Vast, Beyond all Measure

It's Friday, it's Friday,
My favorite day of the working week!

Partially because I only work a short day on Friday, partially because I spend the afternoon with my grandparents, and partially because it is the beginning of a great break from the routine-I love Fridays.

I started the day off right with Chick-fil-a chicken and biscuits (courtesy my amazing employer) and a chance to brag on my co-workers in our monthly meeting. After the usual what-nots around the office, I went back to my desk to play catch up (and fix the catch-all that my desk had become over the busy week). As a case manager, the appropriate caseload for an individual would be anywhere between 15-25 clients. On the flipside, my caseload has officially reached 65+. I often thank God for blessing me with a memory to keep track of their names, family histories, children's names, and important details to connect on their level. That same memory, however, can be seen as a blessing and a curse. I don't seem to forget anything.

I often find it difficult to separate work from my personal life. I mean, who wouldn't in my shoes? I go home and wonder if some of my couples will have a roof over their heads that evening, if they had running water or went without food again, if their children are being watched and taken care of, if their pasts are keeping them awake, and whether they are reliving the cycle of violence they grew up in. Therefore, Friday is my official cue that I don't have to worry about these things until the next week. I have provided resources and assistance alongside the education of the curriculum to keep these couples safe-if only for a weekend.

So, I wrapped up my day that morning and headed out for a few days with the fam.  First stop, Gramma and Pawpaw's.

I may or may not be a little bit spoiled loved. After picking up some meat to take to the parents for a delicious cookout the Sunday prior, I mentioned to my grandparents that we needed to buy some ribs to throw on the grill next time. Low and behold, I was greeted with a hug and a kiss from each of them, and a big plate of yummy barbecued ribs!  Homemade potato salad and strawberries n' cream were the perfect sides for a filling lunch.  We talked about the usual things we do every week and laughed our cares away.

Driving into the area, I spotted a garage sale sign around the corner from their house (one of my Gramma's favorite hobbies). We hopped in the van and ran around the nearby neighborhoods and spent our afternoon enjoying the sunshine.

On my way home, I called my sweet hubby to see if he had left the dungeon (AKA his job). I asked what the plans were for the evening and he said we were going to go out to eat.

"With the family?" I asked.

"No," he said, "we have reservations at 8:30pm.

He continued from there to let me know that we had reservations at Vast, a fancy restaurant at the top of the tallest building from here to the Mississippi (maybe). I was so shocked I couldn't help but argue with him. Sure enough, he got home and began to ask if I was going to get ready to go. I put on a pretty new dress and my bubblegum pink heels for a night on the town.

The sunset was beautiful, and I couldn't wait to get there. We were fortunate enough to find a parking place right up front (and it was FREE). The building seemed to reach into the sky and glistened in the light. 

All dolled up for dinner.

My handsome hubby in his trendy attire.

 

As we rounded the corner in the atrium, we spotted the sign to the restaurant. There was a hostess sitting outside the door and she asked our name. After hubby confirmed the reservations, she opened a large glass door and directed us to the elevators.

49th floor.

I do believe it took less time to get up to the 49th floor than it does to get to the second at my work. My ears popped three four times before we reached the top. My stomach turned a flip as I took one step off the elevator and had to reach for my husband. I literally felt like I stepped into a different state. We were directed to a long bench while we waited to be seated. The entire wait staff was dressed to a T as they made their way around the room effortlessly. Everyone walked at a steady pace-no rushing.

To be continued...