It's been a tough few days at work.  I set out in the last 1/2 of 2013 to be able to take the toughest quantitative requests, leveraging all of the resources we have for Excel and our databases so that I can be the backup and eventual replacement for my colleague who is close to retirement.  It's stimulating and exciting except when 4 requests requiring those skills come in at the same time.

I know that it's good and that I'm making myself less replaceable by doing this, but man, it's exhausting since my stress level kicks up when I'm trying to multitask five things. None of my colleagues do this.  I turn out at least twice (and more sometimes) than the others, partly because of this ability to do so, but the return may not quite be worth it.

As I get older, stress seems to take a heavier toll on me than it used to, which is normal I suppose, but it's something I should watch out for, particularly when life outside of work is stressing as well.  I think I'm receiving signals from my body to slow down, and learn, but at a reasonable pace.