Day Off

Today's my first day off this week - once again I really do feel as if I need it! I was working all weekend (2 10-hour shifts) and Monday & Tuesday (2 12-hour shifts). The weekend shifts were a bit surreal as it really didn't feel like the weekend. On my way to work I passed people coming out of clubs and the streets were deserted (which makes a change from the franticness of weekdays). The plus side was that the phones were quiet, especially on Sunday. Yesterday was pretty hectic though. This morning I awoke around the time I usually get up for work, thinking "oh no, I've got to get up and get ready", but when I remembered I was off I was so relieved.

Fortunately, that 4-day run was the worst part of the monthly shift rota, so it's a relief. Over the next 14 days (including today) I'll be working only 5, so that's pretty good. I've still got my full holiday quota available as well, so at the moment I can't complain. A new dilemma has manifested though - that of what to do on my days off. It's only recently it's become clearer how empty my life is. I don't mean that in a negative, depressive way, but when I'm off I tend not to do very much when I could be doing stuff. For example, today I'm in town for a wander and as usual ended up in the EasyInternet cafe. Later I'll probably go to the gym and go shopping, then watch some TV and have my tea. Then go to bed. It's boring.

I've not much to report on over the past few days, other than that work's going ok; I feel far more proficient at the job since starting the longer shifts. My team seems good as well. Despite working on Saturday, I managed to drag myself out for a couple of beers at my friend Martyn's birds 21st birthday party. My flatmate Shagger returned from holiday after all, much to my relief. It turned out that he stayed at his parents' for a couple of days after returning, and had also lost his phone. He had a great holiday, seems a lot more positive and says he's determined to get all the rent arrears paid off - go Shagger! I'm happy for him as he says he didn't once fall out with his parents. He mentioned maybe moving back with them after the lease ends, which I think would be a good idea, given that he's still only 18.

I've recently been listening to a lot of music. I'm still intent on working on some song ideas of my own, and so should get stuck into that on my days off. I might consider going away somewhere for a week or so, but I'm not sure yet. It'd be good to take advantage of the lovely weather. In general, my plans for the future don't really consist of much. I'll try to stick in at the job, and I don't think I'll be staying in the penthouse beyond the end of the 6-month lease. If Edzell let us, I might stay a couple of months longer though. I'm going to try and go to the gym on each of my days off, but once I move, will probably reassess whether having a gym membership actually benefits me on a personal level. I do need more exercise in general, but I'm not sure the torture chamber-esque environment of a gym is the best way for me. I'll slowly but surely work on some song ideas. In a few months I may consider getting a better job and who knows, possible career? The idea of going abroad really appeals to me at the moment too.

I'm back in Goldfish tomorrow but then I've got a few days off so should be good - provided I can fill the voids.