Day 28 Post 22 - Baby Goats

 I don't care what anyone else thinks, Baby goats are just joyful. I love baby goats. The way they jump around and frolic is too precious. I have loved baby goats since my niece Heather had some. Hers were nubian and really cute. 

I, fortunately, have married a farm boy. He likes goats. On our little farmlet, We have goats. About 2 years ago we bought a couple of goats "to mow the lawn" At least that was how my husband sold our kids on them. I don't require convincing when it comes to animals. Anyway one was a billy and the other was a nanny.

When the little billy died last year, my husband went looking for a companion for the nanny. We bought a bred nanny and a small billy. The new nanny gave us 2 babies just a year ago. Both were girls. Last December, the older nanny gave us 2 babies, one boy and one girl. We went from 1 goat to 3 goats to 5 goats to 7 goats in about 10 months.

That was until this week. One of the babies from last year gave us the cutest little billy Saturday night. The nanny we bought last year just gave us a little girl today.  The other little girl born last year is due any day now. 

Like I said I love baby goats. But I have a problem. I want to be outside watching them and holding them and just messing with them in general. But the pollen is crazy right now and my allergies are kicking my butt. I am miserable. I am working hard to keep this crap from turning into Asthmatic Bronchitis. Yet I just spent an hour outside messing with the goats. It was worth it though. Because, Baby Goats!

Do you ever do things you know you will end up paying for later just because it brings you joy?  

Day 27 Post 21 - Dreaming (or is it planning)

 The author Andy Andrews has some really good books out there that make you think about how you approach life. The Traveler's Gift and the Traveler's Summit were the first two I read. In fact I read the Traveler's Gift because a good friend lent me hers. When I bought it for myself, I saw the Traveler's Summit and purchased it at the same time. Then I went back and started purchasing everything he wrote for a while.  I have learned some new approaches and was reacquainted with some very real truths about life.

One thing that has stayed with me was the idea that if you wanted something you should write about it. If you wanted to go to Hawaii, then plan it out. What would you visit and why? How would you get there, plane or boat? Who would you travel with? How long would you need?

If you wanted to own a business, Write about the business, What it would be, Where you would locate it. How you would run it?  Who would be your customers?

At first this seemed like a silly exercise to me. Just a bunch of day dreaming. But I tried it a few years back. 

I want to own a quilt shop. It was interesting to me that instead of having a quilt shop where I simply sold quilting supplies, what I really wanted was a place for Quilters to gather. I wanted to have lessons and teach classes. The truth was I am looking to connect with quilters. 

Then I wondered if I would rather run a retreat center. I wouldn't have to be there everyday, all day. Where would I really like that to be? How many people would I want to be able to accommodate? Did I want it to have facilities for people to sleep, etc. Do I need to have a small shop with quilting supplies on the premises?

Now I am thinking I'd like to run a Makers' Space. Sort a hybrid of a quilt shop and retreat center. 

Of course no where in this dreaming and planning is any idea of how to fund it. At least not yet. I do have an idea of who I would love to help me run it. My 3 very good friends; Bear, Lori, and Liz. Two of which don't even live in this state.

For now, the current path ahead involves sewing machine repair.  My son and I will be departing in less than 3 weeks to take a course in sewing machine repair. When we complete the course, we will be certified technicians. This is to be a side hustle at least for now.

The best part is, my son is getting excited about it. Planning out the workshop and what we will need in it. We are planning on building a workshop on our property and working there at first. If the business takes off we will make other arrangements. But if it doesn't it is a nice side hustle. Either way we are making something happen.

I am looking forward to getting this off the ground. He is too. And we have the full support of the rest of the family.

What is your dream? Have you tried writing it out?

Day 26 Post 20 - Lack of Energy = Lack of Intentionality

 So I figured out just how many hours I worked last week. The grand total was 56 hours in 5 days.  I did actually only work 8 hours on Friday.  The days were long and my sleep schedule was completely messed up. Add to that the pollen is going crazy down here. My allergies kicked in hard on Saturday. I am exhausted.

I only worked 8 hours on Friday but I went and checked on my friend after work. Then a trip to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions. It was 8 by the time I got home. I was so tired that I basically went straight to bed. No blogging, no scripture study, no reading just unwinding and sleeping. 

Saturday we got up and my son and I drove to Alabama to see the new grand baby. We spent all day there and got home sometime around 9:00pm. There were a couple of hiccups and we were out in the fresh air quite a bit. On the way home my throat started feeling raw. I am sure that it is allergies but I feel like crap.

Today was a day of running errands. Not something I need to be doing on Sunday but I planned poorly this week. Mostly because I wasn't expecting to be working the long hours. So what I needed to do at night didn't get done. 

Another down side of this week has been my diet. This week has been horrible. I am too tired to eat so I am eating whatever is to hand. I need to buckle back down in that area as well. It's probably partly why I am so exhausted.

So starting tonight I am trying to get back onto my routines. I am hoping I haven't totally undone my progress. On the bright side, I am still very optimistic and maintaining a positive attitude. I just need some sleep.

How's your Journey going?

Day 23 Post 19 - Visiting Royalty and Homework

 Well, I got up and did my morning routine and made it to work by 5:00am. I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my supervisor's there. He said his brother is in town and so they are going to take turns sitting with their dad.  So I did not have to do the paperwork after all. 

The COO and the Head of Engineering were there today.  I always enjoy seeing the COO. He brought his nephew with him on this trip. This is a family controlled, but publicly traded company. They are good people and I really like the family members that I have met. 

I cornered the head of engineering about an upcoming project. Largely what I would really like to see in the end project. Then we got talking about the new plant manager and how I think he is awesome. Which evolved into trying to get employees to develop the mind set of this being a career and not just a job.  

Last week my boss said that he was giving us homework. Today I found out what that was. I need to read a book. The book is called Extreme Ownership and was written by some Navy SEALs. The new plant manager is assigning it to all the managers to read. He, my boss and the sanitation manager said it is an excellent book. Plant manager did warn us to not get all caught up in the battle parts of the book.  It describes a battle situation (a real one) then analyzes what went wrong (and I guess what went right). then they show you how to apply those principles to your life and career. I am looking forward to reading it.

I figured out how many hours I have put in starting Monday morning. I have put in 46 hours. I am ready for it to be Friday. I was hoping to sneak out early Friday but I just got scheduled for an afternoon meeting so not early tomorrow. I am exhausted but it has been a pretty good week anyway.

How did your week go?

Day 22 Post 18 - Long Days

 Well I am now 3 posts behind for the month. I did not post on the 4th, but we had company and by the time they left, I was exhausted and we had to get up in the morning. I did not post on the 16th because of a late night at work and then talking with children, etc. I did not post last night because by the time I got home it was bedtime. But only one of those days did I miss my scripture study. That was last night. And I regret it.

But I am getting back on track tonight. Despite getting home late. 

These past two days have been hectic. I have had my staff meetings with my techs. Then today and tomorrow, I have to attend all of the plant Total Team Performance meetings.  The last one of the day is scheduled at 6:00pm. So getting home at 7:30pm is probably going to be the routine this week.  

I am not looking forward to tomorrow as both of my supervisors are out tonight. They both have a parent in the hospital. Both are still waiting for answers. So I am on call tonight. But they need to be where they are. Family comes first. I am praying for them both as well as their parents. 

Tomorrow will be hectic to say the least but I can handle it. I am probably going to have to resort to caffeine though. I will need to be at work at 5:30am. I have been trying to cut back on my caffeine intake. But as long as I don't go crazy I should be fine. 

As I said both of my supervisors have a parent in the hospital. I told my boss that he probably should check on his mom. I am told that these things happen in 3's. Since my parents have already passed, it has to be someone else in the department. And since it has been management, He is the likely candidate. I really hope no one else has a loved one get sick. But there seems to be a lot of illness going around right now. So please remember those who are ill in your prayers.

I hope all is well in your household. Check in on your parents. And have a great night.

Day 20 Post 17 - Being Intentional

 Intentional is defined as deliberate or done with purpose. One of the hosts of a podcast that I listen to, chose that as a word for this year. She wanted to be more Intentional. She was referring to how she used her time each day.

That sounded like an excellent idea to me. I need to make better use of my time. So I have been trying to spend my time more purposefully. I have been doing pretty good at it to. I've watched less TV. I've study the scriptures more. I am sewing more. 

But this weekend I was not intentional with my time. This weekend was basically a weekend of letting the wind blow me in any old direction. I sewed a little, not much. I folded some laundry but still have 2 loads to fold. And I watched quite a bit of tv.  I got an eye checkup and ordered new glasses. We went shopping for some farm/animal stuff. And you know what? It was awesome.

We can get so wound up being productive that we forget to take some down time. Down time can be intentional as well. I spent all of Saturday with my husband. I spent most of Sunday recharging. Even on a little sleep I was in better shape today than I was a week ago.  

We need to remember that our bodies, minds and spirits need a rest. A little whimsy and a little carefree time is rejuvenating. Here's to taking intentional breaks. And maybe some not so intentional ones.

How are you at working in some down time?

Day 18 Post 16 - Side Hustle?

 I am in love vintage sewing machines. There is a tug at my soul every time I see one. I want to rescue them all. The thing is a lot of them need work. I currently don't have the skills I need to restore them. But that is going to change next month.

Killian, my son, and I are going to take a course in sewing machine repair. Once we pass the course, we will be certified repair technicians. We are registered for the class and will depart in 4 weeks for the week long training. We are going to pick 2 of my machines to take with us to work on during the free time.

There really isn't anyone in this area that works on sewing machines. We are thinking we could earn a little extra money by doing repairs for others. We are also hoping to refurbish old machines and sell them. This is not something we are hoping to make a living at. But it is not out of the realm of possibilities that it could grow into something profitable.

Right now we are investigating small business licenses and other things we need to have to start doing it for profit.  We are hoping that we can run it out of our home like a cottage industry. So far everything I see related to cottage industry is dealing with food. So I need to do a little more digging.

If nothing else, I can work on my own machines and keep them in good running order. But still the whole business prospect is more than a little thrilling to me. 

Do you have a side hustle?

Day 17 Post 15 - Finally Friday

 It has been a decent week. I was able to get out of work on time or at least close to on time. Other than being exhausted, I have felt pretty good.  No major problems came up at work. Bills have all been paid for the month. Life is just good right now.

But I have been ready for Friday to get here since Monday. I don't know why but I just wanted to be able to sleep in and not have to go anywhere. It has been one of those weeks where I just didn't want to Adult. Yes, Adult can be a verb. (at least in my world) 

It probably started with getting called into work last Saturday. Then having to rush to my RS activity. Only to find out when I got home that I couldn't do everything I had planned because my space had been invaded by my husband and son working on a major project. Then not sleeping well Sunday night to get up way too early to take my husband to the airport. I left work after 10 hours but didn't get to nap when I got home. I think that was the point at which I started looking forward to Friday and hopefully not having to Adult too much.

I just want to do what I want to do and not have to meet someone else's expectations. So after a long week of work, I am happy that it is Friday. But since I have a eye appointment in the morning, no sleeping in. Hopefully I can have the afternoon to do what I want to do. 

How was your week?

Day 15 Post 14 - A Blah Kind of Day.

 Today was an okay day. Nothing fascinating happened. I went to work and did the usual work stuff. Came home on time for a change. I actually beat my daughter home. Bills in the mail and that's about it. 

My friend's daughter is recovering but everything hurts. She's still in the hospital. 

Talked with my husband and my daughter on the phone. Grandkid got sick at school. I ate cookies for dinner because I am too tired to cook. I should probably find some protein to eat. I just don't have any energy. All I want to do is go to bed.

Ever have days like that?

Day 14 Post 13 - Valentines Day

This morning my husband, Kim, texted me "Happy Valentine's Day." He is out of town again and he remembered it was Valentine's day before I did. I am not sad that we can't spend Valentine's day together. He is out of town earning a paycheck that supports our family. Besides, we've never really done much for Valentine's day. Mostly because our wedding anniversary is just the month before. 

I suppose I am a little weird in that I don't really feel the need for flowers and candy or a fancy dinner for Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong I love all of those things. But my husband doesn't need a day to show me, how much I mean to him. He does it in so many other more meaningful ways. 

For example; I was looking at buying another computer for the sewing machine repair class. I was having trouble justifying it. Not him. He told me to get it. And when I pointed out that I have 2 laptops already, one for daily use and one for quilting, he said we don't need to risk contaminating my quilting computer and that my other computer is so old that it needs replaced soon anyway.

Kim supported me in my buying my long arm even though I am not that proficient as a quilter. In fact, when it came down paying for the long arm, I was going to have to borrow money if I wanted the computerized set up. I could pay cash for the basic set up. The options were a) take out a loan and get the set up I wanted, b) pay cash and buy the basic set up. Then hope to get the computerized system added later, c) pay cash and forget about the computerized system.  I really wanted the computerized system. You see, I have hopes of supplementing our retirement income by quilting for other quilters. The computerized system makes that easier and more profitable. 

Kim told me to get the loan. He said if I didn't get the computerized system now I never would. Then I would never be totally happy with it. He said to get what I need to succeed and we will pay it off as fast as we can. Then he used his bonus to pay it off 3 years early.

Kim is a great gift giver, but some women don't think so. I got a water heater for Christmas a couple of years ago. Some women thought that was an awful gift. But that gift said to me, you deserve to have a hot bath when you get home from work. Before for the new water heater, in order to have a full bath tub of hot water, we had to heat a large pot on the stove. Not anymore. Now I get a hot bath every night without a lot of extra effort or wait time.

When going to a quilt shop, I always spend more if Kim is with me because he picks out fabric too. And he will even go to a quilt store without me and buys me fabric. He will make sure dinner is cooked (even if he makes the kids do it) if I am working late. Baths are often drawn for me while I am busy taking care of stuff before bed.

No, I don't need flowers, chocolates, or fancy dinners. I have a husband who shows his love for me everyday in more meaningful ways. I know I am lucky.

Day 13 Post 12 - Sad News

I found out that my best friend's daughter was in a serious car accident last night in Atlanta. The daughter and her friend were driving home from Chicago. The daughter was driving her friend's car because the friend was too tired. The girl's friend didn't survive the crash.  They were coming home from Chicago, where they went for an early birthday celebration. The daughter turned 23 today. The friend's birthday was yesterday.  

The daughter clearly remembers the two of them getting out of the car. The friend told her that she wasn't mad and that it was going to be okay. In her memory, they were both out of the car. But the reality is they had to cut the daughter out of the car and the friend never left the car.

The daughter had surgery today and was in recovery when I talked to her mom. Her mom doesn't know when she'll be released. I doubt it will be tomorrow. They get really cautious with vertebrae injuries.  

I feel so bad for the daughter, as she most likely will be dealing with survivor's guilt. Let alone the physical injuries and pain. This is my friend's only child and my friend is a mess. She knows how close she came to losing her daughter. I wish I could be there for her. I know she is just barely holding it together. Unfortunately, I can't take the time to go up and hold her hand. But I am praying for her and her daughter.

I am praying for the mother of the little friend as well.  I can't imagine the pain she is going through. It is devastating to be told that your child has died at any time but to lose a child on it's birthday has to especially hard.

I am so grateful that my children (and grandchildren) are all safe happy and healthy tonight. I will be including that in my prayers as well.

I hope that all those in your world are safe and well.

Day 12 Post 11 - Sunday

 Today was a nice easy going day. We went to church and heard some excellent talks. Came home and continued our different projects. Kim and Killian have not completed the cleaning/organizing of the hunting stuff yet, but I can live with how they left it until next week. My space is cleared up for use.

I continued to cut up scraps today. I don't know why cutting fabric is such a enjoyable thing for me. I gather that most people don't enjoy it at all.  One podcaster even mentions how they cut the fabric for several quilts at once to get that part over with. But I enjoy it. Today I focused on cutting up scraps for EPP. So I should be good to do some hand stitching for a while. 

Perigrine conceded to her father's wishes and baked. She made some Butterscotch Brownies (my sister's recipe) and Coffee Cake (my mother's recipe) to warm up the house. We also had candles going to take the chill off.

The whole day my husband had the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square playing on You-Tube. Which lent a nice tone to the day. 

I think we could say that we honored the sabbath day today. It was a day of peace. The spirit in the house was pleasant and the family was engaged in good works that will help keep the right spirit in the house. Can't ask for more than that.

How was your sabbath?

Day 11 Post 10 - The Husband Factor

Today was a hectic day. I received a call from the plant manager before 7:00am. I had to run into the plant. After dealing with the situation and knowing that my boss was on his way, I left for the Relief Society activity. I was about 15 minutes late. 

It was a good activity and I think it was good for the sisters to be together. I am looking forward to just a simple luncheon next month.

My plan for today was to come home and sew. I was either going to get the back made for a quilt and put it on the long arm or at the very least put the borders on another quilt. Perigrine made it home just before me. She came back outside to warn me that my husband had taken over my studio.

For the past few years my husband has been traveling a lot for work. As a result, he was squeezing in hunting when he could. But somehow the hunting stuff never quite got put away. It got stowed in our room, just not in any organized sort of way.

Now he did tell me that he was going to get things cleaned up. He has been wanting to do this for a while. I heard him talking to our son about working on it today since it was going to be stormy. I just didn't realize what all that was going to entail. But apparently it entails setting up a table in front of my long arm and using my sewing desk. This is what I refer to as The Husband Factor. Any time that my plans are changed or thwarted due to doing things with and/or for my husband. Or just making space for him to get his projects done.

Now don't get me wrong, he communicated his plans to me. I just didn't realize how much his plans were going to affect my plans. Part of this comes from him traveling so much for work. I get into my routines and don't want to change to accommodate him when he comes home for the weekend (or the week) But I also want to spend time with him when he is here. So I am having to learn to factor in time together when he is home.  That way we can take care of things together. It is something I keep forgetting to do.

It really isn't a big deal, and I love spending time with him. I just get frustrated when I don't get the things done that I had planned. I am trying to be more intentional with my time and the Husband Factor is making that a little bit harder than I realized it would be.

How do you plan out your day?

Day 10 Post 9 - Lazy Day

 Lazy day for me today.  My original plan was to sleep in and then after my doctor's appointment work in my studio. As usual I forgot to figure in the husband factor. We went to our doctor's appointments in Tallahassee then rushed to Albany for his dental/denture appointment. We did go to a bookstore and then lunch. But it was around 3:00pm when we got home. 

I did clean up in the studio a bit. I put away some fabric that I got second hand through Feel Good Fibers. I then pressed the fabric and cut the borders for Izora's quilt. I am debating getting the backing ready for the two quilts that are ready to be quilted. I could put one on after the RS activity 

I've been looking at the information for the sewing machine repair class. I've come to the conclusion that I should buy a new computer for it. So I will be shopping for a new computer this next week. I also need to look into a what cottage industry business would require.  We can't afford to rent a place for a part time business, and our property is zoned residential.  I am keeping track of the expenses and receipts so we can write them off. 

I haven't gotten done what I had planned to, but I have made some progress, So no guilt here.

How was your day?

Day 9 Post 8 - Leading/Teaching

 The company I work for has a DEI program. Part of the program is Employee Resource Groups. I am on the steering committee for the Women's ERG. I am also part of a peer mentoring circle. Today I was the facilitator for our discussion on how we communicate in ways that can weaken our position in business. 

I've been working in the business world for 33 years now. I have learned how to communicate more forcefully. But as I was studying the slide deck I was given I sure recognized myself in some of the examples. 

It was a good meeting with lots of participation. I felt like I led a useful discussion and that at least some of the women left with something to think about. 

I sometimes amaze myself with the ease at which I lead these types of discussions. I know I have been given the gift of being able to teach. I have always been comfortable talking in front of others. But sometimes it doesn't seem like it's me doing the teaching. I have often experienced that when doing church stuff. I've not experienced it before in the workplace. It was satisfying.

Day 8 Post 7 - A Good Day

After spending the day in training yesterday, I knew that today would be a busy day. I was in such a rush that I left my phone in the car. I didn't get a chance to go back out to get it until noon. And I missed out on some important news. But getting it late was still exciting. Unfortunately it is not my news to share.

At work, I had to do everything I didn't do yesterday. Then I had follow up on several different things. I also did my usual coordinating with sanitation and shipping. I needed to go help the shipping manager figure out what is on hold and what isn't. Apparently the spread sheets were confusing.

I actually got to leave on time for a change. When I walked in the door, my husband commented that I was home early. I corrected him and said I was actually home on time. It felt good to get home before dark. I had a snack, spent a little time with my husband, and then finally folded all the laundry that has been waiting since last Thursday.  I also finished binding the quilt that I was working on. Now I just have to put the label on. 

So I got some things done today.  That always feels good.

How was your day?

Day 7 Post 6 - Learning

 Today was a very long day. It was a good day but long. I was in an 8 hr training for work. It was a lot of information pushed out very fast. I did learn somethings. But I am going to need to review the notes to get everything into my brain.

I love learning. I think I would have stayed in college forever if I could have figured out how to support my son and myself.  I could probably bankrupt my company just taking trainings that interest me.

Today was a little rough though. This training was in microbiology. I didn't take Biology let alone Microbiology in college. I took Chemistry, Geology, and Meteorology. And that was 36 years ago. I did pick up on somethings that I will be able to put to use in my job. Like I said it was a lot of information given out very fast. 

For now though it is enough learning today. I am beat.

Do you like learning?

Day 6 Post 5 - Back to the Grind (and Routines)

 I really didn't want to go back to work this morning. Not that I was dreading anything, I just would have preferred to stay home. I had such a lovely weekend and I really didn't want it to end. 

Work was hectic and a fairly typical Monday. I knew it would be a long day for me. It is the week of my tech meetings. Tomorrow will be even longer since I will be in training all day. I am looking forward to the training though.

I'm back into my routines and will hopefully be getting rested up this week. I am getting the binding on a quilt stitched down in the morning. I've gotten my scripture study done in the night. I am getting some reading in. I have come to the conclusion I am filling a lot of needs with this routine. 

The Conference talks and scripture study boost my spiritual health. The sewing/quilting boost my creative/emotional health. The reading boosts my intellectual health. Routines help me get things done. Now I just need to figure out how to work some exercise into my routine.

Do you have a routine?

Day 5 Post 4 - Taking a Break (to mend the soul)

 I had a wonderful weekend. Time with our friends was busy, tiring, and very relaxing.  We all need to break free from our routine now and then. There is a saying that goes "you should come back from your vacation tired from doing something different" I have to say there is some merit to that saying.

Being tired seems to be a state of being for me lately. At least this time I am tired from walking around Douglas, GA and then Thomasville, GA rather than around the production floor. I'm tired from breathing fresh air (even full of pollen), rather than indoor air filled with smoke, and peanut dust. 

Even though I am physically tired, I am emotionally and spiritually refreshed. Physical exhaustion can be cured by sleep and proper nutrition. Emotional exhaustion and spiritual exhaustion require so much more than simple sleep. They require a change even if it is only temporary. They require support form friends and loved ones. They require time for reflection and contemplation. They can even require solace. 

Sometimes, we need to be able to step away from an issue or routine or situation. Often stepping away gives us a chance to really see the whole picture. It can give us a different perspective. Once armed with new insight and a refreshed soul, we can once again deal with whatever the problem/situation is. Usually it will be in a more productive manner.

When I got up this morning I was feeling emotionally and spiritually rested, but physically tired.  That's okay. I will sleep tonight. Tomorrow it's back to the grind. But I go with a positive attitude and an at peace spirit.

How was your weekend?

Day 3 Post 3 - Day Off

I took today off so my husband and I could meet up with our friends from Louisiana.  They are coming to visit so the guys can go hog hunting. Other than a quick phone call and a text, I did not work. So that is pretty good for me.

Today, my husband took me to a gun shop that was really cool. I bought us tee-shirts to wear. We came back to the hotel and I paid bills and was pleasantly surprised at how much I have paid down in debt. It is starting to feel pretty good to see these bills come down.

Our friends arrived and it was like no time had passed at all. The guys went hunting and the gals went shopping. We went to a cute little quilt shop. I of course spent way too much and on pre-cuts none the less. Then we walked around town a little bit. We spent some time in a couple antique shops. Then we shopped in a couple of boutiques. After shopping we went to the hotel and just caught up.

The guys came back and we went to dinner. A nice meal, good conversation, it was a good end to a pleasant day. Today was a much needed rest for all of us.

How was your day.

Day 2 Post 2 - I Love Being Right

 Today was my Friday for the week. I am taking tomorrow off and spending it with my husband and some friends near Douglas GA. My husband and his buddy are going hunting tomorrow and us wives are going to figure out something to do.

Today I had to deal with a situation that I felt was an over blown mistaken perception.  It went far better than I had hoped, mostly because of the trust this particular employee has in me. We talked and I did some coaching. We both left the meeting feeling good about things.

I was sure the situation was not as it seemed. Once I got back to the lab, a tech came to me with an issue. This issue turned out to be the proof that I need to show that the other situation was indeed not what it made out to be. It is another situation that needs dealt with but it clears the employee that I was coaching.

Furthermore it is showing me things that I need to monitor more closely. It also gives me a reason other than my gut to justify the increased monitoring. Which is should give me more ability to control things. Stress level has dropped back to zero.  

My instincts were good and I had judged the situation correctly. I love being right. Especially about people I like and trust.

Do you follow your gut instincts?

Day 1 Post 1 - New Month

 It is day one of February, I wish I could say that my stress level had remained at zero. But yesterday and today took it up a notch. Nothing bad, no headache or anything, just frustration and stress. All at work.

The biggest reason for the stress is the things that are out of my control and/or just plain up in the air. Not being able to plan or mitigate issues makes for frustration. But I was able to deal with the stress a lot better than I have in the past.

Part of that is from the grounding I get from my morning routine. I am making progress on getting a quilt finished. That always seems to make things go better. Plus the spiritual study helps me to feel the spirit more fully. 

I believe I handled today with professionalism. I am thankful for the HR people we have who have to deal with all of the mess. I so often just send people up to HR to get their questioned answered.

So tonight I am chilling doing my routine and being calm.  Life is good.

How did your day go?