It's that last Friday before Christmas.
A day I start looking forward to around September.
A day I start to count down to sometime in November.
It's the last day I have to work before the holidays.
My company shuts down between Christmas and New Year's. We skip five regular holidays in order to do that. (So they say. I know of companies who take all of the Federal holidays off and shut down at Christmas. Obviously these are not companies in retail. If they shut down at Christmas, it's permanent. Know what I mean?)
So when some folks are having a three day weekend, I'm driving to work on a Monday wondering where all the traffic is. Until someone at work mentions that their spouse is off that day because it's a holiday.
No big deal, I like having an entire week off at Christmas. In fact, I have learned to save a few vacation days each year so that I can have TWO weeks off at Christmas. (Greedy, neh?)
But the last couple of weeks leading up to that last Friday before Christmas can really drag. I don't sleep well, trying to get last minute bits of work done, listening to The Missus Herself stress about holiday shopping and all that tends to really wear my aging self out.
I start to feel like an old diesel submarine that's been depth charged and submerged too long. The batteries are running low, dangerously low. I need to get to the surface and run the diesels to recharge those batteries. But I have to wait a bit longer. Just a bit...
%2C_20_July_1944.jpg) |
| USS Porpoise (SS-172), 20 July 1944 Public Domain |
But it's that last Friday.
According to the chronometer, it's just past sunset. Sonar indicates that the screw noises of that tin can that just worked us over are fading. The crew is stirring.
"Prepare to surface!"
It's that last Friday before Christmas.
For two weeks I'm foot loose and fancy free.
No work to do.
No need to get up early.
Sigh...
Finally!
Enjoy! I was told when I retired that that regimen would get boring...it doesn't.
ReplyDeleteI am seldom bored. Too many things I love doing.
DeleteHave you been reading Ned Beach or Robb White?
ReplyDeleteStart the low pressure blow, put three mains on the battery, turn over to the regular watch section, take a nap.
Love Cap'n Beach.
DeleteLow pressure blow, Aye!
What Joe said.
ReplyDeleteI have lots and lots to keep me occupied.
Some folks might wonder if it's productive.
That's their problem.
What they think is none of my business.
What is this "productive" you speak of?
Delete;-)
Whatever I say it is.
Delete;-)
Currently it is musing over what might have been.
As good a definition as any!
DeleteAnd yes, what might have been...
Enjoy!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh I shall. I shall indeed.
DeleteSounds like a plan.
ReplyDeleteThe best part of this plan?
DeleteThere is no plan! Yay!
The best Christmas and New Year to you and yours. Thank you for the fine entertainment. Also, nice pic I've never seen of Porpoise, one I've never seen. She was a close cousin of Dolphin, SS 169. Predecessor of AGSS 555, upon which I may have dueled with you .
ReplyDeleteRight back at you Glenn.
DeleteDid a little research, AGS 555 is now at the San Diego Maritime Museum. I will need to pay her a visit next time I'm out there.
Thanks for the kind words.
Do visit her. You will not be disappointed. Very small, so a short tour, but the last and best diesel boat we had. Only 3 O'ringers and 20 enlisted when I rode her. Always cool "civilian stuff" aboard tho'.
DeleteSounds pretty cool!
DeleteI also like this time of year. The teachers and students (but mostly teachers) are gone. There's no start time/finish time. Come in when you want. Work on your long term things that need doing, but which you can never get to because the stupid printer jams and nobody can fix it other than you (at least in their minds). Get 'er done or at least to a logical stopping spot and go home. Blood pressure is much lower.
ReplyDeleteIt's a time to relax. A time to recuperate.
DeleteI love this time of year.
I've had trouble getting into Christmas this year. Not sure why. It might be because I have to drive the length of California tomorrow, which I dread. I'll be in the wi-fi dead zone that is Southern Oregon so my snarky commentary may be a little light over the next 10 days. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas and let your heart be light.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tuna. Enjoy yourself!
DeleteMy best to you and yours!
I used to work all the days around Christmas and New Years because nobody else did. It was quiet and pleasant and I got a lot done.
ReplyDeleteI have a few colleagues who like to do that as well.
DeleteAs for me, I'd rather be home.