stress

I feel that at simplefather.com, sometimes I can get too hung up on the crazy, weird things that kids do. Whether that be dealing with the megacolon,or angrily abusing themselves. However, these little tax deductions know just how to melt your heart, and give you a sense of perspective.

Lately, it seems like I've been a bit down about ridiculous things that really don't matter. On one such occasion, the wife and I were discussing some things, and the level of annoyance started to go up (thankfully not at each other). At the time Special K was puttering around, playing with her toys and soaking it all up.

Your wife and kids don't get paid to diagnose your work problems. If they did, then they would probably be your boss! But, leaving work at work is much easier said than done. After all, for those parents who work outside the home, your work family may as well be like a second family, with all of those family quirks included.

First you've got the CEO's of the world, I mean grandma or grandpa. They're sitting in the corner trying to tell you how things were done in 'their day,' and how much easier life would be if you just did it the same way it's always been done.

Then there's the corporate worker in denial… I mean your crazy cousin Cal. He's always talking about how he's going to run away from home, open a tattoo shop, and stick it to his parents. Yet here he is, living in his parent's basement at the age of 28, still collecting an allowance.

And let's not forget about your co-workers, or your siblings. You're forced to share bunk beds (a cube farm) and Timmy wants the top bunk. This wouldn't be so bad, but when you're trying to finish up some last minute reading for school tomorrow, all you can hear is Timmy talking to his annoying girlfriend on the phone.

So as you can see, your work family is just that, a family… and usually a somewhat dysfunctional one. Why should you subject your real family to all the drama? Isn't one set of problems enough for them to deal with?

However, if you keep all of your work family's problems bottled up inside, they're bound to spill out at the most inopportune time. I believe if you apply the following list to your job, it will allow you to not only leave work at work (if you choose to), but talk about work in a more positive light.

1. Share stories (Good and Bad - a little complaining can be good for bonding).
2. Watch your emotions
3. When you are struggling, ask yourself, “How can I enjoy this situation?”
4. Creativity is vital at every job (Otherwise boredom sets in).
5. Trust your gut (Most of the time it will be right).
6. Be weird (We are all a little weird, embrace it and let it out).
7. It’s your responsibility to be happy at work.

I would like to thank Karl at WorkHappyNow.com for the list above (here in its entirety). He's out there spreading the word that you should be happy at work, and if you're not you should make that happen. Also, be sure to stop by dad-blogs for other great 'Fatherhood Friday' blog posts by some great dads.

photo courtesy of ste3ve

There is a monster that prowls around your house, waiting to rear its ugly head. This monster is hungry. What will you choose to feed it? Keep one thing in mind, the monster thrives on negative energy, and with each bit of positive energy that it consumes, it grows weaker.

The monster grows stronger

Unbeknownst to you, your job is in cahoots with the monster. Little by little throughout the day your job is slow roasting a feast for the monster. First, the printer displays a 'PC LOAD LETTER' error (simmer, simmer). Then you realize that you've forgotten to email the documents you promised would be delivered today (the meal is almost ready now). Finally, your computer crashes and voila, dinner is served. The monster is grateful for the hearty nourishment, and is one step closer to devouring your family.

Little did you know that the monster has also outsourced cooking to his minions (your children). First, the toddler wakes up demanding oatmeal that contains 23.6 raisins, 3.3 sprinkles of cinnamon, and can only be eaten with a Hello Kitty spoon (simmer, simmer). Then, after getting the oatmeal just right, you go to check on the baby, only to discover that the baby's diaper is nowhere to be found. However you do find a perfectly round pee stain on the newly washed crib sheets (the meal is almost ready now). After lifting the baby up, revealing a hidden treasure in the form of a poop nugget, you lose it, and voila, breakfast is served!

It's feeding time!

The monster is now as strong as ever, and starts picking off your family members. Poor innocent grandma who lives in the basement is unaware of the monster. She can't seem to find her dentures today so… you Fixodent, and forget them, right to her forehead. She'll never lose those again! Then kind Uncle Remus drops by for a visit, only to be reamed by you for feeding the kids sugar! Before you know it, the monster has consumed your entire family.

Fear Not! You can slay the monster!

Over the coming weeks, I will explore some ways to kill, or at least starve the negativity monster. The first thing I will be talking about is what I like to call the 'art of misdirection.'

If your interest is piqued, make sure to subscribe (links on the right) so you don't miss out! Also be sure to check out dad-blogs to read some other great views on parenting.

If you liked this post, you may also like these:

• Big Girls Do Cry
• 10 Ways You Know Your Daughter's a Diva

photo courtesy of nellee100