Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Some Stress Relief

I won't lie--life around here has been a bit stressful.

Dane has been so busy with working 40 hours a week, group projects, and the upcoming "Finals Week." (I think that week deserves to be capitalized, simply because of the stress and emotion that even thinking of that week evokes!) I can't tell you how grateful I am not to have finals week right now!

Work has been crazy, with layoffs, budget cuts, and complete departmental changes in my office. I generally feel optimistic, but so many negative things have happened to my group! I can't help but feel protective and supportive, but I hate being around so much negative energy! I want to stand up for the people around me, but I don't want to be so negative while doing so! Today I spent a lot of time listening to complaints, and I even gave in and participated. I love my job and feel like the stress helps me to work harder and better. There has been a lot of negative stress these past few days, however. I had a productive workday, but the negative energy around me was a bit challenging. I am trying so hard to be positive for the long-haul, and I am a bit disappointed that I gave in these last few days and complained so much. Tomorrow I will be better!


Anyway, for the next few days, I am going to post about some of my stress-relievers. (Maybe I won't feel quite as stressed out as a result!) I think tonight I will just do some chores and relax---oh, and finish my new favorite book--today's true stress-reliever!

Now, please don't judge me about this book choice. I am an avid reader and appreciate most genres and styles of fiction. Yesterday I purchased "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney. (I have a new goal of obtaining at least one book per month to support my dream of a beautiful and full library.) I can't tell you how much I LOVE these books! Thanks, Kelli and Kayla! I hope I don't annoy Dane too much with all of my laughter while reading. I laugh so hard that I cry when I read these books.

Now, I am not telling everyone to run out and buy this particular book--I think it is written for a middle school-aged audience! Some of you, understandably, may not enjoy such books. Right now it is just doing its trick--relieving some stress!

Until I finally put my pictures onto this computer, here is a picture of the book! (I got the picture from http://pgteenspace.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/wimpykid.jpg.

Oh, and I think there is a movie based on the books coming out this summer. I can't wait!

4 comments:

Hollie Rae Keller said...

I hope you have a better day today. At least the weather is beautiful, if nothing else!!!!You're so cute! I miss seeing your smiling face!

Shamae (Ghost written by Loren her hubby) said...

I bet the stresses are many working for ISU right now. Good for you for trying to see the positive! The book looks funny. I enjoy young adult novels and, like you, am an avid reader, always looking for something new to indulge myself. :-)

sam and kyrsten said...

i think you are the least negative person in the world. its ok to have one of those days every once in awhile. i hope everything gets better!

Josh and Kelli said...

Sis! I didn't know about the movie coming out! That is news to me. I'm happy that you are loving those books. I loved hearing you when you were reading them....something about contagious laughter coming from upstairs just makes me smile. haha. Love ya sis!