Today, being Monday, I sat down at my desk and had a meeting with myself. I planned this meeting with a little motivation in mind. I'm not sure what is up lately, but it seems, at times, as if I'm swimming through mud. I'm paddling hard, but my limbs are heavy and mired and, well, sluggish. And in disrespect of said sluggishness, I felt some planning was in order.
First, I planned my work work (as opposed to housework or family work or fun work). I committed to grading five papers a day and working on additional research. Check. I then planned the menu for the week and made a grocery list. Then I decided what creative-type things I wanted to do for Easter.
Then I took a nap.
Just kidding!
Actually, I graded my five papers, collected some additional sources for my chapter, and went to HEB to procure the goods necessary for my menu. I also bought healthy snacks. And some thyme for my garden. And the above-pictured flowers to replace my worm-ridden geraniums. Here's one thing I know for sure...if I'm going to water the containers on my porch, they better produce something worth looking at. Worm-ridden geraniums are not worth looking at. Believe me. And this is where my black thumb sends the rest of me down a winding path of I-don't-care-about-gardening-cuz-I-can't-keep-anything-alive. I always start off every spring with high hopes and just a tad more knowledge (about killing) than last spring. One of these days I just know all of my killing knowledge is going to culminate in NOT KILLING. In flourishing. And nurturing. And beautiful, healthy plants. Just not exactly sure when said culmination will take place.
As for the sluggishness? It comes and goes. A couple of springs ago I remember sitting in church and noticing that the woman sitting in front of me had on a pretty, hand-sewn Sunday dress. She was an older woman. In fact, I believe she was visiting her grandchildren that particular Sunday. I still remember thinking, I hope I have the chutzpah to sew my own dress when I'm an old grandma. I must have been feeling weary then too. And the only thing I can figure is to keep on keeping on. Keep reading. Keep cooking. And gardening. And making. And writing. Also, maybe aim for more than five hours of sleep a night.
Yeah, I'm thinking more sleep might really help things out around here.
Tomorrow...I'm 40. Maybe THAT'S why I'm feeling sluggish. Mid-life crisis, HERE I COME!
Anyone care to join me?
You must be mistaken about your age because I am sure that I am not that old!
Posted by: Big Momma | April 18, 2011 at 05:35 PM
I'm there baby. Enjoy the ride! 40 is FABULOUS! (or at least that is what i tell myself) truely...go kick some a$$! love, your PIC
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: au | April 19, 2011 at 08:09 AM
happy birthday !!!!!
Posted by: mélèk | April 19, 2011 at 01:56 PM
Is it time to tell you Happy Birthday girl? If yes, then you tell those kids of your's to get cracking. They should be cooking and cleaning for you today. Well, actually everyday but that only works if your mother is a slasher. I know about these things.
A piece of advice on being tired. If you go to Utah to visit your favorite and coolest Aunt Mary I can promise you will feel energized from all the laughing and carrying on, play cards and eat symphony bars.
I just recently turned 40 myself. You're gonna love it.
Posted by: Mary Theodosis | April 19, 2011 at 06:00 PM
Happy Birthday Sarah,
One thing I can promise you and that is that life just keeps getting better and better!
Love you, Aunt Rebecca
Posted by: rebecca Ellis | April 19, 2011 at 08:17 PM