I'm...

OKAY!

I have been back to work for almost 2 weeks now. It has been alright. Physically, which is always the biggest concern as a letter carrier, I have been fine. I am a bit sore, but I can bend over and move and do what I need to do. My route is taking the time that is normal - ie. I'm not taking forever to finish delivering all my mail. I'm still a bit on the slow side for the inside sorting, but I am coming to terms with that. I have always put a lot of pressure on myself to be fast and get done quickly. Then I would be disappointed when I would never finish as quickly as I would like. So, now I am just trying to pace myself and take my time.

I also have a new attitude about my work. As I used to scramble to get things done, I would feel out of control. I would be huffing and puffing, arms flailing about. This week I have been telling myself that I am a professional. I don't need to run around like a chicken without it's head. I can walk at a good pace and take my time and I will finish a little later than others, but that is okay. I am a professional letter carrier. I am good at my job. I like my job. I still go across some lawns, but mainly I take the sidewalk. I don't mind. A professional does the job properly and doesn't try to cut corners.

Also, I am taking my time in order to take my time away from the house! When working before, I always felt so much pressure to hurry up and get home. Now, I want to enjoy my time away and let myself relax while at work so that I can go home somewhat refreshed too. Norm is home with the kids in the days. He is really understanding about this. Especially since he is gone all evening too.

Speaking of being gone, he has made a couple of sales. He is selling a health benefits package to families in their home. It has been hard, as all sales are, but he is a trooper. He just keeps at it and doing what he can. It's been an adjustment for all of us. We hardly see him anymore, it seems. Anada misses out the most because she just sees him in the morning before school and the occasional late afternoon when he is home.

There is so much more to say, but so I can go to bed, I think I will end it here.

Good night!