I eat several of these wee clementine oranges nearly every day. We have a big box of satsuma oranges for snacking on, too. Yum! :)
December 2007
Yesterday I went on a Freecycle adventure (with the help of John, my lifter-of-things) and we came home with a lovely new area rug for our bedroom.
Since we acquired our living room rug I’ve been wanting something similar for the bedroom–to add some color and texture to such a simple space. The rug has beiges and greens and blacks, with just a smidge of purple. It looks great with the bed and the overstuffed purple chair in the corner.
EllyCat and TobyJoy aren’t so sure about the new rug, though. Last night they both perched near it, but not on it. As if it was invader in their space. Even placing Elly’s favorite mousy on the rug was no help in enticing her onto it. I might just sprinkle a bit of catnip on it and see if that helps.
So what I decided to give to myself for the Christmas season? My mornings.
Usually I get up, grumpy and tired, do what needs to be done to get the kids to school, settle in a drowsy lump on the couch and read my email. Then if I need to teach I’ll rush to get ready and head to campus. If not, I’ll read email and fiddle on the computer for a few hours until I’m totally embarrassed that I’m not yet showered and ready for the day.
I was letting my mornings happen to me instead of taking control of them. I decided, starting Dec 15th, that I would control my mornings better. I would spend time making a daily task list, I would indulge myself a bit in a tasty breakfast, get showered, and take a brisk brief walk to my garden before I open my computer. Most of all, I decided to avoid email and google reader until the late morning. So I can get more of my work done before seeing what everyone else in the world is up to.
In truth, none of my mornings has truly worked out this way. Two of the mornings this week I was in so much pain it was nearly impossible to do anything but just sit and moan a lot. But I did avoid email until at least 10 am. One of the mornings I had a phone interview with a colleague on the East Coast at 9 am. I had to get up early to prep for the interview and then had to check my email for updates beforehand. On yet another of the mornings I had to be at the Admin Bldg at 8 am to straighten out a funding snafu (grrr, 3 hours later it was finally settled).
But while none of the mornings have been my ideal, I have worked on making task list for each day and setting mini goals and priorities. I’ve spent less time on the computer and more time in morning meditation (healing meditation!). Tomorrow morning I will be up very early to go see my masseuse friend–she squeezed me into her schedule at a rather ungodly hour. So technically I won’t be following the morning guidelines that I set for myself. But really, is there a better way to start the day [to JW: note that I didn’t say that a massage was better than sex]?
Oh, and one more thing: guess what’s kept me warm and cozy each and every morning? See the scarf in the picture? ;-)
On Monday evening I strained my shoulder, neck and back. So badly that I can’t move much at all without pain (and sleep, sleep where art thou?). It is a good thing that one of the few positions that I feel comfortable in is sitting on the couch at my computer. Because I am now the queen of writing grant/fellowship proposals.
Current count:
HU done–due 12/15 (confirmed arrival this morning after the application was LOST IN THE MAIL for two days)
WH in progress–due 1/2
SC in progress–due ASAP
PF in progress-due 1/10
MH in progress–due 1/15
Christmas will happen. But it may be a bit sparse and unfancy this year (IOW, those cards, if they are to arrive, they will be New Year’s cards). I’m glad to know that Friends will fill in the gaps as needed on both Christmas Eve and Day!
On a happier note: I now have a prescription for muscle relaxants. And if you want to see something funny you should see me trying to walk around our apartment all relaxed like that. One might think that I’d had a bit too much brandied hard sauce on my bread pudding (if you know what mean). And can I say how supremely frustrating it is to have to repeat my words like 3 or 4 times before I can be understood?
And people, I say that the smell of Ben-Gay is pretty festive this time of year. I’m now marinating in the stuff–oozing minty menthol goodness from each pore. Yum.
Yesterday CatGirl played a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace” on her flute for our Friends’ Meeting annual Christmas party. It was, perhaps, an unorthodox choice of song for the holiday, but it’s so hauntingly beautiful on the flute that I encouraged her to play it anyways. And there was a great spirit in the room as she played, the melody filling the space and touching each person.
Later in the day I noticed that she and I were both humming the tune–it was spinning in our heads and wouldn’t leave! Even though Christianity no longer resonates as strongly with me as in past years, the sentiment of the song continues to stir my heart. As I was thinking about it this morning I found this trailer on youtube for the “Amazing Grace” movie based on Adam Hochschild’s book Bury the Chains. The trailer is a worthwhile watch for all of you who enjoy this tune and who are inspired by those who fight for human rights and equality.
I’ve been the recipient of several handmade gifts recently. This one just arrived and I will take a picture soon (when everyone else around here finally gives me a turn with it)!
TanyaSue, jeweler extraordinaire, made the sparkly necklace in the photo above for me, based on one that I’d told her about awhile ago. I love the delicious colors and the way it sparkles in the sun!
I feel so grateful for the creativity and energy of my friends. Every day you inspire me and bless me with your light.
Thank you. :)