One Summer in time
Is it just me or is time speeding up? It is one summer in time, 2010 and I could have sworn I just started it; planning out my life according to a healthy balance of work and leisure. Today, I’m feeling more panic that the summer is leaving, it was less than a week ago when I was singing its praises, how quickly my mood changes.
There was the projects I just knew I would finally complete, the trips I was going to take and lots of visits with friends and family. I dreamed about the nothing at all days where I would kick back with no makeup, no need to do my hair, sluffy clothes and lounge with a book or magazine…for hours…stopping only to eat and drink. There were a handful of mornings or afternoons that looked like that, but not enough. I did have some wonderful visits with friends and family but I also feel like some were neglected.
Initially, by my calculations on the calendar I had a full three months at least to take advantage of the majority of each of those things. I was never good at math.
It appears I did not minus the days of work, the appointments, extended office organization, research and writing hours. I neglected to throw in the drudge jobs cleaning up the house and I mistakenly thought it may get done by the cleaning fairy if I was just a tad busy that week. In fact, I did a lot of miscalculation and at times squandered valuable time potentially doing something fun, adventurous or different for the mundane activities that could easily be done in the winter.
I’m thinking next year I will be a bit smarter. Yes, yet another grandiose plan (as if I never learn my lesson) to put into place an organization chart on a wall that lists out for me what my summer could potentially look like if I focused on pure fun. I’m going to work harder over the winter to set aside some money so that my imaginary maid becomes a reality twice per month and my gardener does the spring and pre-winter clean up. I’m booking in advance my tickets to anywhere but here, so that I will have no excuse but to partake in a whole ton of summer fun and not feel like it got away from me.
Upon reflecting back on my youthful days, 24 hours, stretched over months, gave me plenty of time to have fun, get into trouble and flop on my couch at the end of the work day. You know how that is though, it probably wasn’t as full as I think it was. I have a tendency to forget what I did last week let alone days of summer…say like most of 1980′s.
It’s a little bit of selfishness rearing its head that I ask for more summer months. I am thankful for what came my way this year and of course thankful to be alive to reflect on it. It is also that ever present wishful thinking that I could control time better and make the warm summer I love so much just hang out a little longer with me, maybe squeeze out another three months. Don’t you just love that sun on your face and the warm summer breeze?
With all the gifts summer brings I can’t be the only one wishing time didn’t fly by. How was your summer?
Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze Live 1973
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I certainly know what you mean about the summer and all of our good intentions just flying right by us! My summer was decidedly not the greatest one I’ve ever had.
The weather was the rainiest, most humid summer I can remember in a long time and so not my favourite but autumn is my favourite season and it’s almost upon us.
I didn’t get any swimming in which makes me very sad; didn’t get to spend any time with my sister and her family on their riverfront property (or swim there because they’ve been too busy to spend time with me) which makes me very sad…When I had two weeks of vacation, I spent one week working for my clients and the other having a bit of fun with my best friend who visited from Australia, but then suffered a major muscle spasm attack in my lower back and ended up in bed for a week, after which I went to a series of acupuncture appointments which helped my pain considerably.
That meant I started my new job later than I was supposed to and went for 7 weeks without a real pay cheque, fell behind in all my bills again just when I’d got caught up, and that was hard.
I discovered I have sleep apnea and do NOT want to sleep with a CPAP machine so I have to figure out a way to lose 40 lbs right away.
The new job as a Registration Clerk at Kingston General Hospital is not one that I love, but one I will try to master and put up with so I can pay my bills while I continue to grow my business.
I’m always busy, don’t sleep well, always feel that I’m struggling just to keep the roof over my head and don’t feel like I have much balance in my life at all. This is why I haven’t written much lately either…not in the most positive frame of mind!
The little things are definitely what saves one when everything else seems like just another mountain to climb. Enjoying coffee in the morning with some time to read a good book is one of my favourite things to indulge in, as well as a snuggle with my dog, or lunch at a pub with a friend I haven’t seen in a while. I am also grateful for my mother’s willingness to take me grocery shopping because I don’t have a car or a driver’s license and usually being able to go to the movies once or twice a fortnight with a friend. The best thing about this summer was seeing Elton John in concert with my best friend and I won’t soon forget that!
However, to be perfectly honest, I just want this summer to be over with and want to experience a new, healthy, happy beginning this fall. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
I’m so sorry to hear your summer was not what you had wished for. This what I’m talking about, the best laid plans are never that, as we are subject to other variables that change life (for the good or bad) weather, health, people and our own drive. We want so much for our year, but as you say, the fall will come soon enough and it has promise. I’m glad you have support of friends, dog and family during this time.
As for Elton John…love him! I saw him a few years back and he truly is incredible to see in concert. He creates intimacy with his audience even in a large venue never mind if you saw him in a smaller one. Summer concerts have often provided the best memories. Take care.