Does absence make the heart grow fonder?
Probably not in blogland. Most of the blogging community have so many sites they like to visit regularly, it is probably a relief to find one or two who haven't posted anything for a while. My excuse is flimsy. Since my enforced (and hopefully temporary) retirement, I seem to have been running around in circles. Centrelink, job interviews, media interviews, waiting for tradesmen, and ferrying some of my ex-clients (who are still friends) to hospital appointments, or out for a cuppa on a nice day, and so on.
Yesterday I applied for a job with a private aged care provider and got the impression they were keen to have me work for them. When I got home, I was so tired I fell asleep for about three hours. On reflecting over the past month, I think if I am accepted for any of the jobs I apply for, I will tell them I can't start work until December. I need more time to relax and re-charge my batteries, so to speak. When I lost my job, I was looking forward to finally having time to read, stitch, catch up with friends, etc. but I haven't done much of that at all really. Except read; when I'm stressed, my solution is to lose myself in a good fiction book for a few hours. Great, but that excludes stitching and meeting friends!
I feel guilty because I haven't been in to see Helen since she has been at Royal Talbot, but I justify that by telling myself she has so many friends and relations that will be visiting her regularly, she won't miss me. I meant to write a letter to her, but I've been so depressed, it would not have been worthwhile; it's not a good idea to share your own worries with someone who has much bigger issues in front of her.
Today I've cooked the Christmas Cake. The fruit has been soaking in brandy for nearly a week, and this morning was free from appointments, so I decided it was time to get cooking. Don't you love the smell of rich fruitcake cooking, wafting through the house? In the last two years, I've 'swapped' pieces of my Christmas cake with some of my cyberspace pals. Would anyone reading this like to do a swap this year?
Yesterday I applied for a job with a private aged care provider and got the impression they were keen to have me work for them. When I got home, I was so tired I fell asleep for about three hours. On reflecting over the past month, I think if I am accepted for any of the jobs I apply for, I will tell them I can't start work until December. I need more time to relax and re-charge my batteries, so to speak. When I lost my job, I was looking forward to finally having time to read, stitch, catch up with friends, etc. but I haven't done much of that at all really. Except read; when I'm stressed, my solution is to lose myself in a good fiction book for a few hours. Great, but that excludes stitching and meeting friends!
I feel guilty because I haven't been in to see Helen since she has been at Royal Talbot, but I justify that by telling myself she has so many friends and relations that will be visiting her regularly, she won't miss me. I meant to write a letter to her, but I've been so depressed, it would not have been worthwhile; it's not a good idea to share your own worries with someone who has much bigger issues in front of her.
Today I've cooked the Christmas Cake. The fruit has been soaking in brandy for nearly a week, and this morning was free from appointments, so I decided it was time to get cooking. Don't you love the smell of rich fruitcake cooking, wafting through the house? In the last two years, I've 'swapped' pieces of my Christmas cake with some of my cyberspace pals. Would anyone reading this like to do a swap this year?
posted by Gina E. | 11:19 am
9 Comments:
You are definitely in need of a break and should not feel guilty about that. But do try to set yourself a little goal each day, it will cheer you up when you achieve it. My suggestion for your first goal? Send something to Helen, even if it's a store bought card, the blank kind that you write something in. And tell her you'll visit her soon.
Cooking a Christmas cake sounds like a great way to pep you up. I might interested in a fruit cake swap. Remind me the second week of November when I get back from Hawaii. I'll have just enough time to get one "marinating" in time for Christmas.
It’s been a tumultuous time, leaving a steady job, applying for another and all of the complications in between including prior clients now in distress must leave one both stressed and exhausted. I would also endorse Val’s ideas.
Best wishes
Hi Gina,
Sounds to me like you really do need to take some time for yourself. And don't feel guilty about it either. Most people don't do half (if anything) that you do for your friends. Especially the elder care ones.
Mmmmmm. Loved the sound of your Xmas cake baking. I don't have the culinary skills to be able to make something like this, but I do love to eat it. I guess this means that we're teetering on the brink of the Christmas Season, doesn't it???
Your x-stitch Chief is coming along and is so close to a finish. Didn't realize there was beading as well as stitching on this piece. He's so handsome, and regal looking.
Theres nothing like adorable pictures of our feline companions to make everyone smile.
Cheers Judy
When I am stressed I read also. September was really bad and I read 15 books. Thank goodness for the Library.
Goodness Gina.... I love to do a cake sway with you but I still have a pile of cross stitch books sitting here that I promised you months ago. Let alone the spiderweb embroidery sitting on my sewing pile. I'm too scared to commit to any more swaps in case I let my swap partner down.
I wish you the best of luck with your job interview. You will get it for sure. I have never met such a hard working and more caring individual. I'll keep all digits crossed for you.
Please make sure you take some time out for yourself. My threat of coming down to 'tell you off' still stands.
I've been depressed as well... so I 'sort of' can relate to your feelings. I just can't seem to get motivated lately. I need to sort out the reason why so I can get on with things.
Tomorrow is a new day my dearest friend. Take care.
Well I'd love to do a christmas cake swap but I doubt either piece would survive the journey!!
I love losing myself in a great book and coming up to my own bit of "time off" after christmas I'm going to have to be rather strict and make sure I don't waste too much time reading!!!! Still, we all need some R&R sometimes...
Oh this is so nice...to get all these cheer-up comments!
Val: I'll certainly remind you about swapping Xmas cake slices when you get home.
Lindsay: Thanks! PS, watch the local paper this week...
Judy: I've left messages on your blog in response to your comments here - thank you!
Cathy: Hi! thanks for visiting.
Nicole: You'll have email from me shortly - take care XXOOXX
Kathie: Xmas cake survives a journey across the world very well if it is wrapped up in foil and put in a small box or tin! Let's do it!!
Stress and anxiety really can make you tired. Even though I miss when you don't post, I certainly understand. Great idea to tell any new employers that you can't start until December...hmmm, maybe you should make that January! You could really enjoy your time if you knew everything was all set.
Oh dear, so sorry that you've been depressed. That's not like you - you're usually so cheery. Do take care of yourself.
Also, when you see Helen again, tell her we're all still thinking of her and hoping for a steady improvement.
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