field notes: no rest for the wicked, but i'm tired
Forecast: hot, low to mid 90s (F)
Mood: weary
Now playing: hum of washer in final spin cycle
1:43 PM
The inaugural field notes entry... (I miss Myspace status updates and blog widgets. Can you tell?)
I used to do these notes in a pocket notepad when out and about, and more recently in my phone's notes app. Sometimes I'd share these notes with trusted eyes. Not always. It's just a way to get thoughts out in the moment, and it's served me well. It's funny kinda, writing these out with the intent to share. It feels like a conversation.
I'm watching cemeteryf0g's latest vlog in Napoli that is a treat in that it's nearly 30 minutes long (not typical for his uploads), and his bantering with his travel companion(s) is a nice pull away from today's workplace monotony.
Work from home day. Office day was cancelled. I don't speak much about work on here except to harp on how work is work and sometimes it sucks and sometimes it doesn't and sometimes it's just a way to keep the bills paid.
1:58 PM
I think of posts that are the flavor of, "Americans be saving money for years for a 2 week vacation overseas" and it's like yeah, yeah. Yeah. I see that. I can't speak for work culture outside of the states, but busy periods at my job have me think, "Leisure time does seem like a far off concept some days." Like, true leisure. Feeling all the way relaxed without the dread of the next work day washing over.
2 weeks isn't even enough. I feel I need a week and half to get into vacation mode. By the time my shoulders loosen up, I'm maybe 3/4 done with a trip. Then the rest is trying not to think of having to pack and go home.
And PTO is a nuanced luxury. I hear some folks across industries (here, as well as in other countries) get 3 weeks to a month on average PTO to use, some even have the amounts roll over into the next year. I get PTO, but I'm not as fortunate, since it's less than the average I see. I am fortunate in a way, since I've had jobs that didn't even offer time off like that. Not bad overall. I can't roll mine over, so I make it a point to use it every year... somehow.
I don't have sick leave anymore, either, but that's another topic for another day. Americans be rationing health in the name of "I wanna use time off for something good." Rest isn't good enough??? (*reminder to self, actually) Some people even use PTO to rest. Honestly, can't blame them.
3:13 PM
I do need a vacation. Need. I need to be at the beach soon or I'll explode. I need a tan, warm conversations, and a popsicle.
4:32 PM
Yeah, I need a vacation. I'm definitely going to the beach. I have a long weekend coming up. If no fair weather, I have a chair I can pull up outside my front door.
written 18 Jun 2026