For the next couple of weeks, I am working a compressed work schedule. This means more teaching on the days I am at work, but also means more time off. Today, was a day off.
In the past, I used to have grandiose plans for these days. I would plan for all sorts of wonderful things to happen. I would plan to take care of the many tasks on my to-do list. I would utilize the day to its fullest.
Except that I wouldn’t. I would fritter the day away, procrastinating with ever more pathetic excuses and plans to “get down to it” after one more game of solitaire, or one more YouTube clip of a show I have seen countless times. Then I would chastise myself into a fit.
This time, I didn’t do that. I made a few possible plans, like joining the Tuesday evening bike ride–the rain took care of that one for me. I also had a few things on the PVR that were kind of in a now-or-never kind of place in the viewing order. I needed to go food shopping or else my lunch would be something of the fast food variety.
I also had a few ideas that were self-indulgent. I knew I needed some rest. I have been under-sleeping for quite some time now and I really didn’t want that to continue. I don’t love lazing away in bed (my students think otherwise) but with proper rest, better health is more possible.
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! I loved every bit of it; from the going back to sleep after feeding the cat, to the first sip of relaxed coffee drinking (never possible on a work day), to an indulgent waffle breakfast, to re-watching the first episode of “A Million Little Things”, to writing this blog without the usual time crunch. It has been a nice day to stay home.
I’m glad you didn’t fall into that pitfall again of planning too many things and then berating yourself for not doing them, Anthony. As any good farmer will tell you, the fields produce better if you let them lay fallow every now and then.
Ohmygosh I used to do the same thing, and still do, on some occasions. But yes, it’s definitely good to just let yourself relax and enjoy sometimes. I’m glad you were able to do that on your day off.
Had to laugh at going back to sleep after feeding the cat though. Cats have their schedules and the schedule must be adhered to, no matter what our plans might be.
I have tried sleeping in on the cat, but he is hip to that. He nudges and taps me. If he thinks I am faking—let’s just say claws become involved.
Persistent and determined, cats are. LOL
I am trying to do the same at the moment, Anthony. It’s such a trap to over plan. I need some down time and am trying to be strict with not filling it up doing for others. I love the last comment about fallow fields! It may become my new mantra 😊 have a great day
So happy you got some time to relax, catch up on sleep, & have a nice, big breakfast. 🙂
Thank You Hunida.