On My Own Time

I got to thinking today about how my attitudes about time have changed. My work always runs two shifts, from 6 AM to 4 PM, then 4 PM to 2 AM. Four days a week, Monday thru Thursday, although it often is more than that. I've gotten into the bad habit of hitting that damned snooze bar too many times (usually after staying up too late blogging or some damned thing) and by the time I hit the road, the freeways are pretty clogged and I end up even later getting in. However, I haven't had much of any negative feedback about it, they don't seem to care so long as I get my hours in. Usually I end up with around two hours of overtime most weeks.

Just about a year ago I broke the middle finger of my left hand. Its still not back to its full strength and flexibility, but its healing. While my hand was in a splint I couldn't wear a watch. Up until that time, I'd worn a watch most every day since I was in school. Suddenly, I found I was having to look around for clocks. Of course, my phone has a clock built in, so I can usually fall back on that if I care. Thing is, I don't!!!

After years of having to be somewhere at sometime, I've largely began running on my own schedule. I have very few obligations that absolutely NEED to be at a specific time for. I eat when I'm hungry. I go to bed when I'm tired. I wake up when I'm tired of listening to the damned snooze alarm. I find this to be very liberating, and has reduced the stress that I've felt in the past where I've felt like I'm rushing all the time.

My body rhythms seem to run towards the nocturnal. I could probably get them to let me work something like noon until 10 PM, but I'm not sure I'd like that too much either.

I realize that I'm fortunate to be able to live my life like this. While I look forward to getting a better paying job in the future, I dread having to go back on a regimented schedule, as well as having to work five days a week.

There are some of my recent thoughts. Here's another picture of my baby. She's a goodurn!!!