Sunday, March 12, 2006

Teetering on the edge... trying not to fall into the abyss!

Maybe my theme words for 2005 (“balance” and “health”) should really have been carried over into 2006. Though I do remember saying that they weren’t going to be totally forgotten…

This past week I have realized that somewhere along the way, things are more out of balance than they have been in a long time. So, I had a very tired week… A culmination of doing too much and spreading myself too thin, I’m afraid. I have snapped at people, not returned phone calls and gotten far too little sleep (actually… my sleep has been totally messed up, which makes me grumpy!)

Work has become hideously busy with the fiscal year end approaching. The interim director is good, but simply lacks the history that I have with the place. The assistant is wonderful, but would need to develop more of a skill set than she currently has to help me any more than she does now. And besides, she’s getting ready to leave for her home country to finish her studies for four months. So, I will be sans Director (a.k.a. mentor) and sans Assistant (a.k.a clerical life saver). We have an Interim Director and we will have a temporary assistant, which is much better than what it could be… But still… I feel work weighing heavily on my shoulders at the moment…

And speaking of things weighing heavily, I have noticed that my performance at the gym has been abysmal lately… I lack focus and motivation… Not to mention that I have completely plateaued.

To add insult to injury (literally) … my back began to ache and seize up about a week ago. In my last appointment with Tim (the physiotherapist), he came across loud and clear, “You’re doing too much. You need to back off.” And to drive the point home, I got needles in my thigh, my shin and all up and down my back. I stopped counting how many there were… It wasn’t nice… Though I felt much better the next day.

I started with two knees out of whack. We fixed up the left one, but the right one has been persistent in not healing… To add the lower leg and now back pain is not a good sign. Things should be getting better, not worse.

The word “burnout” has been mentioned to me by more than one person…

So, I have looked at things as objectively and clinically as I can (given my state of near exhaustion these days) and have decided to cut back on a few non-school, non-work related things and spend time focusing on studying, sleeping and generally taking care of myself. At the suggestion of both my physio guy and my trainer, I will take a week off from training and rest.

I really need to catch up on my studies and school work next week, so that is what I will do. I’ll try to keep the blog updated, but if I don’t, you’ll know that I’m busy working on the balance thing…. Not to worry... The "real" Sarah will be back soon. Promise!

13 comments:

Granny said...

You're allowed to be grumpy sometimes. Get some rest - please.

I'll keep checking back.

Unknown said...

It must be spreading across bloggerland Sarah. I hope things will return to a more relaxed manageable state for both you and I soon. My quarter is over next week and I am hoping I will be able to breathe afterwards. Take care of yourself.

Anvilcloud said...

Winter is beginning to lose some of it's grip. Perhaps that will help a bit.

Backofpack said...

Sarah, sounds like a good plan to get through a tough week. Eat well, drink plenty of water and Starbucks, and get lots of sleep! We'll be cheering you on!

Turtle Guy said...

Are you really teetering on the edge? Seems to me that you've handled a stressful week really rather well.

D said...

A nice hot bubble bath and "Sarah time" is in order. Relax. (I know - I have trouble with this myself!) Hopefully as we see more sunshine, our moods will be elevated!

wthenrest said...

Been there done that!! too long.So I can relate. I knew I wanted to call and say 'Hi' for a reason. I know you are handling it better than you think.
Taking it easy for a little while is a good thing. Remember when I said listen to the body...lol I think it is yelling at you now.
Starbucks, bubble bath, Sarah time, massage,and a little T maybe? :0) Good advise from us fans. Hang in there.

Constantine said...

Stress coming in from multiple angles I see. I empathize, as I frequently find myself in the same boat. It can be brutal on quality of life in every aspect. Hang in there Sarah.

onepinkfuzzy said...

i echo backofpack - rest, fuel, hydrate, starbucks!

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Sarah,

You sound like your nerves are frayed!

Take it easy honey and get some rest.

Janice~

ipodmomma said...

definitely take it easy... life is too short to be spent achy, tired and stressed...

sending you relaxing, restful thoughts...

Olga said...

Spreading across the blog land:) I hear you, loud and clear! Lets try and get out of it...I wish you patience.

M A F said...

Only you know when enough is enough.

I was tagged "it" and now I'm tagging you.