Sunday, May 1, 2011

Five people, four dogs and work craziness

042411 Easter morning

Whew! Whatta week! My family has been staying with me the past 5 weeks while they were between homes as they moved from one and waited for their new home to be renovated by their new landlord. First one granddaughter came, then the other, then my daughter and son-in-law with two dogs (a pit and a chihuahua), then the other two dogs (both pits) who had been staying with a friend. It’s really been very nice having them here and I feel so blessed to have been able to help them for a few weeks. They weren’t a bit of trouble, even with mattresses and four dog crates on the living room floor. My daughter made delicious meals each night, something I rarely get to enjoy when cooking for one; I could hug and kiss my grands and take them to school each day, and my son-in-law added joy and laughter to the mix.

So life has been a bit irregular around here, but still totally wonderful. This week, though, tempted to tip the apple cart. I work for an interactive marketing agency as a QA analyst; QA tests all the interactive properties (web sites, client sites, analytics work, mobile sites, dealer sites, search pages, etc.) for our client. (My office is dedicated to one client.) We started development on a huge project a few weeks ago, and this week, my team was to start testing the project.

Here’s how the week went: On Monday, I had to replace my water heater to the tune of $1200. Ugh. Tuesday morning, my boss quit, sending an email to management. Wednesday, I received a note that the other QA analyst in my office would be out the rest of the week. I had to do my job plus her job plus my boss’s job, plus ramp up for the big project, plus provide oversight for our QA team in Costa Rica. Friday, we suddenly got additional work that is due to launch on Monday (in addition to the big project). All I could do was tell myself “OK! Let’s do this!”

I am truly grateful for yoga that gives me the tools I need to keep me balanced in times like this. I can maintain a strong focus, not get overwhelmed, stay in the moment and take one thing at a time. I repeat to myself the phrase from “Peaceful Warrior” – Where am I? I am here. What time is it? Right now. I was able to manage it all, provide documents and test plans for the big project, manage testing efforts on the other projects (even when more work was added late on Friday), attend meetings, provide training, communicate with QA Directors in other offices – I got ‘er done. Thank you, yoga and Divine grace!

My daughter and her family moved into their new home on Friday. They left my home absolutely spotless, as if they’d never been here. I chuckle because my home looks so spacious and open now without mattresses and dog crates and clothing and suitcases – haha! Makes me appreciate my home even more.

Life is good, it’s wonderful, it’s kind and loving. I am happy for my daughter and family; their new home will be a wonderful new space for them to love and grow and enjoy their journey. And I’m grateful for the time spent together here and for the loving energy they leave lingering behind in my sacred space.

Namaste

5 comments:

paintergal said...

I'm sure your daughter's family was as blessed as you were.
What a gift you gave them in opening your home so graciously to four humans and four pooches.
You are a gift!
Here's hoping your work life becomes more stable soon.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Holy moly, what a week! Your company better give you a big bonus!

Darla said...

You are such a beautiful testament to the power of presence and love! Thank you for sharing this, Rose; I love the two questions/answers...very helpful for all of us when we find ourselves in the space of having a lot to do. :-)

Laura said...

my goodness Rose....you are the epicenter of equanimity--I mean you just amaze me!!! Grace, yes, but also dedication, hard work and attention to detail all with compassion.

bless you bless you sweet friend!

Connie said...

Only you sweet Rose could accomplish all of that and still have peace in your heart and a smile on your face. Love you dear friend! Could you please send me some of your Yoga meditation so that I can get through the week?

Your family is just returning all the love/sweet things you do for them all the time. So glad you were able to help them out.

Love you