Sister came home from the hospital today with a good prognosis and a physio plan for working back up to full strength. Just in time for her birthday tomorrow. Much grateful for everyone who sent their love and prayers. People need people…not mention good health care. And good contractors (bathroom is in the home stretch). And good jobs. Had my annual compensation discussion with my former manager—who was the one who had to deliver it because of the way the system works. There’s a lot to be thankful for, including a nice raise and bonus coming in January. I wish I’d started with this company sooner but better late than never. As the year winds down, we’re all rushing around wrapping up fourth quarter commitments while simultaneously being told by leadership to take time off over the next couple of weeks and step away from work entirely. I’ll be doing a little of that but also looking forward to concentrating on quiet time without interruption to plan for 2022. We had an online holiday party today, where you log in to join various activities, some prerecorded. I stopped by the cookie decorating room for a while and spent about a half hour watching clips from Cirque de Soleil shows, which were simply mesmerizing. Hubby and I have seen two or three live performances over the years. If I could do it all over, I’d want to be a Cirque de Soleil acrobat. These days, however, I’m happy if I can just climb in and out of bed at times—which, because of the height of the bed in the guest room where we’ve been sleeping since the bath remodel, requires some acrobatic moves on my part.

Had a late afternoon walk in the chill air before my last meeting of the day. It was a casual meeting where our whole team gets together and someone volunteers to do a presentation of some kind. My manager shared her professional journey, driving home the point that she’s a woman of amazing talent and determination—and also, apparently, a former party girl who had to slow it down in order to increase her work performance. I’ve slowed down only because I’m old. Ah, the good old days at university. She interrupted her talk to point her camera out a window where a bobcat was trotting through her yard (in Texas), which I thought was the best part of the whole meeting!

Well, this old party gal needs to get some supper and lie on her bed ‘o nails this evening. Three more weeks till the end of 2021.