STARS: Reacting to a tragic situation

It is true that everyone grieves differently and handles tragedies in various ways. This is all well and good but you don't want it to resort to bad habits such as drinking or gluttony.  Here's how I handle these types of times, such as Challenger, 9/11 or a tragic loss, like that of my brother or a worldly loss such as losing Kobe Bryant earlier. 

I mediate and pray for a moment, and then I spend a short time talking with people that are experiencing and processing this loss.  This can be just a few hours. 

I then proceed to remove myself from the situation and occupy my mind. This can be from going to an outlet such as the coffee shop, the gym or the lab to write. I also use this time to clean and purge cluttered areas of my house and car. I also engage in weather appropriate activities such as swimming and yard care. I have found through at least 10 such events that my mind is clearer and ready to go. 

I have also tried burying myself in my work and achieving a goal.  This has had adverse effects on me so I have concluded that simple planning and goal setting is best for about a week or two. Many remember how during 9/11, everything seemed to pause for about a week or two. The timetable is not reverent but there must be adequate healing and recovery time. 

I have been able to come out of these situations stronger and more competent to handle life and its challenges. I have even been able to counsel and help others in this regard.  Often all people need is a listening ear. I have been this listening ear for all of last decade and I plan to be each decade that I live. 

STARS: Couponing Haul Update

I couponed for the first time in two months and for the first time this year. 

I went to Dollar General only just because I was limited in paper coupons. I plan on adding another account, watching more videos, using Walgreens more, and having no less than 3 PGs.  I hope that should cover it. 

I did fare better on my combo of paper and digital coupons than I had. OOP was only high because I needed stuff and didn't have coupons for everything. I am planning for February now. 

I have already targeted my items: Angel Soft toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant, Dawn dish detergent, Gain laundry detergent, body wash (Dove or Irish Spring). I am really trying to take full advantage of the $5 off of $25 at DG and then utilize Walgreens to build points. I need vitamins and dental floss so items like this are easier to buy when my coupons aren't as plentiful and I can build points for the future. 

My OOP for February will be to save 70% off of my total purchase. I nearly saved 50% this weekend with barely any organization. Having a new DG near my home and several Walgreens will help me reach this goal. 

I am back to saving where I can so look out in 2020 and beyond for me!

STARS: Surviving the Graveyard Shift

I am writing my first blog post of 2020 as I celebrate 10 years of blogging. I will continue with the STAR method in regards to surviving working nights.  

Many people important to us work 3rd shift: law enforcement, medical professionals, security, hotel management, and retail. It's much quieter and laid back but please don't make the assumption that every job is a day job (although based on traffic, it feels like it.)

I wanted to make sure my sleep schedule was steady first, especially on my days off. I have a set time for going to bed and waking up. I do my best not to deviate from that.  

I also keep my caffeine supply steady and plentiful.  Quality coffee, organic energy and vitamins. I also have moved my exercise activities to the middle of the night. Less people in the gym but I am active and more productive.  

I also have minimal noise and interruptions before and when I am awake. I try to notify as many as possible that I work 3rd. This isn't to brag or show off as I did get a promotion at work.  I need my rest and I want to ensure I get it. 

Lastly, it's ok to nap but please don't make the mistake of sleeping all day or at crazy times. Get your consistent rest during the day and you can be fine.  I have found that falling asleep within 2-3 hours of me getting off from work is preferable for me. 

Ok that's the rundown and it has helped me survived the past 4 months. It will take a month or two for your carcadian rhythm to kick in but you can be fine also. Just make sure you stay encouraged and rest when you get off from work.