Hurray for Friday!

Wow. We finally made it to Friday. Only 6 hours until I can go home for the weekend. I don't know why, but this week has been the longest one yet. I think it's because the secretary who sits next to me has been out, and I've been covering her two attorneys on top of my two attorneys. It's not that there's too much work, 'cause there isn't really. I think it's because it's thrown the rhythm of my day off. I think we all create patterns in our lives that make it seem as if everything is going along smoothly. When we have to make changes or additions to those patterns, it disrupts the harmony we've created. That's what this week has been like for me.

Don't get me wrong. I do love the challenge of new things. I just don't like how "off" it makes me feel. It seems like I've been a step or two behind all week. And having to cope with two new people and their little foibles doesn't help. Especially since their secretary has spoiled them so! But then, I spoil my folks, too. I guess it's just that once you've worked with someone for a while, you get to know exactly how they like things done, and they get to know just how far they can push you. When you have to deal with new folks, there's an awkwardness to your communication. I mean, I know that I'm one of the best legal secretaries in this town, but Steve and Brad don't quite know that yet, so they're always double and triple checking things with me. Brad even seemed surprised when one of the items he gave me was already finished. He thought I'd have questions for him. I didn't. I just took care of it.

Things have gotten more relaxed as the week has worn on. However, Brad has started taking advantage of the fact that I'm here later than his regular secretary, who leaves at 4:20 every day. See, I usually take the 6:38 train home, but I get off work at 5:00. So I usually sit at my desk playing solitaire or reading the newspaper until about 6:10. It's warmer and more comfortable than the train station. And while I may still be at my desk after 5:00, I actually clock out at 5:00, and I'm not being paid for that extra time that I'm here. Brad doesn't seem to grasp that concept. He has been coming up to me almost every day after 5:00 with work to do. I finally told him yesterday that, just because I'm still here, doesn't mean I'm still working. As a matter of fact, I usually shut down all of my programs except Explorer right after 5:00, so I would have to open them back up in order to do a letter for him. I think he finally understands.

Oh well, hopefully today is the last day I have to take care of these guys. I'm hoping that Anne (their secretary) will be back on Monday, but she might not be. She has pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the sack around the lungs, and that takes a little while to get over. If she isn't here, maybe there will be desk coverage available, and I'll be able to hand off her folks to them.

Anyway, that can wait until Monday. Today, though, is FRIDAY. And I can look forward to two whole days of not coming into the office. Hurray!