tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post3745348998516440641..comments2024-02-15T00:57:03.420-08:00Comments on - Privilege: Rituals In The Empty Day, Or, Saturday Morning at 11:00amLPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-62717521542260214582010-09-23T16:36:53.696-07:002010-09-23T16:36:53.696-07:00I hate lists (though I loved the "blaze of ch...I hate lists (though I loved the "blaze of checklist glory" comment). I find that the effort of making a list causes me to forget many of the things that need to go on it, which means they don't get done. If I approach my to-do's with free form fluidity, bouncing from one task to another as they occur to me, I get much more accomplished. Perhaps you are of a similar bent, and simply cannot live within the constraints of list-making. Still, list or no I agree it's the getting started that is the biggest hurdle; I wish I had a good solution for that one.Audihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13578485770637036384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-22195335622739440342010-09-22T12:44:26.344-07:002010-09-22T12:44:26.344-07:00I like your "blaze of checklist glory" p...I like your "blaze of checklist glory" phrase too. Oddly enough, the busier I am, the more I get done. This summer I had umpteen projects to work on. I began . . . one of them.Miss Cavendishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17461488799928956875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-88145977078638592672010-09-22T11:56:24.623-07:002010-09-22T11:56:24.623-07:00Wow! This is like a glimpse into another world. ...Wow! This is like a glimpse into another world. Love reading about such serenity, (even if it has a down side) since I am definitely in the too-many-demands-with-to-little-time life stage. I do understand that it's easy to get less done with less structure -- I figure that explains why I didn't do all the things I would like to do now (play tennis, learn to decoupage) before I had children. I can't wait to follow the links since everyone seems to have enjoyed them!Elizabethhttp://www.mannersformothers.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-10085118673500702732010-09-21T14:53:25.866-07:002010-09-21T14:53:25.866-07:00Lori - Thank you. I am only returning the favor fo...Lori - Thank you. I am only returning the favor for your posts:).<br /><br />Patsy - Penelope Trunk is a whacked out genius. I've read her for years. Completely original.<br /><br />A Refocused Life - If you are having fun, the routine may be either unecessary, or underneath everything already.<br /><br />Aleatha - What a beautifully written response. "It would be nice to have our matins, lauds, and vespers too." Somehow that seems to have a lot of meaning to me. Have you ever read Cloister Walk, by Kathleen Norris? It's lovely.<br /><br />Nya's mom - For mothers of babies this is particularly strong.<br /><br />Jennifer aka Gigi - I am glad you like those sites. I have never thought to count the goals I set per week. I will try it.LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-17912291729249520452010-09-21T06:06:07.838-07:002010-09-21T06:06:07.838-07:00I can sooo relate! I am my own boss... love the fr...I can sooo relate! I am my own boss... love the freedom...but also the responsibility. thanks for the links. great sites!<br /><br />Have a great week...i try for 3 main goals every day...Blessings...Jennifer aka GigiJenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10397618780347234868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-9053007032232335002010-09-20T11:11:00.023-07:002010-09-20T11:11:00.023-07:00I enjoyed this post! I particularly enjoyed the li...I enjoyed this post! I particularly enjoyed the line: "Cherish your masters. Step back from obligation and feel some gratitude for the structure that requires you." I think I will make a sticky note, in fact, to remind myself of this profound truth as I go about my day. <br /><br />-JessicaJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13580525191212992829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-71828795876524785182010-09-20T11:05:13.906-07:002010-09-20T11:05:13.906-07:00Thanks for the lovely post. I was just reading my...Thanks for the lovely post. I was just reading my news feeds, and upset and saddened by the overwhelming madness of the world, and then I come here, and it's a little garden of serenity and sanity.<br /><br />One of the things I struggle with as a grad student is the utter lack of external structure. Now that classes are done, I'm the only one who structures my days and weeks. (With the occasional talk with my advisor to pile on impetus.) It's simultaneously liberating and terrible. Freedom is a tricky thing. Some days I'm on fire. Others, I spend an embarrassing amount of time on the couch.<br /><br />I've heard people refer to grad school as a monastic existence. It's true that we live in poverty, and forsake worldly experiences to be with our books, but sometimes I think it would be nice to have our matins, lauds, and vespers too. Little things to divide the day, to remind us when to work and when to stop. Then again, maybe that's the point of grad school, to teach us to be our own masters if we can.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03713162036902849201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-69574891408895820342010-09-20T09:17:33.825-07:002010-09-20T09:17:33.825-07:00Wonderful post. After four years of freedom from m...Wonderful post. After four years of freedom from my career, I'm still not sure I have a routine. I think I have more on my plate now with grandchildren, aging parents, and volunteer work, but it's all good. I'm just amazed at how much I don't accomplish at home. But boy, am I having fun. I'll think about the '6 Changes' idea later.A Refocused Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00573863239128329322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-73527819007345681072010-09-20T08:59:17.395-07:002010-09-20T08:59:17.395-07:00Oh wow, Penelope Trunk. SO powerful.
"Figure...Oh wow, Penelope Trunk. SO powerful.<br /><br />"Figure out a new way to manage time, one that divides the day for doing good, instead of just doing." - love this.Patsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02840629057159581688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-43604056577459076942010-09-19T12:31:19.200-07:002010-09-19T12:31:19.200-07:00Oh my goodness I so love this post...I am one that...Oh my goodness I so love this post...I am one that is always wishing for more time...went and read that post you suggested...very good post too...thank you for this wonderful post that has me in deep thoughts...hope your having a nice Sunday. XXLorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04441204804740501624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-50609850637165682712010-09-19T12:13:48.231-07:002010-09-19T12:13:48.231-07:00Mette - If you are getting a lot done the other da...Mette - If you are getting a lot done the other days, I say take Sunday off and enjoy it with all your heart.<br /><br />Duchesse - I always like to be in the company of the Dalai Lama:). I think the key, when one is not working, is to make a routine of dolce far niente as well.<br /><br />mater - "What I now try to get to is an appreciation of the choice that I've exercised." Ah. Yes.<br /><br />Glaciercountyhoney - Also, the stuff you are doing is all of such different rhythms, very hard to integrate. You are welcome. Thank you.<br /><br />Tabitha - There are many other positive things to say about yourself. How about extremely attractive and very funny, as starters? Nothing wrong with a little affirmation, as long as we don't let ourselves overindulge:).LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-8148155136647646492010-09-19T12:09:04.853-07:002010-09-19T12:09:04.853-07:00Henley - I think it's resting well that's ...Henley - I think it's resting well that's so important. With intent.<br /><br />Anna - Thank you so much. I find your art inspiring, so there you go:).<br /><br />Andrea - I think periods such as you describe, where the free time is circumscribed, and work waits on the horizon, are the absolute best. Especially with children. It sounds like a wonderful time.<br /><br />SSG - Here's a toast to your youth and energy.<br /><br />Semi - Oh no. Please don't get me started on computer flitting. I'm the worse offender. Thank you for the nice words.LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-63496662999436754872010-09-19T12:04:56.366-07:002010-09-19T12:04:56.366-07:00Splenderosa - Ha! I try to do at least 4-5 tasks b...Splenderosa - Ha! I try to do at least 4-5 tasks before I lie on the sofa. Still, the feeling of happiness as I settle in is quite something. And yes, 500. Very gratifying. I am thinking about how to celebrate. Probably with presents.<br /><br />Deja - Point well taken on special needs. His need is probably the need we all have, only so much more intense, given everything he's dealing with.<br /><br />Pink - Be right there! Seriously though, I get so much more done when I have a friend here to help. My best friend is the kind of person with infinite physical energy, and she always spurs me on to huge accomplishments. Too bad she moved to Belgium:).<br /><br />TPP - I know. I ought to paint, over my sofa, Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter:).<br /><br />Anon - You are very welcome. I swear that post on how to establish a habit has really helped me.<br /><br />Hostess - Penelope Trunk is an inspiration, in a very odd, infuriating way.LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-6636055691639268032010-09-19T11:59:11.431-07:002010-09-19T11:59:11.431-07:00Annabel - Thank you very much. I hope your weekend...Annabel - Thank you very much. I hope your weekend has been wonderful too.<br /><br />pve - More and more intriguing.<br /><br />QBS - I think you've hit on something, in that I do sort of take an all or nothing approach in how I talk to myself, and it's not very productive. You could always become a personal coach, you know:).<br /><br />Hannah - Oh my gosh. Here's hoping for your imminent employment.<br /><br />Blighty - I think you might enjoy Ms. Trunk, over time.<br /><br />Calinda - We probably can chalk it up to being human. I always try to find words that make sense of the confusing. They're the only tools I'm any good at.LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-82296006218355806552010-09-19T09:42:00.414-07:002010-09-19T09:42:00.414-07:00I have way too much time on my hands and spend way...I have way too much time on my hands and spend way too much time by myself. Rituals ground me in my day, I would be lost without them, I've always been very disciplined, it's the one positive thing i can say about myself!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-32992352747856584682010-09-19T08:28:47.565-07:002010-09-19T08:28:47.565-07:00You've inspired me once more - I am in an over...You've inspired me once more - I am in an overwhelm stage, what with the beekeeping and the lawyering and the construction-ing, etc. Today, I'm going to think about the structure I clearly need, and I'm going to reflect on how lucky I am to have this abundance of "overwhelm." Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-38432954636772248282010-09-19T08:27:58.937-07:002010-09-19T08:27:58.937-07:00What amuses me at this stage of my life is the gro...What amuses me at this stage of my life is the growing recognition that for certain types (myself included) one is always busy. Having looked forward to the end of this or that project or stage or employment, certain that it will bring release and room for all sorts of new possibilities, I've found instead that every new stage brings its new obligations and even if the schedule is self-imposed, it imposes demands. What I now try to get to is an appreciation of the choice that I've exercised. As for your choices, I'm so glad your blog is one of them!materfamiliashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062766947897513369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-26957617676482796142010-09-19T06:24:13.409-07:002010-09-19T06:24:13.409-07:00I read a recent interview w/ the Dalai Lama; he w...I read a recent interview w/ the Dalai Lama; he was asked what one factor was most important to happiness and replied, "Routines".<br /><br />At the same time, we can impose so many routines that lose our ability to relax. In the last two years I have come to revere the state Italians call "dolce far niente, "the sweetness of doing nothing", as well as some non-guilt-inducing routine.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-6305144201837426352010-09-19T05:37:39.168-07:002010-09-19T05:37:39.168-07:00To stay healthy, I definitely need a week schedule...To stay healthy, I definitely need a week schedule. What to do and when. I have also scheduled a lazy Sunday for myself. No wonder Sundays are the worst days for me. I feel guilty for not doing much. <br />Your post today was really good! Thank you for it!mettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13732534795009852825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-69651498427552769042010-09-19T00:28:04.274-07:002010-09-19T00:28:04.274-07:00LPC how right you are... when there are no demands...LPC how right you are... when there are no demands on your time its so easy not to be too productive. I know. And then when I am working and doing one hundred other things all seems to be easier - a strange contradiction. I am such a procrastinator too and can spend ages on the computer "flitting"! Wonderful post. xSemi Expathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12839322243900070800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-2718076765774468812010-09-18T20:43:27.513-07:002010-09-18T20:43:27.513-07:00Hello LPC
A thoughtful post as always.
I had neve...Hello LPC<br />A thoughtful post as always.<br /><br />I had never thought of my current stage in life from the perspective that you write of.<br /><br />Thank you. It has helped enormously and I will remember your wise words this week.<br /><br />SSG xxxSydney Shop Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05813953421175387706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-89685157358998941852010-09-18T20:32:58.697-07:002010-09-18T20:32:58.697-07:00I have had the summer off of work, and it has been...I have had the summer off of work, and it has been the greatest joy. I've accomplished a great deal (though of course less than I wanted to; it would have been less than I wanted to if I personally rebuilt the Great Wall of China). And I've relaxed, have schooled my horse to a higher level, have improved my horsemanship greatly, have improved my house, garden, fitness level, have written and painted, entertained, hiked, shopped, have simply spent time with my beautiful children. For the first time in many years I've looked forward to waking up every morning because there were so many delightful things to do. I have come to consider that having a grand career is much over-rated. But alas, all good things must come to an end, and now I must go back to work. Adieu to long sunny afternoons of swimming, reading, and riding!Andrea Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11060114297081919392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-39471580127832132332010-09-18T19:21:23.897-07:002010-09-18T19:21:23.897-07:00You just posted the everyday reality and thoughts ...You just posted the everyday reality and thoughts of so many (of us...!); not too many could put it so clearly, simply and beautifully in words and present these inspiring ways to address it...<br />Great post!Anna Mavromatishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00713679775153120642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-14028595241676693902010-09-18T18:04:58.204-07:002010-09-18T18:04:58.204-07:00I always feel like the more I have on my plate, th...I always feel like the more I have on my plate, the more I accomplish. We can all learn to rest a little more!Henley on the Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18200566259157298386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5536011140055575088.post-33600946597331745722010-09-18T17:44:54.491-07:002010-09-18T17:44:54.491-07:00Lisa,
I'm guessing that you are feeling much l...Lisa,<br />I'm guessing that you are feeling much lighter having tackled all these nagging tasks...and good for getting on with them. <br />I find procrastinating is worse when there is no scheduled work or time crunch involved...I am so much more productive when I am back at school working! <br />I hope that in my future "retirement" I will be a better time manager!<br /><br />BTW I went to Penelope Trunk and read her post including "the story"...and it was not at all what I expected...I am amazed at the power of the human spirit.hostess of the humble bungalowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06453827257671312902noreply@blogger.com