Friday, December 14, 2007

Stress and de-stress

I am feeling much, much better and less stressed today than I have in a long time. So now I'm ready to talk about the stressful stuff that's been going on:

1. My sister is going through a divorce. I haven't mentioned this on my blog at all because I don't really feel like it's my place to be sharing details of her personal life, but she told me that she doesn't have a problem with me talking about it here. I won't get into all of the details, but suffice it to say that it's been really difficult. And that she's been turning to me a lot for support, which I'm glad that I can offer her, but which is also emotionally draining for me. Plus, it's hard for the family when someone gets divorced, because suddenly, someone whom you considered a part of your family gets taken away from you.

2. My father had an abnormal mole removed from his face and was told by the doctor that it was potentially cancerous, although more likely not. He was told that it would be two weeks until the biopsy results were back.

3. You already know that Cava died. That's been hard for me, but much harder for my mother, who was especially attached to him.

4. I have had a huge client deliverable stressing me out at work for the last couple of months. It had to be done before the holidays, which did not make this holiday season less stressful for me.

5. I went to the doctor right after that Zipcar incident, when I was still freaking out, and for the first time in my life, I had high blood pressure. Needless to say, finding that out probably raised my blood pressure even more. However, he said that since I've always had perfect blood pressure, even before losing 48 pounds, that it was most likely due to stress. Still, I have to go back in a couple weeks for some tests to make sure nothing is really wrong.

Now let's discuss the reasons why I'm feeling less stressed:

1. My sister has been feeling much better over the last few days, which means she isn't leaning on me for support as much, and also that I'm not as worried about her.

2. My father got his biopsy results back early, and the mole was benign.

3. I finished my big work project ahead of schedule.

4. I measured my blood pressure using the machine at the nearby Rite Aid after I had calmed down over the Zipcar thing, and it was back to normal.

5. I finished all my Christmas shopping and have even wrapped everything.

6. I know I need a vacation, and I'm actually getting one: Torsten and I are going to Miami for five days before Christmas. We leave on Wednesday. I cannot even begin to describe how excited I am about spending five days, just the two of us, lying on the beach with no family or work pressures.

7. Today is our holiday party at work, my first one with this company. It involves an open bar, a raffle with prizes like round-the-world plane tickets, and a sushi bar. It's legendary. I'm excited.

8. It's Friday!

Now tell me... what are you stressed about? Or what recently has happened to help relieve your stress?

22 comments:

  1. I'm glad that despite the stresses, you're still able to figure it out. I'm sorry I haven't been commenting much. Stress or one big part of my life disappearing = negotiable.

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  2. I think maybe you forgot to mention how my birthday is tomorrow? That's not stressful at ALL!

    You know my stresses; I'm not going into that. But non-stress? Today I woke up happy. Genuinely happy. For this first time in a long time.

    And speaking of happy? I'm glad your sister is getting better. And glad your dad is ok.

    Have a great weekend!

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  3. Round the world plane tickets? I will be crossing my fingers for you girl! I wish I had a work holiday party to go to, but alas, I am here alone and my boss who does not celebrate Christmas anyhow is in Afghanistan.

    So happy you get to get away for a few days.

    And what I'm stressed about? I already told you via email. Also, I emailed you from my personal email not my blog email, so just making sure you got it!

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  4. Wow, I'm glad things are going better. It sounds live you had/have a lot on your plate. Enjoy your vacation!!

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  5. Yesterday was my most important work day of the year (executive board meeting), so I'm feeling much better today!

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  6. ooh, a vacation! I'm so jealous!
    I'm stressed about being sick, and trying to take care of everything that needs to be done around here and moving in ONE WEEK! eek!
    I should be packing now !

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  7. first, i was a bit :(
    then, i was :)
    so happy for your vacation & what sounds to be an awesome work party! have a great time!

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  8. Aw I'm glad you're feeling less stressed. I'm stressed about getting in shape for the wedding, finishing my Christmas shopping and my sister. Blah.

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  9. I hope your sister is doing okay. That has got to be tough on her. Let her know that your commenters will be thinking of her. Divorce sucks.

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  10. Round the world plane tickets? Awesome! Good luck!

    I'm glad you're feeling less stressed.

    I don't think I'm stressed about a thing right now. My shopping is done except for stocking stuffers...though I've done very little wrapping - I'm impressed that you're done wrapping!

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  11. glad that things are improving a bit. and daaaaang what good timing for the vacation :-)

    that sucks for your sister :-( i hope she gets through things ok.

    i'm stressed because work is craaaazy because it's the end of the quarter, and because i am sick, and i do not have TIME to be sick, do you hear me body? GET OVER THIS. NO TIME.

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  12. ugh stress... i feel the pain. men are stessing me out. but what's new? ;) lol

    i'm glad your dad's test results came back ok. that had to be terrifying.

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  13. Oh the vacation sounds glorious! Miami, no less! And good for your dad and sis.

    I wrote about all of my stress today.

    Stress Releiver? I have to work 4 more days until i am off for the rest of the year. WA-HOO!

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  14. I agree with the divorce thing. My cousin was married to the guy who we thought was great. I looked forward to seeing him at all the family functions and it's weird that I'll likely never see him again.

    Glad things are looking up. Enjoy Miami! Sounds like just what the doctor ordered!

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  15. I was feeling stressed FOR you while reading the first part of that post, so I'm very glad that you have some bright spots on the horizons.

    Lots of hugs to your sister and parents. They're lucky to have you!

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  16. Hooray for vacations! That's so exciting, and that's great news about your dad.

    I've been stressing a lot about money, the holidays, ice--pretty much everything I mentioned in my own post today. I'm hoping a weekend will help. A weekend and also maybe getting the house clean.

    Also, spiked hot chocolate.

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  17. Your good list is so good! I'm so glad to hear that your dad is OK. Waiting for those results is just the worst, I completely understand.
    Also, Miami for 5 days? A sushi bar and open bar? Awesome. You deserve it.

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  18. I'm so glad your stressors are all resolving themselves. So so so glad that your Dad is ok!

    What stresses me out? That tax season starts in less than a month and that means I will have no life and no free time. Ack.

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  19. I'm glad you're feeling better! Plus, I am SO jealous - Miami? Have a blast.

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  20. Honey, that's a lot of stress rolled up into your life! I'm glad it is subsiding.

    Can I come to Miami with you guys?

    Stresses in my life are pretty much categorized into "adoption" and "minivan". Both of which are equally tough and life changing.

    :) Jamie

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  21. That list is definitely stress-worthy, but I'm glad just about everything is ironing itself out OK. Have a great trip!

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  22. Glad things are looking up!

    Dancing helps relieve my stress...even if it's just me and the radio turned up loud in my room.

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