I've been stressing out quite a bit lately and completely exhausted. Sometimes, it's been over the most common little things that everyone else worries about.

Have I paid my electric bill yet? What about my gas bill, telephone bill, truck payment? You know, the usual. But, I've also been stressing out a bit at work.

We've been short-staffed for a few weeks, and like all of the people at the paper, I've been pulling double and triple shifts. I must confess though, thankfully, I work with a group of individuals who are dedicated to helping me out, and quite frequently, stay into the late hours with me.

We've been working on quite a few big projects here at the Star-News, not the least of which has been our annual FYI magazine. This handy little tool of information contains contact numbers for most of the people, places and things newcomers and some old veterans to our county might find handy. It's been a chore to get all that information together, and soon, everyone will be able to see the fruits of our labor.

Another big project has been keeping up with the Southeast Regional Babe Ruth Tournament at LBW. John Wallace has been working tirelessly to make sure each and every game is covered, and that we've got the pictures to document this grand occasion. I know he's feeling the pains of exhaustion as well.

And Mary, well, let's just say she's been getting her fair share of hard news stories lately - and when your a wife, and mother of three growing boys - and don't think that's always an easy thing.

Debby, my new composing person, well, she's jumped right in at a very busy time and is helping keep my head on straight.

As was evidenced by Saturday's editorial page - the "OOPS factor" was in full swing. None of us realized what had happened until late in the day Sunday. Then, we just kind of chuckled and said, "I hope they forgive us."

Now that most of our big projects are winding down, for now at least, I'm hoping things will get a little less tiring.

We've got a new reporter joining our staff next Monday, and he's going to be a great addition to the paper. We'll introduce him to everyone in due time, but until then, you'll just have to bear with us as we do our best.

I've talked to several friends about the whole level of stress and exhaustion I'm feeling, and they all say the same thing - "Take a Break!"

Well, it's not always that easy, and I'm too dedicated to my job to take a day off right now.

But, I'm not going to let things get me to worked up for now. I'm going to keep doing my best, and keep encouraging my staff to do their best.

And then, once school starts back - I'm taking a vacation so I can have the beach all to myself!