day off

Who knew Mondays could be good? Well, maybe that's because I knew I had Tuesday off...

Days like today remind me how much I truly appreciate the union and their ability to negotiate time off. November is my favorite month because there is only one week where we must work five days. Not a bad deal to say the least.

I had high hopes to get a lot done today, and still hope to accomplish most (if not all) of my tasks. The weather isn't cooperating much though and since it's raining, I guess the yard work will have to wait. It is always great for me to have time to catch up on tasks...I'm big on keeping lists so it's always wonderful to be able to cross things off...and that's the goal for today, cross as many things off as possible...but then there is the other side of having a day off...the side the polar bear is reflecting quite nicely. Just taking the day to enjoy doing nothing. Ok, there is a new goal for today, to do both...have a time of doing nothing, and also to get work done...maybe my time of doing nothing will be when I'm in line to vote. I'm starting to think that absentee voting is the way to go.

It's funny how breaks come just when you need them. It's almost like some one is watching out for me. Things have been so busy, and non-stop that taking a break has rarely been an option. We are all looking forward to the holidays and the days of rest and fun that come along with them. It's funny how in our world today, taking a break isn't widely accepted, but working so long and hard that we get burned out is. Seems like priorities are a little out of sync.

I was talking about being young last night, and the trips we would take down to the farm. I always enjoyed being down there and seeing a slower pace that life can take. Definitely not 'easier,' they work longer and harder than I ever will, but it seemed like they always knew how to take time to relax and restore their energy. Something I need to learn and incorporate into my life on a regular basis. I have started to do that on a limited basis, recovering is something necessary to keep our sanity. I don't think God gave us life to be always stressed, striving, and on the go. I think he also gave us life to have fun, relax, and enjoy the world he put around us. During the weekend, Tay and I were able to jump in the pile of leaves...man, that just never gets old. It was a great break to working on the yard cleaning it (didn't get that finished, still on my list). Trying to find ways to enjoy what must be done is another thing I have been working on - still a long way to go with that one, but I have seen the fruits of it none the less.

I have come to realize there will never be a time where we have absolutely nothing to do. As I always say, the goal is to keep life at 'normal levels of chaos.' Funny thing about that is the only way to do it is to stop trying...stop controlling, stop working to cram life into my mold. The only way to keep things at normal levels of chaos is to let some one else lead, some one more understanding of the big picture, who can guide our steps when we have no clue where to turn next. Good thing I know some one up to that challenge...thank you God...

Another small item I learned is focus...I seem to lack it when there are too many things going on at once. I seem to do a little of each project without actually finishing any of them. My new resolution (yeah, I know, 2 months early) is to stay focused on the tasks I am presented with and follow them through to conclusion. By doing this, I can be more effective for those items I have been put here to accomplish, I can excel at the tasks God puts before me - instead of being average. Seems like whenever I do things my way, I barely get by and do a mediocre job. When I stop and force my feet down the path I'm supposed to follow, I always seem to shine...to come out above average, to feel a sense of accomplishment. Whether that's at home, school, work, play, whatever. I'm always amazed how that works out.

Well, apparently I'm still good at going on about nothing. Just felt like I needed to keep adding posts to my blog...what's the point in having one if you never post?