Breathing Room

In the past two days I have worked four times as much as I was originally scheduled.

I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

I always get a little bit cranky working overtime. (who doesn't?) I feel rushed and overstressed. I feel like I don't have enough free time to decompress from the work day. Never mind getting things done around the house... However, I wasn't prepared for the feelings of frustration and resentment to hit me so soon. Yes, they told me if I go to Africa (my dream!) that I wouldn't have a job. I wasn't planning on going back anyway, yet the finality of being told that it wasn't even an option as been emotionally caustic. Much more, and much earlier (I'll still be there until May!) than I expected. [Side note: Bennie and the Jets just started playing on Pandora. is it possible to not smile/laugh/be happy hearing that song?]

So it's winter. I don't know if it's SAD or just winter in general, but I always get crabbier and want to sleep. Constantly. And I'm overworked. And it's at a job that a) isn't appreciative of employees at the best of times and b) has already given me an expiration date. Also, because I'm overworked, I haven't had time to get outside and run. Honestly, I'm not exactly sure how to counteract all of this bad momentum.

But it's Wednesday. I love Wednesday. It is my late day. Late day = late morning. I still wake up at my usual time, but I'm not on my usual timeline. I have breathing room. Knowing that I have to capitalize on these two free hours for my job and my sanity, I planned out my to-do list last night. I did a once-over to kidnap any stray sock or garment, and placed the laundry basket in plain view. I also gathered ingredients to make another batch of my beloved breakfast scones. [They're my thing. What I need to get going in the morning. I've made chocolate chip and cranberry orange with extra cranberries. This batch is currant with chocolate bits and pecans. Y-U-M!] So when I woke up, I promptly (after 30 minutes of lounging and watching the Today Show) wandered downstairs, turned on the oven, poured some tea, did my laundry, made three salads and three entrees (for my next three shifts of work). And I made scones.

Now I sit. I have eaten my scone, an orange and (drank) two cups of tea. I have packed the snacks in my lunch. [Pandora has moved on to "More Than A Feeling" by Boston. It makes this spring-like day feel that much more like spring.] I'm finding out who got eliminated on last night's episode of the Biggest Loser.

Alas, it's already time for work... lame.