I really need to get out of this spiral of yucky posts, because really- I think my life is really going GREAT. I just have had some physical bumps.

I'm STILL having fabulous brain days. How long has that been now, three weeks or more? This excites me more than you could possibly imagine. I'm even starting to feel like I have my game back at work. I'm back to being assertive and pushing for what I want and need. I'm able to see my ideas through without stammering. I'm able to look intimidating people in the eye and show them that I mean business.

I am SO very happy. I really am.

In spite of the two brain bops, I've gone beyond people's expectations at work. That excites me and makes me even more eager to continue being that "A+" employee that I've been in the past.

My company has awards that employees can send to other employees. In a matter of one week, I received three- one of which was from a senior level executive. I have to share because this is proof that I really am back. I truly believed I'd never be at this place again. Yes that's me- Pollyanna, admitting that I was seeing a glass half empty. I thought I was going to be stuck in sub-par and I was truly in despair.

Geez, I'm tearing up as I write this. I've needed to hear these things since June, when I first hit my head. I never thought I'd hear anything like this again.

Subject: Thank you Lori for being a true hero!
Lori,

I am so thankful to have you as such a strong, flexible, and friendly partner! I know the ERT review was dropped as an unexpected bomb on you this AM but you responded with speed, expertise, & grace.

This is all new to us (the review process is less than 12 hours old!) and we're learning through it. I know it's tough & not fun, but you persevere with a "can do" attitude and a smile in your voice (since I can't actually see you!). I'll continue to help as much as I can, but you're really the one making it happen!

THANK YOU for being patient and being a terrific partner doing what's right for your course and for the entire enterprise.

Lori, you're the best.

Subject: You ROCK!
Thank you Lori for your help and patience in helping create an enterprise approach and standard for required training courses. With multiple stakeholders and many people trying to tell you how to do things, you remain dynamic and driven and see it through.

I appreciate your expertise and contributions.

Subject: Lovefest 2008! Congrats on a milestone!

We're not out of the woods yet, but this is an excellent opportunity to celebrate a HUGE milestone and recognize Lori's contributions not only to the Info Security course but to all Enterprise Required Training (ERT). Being in first place is never easy, and Lori held tight during this wild ride of launching ERT for 08. Every time we asked her to pause, stop, answer, or redirect, Lori responded with professionalism, grace, and a SMILE! Resiliency defined!

I can't express how fortunate we are to have Lori as one of our front runners. Through her expertise and partnership, Info Security will be a great success. And all [company name] will benefit from the path she's blazed. THANK YOU!

Thank you. Thank you each and every one of you for holding me up while I was so low. I know without a doubt that your prayers, thoughts, and unending love are what brought me back.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I will *never* take my brain for granted ever again. And as vain as this may sound- I now realize how blessed I've been all of these years with the abilities I've been given. Without these abilities, I would never be where I'm at.

...where I'm at is a mighty fine place.

I mean it when I say that I truly love the friends I've made in my little cyberworld. I wish I could hug each and every one of you in person.

Thank you for helping me return to being me.