Afternoons, please....

As a six year Flybaby, I have discovered what works for me and disregaurded what doesn't. I insist on taking care of Mom so that she ( I ) can take care of everyone else. I work part time and my schedule is predominantly afternoons by choice. Many don't understand why I choose not to work daylight shift.


If I didn't stipulate my hours, I would be working 2-3 shifts all in one week. Now it's hard on your body to work 3 shifts in 3 weeks let alone in one week. It reeks havic on your health and I refuse to allow my immune system to get wrecked! As I cannot request steady daylight (it's just not done--management would howl uncontrollably), I chose the other route. Occassionally, if needed, I can be persuaded to do the odd midnight shift or an emergency 4 to 1pm shift--but only in emergency situations.


This schedule allows me to have the quiet solitude I crave, take care of the daily needs of my family and take care of personal needs such as Doctor appointments...etc. I work less than 20 hrs a week so I still get to have time with my family, as well.


It didn't used to be this way. Everyone else was more important than me. I was raised to martyr myself. "I'm tooooo tired", was my pat answer to everything. Now I listen to my body and don't allow others to abuse me (I see being taken for granted as abuse, too) I am a much calmer, more relaxed and yes, healthier person. Everyone should remember to take care of themselves. Loving yourself is something that you must do before you are capable of loving others.

Thanks, Marla

Decorating Affects....

I've spent the last 6 weeks painting and cleaning my home. Preparing for a party. I made an amazing discovery (at least to me) about how decor affects mood. Now, I've known that color plays an important part in mood. Warm colors energize us and cool colors calm us. But I hadn't given much thought as to how prints and patterns affect us.

The previous owner had wall papered the entry, stairwell and dining room with verticle stripes that stopped halfway up the wall and then finished with a paisley border. It was a very traditional, formal decor. They had also papered the 1/2 bath a disgusting yellow with sea shells...ugh After I stripped the wall paper, I painted the rooms white. I like color, but I wanted a "cheap" improvement and I found paint clearance down to 4 bucks a can....what can I say?

I LOVE IT!! The visual CHAOS is gone. I enjoy being in these rooms now. Before, I would rush through them as quickly as possible. I finished my decorating spree by repainting the kitchen a teal that just makes the woodwork SING! I think having these rooms white just makes the kitchen even more impressive....BAM as E would say.