Like many people who work in my industry, I have time off periodically–between semesters, some summer break time.\u00a0 Usually, I begin those times with big plans:\u00a0 redecorate the bedroom, write x number of poems, send out x number of manuscripts.\u00a0 And, usually, I end up starting the project at hand with the typical zeal.\u00a0 But sleep’s siren call begins to work itself into my head; mornings begin later and later.\u00a0 Evening social hour beckons, too, and since tomorrow isn’t a school day, well, why not?\u00a0 Some mornings don’t start until afternoon.\u00a0 And, sure enough, when the break’s end creeps up, and it’s time to go back to work, my big plans have not quiiiiiiiiite materialized.\u00a0 That’s the pattern.\u00a0 But not this time.\u00a0 This time, I began filling my dance card early, and set concrete goals for the summer break.\u00a0\u00a0Here’s the list:<\/p>\n
So that was the initial list. I had about seven weeks to accomplish all this, and I knew going in that some things would overlap the beginning of school (Saturday job is one, probably kickball, too).\u00a0 I am now in Week 4 of the break, and find that I need a progress check.\u00a0 Here’s where I am:<\/p>\n
On the whole, in terms of evaluation, I’d give myself a C+.\u00a0 For me, certainly, this list of (ongoing) accomplishments is above the average.\u00a0 But I would bet that for most people, it’s just average.\u00a0 Nothing to write home about.\u00a0 Here’s what I’ve learned, though.\u00a0 Balance is important, whether it’s balancing time at the gym between spin class (excruciatingly hard for me) and yoga class (a quieter challenge) or balancing the days I sleep late because I need the rest with the days my greater need is to get stuff done.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Like many people who work in my industry, I have time off periodically–between semesters, some summer break time.\u00a0 Usually, I begin those times with big plans:\u00a0 redecorate the bedroom, write x number of poems, send out x number of manuscripts.\u00a0 … Continue reading