The Office

A brand new year is officially upon us. January is the month we set new goals, try to completely change our mind set we’ve had for years, believe we’ll magically become more motivated and our naked home becomes cold.

Just over a week ago I took down my Christmas tree and what a sight that was to see – for no one. My tree this year was small with fewer branches so I thought it would be a walk in the park. Well it pretty much was, trekking through all of those pine needles.

You know on vacuum commercials when the vacuum glides across a filthy section of the carpet? Well they should really demonstrate the vacuum’s power with pine needles. I have never felt satisfaction like I did sucking up the needles from the living room through the dining room to the front door.

Walking through the pokeys reminded me of our backyard growing up. Why would any one plant Evergreens for any reason other than for Christmas trees? It sure made the game Tag difficult or easy depending on what position you were playing.

With my place now back to it’s Moroccan-style self, clear of needles, I feel like I barely recognize my space when I walk through the door. Kind of like my office…

In Wangering Carollers, the residents were supposed to be wandering. Today, I was.

Residents will often share that they find the building confusing stating the floors, hallways and corner rooms all look the same (I’m sure the confusion has nothing to do with their dementia). But they do make a valid point.

If I didn’t have distinct décor in my own place I would never know the difference between the spare bedroom and the master bedroom since they both have beds and clothes piled on the floor.

Whereas, our recreation office is distinguishable since it’s cluttered, colourful and full of character.

One afternoon I went barging into the office to share too much information with my co-worker (who is also a friend. I don’t share stories willy-nilly with just anyone. Oh wait I do…) I stopped dead in my tracks when I realized something was different about the office.

It was elegant, tidy, appealing to the eye and well set up… everything the recreation office is not. The employee I had interrupted is actually a Nurse who I deeply respect, admire and try to be on my best behavior around.

I quickly apologized and revealed, “I am definitely on the wrong floor.”

I had gone to the third floor office rather than the fourth. She giggled and said, “it happens to everyone.”

I think she may have been referring to the residents…