I am just sorry to see it end

I am home today. I don't like to miss work. I know that makes me a work-nerd, but in the words of Rizzo, "there are worse things I could be."

I particularly don't like to take sick time. I am never quite sure I am "sick enough" to not be there. And then there is this idea floating in my head that someday I may need that time for something more consequential than stomach issues and achiness.

However, today I had to give in. Nausea is the one thing that will send me home. Is there anything worse than having a wave of "I-think-I-am-gonna-hurl" sweep over you while sitting at your desk. The thought of tossing your cookies in front of your co-workers is more than I can stand. So, I am home. I worked through a rather tedious project, e-mailed it and then slipped out the door.

Here I am, bored, sleepy, still sick at my stomach and wondering if I should have just waited it out. The one thing that makes me think perhaps it was a good decision is that I was here when the mail came. And what did the mailman bring this poor, pathetic, nauseas blogger?

My final package from my One Skein Exchange Secret Pal. I had mixed emotions when I spied the box on my welcome mat. The first was pure glee. She's been so very kind and so very thoughtful. I knew what was inside that box would make me giddy and chipper and cure all my ails. But then there was the realization that this was my last package from my dear pal. I had so been looking forward to each one. She put so much thought, effort and talent in to assembling my previous two. So much so in fact that I often left the items out on display just so I could enjoy them each time I walked past.

I nabbed my package, came inside, turned the television off as to avoid any distraction and started ripping open the package. And WOW! do I have the best pal ever! When I opened the box I realized that it smelled amazing!

Inside I found the cutest red-toned lace socks. I don't know that I have ever had someone knit for me and I was so touched that I put them on before even digging into the rest of the box. (She also included the pattern for the socks. . . I am going to have to try that one. How sweet they are!)
After I admired my new handknitted socks I found The Knitter's Handbook. How did she know that I had coveted a copy at Stitches? (Jenny from the Blog will surely be green with envy. She had contemplated one as well.)

I kept digging and found a little zipper pouch from Crabtree and Evelyn, inside were lavender scented bath goodies (appropriately!)

Oh, it didn't stop there. I also spied four candles and two holders. They smelled wonderful! Deep inside I next found shortbread cookies. It's as if she's been stalking me! I love shortbread cookies. In fact, I eat my weight in them every Christmas.

And then there was the card. It's the last package, so it's the official "reveal" of the pal's identity. To learn more about my awesome pal, you can visit her at Loose String.

The best part is that she lives near Chicago and had considered meeting up with me at Stitches. Oh, that would have been incredible! Maybe next time! Oh, and a quick glance at her blog reveals that she too has five cats, lives with her beloved and loves photography. It's a match made in heaven.

Thanks, Loose String!