I've always found it something ironic that when you need sleep the most it proves to be quite elusive. I had very little pressure on my "stay-cation" and therefore slept whenever I wanted, but now, after a 10 hour shift and right before a 12 hour shift I just can't really get to asleep. Sigh.
Having said that, at least my bosses fully intend me to use my PTO this year. At Discovery Gateway, a non-profit children's museum, those who work there don't stay for the pay for good reason-it's not exactly rolling in the dough. Having said that, full-time staff members do get a couple of good perks, including a decent amount of PTO per fiscal year. Unfortunately, due to the staffing in my department (or more typically the lack thereof), I lost a fair amount of hours as I was unable to take that time off prior to the end of the fiscal year and those hours don't roll over.
This fiscal year started on July 1st and started the PTO balance anew. I scheduled my stay-cation because I was in desperate need of a break (most if not all of my coworkers would agree with this, as I was rather frazzled by that point and only getting worse). That being said, in an effort to not lose more hours (or my sanity, though it may be too late for that), I am already being encouraged to look at taking some more time off, perhaps in October. As I won't be traveling, I dare say I'll be spending the time basking in the solitude of my new back apartment and reading, or watching Naruto in Japanese on hulu.com. For those of you who are wondering, no I haven't moved into the back yet, but I hope to within the next two or three weeks.
Until then, work is rather interesting to say the least. I'm having a rather fun time with the changes, for all the increased work load is not exactly ideal. I've met one of our new employees, and am looking forward to working with two more over the next couple of days. On the down side, we've had some...fun...issues to work through which will result in increased security measures in our department. Sigh. We are also already preparing for the holiday season, are updating our online store next week, and will be updating it again in two months. I am behind on those projects, but at least I'm about caught up on one or two other rather large ones. It's all about give-and-take. At least my job is never boring :) And it's a good thing that September is historically slow at DG (school starts up and parents no longer have to worry so much about entertaining their children during the day--a great month to have the museum practically to yourselves if you're thinking of visiting), so that I'll have time to catch up on everything and train others in the tasks that only I currently know.
Well, I'm off to read for a bit, and then hopefully I'll be able to rest. At least I shouldn't have any problems falling asleep tomorrow night. Then again, if I do, at least I won't have to get up on Saturday until noon or so. It's all about counting your blessings I suppose :)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Stay-cation Day One
Isn't the point of taking a stay-cation to relax without the hassle of packing to go someplace else? I didn't really have plans for this week, but whatever they were they took a turn last night. Over the past couple of months I've put my body through a wringer- back in April I rejoined Weight Watchers, knowing that my then-current weight was really having an effect on me, on my body, my self-esteem. I have since begun making the lifestyle changes that are necessary for long-term weight loss (and it's paid off-I've lost 25 lbs so far :) ). It does have certain ramifications, however, on the things that happened later.
May and June (especially June) were intense months between remerchandizing the store, and then in prep and completion of June Inventory. After the hard work, both physical and mental, of June inventory, though, my sleep and eating habits were out of whack. I started eating too much after several months of tapering it down. I had one nightmarish migraine that week. While I do get chronic migraines, I go through phases with them, and I guess this marked the start of a new round.
I had another minor migraine about two days after that one, and had another huge one last Monday. I've been up and down physically this last week, and after two back-to-back twelve hour shifts, I guess my body decided to protest yet again. Yesterday saw the start of my most recent migraine, which didn't end until this afternoon. Sigh.
Having said all of that, however, I am very much looking forward to breaking the cycle, and am going to use this week to do it. Back to a regular sleep schedule. Clean the bedroom, get rid of all of the crap on the floor. Exercise, prepare actual meals. Most of all, just let my body recouperate, and get back the reserves that I finally burned through as of two days ago. Wish me luck!
I did enjoy going to FHE tonight. I was recently called as a group co-chair, and so now have no excuse for missing :) We went to Brother and Sister Mayer's house. Brother Mayer is a counselor in the Holladay 29th ward. We had a great lesson & discussion on Our Refined Heavenly Home from the Ensign. I get to give the lesson next week, good thing I'll have time to prepare :)
On a final note, a big big BIG thanks to my brother-in-law Chris for taking my car apart and putting it back together. Once again, you are Amazing :)
May and June (especially June) were intense months between remerchandizing the store, and then in prep and completion of June Inventory. After the hard work, both physical and mental, of June inventory, though, my sleep and eating habits were out of whack. I started eating too much after several months of tapering it down. I had one nightmarish migraine that week. While I do get chronic migraines, I go through phases with them, and I guess this marked the start of a new round.
I had another minor migraine about two days after that one, and had another huge one last Monday. I've been up and down physically this last week, and after two back-to-back twelve hour shifts, I guess my body decided to protest yet again. Yesterday saw the start of my most recent migraine, which didn't end until this afternoon. Sigh.
Having said all of that, however, I am very much looking forward to breaking the cycle, and am going to use this week to do it. Back to a regular sleep schedule. Clean the bedroom, get rid of all of the crap on the floor. Exercise, prepare actual meals. Most of all, just let my body recouperate, and get back the reserves that I finally burned through as of two days ago. Wish me luck!
I did enjoy going to FHE tonight. I was recently called as a group co-chair, and so now have no excuse for missing :) We went to Brother and Sister Mayer's house. Brother Mayer is a counselor in the Holladay 29th ward. We had a great lesson & discussion on Our Refined Heavenly Home from the Ensign. I get to give the lesson next week, good thing I'll have time to prepare :)
On a final note, a big big BIG thanks to my brother-in-law Chris for taking my car apart and putting it back together. Once again, you are Amazing :)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Constant Transitions and Squeaky Wheels
Interesting title, isn't it? It seemed to hit the spot. Life is full of so many little changes that we learn very early on to adapt, to the point where we don't even notice that change has occurred. Some circumstances force us into quick side-steps or small leaps over temporary obstacles, thereafter allowing us to settle into our latest, comfortable routine. Then there are the changes that necessitate the entire revision, sometimes even replacement of that routine. Times during which we learn of ourselves, and have to exert our will and act to progress, trusting that God knows what He is doing and has His hand in the outcome.
This is such a time.
Rather dramatic, right? Sometimes I let myself think so. I have a great tendency to over-analyze many a situation I find myself in. I subconciously (and, yes, conciously) exaggerate my position, as we all do to some degree or another. It probably doesn't help that many of the books I read feature so prominantly on one character, with reference their companions or enemies, that little attention is spared for background characters past some small desire of or service to the "hero". As the main character in my own narrative, I also at times lose sight of the bigger picture. Let's face it, who doesn't? Am I the hero, though? Time will tell, I suppose. For now I'm sticking with my parents as my heros.
As for the changes that lead to this, well, ramble, rant, hot air, they are many and yet oh so few. First: I have been released from my calling as Literacy Specialist at church, and been called to be an FHE group leader. I think that Brother Boulter finally got his wish, as he has been encouraging me to be more social for over a year :) I have to say that I am slightly intimidated, but I hope, with the Lord's help, to rise to the challenge.
One thing should help to some degree, and that is that, with Lisa and Christian (and, it must be said, Dalton) moving out, I will be moving into the back of the house- what now amounts to a full apartment. This second change is the one that I am most immediately excited for, as I will have four rooms and several closets to spread out into from my current one room, one closet personal area. While I will be leaving behind my very pretty purple room, I believe it's worth the sacrifice :) I am still slightly lacking in furniture, but thanks to the acquisition of a couch from Amy (thanks again!) and the return of a very good coffee (or in my case hot chocolate) table from Sarah (my thanks to you as well), my space will definitely be less barren. My continually increasing book collection will also go a long way to filling the space, I'm sure. I love books :)
The third change. Ah, the third change. The one that I have been the most dramatic about stems, as usual, from my job. For starters, Inventory is finally complete. So much learned, and progress was, I feel, made. I spent a very good portion of June practically running around in circles trying to prepare for it, and then the first week of July recovering from it. The entire two weeks prior to June 30 were spent in as much preparation as possible, though we often found ourselves righer tightly-staffed. I was somewhat frazzled, I must confess, but I have learned a great deal, which shall stand me in good stead for next year's inventory and also for other similar circumstances.
June 30 saw me arriving at work at 9 am as usual. I finished cleaning all of the inventory areas, including sweeping the floors. I took a fifteen minute break to run to the food court for lunch, and then forged ahead. From 1 pm to 11 pm I had a couple of minutes to myself at a time, I spent so much time running around. Far from alone, though. Mike and Joe were there just as long, and the rest of the retail department weren't so bad either ;)
Thursday dawned much earlier than I wanted it to, but at least it was a productive day. I was sore from the day before, but was at work by about 7:15 to help Julie import the counts from the inventory company. The computer program was down for the first several hours, but we prevailed. Sadly, were things that were missed or mistaken on. I spent the rest of the day, with a break for a physical therapy appointment, going through the over 150 pages of our inventory list to determine what items needed to be re-counted and adjusted. It took me until the end of that day to go through the list, and then to determine just where some of the items were. I was tired.
It showed quite prominantly the next day. I awoke with a headache. Oh dear. I made it to work, but was sent home shortly after noon as I was quite obviously (at least to my coworkers) unable to continue. Only on the way home did I realize how bad off I was, as I was finding it hard to keep my eyes open and my mind focused on driving. I spent the rest of the day in bed. I couldn't even watch my favorite tv shows, though they didn't even come on until after I had already slept for about 9 hours. Sigh.
I was able to make it to work the next day, though, and complete the inventory recounts and adjustments (with much help again from Joe and Mike). I was then able to enjoy a family barbeque, a long nap, and finally fireworks on the 4th of July. Monday and Tuesday saw the final recovery of my sleep schedule and blood sugar levels to normal. Fortunately I also have a week-long "stay-cation" in two weeks, a much needed break from work right before the next big change there- Nate is leaving DG. After working for the museum for, what is it, four years? he is moving on to bigger and better things. With his departure, the entire dynamic of our department will change. New people will come in, tasks will be shuffled around a bit, and someone will have to learn how to juggle :)
What does this incredibly long-winded post have to do with squeaky wheels? Nothing, really, except that my thought process was kindled today when I took advantage of the perfect weather to take my infant nephew on a walk, my monologue accompanied only by the squeaky wheels of his stroller. And there you have it.
This is such a time.
Rather dramatic, right? Sometimes I let myself think so. I have a great tendency to over-analyze many a situation I find myself in. I subconciously (and, yes, conciously) exaggerate my position, as we all do to some degree or another. It probably doesn't help that many of the books I read feature so prominantly on one character, with reference their companions or enemies, that little attention is spared for background characters past some small desire of or service to the "hero". As the main character in my own narrative, I also at times lose sight of the bigger picture. Let's face it, who doesn't? Am I the hero, though? Time will tell, I suppose. For now I'm sticking with my parents as my heros.
As for the changes that lead to this, well, ramble, rant, hot air, they are many and yet oh so few. First: I have been released from my calling as Literacy Specialist at church, and been called to be an FHE group leader. I think that Brother Boulter finally got his wish, as he has been encouraging me to be more social for over a year :) I have to say that I am slightly intimidated, but I hope, with the Lord's help, to rise to the challenge.
One thing should help to some degree, and that is that, with Lisa and Christian (and, it must be said, Dalton) moving out, I will be moving into the back of the house- what now amounts to a full apartment. This second change is the one that I am most immediately excited for, as I will have four rooms and several closets to spread out into from my current one room, one closet personal area. While I will be leaving behind my very pretty purple room, I believe it's worth the sacrifice :) I am still slightly lacking in furniture, but thanks to the acquisition of a couch from Amy (thanks again!) and the return of a very good coffee (or in my case hot chocolate) table from Sarah (my thanks to you as well), my space will definitely be less barren. My continually increasing book collection will also go a long way to filling the space, I'm sure. I love books :)
The third change. Ah, the third change. The one that I have been the most dramatic about stems, as usual, from my job. For starters, Inventory is finally complete. So much learned, and progress was, I feel, made. I spent a very good portion of June practically running around in circles trying to prepare for it, and then the first week of July recovering from it. The entire two weeks prior to June 30 were spent in as much preparation as possible, though we often found ourselves righer tightly-staffed. I was somewhat frazzled, I must confess, but I have learned a great deal, which shall stand me in good stead for next year's inventory and also for other similar circumstances.
June 30 saw me arriving at work at 9 am as usual. I finished cleaning all of the inventory areas, including sweeping the floors. I took a fifteen minute break to run to the food court for lunch, and then forged ahead. From 1 pm to 11 pm I had a couple of minutes to myself at a time, I spent so much time running around. Far from alone, though. Mike and Joe were there just as long, and the rest of the retail department weren't so bad either ;)
Thursday dawned much earlier than I wanted it to, but at least it was a productive day. I was sore from the day before, but was at work by about 7:15 to help Julie import the counts from the inventory company. The computer program was down for the first several hours, but we prevailed. Sadly, were things that were missed or mistaken on. I spent the rest of the day, with a break for a physical therapy appointment, going through the over 150 pages of our inventory list to determine what items needed to be re-counted and adjusted. It took me until the end of that day to go through the list, and then to determine just where some of the items were. I was tired.
It showed quite prominantly the next day. I awoke with a headache. Oh dear. I made it to work, but was sent home shortly after noon as I was quite obviously (at least to my coworkers) unable to continue. Only on the way home did I realize how bad off I was, as I was finding it hard to keep my eyes open and my mind focused on driving. I spent the rest of the day in bed. I couldn't even watch my favorite tv shows, though they didn't even come on until after I had already slept for about 9 hours. Sigh.
I was able to make it to work the next day, though, and complete the inventory recounts and adjustments (with much help again from Joe and Mike). I was then able to enjoy a family barbeque, a long nap, and finally fireworks on the 4th of July. Monday and Tuesday saw the final recovery of my sleep schedule and blood sugar levels to normal. Fortunately I also have a week-long "stay-cation" in two weeks, a much needed break from work right before the next big change there- Nate is leaving DG. After working for the museum for, what is it, four years? he is moving on to bigger and better things. With his departure, the entire dynamic of our department will change. New people will come in, tasks will be shuffled around a bit, and someone will have to learn how to juggle :)
What does this incredibly long-winded post have to do with squeaky wheels? Nothing, really, except that my thought process was kindled today when I took advantage of the perfect weather to take my infant nephew on a walk, my monologue accompanied only by the squeaky wheels of his stroller. And there you have it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)