:38 pm
it’s like suddenly having a guardian angel materialize and extend her hand.
Isn’t it almost breathtaking when that happens in our lives? I wish it could happen to everyone at least once. Maybe it does. I’m soooo happy for you.
Breathtaking is a great word for it, Ella. I get so astounded by this turn of events that it leaves me speechless. I just sort of take it all in and try to figure out how it’s happened, but sometimes there’s no explanation for the way that things happen. I wish it could happen to everyone too!
thegirlfromtheghetto said,
April 27, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Real cocktails with girlfriends are like the best thing ever … you enjoy those martini’s. I am so happy for you Moonbeam. By the way, is Simone Martini an Italian Ren. painter? Ever since I took a Masters class in Art History I think I’m all cool when I can recognize certain styles of art….
Did you study art, or do you just love it? I notice all of your art blog friends …
Thank you Ghetto Girl. I want this kind of stuff to start happening for you, and I truly believe it will.
Yes, Martini is an Italian Renaissance Painter. I think you’re all cool for recognizing it too. Here’s a link with more of his stuff. I am an art lover, not a studier.
Wendy said,
April 27, 2008 at 10:10 pm
It sounds like you’re doing great, and I’m sure it’s partly because you’ve plugged in to all the positive people. What a wonderful group. I’m really happy you’ve had this “shot in the arm” so to speak. And I bet your brain is just filling up with posts for us Moonies.
Thanks Wendy– things do seem to be looking up! I will e-mail you soon with more details of all the fabulosity.
Red said,
April 27, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I wish you could scoop up all the goodness and pack it in your pockets, so that it could forever give you goodness. You deserve that, McQueenie. And you deserve a girls night out.
There are angels out there, you definitely have a few.
What a wonderful wish, Red. I wish I could scoop it up and hand it out to people. I do believe in angels– I do, I do. I’m looking forward to going out and drinking with them on Thursday!
Heather said,
April 28, 2008 at 12:48 pm
It’s so great that your co-workers are so supportive.
Thanks, Heather- I think so too!
joanharvest said,
April 28, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Having positive people around you counts for a lot. Negative energy really sucks. I am fortunate to have a lot of positive people around me. Be careful not to poke your eardrum with the martini sword. That’s how I broke my eardrum but I did it with the stick they use in Chinese restaurants to put that teriyaki meat on. When Sarah was little poked me in the eye with a fork (by mistake). So I have had a lot of poking done to me. One must be on the lookout for poking.
“Sigh…Life is good” I like hearing that from you. I know you’ve been through your share of bad times and to hear you say that makes me tingly all over
Oh no, I forgot about your fork in the eye, stick in the ear stories! I promise to be very careful.
I’m glad I made you tingly– I really am soaking up all of this goodness. It makes me so happy to be around such people. It’s not that the people around the hood are good, it’s just that most of them are pretty worn out from life, and after a while it becomes very draining. This was just the shot in the arm I needed! I plan to keep some of this goodness in a Thermos and take it back home with me when this is all over.
kaylee said,
April 28, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Okay soubds good
betme said,
April 28, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Aw… sharing your happy, brings me such joy! Sending out a prayer to your very own Martini angel. May she watch over you and guide you down the path of many happy olive filled memories.
gypsy-heart said,
April 28, 2008 at 7:26 pm
The wagons circled dear MB…the energy around you is only full circle.
You are an earth angel yourself!
Have a grand time on girl’s night out..and have a drink for all of us.
Here’s to you MB!!
We love you!
kaylee2 said,
April 28, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I am in lots of pain today
bUT I would liek to talk 