I make it a point to be very nice to all my delivery people at work especially the tire delivery folks. Tires are nasty, smelly and heavy for the most part and driving around all day sorting through a truck full of tires for delivery is not fun. I have found that just by being polite and pleasant gets me my tires put in the right spot instead of being dumped at the back door. "Where would you like me to put your tires?" instead of the pile up and torn paper work. I've made it a habit to be genuinely friendly with the delivery people and it works. They have a crappy job so if I can make their day a bit nicer I will. Why make someone else's day more miserable?

I work in a large retail and every once in awhile we can get a nasty customer that curses at you. What I do is say thank you I needed to know that with a big smile, it seem to just throw them off , a few even start laughing.

I've decided that a period of mourning similar to what they used to do is a good thing. Not necessarily a whole year, but definitely 6 months or more for those closest to the deceased. I am going to just concentrate on his death, the estate, and the adjustment to it for the foreseeable future. I am going to postpone some appointments. I am going to deal with what I have to and very little else other than just getting through this. I'm getting emotional whiplash from everything thrown at me from every possible direction in a short period of time. There is a word that can be used when it comes to many things. Just no. I am going to deal with the death and its unfortunate consequences. I am officially in mourning.

I have to disagree about rudeness in Canada, sure you will always find some, but if you smile and are friendly you get the same in return.

I have had many pets over the years in Canada from east to west, and 11 years in California, I have been to many veterinarians over the years, and I can honestly say I have never ever heard anyone being rude to the vets or their employees. Everyone was always friendly and chatted in the waiting rooms.

Linda, mourning sounds perfectly reasonable and good.

A friend told me when she retired, she slept a LOT for 6 months. She just needed time to reset. No need to push that. Then she started doing things.

Linda, grief and mourning are very personal feelings. You do it in your own way and in your own time. Do not let anyone make you feel guilty or sorry. That word "no" is a perfectly good way to deal with the barrage of emotions you have to deal with. Handle them with grace and dignity and you'll be fine-in your own way and in your own time.

Maybe it's my area then. Cause both clinics have just been awful. We get it in-person and over the phones.

Between the things you see and the people you deal with, I sincerely hope it's an industry I can say goodbye to soon. I have no interest in continuing with it. I just feel trapped in it. I've been in the pet industry almost all my life since I was 14 years old save for a brief few years when I was in the labs and the conservation authority. Then ended up right back in it. It's a hard one to get out of.

One day I hope...

I'm grumpy because I'm tired and in pain. It never seems to end. the good news is that there is nothing I have to do but I hate not having the ability to do some of the things I want to do.

Afternoons are usually less painful so I will get dressed (a chore that usually uses all my energy) and see if ai can do something besides feed the dogs - although, that is the most important!

Katie ~ I am sorry you are having so much pain!

I have just ordered almost everything that promises to help with knee pain so we'll see if anything does.

I managed a walk outside. Did some garden planning, mowt od which Tony wiill have to execute but it's a start. The dogs are fed so I can lie down again. Feeling better after the walk.

My grandson messaged me asking if I still needed big branch moved off fence/gate and or other yard work since he needed cash for food and stuff. Yes and yes. He responds that he has been sick...called out from work Thursday due to fever. Today still stuffy with a sore throat. Told him rest today see how he feels tomorrow...but I'd be happy to take his girlfriend to store and prepay him today. No response. Hello!!! Get back to me so I don't start something here and have to stop in the middle to take her to store I'm willing to help but damn work with me

So frustrating Ginger

Next time he needs something don't be there for him. Or her for that matter. Don't put your life on hold because your Grandson doesn't understand common curtesey. I had a "friend" who used to pull the same nonsense. After awhile it got old and I cut off the relationship. Granted he wasn't related to me but still..I feel bad for you Ginger that this has happened once again.

You could phrase it like: "If she gets back to me within the hour I can take her shopping." It reminds them that you have a life beyond waiting on them.

I just did my pre-trip shopping. Besides my right knee going I somehow twisted my left ankel.

What with being in less pain late afternoon I have been gong to sleep (and waking up) later. Sometimes I barely see Tony who leaves at 11. I'm so glad he works on his own. No need to supervise or fear thefts. If I did not have him and Anita I would be seriously grumpy, instead of mostly nattering.

Got a gallon of fresh graperuit juice along with a lot of meat scraps for the dogs so I'm happy about those things.

I agree with Katie's idea, in a way, tell them and yourself, if they respond before X time, I can do Y. And then give yourself permission to stop waiting at X time and go do whatever. Or, maybe it is, give yourself permission to make your own plans, and if they come asking, be prepared to say, Well, that will not work, but here's what I can do..
Sucks to have to do that.

Hard as it can be to do, because you want to help them, I agree with the above suggestions; we ran into the same kind of thing with my stepdaughter, and being constantly ticked off because of the feeling of being used and disrespected does not make for a good relationship.

Grumpy cause I've had a migraine for 3 days now. Tried multiple Tylenols and a prescription powder I have for migraines. It's still persisting.

Wonder if it's the weather. Our weather's been all over the place lately...

try hot spicy food?

I've also heard really fizzy soda or Gatorade helps. Gentle stretching too. I don't know how true it is though…worth a shot.