Calgon, take me away!

[friendofjimmyk]

Do they even make Calgon anymore? I think a nice, hot bubble bath would cure me of all my ailments right about now. This summer, I was supposed to spend relaxing, taking the time to enjoy myself before I get started with school again as I will be extremely busy. This summer has been anything but relaxing.

At the beginning of the summer, I bought a new car which sucked up all my savings and also required me to borrow $500 from my father (I posted about that) which I never wanted to do again...this also happened at the same time my part-time schedule went from 32 hrs/wk to 20 hrs/wk. I had to do this at this time because shift bids and schedule changes happen MAYBE twice a year. If I didn't drop my schedule at that time, I'd end up with too full of a work schedule for school. However, my job allows part-timers to pick up extra hours during our busier times...so, I am able to get 25 hours a week not 20...still not the 32 I was scheduled. So, things were really tight.

When school starts, I have always used my first checks to not only pay for school but also to help catch me up. That's when I found out my financial aid was denied. (I posted about that also) So, I had to appeal. Not knowing if it would go through, I HAD to do something! I'm broke. I don't know if my relief is coming in the fall...it's crunch time. So...I went out and got a 2nd job doing something I swore to any God that would listen I'd never do again and that's wait tables. (posted about that in general work chat) Started that job last week, got out of training today, have my first floor shift tomorrow...let the money start coming in...even if it's just a little...it's going to help.

Found out my financial aid has been reinstated for the fall only. (posted that last week) I will have spring money coming IF I meet certain requirements. Does this mean I leave the second job? No. I decided that rather than spend school money helping me catch up...I will keep this second job and catch up as much as I can without using school money and leave that for what I need it for - SCHOOL!

So, I'll be a server by day, dispatcher by night, somewhere in there I'm a recovering drug addict who needs to attend meetings and keep up working with my sponsor.

OH OH!!! I almost forgot. My application for my provisional license to practice chemical dependency counseling goes up for review on July 9. That was something I was hoping I'd already have in order for me to actually take a part-time job in the field where I have my degree. AND I had an embarrassing situation take place yesterday...well, my friend said I shouldn't be embarrassed...I'm just doing what I have to do. One of my instructors, who I had for several classes while working on my chemical dependency degree, came into the restaurant yesterday where I was still training. I was embarrassed. Oh well...my friend is right, I shouldn't be as I am only doing what I have to do to make ends meet.

My very bestest friend in the whole wide world is leaving in August. Not far, he's going off to school 2 hours away, but we's like peas and carrots and I'm gonna miss him so much!

So much for my relaxing summer. I think I got one month of somewhat relaxation in before life on life's terms took over and I had to spring into action.

Also, I turned 35 two weeks ago and that has messed with me a bit.

Last thing...my bestest friend...I've been in a comfort zone with him the last two or so years. We're not boyfriend/girlfriend, but we've been together doing things and hanging out and have just gotten comfortable. Now, I have to step out of that comfort zone and I don't wanna. I meet guys and, so far, they seem like they want to jump right into a relationship or they seem to crowd me and I no likey! It makes me want to crawl back into my comfort zone and never try to date...EVER!

I just typed a lot...got a lot on my mind...and my plate. I've been holding it together pretty well. Only thing....I should buy stock in Ibruprofen because I eat it like candy. This tells me that even though I seem to be handling things well...my headaches and neck and back pain tell me that I am not doing enough to take care of myself.

So, I vented, not really vented, but just talked here...to my friends on CS cause I'm comfortable here...it's part of my comfort zone.

[ArcticChicken]

Do they even make Calgon anymore?

Yup.

I'm sorry your life is so stressful right now, I know a lot of how you feel.

[4love]

if you want 'em, listening ear regardless. Sorry life's so stressing right now- on the up side, it sounds like you are really working hard to get the things you want- degree, certification, financial independence... wow. I know it's tough- I have some experience with the way life can snowball- but I gotta say I've got some respect for you right now. I'll share it with you, if you like.

Just remember- it's ok to take a few minutes to relax. I'd recommend between 15 and 30 every day.

[JoitheArtist]

sorry things are so rough!!

I don't know much about solving life issues...but I know a LOT about relaxing baths! Below is my prescription for relaxation:

1. Hot water

2. Epsom salts: get a little of your favorite essential oil, and put a few drops into a larger amount of a "filler" oil like jojoba or grapeseed oil. Mix that oil into the epsom salts, and let it dissolve. The water will be soft, scented, and good for sore muscles!

3. Audiobooks--myself, I prefer a good reading of T. S. Eliot's Four Quartets, but whatever floats your boat. Put on your headphones and let the world slip away.

4. Scented candles. Light them all around the tub, and turn out the lights. Very sensual, VERY relaxing.


Hope things get easier soon!!

[AccountingDrone]

I have a liking for the Lush.com bath bombs - all sorts of scents available =)

And don't be embarrassed about working a second job, it beats whinging about never having any money - you are actually going out and doing something positive. Just keep up with your sponsor if the stress gets too high and come here and vent.

[friendofjimmyk]

Thank you everyone for your kind words and suggestions.

I met with my sponsor last night and she had suggested that I try a heating pad if I had one on my neck and shoulders. When she said it, I light bulb went off in my head, "Why didn't I think of that?!" That's why its good to talk to others...when I'm going through stuff, I can't always see the solutions - no matter how small they are. So, I went home last night and used a heating pad for my back and a heated neck pillow thing for my neck and this morning was the first morning in a good long while I woke up with no pain!

I want to do the bubble bath, scented bath thing...but I have to clean the bathroom tomorrow...after the bath is clean...I may take a moment to soak in it.

[Der Cute]

FOJK, do you ever feel like there's a little gerbil running around in your head, chattering about all the crap that needs to be done?

My gerbil in my head does this, especially when I feel anxious and depressed (those 2 are weird together). So, I have had to learn meditation to tell the gerbil to STFU.

There is nothing wrong with taking 10 min per day for just yourself. Don't answer phones, knocks on doors, any of it. Just close your eyes and think of a beach, sunny, warm, happy. All the responsibilities are back somewhere else...you're in NoWorryLand. Then hear the sound of the ocean, rhythmic....soothing...
And feel the light breeze on you. Mmm, sand, ocean, breeze, sunshine. Perfect. Ping your shoulders, and see if they're tight....yeah, let them down... Move down your body, at least 5 breaths after your shoulders, and ping your back. Same thing - tight? Not anymore!

Keep working til you get your toes. And think of how they look, all covered with sand, the damp cool sand...

At least once a day.

Lavender is soothing, calming; great for baths. So is ylang-ylang, and sandalwood. Stay away from peppermint/mints and citrus, those will wake you up/clear your nose.

And hey. You're on your way to helping people who need it. Thanks.

Cutenoob

[friendofjimmyk]

Thanks noob! Big smiles!