Today (Monday) was my first day back to work in 1 year. It' so strange because virtually nothing at work has changed. The same people doing the same old things. I looked at the whole picture today from a different perspective. It's not like I haven't noticed it before, but I realize that this kind of job sucks the life out of people. Before they realize it, they're trapped there and can't find a way out. I don't want to be trapped there anymore. Over the past year I experienced a sense of freedom I haven't felt since I was in my teens. For the past year I've been free to do what I want and to go where I want. I accomplished more things last year than I have in nearly all the years I've spent in that job. I don't want that to change. I still want to be free.

Today they had me pulling weeds all day in the back field where the tree nursery is. It's a huge area and it was raining all morning. I got soaked and I was bored out of my freakin mind. Total percentage of brainpower used: 0.0%. I didn't say a word to my boss today other than "hi" this morning. He knows I shouldn't be there, yet he insisted on bringing me back there.

I'm really a night person, as you all probably know, and so it was really hard getting up at 5:30am this morning to get ready for work. Now I'm really tired. I think it's going to take a while to adapt to the new sleeping schedule. I fell asleep in front of the TV this evening right after I ate dinner. That never happens to me. I woke up on the floor about 2 hours later and ate a piece of apple pie from the fridge. It was yummy, but I'm out of green tea. I absolutely love green tea and I have about 2 cups a day or more. I especially love it with a snack like cookies or pie. I must remember to pick up some more green tea tomorrow after work.

Well, I'd better get bed now. Tomorrow is another day. Please wish me good fortune. Thanks.

-Mark