4:45 am.
Day 1 following end of extended vacation.
Groggy.
I hang over sink. Splash water on my face.
I step in shower. Ice Cold. Hurry out. Hug towel. Fail to rinse shampoo out of hair.
Shave. Razor cut over old scar. Blood dribbles. Minor cut. Unstoppable bleeding. Curse.
Dab dab dab hemorrhage with tissue. Jab and stick Kleenex to cut. Pleased that it sticks.
Stare at socks. Need navy to match suit. Trouble distinguishing navy from black.
First attempt with tie, hangs below belt. Second attempt, short at belly button. Victory on third.
Slide work shoes on. Wiggle toes. Foreign fit after two weeks off. Look down, scuffed.
Slide watch on. Date: December 16. Time: 10:00. Stare. Decision made to re-set later.
Step outside. Temperature 51º F. Temp yesterday: 23º F.
Fog. Soupy. Thick. Light rain drizzling. Eerie.
Early, yet traffic is heavy.
Disorientation.
Re-entry.
Re-engagement.
Pulse quickening.
Mind racing like pistons.
Back to work.
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Great post, David. Thanks!
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Thank you Ann
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I’d be tempted to head straight for the airport and go back on vacation.
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Smiling (and then common sense showed up for me…)
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waking in a mist. glad you were able to fall back into your old pattern, with just a few mishaps along the way. isn’t it funny how quickly we adapt and slide into a relaxed mode, away from work and routine, and we have to retrain our body and our mind to begin it all again?
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And therein lies the core of the message. Nicely stated and captured Beth.
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Good for you for not wearing your watch the whole vacation, David … Hope your first day back went well!
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Keith, thank you. Yes, easy for some reason to keep the watch off. More difficult to slow the mind down. Reminds me of a Virginia Woolf quote I came across written in August, 1899:
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An amazing quote, and one for my collection! And it’s pretty obvious where much of your activity of mind came from during your vacation, thanks for sharing the quote …
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My pleasure Keith, thank you.
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Wow…from “fail to rinse shampoo out of hair” to “mind racing like pistons”…all in a matter of minutes. I’m impressed. 🙂
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A mess but forward movement. 🙂
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I liked this David….re-entry can be tough 🙂
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Thanks Tina. Vacation is a long time ago from today’s vantage point. We’re in full work gear. 🙂
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Great post David, can very much relate, though I don’t think I quite reached that last state of mind racing like pistons…you are a step ahead. Here’s to Tuesday.
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Smiling. Here’s to Friday Bonnie!
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Duh! (Palm on forehead) yes, here’s to FRIDAY!
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Funny. That’s Right!
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Transitions are always weird. Hope you’ve found your footing.
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I stomping with both feet on solid ground.
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Masterful rally, pal. You were not alone re: the misfires yesterday. I felt a certain malaise throughout the day, and I’m self-employed! But take heart, according to the “International Business Times,” yesterday was reportedly the most depressing day of the year. It’s all uphill from here! 🙂
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/533002/20140106/january-6-2014-depressing-day.htm#.UsvP2J-9KK0
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Wow, did not know that Lori. Thanks for sharing:
“Reasons More People Are Depressed Jan. 6, 2014
The most recent report revealed that most feel low because of lack of sleep and the struggle to keep up with their New Year’s resolutions. Guilty-ridden tweets are also five times higher as people go back to work and get to arrive in a lot of realizations. The report also showed that the female population seem to stay more positive throughout the entire first month of the year.”
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WLS…the visual of hair that needs rinsing, and a bloody tissue stuck to your cheek is a little disturbing, knowing that people at work will anticipate the arrival of a relaxed, well-rested, refreshed guy. At least your cheeks will be rosy from the cold today. And just for giggles why don’t you wear red socks – something that has absolutely nothing to do with the color of your suit? It will really make people wonder whether or not this vacation was a good idea for you.
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Laughing. Red socks? Really. I’m not in the Santa Business.
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I thought you are retired?
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Yes, in 10 years.
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Another lifetime!
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Let’s hope so!
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