The Perks of Growing Up

[ladysprite]

I had made plans to go to a free CE lecture tonight. I really had. I was going to be good, and spend one of my two free evenings this week driving to Walpole to attend an hour-plus talk on elevated liver enzymes. Because I'm a good vet, and because I really ought to take advantage of the free CE opportunities out there, instead of just getting it all out of the way in one (slightly pricy) conference.

But it was a gorgeous, warm, sunny day. And I haven't had much of any downtime yet this week. And I REALLY didn't want to spend any more of it inside, away from windows, or otherwise cooped up, than I had to be.

So I gave myself permission to slack off, just this once. And instead of going to the lecture I got a pedicure, then came home to make dinner with my husband and watch the second half of the 'So You Think You Can Dance' premier while wallowing in open windows and fresh air. And then I lucked into a friend with similarly cancelled plans, and we all wound up going out for ice cream, and sitting outside in Davis Square enjoying the first truly warm evening of the year.

I hate feeling like the universe is rewarding me for slacking off; I have enough of a Puritan work ethic to feel rather like I should be punished for skipping out on virtuous labor and self-improvement. But I can't deny that this was a heck of a lot more fun than the original evening I had in mind....

Comments

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

Go you! Hooray for enjoying yourself. :)

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Sounds like an awesome way to spend the evening. I think it was a great choice.

BTW, I'll be 1/2 way to Boston this weekend. Well, approximately, not scientifically measured. I'll be down in Rumney (and North Conway) NH, rock climbing. I'll wave in a generally Bostonish direction. :)

[gmkieran.livejournal.com]

Good for you!!! And I applaud the universe for rewarding your moment of indulgence with another! :D

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

I think that one good way of looking at it is what you missed. I mean, if this was a world renowned expert on elevated liver enzymes, who you would never be able to see again, then maybe slacking off isn't a great idea.

But taking care of yourself and being happy is *important*.

One thing I've learned from chronic depression: a person is better in every single way when happy. A person can learn more, and do more, and do it better and more efficiently when happy.

Sure, it's possible to take that too far; it's always possible to take things too far. But it sounds like you made a good choice for yourself.

[evcelt.livejournal.com]

::applause::

As others have said: you have to take care of yourself. First. This is not being selfish... this is a practical truth.