December 8, 2004
stress 
Okay, I am seriously stressed. I felt good yesterday when I worked out, doing 12 minutes of "Free Running" elliptical (man, that kills my toes—I think I'd rather run) and the rest of the time doing long slow reps with really heavy weights. Very cleansing. However, it should be noted that I tried to leave for lunch at 12:30, and finally did get out at 2:30.
I felt even better after happy hour with some friends. And then this morning, I felt really rather bad. Though not stressed. Stomach upset kept me from doing anything workout-wise. And then once I got to my desk, to see a note from the person who is stressing me out, about someone else's work that is now erring out, it all boiled up again.
I realized that I really have been doing well with stress management—up to now, up til dealing with this person.
Part of this is that I thought I had made it clear that I was doing a favor for her, that I was neck-deep with other projects but I'd make time for hers. And I thought that this implied: be organized; don't make me revisit your task again and again; don't pepper me with visits and phone calls and emails; and, this favor is only for the work we originally discussed—it does not apply to any work afterwards. Obviously, she didn't get that memo, because she failed on all four counts. Or, should I say, I failed to make that clear to her.
I work in a support unit. I do institutional work, but I also assist other departments. I am not really in a position where I can say "no" to people. Even when someone already has their own staff to do the project, if they come to me, I am supposed to work their projects in. And most people recognize that honey draws more flies than vinegar. They might want something yesterday, but they recognize that I'm working for other people too.
What I've learned: my old situation really wasn't that bad. PhD's don't necessarily have common sense. Sometimes, even when you aren't supposed to, you have to say no.
Oh! One of my coworkers (straight, female) told me I had a cute ass yesterday. I was, of course, glad to hear it, though it had a rather surreal quality to it. What fun. My body is changing!
Posted at December 8, 2004
Comments
I've been catching up on your blog today. Nice posts. Sorry to hear about the stress at work. It is always difficult dealing with the different personalities we have to encounter on a daily basis. Good luck getting things straightened out.
And, I don't care what your sexual orientation is, it's always nice to be told you have a nice ass!
Posted by: Marshall at December 8, 2004 12:52 PM
Cute ass? Ok, that's a good thing.
Sorry someone if making your life stressful with requests. Ofcourse, if you become the vinegar, the flies are less likely to show up. Maybe you could selectively become the vinegar. ;)
Posted by: Jon in Michigan at December 9, 2004 5:58 AM
Oh boy, believe, I do appreciate the compliment!
Posted by: vj at December 9, 2004 8:55 AM