I’ve always found white lights somewhat enchanting. I turn them on and the whole of me completely relaxes. That’s why these lights, hung in my bedroom last December, never came down when the holiday season had passed.
I love this guy
I could be wrong, but it sure seems like NOBODY in the world could be happier to see me when I wake up and when I come home from work as this guy.
Of course that might have something to do with feeding time. Nonetheless, I love this guy.
Office space
Earlier in the year, my department moved from the 2nd to the 1st floor of the building. We were given very little notice to pack up our things and move downstairs. Having moved jobs too many times in the past many years, I had my things packed within 3 hours of the announcement. My coworkers were left scrambling for days.
The resulting intermixing of the departments took a bit for my hyper-acute senses to acclimate to. I adjusted to the new noises which included, among others, the constant hum of the computer server in the neighboring cubicle and a rather passionate coworker who outwardly expresses her frustration while reading emails. Well, I’ve almost adjusted. Honestly, I’m still getting used to my coworker’s reactions which span the gamut from loud sighs to pressure-cooker like steaming of “OMG,” “You have GOT to be kidding me!” and other various expressions of frustration. Sometimes I just have to walk away from my desk for a bit to let my own blood pressure go down as she continues to let off steam.
Next there are the smells. Yes, smells! Unfortunately for me, not everyone is as selective in their choice of perfume — nor as stingy in the amount applied. I’m have been so sensitive to intense fragrances that I’ve actually (in past jobs) left work with migraines as a result. I suppose that is why I have yet to find a fragrance for myself to wear on those special occasions. In our close-nit quarters, however, the new scents have fooled my mind into thinking they were a whole other smell all together. After wandering around trying to find the source of the bug-spray-like smell, I crawled back to my desk when I realized that it must be someone’s perfume. Why the #^@& they feel the need to apply what smells like 1/2 the bottle after lunch is beyond me. I just hoped that nobody heard me verbalizing my uneasiness.
Other than my brief stay, after Company G purchased Company C and moved me an hour from home, I have not had to deal with cubicle dwelling for upwards of 10 years. Wait, make that EVER. I know it’s just how things are these days, but I still miss having my own office space, and a door that I can shut when I need to shut out the sounds and smells of others — or protect others from my own outbursts and odors.
Did I mention that it’s FREEZING?
lakes, rivers, ponds
In an effort to get some reintroduce my feet to pavement running (since my half-marathon will be paved), I’ve been frequenting a local pedestrian path. There are a couple in the area but this one, in particular, is closer to home and is less crowded than the other.
The paved trail has a dirt shoulder which provides a little respite from the pounding when my feet or legs demand a break. There are also sweet sections of trail that meander off-pavement which give the look and feel of trail running without the hills that are normally an integral part of trail running.
As a bonus, the trail bypasses lakes, rivers, and ponds. This time of year, it’s exceptionally beautiful.
cohabiting
The decision to cohabitate cannot be taken lightly. Even in the best of circumstances, living together will take some period of adjustment. Personal spaces must be negotiated — which is often easier said than done.
Although things may initially happy-go-lucky, there may be a period of rubbing each other the wrong way that follows. If not addressed properly, this abrasive behavior could lead to callousness in one or more of the parties. Someone may get hurt and, occasionally, there may even be blood shed.
But…