~ I am not a workaholic ~

I've always had some deep underlying fear that I could become "one of those people". You know, one of those people who gives up on life, who gives up on passion and joy, whose life has become overwhelmed with errands and obligations that her spare time is essentially work, or someone whose job overshadows all life. My fear has been abated. Last week, I worked 12 hours in overtime (four 11-hour days and one 8-hour day). It was for a special project and the agreement was that the overtime would be for just that week. And boy, was it hell. I've always known that I enjoy my spare time, but I also enjoy my paychecks, and I love what I can do in my spare time with my paychecks. But given the choice, I would rather have a smaller paycheck than less spare time. I honestly cannot understand "those people" who work so much on a regular basis. Bunch of crazies. After the final 11-hour day, I felt as though I was going to die, no melodrama about it. Granted, I have something of a grunt job, so perhaps my tune would change were I to have some fabulous stimulating job, but I don't think so. I mean, unless I could be paid to knit, eat out, kiss my boyfriend, enjoy libations, go dancing, watch Star Trek: the Next Generation, read fashion magazines, take long walks through historic neighborhoods, sleep, go to the gym, watch CSI: Miami, read good books, play sudoku, ride my bike, sip expensive espresso drinks, play on the internet, travel, etc., etc., I really can't see myself being inclined to work more than I absolutely have to for my own basic survival.

In other news, my new year's resolutions are going well. I cannot recall at this moment if I posted my resolutions, but they are (1) to save before I buy (which means that I hope to save up money to buy stuff, rather than using my credit card), and (2) to go dancing more. To date, I haven't purchased anything that I couldn't afford (however, my glorious student loans arrived last week, so I suddenly do have a good pot of money - - perhaps this isn't the most meaningful time to implement such a policy), and I have had some good dancing experiences.

This weekend, for example, I went dancing on Friday (after my hellish work week, when I was really wanting some quality libations) and it was fantastic. I danced and danced, until my body (which had gotten so crampy and knotty from the office sitting) felt amazing. I also had some good people watching experiences. There was a group of (what appeared to be) swingers, all attractive (thereby improving the swinging), who were quite jolly. Additionally, the dj played a song that I requested and the dance floor wasn't more packed than during my song.

Today is my first day being a graduate student. For the occasion, I'm wearing a fantastic new sweater (blue and grey striped, angora-wool blend) that I purchased for very inexpensive. I've also got a headstart on my reading and note-taking of my course books, which makes me feel all prepared.

Posted by jennifer at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)