Friday 27 June 2008

Calm before the storm?

It’s been an odd week at work. I’ve been getting in at 9am, leaving around 6pm and have actually managed to take a lunch hour every single day. My workload has been perfectly balanced, not too busy, not too slow, and I've been able to leave work with a sense of accomplishment instead of leaving at the point where I feel I've nothing more to give for the day, a lengthy list of things to do still hanging over my head, such that it ends up intruding on my dreams. Work is pretty much the only thing I dream about these days. Actually I tell a lie, because last night I dreamt I was in a 2 storey house, covered in deep snow with about a dozen other people, including the actor David Boreanaz - what can I say, I rather enjoy the TV show Bones which he stars in with Emily Deschanel, and let's face it, there are worse people to be stuck in a house with, he's not exactly hard on the eyes is he? The weirdest part of the dream was that there was a bull stood at the front door, patiently watching us all through the glass. What on Earth could it mean??? The only logical explanation I can come up with is that I’ve been doing a lot of financial research this week as I dither whether to make a small investment in a mutual fund and have thus been absorbing a lot of information about bull and bear markets. Perhaps my dream was a sign that the bull market is finally coming and I should not dilly dally, but invest now while stock prices are lower. Perhaps I have acquired the power to predict the stock market!!! Wouldn’t that be fab? Move over Warren Buffet, ye Oracle of Omaha and make way for the Mystic of Manhattan. Ahem!!

But back to the work thing…I can honestly say I haven’t had a week this quiet since 2001 and quite frankly it’s unsettling. I’m so used to running around like a blue arsed fly that having a reasonable workload is an alien concept. Sometimes I sit at my desk as I'm preparing to leave wondering if I've forgotten something. Earlier this week I was convinced my Blackberry must be broken given the lack of emails I’m receiving of an evening and I’ll admit I was concerned it might be a sign that the current US financial turmoil is starting to impact us. Marketing budgets are always the first to be cut in times of trouble, but I’m a worrier by nature and fingers crossed everything seems to be on track, and it’s not like I’m sat around twiddling my thumbs, however, while I'm not usually the pessimistic type, it just seems a little too good to be true!! Trouble must clearly be brewing!!

Pushing those anxieties aside though I have to say it’s been quite lovely. I've had the time to take leisurely walks home through Central Park and marvel at the insanity of the joggers persevering with their fitness regimes despite the unpleasant levels of humidity we’ve been enjoying in New York this week, the city smells divinely like a sewer. Ugh!! I cannot wait for autumn!!

I've also had time to finally finish my book, The Prince Of Tides by Pat Conroy as recommended to me by Catweazle** and which I picked up for a paltry $5 in a used bookstore at Raleigh/Durham airport. How cool an idea is that, a used bookstore after passport control? Every airport should have one.

Speaking of the calm before the storm, my parents arrive in town tomorrow for their annual summer visit. My apartment sparkles. I gave it a good clean last weekend and I’ve barely breathed in it this past week for fear of having to clean up again. The countdown is also on to the start of my annual summer game of ‘let’s see how long their visit lasts before we have an argument.’

I’m not sure what is it about spending a prolonged period of time with my parents that eventually sees us reverting back to the relationship we had when I was a teenager. Hopefully this time I’ll outdo previous records and not argue with them once during the two weeks – TWO WEEKS!!! It’s impossible – they’re staying with me.

Wish me luck ;-)



**A book recommendation which really surprised me since, being vaguely aware of the romantic movie starring Barbara Streisand and Nick Nolte, it struck me as something of an unusual recommendation from a bloke, but he poohed the film for being too focused on the relationship between the brother and the psychiatrist which is really only a small piece of the story. Still, now that I've read the book I'm curious to see the movie. Hey with 7 Oscar nominations, how bad can it be?

By the way if you're ever feeling in need of attention may I suggest reading the Prince of Tides on public transportation! You would not believe the number of people who interrupted my reading to tell me what a great book it was, or how the movie was among their favourites. By the time I was near the end of the book - I was so tired of people declaring their adoration that I was ready to preempt every person that tapped me on the shoulder with a 'yeah yeah yeah, don't tell me, you just frickin' LOVED the book, or the film, bugger off and stop bothering me so I can enjoy it in peace' but of course I'm too well brought up to do such a thing, so instead I smiled and indulged the people who frequently almost gave away the bloody ending!!! Aaaarrrggghhhh!! Who knew the writings of Pat Conroy would be such a conversation starter.

10 comments:

Kitty said...

wowzers, two weeks is a looong time in an apartment with two adults who know a little to much about you.

GOOD LUCK! GODSPEED! lol.

fishwithoutbicycle said...

:-) Thanks Kitty!!

Anonymous said...

Just think positive, and remember to keep breathing when things get touchy! That usually helps me.

If all else fails, a mantra that incorporates the countdown can help if things get really dodgy: "Three more days... three more days.." ;-)

fishwithoutbicycle said...

:-) LOL Thanks Spandrel

Mike S said...

Just think of how many wonderful places they can visit in that time. A tired guest makes for a happy host(ess).

As for the dream meaning, this Old Indian interprets it to mean you should lay off the late night pizza and drinks:)

fishwithoutbicycle said...

Hi Mike, yes that's very true, although this is like their 10th visit to New York, so short of the gym I'm running low on ideas for new places, but fingers crossed it will be fine. So...um...you don't think I'm the next big investor then ;-)

Anonymous said...

My favourite part of the movie was Jason Gould! Holy cow! Granted, the movie was made so long ago but talk about a cutie! At least I thought he was so good looking!

I think it was his first acting role as well but regardless, he was just excellent!

And to think he is the son of Elliot Gould *gasp* I mean, Babs isn't bad looking...

And best of all, Jay is gay! *laughing*

But damn...he's positive. *PA makes sad face*

Good luck with the Parental Units.

Blur Ting said...

I'm like you when it comes to work. If it gets too quiet at work, I get worried. I prefer to be busy running around too.

Hope you enjoy time with your parents for 2 whole weeks.

fishwithoutbicycle said...

Hi PA, I haven't seen the movie yet, but I have seen the trailer on IMDB and Jason Gould is pretty cute. Has he done much else since then?

Hi Blur Ting, I think I will get my wish and it will be busier soon. Too busy perhaps ;-) Thanks for the good wishes.

Anonymous said...

Not much acting as far as memory serves. He did get into directing and made a short film or something that was gay-related...a guy coming out or something like that and was there discussion about it being semi-autobiographical?

I never really paid attention much or kept on top of him (haha...that sounds funny...sorry.)

I think he liked to keep a low profile due to his famous parents and that can certainly be understandable. Gold digging boyfriends?

I am not one to follow celebrities. I don't care about them or their lives. Non-famous people are much more interesting in my humble opinion.