I'm in the middle of my third CHaMP field season and for the first time, I'm spending a weekend out in La Grande. My Friday afternoon was fairly productive. I got some computer work done... but I only worked an 8-hour day. *GASP* I didn't know what to do with myself the rest of the night, so with the exception of going out to dinner with my friend Mary, I spent the evening lolling around the house, drinking wine, and watching the last season of Merlin on Netflix. Dinner was delicious. Mary and I went to Mamacita's and I had a margarita, manicotti, and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. I felt like spoiling myself and it was so worth it. Yum!
(Mary gave me her whipped cream. SO MUCH whipped cream = delightful)
So now I'm spending the day with the shades drawn, laptop on lap, and coffee at hand. I don't feel bad for a second. Sure, I could be out riding a bike in the ultra-low 82 F La Grande weather, but why? Where would I go? Right now, adventure is overrated. "Poor attitude!" you say? Let me explain.
In some ways, this field season has been the easiest so far. For the most part, I know what to expect from it. I know that I'll be tired. And I know that I won't want to do things on the weekend, but if I want to get anything done, I just gotta do it. If I don't make an effort to get out and about, I will become a sad recluse. It's been good though. I've been chugging along, not letting things get me down, working hard, and playing too. It's nice to have some semblance of a life outside of work, but partly because of this, it's also been one of the most exhausting field seasons I've had. Instead of being rested up and raring to go after the weekends, I've been more drained. Also, with each season out here I pick up more responsibility (which is a good thing) and with it more stress (not so good). We've had more small problems out here than I've experienced the last two seasons, so things have just been compounding. Don't get me wrong, I love being in the field. It's such a welcome break from a winter in the office (and I have a great tan going on). I just get tired, like any normal person would. End of story.
So here I am having a perfectly lazy weekend at the field house. I stayed in bed until almost 10 am. I don't have to take the dog out at 7 am. I'm not worrying about trimming the trees and watering my tomatoes (though I am curious whether or not they're surviving). I'm not feeling guilty about not getting the carpet shampooed. I don't have to run around tomorrow getting my laundry and groceries in order for the week. As much as I would have liked to go on an adventure out here and see more of the Upper Grande Ronde basin, I'm feeling like staying the weekend out here is the best thing I could have done for my energy levels. All I have is a bicycle and my own two feet. I could rent a car, but I think I'll just see how far those take me if I feel like getting out. Cheers to the weekend!
(Chilling beer with science: water + ice + salt)
