Workaholism: the slippery slope

It has come to my attention that, given the right job, I am a workaholic. I have noticed this in a very short time, considering I have worked in this new position for a total of two months now. I have thought of battling this disease with a 12-step program, but I don't think it's that serious. I can stop anytime I want. Just one more file review, and that's it, I swear. Ok, maybe two, but after that, I will seriously quit. (for tonight.)

But really, for now, I am ok with this reality in my life. I don't have a family of my own or a marriage. I have the freedom and desire to devote more of myself to my job than is required, and I would prefer that than to struggle with apathy or distaste for my job. I know that if I didn't enjoy my job as much as I do, I would have an easier time leaving things at the office, but as it stands, I consider it grace that God has led me to a position that I find both challenging and enjoyable. It's a great fit for my personality and a great balance of the things I value about my field and the preferences I have in work style. It's not always sunshine and roses. There are many situations that are difficult and disheartening. But for each of those, there is another encouragement to be found. And every situation is an opportunity to serve and build a positive relationship with the family I am working for. Even in the most frustrating of cases, I am reminded that when it seems I can do nothing to help a family, I can pray. Which is more effective and powerful than I understand. I am learning to believe it by my actions, because I think belief is more than agreement with an idea or theory. It is an action and a choice. Belief is a repetitive, conscious effort to live in line with an idea. It is not a solitary, passive declaration of thought.

And on that note, I am retiring. it's already too late for deep thought, but I've done my best.

Word.

I ran across a great quote today.

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
-Mark Twain

I wholeheartedly agree. I think there are far too many words we use too often and too lightly. There are also many words that are completely misused altogether. It can really get to me.

Yep, I'm that girl.
It's where my analytical bent meets my inner bookworm.

Here are some of the words I think top the list:

Love (don't even get me started on this one)
Hope
Faith (as in "have faith")
Awesome (Does everything referred to as 'awesome' actually inspire awe?)
Like (self-explanatory)
Joy

I could probably come up with a lot more, but it's the end of the day and I am tired. But just as a note: it's no coincidence that most of those words can be found in the Bible. One of the biggest reasons such misuse bothers me is because of the weight such words should carry for us. They pertain to lofty and beautiful things. Why aren't we more careful with them?

Thoughts?

prodigal blogger

So...I've had this blog for almost 2 years now, and I have had nothing to show for it. I never deleted it and then, over time, I forgot about it, and it wallowed in a pool of loneliness. But recently, I have been inspired to try to take up blogging again, and I remembered this poor lonely space on the web. It held no grudge against me and it cried no bitter tears, it simply welcomed me back with a sparkling blank page and open arms.
A very lovely reaction, I thought. Which made me want to use this blog all the more.

So, for the inaugural post, I am going to introduce you to me in a nutshell. I am quiet, analytical, and a bit of a daydreamer. I am going to like the blog thing if I can keep up with it because I love to write. I live in Colorado, and I am hoping to find time to explore more of the beauty around this state after taking it for granted for quite a while. I am working on some personal goals- becoming a runner, and working my way up to hiking a fourteener. I have a LONG way to go, but you have to start somewhere, right? Other things you will find true of me if I can transfer myself to this page:
I love my family.
I am a total nerd: a grammar policewoman, an office-supply-store fanatic, and a compulsive reader.
I love my job.
I love to think deeply about theology, ethics, psychology, and anything involving logic.
I love to play outside.

It is my dream to own a horse one day.

For now, I think that's enough.
It's way past my bedtime.