More Lessons Learned

I finally finished doing the inventory for the water damage and here is what I learned:

• It is challenging to find the list price of items that are no longer available.
• It took me hours to find estimated prices for items that are no longer available.
• I probably put way too much time in an effort to be accurate as possible.
• The importance of a book inventory. I have one for my movies, music, and video games. I finally started the book inventory a few months ago but this project emphasized why it is so important. I am going to prioritize getting everything into my new inventory by my birthday.
  
• Most importantly, I learned use what I buy when I buy it. It was so sad to throw away adorable sticky notes, note pads, stickers, and cards that I had purchased to be used. Many of these cannot be replaced.  
• Inventorying is an exhausting task. 

Pancake...her and I can sleep anywhere, anytime.

 It seems we are getting closer to having the construction work completed but no dates yet. This is has just turned so many things upside down. Four months in the house and none of my unpacking plans have gone as planned. Much like my career, I think I am done making plans related to my living situation. I have always described my career as a series of fortunate accidents. I hope that someday I see all of this as fortunate. Right now, not so much.

This recent episode has had me examining the events causing the issue, including the cause, warning signs, people involved, and their reaction to the situation. The common denominator in all of them is the lack of sympathy/empathy. I began really observing for sympathy/empathy about five years ago and then in the past two years, more closely. I firmly believe those who who are not sympathetic/empathetic are pathetic. It costs nothing to show someone grace, compassion, and understanding. In fact, it is quite rewarding. Watching what is happening with COVID, politics, and the violence in our communities further supports my observations of the impact of lack of sympathy/empathy. I remain ever hopeful things will turn corner soon and we will return to a society who cares about other people as a whole. I know there are tons of people who care about others. I know we have people who can put their personal beliefs on issues aside for the advancement of community. We just need to put some of these people in leadership positions to impact communities at local, state, national, and international levels.

I look forward to hopefully getting some closure to the few things right now that have brought stress to my body. Since my body cannot produce cortisol, for the past few weeks I have felt like I am on a very bad roller coaster. I am learning the signs of when I am going into or having a negative episode. I am experimenting with different coping mechanisms to minimize the effects. My love of science has served me well. My sixth grade teacher would be so proud.

For tonight . . . I'm just sayin' XOXO