Stress

[cjsmith]

Overwhelmed. Overwhelmed. Overwhelmed. Deer in headlights. Mind running in frantic little circles. Failing to do even the simplest useful thing.

I hate this.

Deep breath. Time to list what I've done right today:
- Remembered to bring a bunch of crap in to work (stuff that's been waiting to come in for days).
- Made sure to talk to architect about New Feature that landed on my plate last night.
- Went to bookstore and to library at lunch to look for reference book to help with New Feature. (Didn't find a copy at either place, though.)
- Even got LUNCH at lunch.
- Wrote list of things-we've-tested for meeting. Wasn't needed, but I wrote it & was ready.
- Found some old demo code that will help build New Feature.
- Figured out a workaround that fixes a key test application we need. (For days it has been crashing immediately upon start.)
- Failed to take ANYBODY'S head off. Didn't even bring an axe to work.

That may be about it.

Comments

[juverna.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I sympathize. I was very much in that overwhelmed place not long ago. To my utter astonishment, it dissipated. But it still sucks when it happens.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

With short breaks, I've been very stressed for a month and a half... maybe since June. Yeah, okay, pretty much June.

I am very fortunate that during much of this time it's been not quite bad enough to immobilize me. I am amazed at how much I've done in between bouts of being immobilized. But something has to give. I don't know what else to drop, but I'll drive myself nuts keeping on like this.

*deep breath* again.

[therobbergirl.livejournal.com]

Failed to take ANYBODY'S head off.

I wonder why?

Didn't even bring an axe to work.

Ah, well, there's your problem you see. It's much easier to take someone's head off with an axe. While some people can do it with their bare hands, you get a cleaner separation with the proper tools.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Yes indeed, I need the proper tools. But I do like my coworkers and want to keep them, so it's safer to leave the axe at home! :-)

[sunnydale47.livejournal.com]

Geez, 2006 hasn't been very good to you!

   =warm fuzzy hugs=

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Awwwww, thanks! Yeah, 2006 hasn't been ideal. On the other hand, I have a job with a lot of good attributes, so maybe I'll look back on 2006 as a good start.

[wooddragon.livejournal.com]

Oh my, does that sound familiar. It makes my shoulders contract and squish up in sympathy.

If you could get feedback from folks at work without quitting, I'm sure it would be extremely positive. But that doesn't relieve the stress right now, does it?

Have Rob schedule you a massage (or whatever helps you destress). Then *take the time* and have it. The work will still be there when you're done and there are only so many hours in a day, anyway.

Easy to say, isn't it? Seriously, no New Feature is worth your health or peace of mind, no matter how urgent everyone thinks it is.

Sorry to preach. I know it's not what you need. How about *hugs*?

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, the shoulders! That's where I knot up too. I need a shoulders-cannot-scrunch-up brace.

Last night I went to a friend's house and played with a truly adorable kitten. Then I came home and had a glass of wine. Both of those helped.

Preaching's fine. I need the reminders sometimes. Thanks both for that AND for the hugs!

[rampling.livejournal.com]

Ohhh, *hugs*, *hugs*, *hugs* from me and *kitty-purrs* from mira_kitty. Hope things improve very soon!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! *scritches* back to mira_kitty.

[platypus]

- Failed to take ANYBODY'S head off. Didn't even bring an axe to work.

I need to start including that on my daily list of accomplishments.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Some days it's worth listing!

[shadopanther.livejournal.com]

*sympathy hugs*

I know that feeling -- too well this summer as well. I am making small bits of progress, but there's still a lot on my plate that I'm not sure how it's all going to work out or fit in the time and space allotted.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Gack. I'm sorry to hear you're in the same situation! (By the way, I have books for you, and chains and a full-size tire if you want 'em.)

Ouch

[shoutingboy.livejournal.com]

Have you found a kind of exercise that's feet-friendly (that you don't loathe, I mean)? Exercise helps me cope with stress.

Anyway, hugs & suchlike. Looking forward to seeing you at the Thing on Saturday; let me know if you want me to rub your stressed shoulders. (I think there are a couple of people on your f-list who can vouch that I'm fairly good at that.)

Re: Ouch

[genderfur.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I was going to say. I walk a mile to BART and a mile home each day, and I notice it if I miss more than a couple of days in a row (ie: weekend).

Re: Ouch

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Have you found a kind of exercise that's feet-friendly (that you don't loathe, I mean)?

Hahahahahahaha no. That's the worst thing about this foot stuff. I loathe swimming.

Thanks for the shoulder rub offer! I'm not sure whether I'm going to the same Thing you're attending, but if I am I'll see you there.

[vito-excalibur.livejournal.com]

This listing what you've done right? Is a good thing. I always forget to do it. It helps!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Some days it feels like one grain of sand against a mountain, but hey, one grain of sand is better than no grains of sand.

[lkeele.livejournal.com]

Failed to take ANYBODY'S head off. Didn't even bring an axe to work.


See, now, I'd say that's a good day.

Hugs, sweetie.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

See, now, I'd say that's a good day.

Hahaha! Yeah, in a way, that IS a good day. Thanks.

[samtosha.livejournal.com]

If you did not sever heads, it's a good day. Hang in there. Hugs.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

That IS a good thing! Thanks. Today feels better (so far).

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear. I know that feeling all too well. People around you probably don't know it though...you likely look like you're being constructive,efficient, and productive. Only your LJ buds know it!

I sometimes think that this (for me at least) is a form of depression, and just pray it will fall away and the world will look lovely and bright soon enough.

And it eventually does.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

That it's a form of depression may be all too true. I wish I could find the control switch for emotions. YOU! OUT OF THE POOL! Heh.

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I hate feeling overwhelmed. Failing to take off anyone's head is always a worthy accomplishment, IMHO. :-)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

It's an awful feeling, isn't it? *deep slow breaths* Soon, soon...

[just-cyd.livejournal.com]

{{hugs}}

i must say, committing Random Acts of Cookies always makes me giddy for days.

i think it's high time i get that teleporter working, along with a time-turner, and come kidnap you. now where did i leave that magic wand...?

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I should take a few hours off this weekend and bake something. It would definitely help my mood.

I like the teleporter and time machine combo. That'd solve a lot of things!