Time and Bad Habits

After the first three and a half years in this empty nest, I noticed that I developed certain habits during this adjustment period.

1. The art of PROCRASTINATION. Yep, I’ve very nearly perfected this one. When the lovelies were here at home, I had to get things done because there was very little time to waste and everyone needed something right now. But, once the nest emptied out, there was no one here with a schedule to keep so I just put things off. All the time. If I don’t want to do it, I don’t.  And yes, I’m aware that this could be categorized under ‘lazy.’
2. I’ve become METHODICAL. Not the part of methodical that means orderly. Nope. The part that means painstakingly slow. Because there’s no need to be in a hurry anymore. When the lovelies were here, I worked around in speeds that would make Superman’s ability to go faster than that speeding bullet seem a snail’s pace. When the nest emptied, this was no longer necessary. So I slowed way down—to the point that a snail’s pace was faster than I. It got to the point that I got something done when the spirit moved me. And by moved, I mean SHOVED. And, yes, I realize that this is another of my empty nest habits that could be categorized under ‘lazy.’
3. I’ve gotten into the habit of SINGING LOUDLY while working out or working around the house. That’s not really a bad thing. But it can be an embarrassing thing. Like when you forget that someone else is in the house and you’re dancing around singing loudly and you notice that the other person has fallen to floor and is laughing his ass off. Why? Because I sing badly. And people around here think that’s really funny.
4. It’s become a habit for me to ARGUE. Yes, yes. Very funny. I was argumentative before the nest emptied out. But now, I argue with the television. And that is my sole purpose for turning the dang set on. Unless there’s a football game on. But I’m argumentative with the games too so…
5. I got into the habit of HOME REPAIR AND REDECORATING. But not by choice. It’s just one project led to another. And another. And another…
6. DAYDREAMING. Yep. Living in this empty nest of mine has caused me to develop the habit of daydreaming. I have become quite adept at zoning out for hours at a time.

What do these new habits say about me? They say that having an empty nest taught me how to waste time. But it has also shown me how to appreciate time. And take the time. Enjoy time and recall time. 

It’s how to stop time that still eludes me.

How do you manage your time? 

Schedules and Free Time..and Pinterest

One thing that kept things running relatively smoothly while raising 4 daughters was scheduling. And by scheduling, I mean scheduling everything. EVERYTHING. It worked. We knew who had to be where and when they had to be there. Yes, we ran late sometimes even with a schedule. But it was a guide- a mother’s helper, if you will-and not written in stone. As we all know, having children means learning how to go with the flow.  

There were times that I got sick of schedules and scheduling. But I doubt I would have been able to function very well without them. Besides, we took a decent break from schedules during the summers because there were very few activities that required scheduling. I mean, who needs to schedule a day at the beach? We only live five minutes from the beach and we went every day. No schedule needed.

Certainly, as our daughters got older and more involved, there were sports, science, music, etc. camps but these were almost always day camps and the scheduling was quite simple- go to the beach after camp.

Occasionally, I would dream of a day when schedules were no longer necessary to get through a day efficiently. But, truth be told, our family thrived on schedules.  

Hubs and I have been living in our empty nest for three years now. As I look around, I have to wonder just what, exactly, it is that I have accomplished with all this ‘free’ empty nest time. I know that I’ve been busy but I don’t really see the results of that busy-ness. There is no organization to it. And then it hit me-and I’ve mentioned it before--

I need a schedule.

Free time is nice. If I want to watch a movie. Or have no desire to accomplish anything. 

No. I definitely need a schedule. It will keep me focused and less stressed. It will help me get everything done in a day that needs to be done. And, it will help me have free time. To spend on Pinterest. Instead of spending too much time there. That’s right. The truth is out. Pinterest is my latest addiction. And I am out of control.

If I stopped pinning anything new right now, I would still be busy for life! I can’t wait to start some of the amazing projects and craft ideas! Why have I not started already? Because I can’t get off Pinterest long enough to make the really-cool-full-of-awesomeness-crafts/projects/ideas I’ve seen on Pinterest!

So, I thought that maybe- just maybe- if I got that schedule thing going again I would stay off of Pinterest long enough to start some of those wonderful crafts/projects/ideas get some real work done around this place. 

Sheesh.

Are you on Pinterest? Then click on the link above and follow along with me! Not on Pinterest but want to be? I'll send you an invite! The more the merrier! Plus, it's FUN!

Oh, and addicting. Just so you know.