Apr 16, 2026: erp

As I was chatting with a trusted colleague to close the day, my holy grail (for now) stopped by to let her know about something she should be expecting to happen next. He then made a wise crack to someone across the second floor and then that gentlemen joined the shooting of shit. Collective fun was had by all.

Eventually, they left and my holy grail (for now) was the only one left to chop it up with. Other than friendly hellos, we have never said a word to each other. I've been in one meeting with him and there was no reason for us to share ideas. Tonight, we spent the next 90 minutes learning we saw the world in much the same way

Now, I've been wanting to barge into his office and tell him all of the things I can help him with since day one, but there wasn't a natural time. It would have been forced. Frankly, I wouldn't have had the right ammunition or answers to his questions - not with the specifics of [redacted] or in a way that would have reasonated with him.

Patience.

I waited for six months, trusted the process, knew my role within the organization, and let him come to me. Let the opportunity come to me.

Patience.

I repeat this here for myself as a reminder that even when I see an answer immediately, it's often better to let that idea bloom on its own time. As I approach a half century in this world, I've grown fond of those moments where I don't chase the thing, and the thing shows up exactly when it's supposed to all the same.

Patience.

I haven't been anywhere approaching perfect since joining [redacted]. What I have been is patient. I don't like everything I see. I don't feel good about any number of things most days. Still, I've built a network of relationships, entirely built through the lens of support (my current role, not my eventual role), and all of those cumulative efforts brought me exactly what I've been waiting for. Two of those cumulative efforts having contributed to the original circle of jokesters I started this story with. One of whom, all I've ever done for was be kind in his first few days at [redacted].

Patience (and kindness).

I waited six months for this opportunity and it almost literally happened exactly when I both needed it the most, and I was most prepared for it. This might have been the best 90 minutes yet.

Patience.

Now that I've opened this door that's accessible both ways - the odds are good he seeks me out before I seek him out next - I can move on to the next biggest hurdle. Counterintuitively, moving towards what's next means waiting for it to come around on its own.

Patience.

I saw my little girl tonight for the first time since she was married, and while I'd never tell her this to her face, I missed her a good deal. We laughed, we loved, we pretended to argue (trigger warning nikkigirl), and I pretended I would rather see p-funk than her. Okay, that last part is true......lol omg jk.

Time has slipped away and we still need to build the ultimate space to share her joyful day. We'll get there.

Patience.

Let's take a brief pitstop with the newest button that nikkigirl added to my collection.

Note the placement of the pin vs what's on the el-p card above. run the jewels is so gay, bro. Shouts to jeff meff's National Championships pin while we are here.

I almost posted another mac miller (RIP) song, and instead I'm posting another waxahatchee song instead.

Please take it from here Katie.