4 Days And Counting Down

Monday is quickly approaching.  (Is fastly a word?  I had to switch it out just now).  And I'm heading out of town tomorrow.  Which means I really only have about 18 hours of non-sleep/non-out-of-town time left.  Not much as I try to get everything wrapped up.  I've found I've been kicking myself with my nemesis - the eternal "shoulds".  As in, "I should have done this... or that".    I was thinking about the content of my next blog post and about how I hadn't really tackled my great american novel, or rebalanced my retirement accounts and set up investment portfolios, or tried out all those cooking recipes I wanted too or got into a good excercising routine.  And I realized that was unrealistic.  That's how the "shoulds" are though after all - unrealistic expectations.  Instead I shall be celebrating the "dids":  the big and the small, the expected and unexpected, the small discoveries.

• Weeding - with a limited budget, I did the opposite of retail therapy.  I went through my things and started weeding out the stuff I love but don't really need.  For me this usually takes a few rounds.  Pick the easy stuff first round and just keep digging in subsequent rounds.  I do this with clothing on a regular basis but this year I also tackled other stuff including the once completely off-bounds - books.  I'm on Cicero's side of a room needing books.  And true to point, every room in my place has books of some sort - excluding closets.
• Spring Cleaning - I hate cleaning (have I mentioned that before).  But I notice the dirt/dust/grime, especially right before guests come over which is when you have the least amount of time.  My idea was to do an entire spring cleaning.  Although I didn't do all of it, I do have to give myself that I accomplished a good chunk.
• W+W - I was suprised about how my time off worked with my guys - Walter and Winston.  I've spent a lot more snuggle time and our routines completely changed.  I hope they are able to cope with S-withdrawl.
• Projects - This one is the kicker.  I was able to knock off a few projects that have been on "the list" for awhile.  But really the big take away, is that for the remaining ones - of which there are a lot, the question is "If I didn't tackle this project when I had time off from work, will I really ever tackle the project?"  The classic case of if not now, than when would this ever happen.  This has helped with the first item I listed.  I'm able to let go of more things now.  This time is a good test of reality.
• Travel - I think I spent less time visiting folks than I do when carrying a full time job in the mix of things.  Funny, isn't it?  Part was financial and keeping to a tight budget but also it had to do with recharging the batteries too and segues well into the next item...
• Pace - This time off allowed me to shift my pace of life.  Sit back and enjoy things differently.  In a strange way I think it had the effect of speeding time up for me too.  After all, time is a man-made construct.  Of course it was a challenge having the pace of a retired life meshing with the pace of the working world I was still a part of through some side projects.
• Cooking - I thought for sure I'd be cooking up all these great meals and trying out new recipes.  Instead I realized more about how I am with meals and food.  I work best cooking for others.  I did find myself slowly clearing out the pantry.  As a result I came up with some interesting meals.  I suprised myself with this great quiche that required absolutely no shopping - I had all the ingredients on hand.  Usually when I'm trying out new recipes I've got to make a run to the store to get the fresh veggies or other items.
• Indulgences - Being able to unplug does allow for any addictions you may be inclined towards to float to the top.  For me, I found my sweet-tooth got sweeter.  I organized the hell out of alot of stuff.  And found that I have a preclition towards movies and tv.  I think my downfall was the system I put in place at the end of last year.  I don't have cable - instead I have the ability to watch an almost unlimitless selection of movies and television shows through my netflix and hulu subscriptions on my TV.  Before, it was relatively easy to say no to the junk on tv.  But now.  Oh my lord.  I've had fun with the creative and smart shows and movies I've stumbled upon.  In a way I was able to swap media based on availability.  Before I read a ton due to my 2+ hour commute time spent each day.  Now I've been able to explore the video realm. 
• And finally, I was able to recharge the batteries.  I think I've been experiencing professional burn-out for awhile.  Having a break from the work world has made a world of difference.

All in all, this hiatus has been just about perfect.  Especially if you look at what I was able to discover and get done.