BEYOND BURNOUT *

* Source:  Reader's Digest, Sept 2022

"America is seriously stressed out. According to the American Institute of Stress, even before the pandemic 94% of workers said they regularly felt stressed. And more recently, the American Psychological Association reported that the country's collective stress had reached alarming levels. We all get busy sometimes, but feeling constantly & chronically swamped, worried, & overwhelmed can lead to burnout, which can have serious consequences . . . 

"Living at a burnout level of sustained stress can lead to serious health consequences, including problematic sleep patterns, digestion woes, & even a greater risk for depression, heart problems, diabetes, & weight gain  . . . Before the stress in your life ramps up to that level, know that experts say there are proactive steps you can take to prevent burnout:

* Look for meaning at work

* Look for meaning outside of work

* Try to separate work & home/outside life

* Don't neglect yourself

* Recognize when it has become too much

A PERSONAL NOTE:  In NOV 2014, I had to take a leave of absence from my position as administrator of Lutheran High Northeast. I was burned out, & I can totally relate to the complications described above. Ultimately, I did not return, & I blame my inability to cope with the stress & take positive steps to get help. I was suffering from clinical depression, which still affects me today. If you think you may be suffering from burnout, talk to a mental health professional. Be willing to get help & to take positive steps in relieving your stress.

ROAD TRIP ROUND-UP

Last SAT we took our 10-yr-old grandson with us to Ponca State Park, which is about 70 miles northeast of us, located next to the Missouri River. From a scenic overlook in the park, you can actually see from Nebraska into S. Dakota & Iowa. It was a gorgeous fall day with lots of fall colors in the bluffs. We had a delicious picnic lunch & hiked several trails. Our faithful companion, Sammy the Dog, joined us, & he had a ball. Not much wildlife was on display, except for a wild turkey. Technically, it doesn't count as a road trip, which requires 2 overnights. 

Next up is a trip to Wichita Falls, TX, to visit Lois' little brother David, his wife Carmen [who happens to be my 1st cousin], our niece Katie, & her boyfriend, whom we've yet to meet. Lois little sister Anita & our brother-in-law Jerry from Ft. Walton Beach, FL, will be there, too, so it will have the feel of a family reunion of sorts. We'll leave on WED & arrive on THU after an overnight stay in Wichita, KS. And it counts as a road trip!

CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL

On SUN afternoon we attended the open house at CLS SCHOOL to join with many others in celebrating the ribbon-cutting of their $10 million addition. It was awesome! The CLS principal recognized not only the current faculty & staff but also former staff, which included Lois. She taught at CLS from 1997, when we moved from Hawaii back to Norfolk, until 2019, when she retired. That was very moving for me. And she still volunteers & subs from time-to-time! Several dignitaries spoke, including Mike Flood, our congressman. He remarked that it was nice to recognize an organization that was well-run. LOL.

CRIMINAL MINDS

"Man fakes heart attacks to avoid paying the bill at 20 restaurants." Fox News Online, 10/21.

"65,000 stayed on food stamp rolls after winning big in lotteries, government data show." FNO, 10/21

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE IOWA

"'Raging' bedbug infestation at IA senior living apartment complex." FNO, 10/21

HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH

"Even short runs have major health benefits." Drudge Report, 10/21

POLITICAL POTPOURRI

"Biden announces he has secured pinky promise from Hamas not to use $100 million for terrorism." Babylon Bee

"White House assures reporters that Biden will be very concerned about Gaza hostage situation once he finds out." Babylon Bee

TRENDING NEWS FROM THE BABYLON BEE *

* Your trusted source of fake news

> Pope Francis glues himself to Sistine Chapel ceiling to protest climate change.

> CNN blames fog of war for errant reporting on Gaza bombing, Russian collusion, Jussie Smollett, Covington Catholic, Hunter's laptop, the Steele dossier, Kyle Rittenhouse, origins of COVID.

> Lia Thomas confused as to why teammates keep asking her to open pickle jars.

DEPT. OF SHAMELESS JOKE-STEALING *

* Compliments of Reader's Digest, Sept 2022

Nick's mother stops for a moment as her son reads the Bible to their cat. "Isn't that sweet?" she says. But an hour later, she hears a terrible racket. Running out the door, she finds Nick trying to dunk the cat in a bucket of water. "Nick, what are you doing?" "I'm baptizing Muffin," he says. "But cats don't like to be in water." "Well, then he shouldn't have joined my church."

TODAY'S AWESOME TRIVIA *

* SOURCE:  Uncle John's Awesome 35th Anniversary Bathroom Reader

> According to one estimate, it would take about 23 bales' worth of hay to break a camel's back.

> Globally, 10% of all marriages are between cousins.