It is that time of the year when my days really start to run together. Yay. There is Thanksgiving, the beginning of Christmas mailing season, and wrapping up all of our 2014 business so that it does not overlap into 2015. Today I spent a lot of time on Christmas card production, which I am hoping to complete by Tuesday so that I can be completely free to enjoy Thanksgiving adventures with the kids.
Tag: busy
Taking options off of the table
I think that when I turned 40 I developed a much more intense focus about my life. As a result of that, I am finding myself looking at the things I need to take away from my life because they no longer serve a useful purpose, or they are hindering more useful purposes. Either way, they have to go. While this is energizing and freeing, some days (like today) I feel like I still have far too many plates twirling in the air.
invisible.
I was on my way out of the grocery store with a shopping cart full of items and at least three kids with me. A lady asked me if I was interested in setting up an appointment for a photography session with vintage clothing and props. I thanked her for the offer but declined. She was overjoyed that I acknowledged her presence. Sometimes I say hello to people and they say hello back, but sometimes they don’t, but I make it a point to at least be decent because I remember that lady from the grocery store.
Today Al and I talked about doing what we can to help those who are rendered invisible and voiceless in our society and a dreadful thought hit me: How many times have I looked past people in my family, in my own home, in the rush to get the “important” things in life done? Do my kids feel invisible when I’m in whirlwind mode, working on projects and making sure i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed? Sigh.
Plate Spinning.
This morning I found myself taking time out of my amply busy schedule to moderate a property dispute between a four-year-old and a fourteen-year-old. At issue were some carefully sorted trading cards that the fourteen year old had left out where the four year old could have a foolishness and mayhem party. Punishments were doled out. Both got off with a stern first and last warning. Teenager: Put your stuff up. Preschooler: Keep your little hands off other folks’ stuff. All of this, the adventures of a kindergarten girl who knows how to manipulate her father WAY too well for her age (but its a COMPLETELY different story with me – I’m immune to cute little girls with big ponytails and smiles) and a prepubescent son, previously completely sweet, who recently decided he was “edgy”. Throw in the epic Spring Cleaning I have going on (I have a mission, actually two. I’ll write about them later. I’ve never been so excited about cleaning up), my adventures in Joomla!, and my usual chore and people to call list, and I’ve got quite a few plates going. I’d be in real trouble if I was not also learning to take better care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Have you ever felt like you were in the absolute right place at the right time learning the right stuff? I’m there, and I’m so thankful.
TJs Things 