Living the Dream

Good Morning Friends,

When asked how's he is doing, a favorite response of one of my colleagues is "I"m living the dream."  He is personable and perhaps says this to get a smile out of people.  I'm not sure if he really is living the dream. 

It did get me thinking about my own life though.  And I can honestly say, with no snark or sarcasm attached, I really am living the dream.  As previously mentioned (more than once) it's almost October and the weather here is still lovely.  I wear shorts and flip flops on a daily basis.  When I open my door in the morning to take Jak outside my first thought is, it smells like Florida.  I'm not sure exactly how I would describe that smell but I relate it to many visits here when I would get up early to go walk on the beach.  I feel grateful to now live in a place that was always so hard for me leave.

Has every day here been a dream?  Well, no.  Really though, is everyday a dream anywhere.  I haven't ever felt lonely here though I do miss my friends and family back at home.  It would be nice to meet up face to face and share triumphs, difficult times or just to hang out.  For those who are wondering, at this point I don't have plans to visit back at home.  The delay in finding employment and now that I have it, if I don't work I don't get a paycheck so travel has become a low priority.  If I came for a long weekend I'd have to figure out Jak care and if I bring him then I would have to drive which would take more time than a long weekend.  I do think about visiting and when the time is right the puzzle pieces will fall into place.

The other day I was walking Jak with dragonflies buzzing around us and the dolphins were surfacing out in the inlet.  The sun was sinking in the evening sky.  And all of that is part of any given day here.  Yeah, I really am living the dream.

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

Against the Odds

Greetings Folks,

Today the odds of it raining were 20%.  It would've been a good day to bet against the odds.  It's now 1pm and it's been raining since before I got out of bed this morning.

Yesterday I worked 7-3:30 which meant I had to get up at 5:30.  I didn't sleep well that night and at 2am I had to get up and clean up dog puke.  Needless to say I was a bit tired at work.  The morning was busy, the afternoon less so.  I actually think the slower pace makes for a better atmosphere, not just for the workers but also for the customers.  Long lines and employees running around to keep up doesn't seem like a  relaxing coffee house to me. 

The two shift supervisors working yesterday are probably the most relaxed of all the supervisors which made for a fun afternoon.  There was laughter, high fives and stories from one colleague about being a witness to a police shoot out that happened on the highway earlier this week.  (Well the last part wasn't really fun but we were all, of course, intrigued to hear about it.)  We were probably being a little too silly at times, however the necessary work was getting done.  It reminded me of the old times with the Crisis Team where every so often we would just have one of those days.  (I'm sure Heath doesn't miss those days!)  Sometimes, I think a silly day is necessary in any work place.  It relieves stress.  Laughter is medicine for the soul.

Last night I attended a gathering at a local health food store to learn more about Reiki.  It has been suggested to me that it might be something I'd be good at doing.  I am currently undecided on my feelings about it.  I met some interesting people and I'm glad I went.  Though I can't say I am any more interested in Reiki than before.  Who know if that's good or bad.

Another weekend is upon us.  Wherever you are, I hope the odds work in your favor for a good weather weekend.  I'm holding out hope to see the sunshine here before the day is through.

Until next time...
Peace, Love & Roll the Dice,
Hope

Patricia

Dear Blog Constituents,

This week at work I have been reminded of a former colleague because I feel like my journey has some similarities to hers.  Before I explain the similarities, I would like to share a piece I wrote about her for the agency newsletter after she passed away in 2010.  She was an amazing lady who touched many people's lives...

On January 26, 2010, Patricia, a team member of the Crisis Program passed away after being diagnosed with cancer this past September. 

Patricia devoted much of her life to raising her seven children and came to the human services field later in life.  As she pursued this new direction, it became a specific goal of hers to be an employee of the agency.  With her bachelor degree she inquired about clinical work but unfortunately there was nothing available. Undaunted Patricia applied her great determination and worked toward earning a master degree so that someday she could obtain a clinical position.  In May of 2005, at the age of 63, Patricia graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Master of Arts in Psychology.

In January 2006 Patricia began her employment with the agency.  As a per diem clinician she picked up available shifts and did so with enthusiasm.  Her determination to learn was once again demonstrated when the Crisis Program began transitioning from handwritten documents to computerized documentation.  Patricia, having limited computer experience, got a typing tutorial program and taught herself to type.  One year after Patricia began working for the Crisis Program she accepted a full time position, splitting her 40 hours between crisis work and outpatient therapy.  As a full time crisis clinician she worked evening, overnight and weekend shifts as well as seeing outpatient clients 20 hours per week.

Outside of her work at the agency, Patricia was an advocate for domestic violence awareness, organizing and speaking at local events.  She was an adventurer and often shared stories with her colleagues about her audacious treks on and around her rural property.  She always had a kind word to share or a tale to make you smile that could help ease a stressful day at work.

Many words could be used to describe Patricia; strong, determined, dependable, gracious and congenial are just a few.  She will be remembered and missed for all of these qualities but especially for her thoughtful caring ways and her ability to make people laugh.  Patricia touched many lives through her work and taught us all that anything really is possible. 

So here's the similarities with me in my new job.  I'm older than my colleagues.  I'm doing work that I haven't ever done.  I am not as quick as the younger folk and sometimes I need them to help when I get far behind.  I show up faithfully.  I stay after my shift is over and I have clocked out to finish things that I don't want to leave for someone else.

Today I asked my friend Tamie (also a former colleague) if she thought Patricia ever got down on herself.  To which Tamie replied, "She did get down on herself for being slow and messing up but I think she balanced it with knowledge of what she brought to the team.  A good attitude and life experience go a long way." 

After a few days of being down on myself some Patricia inspiration is just what I need.  Thank you, Tamie, for helping me put it in perspective.  If I can bring a fraction of what Patricia brought to the Crisis Team to my new job, I'll make this world a little better place.

Until next time...

Peace, Love & Gratitude,

Hope

While You Were Out

Hi Y'all,

There used to be an interior design show on TLC entitled "While You Were Out".  They made over a room at someone's house while one of the occupants was lured away for a few days.  Today, while I was out my friend Jak had himself a little snack.  7 packages of peanut butter crackers and 3 snack size packages of M&M's.  Both of which I mistakenly left on the table.  He of course was the picture of innocence when I got home and it wasn't until I found the wrappers that I figured out what he did.

This is on the heels of an incident the other night involving a pan I left on the stove.  I wasn't even out that time, I was in the shower.  I heard a tremendous crash and it took me a minute to get my bearings to figure out that Jak was up to something.  Thankfully the pan was not hot.  The impact of the pan hitting the floor dented it.  As in the lid no longer fit.  And it isn't a flimsy pan.  I had to use a hammer to realign it so that the lid would fit again.

So, I'm wondering if Jak is acting out a little since I'm working again.  Of course I should know better than to leave food anywhere he may be able to get to it.  I just vacuumed this morning so now I'll have to do so again to clean up cracker crumbs.  I will say he took his feast onto his bed (where he's supposed to take his treats).  I always look for the positive in a situation.

*Update* Later that same night...
Jak had the nerve to give me the stink eye because I got the vacuum out for the second time today.  He got the stink eye right back.  The question still remains...who taught it to who?

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

Nice Matters

Dear Readers,

The unhappy people of the world have been converging at work this week.  As previously mentioned it is best not to take this stuff personally.  Actually it tends to make me wonder what a person has going on in his/her life to make them come in and ooze hate all over perfect strangers.  When I encounter a lot of negativity it makes me think about what I could do to bring some good into the world.  I made this for a friend of mine a while ago and I believe it's true...

Yesterday when Jak and I were out for our evening walk, I wanted to take the boardwalk instead of the sand path to get to the dog beach.  At the entrance there were two women and two little dogs.  One of the women had a walker and was moving very slowly.  In order for us to get on the boardwalk we would've had to get around them.  After a quick scene size up I knew it would be chaos trying to get Jak by, so a little begrudgingly I headed down the path.  After we got a ways down we came upon a family that was trying to take a group photo using a tripod and the timer on their camera.  When they saw us coming they politely moved out of the path.  And as they did so Jak decided he'd found the perfect spot to do his business so then they had to wait for us.  When Jak was done and I had cleaned up after him while they waited, I asked if I could take a picture for them.  Sure! 

Well, I had a little trouble using their camera.  It was like mine but a fancier model with more functions than I am used to.  After much assistance, I finally took the picture or two or three and hoped for the best.  I handed them their camera, collected Jak (who was tethered to my foot) and continued on our way.  As we ambled off the woman was looking at the pictures I took and I heard her say, "Wow, that's a really great picture."  Phew!  It was better than I thought.  And I guess that's why I was meant to take the path and not the boardwalk.  I was happy to oblige.  Because nice matters.

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

Sunset, Moonrise

Good Evening,

Here's a few pictures taken tonight.  The ocean is rough and the tide is high, signs of a full moon.

 

Until next time...
Peace, Love & Toes in the Sand,
Hope

Nappuccino

Hello All,

Even though my paycheck has become dependent on selling and/or making caffeinated beverages, for years I have made a point to limit my intake of them.  So on days like today when I had to get up at 5:30 to be to work for 7:00 I get through on my morning cup of coffee.  And then when I get home, it's nap time.

Now, I know there are a lot of people that don't nap or don't have time to nap and for them I say bring on the espresso! I come from a long line of nappers.  My grandmother used to say she needed a "rest" after lunch.  In my immediate family we call them snappies (short nap).  Whatever you call them, I hope you're catching one every now and then.  It's worth passing on the cappuccino for a nappuccino every once in a while.

My day on Sunday was long and a bit frustrating at times.  I had an impatient 19 year old colleague yelling at me because I wasn't working at a pace to her liking.  And then later things slowed down and there were too many workers with little to do.  After speaking with my manager on Monday, this will be last my week of training so next week I won't be the extra person, I'll be regular staff.  This is good in that I'll get more hands on experience and also because it makes me eligible for the tip pool.

Last night when I was walking Jak wearing shorts and a tank top in mid September, I had a moment when I felt like I was right where I needed to be.  Although I have been missing fresh picked apples, I have not been missing the cooler weather that I know is settling in on the northeast.  Some people I have met here gripe about the perpetual summer and lack of seasons.  I always felt sad when summer was over and days got shorter and cooler so no complaints from me.

I'd like to give a shout out to my four legged niece and nephew, Ella and Auggie, who are recovering from a tangle with a porcupine last evening.  Thank goodness that their mom is a vet, the pictures weren't pretty.  Sort of like acupuncture gone wrong.  Might I suggest reading them this book...

I'll give you a hint...very carefully.  Feel better pups!

Until next time...
Peace, Love and Leave the Porcupines Alone!
Auntie Hope

Happy Friday

Salutations,

After an 8 hour day Wednesday and a 7 hour day Thursday working the drive thru window, today I am off and contently sitting on the couch sipping my coffee.  The good news is, the more comfortable I get with what I'm doing in my job, the more I like it.  During the busiest times it is still a bit overwhelming.  And if I'm not right in front of the computer putting someone's order in I will likely forget some or all of it.  The younger folks I work with can take an order on the headset from anywhere in the store and then make their way over to put it in.  Oy.  To be twenty again!

On Tuesday the manager took some time to work along side me and really explain to me what she was doing in making the different beverages.  I retain information better when I understand why I am doing something.  Though the others I have trained with have been good at showing me what to do, in lot of cases I was missing the explanation.  I had a few minutes to chat with my manager on Wednesday.  She is very supportive and encouraging.  I thanked her for giving me a chance.  I know in time I will get more efficient at tasks that are a bit difficult now and just need to be patient with myself.

Today is laundry and cleaning and maybe a trip to the library.  Though I've resisted thus far, I'm considering reading the Harry Potter books.  They come highly recommended by trusted sources.  The premise of the books is what I find unappealing.  Perhaps I just need to push past my preconceived notions and give them a try.  Life begins at the end of our comfort zone.

Last weekend while I was watching the Revolution soccer game on my computer it dawned on me that everyone at the stadium was wearing sweatshirts.  How quickly I have forgotten that September means chilly mornings and evenings in the north.  The weather here continues to be in the mid 80's.  The evenings are a little cooler than summer making for great evening walks on the beach.  Mostly the only place I wear long sleeves here is at work because the air conditioning is too cold for me.  I know that perpetual summer is not for everyone.  For me, I just feel better not being cold all the time.  As much as I don't like snakes, I feel somewhat of kinship to their cold blooded nature.

That's all I got for this letter.  I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their climate of choice.

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hopeful

Yup, Another One

Greetings Friends and Family,

For the past half hour I've been sitting here trying to write a witty or inspiring blog letter and I'm just not feeling it.  There has been as much backspace to delete as there has been typing.  So in lieu of sharing some deep thoughts I will instead give you the latest life metaphor I've had rolling around in my brain for a week or so.

Life is like playing Candy Crush.
(Yes, I play.  No, not obsessively.)

Each level is a learning experience.  It offers new and different challenges than the previous.  Sometimes the pieces fall in just the right way and we easily move on to whatever is next.  Other times we just keep replaying the same experience until we gain a new perspective and finally see what we have to do to make the pieces fall together correctly so that we can move forward.  And sometimes in order to gain that new perspective it takes an explosion (wiping out a few rows in Candy Crush terms) which can be jarring but is ultimately necessary to get us to see things differently.

On a side note, I think it would be nice if in life there was a voice over that would say "Sweet" or "Delicious" when we make a good decision.  And when we clear a life level if a sign popped up that said "Wonderful. Level Complete." A little encouragement goes a long way.   

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

Going, Going, Gone

Dear Followers,

This post is especially for those that prefer pictures over words.  Taken tonight.

 
Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

Don't Take Anything Personally

Greetings Peeps,

I didn't realize the last time I wrote was on Sunday.  It was unintentional slacking on my part.  Between working and taking a technology sabbatical, the week just got away from me.

Several times recently the title of this post has surfaced in my life.  There is a book by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements, which I have not read but have heard a lot about.  In it he discusses four agreements to live by, one of them being "don't take anything personally."  In concept I think it is great.  In reality I think it can be hard to do.

At work, I'm still struggling to really grasp what I'm doing.  I've got the basics but speed or at least efficiency still allude me.  And if someone is watching it's like I revert back to my first day.  Yesterday I was having a few moments where I was feeling particularly frustrated with myself, I went in the backroom to get something.  The manager and assistant manager were back there talking.  The conversation stopped.  There was that awkward vibe in the air where people say something to make it seem like the conversation didn't just stop.  I got what I needed and scurried back out front.  I spent the next half hour (or more) berating myself in my head that they must have been talking about me and what a slow learner I am.  I wanted to cry, I wanted to go home.  Now before you say, or think, I'm being too hard on myself please consider that voice in your head.  The voice that says things to you that you wouldn't for a second consider saying to someone else.  We all have one. 

Ultimately I would like to figure out how to turn that voice in my head off permanently though I'm not sure total annihilation is possible.  So in those moments when I'm not feeling good enough, I try to talk kinder to myself and I also try to keep doing whatever it is my head is telling me I can't do.  Yesterday I just got on with my work.  Crying or going home weren't viable options. 

As it turns out, that voice in my head didn't know what it was talking about.  Indications later revealed that the conversation I walked in was most likely about the fact that another employee had to be let go.  Don't take anything personally!  The things people do and say have so little to do with us.  And unless there are hard facts to support it is about us, it is best to tell that voice in our heads to pipe down. 

In addition to the "Four Agreements" I would like to add a fifth.  Don't believe everything that you think.  It's so much better that way.

Until next time...
Peace, Love and Payday!
Hope

Sunday Evening Musings

Yo, what's up?

As another round of thunderstorms rolls through this evening I find myself sitting around pondering some of the big mysteries of life.  For example...

Is it inappropriate to do a happy dance in Walgreens when I find out milk is on sale?

Why do dogs like to pee on sandcastles?

How come flip flops get smelly?  Could there be a better ventilated shoe?

Did Jak teach me the stink eye or did I teach it to him?

Is Harry Potter really a spiritual icon?

In regards to the first question, one of the biggest adjustments I've had since moving here is the price of milk.  When not on sale it is about $1.50 more per gallon than I was paying before I moved.  Since I sometimes drink 2 gallons in a week, the additional cost is noticeable.  Therefore it really does warrant a happy dance, right?

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope