Ponder with Pamela

Tag: writing

  • Coping with Post-Shift Fatigue: My Week in Review

    Coping with Post-Shift Fatigue: My Week in Review

    This has been a really difficult week for me. I was used to getting up and working out, and staying up all day. That DID NOT prepare me for going back to a full 8-hour shift of working.

    The first couple of days were okay, thanks to onboarding and a little time on the floor learning my new job. Wednesday rolled around, and I spent the whole day on the floor, then stood and walked around, bent, and lifted. By the time my shift was done, I was almost in tears because I was so stiff and sore it was difficult to move.

    I couldn’t even go to work on Thursday because I could barely get out of bed. I slept from 8:30 pm Wednesday until 11:00 am Thursday. I was still sore, but took some Aleve and felt a little better. I wound up taking a 2-hour nap after lunch, and then still went to bed early.

    I did go to work on Friday, and did a little better. I was more aware of what all that movement would do to me, so I went slower and took my time getting tasks done, and I sat down whenever I could.

    I was still really tired at the end of the day and a little stiff and sore. I took some Aleve when I got home and laid down for about an hour. I still went to sleep early because I was so tired.

    I slept in this morning, and then took Aleve when I got up, and I’m feeling almost back to “normal.” Thank goodness it’s a long weekend because of Labor Day.

    I don’t know what Tuesday will look like, but hopefully, my body will adjust, and I’ll be okay. If not, I’ll just have to find another job that is kinder to my body.

    Unfortunately, jobs are scarce in my area, and I seriously need the money to get back on track with all of my bills. Even remote jobs have been difficult to find that pay enough and aren’t part-time.

    Check back to see what happens in my daily life!

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Coping with SAD: Finding Joy on Gloomy Days

    Coping with SAD: Finding Joy on Gloomy Days

    May 30, 2025

    Today was another cool and rainy day here in Ohio. I honestly can’t believe we’re getting this much rain, and the temperatures are staying so much cooler than normal. I’m definitely ready to see more of the sun. My body and soul are both craving it.

    Late May SAD

    It’s the end of May and I’m still suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder… how sad is that? (Pun intended, because sometimes you have to laugh about these things.) Most people expect SAD to be a winter problem, but when spring refuses to actually spring and you’re dealing with weeks of gray skies and rain, that seasonal depression can linger much longer than anyone anticipates.

    The lack of consistent sunshine really affects everything when you’re already managing chronic conditions. The gray days seem to amplify fatigue, worsen pain levels, and make everything feel just a little bit harder than it should be.

    Productivity Despite the Gray

    Despite the dreary weather, I did manage to get more designs completed for my RedBubble store. There’s something satisfying about creating colorful, hopeful graphics when the world outside your window is anything but colorful. It’s like injecting a little brightness into the day through creativity.

    Each new design feels like a small act of rebellion against the gloom. I’m taking difficult experiences and transforming them into something beautiful and meaningful that might help someone else.

    Choosing Simple Pleasures

    At some point today, I made the conscious decision to just put everything aside and watch TV with my daughter. I spent time coloring, which has become one of my favorite low-energy activities.

    I have both physical coloring books with markers and a coloring app on my tablet that I absolutely love, especially when I’m resting in bed. All I need is my tablet and stylus, and I can create something beautiful without having to sit up or expend much physical energy.

    The Therapy of Coloring

    There’s something incredibly therapeutic about coloring, whether it’s with traditional materials or digitally. It’s meditative, creative, and accomplishable even on low-energy days. The repetitive motions, the focus on staying within lines, and the satisfaction of watching something come to life with color. It’s perfect for chronic illness management.

    Finding Light in Gray Days

    While I’m definitely ready for more sunshine and warmer weather, today reminded me that comfort and creativity can happen regardless of what’s going on outside. Sometimes the best thing you can do on a gray day is embrace the cozy, find simple pleasures, and create your own little pockets of color and joy.

    Here’s hoping tomorrow brings at least a little more light, but if not, I know we’ll find ways to make our own. 💜

    When the weather won’t cooperate with your need for sunshine, sometimes you have to create your own brightness through small, colorful moments.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • How I’m Rebuilding After Being Ghosted by My Remote Job

    How I’m Rebuilding After Being Ghosted by My Remote Job

    Ponderings from May 8, 2025

    This has been a really stressful week for me, and I’ve had to hit pause more than once. I’m working full-time from home now because my day job was suddenly phased out, with no warning.

    I was already doing part-time work remotely, but earlier this week, while trying to submit my work, my screen suddenly blanked out. Just like that, I couldn’t access anything. I’ve earned no income this week and honestly, it’s been depressing.

    To top it off, I haven’t heard a word from the company. No explanation, no goodbye, just silence. I’ve officially been ghosted by a job I was working nearly 60 hours a week for. It’s frustrating and unprofessional, and it stings more than I expected.

    I’ve spent a lot of time sleeping this week. As someone living with multiple chronic illnesses, that kind of shutdown makes everything harder, physically and mentally.

    Still, I’ve been pushing forward, filling out job applications every day. I finally heard back from one company today, and I’m going through their training program now. So fingers crossed, I’m hopeful this might be a fresh start.

    What’s gotten me through? My family (including my two fur babies) and music, especially Jelly Roll. His song “I Am Not Okay” was my anthem this week. His lyrics hit so differently when you’re going through it.

    On a lighter note, I’m also an Amazon Affiliate, and I’ll be sharing products I personally use and recommend. I’ll add new finds as I order them, and once I’ve used them for a week or two, I’ll post honest reviews right here. If you see a product listed without a review yet, it’s something I’m currently trying out!

    Thanks for being here and following along. This space helps me process, reflect, and connect.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜