Why Do We Live Here?

As I walked by the cafeteria today, I noticed swirling gray clouds coming in off the lake. The skies darkened with impending rain. I watched yellow and brown leaves blow off the trees and circle through the courtyard. When I left the office this evening, it was pouring down a cold rain. Because the umbrella is always in the wrong spot, I was drenched as I ran between the hospital and my car. I had full intentions of going to the gym on the way home, but the rain impeded my motivation. The rain pounded my windshield harder with each mile. Traffic crawled and I hit every red light, windshield wipers going full steam. I drove right by the gym.

I was soaked in just getting my bags out of the car. I clomped up my stairs and deposited my pounds of files and books just inside the door. I peeled off my wet suit coat and soggy shoes. When's the next time we're going to see the sun? April? The snowy, dark, and truly dreary days aren't even here yet. Why do we live here again?

Speaking of meteorological metaphors, I got snowed under today...by a blizzard of work. It was another one of those days where I could not take one more minute of people talking. I worked 14 hours, had five hours of straight meetings, three of which I regularly lead. Somewhere along the line, I assumed responsibility for the strategic planning process. Not to be crass or ungrateful, but isn't that above my paygrade? Don't they typically hire, oh, I don't know, STRATEGISTS for things like that? It's just stressing me out. I feel like they need to pay me more, but a bigger paycheck still won't give me more hours in the day.

Tonight, after this post (I do have my priorities straight), I need to start the grant proposals. I have two due to our consultants tomorrow. My brain feels awfully fried. I know I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself, but I'm really starting to feel overwhelmed...

Time to invoke St. Padre Pio, patron saint of astigmatism.