**Sophie**

**November 17, 2024**

Today I am grateful for… my dog, Merlot. Yes, I know I write about her all the time… But she is totally weird, and she keeps me laughing, even if I’ve had a bad day.

_Today, I choose joy._

_Today, I choose joy._

_Today, I choose joy._

Today could have been worse, I suppose. I wasn’t fired from my job like I thought might happen when Sam called me into her office to “discuss something important”. No. Not fired. Just now reporting to the hottest man alive - like in the whole world - which will definitely stall my creative energy because of how nervous I’ll be. And that’s not to mention how I’ll have to start learning how to make eye contact with the man after 3 years working in the same office.

Sheesh. Why did my boss have to have a baby now? Doesn’t she even care about _my_ feelings in all of this??

I know, I know. “_That isn’t really how this works, Sophie. It’s not all about you. Blah, blah, blah_.” But come on. How will I ever maintain the level of editing I am accomustomed to when all I will be able to think about is his slightly floppy but somehow totally office appropriate hair? Or his weird socks he seems to be obsessed with? Or the way that his eyes light up anytime someone mentions a new book? How, I beg of you, will I focus on anything but the Superman style hotty assigned as my new managing editor? Even if it is just temporary.

Does the universe hate me? I think it must.

I’m looking forward to… Samantha returning from maternity leave.

**Tyler**

**November 18, 2024**

I used to think… that working as a managing editor was fulfilling enough to keep me from pursuing a romantic relationship.

But now I think… that working as Sophie’s managing editor will ensure I can’t have a relationship because of the uneven power dynamic of our positions - that, and the fact that she’s the most beautiful woman in the office.

This morning was the same as every other morning. I woke up and went for a run. I showered and made myself a smoothie. I tried to fix my hair enough to be presentable. I hopped on the metro and made one stop to grab a breakfast sandwich before arriving at work exactly at 8:17.

Except this morning wasn’t the same as every other morning because this morning when I stepped through the tall glass doors that led to my corner office, there was a woman dressed in a bright green skirt and pale pink top. She looked like something straight out of my dreams. Her short brown hair looked soft but her curls always made it look a little messy. Her fingernails always matched her outfits.

And her face - well, her face makes me want to sing love songs in the rain. But this morning, her usually smiling face was dimmed. Her expression a little tighter than I was used to. And unlike all the other days, she looked me straight in the eyes as she said, “Listen, Mr. Hamilton, I know this isn’t the ideal situation, but I promise to work harder than anyone else. And I believe we can keep this company at the top if we learn to work together.”

I couldn’t do anything but stare, open-mouthed. Sophie always averted her gaze when I walked by or addressed her directly. This Sophie. She could knock a man out without even trying, just with her gaze alone.

I don’t even remember how I responded. The next hour was a blur. I feel confident she left with a plan, but I’m only hoping I took notes because I have no idea what just happened.

Today is definitely not like all the others.

**Sophie**

**November 18, 2024**

Today I am grateful for… the deli across the street from the office. Because in all of my stress last night, I barely slept. And I forgot to pack my lunch for the day. Thank goodness for turkey, bacon, ranch sandwiches.

_I attract positive opportunities._

_I attract positive opportunities._

_I attract positive opportunities._

It’s possible I overreacted to finding out I had a new managing editor. And in the spirit of actually writing about an affirmation for once, having a new supervisor means that I’ll have a different set of eyes on my work. I’ll have another opinion to push my writing to the next level. I’ll have a chance to add different examples to my portfolio. This could _actually_ end up working in my favor.

Besides, so far today, I’ve only seen and talked to Mr. Hamilton once. One time! Thats basically zero if you round down strategically enough. I don’t know what I was so worried about.

I’m looking forward to… eating my kettle cooked BBQ chips!

**Tyler**

**November 18, 2024**

I used to think…