I've never been out of the States. In a few years, I'll likely seldom be in the States though, heh.

I only went because my friend had an extra ticket and I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to see what it's like somewhere else, lol

So...it looks like this position may be...permanent. As of right now. My DM came by and calmed me down. I was on the verge of crying because the guy who was trying to take a picture of my was coming by, but the DM was there, so he didn't acknowledge me.

Dude, there's nobody else that can take the job?

he didn't mention it. He said I was doing fine, and to calm down. he gave me a list of stuff to do and to focus on THAT instead of what isn't being done, which was what my problem is.

Sigh.

I'm okay. I'm okay...

Oh Liz, you'll be okay buddy. Just keep calm. You home? Sit down and relax.

I'm home now. I'm making the same mistakes that the other managers made and am panicking.

Try and calm down. I know panicking is your first reaction to situations like this, but you have to try and stay calm. Don't make the mistake the other managers did. Panicking only adds more stress to the situation, and clouds up your mind.(trust me, I know, I panicked over EVERYTHING )

I'm tryiiiiiing.

This morning, a spider crawled onto my face, and I screamed like a little girl and threw myself to the ground. Does that image help you calm down a bit?

Congratulations! Store Manager, right? It sounds like you already know how to do the job. Except as store manager the panicking should be done in the supply closet, not in front of the employees, lol. Maybe the previous managers didn’t know that!

Apparently not, lol.

Dear Panic-Prone Liz. Think of birds and fish.... and

Oh wait- strike that. Those are the techniques to CAUSE panic.

We wish to cure it.

We installed 70 computers Saturday- at the office where I actually sit. ( Was gonna say "work," but who am I kidding?)

We were not able to get EVERYTHING done that I wanted- had only 4 people when we should have had 7. So boxes and old PC equipment got left lying about.

And--- that BOTHERS me- because I am a fidget.

Monday came and the essential automated telephone software did not work on most of the early shift PCs. (It is a call center- so... do the math).

OK- I could have happily gone and curled up in the closet- because... it is stressful. And my boss has been on extended sick leave for several weeks- so it was mostly ME.

(Sound familiar?)

But here is the thing. I decided- "I am in CHARGE here. That means I can create a good outcome."

You can too. Look at the mass of swirling chaos that is everything you need to get done. Pick ONE thing. Is it the most important? If not- set it aside- it will wait. Triage. Find the ONE important thing. Do that or set someone else to doing it- someone you can count on to get it right.

Work it until you can leave it aside or call it done. Only then do you get to look at the next thing.

Breathe. Remind yourself that you are a wise person- you are capable.

We will send pictures of birds and toothy fish if you freak out too much.

-gives trey a tight hug-

THAAAAAANK YOOOUUUUUU

Might I offer my advice?

Sure, go ahead.

Okay, let's talk strategy. How large is the group of people that you are in charge of? Once I know that, I can more accurately assess and give you suggestions.

Four.

I know you hadn't decided whether this was what you wanted or not, but congrats anyway. Sometimes you don't have to look for greatness, it is thrust on you unwilling, lol. Hope it works out well !!!!

Alright. Tell me about each of the four and I want you to list off everything that you've been ordered to do.