In Circles

There are some people who thrive on being busy every possible minute. They go from work to family events to club meetings to the gym like mini-whirlwinds, and it exhilirates them. As an introverted person who needs at least a few minutes of solitude every day, I admire their energy, but honestly, they exhaust me.

Despite my best efforts, my schedule seems to have imposed this whirlwind lifestyle on me lately. With the end of the year rush at work, the holidays, some big projects to plan for in 2007, and all the usual chores that still have to be done, I've become cranky. I feel as if I haven't had any time to just be, to enjoy the moment I'm in, the stillness of mind needed for creative projects, and the inspiration that comes when you can slow down and pay attention to your surroundings. I'm trying to snatch time when I can, but it's pretty bad when you're standing in the shower, half-awake, thinking something like: "Wow, it's pretty cold today. Better dress warm. Lolly posted signups for Project Spectrum. Should I join? It will be fun to expand my photography skills and take photos of all the colors that surround me...and, goodness, we are running out of cereal and I need to make an appt for the cat and did I email my boss about that project yesterday?" Ugh.

Thankfully, this weekend C and I are going away. The hotel is no-frills, it's supposed to rain all three days, and I couldn't be happier. No work, no errands, no laundry to do. I'm taking my knitting projects and a stack of books, and C is taking the laptop (because I'd miss you all a lot, and he thinks better on a keyboard than with pen and paper).

Here are some of the things we'll be dreaming and planning and doing:

Project Spectrum I did sign up a few days ago, and as soon as I got out of the shower that morning, I scribbled down a whole bunch of ideas that came to me once I stopped thinking about the cereal and the vet! The first colors, for February and March, are blue, white, and gray. As one of my knitting goals is to finish my current projects, and Mrs. Belli's diamond edging is blue, this will work out great. If you haven't yet signed up, it's a no-pressure exercise in creativity that you might want to try.

(image from Google)

Cycling Rumor has it that after months of delays, my new bicycle might be ready for pickup today. I promise a photo if and when this happens. I need a training plan for the group rides we want to do, and have joined Velo Bellas as a recreational rider. Those ladies are awesome, and though the team is primarily in CA, I'm excited to be a part of it. C is going to be participating in a charity ride this summer and is planning training for that. Somehow, in the middle of this, we're hoping to sell our house and move. Yes, I am delusional about the actual amount of time I have in one day.

(image from Amazon)

Reading the Manuals  The iPod manual. [Thank you for the suggestions for music and podcasts!] The New Cyclist's Handbook. InStyle's Instant Style (because all the cycling and the tech gadgets make me want to paint my nails, go clothes shopping, and otherwise get in touch with my Inner Girl).

I hope that you take some time for yourself this weekend too. Make a cup of tea or coffee, and drink it sitting down (no, the drive-through doesn't count!). Catch your breath, savor the quiet, and do some dreaming and planning. Be inspired. 2006 went by so fast. Let's make some space in 2007 to stop and smell, grow, draw, photograph, or knit the roses.

Comments

[Diann]

I hope your quiet weekend was wonderful! As another introvert who works with people all day long, I understand your need for alone time.

In fact, Monday is a holiday at work, and Ken is going racing with a friend and I'm staying home alone to just Be.

How's Charlie doing? I think of him daily as I mix up Maya's pumpkin glop.

[Sheepish Annie]

As a fellow introvert with a schedule from heck looming, I plan to do just that: the weekend will be a quiet one filled with knitting, kitties and frozen pizza. ahhhhhh...

Enjoy your time away from the grind!

[alice]

Have a great break and GOOD LUCK WITH THE BIKE!!!

[Meg]

It's funny, I'm feeling a bit of a lack of Space lately too.
Hope you're weekend away is all you hope for!
PS I used that same bicycle wheel image in the place cards for our wedding! (There was a bicycle theme in the stationery.)

[2paw]

It is too hot here to be calm. Heat makes me all 'mad dogs and Englishmen' cross!!!
I see people everywhere enthused by PS!!
Reading the manual??? Apparently Australians are the worst in the world: we never read the manual, we just assume we can make everything work!!! I do that!!!

[Lori]

Hope you have a great weekend. I've got a long weekend due to the MLK holiday, so I'll be right there with you relaxing this weekend. Enjoy your weekend away, knitting and reading.

[Sharon]

I am right with you on quiet time and I think we all need it sometimes, I know I do.

Relax this weekend and have fun :)

[Beth]

I totally understand your need for down time. I also don't do well with too much "Go! Go! Go!" Enjoy your little break!

[Sydney]

I totally understand about needing some solitude every day. I get downright cranky if I don't have at least a few minutes of time for myself. Hope your weekend turns out as nice as you hope it will be.

[Deb]

A weekend away sounds heavenly!! I definitely have one of those busy lives, but don't always thrive on it. I need to have absolute peace and quiet to balance it out.

[Kendra]

I've joined Project Spectrum too! It sounds like fun.

[Kristen]

Have a wonderful & relaxing get-away. Thank goodness for long weekends. Keep us posted about your Velo Bella membership.

[Rachel]

I am so with you. I like nothing better than time to myself (in moderation, of course!) or the prospect of a full day with no plans (so rare!). I definitely have a higher capacity for "playing independently" than my husband -- he goes crazy if we have a 24-hour block without social plans.

I hope you're having a wonderful and refreshing weekend away!

[Carol]

Yep alone time is vital. It really helps me recharge and just be me.