The HeadHuntress Blog

Balancing Frentic

I can bank, every year, on the insanity that comes just before Thanksgiving. I don't know about you, but last week I barely had time to breathe! Each day brought a week's worth of work and my phone rang non-stop! Everyone I talked with was having the same kind of week: clients pushing up deadlines, managers pushing to wrap up projects, family members calling us at work (Yes, Auntie Rebekah, its okay to bring your dog, just please make sure he pees outside this year).

Personally, I’m at my best under pressure....I suppose I'm not alone, since all the evidence points to several like-minded souls out there. What is it about the holiday's that send us into double time? Do we come out of some sort of daze, look down at our desks and realize all we have to get done before we can sit down and cheer for our favorite team? (um, after we give thanks with our family, of course)

Whatever the reason, this seems to be the nature of work/life balance over the holiday season – In the season of thanks, I am aware of how thankful I am for a few quiet moments, saturated in family love and full of more food than I usually eat in a week.

You all have my best wishes for a relaxing few days, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving, Professionally Speaking

Are holiday's considered days off?

My parents happily passed on the "honor" of cooking for the family, to me. So, "day off" is certainly up for analysis. Can anyone else relate to squeezing in a quick holiday into a hectic work schedule? I am vaguely aware of a need for balance, and Thanksgiving, though my favorite holiday, isn't exactly a trip to the spa.

My brother will bring the girlfriend my parents barely tolerate, my niece likely dyed her hair another outrageous color and will loudly announce something rebellious during the meal, right after the prayer...someone will offer unwanted advice and Dad will bring enough shrimp to feed an army - it's an Italian thing, don't ask me, I married into it.

Don't read this like a complaint, I write all this with faint laughter - I love the pace of my life, and the characters in it.  I also have tons to feel thankful for: I absolutely love my career, my son is - though a teenager, still tolerable...even grumbling over SSAT study guides. My family is right out of an independent film on unconditional love, and I still have just enough alone time to keep me sane. Life in this girls world is a lesson in thanks....even as I roll my eyes at the crazy pace. 

Someone pass me the Merlot.