Dear Readers,
Today moved slowly — the kind of day that feels soft around the edges, where time drifts by quietly and nothing feels particularly urgent. It was ordinary, but in a way, that’s exactly what I needed.
I spent the morning attending a few meetings, answering messages, and catching up on small tasks. Nothing exciting, nothing chaotic — just a steady rhythm of getting things done. In between, Bisa, Bitey, and I played a few rounds of Plato games, laughing more than competing, before I gave in and took a one-hour power nap. I swear, that nap might have saved the rest of my day.
When I woke up, I checked my email, still waiting for the documents I needed to sign for my background check and onboarding with the City. After not seeing anything, I sent a polite follow-up to the executive assistant — worried I might have missed something — only to find out that the director had been out of office yesterday, which delayed the process. A simple answer, but it gave me some relief to finally know.
Later, I got ready for work and headed to the pool. It was a mellow shift — just me on deck, overseeing lessons and chatting with my instructors between classes. But word travels fast. Today, my staff officially found out that I accepted a new job.
Their reactions were mixed but kind — two of them even mentioned that they plan to put in their own two weeks soon, saying they’d stayed mainly because I was their manager. It made my heart ache a little. I never wanted my departure to ripple like that or cause trouble for anyone, especially the company. I know they’re making their own choices, but part of me still feels guilty — like I’m leaving behind a gap that’ll be hard to fill.
When work wrapped up, the exhaustion hit. I was hangry — truly and deeply. Bitey and I started bickering playfully right away, and poor Bisa had to step in and “time us out” for two minutes just to get a break from our squabbling. I can’t even argue with him — we probably needed it.
Once I got home, I was greeted by the smell of dinner — steak, salad, and mashed potatoes. My dad and brother had cooked, and it was the first time in a while that I came home to a meal already made. It felt nice — a little bit like comfort sneaking back in when I didn’t realize I’d been missing it.
And right as I sat down to eat, my phone chimed — the email I had been waiting for all day had finally arrived. My onboarding documents were sitting there in my inbox. I could almost feel the tension melt off my shoulders. Between bites of dinner, I opened them, reviewed everything carefully, and signed the papers before sending them back. Just like that, I could finally breathe easier. Everything for the new job is moving forward, and the reality of it all is starting to sink in.
My shoulder, however, is still giving me grief. Three days now of pain — tight, aching, and stiff — making it nearly impossible to turn my head or lift my arm comfortably. Last night, I slept with a heating pad, which helped a little, but tonight I think I’ll bring out the Icy Hot and hope for something stronger.
So here I am — sore shoulder, full stomach, and Game of Thrones playing in the background while I sit beside Bisa and Bitey, writing this letter to you. It’s been a quiet day, but quiet doesn’t always mean empty. Sometimes it’s just life catching its breath, giving us a moment to pause before whatever comes next.
With love,
Monique
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