The week that was a cluster…

Although I would normally be posting about dating (online and otherwise) with my Sunday posts, I have had such a week…I just need to put it out there.   So this isn’t exactly about dating, but it is about being alone…and how I survived some situations this week.

First off, last weekend.   I spent the weekend in Louisville.   I was reminded by my time with family and friends, how much I miss my home town…where all of my family now lives. (except for Katie & Anthony!)  It’s always a good time and last weekend was no exception.  Spending time with my parents is always good…sometimes, better than others, but I realize how fortunate I am to have both of my parents within a 2 hour drive from me.  

Lunch with friends and a night out with my sister and old friends made the weekend more enjoyable.  On Saturday night, we went to a story-telling event.   It was held at a brewery and hosted by a couple that calls their events…Double Edged Stories.   There were four couples who told their stories and the audience sipped cocktails, coffee drinks, and water, as they listened and laughed at these stories.  My friends Cindy and Bob, invited me to attend because they think that I would be a great story teller.   HA!  I’m not sure if that’s true but I was intrigued and have begun to think about it and I have plans to attend their story-telling workshop.   Stay tuned for an update on that to come later!

I was totally loving that 80 or so people were in a room, listening to others stories.   It was a Saturday night, they were sold out, and it was refreshing to think that we were all being easily entertained with other people’s stories.   Check out story-telling in your areas to see if you can be a part of this simple kind of entertainment.   I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

I arrived home Sunday night and had a car full of things to unload.   These times remind me of what I don’t have…someone to come home to, someone to help unload the car and de-brief with.   But I’m getting more used to it.

I waited until Monday to unload some of the things and had a fairly productive day off.   The week was crazy busy with Gala work.   Thursday, I had two events at the same time, but somehow, I got through them with a little help from my friends…Thanks to Sandy and Diana for supporting me with one of my events.

Friday, I had to pick up some gifts for the Gala.  I made my first stop and picked up a snazzy cooler.   Then I went downtown to pick up a soccer jersey.   Of course, I had to park in a garage – something I’m not a fan of. 

When I returned to the garage, I paid my $2 at the pay station and headed to the exit. I put my blue ticket into the machine, only to be rejected with “BAD TICKET” barking back at me.   Of course, I tried it again and before anyone could pull in behind me, I carefully backed up and backed into an illegal spot to figure out what to do.

I looked at the ticket and called the number on there.   The recording offered five options, none of which were what I needed.   So I started at the beginning and pushed 1.  Again, another recording.   I called again and pushed 2…a recording.  I continued this process through the five options.   Not good.    I may have been starting to feel a little panic. 

I stepped out of the car to walk around to see if there was any kind of office or security guard and nothing.   I could feel the warm tears coming to my eyes and I felt the beginnings of what may be called a panic attack.   WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO????    I told myself to calm down…calm down…calm down...

I opted not to take an Atavan, thinking if the police did come, they may think I was on drugs.   Yes, my mind went there.   I called my office…my friend, and assistant, Connie, and asked her to talk me off the ledge.  I told her I was shaking all over and that translated to “I’m LOSING IT!!!”   With very little pause, or angst, Connie went online to look up the phone number of the garage.   Low and behold, there was a number different from the one I had been calling.   “I’ll call them for you and call you right back,” Connie said.  

Within 2 minutes, Connie had spoken with them, called me back, and literally, talked me off the ledge.  I drove to the exit and tried the other lane, and BAM…my ticket worked and it told me I owed $2 more!  Yes, I had been stuck for long enough to put me into the next pay category!   I gladly stuck my credit card in the machine and the most beautiful site at that moment was that wooden bar raising, giving me a way out.   I could finally breathe.  

Yesterday, I went to work (yes, it was a Saturday, but it is one week to the Gala and I had lots to do).  I worked with my co-worker, Cathy, for several hours, then she headed out.   I stayed awhile longer and finally, realizing that I was losing my productivity level, I decided to head home.  When I got out to the car, I tried to get in and there was no response from my car door handle, meaning my keys were not with me.   UGH!  

I went back into school and when I got back to the office, I realized I did not have my office keys.   I then realized that my car keys AND my office keys were locked inside.   NOW WHAT?   I started to feel like I was losing it, again…just one more thing that had gone awry for me this week.    

My co-worker, Jennifer, lives in the area, so I sent her a text asking if she was home.   She responded right away that she was not, but her daughter, Caroline, could get her keys to me.   Long story longer, Caroline was able to meet me at school with the office keys…I unlocked the door, found my office and car keys on my desk, under some papers…and I was soon, on my way home.

Why did I share these woes?   I think it was for a couple of reasons…First of all…I felt very sorry for myself during these situations.   There was no reason to do so, but I was feeling vulnerable, stressed, worn out, and a little worried about being alone with no one to call for help.

Second, through all of this, I had my reminders of the “angels among us” with co-workers that I am fortunate to call friends.  

Finally, after remembering these things, my tears have changed to laughter because these are not tragedies…these are things that happen every day, I’ve just been lucky to have not experienced them often. They just seemed slightly magnified to me because I don't have "my person."

I hope as time goes on, I’ll be able to provide a helping hand to these friends and many others…I owe so many people for so much…More than likely, you are one of those who has been there for me at some time…if so…Thank You!

Now, let’s get this Gala week underway!!