I’ve been looking ahead at my calendar for the next few weeks and I’ve come to a simple conclusion about it – there’s just far too much stuff I need to get done.
Some of the “stuff” is unavoidable of course.
I’m going to be particularly busy at work, but that’s good, as it probably means we’re going to be successful in winning business on at least a number of the things I’m busy with. I’m fortunate to enjoy what I do and that it also pays the bills.
Family and friends take up a fair amount of time too. I’m a taxi service for the youngest and Jane is forever organising great things to do with our friends for which I’m very grateful, like trips to the theatre, lunch, dinner, drinks (lots of drinks, but I’ve given the alcoholic kind up for Lent). If that was left to me, we’d never do anything.
There’s also the garden and vegetable plot at Mum’s, which I try to keep into some kind of reasonable order. I’m not really sure why I do it, other than as a way of trying to keep some kind of link with stuff that Dad used to do. I’m not very good at it either – I seem to kill more plants than I manage to grow.
Then there’s the self-inflicted stuff, like the OU courses. I’m not doing too badly so far with my rather mad attempt to do DD307 and SD226 in the same year, as I’m ahead in the reading (and TMAs) for both. Next year, even if the OU decide to restart their Social Science Masters courses, I’m taking the year off. Except, perhaps, maybe the odd 10-pointer … I’ve a horrible feeling I’m too addicted to stop.
The there’s blogging, general stuff around the house (I really need to stop the shower from leaking – again), sorting the eldest’s car out (which she doesn’t drive and sits unloved outside our house when she’s in Exeter) – and just the general business of life. I have the church electoral roll to revise and republish this week for example.
All of this “stuff” seems unavoidable this year, so I’m going to make a resolution for 2012 well in advance (otherwise I won’t fit it into my schedule). Less stuff to do – and more time to be.