It’s true… with my workout schedule, New Year’s resolutions, job apps, and grant writing projects what has been foremost in my mind this week is that I promised to treat myself Friday morning to pecan waffles at the Waffle Shop (not to be confused with the Waffle House).  Tomorrow morning after walking the dog, running 4 miles, and picking up the mail and the paper, I will head in my trusty Xterra to the Waffle Shop and bask in fresh coffee and waffles, glorious!

The weather warmed up a whopping 10 degrees –  it’s almost tropical here.  And my parents are out-of-town, so I feel like a teenager playing hookie.

The only depressing thing is that my ability to network completely failed me today.  I called a contact at the behest of a friend and managed to lose all common sense and communication savvy in about 30 seconds.  I sounded like an idiot and rather than try to find common ground or ask questions, I found I just couldn’t wait to get off the phone.  So I got a bunch of advice that I sort of already knew and  the opportunity to write a thank you for your time note after the call.  I guess the only positive thing is that this person suggested I keep checking in from time to time, and if there was a job that I thought he might have some insider connections to contact him.  Not bad… but I don’t think I left a memorable impression.

And speaking of lacking in memorable impressions.  Yesterday while walking Verbal in miserably cold weather, we came upon – or rather she came upon us… a small dachshund mix.   We were walking along the brambles and briars so that Verbal could say hi to the horses (a daily requirement) and out from around the corner pranced this little dog.  Her owner showed up a few seconds behind and explained he had taken her off leash in hopes that she would warm up if she could run ahead.  I refrained from pointing out that a little doggie sweater my do the job a lot better.

We ended up walking along the horse paddock and talked off and on.  I asked about his dog, we talked about dog rescue, he asked about my dog, I explained I was from California… and we continued to walk the outer walk of the park talking back and forth – me headed for home and he headed for the car.  Then, Verbal succumbed to the call of nature, and as I bent to clean up afterward, I noticed that the guy kept walking and pretty much bailed out entirely.  All in about 7 seconds.  Was it something I said?  I wondered if I should have looked in the mirror before I left the house.  I was wearing a goofy winter hat, but so was he.  It wasn’t Kismet, but you’d think he would have said, “Nice talking with you,” or something to that extent.  But instead, poof! – the man vanishes.  I am clearly lacking in memorable impression.

Waffles tomorrow and a winter farmer’s market to look forward to in my future!  Waffle Shop here I come!

As ever,
K. Quinn