Well, my new work schedule, 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., launched this week. Actually, it was my decision to switch to a schedule more harmonious to my normal sleep habits. I am distracted, exhausted and stressed by a traditional 9-5 work schedule. Normally, by the time I get to work, I've already been up six hours, which means I drag myself through the remaining work day. Given this and the current work load before me, I decided to work on my schedule rather than on some archaic corporate clock.
Still, now that I'm no longer totally self-employed, having to be somewhere on any schedule and working regularly with others is taxing. It wears me out. Work environment can be over stimulating and downright toxic, to say the least.
(See the lone motorcyclist? It was 56 degrees Sunday!)
I ride solo for many reasons. It's my time to be alone with my self and my thoughts. It's the only time I can do exactly what I want to do when I want to do it. If my bladder screams, I stop; if I want to ride the whole dang day, there is no one with whom I need to negotiate. I've found that I prefer solo work too. In less than a week of the new hours, I'm feeling less stressed by the work environment but it has done nada for the stress the job itself generates. (How it looked a couple of weeks ago)
Tonight, in spite of feeling exhausted and crabby, I took time out to peek in on some of my favorite "haunts." I didn't get to comment much or at all on some sites, but the visit leaves me feeling inspired and missing old pals. I may not want to ride or work with others, but I thoroughly enjoy hanging out in cyberspace with kindred spirits.
So, I'm fighting back! Regardless of the chaos of work, I need regular 'net visits with pals, like Crusty the Biker, Sojourn Chronicles, Motorcycle Misadventures, Scooter in the Sticks. Do drop in on them too. And here's a special "Shout out" to a new fav, Jack Riepe at Twisted Roads. Reading him guarantees a smile or outright belly laugh! Tonight, he helped me deal with the pangs of severe PMS--not the kind you're probably thinking of--although reading him might work for that too!(Seen at a motorcycle show)
Here's to my favs--looking forward to catching up and reconnecting!
12 comments:
It was great to hear from you Sharon! All of us will feel better when we can get our "de-stress" rides in when needed. I know i am a SOB when i'm off my bike for to long ;-)
Hi there! Nice to hear from you and glad you have a better work schedule (for you LOL).
I would have bought the T-shirt.
hsartteacher
Yes, I will be far less crabby when the ground is clear and the temps are sane. For now, I'm just dreaming of future rides...
Hi hsartteacher! Thanks! I knew I'd regret not buying it--and I do. There are days when you just need to make a loud public statement!
I have been pushing myself to ride this winter. January was mild for this part of Pennsylvania, and I logged 775 miles. February brought snow, ice, and freezing rain, so I only nailed 125 miles for the month. I scored 330 miles the first weekend in March, when the temperature was 56 in Chicago. Two years ago, I wouldn't ride if the temperature was below 40º. Now I ride when its a minimum of 27º, but dry.
My bike runs like a nuclear reactor. I hit a high speed of 105 in January. This isn't bad for a stodgy 13-year-old 750. I'm glad my blog made you laugh. I had a story picked up in the February BMW MOA publication too. I organized a bike ride to a place where riders could utilize global warming to cook their lunches.
I enjoyed your perspective on riding alone. The guys I ride with are so much better than me, that it is exactly like riding alone.
Fondest regards.
Jack Riepe/Vindak8r
Twisted Roads
That picture of the lone rider makes me miss those summer rides up Lake Shore Drive late at night. On the other hand waiting for it to "warm up" to 50 in order to ride is not something to be missed. I recently moved to Phoenix and have loved our "winter" here.
Jack, you're a man after my own heart! Amazing winter riding...you're giving me some ideas.
atlasrider, thanks for dropping by...as you enjoy your winter--feel sorry for us. It's been a particularly rough winter (hear violins playing in the background)
Arizona, uh? Let me know how your summer is--I recall reading a post somewhere that summer can be sweltering, especially if you're ATGATT (all the gear all the time). I love hot weather and can't imagine it ever being too hot to ride.
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Strict work schedules are a drag. When I was young a cousin instructed me of the two most important work requirements and I never forgot them and have achieved them my entire career.
1. No regular hours.
2. No dress code.
Get those two right and everything will fall into place he says. So far so good.
"It's my time to be alone with my self and my thoughts." That's it exactly!
With spring here I'll be having a lot more thoughts...
Steve Williams
Scooter in the Sticks
Steve, congrats on being able to stick to those wise words. I couldn't agree more! For eight years, I owned my own business and regret the day I ended it for the security of a paycheck. Plans are in the works to change all that. We live and learn. For the first time this year, I smelled spring yesterday...
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