Please Leave a Message at the Tone...

After two days of being in denial about it, it's official for me...

I'M HAVING A BREAKDOWN

For the record, I'm okay with this.  It's healthy.  Here's what happens:

• I get involved in a lot of projects
• I forget to take time for me and DEFINITELY don't spend enough time with God
• I have high personal standards on all projects
• I get "behind" and frustrated
• I take a few days off to read, pray, journal, and get caught up without taking on anything else (or really talking to a lot of folks...which freaks people out)
• I'm back to normal and I get back on the horse and back out there

It's a cycle in this house.  For those who don't believe me (that I'll be okay and "back" to it in a few days) I implore you to talk to Monica, Amy or Janice.  They've seen it a number of times from me.  I just need a couple of days to collect myself from the edge of insanity.  I don't need to wind up like a collection of those guys from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (which, by the way, was on AMC this morning).

It doesn't help that I'm supposed to be packed for this trip already.  It sure doesn't help that I'm supposed to  be set for my sister's baby shower (okay, I probably am.  But I don't feel like it).  It sure the heck doesn't help that it's HOT!

So while I might be on line here and there...I really don't plan on doing anything productive that I have to think about.  I may not leave the house for a few days.  I don't know.  It's different every time.  I know that I will probably get a lot snarky.  Don't take everything you read at face value. Insert 5X's the normal sarcasm.   I'm allowed to have an off day or two, too.  Again, it's healthy.

I will let all know when I am back to being me.  For right now, I'm just going to ponder the meaning of that white line around the edge of every STOP sign...it's been on my list of things to think about for a while.  Later, I am going to recheck the inside of my eyelids for light leaks.   Because I can. 

I will still be here to handle EMERGENCIES and anything URGENT.  And, if I 'owe' you something, you're probably going to see a mass of emails in the next 2 days...I'm working to catch up.

Right now, however, the DVR is calling my name....and it's using a box of Fruit Loops to lure me closer.
Love to all!

-N

I'm BACK

It's been a while again since I've posted something.  I've been a little overwhelmed with life.  Nothing big...just all the little things added up.  So, while I've been dealing I just haven't been writing.

Not much has changed. I'm still questioning and sarcastic.  I am, however, a lot more organized.  At least in thoughts. 

...and of course I'm behind.  Example:  right now I'm supposed to be mowing the yard and finishing a baby shower.  So instead of writing a lot, I'm just dropping a note to say that my goal is to be back yet tonight to give a time intensive blog.  First, I'm going to go find some sinus headache meds and get a move on.

See you tonight =D

Walk Tall-y...and Carry a Stick

Today, I was out and about.  A few errands.  A meeting.  A training.  A visit with a friend.
As I was wandering around, I was watching people.  I am a people watcher by nature.  It's interesting to me to watch peoples' reactions to different things.  So, as I'm watching people while running errands, I noticed a few things...and finally pieced together what a couple of my favorite quotes might mean...

1)  I am like one of the few women in heels.  What's up with that?  I love heels.  First, they are just classy as hell.  Second, they make my legs look great (a miraculous feat in it self).  Lastly, you just cannot pull off a dress/skirt with tennis shoes.  I know.  I've tried.
B) Very few of the others I saw in heels could walk in them.  Now, I'm not a perfect "glider" by any means, but you must have a certain posture and step in heels...otherwise you just clomp.  VERY unattractive!  What's happened to walking tall?  Head up, shoulders down and back, butt under, tummy tucked...and lead with the thighs ladies.  It takes practice, but it's worth it.

2) I think I discovered what 2 of my favorite quotes mean.  A) "Walk softly and carry a big stick" and B) "What you do speaks so loudly I can not hear what you say".  Actually, the two go very closely hand in hand.  I'm all about violence somedays; as with some people, that's the only thing that gets them to move their butts is the threat of bodily harm.  Threat mind you.  I'm not good about carrying it out.  I don't like to get my hands dirty?  I don't know.  So, I've always been in tune with carrying a big stick.  But I finally figured out I am wrong.

I am carrying that big stick because that is what I am using to measure where I hold myself.  ....Maybe a diagram will work.  Let's try this:


My expectations for me-----------------------------------------------------------


My expectations for others working with me------------------------------------



Actual Average level of performance for task--------------------------------
Today's concept of average level of performance for task-------------------

Below standard performance----------------------------------------------------


I have high standards, what can I say? And it does truly take VERY LITTLE to be above average!  Why do a job half way when it takes just as much time and effort (maybe a little more energy and caring, tho) to do it excellently?  I don't get it.  "In any job big or small, do it well or don't do it at all"  Why would you let average be your calling card?  Trust me, people don't remember average. 

But it does take a little more energy to be above average...it also take energy to yell.  The same amount to do either, actually...you can only do one well at a time.  Choose wisely.  I choose to carry my measuring stick tor remind MYSELF of and show everyone I work with my expectations of myself...and to talk and walk softly so that I can devote all of my energy to doing things excellently.  And trust me.  I won't need to talk -loudly or otherwise-, my actions and accomplishments will speak for themselves!  I am choosing to leave a legacy.  People may not remember who I am (which is fine by me!  I take a horrible photo for posterity....)...but they will benefit from what I have been a part of and have done.  What are you doing?

I hope you choose to be a Blessing
and then give it your best.
If you're not giving your best, your wasting your time when you could be doing something else
(and quite possibly wasting the other person's time, too).
Life is too short to waste time doing a half way job...do it well the first time!

Only MY best!
*virtual HUGS* =D
-N