Yesterday was my last day at work. After 17 years with the same company, I signed my termination papers and turned in my office keys. Clean cut process.
Now the fun part begins.
Last night I was tossing and turning, thinking about what I would do with all my spare time. I pretty much have come to terms being laid off. It's not the best feeling in the world but the ride had to end sometime, right? My body, however, hasn't been alerted to the change. I still woke up this morning, a few minutes before the radio alarm kicks on at 5:50 am, and was in the process of my usual routine when I stopped dead in my tracks. I realized that my morning routine was terminated when I signed and dated those forms.
I sat back down on my bed and soaked in 'Frosty the Snowman,' which was playing on the radio at that precise moment (thank you 97.1 WASH-FM for your 24-hour, non-stop Christmas music). Curled back up in bed, my mind rattled coming up with tasks and errands to do in the day. Well I could go to the 9 am mass at church. I try to do that at least once a week. But what about after the service? Does my day end at 9:30?
Noooooo.
So I did what any normal person would do. I went to places I don't usually frequent, and of course shop for things I really don't need. Ok, well groceries are a basic need. And making a payment, that's pretty much a given. But I went to Ollie's in Jessup. Ollie's!
Ollie's is a bargain hut for many people, and I can't argue about the deals you find in that place. Great prices on medicine that's set to expire next month. Hey, I might need Nyquil between now and January 31. It was only $1.99. 'I Dream of Jeannie' for $4.99? I have some free time and who doesn't like sleeping in one morning and watching classic television shows while eating a box of cereal? So after shuffling my way through some truckers (if you know Jessup, then you know it's basically a trucking hub), toothless citizens, and a few shady suspects, I paid for the items and got the hell out. Will I ever go back to Ollie's? I'm not sure, but I don't want to try again anytime soon.
Well after that adventure, my day ended at 10:30 am. What to do, what to do...
Old Navy! I haven't been inside an Old Navy store in six years. I used to shop there all the time back in my college days. I needed a cardigan sweater for a Christmas gift. Done and done. It didn't take long with only three styles to select from, and let's be honest, men usually go to a clothing store or mall with a set mind. You go in, get what you need to get, and get out. No browsing. No trying on clothes. Just grab it, swipe the credit card, and go.
My day now ended at 11:10 am.
Hey, I know...I can get something elective done my doctor's office. That should keep me busy. *Ring ring* Is the doctor available for a quick procedure? 11:45? I'm there! I get to the office way ahead of time because my doctor is a stickler with punctuality. When he says 11:45, he really means 11:38. He's probably the only doctor I know who doesn't make a patient wait. I'm taken to the exam room, a quick greeting and handshake, and I'm suddenly laying on the table get my cheek numbed. A little slice here, a little tug there and boom! it's done.
12:15 pm. Walking back to my car and with a huge patch on the right side of my face, I decide to call it a day. I just can't do this.
I can't continue filling my day with unnecessary activities. The feeling of doing absolutely nothing was great! This is only the first day of my unemployment and it felt more like a vacation day. I shopped, ate a wonderful lunch, and napped like a cat. It was relaxing. But in the back of my mind, I am still wondering "Where do I go from here?"
The holiday season is the worst time to be unemployed. No one is hiring until after the new year. Everyone in my field uses up the rest of their vacation and leave days. I have a couple more weeks to relax. But what comes after the relaxation period? I don't know exactly, but I'm just going to stretch out my toes and settle in for the ride
...and that is where this little daily blog comes in handy. Hey, if you have been in the same boat or are about to join the unemployment, feel free to come along for the journey.
Well I guess I can start on clearing out the DVR. I have some shows from the summer that need viewing. Until tomorrow.
"Self-awareness is not just relaxation and not just meditation. It must combine relaxation with activity and dynamism. Technology can aid that."
-Deepak Chopra
