Looking Glass

  The following Tuesday after mine and Derek's discussions over the weekend, I was debating about attending my Toastmaster meeting. I was tired from work, and my normal enthusiasm was not apparent. Derek, (the President of the club this year), had emailed the officers that we would hold an Officers Meeting after the regular, club meeting. Really? Really? So, I pulled my big girl panties up and attended. The regular meeting ensued as normal, but the officer's meeting was, a bit more  lively.  Derek handed out the copies of the budget and agenda, and convened the meeting like a pro. Our area governor happened to be there as an observer. Right off the bat, I could tell this was not going to be short and sweet as promised by the pres, as he was rambling on, co officers were discussing non important items. I got unsettled and grouchy, quickly. Hey, I was tired! During the meeting, it became questionable if Derek was under the influence of alcohol. (I thought he was overcompen...

  Labor Day Weekend has come shortly after my vacation, which was nice. The week back to work was busy, as usual, though my co workers did a great job managing the office. I guess they only had a couple of mishaps with caregivers and scheduling, which, when you are staffing 80+ shifts of care to clients in a month, it happens. Even to the best of us.   It is surprising to think, when on vacation, I didn't stress about money, the job, my living situation or anything, but when I went back to work, all the old stresses resumed. I guess that is reality. I spent a few hours yesterday morning applying for jobs on line. I applied for four, to be exact. I need to do that at least once a week or more. Then, my odds increase of at least getting an interview, right? Right. At the very least, I will, hopefully, gain some interview experience. Now, the tricky part will be taking time away from the office for interviews. I am not too concerned of this, as I have shared with my director in ...

   Tuesday morning, when I unplugged my cell phone from it's night of charging, my dear, guy friend had sent me a text the night before. It said, "Finally read the entire blog. Turn it into a book. Your writing style is amazing." I held my heart then texted him back, "Ha. Amazing may be an exaggerated term. But thanks. I can't believe you read the whole thing. Aw."    As part of my morning routine, I sit at my computer with a fresh cup of coffee and check my favorite on line sites and emails. He had emailed me a letter, too. Anxious to see what it was, I opened the attachment and saw a Word Document spring open before my eyes. It was titled, "Letter to Claire", (though he used my real name.)     He thoughtfully complimented my blog after reading the WHOLE thing. He said he was convinced that someday I will do an author signing. He appreciated, "thought provoking statements has allowed me to look deeper into your soul", even though we ha...

When I think of glass, many objects cross my mind in visualization of this product. Windows, (of course), which allow us to see the world from an inside view. I picture skyscrapers across America with  glass walls, allowing reflections to bounce from them, or to protect the mannequins from strangers' hands. Glass jars, trillions of shapes, sizes and colors, that can hold anything from flowers to noodles, or life... like an embryo to a firefly. I think of the windshield of my car, with two cracks running down the passenger side. A mar left from passing trucks, flinging rocks at my Honda. I think of rocket ships and the glass windshields on them. What strength these objects have to withstand so much pressure, pings, weather and the like. Amazing, isn't it? Yet, when packing to move, or rearranging something with glass, we are so protective and careful to wrap it for transport, or lift it with gentle hands. We know of it's fragility. I think the human character is, as glass. ...

It is surprising to think, retrospectively, of daily actions and see how they've created a cycle of events. This happens constantly, and pretty soon, another day has ended. Your actions created reactions from others. Some reactions positive, some not. It likely depends on your approach to the situation, your mood, your words, your demeanor. Most adults know that. I need to improve upon this area when I am feeling "put upon" or "let down."  Professionally, I am good at maintaining dignity during those challenges. Personally...not so much. I tend to let the little things sit in my stomach like a rock, and over think them until they turn into a boulder. That weight gets heavy after a bit. Then, of course, I throw it out with force. (sigh here) Stress is one of those mental elements that can infect your physical & emotional well being. Stress creates a wheel of thoughts and actions. Many of us know how it keeps our mind going around and around. Often, uncertai...

This has been a very boring week. I have been on vacation from work and quite often, found myself rattling around the house with not much to do. I have revised my Toastmaster's speech and sent it to my mentor for critiquing. I am waiting for his suggestions. I have gone for a few walks as the rain has dissipated and the sun came out for a few days. I did not end up going to a Halloween party as I intended, my girlfriend couldn't make it. I was going to go alone, but...I accomplished some reading and some cleaning projects and have spent too much time tinkering on the computer. We all know what that means...at least the x is in Oregon heading to California. He has one or two gigs per week lined up down there and will be gone until the end of December. It appears "she" is traveling with him, at least for now. Reminding myself, I divorced him for a reason. Whew! I need to quit being curious and checking on his whereabouts. I am surprised I still check, though I know it...