had a nice body wrap/massage treatment last night. it was so amazing, i remembered long-lost childhood memories...

work has been nutso. i've been killing myself for a few projects, and while i'm officially on vacation today i will have to remain "on call" by checking e-mails, phone messages and sending some docs to clients every now and again. while it has been increasingly difficult and exhausting, i still do like my job and the creative stuff involved. it's satisfying and quite interesting to see the creation of new designs, whether it be a web site, a visual brand identity or a detailed map of port, railway and trucking lines between China, Canada and the US (my most sensitive project at the moment). but, i'm still on probation and don't get holidays, and i'm probably still in proving-myself mode, so it's quite time-consuming and takes a huge chunk out of my every day life. Consequently, I couldn't take more time off (Saskatoon, which I was aiming to go to this month), I don't see my nephew as much as I'd want to (which creates, I know, some resent from a few people), and I don't go out as often, which results in a continual stream of cautious comments telling me to slow down, that my employer can't ask so much of me, that i need to ensure some time for my own life, etc. And you know, I get it - I really do. I've aleady put my foot down and had a few talks with my boss, who is aware of the fact that I'm juggling a lot of balls at the same time right now, and who will take that into account into the new year. Still, I want everyone to try to not act so sorry for me, and maybe not to feel so neglected - I mostly enjoy what I do, and this isn't something that will go on forever. This is a transitory period in which I'm on a learning curve while doing a lot of stuff, and it is taking up a lot of my time. But I understand that my job is not my life (did you read the last few posts?) and I will rejoin a more forgiving schedule soon. I've already cemented a time in late March/early April for some time off in Saskatoon, I've started to look at my other goals for 2007, and I'm feeling optimistic about everything in general. If there's anything I can ask for at the moment, it's for my good friends and family's patience and encouragement. I feel like I've been through so much in the last little while, and I'm now dealing with some challenging yet pretty rewarding things. Anyway... I am always grateful for the wonderful people in my life, and I hope you can somehow give me the benefit of the doubt and know that I'm thinking of you all the time. I may not have the time to phone or read a blog or e-mail, but I do wonder about you and send you my love.

Well I have to go - talking of busy. I've got to get my hair trimmed and dyed (with snowy white streaks? who knows what will happen), and then working at Chez Lucien. Tomorrow is... shopping for xmas gifts! I'm awful with that. Every year I think I'll do it earlier, and it ends up being later than ever.

Speaking of 2007, any resolutions I should hear about? I've got a few options, I'll divulge soon...
xo