running around like a clown on purpose...

The first day back at work after the Christmas and New Year break is famously one of the most depressing days of the year.   Given that I usually work the bit between the two bank holidays, but decided to take the time off for once, frankly I was expecting the worst.

The weather didn't help: it's been blowing a gale and lashing it down for most of the day.  With those kind of 'stay at home' signals coming from mother nature, I can't say that I exactly jumped out of bed when my alarm went off.

Still, get up I did, and wound my weary way into the office.

And you know what?  It wasn't actually that bad.

I'd forgotten my system password over the last ten days -- surely a sign I've had a nice relaxing time -- and my email and Office applications were crudded out for most of the day, but it was fine.  I didn't have too many meetings and the day ticked along quite nicely.  It was even quite nice to slip back into the routine of having nothing more complicated than a couple of rolls, some carrots, celery and cherry tomatoes for my lunch.  Much needed vitamins, I should think.

I didn't even get much abuse about the beard I've accidentally grown over the holidays (and decided not to shave off) either.  In fact, I even got a few compliments.

Fancy that.

To top my day off nicely, I went for a swim.  I feared that the gym might be appallingly cludged up with people on a New Year, New You health kick, but I seemed to time it perfectly: nearly empty when I got there, and just filling up as I left.

I even managed to inject myself without hitting either a nerve or a vein.

All in all, it's been an unexpectedly painless day.

And it's pizza for tea.

We're golden.

Mind you, not to be too glass-half-empty about it, but the day's not over yet.

Happy New Year to you all.