Anxious times

I suffer from anxiety. It hits me often. I have strategies that help me to deal to with it, and most of the time I'm okay. Sometimes, however, my mind takes over and turns minor trivialities into major incidents. This often happens at about 3am. I have a book by the side of my bed in which I write down what is making me anxious. The idea is that I can then forget about it and get back to sleep, knowing that I can address it in the morning. 

Most of the time, by morning I realise that what has been making my heart race and my brain panic is fairly insignificant. (On one occasion I was prevented from sleeping by the thought that 'we haven't got enough bowls'.) Sometimes I do need to do something, but at least if I have written things down in a list, the issues are less insurmountable and I know I can work through them - just maybe not in the middle of the night.  

In what may be related news, I am leaving my job at Plonk after five years (including the last sixteen months as a store manager). It is time for a new challenge and a different career, plus I want my weekends back and to work in a place with heating and cooling. The lovely folk at Knead Bakery gave me a farewell cake. It was very pretty and very tasty. I will miss their cheerful smiley faces (and their fantastic pastries and coffee!)

At work and play

We have to make personal recommendations at work, and they are accompanied by profile picture. As I spend most of my time alone in the shop, I had to take the photo myself. And I'm not so good at selfies... as you can clearly see.

Work profile pic

In the evening I go round to Mr & Mrs Lovely Bonkers' house to watch West Wing. They have seen the entire series - more than once. I have never seen a single episode, although they have been recommended to me by all sorts of friends and family members. I like them. I also like alliteration - so we have West Wing Wednesdays, even when they're not on Wednesday, which can upset the more OCD among us (they're very rarely on Wednesdays).

Watching West Wing. This is a C.J. scene; she's my favourite.

Whisky and Wheels

As part of our monthly Plonk tastings, we sampled some whiskies and a bourbon. Customers gathered to hear the rep explain the differences and highlight the strengths. We paired the drams with dark chocolate, pub mix and aged cheddar. These evenings are intimate and informative and I like them. I hope the punters do too. 

Meanwhile, Him Outdoors has set up his bike (Terry Cervelo) to his liking. We have also been sent some Tour de France merch by Wide Boy Steve, so he's showing it all off - if one can ever be said to be showing off in Ugg Boots. 

Dealing with Sadness

We miss him more than I can say

The passing of our darling cat has left a big hole in our lives. Some things still make us smile and of course the pain will lessen in time. Here are some positives this week. 

Positive art works

Roseberry Topping by Joe Cornish - this month's image on the calendar from Scarey Sis

Celebrating citizenship with bubbles

Shiny new toy for Him Outdoors