I am feeling quite blah and am fairly sure it is stress related. I am hoping that by writing out the contributing factors, I will be able to rationalize just a bit and work towards a more positive attitude.

First and foremost, my BFF was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia about a month ago. She told only me and one other friend pending the genetic testing. She met the oncologist yesterday and came over after for wine, hugs and tears. She is not in Phase 1 and the recommended treatment is bone marrow transplant.

Second, my niece (17) has been living with my parents for about 6 months but it isn't going as well as hoped. She had lived with me half time two years ago and is a difficult (more than normal) child. Her behaviour at a family dinner last week was setting off alarm bells so when she forgot her iTouch behind, I snooped and discovered that she has gone way beyond dabbling in drug use. My parents are in their late 70's and I am worried about them even more than about my niece.

Third, our department (national) has restructured and I now report directly to our national headquarters. Since the change, I seem to be performing a multitudeof administrative tasks and have taken on direct reports in two other cities. I am bored to tears at work and feeling generally disatisfied. I will look around but plan to retire in 5 years so have to stay within the government at this point and all departments have had cut-backs so there is little opportunity out there.

Last, I finalized the paperwork for a new home to be constructed in late August. The builder has still not had the plans approved so the foundation won't go in before freezing. As a result, the house won't be ready when I need it and I will have to find temporary accommodations for a few months and move twice. I don't like moving much.

I think those are all of the biggies. Oh, except that I turn 50 in three weeks.