Since starting the MFA program last month, I’ve been struggling to balance full-time school and full-time work. (Yes, I’m a freelancer, but working from home doesn’t mean working less. If anything I work more now than I did when I had one of those office job whatchamacallits.) On top of that, I want to still have time to read (other than reading for school), knit, meditate, exercise, spend time with the boy, spend time with the dogs, sleep, breathe, eat well… I know. I’m greedy.
Well, struggling ain’t gonna bring balance. Inspired by a number of Rachael’s recent posts, today I decided to take a good look at how I’ve been using my time–particularly my morning routine. This meant making lists and schedules. I love to make lists and schedules. I think I now have a workable plan. It’s going to involve waking up earlier, which doesn’t thrill me. If I follow the new schedule, I’ll have time set aside for morning meditation, exercise, morning pages, writing, AND still manage to fit in the school work and classes and the work work. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Of course, there’s still gotta be time for play. My friend Christina and I are going to see The Long Winters and Death Cab for Cutie! Woohoo!
And because life is a series of choices, by going to this show I am choosing to NOT go see Rock Star Ex-boyfriend’s band at the Knitting Factory that same night. Ah well. He’ll live.
Damn! Two rock shows on one night? (and one an ex-boyfriend – ain’t even gonna comment on that….) Would that I were there, I’d be buying our first round. Have a ball.
And keep us posted on your morning routine and how it works. Lord, I love lists, plans, and routines…..
Posted by: Rachael
Good luck with your new schedule. I should do that, too; I feel like I never have enough time to do the things I want to do.
OK, I just looked at the KF schedule, but I don’t recognize any of the bands playing on Wednesday. But if I can get there by Thursday, wanna go see Rainer Maria?
Posted by: alison
Woo! I’ve found even in the past couple days that having that morning time for meditation/morning pages has made a profound difference and I am actually able to get stuff done!
The Long Winters show got sold out–otherwise I’d be there too! Have a blast.
Posted by: Em
Hey Alison. He’s the guitarist in Les Savy Fav. High school sweetheart. Long story behind that one, which I will tell all of you once we’re gathered around a fireplace for the first annual Gawk-a-thon, whenever that comes to pass.
Why don’t you and Rachael hop on some planes and all four of us can go see Rainer Maria on Thursday. Em, you up for a show? 😉
Posted by: Cari
I checked the sofa cushions, but I just couldn’t come up with enough for airfare. But once we’re all on the same continent, the gawk-a-thon WILL happen!
Posted by: alison
Damn! Two rock shows on one night? (and one an ex-boyfriend – ain’t even gonna comment on that….) Would that I were there, I’d be buying our first round. Have a ball.
And keep us posted on your morning routine and how it works. Lord, I love lists, plans, and routines…..
Posted by: Rachael
Good luck with your new schedule. I should do that, too; I feel like I never have enough time to do the things I want to do.
OK, I just looked at the KF schedule, but I don’t recognize any of the bands playing on Wednesday. But if I can get there by Thursday, wanna go see Rainer Maria?
Posted by: alison
Woo! I’ve found even in the past couple days that having that morning time for meditation/morning pages has made a profound difference and I am actually able to get stuff done!
The Long Winters show got sold out–otherwise I’d be there too! Have a blast.
Posted by: Em
Hey Alison. He’s the guitarist in Les Savy Fav. High school sweetheart. Long story behind that one, which I will tell all of you once we’re gathered around a fireplace for the first annual Gawk-a-thon, whenever that comes to pass.
Why don’t you and Rachael hop on some planes and all four of us can go see Rainer Maria on Thursday. Em, you up for a show? 😉
Posted by: Cari
I checked the sofa cushions, but I just couldn’t come up with enough for airfare. But once we’re all on the same continent, the gawk-a-thon WILL happen!
Posted by: alison