I handed in my notice ten weeks ago, and the time since then has gone SO slowly I've sometimes wondered if it was moving at all.
Once we got to this week, though, time sped up, and all of a sudden it was Thursday afternoon, and I didn't have enough time, paper was still piled all around, I hadn't copied the right files, not said enough goodbyes... I had to catch a particular train so I couldn't linger, and left with an unsettling feeling of things left undone.
However, technically I don't leave until the end of the year, as I'm taking the next two weeks as holiday, so there's still a little time for me to retrieve the odd email, say a better goodbye.
Not this morning though. This morning I had a nice lie in, and am now sat in front of the Christmas tree with a cuppa. I deliberately didn't make any plans for today, as I wanted chance to breathe, regroup after a hectic week, and let myself just drift.
I think a day of pottering is in order. I might have tea with a friend, and I'd like to check what presents I have left to get and wrap. The last posting day is soon, and this may be the year I actually send Christmas cards through the post! Won't that be a surprise? I have some emails to send, and ordinary things to do like check the bank account and buy a new tv licence. We're going away for a night soon, and hosting a small festive gathering the day we come back, so there are preparations for that too.
I think these are my favourite kinds of days. Sorting, finishing, pottering, socialising a little (or not), drinking tea. They make me feel settled, grounded. When I was younger I never thought I'd need days like this - I was happy in a whirlwind of activity, didn't mind where I slept, what I did, when I ate. Now I increasingly find myself reaching towards home.
I want to say more about this soon - about routines and plans and comforting cosiness. But I heard a message ping in the other room which I hope is my friend, so I may start my activities with a catch up in the local cafe. Back soon.