Sir Real

Last night I slept better than I have in days, thanks to the cold snap (35*F?!) and one too many blankets on the bed.  This morning, I awoke completely cramped and exhausted like I'd spent the whole day prior in too much fresh air and physical activity.  I spent the morning studying some documents in preparation for an 11am lunch with my team and a 1pm bid defense with a client.  A relaxed 20" commute into the city in which I rehearsed my introduction, and then a tense 10" of parking.  [insert gratitude here for the Nicest Parking Attendant in Center City] This was one of many bid presentations on this work so the client cut to the chase. We sat at the foot of a stage, seven in a row, with what felt like thirty of Them arrayed in a u-shaped table before us.  The acoustics were abysmal and the staff responsible for transferring the microphone from speaker to speaker could not keep up.  Rapid fire, the questions came.  I was in a deodorant commercial.   Yet all my razor's edge anxiety was for naught; I wasn't called on to say one word.  Dismissed, we regrouped at the bar and I reminded myself that 3pm on a Wednesday is not the time to cash it in.  Friendly pats on the back, I dashed back to my car (still there!  not vandalized!), but left my brain in the office where it regretted the unresponsive body trapped in the driver's seat.  Finally, at home, the panic that woke me up spontaneously at 6am took hold.  Client deliverable for 10+ data tables due by close of business.  (What is "close of business"?  Is that 5pm?  5:30pm?  Midnight?)  The time is 3:58
4:39
5:19
5:55

I am done.  For better or worse, the email is sent.  Beer.  I need beer like a fish needs water.  A quick drive to the local distributor and -what ho!- a case (a CASE!) of Blue Moon cold.  Sold!  The grocers for an orange.  The dry cleaners.  Hello, Neighbor!  A friendly 20" chat the likes of which I've never experienced but have long coveted.

Home.  My Beloved.  Peace.