The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.
-- Anonymous
It is official - I am now a part-time professional geologist. Yesterday and today were the first two days of my adult life that I wasn't either a full-time student with a part-time job or a full-time working professional. I had been wanting to reduce my hours at work for a couple of years, and finally convinced my boss to go along with it. Why? Mostly so I can go clothes shopping during the day, everyday, except Saturday. Not really. Since Drew was promoted to captain, he has had a schedule quite opposite of my M-Th state employee mandated 10-hour days. About a half dozen times in this last year we didn't see each other for 12 or more days because when he was home, I had West Desert fieldwork. Anyway, it began to feel like our prime-time years were slipping away from us for no good reason. I wonder if, maybe, as I approach the big 4-0, this is my mid-life crisis. Instead of having an affair and getting hair plugs, I buy carbon-fiber bikes and half-quit my job.
So what am I going to do with all that free time? I am making a public vow (you heard it here) to not take on any new commitments for one full year so that I may begin to catch up on some of our current projects. Mostly some mid-level home remodeling projects and complete backyard landscape installation. I will also handle most of the VRBO Moab condo rental business, and I might learn how to weld (not a new commitment, since I tried to get into the class in September but they were full). I started off this week by catching up on condo paperwork, getting a long-overdue medical check up, repairing our broken-since -June DVD player, and finishing the Ginkgo artwork on the garage floor.
With a much more flexible two day a week work schedule, Drew and I plan to take more mini vacations and capitalize on those flight benefits we have. Friends in destination hot spots, get that guestroom ready. We'll be over soon.
I am very fortunate and happy to be able to do this!
It's not what if, it's what now. ~Author Unknown
congrats! Let me know if you need a companion on your days off. I'm sure kai would love to help with projects.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have Kai hold the bag of nails. I don't know if I trust him with the 2 foot long pieces of 1x4 though.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Though I'm green with envy, I think it's a great thing and am very happy for you.
ReplyDeleteExcellent News Lucy! I hope the planned escapes will include a trip to Oregon again! Would love to consult with you about the best plan of education for a budding geologist :) It seems Tim's University is cutting way back on their Geo dept. Love the ginko design :)
ReplyDeleteYou know 40 hours a week is a lot for someone almost 40 years old. Way to go! I am envious, but I would probably just procrastinate more if I had more time. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI hope you meet Drew at the door with his slippers and beer.
Steph