I
tend to break the seasons down by my calendar, summer starting the first day
after school ends, and summer ending the day after Labor Day. Summer for me
then is 86 days, the July 21st/22nd weekend being the official midpoint of
summer. I'm not impressed with how I have used my time yet. We've had many grad
parties and a family event, and just a few days at the cabin. Granted, that has
been my choice while I intentionally have given myself a bit of distance, but
also DD2's job and her being gone the first two weekends of summer
dampened my wanting to be there without her. Really though, I haven't used my
down time to the best extent so far.
My feeling like I haven't used enough of summer yet is not all because of the fun factor. I've been less than productive at home as well. Several projects remain incomplete, and to say incomplete, means still sitting on a list on a notepad! I'm happy I put some time into my book, but this blog has been very "meh" and I apologize for that. Yet, there is no time like the present to turn things around and pick up momentum for the second half of summer. Not wanting to bite off more than I can chew, but needing to at least commit, here are ten things I want to declare done by the time I go to bed on Sunday, July 22nd.
- Paint the family room and finish the touches left undone with the walls
- Pull apart the entry hall storage cubes, hall tree, and bench, purge, clean scrub under and behind and reassemble
- Dejunk the junk drawer and the bakers rack drawers in kitchen, declutter bakers rack
- Empty and purge every cupboard in my kitchen, plus freezer, pantry, and refrigerator.
- Get caught up with birthday cards and gifts from late spring and summer
- Renew my URL for the cooking blog, still lingering in idea stage.
- Read one book for fun and select a new title for follow-up
- Work on the book at least four hours and at least some of that in each of the two weeks
- Get out with my camera at least twice, add a little interest to the blog
- Summer cocktails and morning coffee on the deck-let's aim for at least three times each
It's a mix of work and self investment. the list is long, and may not be accomplished. By listing them here, perhaps you can all give me pokes over the next two weeks.
OH, how I wish I could poke you, but I am quite the kettle in this case. I have had your #4 on my list since spring break. Still not finished. Actually, it's not even started. And, what's worse, unlike you, I don't work outside the home!
ReplyDeleteI think the only one worth beating yourself up for not doing is #10. It's odd how that as we get older, we blink, and the day is gone. So, your cupboards will wait, but the time on the deck won't.
Anyway, you have your trip to pack for--that's a bit of a task. Having just returned from our east coast place, I find that I need to be packed two full days before leaving on either end, with the last day to reflect, and double check. It helps ease the stress. Also, I pack lightly. I take one overhead and carry on, no matter what the duration of the stay. When in doubt, leave it out! Packing that lightly requires planning, but it is well worth it. Nothing like getting off an overnight flight to Gatwick, grabbing your bags, waltzing through the crowds waiting for the luggage, and stepping easily on the train to Victoria Station. Trust me on this!
Enjoy the rest of your week.
You nailed it on packing. While we are gone for two weeks, we have access to laundry facilities 9 of the 15 days we are gone and I have never been opposed to a quick hand wash if needed in the shower or bath. Who cares that we will be dressed the same over an over in pictures-comfortable and double and triple duty is the key.
DeleteI think you should scrap it all and just concentrate on the last goal. That is where I am at right now.
ReplyDeleteEventually, stuff has to get done. Tonight though. I'm responding to these with a cold Honeyweiss in my hand.
DeleteI am glad I am not the only one who has let the first part of summer slip through their fingers. I am joining your "lets do better" movement!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is a brutal list-and the rewards for the house tasks will be long felt.
DeleteI reckon I could achieve number 10. Finally I've started to repaint the garage door...can't tell you how many months it's taken to work up the momentum!
ReplyDeleteArilx
There's loads more to do as this is just my mid summer list. My porch rails need painting, and the garage trim.
DeleteI think Meg is right about packing. I acked "thoughtfully" when I went to Costa Rica but never gave much "thought" to clothes that got creased. I could easily have halved my clothes packing. And yes, no. 10 is the most important!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking three complete changes of clothes and a weeks worth of undergarments should be plenty. I'll mix things differently. I'm used to packing for business trips and I plan on wearing a jacket instead of packing to have on the plane, so no bulky things really so should have oodles of space.
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