Time for a holiday...

I think it's time for a few days off, or more. I've started noticing things at work that are irritating me and that means I'm there way too much. The only solution, short of quitting which I am unwilling to do, is to take some time off & recoup. For example, the co-worker that sits behind me talks with food in her mouth. Normally, I wouldn't notice this or at most think it's a little inappropriate. But, lately it has been making me angry & I've had to roll my eyes alot so it doesn't fester inside. I find eye-rolling helpful for releasing tension. She also occasionally smacks her mouth in frustration, which normally would make me feel some sympathy for her frustration but lately has been making me cringe. Also, when my other co-workers chat I can't concentrate & get really tense, roll my eyes, and occasionally plug my one free ear (I have to wear a headset). I can't handle hearing the word "like" anymore. Phrases that my co-workers use excessively have become like nails on a chalkboard for me. Never mind the excessive laughing! The crazy thing is that for the majority of the day I'm fine & I really adore my co-workers but there are these moments or periods of the day where I just have to put my earphones on & blast music so I can't hear any of them & their damn noises. It's just like when I was living with my Mom & I was in the same room when she ate nuts - OH MY GOD was that bloody irritating. I still cringe just thinking about it. Or when my Dad use to what I call 'hork' into the sink downstairs. I could hear it from across the house & it would make me gag. I do appreciate the open concept office space as far as accessibility goes but sometimes I'd love my own office. A quiet, peaceful space with nice muted lighting and perhaps CBC radio playing softly in the background. But, in lieu of the impossible, I'll just take a few days off & by the time I get back I should have a few months of tolerance left in me to get through the next season. Here's hoping!