To start off, I have some catching up to do with reading all your wonderful posts. I was not feeling well with some type of horrible late summer flu...everyone I know (well not everyone, but a lot of people), had it, it just lingered on. I was so run down from it, that I didn't feel like doing anything for almost two weeks. Then as I began to feel better, the not so smart me, decided to go out all day and work in my backyard. Cutting the palms fronds, weeding, planting fall flowers, pressure washing the ENTIRE backyard (tile)...and I was feeling so good. Big mistake, it was just too much...I started not feeling well again. Went back to my doctor and got my B-12 shot and he told me that this I need rest, I was totally run down. There is a lot more to this than just the flu...some serious work related stress. I really don't like to get too personal on here, but this was bad. About 12 weeks ago, I was physically attacked at work, by a co-worker. Long story short, she wants my job, and lost it with just a simple e-mail I sent out, for which is my job. I'm sure there is an underlying problem with her that would cause anyone to behave such as that in the workplace, but she has done this in another department that she worked in, but neither her supervisor or mine did anything to protect me. As she came at me with hands flying and fists in my face, they sat there, two adult men, and did nothing. I've been with this agency for almost 30 years, and I love it here. But, I am not a push-over by any means, I guess I try to hard to get along with everyone, try to go out of way to assist where I can, and sometimes that makes you look weak in their eyes, and they feel the strength to attack. Understand, I work with all men, except 4 woman, and there are a total of 120 employees. Though she didn't physically hit me...she was within an inch of my face...I had no reaction, I just stared at her, and I didn't back down. I know, I took the high road, and am glad I did. As we all know this is called "violence in the workplace", and it is against the law. To make matters worse, she made verbal threats. Now the good part...management has done nothing in the way of discipline. So, I have had to take it to a legal level through work. I am a very strong Latina woman, and wasn't going to let this go, it was just wrong. The next time her anger flairs up, she could physically harm someone and I would feel terrible. I am so glad that I have a wonderful husband and a very bright daughter, who has been so supportive and has given me the strenght to do what I need to do, and love is the greatest power a family can have. So, after going to my doctor again last week, and will be getting my B-12 shots every two weeks...I am feeling almost human again. It is quite amazing how stress can wear one down, I will never allow it to take hold of me again...I do a lot of praying and I know that God is walking with me through this whole process that could take quite some time...but I have faith. I hope I didn't bore anyone too much, it actaully felt good to put it into words. The words I tell my husband and daughter is that, I may be quiet and enjoy the beauty in life, and never interfer in others lives, I am no push over, I will stand up for myself and others, if they are wronged, but not in a violent way, in a peaceful way, with God on my side. There is too much hate and violence in the world today, we just don't need it in the workplace as well. I will continue to be me, for I actually like the person I am. Thank you for listening.
