I attended another Farewell Happy Hour tonight (to be honest, I’ve attended too many this year). As I mentioned, one of my colleagues from my research group is leaving our agency, and a student trainee is leaving as well. It feels like another gut punch, to be honest. Most of the people who have been there my whole career are gone now. I feel like Marty McFly in “Back to the Future”, when he travels back into the past and holds the picture of his family, watching as people are – one by one – disappearing from the photo (only that, in my case, there is no way of getting these people back).
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We’re five days away from a potential Government Shutdown. As federal employees, we’ve been through this scenario too many times to count, and this time, the likelihood seems high again that we might be furloughed again (or worse). It’s once again stress-inducing, to say the least.
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On a happier note, I received a lovely postcard from Elisabeth and Birchie in the mail this week. It made me so happy to know that these two lovely ladies were able to spend time together and that they thought of sending out postcards to their bloggy friends! Thank you!! I do hope to see Peggy’s Cove with my own eyes someday!
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I also got to spend some time with my friend Susi a couple of weekends ago, and it’s been balm to my soul. Susi and I have known each other since 2004, and even though she doesn’t live exactly around the corner (1.5 hours away), I feel thankful to have a close, long-time friend nearby with whom hanging out feels effortless and not like another chore.
(I don’t want to make it sound like hanging out with people is a chore for me, but during stressful times, you just want to have a go-to person who knows you well and doesn’t expect anything from you other than your presence. Do you know what I mean?)
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I am busy this weekend getting our home ready to host my parents. I am so excited that we finally have the space where they can stay with us, and we don’t have to put them up in a hotel. This might seem like a small thing, but it’s huge for me. I want them to feel like they can come and visit us whenever they want, without it being a huge additional expense (I mean, flights are expensive enough).
It’s kind of ridiculous that we’ve lived here for almost a year, and I still have to put up pictures on the wall and unpack some boxes. (Just don’t ask! Have I mentioned that this last year was just crazy?) I also went on a quick Ikea trip last week and bought a couple more things for our home (including a rug for the living room, which we had talked about getting for forever!). I know, I know, I also still owe you a house tour – I’ll get around to it eventually.
What are your weekend plans?
Elisabeth
September 27, 2025 at 2:17 pmFirst, you don’t “owe” us anything. We love glimpses into your life, but if you never post a picture of your new place I promise we will all survive.
Second, Birchie and I talked about you so many times and how much we adore you, how you are the glue that holds this amazing bloggy community together, and she reiterated that you have the most beautiful voice she’s ever heard.
Third, PLEASE COME TO NOVA SCOTIA some day. I know you would love it here.
Fourth, I am so excited your parents are coming to visit. I’m sure that will be a real highlight. And I completely understand what you mean about space. For about a decade, we lived in an apartment after getting married and had so little space. My parents often had to stay elsewhere. Having a place that can accommodate extra people is so nice.
Fifth, I’m so sorry about the work upheaval. Gah. You have been through the proverbial ringer this year.
Hugs my friend. And I’m so glad the postcard arrived…in the nick of time because CANADA POST IS ON STRIKE AGAIN. I know…
J
September 27, 2025 at 4:13 pmI’m excited that you will have a visit with your parents! I agree, so much nicer to have them stay with you, you get so much more time together that way.
Michelle G.
September 27, 2025 at 4:57 pmI’m so sorry that your job is stressful, and that so many people have left. It’s so nice that you could spend time with your friend, and that your parents are coming to visit. I requested to follow you on Peloton! I’m mgdoodlestudio if you want to add another friend to your list! I did a 20-minute beginner ride today, and my legs feel like rubber! I have never sweated so hard! And I feel great!
Tobia | craftaliciousme
September 28, 2025 at 2:54 amYeahhh for having your parents come over. Double yeahhh for them to be able to stay with you.
I strongly believe you get most things you procrastinate on done when people are coming over. So yeah for that too.
I would love to see your new home but I am with Elisabeth. you don’t owe us anything.
I am really hoping your job situation is going to settle a bit. Definitely something you didnt need this year on top of all the other s**t going down.
Birchie
September 28, 2025 at 3:41 amI’m so happy that your parents are coming! And yes, I know what you mean by effortless/non chore hangouts.
Daria
September 28, 2025 at 4:05 amHi San, thanks for an update. I am sorry to hear that so many people are living with this state of uncertainty. It must be so hard. I’ve mentioned I am a state employee and I’m sure it will get to us, too.
Wonderful news about your parents coming and staying with you. It really is so special when they stay at the house versus a hotel. Morning coffee/tea together, small talks, just hanging out on the couch. Cooking together! All that is wonderful and wish them a great stay.
NGS
September 28, 2025 at 6:17 pmYay for a visit from your parents! It’s so nice when they can stay with you and not have the extra expense of a hotel. Boo for people leaving work! We just had a retirement and I’m so sad my colleague left us. We have all been bemoaning how much we miss her since she left.
Joyce
September 30, 2025 at 12:01 pmFirst time here; found you from Birchie and Elisabeth and….I’m not sure who else. This post rang true: about the hanging with a friend who expects nothing. and about being in a house for a year with nothing on the walls. I just did that. My husband retired about a year after our move so HE was the one who hung it all up. Not me, still working 44 hours a week for the man.
Melissa
October 1, 2025 at 3:48 pmSo I’m commenting after the shutdown has begun. I’m so sorry, San. I hope it doesn’t last too long and you get back to work quickly. I guess a good thing is that your parents will be visiting (are they there yet?)
Stephany
October 9, 2025 at 7:52 amI’m so glad your parents are visiting! Hooray for that. And I guess since it’s in the midst of the government shutdown, that means more family time? IDK – trying to find some sort of silver lining when there really isn’t one.
I totally understand being around friends who are just EASY to be around. When things are very heavy and hard, we need those friends who give us that sense of peace so I’m glad you have that. <3
Anne
October 12, 2025 at 7:59 amI hope you have had a wonderful time with your parents. You deserve all the good things right now. Time with family, and friends, and at IKEA all sound like perfect good things to me. <3 Sending love and hugs.