Negotiating

I have several significant reasons for still helping with negotiations.

Even though I withdrew from my position as president of the bargaining unit, the woman I was mentoring wasn't ready to take on the role...she did it anyway when I said I was quitting.

The woman who was our chief negotiator quit abruptly when her husband had some health issues, which I understand. No one else on the team has ever been at the table, so they have no understanding of how things work. I have committed to the end of this round, with a clear expectation that they better learn all they can while I'm there, because I will not continue past that.

The biggest reason is that I love working with words. I love getting the language to say what we mean and be clear and concise. I can see the solutions and am not intimidated by others at the table, so I can speak my mind. If it wasn't for the politics, which I detest, I would still be doing all of the jobs; I love it and I'm good at it. Unfortunately, if I continue, the politics will kill me.

We got through a lot today, especially considering that we are combining at least 5 documents, trying to ensure that we don't miss anything we need, but losing anything that's redundant.

I had a lovely supper with Paula after, but then came home and ate most of a bag of dried pineapple, which I got to replace the bag I finished yesterday. I guess they're going on my "can't have in the house right now" list.

Thanks to Paula for the deodorized coconut oil; all the benefits, but no nasty coconutty smell or taste! Thanks to Cory for finding my keys; could someone please find my black cardigan??

Love, elly