Monday, March 23, 2009
I'm Mad and Glad--Must Be Monday
It's Monday and, so far, I'm not all that impressed with how my week is going.
In fact, this is the second version of a blog post I've started today. I tossed out the first one because it was really, really negative.
This one will be only a little negative.
I started making a list of all the things that are making me mad today. And it was kind of a long list. Embarassingly long. When I discovered that I'd reached number 30, I thought maybe I needed to change my attitude just a bit.
And so I narrowed the list down to 10. And for everyone ONE item on my list of Things That Make Me Mad, I had to list TWO Things That Make Me Happy. Let's see if this works...
Things That Make Me Mad Today:
1. I'm mad that the same student keeps asking me for help with the same things. He does this not because he actually needs help, but because he just wants me to do something for him. Sometimes you can just tell.
2. I'm mad that I have a closet full of cute clothes, but can only fit into about 4 outfits and I always hope that no one notices that I wear the same shirt at least twice a week.
3. I'm mad that my co-worker keeps wasting time talking to teachers and her preferred tudents so that I end up getting the bulk of dealing with people that need stuff.
4. I'm mad that my lunch today consisted of a protein bar, a bag of trail mix, and a Cherry Pepsi because I can't get it together to bring decent lunches to work.
5. I'm mad about the student that stunk so badly of BO that, when I got off the elevator, I was paranoid that everyone would think it was me.
6. I'm mad that I'm stuck at work when it's so beautiful outside.
7. I'm mad that students won't read the sign that says, "Do NOT open the printer trays or press the buttons." They keep messing up the printer and then needing help.
8. I'm mad that my car insurance rate went UP instead of DOWN when I renewed my policy. I had NO tickets or accidents.
9. I'm mad that people won't think for themselves and expect me to do everything.
10. I'm mad that Tom keeps talking to me forever when he has time to waste and doesn't understand that I am not interested in talking to him. He's nice and all, but he needs to leave me alone now.
Okay, now I feel like a big ol' whiner, so I'm going to list TWENTY things that make me happy...
Things That Make Me Happy:
1. I'm happy that I have a job.
2. I'm happy that my co-worker feels better so that I don't have to listen to her complain about her many ailments.
3. I'm happy that the weather is beautiful today.
4. I'm happy that students know they can come to me for help (even if I am not always excited about helping them).
5. I'm happy that Akilah gave me another award and I'll be passing it on this week.
6. I'm happy that people actually find my blog interesting enough to read and that some of you even post comments. Thank you!
7. I'm happy that I got to spend time with my brother, sister-in-law and nephew this weekend, even though Bro and SIL kicked our butts at EVERY game we played.
8. I'm happy that I had money in my purse to buy the aforementioned power bar, trail mix and Cherry Pepsi.
9. I'm happy that my car is running well and that it got 30 mpg last week!
10. I'm happy that my mom said she'll be around for 2 more years before they move to Missouri.
11. I'm happy that I have clothes to wear, even if I'm not that creative with my outfits these days.
12. I'm happy that my mom and I are friends now instead of just mother and daughter.
13. I'm happy that Philip is willing to listen to me when I'm really mad about things, and also when I'm happy.
14. I'm happy that, even after 1600+ in car repairs, I have the money to pay for my car insurance.
15. I'm happy that my work in Job's Daughters for the last two years is yielding some positive results.
16. I'm happy that I get to leave work in an hour.
17. I'm happy that I have a comfortable bed to sleep in tonight.
18. I'm happy that I made a new friend at church yesterday.
19. I'm happy that I have reconnected with some old friends via Facebook.
20. I'm happy that I know who I am, I know where I'm going, and I know that tomorrow is another day.
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Well, it looks like your happy list is longer, so that's a good thing!
ReplyDeleteYou know what, Karen? I must thank you for this valuable lesson.
ReplyDeleteI can go on some negative 'woe is me' tirades sometimes. Listing positives is something I really need to do when I get in those moods. As I read your positives, it made me smile.
Kristina: Yeah, I was trying to change my attitude. I think it sort of worked.
ReplyDeleteAkilah: I'm glad I could help! I wasn't trying to teach anyone anything, just trying to cheer myself up. But it makes me happy that I could help you! So, thanks!
Good for you Karen! If only I could remember this strategy when I'm in mad-mode...mostly I just want to wallow in my madness. I WILL remember this! Hope the rest of your day is a happy one :)
ReplyDeleteyour happy list made me happy!
ReplyDeleteI am happy you have more "happy" things, than "mad" things.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean...I can let my negative list grow too long sometimes, too. You've got some balance, though!
ReplyDeleteJust a suggestion for dressing up those four outfits...do you have any brooches? New or old I like to pin on a brooch to dress up a shirt, blouse or sweater. It makes me feel old fashioned and a little more dressy. It might be an inexpensive way to dress up your wardrobe. And, if I can offer some motivation with packing lunches... I pack my lunch every day. I try to bring leftovers from dinner the night before and avoid boring sandwiches. Also pack snacks to munch on mid morning and afternoon, and skip cokes...bring your own water bottle. This will help speed up your metabolism, which may help you fit into more of your outfits, giving you more than four to choose from, making you feel better as you pass by your coworkers each day...
Keep reminding yourself of the positives, and I am pledging to follow suit! Thanks for the reminder that thinking positive is such a necessity!
Kathy: The day did get a little brighter after I posted that...until I had to sit in traffic on the way home!
ReplyDeleteReRe: Thank you so much! Your comment made me happy!
Gracey: Thank you, too!
Shorty: Those are some great suggestions! I actually forced myself to take time to go to the grocery store last night and get some good stuff. So far, so good today! Now I'm going to work on sprucing up my wardrobe...