Perspectives

When the alarm went off at 4:50 this morning, I didn't wake up with a start or a shout or a nervous butterfly atwittering in my tummy. What in heavens does that portend?

Of course I was a wee bit hesitant about starting the new job. But for some reason I have felt so calm, so certain, so focused that I just truly know it will all be okay. So when the folks at my gym - who have been following the saga - told me they just knew it would work out, I could only agree with them heartily.

Sure, there are a few quirks. My boss seems a bit too eager to share "the inside scoop" on some co-workers with me. And, as a fellow Jersey girl, she's a bit too keen on Janet Evanovich for my comfort and liking. Still, she seems to possess a good mix of responsibility and perspective. Which is refreshing.

The commute wasn't ideal for day one but, then again, perhaps it was my fault for taking the "long way home" and walking from Copley Plaza to Government Center to get on the Green Line. (But it was so nice out!). And it's funny, now that I'll be going into the city everyday how much I realize I let the distance put me off from travelling there for the last nine months. I'm even goin to be crossing the bridge again on Saturday to hang with Tia Marie. Go me breaking out of my comfort zone.

But what is really causing me to take some pause tonight at my newfound perspectives is (are?) my friends. I bemoan the fact a lot that I have a limited social life. Many of my nights (prior to last week and change anyway) are spent quietly in my wonderful home or strolling the beach in the moonlight. Alone. And yet, I cannot tell you how many wonderful messages I got last night and this morning. Best wishes and positive thoughts and the occasional inside joke (chirp chirp). Each and every one making me smile that much wider, making me feel that much more confident. These people may not be folks I can meet out for lunch or a cup of coffee because of time or space but they are people I am truly and deeply grateful I have found in my life.

So, for all ya'all, I say "thanks for putting up with me this summer. It's been pretty hellish. But I promise - cross my heart and hope to reincarnate - I've gained some serious perspective."

On Being Type A

From what I can tell, being a "Type A Person" means that you are slightly anal-retentive (yes, it has a hyphen, har har), prone to develop and stick to schedules, and dislike interruptions to routine and threats to your own personal authority.

Which means - sort of by definition - that vacations are kind of a difficult adjustment. Isn't that weird - the thought that vacations are tough?

Yet, here I am, officially more than halfway through my last week of "vacation." And I'm stressed about all the shit I haven't gotten done.

I had all sorts of plans to get things done this week. But then a crazy thing happened. I became spontaneous. I stayed out until the wee hours of the morning on Saturday/Sunday. I went out to dinner last night which turned into very late-night drinks. Today I spent the day - the WHOLE day - with a good friend.

And while I appreciate and value how much fun and enjoyment I had during these and other spontaneous acts. I am also kinda, sorta, in a way, resenting how little time this has left me for my "regular" activities. I blew off the gym today. I have much fresh fruit and veg that is going to rot because I haven't had a chance to prep/cook it. There are SO MANY emails to send I can't even count. And I'm not even mentioning the stuff I wanted to look at/prep up on before the new gig starts on Monday.

I realize this is making me sound like a huge stick in the mud and really not much fun. But, on the other hand, is it really so awful to know in your heart and mind the things that work for you and the things that don't?

Of course, all of this is known through the lens that I will, for all intents and purposes, be losing my ENTIRE Friday and quite possibly Saturday because I am FINALLY going sailing with Good Buddy. I've only waited the whole summer. But, yes, I fully realize how little in the way of productive tasks will get done before/during/after said sailing trip. And, yes, there is a part of me that is begruding missing Group Power on Friday Evening. But that part is small. Really small. Because, after all this time, if I've learned anything, it's that I should treasure and cherish my time spent with Good Buddy. After all....

If only I could learn to put the rest of my life into such perspective.

Like a Gazelle

More from the ever-so-graceful one.

This commercial came on the TV while I was running on the treadmill today. At least, I was running ont the treadmill until the commercial came on and I got so dizzy I almost fell off.

Seriously, this commercial should have a warning label on it. "May lead to feelings of nausea. Seatbelts should be worn low and tight across your lap. Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times."

Losers' Club Goes to the Beach

Went to the beach (again!) today. In order to not get sunburned before tomorrow's meetings/interviews, I was very careful in the application of the suntan lotion.

And then I went on into the water. The waves were a little choppy but no biggie for an experienced swimmer like me.

Unless, of course, I'm standing near a kid playing on a boogie board with apparently very slippery hands. And a wave comes. And knocks the boogie board out of his hands. Out of his hands and into my face. Right across my nose.

Huge gash. Should look really attractive tomorrow in my interview.

No sunburn though. Go me.

Gross

My little Eliza just caught and ate a fly. Doesn't she look so proud of herself?

Of course, this means there will be kitty pukage at some point tonight.

FUN.