I missed a day of the Gratitude Challenge to attend my company’s annual holiday party last night. When it was over, I was feeling a bit hungry, so I treated myself to a supper out alone. I haven’t done that in quite a while.

My server was awesome - friendly, working her ass off between several tables. She checked on me, and I was cool to wait on things - I was on my own and in no hurry. Worry about the others around me that were more demanding. I’ve been there, and know how hellish waitstaff work can be at times. At the end of my meal, she asked me a random question - “Are you lactose intolerant?” I replied that I wasn’t, and she said to hang tight.

A few minutes later, she returned with an ice cream sundae for me - on the house, she said. “Because we women need date nights with ourselves sometimes.”

I laughed, thanked her, and enjoyed every bit of it. And yes - definitely tipped her more. Because yes we do - and I want her to enjoy having a little treat herself.

I think women get a bad rap sometimes about not supporting one another. When it’s so freely given as she did to me, I absolutely am grateful. We women are our worst critics - of ourselves, of others. That sisterhood bond should come more naturally. I will embrace it every time it occurs - especially in the form of a simple joy of life - an ice cream sundae. Simple kindness. A few extra smiles, and hopefully some good feelings between both of us to end our Thursday evenings.

Tonight as I wind down, I’m grateful for weekends for rest. It’s been a long, stressful week with work - and I’m wiped. I need to muster some energy to start my holiday shopping this weekend. I thankfully do not have a heavily planned schedule otherwise, so I will be doing as much rest as possible.

Maybe we’ll actually get some of the rumored snow on Sunday and I can cozy up with my stitching for some true relaxation as I slip more into the seasonal spirit.

Happy Friday everyone.