Stress Distractions

I have become so overwhelmed with stress that I have become a ticking time bomb of emotions ready to explode into tears at any given moment. Since the stress is not related to Bob and I, I'm fairly confident in saying this isn't the place to share. However, what I can say is that two people who I am extremely close to and care for deeply have chosen me to confide in and seek advice from as their lives have seemingly begun to unravel. Due to circumstances completely outside their control, they have found themselves at a crossroad where they will have to decide whether to stay in unhealthy and in some ways abusive relationships with their significant others or make the hardest decision they will ever have to make and leave the relationships behind for their better well-being (and that of their children). As you can see this is a really stressful moment for anyone, but I'm dealing with two separate cases of this. I know that they are far more stressed than I am, and I can't imagine how they are getting by. What I do know is that in trying to be everything for them, from confidant, to shoulder to cry on, to advice giver is taking a serious toll on me.

Luckily, I have had some great distractions as well. Last Tuesday my Sister-in-law Tessa asked me to come get Mani's and Pedi's with her and her girls, her treat. She didn't get a chance to celebrate my birthday with me last month, so she wanted some good old fashioned girl time with me. Of course I accepted! It felt so nice to just sit back and relax and talk girl talk with my sister, instead of stressing about so many things outside my control. After our nails were done, we headed to Zupas for dinner. I loved talking with Katie and Alicia about school and driving. They are growing up so fast! Since I'm their youngest aunt, they were really interested in hearing stories about when I was learning to drive. Especially since I had lots of entertaining stories about my many fender benders... It's probably nice for them to know that any mistakes they are going to make, I've already made!

The Nuts About Berries salad I had, it delicious!

On Wednesday it was time for our team quarterly activity for work. That meant that I got paid while eating at Red Iguana and watching Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which work also paid for. If that all sounds familiar, it's because I just ate at Red Iguana for my birthday and watched Captain America last weekend... But if it's good, then it's worth doing again! Anyway, it was nice getting pampered on 1-800-contacts dime and getting to know my new boss Shamae a little better. We forgot to invite our last manager Jessica, but that was OK by me since I didn't like her one bit! Shamae is much better. She knows how to tell me when I'm doing something wrong, and how to fix it without coming across as rude. She gives positive feedback so I know when I'm doing good work. She tells me what she expects of me, and when she expects it done. She is the first manager I've had in Reception to come up and watch me do my files so she knows what I do everyday, and best of all - She is easy to talk to. I feel like I can talk to her about anything, work or personal, and she won't judge or think poorly of me. She is easily the best boss I've had at 1-800-contacts!

Saturday, my mom and I took on some Yard Sales to see if there was anything worth buying for when Bob and I buy a house. Most of the stuff was junk, naturally. However, we did have the fortune of coming across a refrigerator in excellent condition for only $25! I think they were about to pack up their yard sale for the day, and since they got a new fridge when they remodeled their kitchen, they were desperate to get rid of the old one. Needless to say, I bought it. I wanted to know that we would have one in case we moved to a house where it wasn't included. Hopefully we will have a house to put it in soon. Until then, thanks to my mom and dad for letting me store it in your basement. And an extra big thanks to my dad for helping me get it down there!