Captain's Log August 2014

Return to the grind

The first week back to work, I actually returned on Wednesday…really, August 6, 2014, I attempted to press my physician and head nurse to have me return on the following Monday but there was NO wiggle room.  I simply sucked it up and prepared to return to the doldrums of the pink perfumed alleyways of the “K.”

I think 9 weeks was long enough to be away; to clear my head from the professional negativity that enfolded me.

Right ankle swollen

What a great surprise, who knew that returning mid-week was a great idea.  I spent my morning with IST re-establishing my connection to my port; while he was on my computer, I learned about the NEW voicemail system (I had 10 message over a 9 week period varying from a bill collector to a formulators requiring my know-it-all expertise STAT!)  Obviously no one listened to the message (or to me when I said I was going to be gone for 3 months) oh well.  We have moved into the digital age; all I can say, “Don’t leave me a voicemail message at work; it becomes property of the “K.”

As the end of the work week approached, lots of new systems in place, updated job aids and DAMMIT!...Someone was sitting at my desk in my absence but I didn’t let that bother me…Positive Energy In, Negative Energy Out.

Reality Sets In

Taking a power nap during lunch.

Being back at work, not too much has changed, the new lady is so sweet (she could be my sister), she told me her back story and I told her mine and I immediately put her and her husband on the prayer list – I may be hypocritical at times but I know when t say when.  Still responding to e-mails and answering questions that should have been answered in my absence.  As I scratch my head in disbelief, I guess my D-E-T-A-I-L-E-D instructions, my cell number and home number were not useful enough to get the job done – Whoop-Tee-Doo!

After 10 days, the new lady asked me a question a lot of personal questions regarding the previous tenant and I answered them truthfully and we both breathed a sigh of relief.  I am giving you the abbreviated story – but it for the best…#NoSlander #NoLibel, actions speak louder than words.

I did forewarn the new lady that as the 2014-2015 season of The Women’s Chorus of Dallas kicked into full swing, my earphones would be on, our conversation will be almost non-existent, unless they were work issues.  She was fine, she wasn’t all that talky anyway.

My first full week in back at work, I was totally exhausted every night, my ankle would swell and throb, like something else does.  All I can do is prop my foot and ice it 3-4 times a day.  I enjoyed watching my boss’ face when I had my foot propped and iced on my desk…they must to have forgotten, I like to agitate.

Swinging My Axe & Chewing Nails

That is what my grandparents called back-breaking work or when you have been super busy work – that was me.  I finally got back in the swing of things, I had the new lady helping me get my work done (many hands make light work) and my favorite thing at work to do is to #DelegateTasks and that I did.  She loved being busy and productive at work, that made more time for me to update my blog, upload pictures to the #CaptureDallas site (priceless012) and look at manicure nail designs on #Pinterest (priceless012.)

The left cheek of the dog
bite victim. She was
alright. No Charges

I get a bit SUPER-HYPED EXCITED on the nights I sing with #TWCD because singing makes me feel high and that feeling lasts for about 3 – 4 days.  It is like being in the early #Love stages in a relationship, when you see you significant other for the first time and you get butterflies in your stomach and your heart beats faster, oh how I have missed that feeling. 

HeyLei Comes Home

That feeling was dashed due to a dog bite incident; it would be about 2 weeks before I get that #LovingFeeling back.  My puppy bit someone and I voluntarily placed her in quarantine; needless to say, I was depressed for 8 days and so was she.

I was there in a physical sense but my spirit was so depressed.  In my recordings, I could hear my heavy sighing before, during and after each song – I needed a place to go to keep from crying at home; my third home – The Sammons Center.

The day she was released, I left work early; I bought her a doughnut because I missed her so.

Seasons Of Change

“Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes

How do you measure a year in the life.”

In a meeting marking up my music.

When rehearsal time came around the following week, I sang with such excitement and power I frightened myself…it felt like the power I presented to my summer voice coach – BAM right from the gut!  I was happy to have my backup security guard back on the scene were ready to tackle the world.

I felt more confident reading the my music with my eyes, pitching the notes in my head and making the sound come out my mouth just right; that is still tricky but it is a neat trick when I do it right.

Due to Memorial Day holiday, we has a week off from singing together, a well-deserved mini-break but who EVER stops singing.

Make sure you post a comment (good or bad but just not #Ugly.)