The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I can hear you all now: Now what is Karilynn up to? (As you all shake your heads and roll your eyes!) Just hang in there with me, there's a lesson here.
Work called on Sunday and wanted me to come work 7pm-3am because the CEO is flying in "on a jet" to quote my boss, on Friday. He wants to make sure all the moves get done by then. Luckily I don't pick up the phone until I hear what the message is.
I being the working fool was sorely tempted by this. My hours had got cut back (so did everyone else's) when back to school was over. So it was the chance to get a full week of work in. At the same time, I had promised hubby that I would do our annual homemade potato chips and take the day with him. Yeah I know the chips could wait. But it is an indulgence for us and we had set aside the time for a lazy Sunday with each other. He said if you want to go in, go ahead. We could do this another day. Truthfully, the money wouldn't hurt. So I hemmed and hawed. What's more important: paycheck? potato chips? serenity? time w/hubby and Pipers Kitty?
I decided not to go into work. The potato chips won out. Because it was more than that. It was about family time and enjoying the day. Sometimes the bills can wait. I was uptight at first, feeling guilty. But then I remembered to "settle" and enjoy the day. I remembered the feeling of serenity that I felt in the woods with hubby on Friday. That same feeling came back over me. I enjoyed the day. We definitely had a Piper Day.
Lo and behold work called this morning and wanted to know if I would work on my day off. So I have the hours anyways. Amazing how things work out if you just let them. I am reminded by that old saying: Things are the way they are suppose to be right now. You are right where you are suppose to be. Sometimes you just have to play things out.
Which would you choose?
Love and blessings to you all.
Live strong,
Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
P.S. The potato chips were yummy!
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Hands down the potato chip day would have won out. That extra day you got was probably a pat on the back for making the right choice :)
Once at a very difficult job I was told I was replacable, even though I worked my arse off with mandatory overtime. I had 2 small kids and was exhausted. I never forgot it. Business is all about "their needs". I always kept that in mind after that incedent.
Of the things I want to take to my grave, time with those I love over loyalty to a job has always been high on the list since that comment. I bet the company didn't even go under because you weren't there..lol
love ya Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
I'm with you on this.It's not like your were on the verge of losing your home or something.They say when people are dying it's the things they DIDN'T do that they regret most.You will cherish that time the rest of your life.
What a great question! Good job choosing making the potato chips I am sure they came out great!
I read your post about the woods and being still, that was beautiful.
My boss wants me in Wisconsin the same weekend I will be in NC at a wedding with my boyfreind in October. I asked for the time off months ago. My boss expects I will cancel my plans and go to work that weekend but I sent him an email saying I would not.
I have missed:
Jimmy buffet concert
Trip to Atlantic City
Other plans with family and friends because of my job.
I have a high stress job.....and at what personal cost.
Very thought provoking thank-you
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Megan
If you want things you never had you need to do things you have never done
Thanks for sharing that with us. I would definitely choose potato chips because you are right, work will be there the next Monday and the bills will continue to come no matter what you do. I think its important to grab the serenity when you can and indulge each other when the opportunity presents itself. I'm learning that when I have a peaceful weekend with the A and the children I say thank you to my HP for giving us that opportunity because I never know what might happen the next day. If I spend too much time rushing myself to get chores done or force myself to work when I should be really playing I am short changing myself and my family of any chance to enjoy each other. Your experience is an excellent example of the slogan "How Important Is It". Have a great day.
Twinmom~
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"The people who don't mind matter and the people who mind, don't matter". (Dr. Seuss)
I might have chosen to work just because of my current financial position. However!!! The norm for me is to live by the motto that I work to live not live to work. I have found in the past that if I just make a decision and stick by it things always manage to work out somehow. I have seen miracles out of the blue. Money I wasn't expecting when I really needed it. Things always work out!
LOL The quote "i work to live not live to work" popped into my head while reading, but Carolinagirl beat me to it in mentioning it... heeheehee. (Good job Caro! teehee)
Great question and post! Thanks ((((karilynn)))))!!
Luv, Kis
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Let your light shine in the darkness. "I can't just bring my mind to meetings...I must also bring my heart."
Yep, the potato chips hands down!!!! When I am old and grey, (okay, okay) when I am old I want to be able to spend the end of my life knowing that I have enjoyed it. Want to have danced under the stars, swam naked in the ocean, eaten dessert first, listened to wonderful music, loved passionately, enriched the lives of those I love and on and on. I don't think I will be worrying then if I have worked enough.
I am sure they were delicious. Wanna share?
lilms
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Two things: 1. Recovery is a process, not an event.....and.... 2. You only get to go around once. Leave em laughing and make it worth your while
For me it would be the potato chips unless I was in real dire financial straits...and then I would wonder whether a few hours work would make much difference lol
Quality time spent with those we love is priceless.
I no longer work but when I did I was very clear that I would only work pre-scheduled days off if I hadn't made other arrangements. I arrived at this boundary having acknowledged that when I attempted to be flexible and accomodating for a company it was rarely appreciated but if I did it for family/friends it gave me much joy.
Like Christy I too was told that I was replaceable, so I asked them to replace me. If my contribution isn't valued I find another job where it is. At another job (when I was only 16) I was told by the male Senior Director ''When I say JUMP, you ask How high?...'' My reply, ''oh no I don't, I say here's my resignation'
I learnt very young which values I held dear and strangely enough, financially something always comes up and I get by.
Actually work did that to me too. I submitted my availibilty for the holiday season (still living in denail that it exists....please let me be in denial....) My boss' first reaction was "No closing shifts?"
Me: Yeah, there's some here on the weekends.
Boss: Why not more?
Me: Well, I have evening commitments. Meetings and all.
Boss: (puzzled) Oh.
Interesting how when recovery comes first, everything else comes together
Sorry, it would be the paycheck. Here's why. If I turned down the extra work my AH would be drunk, I would be alone and out the cash. If I took the extra work, AH would be drunk but I would be up the day's pay. Reality is to do what is best for oneself. I'm glad you were able to choose what was best for you and you had a nice day.
What a cool post! And what an example of taking care of yourself. Strange how things come together like that sometimes. Coincidence? I like to think not.
Evey, you are right. We each have to do what is best for ourselves. Each situation is different, and only we know what is best for us.
A while back, I probably would have chosen work over a day with hubby, kitty and homemade chips. But I am learning life is very precious, and way too short, and I am trying to savor every moment I have. You never know if today is all you have left.
Just hang in there with me, there's a lesson here.
We definitely had a Piper Day. 
