There was another new fire, today, near the Skirball Center and Getty Museum. They closed the freeway I used to take to drive daughter to UCLA and back when she was doing her undergraduate studies. My aunt called me early in the morning to tell me that the freeway was closed as her son-in-law takes that freeway and couldn't get to work; she was calling me to see if I was going to work today and I assured her that I no longer take that freeway. The freeway I take to work and back was not closed.
I had a fairly productive day at the office, today. We had a holiday lunch in the office, just for our unit, today. It was a catered lunch and I enjoyed the food, but I think I ate something that didn't agree with me because I've been having an upset tummy since I came home! There was another, department-wide holiday party in the evening, but it was after office hours and I didn't attend.
I've been taking it easy, since I came home from work, and watching the coverage of the fires on TV. The winds had died down, earlier, but they've picked up, again and there are strong gusts of winds. They are going to make the fires even more challenging to bring under control.
Today, I am grateful for:
- There are no fires in my neighborhood (so far!)
- Office holiday lunch
- The freeway I take to work and back remained open
- A safe drive to the office and back
- Video chatting with daughter
My colleagues in the office were talking about having a White Elephant Gift Exchange, next week, after our monthly staff meeting. They have suggested a spending limit of $10, although someone was saying $15, on the gift and it can be a gag gift or not. I am drawing an absolute blank on an appropriate gift. In all my years of working, this is the first time I've participated in a White Elephant Gift Exchange at the office and I have no idea what to get! Have you participated in such a gift exchange? Do you have any suggestions? What would you get for an office gift exchange?
My dear friend, I did not realize how close to the fires you actually are. I pray your friends and family area all okay and that you too are ready to evacuate if needed. I know the area where the new fire broke out. I have family in the Woodland Hills area and if the fires get there, they just race up those canyons, like they have done on Mulholland (another place that I am familiar with). I am also praying that whatever is upsetting your stomach passes quickly. Be blessed and be safe!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. I am not too close to the fires, but, just this morning, they showed two new fires that were just starting to smolder in the Malibu area, which were quickly dealt with, so one never knows when a new fire might start and where! My stomach seems to be OK, so far, today, so, hopefully, whatever it was is gone!
DeleteAs a midwife, I often worked on Christmas night.A few days before we did a small money collection for the guard team.(5 to 10 euros maximum) And on Christmas night each of us had a little surprise gift under the tree.It was great.
ReplyDeleteVegevi, that was very nice to think of those who work on Christmas and other holidays. I usually give small gifts of my homemade jam, etc., to the clerical staff, my supervisor, and one or two colleagues I work with closely, and a collective office gift of some homemade baked item like a banana bread or a cake. This is the first time I'll be participating in this type of gift exchange where the gift is given anonymously and can be received by anyone. It'll be fun!
DeleteIf it were me, I probably wouldn't go for the gag gift unless I already had something laying around. But that's just me because I'm so practical. Gag gifts, however, are always fun. A neutral food item like a box of tea would probably work.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I was thinking of, too, Live and Learn. I'll probably leave the gag gifts to others. If I do give a gag gift, it will be of the type where I'd give a bunch of homemade bookmarks and a gift card to the bookstore. :) I have a small ceramic plate that is a souvenir of Sri Lanka with a picture of tea leaves being plucked which is still in its box; I can put together a basket with that plate, a box of tea, and maybe a mug.
DeleteThe wildfires are alarming and I feel so sorry for those who have lost not only their homes but their neighbourhood. I am concerned for the firefighters, too. I hope you don't have to be anywhere near the fires.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that you had a tummy upset after a nice lunch. I hope you get over it quickly.
It is a long time since I have been to the equivalent of a White Elephant Gift Exchange and I can't even remember what I took or finally ended up with. One idea that comes to mind is rainbow socks, and I even saw Mermaid socks advertised if you want something that is fun. How about a candy jar stuffed with wrapped candies of various kinds? Or an interesting calendar? I hope others come up with some interesting ideas as I'd love to read them.
Bushlady, so far, the fires are not threatening my area, so I am OK. The upset tummy is OK, too, thank goodness!
DeleteThe firefighters are stretched thin, but they are doing a great job, I think.
I like your suggestion for a jar of candy, too. Actually, I have seen where they fill empty pill containers with candy and print some labels which say "Stress Relief", etc. Maybe I might do something like that - wish I had kept some of those really big pill containers I received when I was under treatment!
I pray that you are okay my friend. I commented on this post last night but it is not showing here. I've been following the fires and they really do scare me. Please be safe and let us all know you are okay.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I am OK, thank you. I saw your comment, this morning, but since I was at work, I didn't have time to publish them and respond to the comments. Thank you for being concerned.
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