Dreams

I've been having some memorable dreams lately. A lot of them have been about work, which is somewhat odd, because I don't feel that my job is stressful at all - usually it's the stressful parts of my life that make it into the dreams I remember.

In one recent dream, I was in a shared office with a coworker (one who is way more powerful than me at work, and who has a penchant for paranoia and unjustified firing of good people). My computer screen faced his desk, so he could see whatever was on it. My workspace was a mess. Papers stacked high, dust everywhere, trash strewn on the floor. This is something I don't tolerate in real life. I was desperately trying to tidy up in the dream when I noticed on my computer screen several pop-up video chat windows. My friends were on screen trying to get me to talk to them and make plans for the evening. I was so afraid that my coworker would see them and think I was deliberately chatting on the job. This is such an obvious work-life balance dream. The thing is, I don't feel like my work and life are out of balance... so why did my brain create this dream?

Another one was much more fun. In the dream, I had applied for another volunteer management job. The interview was a huge party. Candidates were to come to the party, and the one who was deemed the coolest person there would get the job. I showed up at the party and had a great time. I chatted with everyone, made friends, all that good party stuff. The next day, they called me to say that I was indeed the coolest person at the party and offer me the job. The salary was $53,000 (way more than I make now). This was one of those dreams that you believe really happened when you wake up. My first thought upon waking was "Oh man, how am I going to tell the Nature Museum?" Then reality set in, and I made the mental leap back to my current salary. But what does this dream say about me? Do I just want to be cool? I thought I passed that hurdle in high school.

Brad said I was talking in my sleep last night and trying to tell him something. Apparently he told me I was sleep-talking and I said "Oh okay," and stopped.

I love dreams. And I'm glad I remember most of mine.