Seeking Center

Thanks to everyone who reached out to me in the past few days, whether in response to my previous post on Live Journal, via email or by phone. Your words of affection and understanding have helped immensely as I try to find my center again. My voice, after a disappearing act for three days, is coming back, though I still sound hoarse ... a bit like Bea Arthur as Vera Charles:)

I spent Tuesday night through this afternoon away from home, speaking as little as possible, but working diligently on my job search. I have two job interviews lined up next week with the possibility of a couple of more ... all in financial investment work or writing. I called a couple of old friends today after not speaking with them for months, mostly because I don’t like to be negative; My style has always been to isolate until the problems pass, emerging when I can feel optimistic once more. Prior to Live Journal, I tried to take a more stoic approach to difficult situations; now I’m trying to find a healthier way to deal with problems than keep them to myself. I was rewarded by reaching out. Not only did I get to catch up with two terrific men, but both had specific contacts who could help me with my search.

For me, one of the delights of LJ is to meet, in person or by phone, people from my friends list. I got to speak with the personable designerotter for the first time today. He thoughtfully provided me with a job lead. Thanks so much, Joe! We will speak again soon! I could feel your energy through the phone. I've also been boosted through recent phone conversations with teddybtoronto, gaugetx, bearchitect, bearfuz, placeintheheart, perkk, theoctothorpe, lovesongman, drscott and gotmoof. Thanks, Guys!

I returned home today at 4pm to find my Dad unbathed, sitting in his pajamas. Mom tried to get him going this morning, but with little success. He ate his breakfast at 12:30pm. I didn’t say a word about it. As I said, I’m working on keeping my center. I will NOT lose my cool again; a battle of wills is no contest when one of the players is injured. I won’t be pulled in again. Separately ... The bill came in from St Josephs Hospital today for Dad’s bypass surgery ... The total is $95,191 and it isn’t complete! Thank God or the government, whomever or whatever for Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurance.

The news of the day was, of course, that the British had foiled a plot to bring down multiple planes through the use of liquid explosives brought on board in carry-on bags. I don’t think I’ll be flying for awhile; too much hassle, justifiable or not. I can see changing the rules in response to the threat, but the confiscation of water bottles seems excessive. (Why not just make people drink from them in front of security personnel or is that too simplistic?) I’ll gladly pack my toiletries in my checked luggage, but I started carrying them onboard in clear baggies in the first place because the airlines lost my bags so many times in the past year. I also don’t see how people who travel for business will do without their laptops ... I know I will never check my laptop or electronics in a suitcase. Looks like we're all having to change how we look at the world and each other ... I guess we're all seeking center.

Seeking Center

Thanks to everyone who reached out to me in the past few days, whether in response to my previous post on Live Journal, via email or by phone. Your words of affection and understanding have helped immensely as I try to find my center again. My voice, after a disappearing act for three days, is coming back, though I still sound hoarse ... a bit like Bea Arthur as Vera Charles:)

I spent Tuesday night through this afternoon away from home, speaking as little as possible, but working diligently on my job search. I have two job interviews lined up next week with the possibility of a couple of more ... all in financial investment work or writing. I called a couple of old friends today after not speaking with them for months, mostly because I don’t like to be negative; My style has always been to isolate until the problems pass, emerging when I can feel optimistic once more. Prior to Live Journal, I tried to take a more stoic approach to difficult situations; now I’m trying to find a healthier way to deal with problems than keep them to myself. I was rewarded by reaching out. Not only did I get to catch up with two terrific men, but both had specific contacts who could help me with my search.

For me, one of the delights of LJ is to meet, in person or by phone, people from my friends list. I got to speak with the personable designerotter for the first time today. He thoughtfully provided me with a job lead. Thanks so much, Joe! We will speak again soon! I could feel your energy through the phone. I've also been boosted through recent phone conversations with teddybtoronto, gaugetx, bearchitect, bearfuz, placeintheheart, perkk, theoctothorpe, lovesongman, drscott and gotmoof. Thanks, Guys!

I returned home today at 4pm to find my Dad unbathed, sitting in his pajamas. Mom tried to get him going this morning, but with little success. He ate his breakfast at 12:30pm. I didn’t say a word about it. As I said, I’m working on keeping my center. I will NOT lose my cool again; a battle of wills is no contest when one of the players is injured. I won’t be pulled in again. Separately ... The bill came in from St Josephs Hospital today for Dad’s bypass surgery ... The total is $95,191 and it isn’t complete! Thank God or the government, whomever or whatever for Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurance.

The news of the day was, of course, that the British had foiled a plot to bring down multiple planes through the use of liquid explosives brought on board in carry-on bags. I don’t think I’ll be flying for awhile; too much hassle, justifiable or not. I can see changing the rules in response to the threat, but the confiscation of water bottles seems excessive. (Why not just make people drink from them in front of security personnel or is that too simplistic?) I’ll gladly pack my toiletries in my checked luggage, but I started carrying them onboard in clear baggies in the first place because the airlines lost my bags so many times in the past year. I also don’t see how people who travel for business will do without their laptops ... I know I will never check my laptop or electronics in a suitcase. Looks like we're all having to change how we look at the world and each other ... I guess we're all seeking center.