keep walking keep running keep running for miles

[raven]

So, my staggeringly hard-working, morally upstanding, principled Hindu parents told me yesterday to make sure I don't allow my job to take over my life. That's what's happened. That is how bad it's got, okay. (Four months ago I left New York in a rush of glorious spring. The world has constricted somewhat since then.)

So, anyway, not letting my job take over my life is why I'm on a train back from London, writing this on my phone through something of a haze. I made my apologies to my supervisor, changed my top in the ladies and flew to the station, and by seven Shim and I had got to Union Chapel, which is both a working non-conformist church and a venue for live music, to see the Civil Wars. They're a duo from the American South, and they were totally delicious. I mean, the venue, the venue, a church with all that stained glass and echoes dissipating in grandeur, but also fab red and yellow cheesy boudoir lighting, that was something, but the band. They are just gorgeous: they do their own songs, which are haunting little things for the most part, all harmonies and hanging notes, and also these playful covers that make heartbroken mood music out of "You Are My Sunshine". Of their own songs, I like "20 Years" and "Poison and Wine" and "My Father's Father", but the one that came to life particularly was "Barton Hollow". They made it sumptuous and treacly and can't no preacher man save my soul in the church. It was fabulous.

(This is where I would usually upload samples, but a) on my phone and b) you can get a whole live album of theirs here, also Barton Hollow, don't say I never do anything nice for you.)

I'd say it was totally worth it, except I don't know yet. I have to go in early tomorrow and make nice for leaving early today, and I'm not at all sure you can stop my job from taking over my life. I mean, it would not be nice, to be a person who works and sleeps and doesn't read or write or cook or learn languages or go and see live music like the person I am supposed to be does, but perhaps it is unavoidable. About ten years ago the government agency responsible for maintaining them totally switched over to an automated system - otherwise I would seriously be considering applying to be a lighthouse keeper.

(thank you all who are reading the cake shop AU, by the way. Your thoughts and comments have been very sustaining.)

Comments

[livrelibre]

As someone who sometimes pries the teeth of her job out of tender parts, know that this too shall pass and there is life outside of it (even if you have to sneak away to see it sometimes).

[fyrdrakken]

This has nothing to do with your post, but I'm reading a discussion on land law in Downton Abbey and thought you might appreciate seeing it, if you're at all familiar with the series or maybe even if you aren't. (Also, I have downloaded the cake shop AU via AO3 but haven't yet had time to read it.)

[icepixie]

I would so, so like to be a lighthouse keeper. Or one of the people who sit in a tower and watch for forest fires! Unfortunately, I think they've both been automated out of existence here as well. Sigh.

[gamesiplay.livejournal.com]

I've gotta say, I don't understand how people have jobs that don't take over their lives, at least when they don't completely hate said jobs--how people who work full time can also have regular socialization and time-consuming hobbies and any emotional lives at all. I mean, I know it's possible, I know there are such specimens, but they have clearly ascended to some higher plane of existence. I've never advanced, consistently, beyond work+sleep+sometimes meals. +books, when my brain allows it.

I hope the evening out does prove to be worth it. It sounds lovely.

Also, if it's any comfort, even if you work eighty hours a week and become a Super Lawyer, you will never, ever be just your job. Your brain is too fascinating for that.

[littlered2.livejournal.com]

So, my staggeringly hard-working, morally upstanding, principled Hindu parents told me yesterday to make sure I don't allow my job to take over my life. That's what's happened. That is how bad it's got, okay.

Oh dear. I'm very glad you were able to get out and have fun for an evening, and I hope very much that things stabilise soon.

[marymac.livejournal.com]

Oh my. They do have a point, although I suspect this the period of a law career that directly correlates to the junior doctor stage and you have to carve out tiny chunks of actual-life where you can.

But Union Chapel, like Vicar Street, is always worth it.