I’m struggling with having all this wonderful time and lack of deadlines. I’m finding it hard to estimate how long it takes to do certain basic tasks. This week has been a prime example of time mis-management.
So far I’ve had a hair appointment and two lunch dates. On all three occasions I’ve started the morning well, planned an hour’s housework leaving plenty of time to get ready to go out.
But, as with all good intentions, I always seem to spend longer than planned on a job around the house, answering an email or even just getting dressed and doing hair and makeup! I’m struggling to fathom out what happens to time. On Monday morning the clock showed 9:19 am. Within a split second the hands had moved to 9:55 am!
As I write this I’m beginning to feel embarrassed. I am a woman of a certain age, have had a very responsible job meeting all deadlines, never late for work and even surviving on 4 or 5 hours sleep. Yet I have got myself quite stressed this week rushing to my appointments in a panic because I don’t want to be late.
So this is my new challenge. As with all aspects of life, balance is important. My time management skills have become a victim of my new ‘Lady of Leisure’ status and I certainly don’t want to create heightened stress levels because I can’t meet enjoyable deadlines!
I’m having a busy week. I’m out for lunch again today and going to see the new Mama Mia movie with a friend tomorrow. I have a list of housework ‘chores’ that have yet to be completed. I don’t do any housework over weekends as they are my days of rest! Perhaps part of this new found problem could be linked to ‘housework avoidance syndrome’, if there is such a malady! Even adding to my daily Fitbit step count hasn’t resulted in job satisfaction!
I have decided to make a list of duties I have to complete every day. I have five days to clean the house but need to allow time for the garden and my extra-mural activities! I’m sure it won’t be long before I’ll find ways around juggling chores with gardening, walking, lunches, exercise classes etc. And if something has to take second place, well so be it! Fitbit is easily pleased, just as long as I put one foot in front of the other! 👠
Jenny Burrell 