Pushing through

It's been hectic lately.

Time has just flown by with lots of travel the past three months. Now I'm finally back and boy is there a ton of work to get to. I've come to the decision that my previous plan/schedule is just not going to work. I really need to put aside all distractions and just sit at my desk and get my PhD work done.

The thing is, I've come to realize that it's not really about my schedule (gym schedule to be more precise). I have been able to come up with a routine that I am satisfied with and doesn't freak me out too much. It's the other stuff that's been overwhelming.

There's been a lot of family drama lately that has kept me very distracted. I've been amazed at how cruel people can be and have been devastated at how the actions of one person can affect so many people in such a harsh way. I think what makes it most difficult is when you can't see an easy or direct solution. Your mind thinks one thing, and your heart thinks another ... and between those two is the harsh reality of the situation. It's been stressful to say the least - yet I have to push through.

I have to push through.

Confused much?

I must have stood outside the ATM cubicle for a good 15-20 minutes as the woman in front of me was using the machine. Yes, you read that correctly. I'm sure you're wondering - as I definitely was -- what in the world is taking that woman so long? I couldn't figure it out. She couldn't seem to make up her mind about any of the prompts at all.

Put in your card.
Choose your language.
Enter your pin number.
Select your transaction.
Take your card.
Take your money.
Take your receipt.
End.

I watched this woman stare at the screen ... press a few buttons ... stare at the screen for a while longer ... press a few more buttons ... continue to stare ... and stare ... and stare ... press a button or two again etc. etc. etc.

Meanwhile, I'm standing outside the cubicle, tapping my foot on the ground, resisting the urge to step forward and ask the woman if she needed any help ... seriously. What took her so long?

The thing is, this is not the only time that I've been behind a person (a few people) who seem to be completely confused by the buttons/instructions/possibilities related to withdrawing cash from an ATM machine. Why? What is taking them so long? Have they never used an ATM machine before? Is the font too small and they're having trouble reading the print? What is it??!! I just can't figure it out.