Thursday, June 07, 2007

Normalcy, or some semblance thereof


This week has been a blur, in so many ways. On a personal level it has been extremely trying, but professionally I'm doing well.

I have been working nearly non-stop since my return and have accomplished nearly all of the things I returned to do. I finalized the annual operating budget, prepared for and held our monthly board meeting, finished numerous reports and reconciled all of our financial accounts. The board did my yearly review and I received a glowing report and a substantial raise.

If things had gone differently with Dale, I would be heading back to Denver on Monday.

My cats were just getting used to having me around the house again when it was time for me to leave on a short business trip. As you can see from the photos, they didn't appear too upset over my departure.

My co-worker and I left at 8 am this morning to drive 240 miles to a media training session in Bozeman, Montana. Last night's board meeting lasted until after midnight, so we were pretty tired on the drive, but perked up after numerous cups carafes of coffee. Today's session lasted from noon until 6 and then we went to Borders where I bought my cousin's birthday presents and several books, including Tuesdays with Morrie, which was recommended to me by a fellow blogger.

Afterward, we returned to the motel room to relax. The photo (below) was taken from the balcony.


It feels good to unwind, if just for a little while.

24 comments:

Pink said...

give yourself that gift of rest Laurie...I know how keeping busy can keep us going but do let yourself unwind.
xx
pinks

Anonymous said...

(hugs)

Pam said...

Congrats on your report and raise! No surprise there!

I think it's good to be busy right now, you've been through a lot. Rest when you can.

'Tuesdays with Morey' is very good, he was an incredible man and many of his lessons stay with me...but I'm glad I read it before I was diagnosed.

Mary said...

Lately I was wondering when you would show your kitties!

Glad you are unwinding and enjoying your work! Busy times can be therapeutic but rest and lovin' the kitties can be, too.

Gina said...

I'm glad you are doing ok, Laurie.

Bonita said...

Thank God for the little routines, and the family of cats, that carry us through the rough spells. In time you'll regain your equilibrium, with brighter days ahead. I'm happy you've got such a good job - and a raise. Hang in there...

WithinWithout said...

Sign on highway back to Forsyth:

REST STOP AHEAD

Take it. Put yourself in park. Turn the ignition off. Smile as much as you can.

;-)

threecollie said...

Congrats on your raise and review. How did you ever do it with so much on your plate?!?? Hope you can take a break soon

KGMom said...

Welcome back to this semblance of normalcy. I too have wondered about your cats--I think when I first began reading your blog, I was struck by how much your one cat resembles one of mine. I opined that my cat (and yours) must time travel between your place and mine.
Here's to more normal days ahead for you.

NatureWoman said...

Getting away is a wonderful idea, I hope you rest well.

Carol said...

You are such an amazing woman, Laurie. Few of us could handle all you have with such good grace. I am in awe of you.
Carol

Anvilcloud said...

Glad you are settling in. Nice little pond in that motel.

LittlePea said...

A raise! Great! I'm sure your kitties miss you. They just pretend not to.

thailandchani said...

I was just wondering how you were doing a few days ago. Almost sent out the posse :)

Glad to know you are back, cats are beautiful and, yes, rest is in order.


Peace,

~Chani

Cathy said...

Laurie,
I'm so glad you're moving forward and picking up the traces of your life again. Your colleagues and friends (cats, too:0) must be so glad to have you back in their lives.

Hope Wolf is doing OK.

Love and a hug . .

Girlplustwo said...

i am glad you are getting some rest. i know there is so much going on inside your head and heart.

and congrats on your review and raise.

Unknown said...

It sounds as if you are in the midst of hectic days. But “normalcy?”

When I was a young army staff officer, it seemed the battalion went from one crisis directly into another. So one day I asked the oldest enlisted man, the sergeant major, when we would return to normalcy.

He responded, “Sir, this is normalcy.”

dmmgmfm said...

Pink, I'm spending the weekend with Cousin Kay and the kids. I am really looking forward to it. Thank you.

Thomas, Hugs back.

Pam, thank you. You are a dear sweet woman. Also thank you for fixing my work photo. You are amazing.

Mary, my babies missed me. I have one on my lap right now and the rest are on my bed.

Gina, thank you. I won't kid you, there are moments I have to remind myself to breathe, but I have to live for myself and for Dale now. So I best get after it.

Bonita, I'm hanging as best I can.

WW, I'm doing just that this weekend. Thanks. ;-)

Threecollie, I have a wonderful board and a very accommodating co-worker. I'm truly blessed.

Kg, I think I remember that comment. :-)

Naturewoman, thank you so much.

Carol, there's nothing amazing about me, but thank you anyway.

AC, it was a nice motel, but I'm glad to be back home with my furkids.

Mspea, all but one are currently ignoring me, but as soon as I go to bed, I'm sure they'll be much more friendly.

Chani, you can cancel the posse now, but thanks for caring.

Cathy, Wolf is hanging in there. And he sends his love. *hugs*

dmmgmfm said...

Jen, thank you. I plan to enjoy the weekend with my cousins. I am really looking forward to it.

Nick, that's an amazing story and seems to fit my life right now.

steve'swhirlyworld said...

Laurie, I hope you enjoy your weekend. Take care.

Unknown said...

Getting back into some sorta of normalacy helps. It gives the mind and the soul other avenues to go down and helps soothes the spirit. Do not overdo your efforts then your physical being becomes fatigued and you may start to feel sick. So jump back into the race but also take time to rest.
God Bless You

Squirl said...

Just keep healing. Glad that things are going well at work for you.

Thinking of you. Love and hugs.

dmmgmfm said...

Steve, our plans changed and now for a variety of reasons and I'll be by myself. I'm not relishing the thought of that, but I'll be OK. Thank you.

Dave, I know that's good advice. I can't guarantee I can follow it, but I'll try. Thank you. *hugs*

Squirl, work doesn't seem very important to me right now, but it was nice to see that they appreciate me. Thanks for the love and hugs. They are much appreciated. Hugs back.

Kristen said...

Oh Laurie...I am so so sorry that I missed what has been happening in your life. I am so sorry to read about Dale...what a beautiful friendship the two of you shared -- as well as the one he shared with Wolf. ((((HUGS))))

Keep on keeping on...