This was my managers response late last night: I'll be back next week and we can certainly set a time to meet lets keep it to 30 minutes and stick to that.
Did you participate in create-a-buzz program last year?
I can see some areas for you to improve on and we can discuss, but showing up consistently is very key, you have a negative leave balance for sick leave which takes a long time to earn back, I'd hate to see you go any deeper..

And mine to him this morning:
I started the book but did get discouraged-self honesty hit and I did not want to face it then. I am ready now. I will be working on items till we can set up a firm time.

I have pledged to myself to work on at least one tangible item a day that will further my career/evaluation..some items will be long term and cover more than one day. Some items will be intagible. I have posted two signs in my cubicle.

Stacey, old division chief, had spoked to us and asked us what we were taking back from Eric. My items were to 'stay shook up' and to remember 'if I complain, it means I care, which means I find a solution." One sign says ' Stay Shook Up" The other, 'Complain Care Solution'.

These are reminders to me. And it isn't just at work. It is helping with DH. Not that he likes it. This morning I told him that he is not a two year old, just cause he isn't going to see me for 10 hours. (crochet lunch today).I wasn't talkative at breakfast this morning and he didn't like it. When he started with "I'm not going to see you for 10 hours..." while we were talking on the phone, I just couldn't help myself. Not validating, I know. But he IS AN ADULT. I didn't put up with this from my children when I had to leave them at babysitters when I had to work. His excuse of "loving you" more now than 32 years ago isn't cutting it. Guess I am cycling out faster and faster. Think I am finally learning. Tough.