BOTH THE PROBLEM, AND THE SOLUTION

I was reading back through old journal entries this morning, and discovered that certain things keep popping up over and over again. I am beginning to realize that not only is this computer the source of much of my frustration, it is also the tool that has helped me to figure out a way to deal with it. How weird is that?

Back in late August I wrote "I'm finally coming up with a fairly workable routine, with regards to chores, and they are actually getting done, for the most part. Believe it or not, I think that reading that blog Eyes of Wonder has had a positive effect on me. I figure, if she has eleven people living in an average-sized house, and manages so beautifully to keep it simple, uncluttered, cheerful and inviting, surely I can do as much, with only one person here most of the time. Right? Now my real problem is trying to juggle my passions, and not letting the blogosphere suck too much time away from everything else. For instance, why haven't I done any sketching or art projects this month? Guess I need to work out a rotating schedule for these things too, just like I do for chores, and make sure that I include some outings and creative excursions, so I don't become a complete hermit!"

Then in early September, I wrote "I gotta quit going out of town so much, cause coming back just leaves me feeling too scattered. My routines have gone to hell in a hand-basket, and I can't seem to get back on track. Instead I just sit here paralyzed, feeling pulled in 20 different directions by all the things I should be doing - finish painting that darn wall! read that pile of books and magazines! exercise more! either do some more painting, or put that crap away! when are you going to whip that garden into shape? what about that sketching class you paid so much for? when are you going to do something with that? - and not getting anything done as a result."

And finally, a week later, I wrote "I am still enjoying my nightly bedtime visit with Jewels at Eyes of Wonder. One of my persistent problems, as you have surely picked up on, is my scattered focus and distractibility, when it comes to managing my time. My mornings have fallen into a fairly productive routine, but the rest of the time, I am a pinball, caught in a continuously haphazard carom about the house. I no longer wish to live according to all my detailed lists and schedules, as I had to do when I was gainfully employed. I want something looser, that helps me to focus, but still allows for spontaneity."

I continued, saying "The other day, Jewel's blog gave me just the inspiration that I needed. She was quoting that old poem that was embroidered on so many samplers in days gone by - the one that starts out 'Monday is wash day,' and ends with 'and on Sunday, we rest.' It came to me then, that I should stick with, and further develop, my morning routine of sunrise meditation, breakfast and journaling, writing and reading time on the computer, followed by exercise and lunch. Then, in order to organize somewhat the remaining hours of each day, without over-scheduling myself, I will give each day a designation. Mine, however, will be a bit different than the traditional ones, allowing for plenty of interpretation and spontaneity. One day shall be devoted to food - as in shopping for, perusing my food magazines and cookbooks, cooking something that requires time and attention, etc. Another day will be devoted to organizing - making sure there is a place for everything, and everything is in its place, culling out clutter, filing, etc. One day shall be devoted to creative pursuits, whether it be a meeting of the muses, designing a flower bed, or working on an art project. I will need one day for such things as mending and maintenance, both inside the house and out, and Fridays will be for general cleaning - getting the house in shape for John's arrival and weekend visitors. Saturday will be for exploring - artist's dates, creative excursions, treasure hunts, or just seeking out interesting people and places to blog about. And Sunday, of course, shall be our day of rest, where I will give myself permission to nap, read, or watch an old movie, with none of my usual pangs of guilt!"

So there you have it. The computer gaveth the problems, then tooketh them away.