When the Office Makes You Sick: Recognizing the Signs of Sick Building Syndrome

I debated whether or not to write about this. It feels vulnerable to admit you’re not feeling well in a place you’re supposed to simply “power through.” But if sharing my experience helps even one person pause and say, “Wait… maybe it’s not just me,” then it’s worth it.

Since we returned to a hybrid schedule at the Columbus office, I’ve noticed a pattern. Every shift I work there, I don’t feel well afterward. Headaches. Fatigue. Just an overall sense of feeling off.

There was extensive remodeling done, including drywall work, and the dust has felt never-ending. The best cleaning lady we ever had took another job, and while I wipe down my own desk and even bought a small air purifier for my space, I can only control so much. If dust isn’t being removed throughout the building — through proper dusting, vacuuming, and ventilation — it lingers. It circulates. It settles… and then rises again.

In full transparency, my home environment isn’t perfect either. But I do my best. And I notice I feel different there.

Then there’s the water issue. One day I filled my water bottle at the filling station and the water tasted like dirt. Not slightly off — noticeably earthy. The water in the building is often brown. You can see it when washing your hands and even in the toilet bowls before anything else is added. I now use a filtered water bottle, but I know I’m not drinking nearly enough while I’m at the office. At home, we have a whole-house purification system and filtered refrigerator water, so I’m used to clean, clear drinking water. It’s hard to ignore the difference.

For a while, I questioned myself. Was it stress? Allergies? Just getting older? But I started learning more about something called Sick Building Syndrome.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) describes a pattern where people experience headaches, fatigue, irritated eyes or throat, difficulty concentrating, or general malaise that improves once they leave a particular building. There isn’t one single diagnosable illness attached to it. It’s more about environmental stressors — especially indoor air quality — that affect people over time.

And here’s what struck me: dusty environments and water issues are often quieter contributors.

Dust isn’t just “dirt.” After remodeling, drywall particles and fine particulate matter can linger in the air if not thoroughly cleaned and properly ventilated. Dust can carry allergens, mold spores, and chemical residues from building materials. When it’s continually recirculated through HVAC systems, people breathe it in all day long.

Water issues can add another layer. Discolored or contaminated water may point to plumbing problems, sediment, or corrosion. Moisture problems in buildings can also create conditions where mold or bacteria grow — even if you can’t immediately see it. Sometimes the first sign isn’t visible damage. It’s people not feeling well.

What makes this so frustrating is that the symptoms are easy to dismiss. They’re vague. Non-specific. You start to question yourself.

But when the pattern is consistent — when you feel noticeably better once you leave — that matters.

This isn’t about blame. It’s not about being dramatic. It’s about recognizing that the spaces we spend hours in every day impact our bodies. Air quality, dust control, water quality, ventilation — these aren’t cosmetic building issues. They affect energy levels, clarity, hydration, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been feeling “off” in a specific environment, I gently encourage you to pay attention to patterns. Notice when symptoms improve. Advocate kindly but clearly. Protect your health in the ways you can — whether that’s using filtration, staying hydrated, or raising concerns.

At the end of the day, buildings are meant to shelter and support us — not quietly wear us down.

If sharing this helps someone feel less alone or prompts a needed conversation, then writing it was worth it.

Resources:

ChatGPT - SEO optimization and details about SBS

YouVersion - Scripture Image

The Wisdom of Accountability: Guiding Others Toward Responsibility

In our most recent Plain City Writing Group meeting, we were given a writing prompt to write a relationship scene.  I hope you enjoy this scene with Wanda, the WAF project manager.

Wanda has worked very hard over the last three years as the project manager for the Web Application Firewall (WAF) initiative.  Unfortunately, her coworkers don't share the same work ethic and aren't very supportive.

The WAF team sees it as Wanda's responsibility to manage end user tickets from "cradle to grave" which often includes opening tickets although her coworkers have the ability to open tickets as well.  The WAF admin is particularly finicky and wants her to "spoon feed" reports to him, convey his work notes to the customer instead of using "additional comments" to interact directly with the end user, and perform all follow-up to confirm any actions taken to remediate the WAF block fixed the customer issue. There are also times when he'll request emergency meetings or bring up concerns that require Wanda to write business justification reports to present before the WAF committee for review and ruling.

At the urging of her department director, Wanda worked with the team who manages the ticketing system to build a specific request form that end users, or WAF team members, can use to submit WAF issues.  The ticketing team coded in directions for the WAF admin as a reminder to "use additional comments if you need further information from the end user."  This request form recently went into production.  Wanda updated documentation previously written for the WAF team on how to open a WAF ticket to reflect how to use this new request form.  Wanda wrote a document that was reviewed by the communications team and began working on how to get it distributed to the consortia members.  It was decided to shorten the communication so that it can be included in the next edition of the consortia newsletter.  

Wanda's director asked her to work with the WAF Admin to have the error messages that customers receive if their activity is blocked updated to include the link to the new request form.  Since access to WAF is locked down, Wanda cannot make these updates herself.  The WAF admin has ghosted her. Wow, even him throwing a hissy fit that changing the blocking message requires a vote by the WAF committee would have been better than ghosting. 

Honestly, Wanda expected resistance and pushback from the WAF Admin and WAF team at some point. in this journey.  While the WAF request form is meant to provide a better user experience for the customer, it also makes opening WAF issues easier for WAF team members as well.  All members of the WAF team should be held accountable, not just Wanda. She is also pushing the envelope with the coded instructions reminding the WAF Admin how to communicate directly with the end user.  After three years of transcribing the WAF Admin's work notes for the customer, scheduling emergency meetings, writing business justifications when he threw a hissy fit and being belittled in front of the WAF team, she's had enough. Supporting WAF should not be entirely on her shoulders!

Wanda has the wisdom to know she cannot change people but will stand her ground by holding her coworkers accountable.  She will not continue to spoon feed team members who have access to the same resources as her.  The customers (end users) have access to this new request form; hopefully, the consortia newsletter blurb serves to educate them about this improved user experience. 

Will the WAF Admin change the blocking message as requested?  Will he throw a fit and require that it a vote by the WAF team?  We will see what the week ahead has in store.

Resources:

Writing Prompt Courtesy of Anja, leader of the Plain City Writing Group

Scripture Image from YouVersion Bible App

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Grateful Reflection Despite Challenging Times

There are seasons in life when gratitude feels almost impossible. When we’re stretched physically, weighed down emotionally, or wrestling with spiritual uncertainty, the idea of being thankful can feel hollow—like a demand we can’t meet. In those moments, gratitude isn’t the first instinct; survival is.

The last several weeks have felt like this for me.  Work stress has been sky-high and I haven't been sleeping well. I suppose it is no surprise that I ended up sick with the sinus-nasal variant of the winter cold plaguing folks this time of year. As my health was restored, I experienced an issue with my vehicle; a high temperature warning which I'd never seen before.  I got safely to my AA meeting and, afterward, went to a shop to have my coolant checked.  A kind man assisted me; we did have to wait for steam to dissipate so he did not get burned opening the coolant reservoir.  I was able to make it safely to our local mechanic where I left my key in the drop box and my husband Jon picked me up. I had to replace the radiator; that wasn't on my birthday wish list!

And yet, there’s a quiet truth we often rediscover only after the storm passes: gratitude isn’t a feeling we wait for. It’s a posture we choose.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 — New International Version (2011) (NIV)

Hard times have a way of narrowing our vision. Pain pulls our attention inward. Fatigue makes even small tasks feel monumental. Fear convinces us that the future is fragile. In these moments, gratitude doesn’t come naturally. It’s not supposed to. We’re human, and being human means we feel the full weight of our circumstances.

But being human also means we have the remarkable ability to choose how we meet those circumstances.  

I can look back on these past couple of weeks with gratitude - my illness was only a few days and just a cold; not something more serious like pneumonia.  A car repair is never something one wants but I'm grateful that I remained safe, that the kind man who filled my coolant stayed safe, and my husband provided me rides so I wasn't walking in the streets because of uncleared sidewalks.  I also had several friends tell me to reach out if I ever need a ride to the gym in the future.

Living gratefully in difficult times isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s not about minimizing our struggles or forcing ourselves into a false positivity. Instead, it’s about staying open—open to the possibility that life still holds beauty, meaning, and connection even when we’re hurting.

Gratitude becomes an act of courage.

It’s the decision to look for light when darkness feels easier.
It’s the willingness to acknowledge small gifts when big answers haven’t arrived.
It’s the quiet resolve to keep our hearts from closing, even when they’re bruised.

When we choose gratitude—not as a reaction, but as a way of being—we begin to see life in its fullness. Not just the joys, but the lessons. Not just the victories, but the resilience forged in struggle. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it transforms how we move through it.

It reminds us that even in the hardest chapters, we are still connected to something larger than our pain:
• the people who walk beside us
• the moments of unexpected kindness
• the strength we didn’t know we had
• the hope that flickers even when we feel depleted

Gratitude is not a one-time choice; it’s a daily one. Some days it comes easily. Other days it’s a whisper we barely manage. But each time we choose it, we reclaim a bit of our power. We remind ourselves that life is not only what happens to us—it’s also how we respond.

And in choosing to live gratefully, we choose to live fully.  As I approach my birthday, I am grateful for my family and friends plus kindness from unexpected strangers.

Resources:

Quoted Scripture Psalm 46:1

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Quicker to Praise, Quicker to Thank: Cultivating Gratitude and Encouragement Every Day

It’s so easy to notice what’s wrong.  One of my work teams absolutely makes me crazy with their constant criticism, nit-picking, lack of accountability....I could go on but I'll stop.

But lately, I’ve been thinking about a simple challenge after seeing a recent quote.

"Let us be quicker to praise than to find fault. Let us be quicker to thank others than to complain.  -- Desmond Tutu"

That one shift can change the atmosphere in a room, the tone of a conversation, and even the condition of our hearts.

Sometimes fault-finding doesn’t look harsh. It can sound like:

• “Why didn’t they…?”

• “They never…”

• “This always happens…”

• “I’m so tired of…”

And while those words may feel harmless in the moment, they can slowly drain our joy. Aside from draining joy, it can also feel like life is being sucked out of you.  They can also discourage the people around us—especially the ones who are trying.  

Praise doesn’t mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. It simply means we choose to notice what’s good first.

A little praise can go a long way:

• “Thank you for helping.”

• “I appreciate you.”

• “You did a great job.”

• “That meant a lot to me.”

Encouragement is powerful. It builds connection. It brings warmth where criticism might bring distance.

Complaining makes us feel heavier. Gratitude makes us feel lighter.

When we thank others, we remind ourselves that we’re not alone—and that there is still goodness around us, even on hard days.

And gratitude is also a form of humility. It says, “I see what you did,” and “I don’t take you for granted.”

In full disclosure, especially with the one work team, this will be easier said than done but I'm going to make an effort not just for the betterment of the team and our work but for myself. 

Resources:

Quote from grateful.org

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Scripture Image - YouVersion Bible App

Recovery Is Not One Size Fits All: Honoring Individual Paths to Healing

I am blessed to have achieved 11 years sobriety.  The road wasn't always easy; I lost both my parents in early sobriety but my friends in AA supported me.

What is sobriety?  I asked ChatGPT for a definition and it gave me a really thorough, good one:

Sobriety is the state of being free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, marked by clear thinking, self-control, and sound judgment.

More broadly, sobriety can also mean:

• A lifestyle choice of abstaining from alcohol or other substances, often as part of recovery or personal growth

• Mental and emotional clarity, where one is present, aware, and able to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively

• Steadiness and balance, reflecting moderation, discipline, and intentional living

In recovery contexts, sobriety often refers not only to avoiding substances, but also to pursuing healing, accountability, and a healthier way of life—one day at a time.

Before I went to AA 11 years ago, I was "dry" for a period of time which means I simply did not drink alcohol.  When I got into AA & began working the 12 steps, that is when I learned the difference between being "dry" and being "sober."

Prior to the 2020 pandemic, I went to AA meetings three times a week.  I also got together regularly with people I met in the AA fellowship.  The pandemic turned the world upside down.  For me, the "upside down" was a good thing; not that everyone agrees.  Being forced to slow down with activities being canceled made me realize how exhausted I was always being on the go.  Before the pandemic, I was extremely involved with our local Catholic church.  If someone told me to jump, I was asking "how high?"  I exhausted and burned out.

In 2021 when activities resumed, I did not want to the same things I'd done before the pandemic or nearly as much. After my son graduated from high school, I joined Steadfast and started Crossfit. I quickly found another supportive community.  My "new normal" became Crossfit classes 3-4 times a week and AA once a week during the time I previously had gone to mass.

There was grumbling from a variety of sources about my choices but I found I was much happier with my new routine.  Although I was only going to one meeting a week, I continued to do AA service work.

In the fall of 2023, I was asked to give a lead (speech) at what was my AA home group at that time.  Unlike business presentations where you have a slide deck and presentation that you've rehearsed, your only preparation for a lead is to ask God to guide your words. I asked God's guidance when I walked up to the podium. Apparently, it was "God's Will" for me to speak that day about how grateful I am for the Steadfast family and how much I enjoy Crossfit.  The grumbling after that lead became louder - my priorities were wrong and I should be going to AA meetings instead of Crossfit.  I tried giving up one Crossfit class a week to pick up an extra meeting but, honestly, I was miserable. 

If I had not gotten sober through AA, I would have never made it to Steadfast to try Crossfit.  I cannot and will not forget what AA has done in my life.  After a lot of prayer, I sought out a different Sunday morning meeting. I'm blessed to have found a group of women who support and accept me for who I am - a sober woman who enjoys Crossfit and powerlifting.

I want folks to understand that recovery is not "One Size Fits All" because we are all different.  

• I'm an empty-nester who works a full-time job, does Crossfit 3-4 times a week (after a year of powerlifting), recently found kayaking & hiking, and holds a service position with a women's AA group.
• Someone else might have lost a job as a result of their addiction and finds daily AA meetings valuable as they focus on their recovery.
• Another person might seek out a recovery program that is not AA. I am not familiar with these but I link to options under Resources.
• Yet another person might opt to work closely with a therapist.

If you are in recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction, know that I support you regardless of how live out your sobriety. My hope is that you are surrounded by a supportive community and staying sober "one day at a time."

Resources:

ChatGPT - Sobriety Definition in italics plus SEO optimization.

Non 12-Step Support Groups (not AA)

Scripture Image - YouVersion Bible App

Jealousy and 5K Training: An Odd Combination That Builds Strength Inside and Out

Jealousy and 5K training sound like an odd pairing, yet both have a way of exposing what’s happening beneath the surface. Training for a race forces patience, discipline, and honesty about our limits. Jealousy does the same for the heart, revealing insecurities and unmet expectations. When faced together, they offer an unexpected opportunity for growth—one step, one mile, and one surrendered thought at a time.

My husband Jon started GLP1 for weight loss last year and he's lost over 60 pounds. He's very happy with the progress albeit a bit more weight loss than intended. I am happy for him but, admittedly, a little jealous. I seemed to lose and gain the same 5 pounds in 2025.  I decided to act upon my jealousy in a good way and began asking Jon more questions about GLP1.  He encouraged me to try GLP1 knowing the struggles I've had losing weight that I gained during the COVID pandemic. It took several conversations before I finally decided to try GLP1 for myself.  I officially started GLP1 on January 6, 2026 and I am paying for it out of pocket through "hers."  

A couple days after my first dose, I weighed myself and I was down 4 pounds but my most recent weigh-in has me up by 1 pound.  I realize weight can fluctuate due to water retention, bowel movements, and inflammation so I will not be discouraged yet!  As a side note, I had concerns about feeling tired and weak but ending up achieving a PR deadlift of 177.5 pounds in Crossfit last week!

If you read my post Personal Growth - Reflections on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026, you'll know that I have a goal of improving my cardiovascular fitness. A week ago, I went on a hike with a group of friends from AA. Aside from the trails being a bit slick because of snow & ice, I struggled aerobically.  The leader of the group told me not to be discouraged that the group is meant to be for fun.  I do plan to hike with the group again even though I don't enjoy being out in the cold.

To help me further achieve my goal of improving my aerobic fitness, I was invited by a couple of Steadfast friends to do a 5K in April.  I signed up for the event so I'll be 5K training on my days off from Crossfit.  I definitely have my work cut out for me as I walked a mile this morning and it took me over 21 minutes.  Steadfast is providing two days of running workouts for us to do on our own time. I will be using these workouts for my training although I'll be walking more than running, especially to start.  I'd like to be able to walk more briskly and/or do some run/walk intervals come race day.

I greatly appreciate my husband and friends who are supporting my goals of weight loss and improving my cardiovascular or aerobic capacity.  I'm sure I could figure it out on my own but having support makes the journey much better.

Resources:

Scripture Image: YouVersion Bible App

5K We're Doing in April - Franklinton 10 miler and 5k

ChatGPT - SEO optimization

Serenity, Courage, and Wisdom: A Faith-Based Reflection on Trusting God

Three days into 2026 and the Serenity Prayer has been on my mind a lot.

After extended time off, my husband and I both resumed work on January 2.  My work isn't what caused me the stress that lead me to the Serenity Prayer.  Rather, a delayed/lost progesterone prescription, decisions regarding some items I inherited from my parents, and delays related to a new prescription have weighed on my mind.  Being a member of AA, this prayer is one of the first things I learned and my husband even bought me a canvas print of it for my home office.

I took my concerns to God here is how my circumstances relate to Serenity Prayer.

I accept the things I cannot change - missing/lost/delayed prescriptions and decisions related to inherited items.  

The courage to change the things I can, which is my mindset.  

I ordered "pregnenolone" from Amazon as a "stop gap" if my progesterone prescription does not arrive before I run out of pills.  It isn't ideal but it can help with perimenopause symptoms until my actual medication arrives.  Although I ordered my refill in what I thought was plenty of time before Christmas, somehow, the medication is lost/delayed. 

Regarding the inherited items, I hold my horses and wait for my financial advisor to get back from vacation next week. I've had these items for 10 years and only recently decided to seek advice on what to do with them so waiting is NOT a big deal.

For the new prescription; I accept that processing new prescriptions take time and I'm the one who submitted the request a couple days before the end of 2025. 

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens -- Ecclesiastes 3:1*

I can look at what has gone well. We had bad weather here both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.  I committed to Crossfit classes on both days. Although the roads weren't in good shape, our county wasn't under a snow emergency so this buttercup "sucked it up" and prayed my way to the gym and back both those days. We had ice on New Year's Day and I actually put my Jeep into "low four wheel drive" which is four wheel drive used at low speeds.  I went 15 mph on my drive to the gym.  While at the gym, the sun came out and more people got out on the roads so they cleared up.  I didn't need to four wheel drive on the way home and actually got up to 20 mph.  All this to say that the Good Lord got me to the gym and back safely both those days.  My husband went running around those days and God kept him safe, too.

My transition back to Crossfit is going well although it certainly hasn't been easy.  Two of four workouts this week were partner workouts and I was blessed to have great partners - my friends Nancy and Jeanine. The workouts taxed muscles and produced soreness.  I know this is making my muscles stronger. The workouts also got my heart pumping so I'm working on the cardiovascular endurance that I'm wanting to improve.

True serenity begins when we release our need to control everything and place our trust in God. Scripture reminds us that peace is not found in perfect circumstances, but in a surrendered heart. When we accept what we cannot change, we make room for God’s grace to work within us. When we ask for courage, God supplies strength beyond our own. And when we seek wisdom, He gently guides us to discern the difference.

As we live one day at a time, God’s peace guards our hearts, steadying us in uncertainty and anchoring us in hope. Stillness before Him becomes the place where serenity grows—not from having all the answers, but from trusting the One who does.

Resources:

I learned The Serenity Prayer is attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr according to Marquette University.

Serenity Prayer Image from Pray Ray Prayer Journal.

*Bible Verse from Bible Gateway

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