The Comforts of Home -- at the Office

I'm sitting at my desk on my lunch break as I write this. It's a nasty day outside -- cold and wet and gray. I call this type of day a poetry-writing day because when the weather is this bad that's all I feel like doing, aside from sleeping. In some ways, this type of day is more difficult to deal with than one filled with snow, pollen, or heat. At least those types of days have some sun, which tends to energize me. I'm glad it's Friday.

Ok, I guess it's not really that bad being cooped up inside. At least I have a window. I've also personalized my office space considerably over the years, so right now I'm surrounded by many of my favorite things. One could say I have the comforts of home here, except that I'm at the office. I've got my gorgeous Southwestern-style blanket -- a thick, woven-cotton thing made up of red, green, blue, and yellow triangles -- to keep me warm. I have lots of interesting teabags in my desk and a microwave nearby to heat water. On my desk I have my favorite green mug, which reads: "God put me on Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now I'm so far behind I will never die." I also have a large ceramic jar -- whimsically labeled "Attitude Adjustments" and filled with chocolate and hard candy -- and a little desk calendar comprised of amusing cat-related cartoons. My main cubicle wall is covered with colorful postcards from around the world -- China, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Slovenia, Turkey, Namibia, and New Zealand. Most importantly, I have a lovely bouquet of deep pink roses from my husband that so far has managed to last nine days.

So I guess it's not so bad in here. At least I'm warm and dry, and surrounded by many of my favorite things. But I'm still glad it's Friday.