I live a circumscribed life --(not circumsised, Ha!) As a nurse, my life was lived by the hands of clocks--clocks on the wall, alarm clocks, clock in the car, time clocks, and a watch on my wrist. So after awhile I became used to rigid routine, a place for everything; everything in its place. Never late for appointments. Live life by the straight and narrow. Because in nursing, most things were timed down to the hour, down to the minute, even down to the second.

So now if I want to just lollygag around the house all day, I feel guilty. I feel like I should be doing something. I rarely wear a watch, though, not now that I don't have to. I have a friend who's also a retired nurse--she sets her alarm clock to wake up early every morning when she doesn't need to. She could sleep in--she could sleep late--believe me, after years of living by the clock she deserves time to relax now. But she feels guilty if she doesn't get  up when the alarm goes off. Old habits are hard to break.  Sue

Comments:

comment by troutbend on Apr 2, 2008 11:36 AM ()

Laura! You remembered! and yes, that is still happening!

reply by susil on Apr 4, 2008 12:28 PM ()

Just relax and enjoy, darlin'.

comment by elderjane on Apr 1, 2008 7:26 AM ()

Hi Jeri, I'm trying, I'm trying!

reply by susil on Apr 4, 2008 12:32 PM ()

comment by panthurdreams on Mar 31, 2008 7:34 PM ()

Hi Hawaii; I guess it's the feeling responsible part
that makes it hard to slow down. (Sorry it took so long
to get back to you-on computer erratically.) Hope you
are doing well.

reply by susil on Apr 4, 2008 12:32 PM ()

true!
I gave up on a watch a long time ago.
I watch the clock at work, but that's about it.

comment by kristilyn3 on Mar 31, 2008 2:21 PM ()

Hi kristilyn; Good for you not letting yourself be
dominated by time.Sounds like you've got your act
together!

reply by susil on Mar 31, 2008 2:58 PM ()

comment by marta on Mar 30, 2008 10:56 AM ()

Oh marta; I wish I could be that way, and have your temperament,
and let creativity bubble and develop at its own pace. Not to
feel guilty about letting things take their time--envy from me.

reply by susil on Mar 31, 2008 3:05 PM ()

comment by tealstar on Mar 30, 2008 4:40 AM ()

Hi teal; Gosh have you were lucky not to have lived by
strict schedules and arbitrary time. You get up early?
You must be an innate early bird. I was always a night owl.

reply by susil on Mar 31, 2008 3:10 PM ()

I think we all have that guilty feeling when we aren't doing anything. I try not to let it bother me..

comment by elfie33 on Mar 29, 2008 8:16 AM ()

Hi elfie! I can never just sit and watch TV etc. I have to be
working on a crossword, folding clothes, talking on the phone
etc. Sometimes all at once, LOL!

reply by susil on Mar 29, 2008 8:38 AM ()

Having taught for many years, I know exactly what you are saying. I feel that I have traded one job for many here at home. Guilt--why can't we just enjoy doing nothing???????

comment by angiedw on Mar 29, 2008 7:43 AM ()

Hi angie; Once in a great while, I get everything
done around the house and enjoy a few moments of
blissful completion--but that doesn't happen often,
and can't enjoy just doing nothing for long.

reply by susil on Mar 29, 2008 8:41 AM ()

"Getting to know you, getting to know all about you" (song). I'm a notorious
time watcher. (Can one actually "watch" time? You know what I mean.)

comment by solitaire on Mar 29, 2008 7:27 AM ()

Hi sol; From one notorious time watcher to another.
What's bad is that I expect other people to be prompt
and stay on schedule, which means I am often
disappointed and frustrated with laggers. I need to
get over it, hey?

reply by susil on Mar 29, 2008 8:48 AM ()