Awful Day at Work. When Will I Learn to Cope?

Sometimes I just don't know what to do about my work life. I work hard, I really do. I rarely visit or chit-chat. I have something I need to accomplish, andI  hit the ground running, trying to do what I'm paid to do.
And I face so many stumbling blocks. Co-workers who won't show me where to find the answers I need to move forward, who won't assist when I run out of time. Who ask me to do them favors, but won't reciprocate when I need a favor.
There are approximately 50% of my coworkers with whom I work well. We understand each other and work to reach the same goals.
It's the other 50%. And I find that those of us who work well together agree on who our problem co-workers are.
So, why do these problem people affect me the way they do? Why do they hold the power over me, the ability to ruin a full day and make me want to quit my job?
Why can't I place the problem people on my mental float boat, and send them off toward the arctic in my mind?
I have to work on this. I can no longer allow the wrong people to dictate my day.

Winter in Middle Georgia

It's early December. And it's Saturday.
When I awoke this morning, I followed my usual routine. I fixed a cup of coffee, fed and watered the cat, then opened up the wooden front door so kitty and I could look outside. We have a good storm door so minimal cold comes in, but even if it wasn't a good door, I would open it anyway. I've always liked to be able to look out windows and doors.
What do I see? Brown...... brown everything.......brown everywhere.
It's winter. And not a thing is growing.
This is a hard time of year for me. I love warm breezes, the sound of wildlife and riotous colors. The sunshine and flowers.
Winter is part of God's design. I know it. I don't easily accept it. But there's a lesson in it, isn't there?
Rebirth, the return of life and hope.
I'll work to be thankful that the Lord has granted me this time and understanding and most of all, acceptance of His grace and love.
Even in this most dismal time of year. Perhaps He wishes me to take the time to turn toward Him by removing those beautiful scenes He grants to us in Spring and Summer.
There's a purpose to it all.
I understand, I think.

After Thanksgiving shopping

This is going to be a thin Christmas for gift giving. Not that we cannot afford it, but what's the purpose of spending lots of money on stuff?
When asked what I want this year, I came up with this: a gold cross necklace, a couple of books. Really, I couldn't come up with more.
Oh sure, I wouldn't mind an iPad but it's $500 and I have a perfectly serviceable netbook.
So this will be more sedate Christmas. Will get the kids the stuff on their wish lists.
And I will remember the Lord in all this. THAT'S the true meaning of Christmas, and if the truth be told, that's the true meaning of every day, isn't it?
God bless you, everyone!

Ick, here comes the cold weather

The furnace how now been turned on. The closet has been emptied of my favorite clothes which have gone into storage, and the bulky cold weather clothing has been hung in their place.
The flip flops are put away. The socks are now being worn.
I know it has to come every year. I've been through enough of these season changes that I know this is coming.
But like everything else I don't enjoy, I know how to pretend it doesn't exist until I'm faced with it. Until I can no longer hide from it.
Here in middle Georgia we rarely see snow. So I don't have to contend with it any more. But I will still find something to dislike about winter.
And what I dislike is how the cold is painful to me.
Attitude check!
God created these seasons. There is a reason for them.
Accept and move on.

Family Drama, or, I'm Glad we Live 1,000 Miles Away

Every family has one high maintenance member, am I right? That member will usually be a needy female. Selfish, immature, a general pain in the rear end.
We have one. She is a user, and feels that the entire human race owes her. She won't hold down a job. She is always on the hunt for a man to support her and validate her. Once she lures one into her web, she treats him like dirt. He cannot escape quickly enough.
She has nearly bankrupted her parents. They have to pay her bills, rescue her from whatever state some man has abandoned her in. She is a nightmare.
She has recently destroyed her parents marriage. And she announced her intent to do so.
Her mother thinks this she-devil can do no wrong, so this monster knew exactly how to manipulate her mother so she could break up the marriage.
Why did she do it? Because her father told her he'd had enough of her foolishness and that the wallet was no longer available to her.
Rather than get off her 36 year old fanny to take on an adult role and learn to fend for herself, she told her mother some lies. She destroyed a nearly 40 year union.
Some people are  the devil incarnate. I don't know how this person lives with herself.
I feel anger and sorrow.

Hurt Feelings

Today at work, my day started out well. I've been working hard, trying to meet my own personal goals. Again, selling ads in this economy is a challenge but I'm still attempting to do the best I can and not get frustrated.
I went for a walk on my lunchbreak and it was sunny and warm. There were some black clouds but I wasn't going far and thought I'd be Ok.
Suddenly, a storm arrived with 35mph winds. Totally unexpected.
I was caught at a local business and had to phone my job to ask if someone could come pick me up.
Well, you'd think I'd requested someone's kidney.
Certain coworkers find any type of deviation from their usual day to be either frightening or frustrating. So my little phone call asking for help was a problem.
As I was waiting, a citizen offered me a ride and I was on my way back to work within minutes.
Well, my job had sent a coworker after me but I was already gone. He had to come back and got a little bit wet.
I'm sorry.
I got a call to my desk telling me I owed the coworker who came after me a lunch. Really?
He drove the company car over. So he's not out gas money. He got a few minutes out of the office. A little 3 minute paid break, if you will.
I run errands for coworkers, take proofs over for other people. I use my own vehicle.
So the upshot of this experience was this: I have got to stop being so sensitive. My current place of employment is definitely not the place to be a sensitive person.
I've gotta toughen up, shrug these little moments off and continue to do my work.
And pray. I gotta pray.

Eye surgery for the daughter

In Virginia right now. Leaving my daughter's apartment in approximately 2 hours, taking her to Portsmouth so she can have PRK surgery to correct her nearsightedness.
It's quiet right now, she's laying on the sofa next to me, dozing. I don't think she slept well last night. She's very nervous.
I had Lasik surgery myself in 2000 to correct extreme nearsightedness. It was successful and I'm still thrilled with the results.
Doesn't mean a person won't worry that she will be the one in a million who will be the failure in the chair, and lose her sight permanently.....
Anyway, I'm happy I can be here to help her and baby her (as if she'll allow THAT!)
Pray for God to guide the surgeon's hand, please!