Update from Jen

Hey guys, I'm ok. I am so glad that the holidays are over - I feel like a weight has been lifted off my back. Even my mom mentioned to me yesterday that she felt more pressured this holiday than previous years. I am so glad that I volunteered to sing in the Christmas Pageant at my new church, otherwise the entire holiday would have been nothing but shopping, gift-giving, and get-togethers. It's nice to see friends and family but the mercantile aspect of Christmas and the pressure to make "this" Christmas one to remember (every year), it gets old. I was also proud of myself because I did a better job sending out cards this year than probably in the last three. I am still going to my therapist. He recommended that I consult a psychiatrist because I've been having some manic episodes lately - fast talking, thoughts racing, inability to get to sleep, acting out.. He thinks some slight medication might help and if it means I'll be able to sleep I'm all for it. Seriously, I've just been feeling overwhelmed, so pressured, and I've been so reactive instead of rational, and that's not how I want to be. So we'll see. I started a new job last week - my first true "manager" role. I am excited about it. I know it will be a challenge, I have had trouble with perfectionism and inability to delegate in the past -- but I know I have to get over it and am optimistic that now is the time. It's also great because I no longer work with my boyfriend, so I know I will be able to be productive at work again. I can tune things out with him so much better when I don't have to see him every five minutes. I hope you're all doing well. I tried to donate blood last week and got rejected for low iron so if you've been slacking on your vitamins like I have, get back into the groove. Don't lose sight of putting your health and your self first, now that the weight loss has levelled off. All the best in '06, -Jen M

Jen, You look WONDERFUL!!!!!! Congrats on your new job. Sounds like you are off to a great year Julie

Jen, I'm so glad to see you. Congratulations on the new job. I'm the same way you are about perfectionism and delegation. It's tough. The second best thing I ever did for myself was learn to give up control. It's tough and I still struggle with it from time to time. In fact, my sister got me a T-shirt for Christmas that says, "I'm not bossy, I just have better ideas." Big Hugs, Connie

Hey Jen; It's great to hear from you. Congrats on the new job! I've always been an "I'll do it myself" type of person myself. Even after almost 2 years as a supervisor, I still need to hold myself back from these tendencies. It's hard to stand back and let the others do the work, but I'm learning. Also it's satisfying to know that my people have learned that they can come to me when they get in over their heads, but they also know that I'll leave them alone to do the job if they don't need my help. It's a different kind of satisfaction, but satisfying nonetheless. I took a look at your profile and noticed that you list yourself as a fan of the Giants and Broncos. I'll forgive you for the Broncos, but I'm a life-long Giants fan. I grew up in NYC and have been rooting for "Big Blue" forever!! Take care and stay in touch! Mike