I've written several times about how overwhelmed I've been with all of my extracurricular activities. Between work, volunteer work, my band, and social invitations, sometimes I'd have weeks at a time where I was only home to sleep.
I've been making a concerted effort to tone things down and it's finally starting to pay off. As of mid-June, I'm no longer on any not-for-profit boards. Band practice isn't currently an issue since my band broke up (although I am trying to find or put together another band soon). I've cut back on volunteer projects, and I'm learning to dole out my time in increments that aren't so wearing on me.
One of the things I try hardest to do with my schedule is spend as much time with my husband as I can. We're both busy people, but I want us to be able to hang out together when our free time coincides. He's always reminding me that he won't be around forever and that probability was emphasized to me this week by the sudden deaths of two celebrities who were younger than he is.
So now I have more time to do stuff with the hubby, cook at home, play with the kitties, watch the stuff we've diligently programmed into the DVR, and just relax a bit. Case in point: I've managed to get in three games of Battlestar Galactica with friends in about a month.
It's hard to break the habit of filling every empty spot in my calendar, but I'm doing my best to rein in the impulse. This afternoon, in fact, I plan on using some of my copious spare time to take a long nap right after lunch.
Ahhhh...
Welcome back from wherever AJ - I've missed you
Posted by: Keith | June 28, 2009 at 12:38 PM
I am a big fan of naps, hope you get to take many more in the future!
Posted by: Liz | June 28, 2009 at 02:53 PM
I need to get in on one of the BSG games sometime. sounds like fun!
Posted by: (jeff)isageek | June 28, 2009 at 02:56 PM
A wise decision, and one you will both be glad for!
Posted by: Maureen at IslandRoar | June 29, 2009 at 06:19 PM
I struggle just to get some free time to piddle in the garage or ... do nothing! Honestly, I don't think I could nap, but I want to. Seriously, though, I'm all about keeping weekends as free as possible. With weekdays soaked up by work and various activities, I still struggle with keeping the rest of my family from scheduling out months in-advance. Its sad we have schedule a BBQ instead of just being able to call people at a moments notice to join us. But alas, I'll take it.
It didn't take celebrity mortality to figure out my own, but I understand the thought process. Now more than ever I just want to enjoy the simple things in life. Even if it takes putting an X through entire weekends - do it!
Posted by: Greg | June 30, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Can I be in your band? ... I have a PA!
Heh.
I know the feeling. I feel like a broken record right now, telling folks how I can't do whatever fun thing they want to do because Work and School and Music is already enough.
Posted by: Kim | June 30, 2009 at 02:56 PM