Feeling Nostalgic

Two weeks down on the new job and another week to start tomorrow.

To be honest, there are some things I miss about being at home. This summer was the first I ever had with my son since he was born. No job pulling me away from him, but no money either to do anything much. It's funny what you can do without, though, when you enjoy merely spending time together.

I miss the opportunity for a few lazy mornings, that sense of feeling fully alive and rested after a good and full night's sleep. I miss having time to spend a day immersing myself in reading a good book. Then there's the time to write - haven't done any for about a month.

But after my son, the thing I miss the most is having time for my friends. By the time I get home from the office, I am slamming together dinner and getting it in our tummies. Before I know it, the bed is calling. I barely have time for a few hours with my son, much less talking to my friends.

The job is going well so far. It's getting back out and around the public and I'm enjoying getting to know my team. But I am feeling rather nostalgic for time to just be. The stress of learning the ropes will eventually pass and we'll get back into a new routine.

But I really enjoyed my seven months of being a stay-at-home mother for the very first time. As they say, all good things must come to an end.

They make way for new ones too.

Old Faithful

It hasn't even been two months since I got over the last bout, and now I'm trying to come down with a nasty cold again.

Probably related to being a bit stressed out of late. Haven't hardly been out of the house, so I really don't think it is something picked up elsewhere unless from church.

You know, this whole getting sick all the time stuff is ridiculous. Before stress got to me years before, I had an iron-clad immune system. I NEVER got sick. The only times I missed work were when I had to stay home and take care of my son because he got sick.

A friend of mine warned me about that when they start kindergarten.

So it is really hard now getting sick at the drop of a hat. There's all sorts of articles out there on stress and how it affects the body, mind, and spirit. Most of all, I'm just worried about the body part.

Did you know they even have the American Institute of Stress? Amazing!

Some days I'm almost tempted to live in a bubble. Oh yeah, like that will work. Several years ago I decided to join a gym and work out several times a week to try to improve my overall health because I was told exercise would help strengthen my immune system.

Crap!

When cold and flu season hit, I would pick up everything from those stupid machines. Then I'd be out of the gym for about a month or so to avoid spreading the love. Once well, I would return only to come down with round two. Then round three!

Did that for two years. I was paying for services I was not being rendered, plus the cost of doctor visits, missed work, and any medications needed to help me kick the junk. Decided it wasn't worth it any longer.

So I bought a treadmill instead.

Getting out and around other people was so nice and alot of fun, but the corresponding rhinovirus attacks left me in the cold. Therefore I've become a home body when it comes to working out. I've got my ten minute pilates DVD and my treadmill. Except for a couple of months after the big move last year I've been a faithful adherent.

I just wish this cold stuff wasn't so faithful. Yes, I know - this too shall pass.

Unemployed and Staying Positive

This evening I've been a bum.

For several days throughout this past week, I've been really stressed about the job situation. The one thing that has excited me was helping a friend.

In order to try and relax a bit today, I decided to do just menial chores around the house, taking my time at them too, playing around on the computer (refused to go to any job search sites), reading, and finished watching a movie a little bit ago.

Gosh, it felt good to relax today.

Started the morning off by going to meet a friend for brunch. We ate pancakes, talked about her life, my job situation, and just had fun being all girlie-girl together. When I arrived back home, I decided that we'd just do a few things to spruce up the place, take care of laundry, and relax. Really needed it after a hard week.

You know, I actually feel bad for people who are off work for enormously extended periods. For me it's only been a week, and I'm about to go nuts. Can you imagine what I'd be doing if it was for a month, two, a year?

Which is why I took matters into my own hands. I was not going to sit around the house worrying all day. The best thing for me would be to do this volunteer time and spend less scoping out the job atmosphere. Staying busy and feeling like I'm making a difference in others' lives helps to keep the positive feelings flowing.

For anyone out there without a job right now - I'm thinking of you. Try and find something you enjoy doing for others while you are off and avoid the overwhelming job hunt for a few hours each day or a few days each week. It will help to stay positive when that great job interview comes along.

And remember - it will come along.