Sunday, January 3, 2010

Get Back to Work, You!*



Today is my first big ole regular, apres holidaze, day of work. I am so happy. Though I've never been a workaholic, too much leisure time is just not good for me. I need a reason to get up in the morning.

I like earning money and thinking of myself as a productive member of society. It's true that many of you produce a whole hell of a lot more than I ever have; still, I'm never happier than when engaged in good, satisfying work.

The times when I've become most seriously depressed were phases of unemployment. Too much time on my hands renders me inert, lifeless. My eyes glaze over and I end up just sitting, or sleeping. In the past, when depressed, I drank too much, smoked dope until I was blotto. Neither of those activities helped lift me out of my depression, oh no, nor did they inspire me to get out there and look for work. Makes me sad just remembering. Wow.

Today is FREEZING in DC. In a few minutes I'll cross the street to my office, place an extra blanket on the massage table (even though the room I work in is toasty warm.) I'll crank up the music, crack open a jar of massage cream, sprinkle essential oils on the sheets and put my hands on people.

Life is good and I am grateful.

Matt Groening is one of my all time heroes.

21 comments:

ellen abbott said...

Yes, the holidaze are over. I started focusing my mind on work yesterday. Actually made a decision on how the colors were going to be laid out on the first quadrant of jewels that had been putting me off and so now I think the other three quadrants will go fairly quick...no more pondering over every little step.

January looks to be a very busy month.

Cyndy said...

I know exactly how you feel. I can't stand too much inactivity. I had a good December work-wise but I'm eager to get back to a regular schedule with my "other" work, hopefully starting today.

Anonymous said...

Yes, nothing like work and getting things done
to calm the spirit!
Too much of too much is altogether too much.
I am cleaning and organizing--well, I plan to clean and organize when I have drunk my tea and read the paper
it is 18' F
here today
weep when walking the emperor round the block
he is happy as a clam
love you

Rosaria Williams said...

Yes, back to normal routines, so satisfying so comforting.

Tom said...

ugh. work. Wish i could say i enjoyed my job--but it gets me out of the house and moving about, and pays the bills. Counting my blessings...weee.

fez said...

"Woo! Springfield!" - Bart Simpson

Peaches said...

I agree. I get bored so quickly when I am at loose ends. At first a break is great and I do get stuff done and I do spend time doing nothing but recharging…but I can only take so much of that. I start back tomorrow and I am ready for it.

Linda Sue said...

Inactivity, ahhh bliss, letting the clay rest, ahh yes...nothing to do this soft grey nothing Sunday...suits me just fine. I must say it is a joy to hear someone such as yourself love her work so much , I am sure your clients take that in as well as the warm oil- your hands must be the best ever- I have envy...

steven said...

yes girl! i woke this morning with a list appearing in my mind. i use lists to help me move through what i must 'cause that leaves more space for what i might!! i'm looking forward to working with the children of my class tomorrow. i bet the feeling's not entirely mutual!!! i love the work. have a peaceful day. steven

LadrĂ³n de Basura (a.k.a. Junk Thief) said...

I have had the longest stretch during the holidays that I can remember in adult life. Something like 10 days. It was busy with life work, but I took look forward to real work's return tomorrow. Though I wish I could teleport myself to your massage table to be blissful as I return early tomorrow.

Whitney Lee said...

As a stay at home mom I have discovered that one does not get time off. Not even when the rest of the country is on holiday do I get vacation. Fortunately I am pretty okay with that.

Now I just want a massage!

Barry said...

As one of the things I have planned for my newly found leisure time, I've signed up for tai chi.

It can't make me any clumsier than I already am.

Tess Kincaid said...

Yes, tomorrow, the regular routine resumes at the manor, and I'm looking forward to it. The lazing around was wonderful, but I'm finished and ready to move on.

Deborah said...

ou defined my workless life so well--may meaningful employment be headed this way in the sub zero tundra of the midwest

and love and gratitude to you

Steve Reed said...

I can completely identify re. needing to work. It's one of the reasons I'm most concerned about being unemployed now. But I haven't really been through a period of unemployment since my 20s, so I'm hoping with some added maturity (I think?) I'll be able to handle down-time more constructively. We'll see!

Being a massage therapist sounds like such wonderful work. I love the idea of putting healing hands on people for a living!

Ronda Laveen said...

I only got a few holidaze as many of my clients kids were in town and the wanted them to have a massage. I think it is so cool that their parents believe in the restorative powers of bodywork. I wish my parents had. So, tomorrow I am happy to be back to my regular work schedule.

I am imagining that I am the client you are getting the extra blanket and essential oils for. I'll be on time for my appointment and I just have this little kink right here. Yeah, that's it!

tut-tut said...

I'm working on making my work satisfying this year. One of my resolves.

Reya Mellicker said...

Love the Bart Simpson reference.

Barry, t'ai chi is fantastic. You will love it and it will love you.

Steve, you'll be better than fine moving through this period of time. You're going to have the time you need to think through what you'll do next. It's all good.

I spent several decades doing jobs that meant nothing to me. I came to massage late in life and I don't work too much, not ever. My bank account suffers terribly but otherwise I'm good with it. If I overworked at massage I would burn out and become mighty bitter!

Ronda I love working on the kids of my clients, dealing with the family soul as it manifests from generation to generation. How I would LOVE to get on your table sometime! Let's make it happen!!

Nancy said...

Sounds good to me! That extra blanket and the essential oils...

Lori ann said...

I would like to retire (from earning money)to do the work i want (no money, or very little) and get massages once a week. At least I think that's what i'd like ☺
enjoy your days Reya.

Butternut Squash said...

Were you talking to me?

I have been indulging myself with family and friends and reading. Pure gluttony! The kids went back to school today, and I have inventory and taxes to do...so I will start with the blog and a cup of coffee.
Whistle while you work.