Life slowly returns to normal

Yes, I am still here and haven't done a disappearing act. I've just been working incredibly hard and long hours on a project that was finally completed two days ago. For 6 weeks I worked 7 days a week, 16-18 hour days and few 21-22 hour days.

But I've survived that 6 week intensity and now my life is slowly returning to normal.

What's the definition of normal in my world?
All of the following!

- Going out dressed en femme. Last Tuesday was the first time in 6 weeks that I went out dressed en femme. And what a lovely evening it was with a new girl friend, going out for dinner and then having some drinks where I bumped into other friends. All round a wonderful relaxing and "psyche-centering" evening

- Today was the first time in six weeks that I went for a run. I love my running and not only does it keep me fit, but it's great for stress relief and then that's also the time when I think and reflect on life, my plans, etc.

- This coming week I'm taking a brief holiday and going surfing with my son at one of my favourite isolated surf spots. Camping, bonding, surfing, relaxing and recharging of batteries. What could be better.

- Stopped smoking...again!....stopping and starting is "normal" for me.

- First time in weeks that I found the time to cook a meal. I love cooking for my family and yesterday was the first time in 6 weeks that I had the time and frame-of-mind to cook one of my big special meals. Loved it.

- Spent some time with my family...my wife and kids...after weeks of neglecting them physically and emotionally. Oh yes and I'm back to normal mood-wise. No more stressed-out-adrenalin-wired-moody-unpleasant husband and dad. Actually, the think that suffers the most during these intense work periods are ones personal relationships. I know it's bad and wrong, but unfortunately the nature of my work seems to create these excessive and intense periods of work.

- And then I'm back to not always being sensible. That's me and is one of the things that defines me. Wednesday night, with masses of work to complete before the project deadline two days later, I decided to take a break at about 8pm and go for a quick drink before getting back to several more hours of work. But then off course I ended up chatting to Hamish who was behind the bar and Jess who is normally behind the bar, but was just hanging out on the patron side of the bar. So after several hours of interesting and enjoyable chatting and several drinks later, I was in no shape to go back to work. But I was happy. It becomes boring to always be sensible and besides, having an interesting evening chatting to friends (old and new)is far more important than just working 24/7.


So yes friends, I'm back to normal. Hope to catch up with as many of you as possible in the next few weeks.