Dear So and So

[Crankin]

Dear Self,
You wanted more free time and you got it. Now, you better scramble to get 2 more clients. And why are you getting antsy? About 8 weeks until you can send that license application in. You didn't exactly do well with no job, so why do you want to just quit now?
I'm fine when I am doing my work. It's just the thought of it.
I really tired of driving so much and going to people's houses. I now realize how small my world was when I was teaching. Work, errands, and a lot of socializing within a 15 sq. mile area. Sure, I enjoy going into the city, but on a daily basis, I want to be able to ride my bike to work (or drive) no more than 10-15 miles and stay in an office. I've managed to configure my schedule so it meets my needs, but other clinicians don't... my boss said she knows I need this structure, but the nature of the program I work with is that it meets the needs of the clients when they want it. I have my appointments scheduled at the same time every week, except for, of course, when people need to do something else, or an emergency.
I am choosy about which referrals I take in terms of geographic areas, but I may have to relax this if stuff doesn't change in the next week or 2. Not sure if I will make my productivity goal for April.

[MelC]

Dear fellow bike commuter. It isn't that I don't appreciate that you are making the effort to cycle to work or that I want to discourage you from doing so. However, when you are cycling at a leisurely pace and someone on a bike passes you on a busy street (or any street really) it is better etiquette to not ride into a not yet changed red light further along thereby passing said cyclist who is waiting at the red light so that they then have to trundle along behind you until they find another safe opportunity to pass you all over again.

[lor]

Congrats on the new bike! Glad you were able to get dibs on it first!

[Blueberry]

Dear Drivers:

Please, please be careful. Another sad news story.

Dear People Commenting rudely on the story:

Screw you.

Dear self:

You know better than to read the comments. Now study.

[Owlie]

Dear Ten O'clock. Hurry up and get here already! I can't call the bike shop and make a deposit on that very cool cross unless you cooperate. Please? The shop opens at ten, and apparently no one comes in early. I can't concentrate except for the words bike bike bike bike, bike bike bike bike, BIKE BIKE BIKE-IDEE-BIKE BIKE. Want Bike!

If someone else already bought it, I may lose 'it.'

Edit: 10:12 AM. Done!!! Put half down. Almost. So now I owe $550.00. Whoo hoo! A 2012 CAADX with 105 upgrade for $1050.00. Can't wait!! Well, I guess I can wait since I do have the entire amount, but I'm making myself make payments so as not to deplete savings.

I'm a good girl.

Woohoo! Pictures when it comes home!

[skhill]

Dear woman I was behind for the first mile of today's 10k/5k,
Did you know that your black capris were so worn/stretched-out that everyone could see that you were wearing orange underwear?

[OakLeaf]

That's why she was wearing underwear at all ...

[Veronica]

Dear woman I was behind for the first mile of today's 10k/5k,
Did you know that your black capris were so worn/stretched-out that everyone could see that you were wearing orange underwear?

Maybe it made her run faster.

Veronica

[skhill]

Orange is a fast color, that's why my lucky race-day bra is orange. And I had gotten dressed and then changed my shirt after I realized just how visible it was through the old tee I was wearing!

[MelC]

Dear skhill, I don't know you but I just spent the last five minutes bending over in my capris in front of a mirror.

[thekarens]

Someone would have to die Marni!

[katluvr]

Dear everyone or anyone that cares,
I know I don't have HUGE problems but the past few months all the small things have added up. No one wants to hear me list the things so I'll just do it here!
So mom completed her chemo for her BC reoccurrence, but the resulting neuropathy and mobility issues are really not fair. She was difficult enough to deal with before all the added issues. Just a bit more stress for me (and poor dad).
April our beloved bird Shakey died, although we knew it would happened it still seemed sudden when he died in our hands in the few hours after we returned from vacation. Miss that noisy bird. Oh then my SO lost her job. Financially we are ok, but the emotion of getting laid off, fighting with unemployment, applying for jobs and trying to figure out what she wants to do was tough. To do what you love doesn't pay, getting back into the IT world again--is that the right thing for her to do? Wish we could retire now!!
On trip with my parents to my niece's graduation with some bumps and stress only to be called my pet sitter that our beloved Pepper (cat) was refusing to eat (never happens). By the time my SO gets home he is very sick, I make it home to spend one night with him before he passes the next day. This was devastating. He was such a presence in our house.
Lastly (maybe) I have never had an issue with my boss. But my current supervisor is horrible. She has no idea what me and the other members of my team do, really no concept. Nor does she ever come to see us, check in to see how we are doing. But she will f*&% with our schedule! I love my co-workers and what I do, but she is making me think about looking for a new job!
So lots of little stressors that at times weigh on me. I know things could be worse but I really hate it when people say that to me!

[Sky King]

Dear everyone or anyone that cares,
I know I don't have HUGE problems but the past few months all the small things have added up. No one wants to hear me list the things so I'll just do it here!
So mom completed her chemo for her BC reoccurrence, but the resulting neuropathy and mobility issues are really not fair. She was difficult enough to deal with before all the added issues. Just a bit more stress for me (and poor dad).
April our beloved bird Shakey died, although we knew it would happened it still seemed sudden when he died in our hands in the few hours after we returned from vacation. Miss that noisy bird. Oh then my SO lost her job. Financially we are ok, but the emotion of getting laid off, fighting with unemployment, applying for jobs and trying to figure out what she wants to do was tough. To do what you love doesn't pay, getting back into the IT world again--is that the right thing for her to do? Wish we could retire now!!
On trip with my parents to my niece's graduation with some bumps and stress only to be called my pet sitter that our beloved Pepper (cat) was refusing to eat (never happens). By the time my SO gets home he is very sick, I make it home to spend one night with him before he passes the next day. This was devastating. He was such a presence in our house.
Lastly (maybe) I have never had an issue with my boss. But my current supervisor is horrible. She has no idea what me and the other members of my team do, really no concept. Nor does she ever come to see us, check in to see how we are doing. But she will f*&% with our schedule! I love my co-workers and what I do, but she is making me think about looking for a new job!
So lots of little stressors that at times weigh on me. I know things could be worse but I really hate it when people say that to me!

That is alot of not so little things. Be kind to yourself and your SO. Be sure to communicate with those around you, even your boss. It is much easier to shut down but do remember to say to others that there has been quite a bit of change in your life recently (you don't have to do the details) and that you are doing your best to grapple. That way if you fly off the handle, etc. they will hopefully be a bit more compassionate and not just assume you are being a B**** - been there more than once

[OakLeaf]

((((((((kat)))))))) You have every right to be sad and upset. I don't know where people get off comparing your problems to other people's as if it's supposed to make your pain less. Take the space you need to grieve, and I hope other things get better for you and your family very soon.

((((((Muirenn)))))) just ugh ...

[malkin]

...Wheat belly.

This made me laugh!
My parents can be like this too.