This is just a test

Do you ever wonder if one of your coworkers is testing you?

This morning I was "on" a conference call with one of my superiors. As he dialed to gather the participants, I went to alert the receptionist that we were waiting for a call from one other attendee. A moment after I returned, the additional attendee called in and my coworker began to discuss the business for the call--still holding the phone to his ear. I sat there dumbfounded for a moment before I began to frantically scribble notes from his side of the call--the only part of the conversation I could hear. I was still watching him intently, mulling over how to discreetly suggest he put the phone on speaker, when the call ended just a few minutes later.

After the call ended, I went over my notes with him to be sure I correctly understood everything. I will admit I am somewhat intimidated by this intense individual, so I didn't even say directly that I needed to check the call notes because I couldn't hear the other side of the conversation. And I kept wondering to myself if he was testing me--trying to see if I would stick up for myself.

If he was, I failed.

Sweet guys

I remembered, out of nowhere, a conversation I'd had back in college about a man I'd been thinking of dating. Describe him, my best friend had said. I'd giggled and said, He's sweet. And she'd looked at me very seriously, taken my hands, and said, Corazon, sweet men are only sexy until you realize that they're too weak to hurt you. I hadn't agreed with her--still didn't, in some ways--but there was no denying that dangerous men had a visceral attraction.

(Heat Stroke, Rachel Caine, 291)

Sun damage

It is difficult to take my coworker seriously today, even when he has sworn off the resort polo shirts, when he has a completely white band across the top of his forehead contrasting with his swarthly tan face. Now I know what leaves worse tan lines than ski goggles--motorcycle helmets.

Necessary clarification

Chiller for office HVAC system is not working today. If I'd have known before I came in, perhaps I'd have joined the (literally) 12 people who are out today.

While I was downstairs loading up on ice, I ran into our newest employee. "You're lucky," I said. "It is much cooler in the basement."

"It is?" He asked. "That's why it's where my TV is."

Following my surprised stare, he finished that thought. "At home."

The right way

With both my Dad and Lisa's parents here, I asked Lisa to join me on a walk through Watson's Bay (which was the site of our first walk together last December). We reminisced about our first date, how much we've grown together, and how much we're looking forward to our future together. We then sat, overlooking Sydney's inner harbour, and with the sun setting beside us, and a gentle wind blowing across our faces, I got down on one knee, and asked Lisa to marry me.

The best part is...she said yes!!!

PJ proposed the right way. Lisa wasn't surprised--they've been shopping for a ring together. He chose a setting that had personal meaning to them and enabled them to feel alone, even in a public place. He even managed to statisfy my traditional side with the mention of their parents being in the city, all while conforming to stereotypic romantic ideals.

Consider this a primer on how to do it the right way.

Postscript

But while writing this entry, the thought popped into my head unbidden: if that was his perfect proposal to me, he would've knelt down alongside a trail at Forest Park, the site of our first walk and first date.

Definition

Irony: Your most intense coworker wearing items of clothing every day that discreetly advertise his favorite vacation spot.

True Colorado girl