You know what I’m talking about. This poor, confused week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. It has identity issues. It’s like a pre-teen, trying to figure out who she is while she stares at her big sister’s hand-me-downs.
This week has no idea whether it’s Christmas-time or New Year’s-time. We don’t know whether to say Merry Christmas or Happy New Year or something in-between. We’re still basking in the glow of Christmas, still listening to Christmas music. And yet, we know the new year is flying toward us.
Like what, we’re supposed to throw off the Christmas merriment we’ve been anticipating for the past two months and embrace the whole “new year, new start” perspective? Transition from holiday treats and indulgences to new year’s resolutions within one week? I’m pretty sure that’s not healthy. (more…)
In every task, you have a choice. Do it the hard way, or do it the easy way. The option is always there. Hard or easy. Most people choose the easy way. It’s smart. It makes sense. Why make things harder than they need to be? Conserve your energy.
I like to do things the hard way. Not because I don’t see the easy way. Not because I’m bored and have nothing else to do. Not because I’m a glutton for punishment.
It’s because I like to do things well. Because details matter to me. If you’ve ever owned a house, you can imagine what this means for me lately. See, I could just wipe down the baseboards and call them good. I could just put some things in a cabinet and be done.
Except that I can’t. I’d never forgive myself. (more…)
Whatever it is you’re aiming for in this world, it’s so hard to get there sometimes. You’re headed in the right direction, making progress, when BAM! obstacles start popping up.
For me, it’s finding a job. When I’m browsing through the listings, it’s easy to focus on everything I don’t have. I don’t have 10 years of experience. I don’t have extra certifications. I start to feel beholden to anyone who actually calls me back, which leads to me considering jobs with hours and pay I never would have been okay with before. (“Why yes, I’d love to work all week and every weekend for $7/hour.”) It’s a slippery slope. (more…)