If I just write these things down, I'll feel more organized and be able to catch my breath and make a plan of action.
Five things that need to be done by Monday at 10:00 am.
No, six.
Nope, seven. (OK, Slicing is eight, but I'm not counting that.)
(Wait, I need to count it, or I don't get to check the box - two parts: write + post; read + comment.)
OK, 8 things and 8 hours of travel. It's a sign that this list is complete. (And I'm breaking the rules by using the numerical symbol instead of the word, but doesn't that look better?)
I'll be on a plane soon, so I'm writing the list in my notebook.
Shoot, so many of these things require me to use my laptop. I'm charged (yes!), but will my elbows have room to move on the plane, so I can be productive? Let me open some of these docs right now, and get myself ready. Let me make sure my drafts are there, so I can edit away. Let me prioritize these, so I spend my time wisely.
Let me remember how great it was to have a few days really off, just hanging with family - a perfect chipotle breakfast burrito eaten in the morning sun at the farmers market, everyone taking bites; spying a small-as-your-thumb hummingbird sipping from the flowers at the garden; happening upon a jazz concert and deciding, “Yes, we do have time to stop and enjoy!”; making brownies with melted peppermint patties for frosting - please do this yourself soon!
I can hold both my lists as I head into this travel day: getting good work done, after getting good rest done.
I read the contrast in your slice. The full to do list and how it feels to be relaxed and enjoy nature. I love the "spying a small-as-your-thumb hummingbird sipping from the flowers at the garden;"
ReplyDeleteThanks, Juliette - I really REALLY needed to slow down, and seeing the hummingbird was such a reward. And thanks for picking up on the dichotomy of the two lists. I like that structure, but need to keep working on it.
DeleteLisa, what a perfect slice. I so loved the precise description of a few of the experiences of your good rest days. The burrito, the hummingbird, the jazz concert, the brownies. Wow. You captured so much in that paragraph. I hope your 8 hours was productive on your 8-item list (and yes, 8 and 8 look better).
ReplyDeleteThank you Denise - my writing have hovered in generalities, and just like a 4th grade, I'm trying to dig in a little harder, share the layers of my small moments (and no - I didn't get everything done - but I made a dent!).
DeleteOh, I really loved reading about your days off! Those little, specific details really brought me there. The shared burrito, the tiny hummingbird, the brownies ... And wow, I've never heard of peppermint patties on top but I'll be making those soon!
ReplyDeleteAmy, thank you for reading :) I'm working on moving to that more specific place, and I so appreciate how you spied the details.
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