9:00 p.m.

Errands ran.

Knitting packed

Washing machine running

Dishes washed and in the drainer

Camera and cellphone chargers packed

2 books packed

Plastic over AC unit

Spare keys distributed appropriately

Snacks purchased

Communicated with traveling companion

Today, honestly, was the best day of the entire week.  Now I am not just saying that because it is Friday...but seriously, TODAY WAS WONDERFUL!!!! 

The morning improved drastically when the Lord answered two specific prayer requests...one of which allowed me to pass along a rather frustrating task.  I believe the direct quote was, "No one should start their holiday all stressed-out."  How thoughtful...  My friend (who shall remain nameless) said, "Look - they hired you to answer the phones, look cute, and be super sweet.  Nowhere in your job description does it say, "Fight with the Microsofts."  The other answer wasn't for me...but it was shared with me -- which once again, increased my faith.  Thanks for sharing!!! 

After passing the project (AKA:  Nightmare), I felt like skipping around the department.  I didn't.  I don't think OSHA would approve...for several reasons...
A. My brown loafers had a chunky 1" - 1-1/2" heel.
B. I more-than-likely would've broke out into song...and well, that's just not pretty.  Although I do love singing in choir. 

Speaking of choir...it has been ten (10) years since I sang in the choir at Manitou Road Baptist Church.  And you know what convicted me...even though during those ten (10) years I was sad with the way a situation turned-out...that really gave me no reason to stop praising the Lord by making a joyful noise.  I hadn't really given it much thought or else I blamed a busy schedule on my lack of choir-committal previously, but truth be told -- my heart was broken and I just couldn't do it.  Now I realize how extremely selfish that was and I am truly sorry.

Soo when I gave up the dream of skipping around the department, I settled for listening to a medley of Christmas carols -- the old-fashioned ones.  One of my favorites is "Fum! Fum! Fum!"  (Are there supposed to be exclamation points after each Fum -- I'm not sure -- but it sure looks delightful that way.  Plus, have you ever heard it?  The version I have sounds like they are proclaiming each Fum with such exuberance that exclamation points seem a MUST!)

My afternoon flew by...okay, so I just made a joke.  It flew by because I spent a good portion of it comparing flights for my co-worker who is traveling to Portland, Oregon.  Funtimes for him.  I found a decent flight -- the trip home includes a red eye.  Not my favorite, nor his.  There was nothing I could do about -- well, short of hiring a private jet to transport him back to O'Hare.

When it was time to leave, it took every form of self-control to keep me from skipping out the door.  I bid adieu to my co-workers and walked out with the one who rid of me of that wretched project. 

Upon clocking-out, I headed to the red bulls eye to purchase snacks for our roadtrip.  From there, I went to JoAnn's in search of size 17 knitting needles...and wouldn't you know, they only had 15's or 19's.  The 19's were HUGE and frightful!  Neither pair was purchased.  After JoAnn's, a trip to Home Depot was a must -- spare cottage keys made and a window insulation kit to cover my AC unit with plastic to keep out the drafts.  After all errands were ran...a spare key was tied with purple yarn and left on the front porch of my dear friend's house. 

Upon arriving at the cottage, I literally dropped everything (knitting bag, lunch bag, purse, Home Depot purchase) in the chair next to the door.  And I didn't care a bit when it toppled over...glancing over my shoulder to confirm nothing was broken, I went about warming up supper -- chicken tortilla soup.  I heart soup.  And I especially heart leftovers. 

Ninety minutes later...I still don't have any clothes packed...but I have the important stuff.  Plus I don't feel overwhelmed...it has been very relaxing this evening...exactly how I prayed and asked the Lord to make it.  A quiet, relaxing evening at the cottage.

I hope your Friday evening has been equally delightful.
Happy end of the week!  Happy weekend!