When I start back to work on Monday, it will have been 149 days since I have been to work. Being away from work for 5 months has opened new vistas. New ways of thinking. I understand, now, the need for a sabbatical every once in a while. When you are in the heat of the battle, there is little time to think about what you really want to do.
I worked so much the last 2 years that I completely missed the autumn colors because I was at work all of the time. Sun up to sun down and sometimes weekends. At home, I was no fun to be around because I was ALWAYS cranky. I had boss that I didn’t like and I would resist him at every turn, which took a lot of energy. Nothing disrespectful, at least not enough to get me fired, but a lot of little things. That’s terribly draining. Looking back, I wish that I could have just let things go, but had I been able to do that I wouldn’t have taken the time off, or perhaps wouldn’t have needed to. But, that’s the past.
I’ve enjoyed my time off. Sure, I’ve traveled a bit inside of North Carolina, hung out with my neighbors, read a lot of books, but I’ve also come to discover a few truths.
1. I need to take care of myself. I’m not getting any younger!
2. I like the lifestyle that I live, which is provided, in part, by my income.
3. When I retire, I need a plan. I understand why some people go back to work after they retire. It can get really boring if you have no other plans. Sitting around the house gets really old, really quickly.
4. I still like to develop software, just not in the heat of battle “mode” all of the time.
5. I love photography, but as a hobby. Perhaps, later in life, I’ll pursue as a profession. This, only when I don’t need the money. It’s easier to practice the “art” when you don’t need to pay the rent!
That said, item number 1 is the most important. For the past 2 years I have basically neglected myself. I worked too much, worked-out too little, and didn’t eat well. People in my family have the propensity to gain weight very easily. I’m no exception. Certainly not an excuse, just an additional indicator.
During the summer I went to the YMCA sporadically. Sometimes 3 times/week, sometimes none. Sometimes I skipped several weeks in a row. Recently, I’ve gotten back into it. I go 5 days/week now. I’ve totally shunned the fast food industry. No more drive-thrus for me! I have switched to a low-fat, lower carbohydrate diet. It’s not a diet in the true sense of the word, because I’ve found that they don’t work for me. It’s better selections, smaller portions, more frequent meals.
So far, so good. It’s working. The challenge will be when I return to work, I’ll have to prepare this food in advance and take it with me. Also, I’ll need to schedule my time so that I can still go to the Y every day, with the minimum being 4/7 days. Perhaps a certain time of the evening, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM, or perhaps right after work.
So, I’m learning that very tasty food doesn’t have to be high in fat or calories. Take this dish, for example. Mixed vegetables, grilled chicken breasts, a dash of soy sauce and some spicy Szechuan sauce! Tasty! Also, it lasts me for about 2 or 3 hours. So now, most of my meals contain a little meat and a whole lot of vegetables.
I have found, though, that it is more expensive to eat healthy stuff than it is to eat the cheaper, high fat items.
As part of my new attitude, I went to the doctor yesterday and had my yearly check up. Everything checks just fine. Blood pressure 116/72, pulse 72. Both rated an “excellent” comment from the nurse. Going to the gym does have it’s benefits.
I was thinking of going to the zoo today, but decided against it. There’s always the weekends. Today is a day of rest, meditation, reflection, and an oil change! 
So, Monday, a new era begins. I’m back to work, making a few bucks, which means I can buy more “stuff” for my habit. This new “gig”, from what I have heard, is pretty sweet and the people are nice and not workaholics. I could use that.
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