We’re on week five of being an indoor nation. At this juncture, people are becoming antsy. It’s normal but we have to remember to be safe.
I know. I KNOW. It’s becoming difficult but we must persevere!
Keep wearing the masks. Keep your social distance. In the long run, it’ll be better.
But on to the every day stuff that’s going on here.
I’m still driving to work every day. I’m still managing to be ridiculously productive.
Some days are better than others. Did I ever mention to you that I’m extremely fluorescent light sensitive? Yeah. The lighting plays with my amblyopic, strabismus crossed-eyes in the worst way. I’ve been donning an eye patch on those days and between the eye patch and the mask, I make quite the stunningly unique statement!
And this lovely portrait was taken when I left my eye patches at home! Do you like my bespoke patch of tissues? Looks crazy but it works!
The workload continues to be heavy and I’m gloriously thrilled to be alone in the office. It’s gonna hurt when everyone returns.
But…something happened this week that really bothered me. Really bothered me and I need to vent a bit about it.
This week, April 22, was National Administrative Assistant Recognition Day. Given the fact that during this Corona time, I’m working for around maybe 25 people—maybe a bit more, maybe a bit less, but that’s the general number. I send faxes, I send letters via USPS and overnight, electronic documents, take phone calls, scan items, send emails, close accounts, and various other tasks.
And a Happy Administrative Professional Day to you!
I love what I do. My day is never dull and goes by very quickly. And I love being a support person. It is what I do and I do it well.
And on April 22, I received one email of thanks. One. From one of the attorneys. I happen to like her a lot and was genuinely touched and happy to receive her thanks. She wrote me a very nice thank you.
All I wanted was a thank you. That’s all!
Nobody else thanked me.
There is something very wrong here and I don’t quite know what it is. But I think it comes down to self-importance and a lack of values.
That’s all I wanted. One. Simple. Thanks!
My parents taught me and my siblings values. You know, like when someone does something nice you thank them. If someone opens a door for you, you say “thank you”. If you are driving and someone lets you “in” to a lane, you signal or give them a wave of the hand or nod to gesture “thank you”.
Quite simply said!
Thank you. Two little words that mean so much more. And nobody bothers to say it.
And while I realize everyone is working from home, I’m not expecting flowers or a ten-dollar gift card to WaWa or Walmart, nor am I expecting a pizza party. All I was hoping for was those two little words. Thank you.
I get plenty of flowers from the husband. I don’t need more flowers–just a thank you!
All I shall add to this is I never forget. Nobody except my boss and supervisor offered condolences when my brother passed. I didn’t forget that. Now I have another thing to add to my “I don’t forget” list.
Okay, moving on.
Yes. My vent is over it’s time to move on….Thank you for allowing me to vent!
Yesterday was the first day in a month we ventured out of our home. Wait. Let me make a correction. We make weekly trips for groceries but other than work and grocery trips, yesterday was the first day we ventured out to run a task other than to get groceries or work.
I have a vintage Louis Vuitton GM bucket bag that I bought pre-owned. You can read about it here: I Bought a Vintage Louis Vuitton Bag and Cleaned it Up!
I love this bag and this is the one that I took to be repaired.
And although the bag is in fine condition, the trim on the upper part of the bag has cracks and is falling apart in spots. I’ve wanted to get the trim replaced and had been doing research on leather repairs in the Philadelphia area. I did call around and found that Roxborough Shoe and Luggage Repair best fit the need.
Unfortunately the top trim is decaying but is definitely worth repairing!
In addition, one of my favorite pairs of shoes happens to be a pair of old-school, J. Crew suede flats that I picked up two years ago on a random trip to Goodwill. I saw them, size 8 ½ and they were gorgeous. Tan suede, pointy-toed flats made in Italy for the price of $7.47. I jumped on them and they’ve been a most-worn pair until this past November.
My beloved shoes. Oh did I do a number on these!
When we were in Paris, I took these along. They are comfortable and I figured they would be a great shoe for walking the city. And since I pack light, they, along with a pair of boots were the only footwear I took. What I didn’t expect was three days of non-stop rain.
The heel came apart and the suede is peeling. Lesson learned. Do not wear suede in the rain!
The shoes were destroyed but I couldn’t bring myself to part with them.
They are now being repaired for the price of $36. More than I paid for the thrifted shoes but the original price was much higher and I love the shoes.
The bag and shoes are now on a little spa holiday. In the meantime, I can’t even get my nails done
The bag and shoes were toted in an Estetica Designs wig bag! But look how charming and cozy this place is. I honestly wish you could smell this place–the mixture of leather and polish was mesmerizing..
Why can’t there be a perfume called “shoe and leather repair”?
I’ll tell you this much. Going through this time of the pandemic, my habits are changing. I’m not itching to go shopping at the mall. Vintage and pre-owned items are looking more appealing to me these days—especially at a great price point.
This pandemic may have changed the way we shop. I don’t know if that’s good or bad but I think it’ll change things.
On Friday, the last of the yeast was used. Bonaparte was hoping for more Pains aux Raisins. And so, Friday evening a batch of brioche dough was made and on Saturday morning, I made a batch and a couple of Brioche loaves.
And on Friday evening we also make the pastry cream!
I was up at 6AM to separate and roll the brioche dough..
The dough was rolled out…
..spread with pastry cream..
..sprinkled with raisins and..
rolled up, chilled then cut into slices!
The remaining dough used for two loaves.
Baked goods at home!
The daunting issue with this is that it’s impossible to find yeast in any of the stores. I’m going to have to go shopping at Amazon to track some down.
The good thing about this is that people are making bread at home. And home-baked bread is such a treat. It’s warm and toasty and far superior than the store-bought and is completely organic!
Whaddya want? Pains aux Raisins or Brioche. I’ll take both!
I’m off to write some more and to binge-watch more Cheers on Netflix! It’s a lazy day. I’m in my pajamas and am not ashamed to admit it! We need a good pajama day every now and then. Don’t you think so?
This is how I’m dressed today! PJ’s and a fun wig from Cysterwigs–Ambrose in Rose Blush! It’s cheerful!
Stay safe and be cautious!!
Yeah. The hands are kind of nasty. Chippy was lucky enough to go to the vet yesterday to get his nails clipped. I’m thinking of calling the vet’s office to see if he does human paws!
Be well and stay safe!
