So, here I am at work. Chilling at the youth shelter until 11 pm. I've been at work since 10 am. I'm doing an overnight this weekend and I'm the on-call clinician for the client Saturday and Sunday. And yeah, I did already work a full week. This job really takes it out of you, you know? We are so understaffed. I love the work I do, but it's very, very hard to maintain my self-care on days like this.

In other news, it's been the longest month of all time. I can't remember the last time I had a truly relaxing day. Everything happens at once. I'm exhausted and basically on autopilot at this point. The holidays, work, coming out to my parents, friends in crisis, family stress... etc... etc... I need a break! I had a 4-day weekend for Christmas, but it was nuts, and this was supposed to be a 3-day weekend, but that's not going to happen. At least I (in theory) have NYE off. That's not much of a break either, though.

Anyway... I've been trying to get out more and connect with people outside my immediate circle. Like, old friends and acquaintances from both Redding and Chico, and even, weirdly, a high school crush. I've even attempted to make plans with a few people I've never met before. Don't laugh-- that's a rarity these days. Except work has derailed my attempts to have a drink with one person twice now. In any case, I think it's crucial that I keep a foot in the real world outside of work and my inner circle, because otherwise I feel totally isolated and hopeless. And unattractive.

Ahhhhh.....