With the changes in my work schedule because of the new job, Jeremy and I frequently have differing days off and therefore more alone time than together time. Lately I've worked Fridays and he's worked Saturdays. While we both enjoy being able to have some alone time, I find myself missing him (kind of silly, I know, since I see him at night). To combat that creeping loneliness, I've gotten out the last two Saturday mornings and gone to the gym, followed up by an hour or so sitting in a Border's cafe drinking iced coffee while reading and writing. I find myself somewhat refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the day.

Striving to learn

I love learning. There are many moments I imagine returning to school for the mere fact of learning and reading and discussing pieces of literature and writings I wouldn't pick up on my own. However, as that is unlikely (and really I don't crave the pressure of homework or tests), I pick up books from the library. It's not the same as a classroom environment, but it's what I can do. I suppose that might be partly why I enjoy reading nonfiction books so much. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good fiction read, I just typically gravitate towards the nonfiction section. Right now I'm reading The Magician's Book: A Skeptic's Adventures in Narnia by Laura Miller; The Fortune Cookie Chronicles by Jennifer 8 Lee; Take Joy: a Book for Writers by Jane Yolen; Eat, Memory: Great Writers at the Table Edited by Amanda Hesser. And waiting in the wings are Mistress of the Monarchy by Alison Weir; Why Read the Classics? by Italo Calvino; Birth by Tina Cassidy. It may be said that I try to read too many books at once (I believe in this I am my father's daughter). It does fragment my attention a bit, but I just find so many interesting books I want to read! My eyes grow heavy too quickly at night.
I suppose the real reason I sat down to write this post, though, is actually the book I'm listening to as I commute between jobs, Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer's Life by Kathleen Norris. I'm not even a quarter of the way through this book, but I'm fascinated by this theological memoir. Norris examines her relationship with acedia (a demon of bad thought recognized by early monastics), a slothful, soul-weary indifference. I may not agree with all of Norris's theology, but I appreciate the careful way she is navigating through what could be a touchy subject. I'm learning of people and ideas I'd never heard of prior to this.

Sighting

On a sunny 50-degree Wednesday, man seen crossing busy street using two ski poles as walking sticks.

Because my husband decided that dressing in green for St. Patrick's Day was unnecessary, I decided I'd bring the Irish in a bit with dinner. I stopped home between my jobs and put corned beef and cabbage in the crock pot (with potatoes and onions...sadly, I was out of carrots). It was a tasty St. Patrick's Day dinner which I enjoyed in my green-striped top!

One more thing I can mark off my mental check-list.

I am relieved to have our taxes done for the year. And, we don't have to pay anything! We had several unusual (to us, at least) additions to taxes this year, so decided to have them done by someone. We are blessed to have Jeremy and I's, sister-in-law's mother (how's that for confusing...) living in the area and working for an accountant doing taxes! So, we went there yesterday morning and got all squared away.

Settling in yet again.

I am still here. I started my new job on Monday. That first morning was complete with my manager leaving because her mom had a stroke and with the whole computer system being down. Because there wasn't much that could be done, I read manuals and observed co-workers (which was interesting and I believe insightful...at least one person appears to be one to be wary of sharing anything personal with, if you get my drift). The last couple mornings have been better. I must admit that I don't feel very warmly received, I think everyone was pretty content with how things were, but they are being kind enough. It's a positive thing there that I'm quiet and can keep my own counsel. Regardless, I am thankful for the job and I'm sure that with time I'll find my niche. It does make me miss my bookstore days and all the great people I worked with there.
My house now seems to be in a continual state of untidiness. My kitchen needs a dish fairy. And every night when I go to bed, I have troubling dreams about work. It's just the adjustment period, right?
I make no promises to update with regularity, but I'll try to keep up when there are things to be said and I have the chance.
Happy Wednesday!