The Lesson Learned

Where Am I?

I’m here, but I’m not really here. Do you know the feeling? I really want to be here, but i just can't find it in myself to give it my all. I sense I’m going through a phase or some such thing, except for the fact that an end or resolution to the phase does not seem to be in sight.

What the fuck? Please excuse the language. I’ve always heard that admitting you have a problem is a first step towards a solution, bit that does not seem to be the case. Or maybe just admitting a problem exists does not ensure resolution, in spite of what they say.

Where the heck am I? Does anyone know what I mean?

Career Track

Thank heavens I have absolutely no aspirations to ever be Andy Dick’s assistant. I can’t think of a worse job. I’d rather schlepp fast food, garbage, or janitorial duties. I’d do anything before I’d be his assistant. He’s pure evil.

Playin' Hooky

So what do I care that I have a long "To Do" list, the house is in major need of a deep cleaning and laundry is stacked to the ceiling? We're heading to the lake! I'm in the process of loading the car with our cooler, miscellaneous beach gear, and my latest project to knit while soaking up the sun. Of course, the YS is all ready to go. He was ready as soon as I said the word, "beach."

This is totally spontaneous as I truly had other dull plans for the day. My excuse for playing hooky is that we've had such a crappy summer that we need to take advantage of any sunny day we have. Good excuse, huh? Good and really true--the weather has sucked this year.

So we're off to enjoy the day. Hope you enjoy yourself in whatever you decide to do today. I vote for a trip to your nearest beach or pool!

Update: I grabbed the cooler out of the garage to find that it is in need of a SERIOUS scrubbing before any food item or beverage that the YS or I plan to consume will go within ten feet of it. The hubby took it to Canada last MONTH and it STILL looks like I grabbed it right off the fishing boat. Dirty. Grimy. Grrrrrr! He's lucky he's at work right now. And, of course, I will forget all about the filthy cooler once I hit the road. I can't stay mad for long, which can be frustrating when you want to be mad. Know what I mean?

Not that I want to be mad today or anything. It's too nice a day to be mad!

Journey to Tahoe?

I have a little dilemma. I would love, love, LOVE to attend Gnomedex again this year, but the hubby is clean out of vacation days. I’ve always wanted to go to Lake Tahoe, but I don’t want to go alone. What to do? Hey Mis, are you up for an adventure in Lake Tahoe? Call me.

(Un) Drama Queen

Meet a self-proclaimed Undrama Queen--Yes, I'm aware that I'm making up words, but it really applies to me. We all know what a drama queen is. Heck, I'm sure you all know and love a few drama queens. My best friend is the ultimate drama queen. I don't think we've had a single conversation that did not include discussing at least one of her earth shattering issues.

Off course these issues are rarely earth shattering in her world and I don't mean to sound as if I have a problem listening to her problems. I don't mind at all. I've known this girl for many years and she knows she’s the queen of drama. It's just her nature. I, on the other hand, am (usually) the opposite.

I'm apt to down play most of my own drama. One example is the time I called my hubby (who was my boyfriend at the time) from the site of a car accident and after chatting about our days, calmly mentioned that I had been in a "little" accident (and let me add, for the record, that this accident was NOT my fault). Now, the entire time I casually chatted to him, my car was being hoisted onto a tow truck because it was not drivable. After describing the accident and emphasizing my innocence, I finally mentioned that I needed a ride to the wedding rehearsal where he had already arrived and in which we were both participants. Need I say that we were late to the rehearsal? Luckily it was not our wedding and our friends understood.

A "little problem" could mean anything as I refer to all problems in the same manner. It could be little, but it could also be major. Sometimes when I hear myself describing the problem, I will wonder if maybe the problem is more than just a little issue. But the words are already out of my mouth. And really, what does it hurt? I think it’s kind of funny, but the husband finds it annoying.

The exception to this would be when blood is involved. An issue involving blood or a person losing blood from his or her body and in my vicinity, is a catastrophic problem. And I freak out.

See, the undrama strikes again--actually, I freak the f**k out.

Uneasy Street

The end of easy street is in sight. I can see the "Dead End" sign looming ahead. And I am not pleased. I rather enjoyed my long vacation. So, my vacation officially ended on Friday, but I have been lucky enough to attend a local training session for the last two days. Tomorrow is the last day of training, so it's back to the grind on Thursday.

The session has been great. The training has been intense with short lunches and breaks and school has been getting out early instead. I love early dismissal. Especially since we’re finally having weather befitting a summer in the Midwest. Until this week, the weather averaged the temperatures we normally experience in October and you know I was not happy—I live for summer.

There's one more day of my summer "vacation," then it’s back to the grind for me. But at least I have a short week. I think I can suffer through my two-day workweek. As painful as it may be. Heh.

Oh. A strange thing about the training session is that our instructor seems to think her role includes motivational speaking in addition to her instructional duties. All week long, she’s been spouting the advice of Steven Covey and others. Now, I realize I can use some motivation this week as some aspects of my life have been bleak, but the way she switches track from teaching to inspiring is a bit disconcerting. One minute she’s instructing and the next she’s preaching. And I’m having difficulties switching gears with her.

Even so, I would rather listen to a sermon than return to the grind. And this brings up another concern--my aversion to returning to the grind is very strong. I’m not sure if I’m suffering withdrawal symptoms from the thought of returning to the office because I've been on vacation, or if it’s something deeper. I guess I’ll soon find out.

It's Official

What I've long expected is correct--I'm definitely wacky! The proof is in the personality test. Found at Nisi's and other spots around blogland.

Wackiness: 100/100
Rationality: 40/100
Constructiveness: 60/100
Leadership: 50/100

You are a WECF--Wacky Emotional Constructive Follower. This makes you a candle burning at both ends. You work until you drop, and you play until you can stand to work again. You have so much enthusiasm that you can find it hard to control on your own, and you appreciate the guidance that channels your energy and lets you be your best.

In a relationship, you require lots of attention and support. You often over-contribute and end up feeling depleted and cheated. You may benefit from more time alone than you grant yourself.

Your driving force is the emotional support of others--especially affection. You can run on empty for miles if you have positive energy behind you. Without it--as it occasionally must run dry--you are depressive, listless, and difficult to motivate.

You need a lot of affection. Get it any way you can, but never at the cost of your self-respect or well-being.

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So, I see me in some of the results, but not everything. Actually, after scoring a perfect 100 on the wackiness category, it's difficult to really process the rest of the results. I know I'm a little wacky, but I can't believe I'm really that wacky.

This explains so much! That is, if you believe in Internet quizzes.

Mwaaaaaaahaahaaaa!

Five Days, Four Nights

We're back from our little family vacation. It was nice, if not relaxing. The three of us went to St. Louis and were joined by the in-laws part way through the week. They joined us in time to see the zoo and attend the Cardinals game.

The in-laws had never before been to St. Louis and seemed to enjoy themselves. The husband was happy when the Cardinals won. I was surprised to learn that Nick Lachey was attending the same game complete with his Cincinnati gear, which received jeers from the St. Louis crowd. The YS absolutely loved the City Museum. All and all, everyone had a good time.

It was nice, if a bit jam-packed. We scurried from one local landmark to the next taking in as many of the sites as we could during our brief stay. Now, the husband is of the mind that when traveling to another destination, one must see and experience all that is possible. He figures we can rest and relax when we are home. And, while I understand where he is coming from, generally, that does not leave any time for relaxing near the pool. And lets face it, my idea of a vacation definitely includes hanging out in the pool.

And lately I've been of the mind to relax and do nothing. Less is more and lounging by a pool is currently my dream vacation.

Lesson Learned: Our next vacation will definitely include more down time for relaxation.

Home Again

We're back. Finally. Home sweet home. Too tired for a real entry. Will be back tomorrow with words and vacation photos. Stay tuned.

Vacation Bound

We're off on our little family vacation. See you on Friday. Have a wonderful week!