Panda-monium
These past several months have been extremely busy and hectic. I work in retail so it’s only normal that the holiday season means no social or personal life from October to mid-January. Long hours and 6 day work weeks have taken over what would be times for dinner with friends or movie nights with the siblings. It was a struggle at first trying to balance work and personal life; however, I’ve realized that this is the only time of year that my job is going to demand 2000% of me, and afterward it’ll be a smooth ride down (or at least I hope so!).
Since graduating college I immediately started to work full time and because of this I have learned to appreciate the time that I have to spend with my friends and family. Although I may complain that I never get to see my loved ones, working all these hours has made me appreciate each interaction even more. Recently, a group of us took a weekend getaway to Lake Oswego, Oregon — which is right outside Portland — where my friend Mike and his family generously hosted us for two days. Prior to this trip I hadn’t had a sip of alcohol in two months, let alone see my friends! I’m going to have to spare the details because it’s definitely NSFW, but let’s just say we had the time of our lives which included tunes from the glorious Rihanna, pandas, glitter, strippers and a lap dance — I work hard, but I also like to play hard as well!
Strippers aside, these chaotic times have made me love my friends even more (in addition to loving my sobriety since I don’t have time to drink). Whether we are baking cookies while watching The Hills (and then watch me pass out on the couch afterward because of sleep deprivation), having super late night happy hour sessions or getting quick manicures during my lunch breaks, I am so thankful to my friends for understanding the demands of my job and the odd hours that I am only able to see them at.
Until the day the holiday season is over, I’m going to continue my daily breakfast of two aspirins and iced coffee with a smile on my face awaiting the next time I’m reunited with friends. Thank goodness that Christmas is a national holiday because I was able to catch up on some sleep!
