Nonstop
Posted on | May 16, 2007 |
The kids stare longingly at the windows and look like second graders already. I watch them read now, and see they have hardly a ny memory of the time when the stragled in at the beginning of the year, wide eyed and tangled in short syllable words. Assessments are mid-way. It is gratifying: they’re doing well. But also laborious and utterly one-dimensional. Tests only say so much about a person, and in my opinon that ’so much’ is a rather small fraction of the whole.
I’m still burning the candle at both ends, as the saying goes. Can’t quite get myself to settle down and go to bed early enough, and when 5:30 rolls around I’m stumbling and bleary eyed. The staccato of the keyboard and strong coffee gradually bring me to up to speed, but then I’m out the door.
Bean got a fever today, unexpectedly, after a weekend of visiting with my sister (whom he followed about and pesterd, a long-eyelashed grin ever ready to bat her way.) Now he’s curled in our bed. Twenty seven months today. It dawned on me that I didn’t write him a letter last month, and now there’s almost too much to say. Tonight he feverishly pats the spot next to him on the bed and says, “Here mama, a cozy spot for you.”
The spring rains are here too, torrenting down. Everything is finally lush and green and blooming. We have chickens arriving in two weeks. No physical arrangements for them yet–but that’s a must-do this weekend, or they’ll be in our bathtub. Five Aracuna day-olds. Bean talks about them as if they’re already here.
I’m trying to find ways to wind down this week. I’m one of those people who needs big chunks of decompression time, and at the end of the day I find myself sighing as I try to bring awareness to snapping bean stems off and sauteeing them with butter, lemon and toasted almonds. What do you do to settle back into the quiter corners of your self? How do you unwind after a nonstop day?
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11 Responses to “Nonstop”
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May 17th, 2007 @ 3:33 am
Veg like a champion. Dig deep into a book and refuse to come out for hell or high water.
Go for a WALK!
May 17th, 2007 @ 6:48 am
It’s so nice to see a post from you. (I look everyday!) Your words and stories really “ground” me.
I, too, need a big chunk of decompression time to ever feel truly relaxed. Some people can take a 1/2 hour and feel at peace - but not me. There always seems to be something I should be attending to - or my mind just doesnt turn off….thoughts bouncing around in my head with more things to add to my “to do” list. Sigh!
Gardening is helpful…but who can justify gardening when there are mountains of laundry to do and the house is in dire need of cleaning?!!
I think the solution is trying to live a simpler life in general, yes?
May 17th, 2007 @ 7:02 am
I love that the technical term is “decompression.” I simply call it “Sam time.”
Usually it’s a book, that lovely time before I go to bed - and really, by the end of the day, I have to sprawl on the couch, finding a comfortable spot to support my aching back. Some good TV always helps. It can even be part of a weekend, where I barely talk to anyone, and just keep quiet. And I’m truly discovering that enough sleep is a must - otherwise the day is just long, especially the ones where I am scheduled to be working those twelve hour stretches.
Can’t wait to see your chicks!
May 17th, 2007 @ 9:30 am
Those chicks will do wonders for you
I could sit and watch chicks for hours, the way they flit about. And the soft sound of their peeping is one of the most soothing sounds on earth.
May 17th, 2007 @ 10:10 am
Oh, chickens! That sounds like a wonderful adventure. You are such a great photographer, so it will be interesting to see how they change your landscape. Have you still been thinking about keeping bees? I think that would be very interesting.
I think getting outside is always the best way to free up all that pent up frustration. Yesterday I wrote a post about learning how to breathe again, though this was more about anxiety and not about simple needing time to relax. Reading, of course, but you know that. Write it out, paint it out, but find some space to yourself. Listen to great music. Run, dance. Explore–find a place you’ve never been before. Send yourself on an artist’s date. I know all of this takes time, but as well all know, it’s so important to find that space and to give it to yourself.
And soon, summer. We only have a few weeks left, and I hope you have many exciting plans and adventures! Mine is packed to the brim and overflowing, and I cannot wait.
May 17th, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
The blurb above your son’s photo in the sidebar makes me laugh. :)You’re always so eloquent even in your sidebar notes, and today you’re just honest!
May 17th, 2007 @ 3:29 pm
Well, yesterday I unwinded with a vodka tonic in a Shrek commmemorative glass from McDonalds.
And then I took a solitary stroll through the garden at dusk. All I needed
OK sista, you’d better get crackin on that tractor. It’s a weekend project. Lumber, cut, nail, fence and paint. Voila! I hope you post pictures and check those links I posted last year. SO jealous! Our dog will have NO chickens. waaaaaa
May 17th, 2007 @ 4:15 pm
Take your shoes off. Take a deep breath. And another. Play one of your favorite tunes really loud and sing to it as you flow through the house, from room to room, until you find a spot, a corner, anywhere you can lay back and put your legs up. Spread your arms out. Close your eyes. Now keep singing until every inch of tension has melted away
May 18th, 2007 @ 12:17 am
I’m the sort who prefers lots of decompression time, too. So I understand where you’re coming from. I also understand not always being able to get that time, so I try taking it in pieces. Not always the most effective, but far better than nothing.
Some days, I remember to start as soon as I’m off the clock, just sitting for a minute or five in my car, praying a little bit, quieting my mind, and shifting from my work self to my home self.
From there I vary it a bit each day - sometimes its the rhythm of washing glasses or preparing dinner, other days it’s taking the dog for a walk. At any rate, it’s something that I can take my time with.
Finally, I try squeezing in a bit of reading before closing my eyes. Lately it’s only one or two pages, but it’s far better than nothing.
I try for the bigger chunks of time on the weekends. . .
Okay, enough prattling on for me.
May 18th, 2007 @ 6:17 am
every day after work my wife and i walk around our little piece of heaven. we call it *surveying our vast holdings*. we look at the animals and garden, notice the changes and take notice of our efforts. this is when we make plans and nurture our dreams into reality.
May 24th, 2007 @ 7:52 am
Yesterday I planted basil and chives. The day before, tomatoes. The dirt leaches stress right out your fingertips.