I haven’t gone into the office for weeks. I’m not surprised at how little I’ve accomplished while I’ve been home. If I was feeling well enough to be productive, I’d be at work. However, I am surprised at how quickly the days have flown by. Typically, I’d spend over eight hours a day in the office – and another two hours commuting to and from work. So, I should have ten extra hours each day. Ten hours seems like a lot of time to fill.
I don’t know where all the time has gone. There are days where it seems all I do is make and answer phone calls, scheduling doctor appointments, arranging tests, and ordering from pharmacies. However, I can’t imagine that actually takes ten hours! Some days I need to go out for doctor or test appointments, and drive across town and wait – and often I’ll stop by the grocery store afterward. But it’s not like I’m doing that every day.
I’ve been getting out of bed later since my surgery, that’s for certain. Still, it seems like I get up, do the usual morning tasks of brushing teeth, feeding cats, etc., and it’s nearly lunchtime. Am I really moving that much slower?
Most days I can’t even stay awake all day. When I was going into the office, I never took a nap at my desk. However, the last few weeks if I manage to stay awake all day it seems a pretty major accomplishment. Bonus points if I take a shower.
I often turn on the television, though what’s on is rarely fascinating enough to hold my interest. I’ve caught myself watching “Dr. Oz” and making notes on some herbal supplement he recommends. There are a lot of attorney’s advertisements targeted for people that are home from work due to disability. They say that “if you, or someone you know, has experienced a heart attack, stroke, or even death due to this drug… call us”. I’m often tempted to call and tell them I died and see what they say.
When I am feeling well, I try to do some work from home. Thanks to the Internet, I can sign on to my office network and it’s almost like being there. One difference is that although I still get the emails regarding donuts in the kitchen – they’re not in MY kitchen.
Family and friends call to check on me. So, there’s time spent talking to them. Sometimes I don’t answer, and they assume I’m out. I’m not. The chance they’ve called when I’m actually out at a doctor appointment is slim. More likely, I’m asleep or just don’t answer the phone. I doubt I didn’t have time to chat.
Submitted for publication in the Greeley Citizen
