Day One back into the swing of things.
With a return back to homeschooling, with Rainer going back to regular work now that his sabbatical is done, with races and triathlons to train for, there have been many lists floating around the house, gathering on the horizontal surfaces of many rooms. Training plans, houscleaning thoughts, chores for the kids, my 101 Things list, a list of healthy snacks the kids can grab, schedules for upcoming events… I bought a clipboard so that I could anchor my list papers together until I could unite them somehow.
Today, having spent some of the weekend checking things off lists and sorting other lists, I started our routine. Slightly different than before, but comforting and predictable nonetheless. We always start with storytime. Legends, silliness, poetry, fairy tales, historical fiction, ecology books, it doesn’t matter. The kids sit (and eat breakfast usually) and I read, and it gathers us together in person and in spirit.
“So Few of Me” by Peter H. Reynolds was something I picked up on sale on Boxing Day, knowing only that his two other books, “The Dot” and “Ish”, are some of my favourite books dealing with creativity. I expected something similar as I took a sip of orange pekoe and lifted the cover. Instead, I think I heard the universe whispering something I needed to hear.
“No matter how hard he worked, there was always more to do. Maybe making a list would help. Leo’s list of things to do grew and grew. “So few of me and so much to do. If only there were TWO of me.” Just then there was a knock on the door.”
Hilarity and madness ala Calvin and Hobbes do not ensue. Instead, a lesson in simple living.
I think I have found a question. But not an answer.
I’m a finite woman and lists can be infinite, especially the lists of a person who has high standards. I can keep adding hobbies and plans and goals and Aspects To Improve, but that doesn’t mean I can bend the rules of the space-time continuum. Time for a thinking walk or two.
Handmade Homeschool 
i am the same way…good thoughts to think on.
Hmmm. Sounds worth checking out. And here’s a different kind of list that might help.
http://www.comfortqueen.com/choose-your-life-mondays-8
A list of things you will NEVER be or do.
I’ve heard the universe whispering too. I am a mother of three and a consummate list keeper. I have a blackboard in the kitchen with my to do list; a notebook in my purse with lists of things to buy the next time I’m out; lists of endangered fish (not to buy); lists of books I’d like to read; music I’d like to listen to; lists of goals; a binder full of recipes I’d like to try… You get the picture!
About two months ago I had an item on my list that I had been dodging forever! So I had a radical thought. What if I wiped it off the blackboard completely? I was letting it plague me when it really wasn’t that important. And you know what? Nothing happened! It obviously wasn’t as important as I thought it was.
So now I’m listening too. I’m still making lists but I’ve also been erasing.
This is getting to be a real issue in my life. When I was Mormon, I never got things done, never followed my interests because in that belief system you literally have eternity to do anything and everything you want. When I ‘left the church’, I found myself panicking. Now I only have a finite period. I started making lists like crazy and now, five years later, they’ve taken over my life. Over this holiday I forced myself to accept the fact that, as a mortal, I would not get to do everything I wanted to do. Now I, too, am in the process of list compiling and editing and even, yes, some erasing.
I love the happy blogging coincidences when the bloggers you follow or are serendipitously introduced to seem to be on the same wavelength.
Ah, this is just the spirit I was feeling today. I was talking with friends about the “one word for 2009” idea on New Year’s Eve. We were all taking it so seriously, already making lists in our heads, and thinking of all the things to do, adjustments to make. My friend Jennifer is the mother of a 7 year old, 4 year old, and 10 month old. She said, “I’m not gonna be able to do much this year. You wanna know my one word? Fudge.” And she brought me some chocolate fudge today. Bravo for simple treats and being good enough, huh? I’ve really enjoyed reading the last couple weeks. –Nancy in NC
I am just loving this, and the book is already on my wish list in Amazon. Just what I needed. Blessings to you as you start up school again, and get back into the swing of things. I love it all! Today, we enjoyed the beauty of the rain and just huddled inside until we couldn’t bear it anymore. Now, I’m doing laundry from the muddy clothes but it was worth it!