Fast Track

We have put our lives on a fast track. We do not have the patience for waiting. We call ahead at restaurants. We hail taxis through a website. We go to urgent care instead of waiting at our regular doctor's office. This morning I downloaded an app to sign in at my hairstylists while I am still at home eating breakfast. We want to breeze in and be taken care of instantaneously. Most people need the extra time in their day for scrolling social media.

Half Trained

One of our office staff left us to start her PhD degree. She was in charge of an independent study that my office is involved in. It was totally separated from our practice. When she knew she was leaving, she said that no one could replace her as she is so qualified. She hired a very bright woman to take over. She said that the woman was fully trained but we never thought so. After one month of being in school, the new woman is doing a good but not perfect job. The director called back the original girl to come work part time and help out. She is now saying that she was right, no one can replace her. The people in the office feel otherwise. We think that she purposely did not train her replacement correctly, so she would be needed again.

Soup

I used to say that old people love to eat soup. I think I am officially old. I now love soup. I not only love eating it, I love making it. I am amazed how many things I can put into a pot of boiling water to make a delicious meal. Yesterday I chose cabbage. I added mushrooms, onions, garlic, carrots, tomatoes, beans and meat. I simmered for almost 2 hours and when it was done, I ate such a big bowl that I think I am still full one day later. Since I had leftover soup, this morning I put it into the blender to make bisque. Now I will have a wonderful lunch.

The Table

When you have a question, throw it on the "table". The only "table" I used to have was at Mah Jongg, but now I have a "table" at work. The table is an open forum. It is a place to vent and discuss. Most problems can be solved there. If they are not solved, at least you have more awareness. When you throw an issue on the table, it means you are open for other people's opinions and insights. The table never judges, it just listens and evaluates. You can still have your opinion, but it is a more informed one.

Shake It Up

I have started a new health regimen. I want to be healthy but not fanatical. I have been making a morning smoothie and for some reason I am not hungry all day. It is made with almond milk, honey, a banana, some raspberries and a teaspoonful of matcha tea powder. It tastes great and seems to help my stomach look flatter. I eat a regular lunch and dinner. I will give it a few weeks and see if the results last.

Extinguish The Behavior

In psychology there is a concept of extinguishing the behavior. It means that you make it clear that the bad behavior will no longer be tolerated. It is the end of the road where no more chances will be given. Sometimes it is as easy as no longer answering the phone. Sometimes it is harder by calling someone's bluff. Either way, things cannot go on as they had before and it is made very clear what will happen.

I Told You So

I hate to be the type of person that says I told you so. Throughout my life people have come to me for advice and I think that for the most part I have given them sound advice. I am a sensible and cautious person, so I try to guide someone else to do what I do. I have never steered anyone wrong. When the person doesn't listen and gets themselves in a mess, I never comment. They know what I an silently thinking. I told you so. Lately I have stopped giving advice. I am playing dumb when people ask for my opinion. I feign ignorance and tell them to do what they think is correct. When things go bad, it still comes back to me. They ask me why I didn't intervene if I saw trouble brewing?