The Phantom

Today was a decidedly wonderful day.

1. I genuinely LIKE the people that I work alongside, and we kicked some ass today. I realize that what I do has very little impact in the grand scheme of things, and that by most accounts, it would be considered a luxury service. However, there's always at least a little honor in a job well done.

2. My former colleague, Charmaine, announced the arrival of her first child, a little girl named Sophia Grace. Charmaine has led a life colored by insane tragedy and turmoil, and Sophia's arrival is sort of like a bookend to the bad times. I am so excited for that family. I'd say a healthy new daughter is a good early Christmas gift. (Well done, Santa.)

3. My mom and I carpooled home from work tonight, rolled in the door at 9:30 (long f-ing day), to find that Big Bro Joe had prepared a signature meal for us-- Hawaiian grilled ribs, red beans and rice, and grilled vegetables. (I'd never had grilled bok choy or grilled green onions, and both were fantastic.)

4. On the way home from our respective shops, Janners and I stopped at this great corner store for some wine. I met the proprietor who turned out to be a fantastic sommelier and a solid salesman. (I am currently sipping one of his products-- a red blend called Phantom [something something]-- and it is delicious. The bottle describes it as "mysterious and seductive", and normally I'd roll my eyes, but it's pretty fucking accurate! The blend includes old vine Zinfandel, petite Syrah, and old vine Mourvedre, which is apparently a Spanish grape. I'm telling you right now: I am going to become the most obnoxious oenophile OF ALL TIME. I can feel it happening already.)

5. I like that moment when our clients go from just "clients" to "regulars", and I think I brought someone over that line today. Aside from the business that she could bring to my boss, she is a cool chick. (In my current line of work, that is more the exception than the rule. FOR SURE.)

6. Jan is making her wonderful beef barley soup, and the whole house smells of Christmas tree and homemade soup. It's unbelievable.

7. The brother is home safely. Always good to know the siblings are still alive and kicking. He was on a business call today, and I wrote him a note quoting Buddy the Elf, and he seemed a little bemused. Being a little sister can sometimes be fun.

Considering the wine glass is getting a little too empty for my taste, I should go. I tend to get very honest after this point. To that end, GOOD NIGHT.