Overnight.

All the years I’ve lived in this world, I’ve never worked an overnight shift and the opportunity presented itself to me on Friday. You see, I went into work my regular time and was informed that the overnight staff at the other house could not come in because she had a sick child. Normally, the temp agency would be called and most of the time they would be able to find someone to work. However, all their staff had already been scheduled. Therefore, no one was able to work the overnight shift which pretty much meant that the team leader needed to come in. I really did not have any intention of working the overnight shift, but I ended up calling the team leader letting her know that I’ll work the overnight shift with the condition that I would need be coming in the next morning to work my regular Saturday morning shift. She was more than happy with that arrangement because she informed me that they would not have any problem getting someone to take my Saturday morning shift.

So, fifteen minutes before I got off at the regular house, I got myself some coffee because I knew that would be my salvation to keep me awake and it very much did the trick for me. When I went over to the other house, the guys were more than surprised to see me because they know I do not work the overnight shift. In many ways, there’s not a whole lot to do when you work the overnight shift. Most of the guys stay in their rooms although some of them have to go out to smoke. This was by far the coldest day during this winter season and it meant that the regular smokers pretty much stayed in their room. There are a couple of chores that needed to be checked off while working the overnight but all of it could easily be done in an hour and a half. I looked at the menu and saw that bacon and eggs was to be served and the guys normally do not have it because most staff do not want the hassle of cooking it. They much rather put out cereals for the residents. I started cooking the bacon at 5AM and trust me, there’s nothing like the smell of bacon to wake one up! During the night, I got to read a little and watched the Australia Open match which was pretty exciting to say the least. I know a couple of overnight staff do nap a little while but I not really tired and had no problem staying awake. It’s the coffee, I tell you!

The morning staff arrived at 6AM and got the medications ready for the resident and she too was kind of surprised to smell bacon cooking at that time. All in all it was a neat experience working the overnight shift. Would I do it again? Probably not, but you just never know. I left the residence at 7AM and went to bed at roughly 7:45AM. I initially got up at 9:30AM and knew that it was too little sleep so I forced myself to go to bed and I finally got up at 12:30PM. Surprisingly, I was not tired at all, but it did throw my schedule off a little. The weather was really cold and I did not leave my apartment the entire day. I pretty much watched dvds all day which was nice.

After Mass on Sunday, I headed over to Joel and Kathy for brunch before the Royal Philharmonic concert up in Ames. Joel prepared an amazing veal dish with marsala wine. It was scrumptious to say the least. Overall, it was just a good meal and a fun brunch spent with great friends. We made it up to Ames with more than ample time to spare and I was so happy to see that the auditorium was almost fully packed. What can I saw about the concert? It was mind blowing. This was the third time in three years I’ve heard the Bruch piece played and I have to say that the orchestra and Zukerman by far did the best job. The entire concert was flawless beyond belief and I still cannot belief that I heard the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Live! What an experience to be treasured for the rest of my life. The best part about it is the fact that I paid $20 for the tickets because I’m a student! I know, it’s daylight robbery but oh well. I was supposed to have dinner with Kristi after I got back from the concert, but she was feeling under the weather so she cancelled on me, but I still ended up going to the restaurant since I had already made reservations.

Yesterday was a day off from work because it’s Martin Luther King Day. I really did not do anything productive at all. The day was spent in my apartment watching some tv and dvd. Oh, I did get to the watch the Liverpool game which was a pretty exciting game especially in the second half. Liverpool should have won if they had converted their chances. I guess that’s pretty much how their season will go this year. Later that day, John and I went to the theater and watched the movie, “Juno” which was a very good movie. The actress was amazing and I won’t be surprised if she wins a couple of awards over the course of the year. Her performance definitely stole the show.

Well, after all the festivities over the week and weekend, life pretty much goes back to normal again and that’s something to look forward to.