Yesterday, I worked for 12 hours, and I’m probably doing it again next week at least once, if not twice. I normally work 10 hour days, Monday through Thursday, but we only get 8 hours per holiday (yes, there is a flaw in the system, go figure), so on weeks with a holiday, we make up those two hours on one of the scant few other days of the week. In addition to the holiday on Monday, we are doing ACT training from 8-4 on next Tuesday and Wednesday, still holding classes in the evening, you do the math.

I’m looking forward to being salaried, as opposed to hourly, although the company I work for is generous with their PTO and I’ve been able to accumulate the 40 hours I will need to go on vacation to California this coming May. I don’t, as a rule, enjoy taking time off, tho. Most of my clients are in the early stages of their recovery, and missing an entire week feels like I’m missing a month’s worth of work. I have a 4-day work week and subsequent 3 day weekends almost constantly, so I can do most things I want to do…go to Vegas, take a trip down south for the hot springs when the weather turns…without taking time out of the office. for bigger trips, like California, I will just have to bite the bullet and prep everything that needs to get done a week in advance. And practice mindfulness. And not let my job gobble up my soul with worry.

I did, as mentioned above, go to Las Vegas last weekend, just a quick Friday-Sunday trip down south to see D and E….D lives there now, E was visiting themselves from That Midwest Place Where I Used to Live. I had a moderately good time, for Vegas, although I spent way too much money on beverages, gambled about once in the airport on the way home, and got ditched for poker on more than one occasion. I was on the strip, so loads of people and opportunity for people-watching, lots of alcohol, very expensive bars. I got to experience actual Vegas with D at an Irish pub, off the strip, with particularly delicious Irish coffee on the first night I got there. D looks so good! D seems happy! I think this move was a very good one to make, although I got the idea that we both miss California a wee bit.

I did get time with E as well, although the poker rooms beckoned very persuasively, and E took me out to Fremont Street, which I learned is ‘old Vegas’, and looks like a place out of Blade Runner. So much visual stimulation, so many things bright and weird. So many ways to spend money and not even realize you’re breaking your travel budget by twofold. I honestly reported to my excel spreadsheet when I got home, but I wasn’t happy with the resulting numbers. Maybe when I make *L*CSW money, I’ll go back to that town and light up the place. As it stands, D owes me a visit in quiet ol’ SLC.

I did end up with a hangover, and the strange thing I’ve noted in the last few years is that hangovers manifest as bouts of horrific anxiety. I end up curled up in bed pressing my snooze button for long, desperate hours, feeling like the world is caving in on me and it’s all my fault. Try to sleep it off? Your dreams will set you up for a terrible time. Everything you’ve ever done wrongfully will spring up without ceasing. Was it worth that extra margarita, Jady, was it? I would much prefer headaches and nausea, but that’s just not how my brain works anymore. Plus, drinking is expensive, and I don’t need that shit draining my Entertainment budget. I’ll stick to a beer after work, thanks all the same.

The parents are in Hawaii right now, speaking of vacations, although Mom is being typical Mom and working most of the time there. Her department is recruiting new students, I think she’s presenting a paper or something, and she’s been working on an incredibly difficult report that’s due sometime soon. Still, I wish them both sunny beaches and lovely sunsets, if she gets off the computer once or twice. They’ve been busy busy humans this winter, and a respite is in order.

Well, my sister suggested I write this morning, and I feel better getting it done. This weekend is the Improv Festival I help make happen, followed by a Monday holiday, so perhaps I’ll charge up the iPad and write while I do laundry post-event. Feel free to kick me in the pants if you see me slacking…Sister is particularly good at that, and I do truly appreciate it.

Maybe I’ll see some of you this weekend at the fest? It would be hug-tastic. Looking forward to lots of laughs.