A Long Awaited Turning Point

I did not see this coming.  This was not a "Janet's Plan".  But, 2013 has been a profound year; September has been a profound month; the week of September 22 major and September 27th was a long awaited day.

Without a lot of unnecessary background information, I am now at long last semi-retired!

I really never planned to outright retire as I enjoy the hustle of working.  Some major family life events took place early this year, my home-life has been readjusted and it is good.  I have been in search of the ideal employer for a very long time.  Such a creature does not exist.  No more searching for me.

I am now semi-retired, working ONLY part-time with NO take home work.  I am carefully scheduling my work periods.

• I am now on my own schedule. 

• I have more time to take care of my home and son.  No competition with a full time job.

• I now have more time to spend in church and doing church work. My life long church- First Immanuel Lutheran Church has welcomed and been so receptive of this little busy body.  They have given me the freedom to engage in many activities and roles.  First Immanuel Lutheran Church has been with me and filled a major void in my life ever since my best buddy- my beloved mother past away.  The ministry of First Immanuel Lutheran Church is my mission.

• I am also going to spend more time with my sister. I got time for her again.  I really enjoy the "Girlie Times" that me, Janine and Ms. Beans spend together on occasional afternoons.

• I am also ready to take care of me again!  Back to the fitness center!!  Attention recent weight gain... You are sooooo out of here!!!

So on this early Saturday morning as I am sipping on the best cup of coffee ever... I am also taking a deep breath and exhaling!  Ahhhhhhh.... this feels good!    Hello sunshine!

Patterns of "Friendship" BEWARE!

This morning my wonderful cousin posted a very significant photo-link on Facebook.  I have added it to this blog as a photo.  I need to discuss the message much further in this blog because I know exactly what the problem is and it is more that what the photo states.

Folks have to be cognizant of how they form relationships. Certain dependent and toxic patterns must be stopped early. Once we recognize the formation of toxic relationship patterns, if we do not stop it, then we become enablers.

Here are some examples of dependent and toxic relationship patterns you may have encountered: 

•  when a classmate ONLY makes contact at test time; 

• a co-worker who ONLY makes contact when stressed out at the workplace; 

• a relative who makes contact ONLY when money is needed; 

•  a colleague who you NEVER EVER heard from until a reference is needed. 

Just note how foolishly dependent folks are who start those toxic patterns. When you experience these problems, you must stop it and discontinue communications. 

These functionally disabled/dependent folks need to LEARN how to make contact when things are going well. It is easy!!!!

• Why not meet up for coffee?

• Why not "do lunch" or "do dinner"?

• Why not invite the person over for a quick meal and chat?

Probably requires too much effort... Hence that is why the relationship is T-O-X-I-C!

You will further need to put up those bricks that are forming that wall as shown in the picture below.