Category: work

Recharged

The only drawback to a great weekend is the rude buzzing of the alarm on Monday morning, officially signaling the end of the weekend and the start of another work week. I knew I desperately needed some time to focus on myself, and on my husband, so we took a Valentine weekend together and had a wonderful time.

Last night, my husband told me, “I had a really good weekend with you.” I smiled. We have been together over 14 years, and he was telling me what a good time he had, like it was our first date. It was sweet.

I appreciate our relationship. Yeah, I know I sound mushy, but I honestly enjoy being with him. I have been in relationships where that was not necessarily the case, and I know many people who are together but are not happy. I am lucky, and I am grateful.

Both of us paid the heavy cost of admission by having horribly toxic relationships with obnoxious people before we met each other. I think seeing just how ugly a partner can be made us want to never get stuck in that kind of polluted relationship again. Our tolerance for that garbage is used up. It was painful to get to this point, but I would do all of it again to end up beside him.

I started work today with some good news, too. Since a co-worker left about a month or two ago, I have been picking up the slack and doing a lot of extra work. My supervisor has decided to thank me for that by giving me a generous bonus, and the best part is, it is not a one-time thing.

I was stunned by that, because at my last job, me doing the work of several people was the norm. Me staggering beneath an overwhelming load of responsibility was just another day, and no one thanked me for it, let alone rewarded me. It’s amazing to be truly appreciated.

So yeah, it’s Monday, and I have a lot to do. But I am feeling much more at peace today. My stressors have not magically disappeared, but I feel like I took a breather to recharge and can come at them stronger.

My World

Yesterday was unbelievably hectic! After a busy work day, I turned off my laptop, just to turn on our other computer, without a break, to do some paperwork for my husband’s business. Just as I wrapped it up, he called me from the kitchen.

When I walked in, I saw the dining room table behind him, already set with china dishes and wine glasses, and a platter with steaks fresh off the grill. It was such a wonderful surprise!

He said, “We are eating fancy tonight,” and I laughed. He had a big smile on his face, like an excited little boy, and it was cute.

I let the crazy work day melt away. We sat down and toasted each other with our glasses, then just sat and ate dinner and talked about anything and everything for a long time. I enjoyed it so much. Moments like that mean everything to me.

I didn’t work out last night, but I also didn’t care. I couldn’t think of a better way to finish the day than right where I already was, with my best friend and my world at my side.

Getaway

Somehow, some way, by some odd quirk in the universe, I managed to lose one pound last week. I can’t even really take credit for it, since I barely put any effort in. My husband and I went for a few walks, though, which was nice, just chatting and strolling. We need to do that more often.

I have had a headache from hell the last two days that I can’t seem to shake. I don’t know what level of workout that will allow me to do after work today. I tried my best to push through it yesterday, since my stepdaughter was here, and I like to make sure the kids’ time here is as peaceful and upbeat as possible. I am not a martyr, but I am aware, by several accounts, of the level of complaining, drama, and negativity they deal with elsewhere. I don’t want to add to that if I can help it.

I hate taking medication of any kind, but I will need to break down and see if an Aleve will help ease the headache. I am swamped under a huge to-do list for work today and need to be able to focus.

My husband asked if I can take a break and sneak away to go do something fun. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening today, but now the back of my mind is whirring, planning, wondering what kind of getaway or fun activity we can put together, just the two of us. We deserve it!

Checking In

I have wanted to check in several times over the last week or so, but I just haven’t had time. And that’s a good thing, because the reason I am so busy is that I started a new job last week.

On my first day, I walked into the office and found flowers waiting for me. I have never gotten flowers on my first day of work before. I already had a good feeling about this job, and that made me even more certain that I had made a good move.

I actually interviewed for a different position, but they called me and said they were recommending me for a higher position in management. I was surprised but very honored to be selected for more responsibility (and more pay, which is always nice!)

Yesterday I finished up work, changed clothes, and headed out for a run. It was my first run outside in a long time, and I wish I could say it was victorious, but it was actually quite humbling and agonizing. From the first step to the last, I felt just how out of shape and overweight I am. I managed 3.5 miles, then called it quits. I will do more strength training, step aerobics to build endurance in my legs, and get some more weight off before I try again.

During my run, a group of runners went by in the opposite direction. They looked like runners: slim, fit, shapely legs, confident strides. They smiled and said hi, and I thought to myself, “I want to be a real runner someday.” Not just shuffling through the motions, barely making it, but back to enjoying running, pushing my body to go further, covering the miles with strength. I was there once. I will get there again.

That’s where I am at these days: a lot of changes, nervous about my new job, wanting to do an awesome job, learning a lot. I am proud of being offered a better position than what I applied for, and it is a lesson to me, maybe, that I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for. Luckily, they saw it for me. Maybe it’s time to start seeing it for myself!

Knock Off Early

I had another nice surprise on the scale this past weekend: two more pounds gone!  I am just a little over 6 pounds away from my first mini-goal.  Time to start setting up some small rewards for hitting little milestones along the way.

This morning was hectic, so much going on all at once.  I had to log into a Zoom meeting, while texting a co-worker, while trying to remotely troubleshoot an issue with our phones at work…all while a spoiled pitbull whined in one bedroom like his little heart was shattered at being left alone for a few minutes.

I put out all those fires, got everything resolved (including the big baby dog, who got to go for an extra long walk), and now I am thinking…why not knock off a bit early for today?  I deserve it.

One benefit of working from home is that no one really knows when I am at my computer and when I’m not.  I’m going to take advantage of that fact today.  Bye!

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