productive day

I had a very relaxed session in the pool this morning before going to the holiday inn for negotiations. I took lots of water with me and several good snacks, most of which I didn't eat. I made sure I had a good breakfast before I left and felt good.

I intentionally did not prepare materials for the first exchange, hoping that they got the message last time we met that we were less than impressed with their lack of ANY preparation. They surprised me with half of the document ready to present to us, and ready to work. We had a super productive morning, and reviewed the whole doc before lunch.

We went to one of my favourite places for lunch, which we walked to. I had an awesome bowl of broccoli soup and a small Caesar salad. It is so nice to go somewhere where you can trust that everything is made fresh, with care and so delicious.

We had a few more challenges in the afternoon as we discussed options for changes either side wanted, but still got a lot done and a plan for tomorrow. Overall I was very satisfied with our progress, especially since their chief negotiator has never done this before and seems quite concerned that he not agree to anything that may come back to bite him in the ass.

When we were waiting between sessions, I called the bariatric clinic to ask if they could accommodate my conflict with our arbitration. I had to call back several times due to bad phone connections and had to speak with different people, but they are gonna make it happen. I will start the Thurs morning session and then switch to the Wed afternoons. They are not willing to do it for any other sessions except the first and they made me promise to stay really low key about it...not tell anyone. So if anyone asks, I never said a word.

I had a nice visit with Ad and Aub after I got home and am popping over to see D and S too. Much happiness...

In gratitude and love, plain old elly

"I believe that you should gravitate to people who are doing positive and productive things with their lives." Nadia Comaneci

"Productive achievement is a consequence and an expression of health and self esteem, not it's cause." Nathaniel Brandon